The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government is rapidly advancing the development of the low-altitude economy, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun said on Thursday.

Of a first batch of 38 Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects, 17 have already commenced, while another 11 are expected to be launched by the end of this month, Wong said while officiating at the kick-off ceremony of the International Low-Altitude Economy Summit in the city.

The summit drew over 1,000 government representatives, industry leaders, academic experts, and members of international organizations from Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, Europe, and Singapore to discuss the low-altitude sector’s development.

Those gathered also explored policy frameworks, technological innovations, and the fostering of regional and international collaboration.

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Speaking about the related legislation, the deputy financial secretary said the first phase of legislative amendments in Hong Kong has been completed. These cover drones weighing 25 kilograms to 150kg, and allow unconventional aircraft to conduct trials under specific conditions.

The SAR government will soon roll out advanced “Regulatory Sandbox X” pilot projects encompassing more complex application scenarios such as cross-boundary routes and passenger-carrying low-altitude aircraft, he added.

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The summit involved keynote speeches, fireside chats, an innovation showcase, and multiple parallel sessions with an aim to establish a cross-disciplinary and cross-regional exchange platform to promote collaboration and inject new impetus into the development of the low-altitude economy in Hong Kong, the region, and the wider world.

Organized by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Summit was held in support of the directives on promoting low-altitude economy outlined in the chief executive's 2025 Policy Address, fostering research and development and its applications, and reviewing talent development strategies.

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The HKSAR government said it will continue to support the industry and universities in organizing more training and flagship events to showcase business opportunities and innovation achievements of the low-altitude economy, and jointly build an innovative, efficient, and safe low-altitude economy ecosystem, propelling Hong Kong as an Asia-Pacific hub for innovative low-altitude applications.