What Changed
- The Expert Group established a five-point work plan covering smart cities, cross-boundary e-commerce, customs clearance, tech innovation, and telecommunications.
- Hong Kong proposed promoting 'AI + Industry' collaboration through joint efforts between the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute (AIRDI) and Guangdong's Pazhou Lab.
- Hong Kong highlighted its computing power targets, including 5,000 PFLOPS currently and 180,000 PFLOPS by 2032 via the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster.
Technology enterprises, artificial intelligence (AI) developers, research institutions, and cross-boundary businesses in Hong Kong SAR and Guangdong Province are directly affected by the deepening bilateral cooperation in digital policy and informatisation announced at the 21st meeting of the Hong Kong/Guangdong Expert Group on Co-operation in Informatisation held in Guangzhou on October 21, 2026.
The meeting was co-chaired by the Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Daniel Cheung, and the Chief Economist of the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Guangdong Province (GDDIIT), Mr Zou Yongbing. Both sides reviewed progress over the past year and agreed to strengthen cooperation across five main areas: accelerating the Guangdong-Hong Kong smart city cluster, deepening cross-boundary e-commerce collaboration, enhancing customs clearance informatisation, expanding innovation and technology co-operation, and expediting telecommunications infrastructure integration.
To advance the AI-driven digital transformation of industries, the Expert Group proposed leveraging collaboration between the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute (AIRDI) and Guangdong's Pazhou Lab to promote 'AI + Industry' initiatives. This aligns with policy priorities outlined in the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the HKSAR (2026-2030), the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address, and Guangdong's Action Plan for Accelerating High-Level Application of Artificial Intelligence.
Key infrastructure developments highlighted by HKSAR officials include Hong Kong's current computing power reaching 5,000 PFLOPS, with the newly commenced Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster expected to supply 180,000 PFLOPS by 2032. Additionally, HKSAR officials invited Guangdong technology enterprises and talent to establish a presence in the Northern Metropolis to support joint international expansion.
Relevant Dates and Official Sources:
The press release was published by the Hong Kong SAR Government on October 21, 2026. Specific entry-into-force and application dates for individual legislative or regulatory measures were not provided in the source material.
Who May Be Affected
Technology companies, AI researchers, cross-border e-commerce operators, and telecommunications providers in Hong Kong SAR and Guangdong Province.
Cross-Border Context
Cooperation framework connecting digital infrastructure, AI research, and technology policies between Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and Guangdong Province within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
What to check next
- Launch details and operational directives of the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute (AIRDI)
- Construction milestones and access policies for the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.