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Hong Kong Establishes Task Force to Drive Blockchain Innovation and Development

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Hong Kong has taken a significant step towards embracing the potential of blockchain technology by establishing the Task Force

Hong Kong’s local government has taken a significant step towards embracing the potential of blockchain technology by establishing the Task Force on Promoting Web3 Development.

Led by Financial Secretary Paul Chan, the task force aims to harness the benefits of blockchain technology, such as low costs, transparency, and disintermediation, to drive advancements across various industries.

This move aligns with Hong Kong’s ambition to become a global hub for digital asset trading and Web3 innovation.

Comprised of 11 members from government agencies and supported by 15 advisory members representing business and industry sectors, the task force aims to provide recommendations for the sustainable and responsible development of Web3 in Hong Kong.

The advisory members include notable figures like Yat Siu, co-founder and chairman of Animoca Brands, a Hong Kong-based software and investment giant.

Web3 refers to a decentralized, permissionless, and open-source evolution of the Internet, incorporating technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT).

This paradigm shift presents opportunities for solving challenges in finance, trade, business operations, and everyday life.

The establishment of the task force reinforces Hong Kong’s dedication to embracing Web3, blockchain, virtual assets, and the open metaverse.

The city aims to position itself as a mature and highly modernized economy at the forefront of Web3 innovation. The government’s efforts are supported by initiatives like the newly established Institute of Web 3.0 Hong Kong, which aims to foster collaboration within the Web3 industry.

While Financial Secretary Paul Chan has been a vocal proponent of Web3, the government allocated a relatively modest HK$50 million (US$6.37 million) in its 2023 annual budget speech to develop Hong Kong’s Web3 sector.

However, the government’s commitment and initiatives, coupled with the private sector’s involvement, demonstrate Hong Kong’s determination to embrace the transformative potential of Web3 technologies.

Hong Kong’s push towards Web3 and blockchain innovation mirrors similar efforts in countries like Singapore, South Korea, Japan, and India.

Despite India’s initial reservations about cryptocurrencies, the India Blockchain Alliance (IBA) is actively exploring real-world use cases for Web3 technologies, ranging from on-chain university-degree registration to real estate tokenization and police crime reports.

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Judith Faith has been writing about cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology for over five years. She is well versed in the industry and has an extensive network of industry contacts. She is also a frequent contributor to various cryptocurrency publications. With her vast knowledge and experience, she is able to provide insightful and valuable content to her readers. Judith is also an active investor in the cryptocurrency space and has a vested interest in the success of the industry.