On May 7th, the Hong Kong Productivity Council reached a cooperation agreement with technology company HP to establish the "Productivity Council HP 3D Printing Technology Center" in Hong Kong. The center will focus on the application research and development of layered manufacturing technology, namely 3D printing technology, with the aim of becoming an important base for pilot scale transformation. Through advanced 3D printing technology, various industries will be empowered to enhance their competitiveness and accelerate the development of intelligent micro factories and new industrialization in Hong Kong.

At the signing ceremony of the cooperation agreement, Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, stated that 3D printing technology promotes the development of more intelligent micro factories in Hong Kong. Compared with traditional factories, smart micro factories occupy less land and use fewer materials, which is very beneficial for Hong Kong to improve efficiency and reduce waste despite limited land resources and relatively high labor costs. He is full of confidence that Hong Kong's manufacturing industry can further innovate, and "Made in Hong Kong" will continue to become an internationally renowned brand. He looks forward to more representative technology companies from around the world working together with local research institutions to bring talent, technology, and mechanical equipment to Hong Kong, redefine Hong Kong's manufacturing industry, and promote high-quality economic development

The Chairman of the Productivity Council, Councilor Chan Zu Hang, stated that Hong Kong's unique conditions make it particularly suitable for developing smart micro factories. The vibrant ecosystem of Hong Kong, combined with the strong supply chain of the Guangdong Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area, will provide a superior pilot conversion base for the development of smart micro factories, which will have a significant impact on the Asian and global economies.

Raymond Pastor, Global Head and General Manager of HP Metal 3D Printing, said that he is pleased to witness the launch of HP's partnership with the Productivity Bureau, which perfectly aligns with our vision of using layered manufacturing technology to drive industrialization. HP firmly believes that Hong Kong's technology industry has enormous potential.

It is reported that 3D printing technology can significantly reduce waste and carbon emissions, bringing important opportunities for strategic industries such as health technology, key components, and electronics. According to market research data, it is predicted that by 2033, the value of the 3D printing industry will climb from $27.7 billion in 2023 to $186.4 billion, demonstrating enormous market potential.

The Productivity Bureau - HP 3D Printing Technology Center is scheduled to officially open in September this year. HP will invest advanced equipment and technical talents, and the Productivity Promotion Bureau will provide professional skills in raw material development, process development, and intelligence. The center will focus on the fields of customization and precision manufacturing, meeting the industry's demand for difficult to obtain parts, complex structural components, implants tailored to patient needs, and other tools. In addition to application development, the center will also provide consulting and training services to drive the sustainable development of the 3D printing industry and other industries utilizing 3D printing technology.