To combat climate change the Government is actively taking a multi-pronged approach, which includes promoting the development of renewable energy (RE). The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) has launched "Solar Harvest – Solar Energy Support Scheme for Schools and Welfare Non-Governmental Organisations" with the aim of installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at eligible schools and welfare non-Governmental organisations (NGOs). The scheme opened for applications today (March 8) and the closing date for the first batch of applications is April 4.
 
     A Government spokesman said that Solar Harvest will implement the initiative to promote the use of RE announced by the Chief Executive in the 2018 Policy Address. Under the scheme, the EMSD will provide eligible non-Government and non-profit-making schools, as well as welfare NGOs which are receiving recurrent subventions from the Social Welfare Department (SWD), with a one-stop service including conducting site visits and technical assessments at their premises, design of the solar PV systems, procuring and installing the equipment, and system testing. The EMSD will also help the schools and welfare NGOs apply to join the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) Scheme. All expenses in relation to the solar PV system installation and application to join the FiT Scheme will be fully covered by Solar Harvest.
　　
     "The Government and the two power companies have implemented the FiT Scheme as an initiative to provide various sectors with financial incentives to invest in distributed RE. The Government has launched Solar Harvest to provide eligible schools and welfare NGOs with further financial and technical support for the installation of solar PV systems. We hope that through the collaboration of the Government, power companies, schools and welfare NGOs, we can encourage students and young people to get a better understanding of RE, and to 'cultivate' and 'harvest' electricity together. We also hope that schools can make good use of the solar PV systems installed to enrich the teaching of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and environmental education, with a view to fueling the interest of students and young people in exploring science and promoting low-carbon living," said the spokesman.
       
     In addition to launching Solar Harvest, the Government will continue to install solar PV systems at suitable government schools. As regards for-profit schools, the FiT Scheme can help the schools recover the cost of installing solar PV systems and pay for the expenses on maintenance and repair.
 
     Eligible schools and welfare NGOs which are receiving recurrent subventions from the SWD interested in joining Solar Harvest are invited to download the form from the EMSD's website (re.emsd.gov.hk). For enquiries, please contact the EMSD by telephone during office hours at 3155 3977 or by email (solarharvest@emsd.gov.hk).

     Hong Kong Customs conducted an anti-counterfeiting operation in January and February and seized a total of about 23 000 suspected counterfeit goods with an estimated market value of about $3.2 million.

     Through intelligence exchange with the US Customs and Border Protection and the customs administrations of some European Union member states, Hong Kong Customs took enforcement action in January and February and stepped up inspection against suspicious express consignments destined for the United States and countries in Europe.

     During the operation, a total of about 23 000 suspected counterfeit goods including mobile phones, electronic products, shoes and clothing were seized with an estimated market value of about $3.2 million.

     Hong Kong Customs will continue to strengthen intelligence exchange with the Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies to combat counterfeit products.

     Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who imports or exports any goods to which a forged trade mark is applied commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

  

     A man who went missing in Kwai Chung was located.

     Lo Ho-wai, aged 46, went missing after he left his residence on Tai Ha Street yesterday (March 7) afternoon. His family made a report to Police today (March 8).

     The man returned to his residence this afternoon. He sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.

     The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, visited Central and Western District today (March 8) to meet with young people.
 
     Accompanied by the District Officer (Central and Western), Mrs Susanne Wong, Ms Cheng visited King's College Old Boys' Association Primary School in Sheung Wan. She observed students taking part in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning activities. A special STEM education task force was set up in the school to encourage students to obtain more technology-related knowledge and improve their problem-solving skills.
 
     Ms Cheng then proceeded to Sai Ying Pun Community Complex to meet with youths of the Central and Western District Youth Development Network. She chatted with them and listened to their views on community services and youth development.

          

The following is issued on behalf of the Women's Commission:

     The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (March 8) officiated at the reception to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and International Women's Day (IWD) 2019 hosted by the Women's Commission (WoC).

     The reception was attended by representatives from local women's groups, non-governmental organisations, the business sector and members of the WoC's Gender Focal Point Network. To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the PRC and IWD, thematic panels were set up at the reception this year to review women's development in the country and the participation of Hong Kong women.

     The Government established the WoC in 2001 as a high-level central forum to make recommendations to the Government on policies and issues that are of concern to women. The WoC has been sparing no efforts to enable Hong Kong women to fully realise their due status, rights and opportunities in all aspects of life.

     Also officiating at the reception were the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Xie Feng; the Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr He Jing; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung; the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong; the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Ms Chang King-yiu; and the Chairperson of the WoC, Ms Chan Yuen-han.