Laying the groundwork for an Okanagan-Hong Kong Innovation Corridor

Hong Kong and Kelowna couldn't be more different.

The Asian megatropolis of Hong Kong is a premier global financial hub, boasting the world's most skyscrapers and a population of 7.5 million.

Kelowna, population 250,000, is the business and financial hub of the Southern Interior of British Columbia, has about 30 highrises and is best known for its lake, wine, golf and skiing.

However, the two cities could very well find common ground and long-term collaboration in research and innovation, business exchange, talent mobility, technology and investment partnerships.

This week, for the first time, a delegation from Hong Kong came to the Okanagan to check out and explore all of the economic and cultural connections listed above.

The visit was organized by UBC Okanagan and the delegation was made of representatives from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Toronto, Invest Hong Kong's Canada branch and the Hong Kong Trade Development Office.

Hong Kong delegates also visited and talked to representatives at Okanagan College, the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission, Accelerate Okanagan, the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, KF Aerospace, Days Century Growers (tree fruits) and Melius Microbomics.

"This visit will help us explore the strategic foundations for a potential Okanagan-Hong Kong Innovation Corridor," said UBC Okanagan vice-president Dr. Marie Tarrant.

"We (had) more than two days of meetings and events planned. During this time, we (were) able to assess how global shifts in technology, trade and supply chains can create openings for new cross-Pacific innovation ties and how each region's strengths align."

On Thursday, there was an Okanagan-Hong Kong Innovation Corridor panel discussion and lunch at the university to discuss possible partnerships.

Also Thursday, the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce's social and networking mixer 'Commerce ConneX' was held in the UBC Okanagan ballroom with the Hong Kong delegation attending.