HONG KONG -- An international symposium on cyber policing was launched by the Hong Kong Police Force here Wednesday, highlighting the importance of international cooperation on cyber security.

At the three-day symposium, participants from law enforcement agencies, the business community, and innovation and technology industry from about 40 countries and regions will discuss the opportunities and challenges brought forward by the rapid development of technology to policing in the future.

Chen Siyuan, Chinese vice minister of public security, said at the opening ceremony that in the face of global cyber security risks, different countries and regions should stay open and inclusive and work together.

Chen said that to address challenges brought by cyber security risks, it is necessary to further enhance strategic mutual trust, share cyber threat information in a timely manner, and strengthen international cooperation in key information infrastructure protection and data security.

Chan Kwok-ki, chief secretary for administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, said that the HKSAR government is committed to safeguarding the digital world so as to better protect the community. The Hong Kong Police Force will spare no effort to combat technology crime and mitigate cyber security threats, as well as to seize the opportunities arising from technological advancement for better policing.

Chan said that it is equally important for law enforcement agencies, local and worldwide, to join hands in combating cross-border cybercrime and fostering experience exchanges.