Hong Kong is positioning itself as a regional biomedicine powerhouse, with the sector set to feature prominently in the city’s first five-year plan, to be unveiled on September 16.

At BIOHK on Wednesday, September 9, global pharmaceutical company GSK expressed interest in deepening collaboration in the region. Its chairman Jonathan Symonds highlighted preventive healthcare as an increasingly important area amid ageing populations and rising chronic diseases.

He also pointed to the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone as offering opportunities for development.

The plan will align with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which identifies biomedicine as a strategically important emerging industry. Hong Kong Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau said the city would strengthen its role as a hub connecting biotechnology research, clinical development and manufacturing across the Greater Bay Area.

The city will also establish a Centre for Medical Product Regulation by the end of this year to streamline approvals and strengthen its regulatory capabilities.