The government is looking to kick-start Hong Kong’s low-altitude economy by launching a new working group that will explore how the city can benefit from the use of drones and other aerial technology to provide services from transporting goods and people, to assisting in rescue work and providing high-resolution surveys. In his latest Policy Address, Chief Executive John Lee said “formulating a management system for low-altitude economy will help drive development in areas such as telecommunication technologies, AI and the digital industry, unlocking the low-altitude airspace as a new production factor for our economy." The group will be led by the deputy financial secretary and focus on kick-starting projects with good prospects, as well as develop broader strategies and action plans, and work out regulatory issues and infrastructure needs. It will be tasked with launching pilot projects to explore the best applications – including drones for delivery, surveys, building maintenance, aerial photography, performances as well as for search and rescue. Many mainland cities have been working to develop low-altitude economies – encompassing services like delivery drones or flying taxis and other aerial vehicles within airspace below 1,000 metres – and Hong Kong has been under pressure to keep up. Another group led by the deputy chief secretary will bring various government departments together, and leverage community efforts to identify and develop “tourist hotspots of high popularity and with strong appeal in various districts”. Two other groups will focus on promoting the “integrated development” of education, technology and talents, and accelerate the development of the “silver industry” to help meet the daily needs of the elderly. _____________________________Last updated: 2024-10-16 HKT 11:50
