Partnerships in education, science and technology, and innovation between China's Shandong province, Hong Kong and Macao have been intensified in recent years to promote the integrated development of three places.

A conference regarding cooperation among universities and higher education institutions in the three regions was held in Jinan, the capital of Shandong province, on Dec 18 to strengthen exchanges among academic institutions.

More than 240 people, including senior officials, representatives from universities, research institutes, vocational colleges and enterprises, attended the conference.

A conference regarding cooperation among universities and higher education institutions in China's Shandong province, Hong Kong and Macao is held on Dec 18. [Photo/Dazhong Daily]

Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the nation's top advisory body, said that both Hong Kong and Shandong possess abundant science and technology education resources, excellent scientific and technological professionals, well-established scientific and technological infrastructure, and a favorable environment for innovation.

He expressed hope that the three regions can leverage the superior quality science and education resources to deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and provide more talent and intellectual support that would help drive development.

Lin Wu (right), Party secretary of Shandong, meets with Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. [Photo/Dazhong Daily] 

In his speech, Lin Wu, Party secretary of Shandong province, said that Shandong will enhance the development of innovation cooperation between higher-education institutions in the three regions, expand win-win development, and improve new mechanisms for integration.

The Shandong-Hong Kong-Macao Higher Education Innovation Alliance and the Shandong-Hong Kong-Macao Vocational College Innovation Alliance were established and several cooperation agreements were signed during the conference.