Authorities are formulating plans on transferring and safeguarding sensitive data within a cross-border hub co-developed by Hong Kong and Shenzhen, according to the innovation and technology chief. Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong said on Sunday that more details would be announced next year when companies at the SAR's section of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone begin operations. The minister said officials are making headway in facilitating the flow of personnel, materials and data, as they seek to draw up a white, or approved, list to ensure the transfer of biological samples and sensitive information is secure. "The park company and enterprises on the white list are responsible to ensure the sensitive data and samples stay within the SAR's section of the cooperation zone," he told a TVB programme. "When it comes to the declaration, transportation, entry and exit, use and destruction of biological samples, we are looking to extensively monitor the whole process." Sun also said local authorities are in talks with their national counterparts to help mainland firms seeking to operate at the Hong Kong park by easing policies to facilitate cross-boundary capital flow. More than 60 firms have already signed leases with the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, with nearly 60 percent of them coming from the mainland. About 25 percent are enterprises from overseas, while the rest are local companies.