Hong Kong will promote cross-border low-altitude flying activities within the Greater Bay Area.

On November 12th, Hong Kong announced the establishment of a "Low Altitude Economy Task Force" in the new policy address. Vincent Wong, Deputy Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, chaired the first meeting of the task force. During the meeting, the task force discussed the overall development strategy and work plan for the low altitude economy in Hong Kong. The work directions include collaborating with industry and partner organizations to gradually implement "regulatory sandboxes" pilot projects starting early next year. The first phase is expected to focus on drone delivery services, expanding "beyond visual line of sight" operations, and gradually expanding and enriching the applications of low altitude flights. In addition, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will refer to laws and standards in mainland China and other regions, taking into account current needs and long-term development, and update existing civil aviation regulations, including studying regulations applicable to larger drones (i.e. drones weighing over 25 kilograms) with the goal of submitting them to the Hong Kong Legislative Council for review in the first half of next year. The government will conduct technical research and planning on low altitude infrastructure, including airstrips, communication networks, air routes, low altitude surveillance and management systems. Strengthening connections with mainland China to promote cross-border low altitude flights within the Greater Bay Area. Vincent Wong stated that the low altitude economy can bring new opportunities to Hong Kong, promoting economic and industrial development. The task force will adopt a forward-looking and facilitating approach, simulate various scenarios, flight paths, and low altitude airspace management layouts through the "regulatory sandbox" pilot projects, accumulate data and experiences, and lead work in regulations, infrastructure, applications, and other aspects. Hong Kong will leverage market forces, actively communicate and cooperate with mainland China, and jointly promote the development of the low altitude economy. Additionally, a "Project Promotion Task Group" will be established under the task force, with members including relevant government technical departments responsible for advancing technical matters related to the development of the low altitude economy. The task force also agreed to appoint the Hong Kong Productivity Council as a technical partner, while the Hong Kong Science Park and Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company will serve as site partners, providing suitable locations and facilities for various pilot projects.