Hong Kong's Digital Policy Office and Guangxi's Big Data Development Bureau signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Thursday to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, and jointly explore new opportunities for digital development.

Speaking at the Gateway to Asean & Strategic Hinterland of the Greater Bay Area - Guangxi-Hong Kong Investment Promotion Conference 2026, Chief Executive John Lee said the two places have always been close.

He expressed the hope that the signing will leverage Guangxi and Hong Kong's advantages to achieve mutual benefits and make more contributions to the nation's high-quality development.

According to the MOU, both sides will collaborate on AI applications, data products and innovations to access international markets, and advance global data infrastructure.

They will also exchange expertise in AI governance, security and technical standards and talent development in innovation and technology.

While Guangxi has advantages in cross-boundary data policies, low-cost green energy, and has easier access to the Asean market, a pairing with Hong Kong's strengths as an I&T and financial hub would help I&T enterprises in both places expand internationally, a spokesman for the Digital Policy Office said in a statement.

"It will bring more opportunities and support for the AI industry in both places to go global, attract international collaboration, enhance global influence and strengthen talent exchanges," he said.

The agreement will also promote technical cooperation with Asean in areas such as fintech, data governance and cybersecurity.

The signing ceremony of the MOU was attended by the Director of the Guangxi Big Data Development Bureau, Zhao Zhigang, and the Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Daniel Cheung.


Edited by Aaron Tam