Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the Fok Ying-Tung Foundation are investing HK$358 million (US$46million) to build the Nansha Information Technology Park (NITP) (full photo) in southern China, furthering economic integration in the Pearl River Delta.

HKUST is responsible for the planning, promotion and execution of the NITP, which will serve as a technology centre to upgrade the competitiveness of IT companies as well as nurturing new start-ups in IT and high tech businesses.

Professor Otto Lin, vice-president for research and development, said the park would promote the Pearl River Delta as a world-class metropolitan region ranking with Tokyo and New York in the early 21st Century.

He said NITP would co-operate with other institutions including the Hong Kong Science Park to provide a full range of technical services, from front end R&D to manufacturing and sales support, to companies, new and existing, in Hong Kong and the region. “We want the IT industry to be profitable and competitive while staying in the region.” Dr Lin added: “Active co-operation among the players will make this region a vibrant area and will provide jobs and opportunity to all.”

Located in Panyu, City of Guangzhou, NITP is at the geographical centre of the Pearl River Delta which is the primary manufacturing base of Hong Kong companies. NITP will house a conference and training centre, IT and high tech business development areas, and a residential community for professionals. It will provide an academic environment with modern IT infrastructure amidst traditional Chinese cultural landscape.

The Nansha district was chosen by officials at the recent Hong Kong-Guangdong Co-operation Joint Conference to be the meeting place for talent and business from Hong Kong and the mainland, to further integrate the Pearl River Delta's regional economy.

Other partners in the NITP joint-venture are the Guangzhou City government and the Panyu Local Authority.