Author Archives: hksar gov

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Berlin (HKETO Berlin) held a seminar in Poland’s capital Warsaw on June 14 (Warssaw Time) to introduce new business opportunities in Hong Kong and beyond for Polish companies. The seminar was organised with the support of Invest Hong Kong, which is a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government department tasked with facilitating inward investment, as well as the Polish Investment and Trade Agency.
 
     The event identified Hong Kong as a platform for Polish businesses to expand to the Chinese market and elsewhere in Asia. Participants of the seminar came from Polish government agencies as well as from Polish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups from different sectors such as financial technologies (Fintech) and other aspects of innovation and technology.
 
     Polish businesses in Hong Kong benefit from Hong Kong’s traditional strengths including the low and simple tax system, the rule of law, and the strategic location in the heart of Asia. New prospects will arise from the enhanced connectivity of the city in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area, fostering economic integration in the region. In its role as a facilitator, Hong Kong serves as the bridge linking goods and services of Polish companies with the markets in the East.
 
     The Head of the Investment Promotion Unit of HKETO Berlin, Dr Chung Wing-hin, presented the latest initiatives of the HKSAR Government to attract innovative businesses and institutions to Hong Kong. “Hong Kong, with its sound legal framework and international connectivity, is an excellent place to perform research and development activities. Now, with the latest support from the HKSAR Government, it has become even more attractive for foreign companies to set up a subsidiary in Hong Kong,” Dr Chung said.
 
     He also elaborated on the favourable environment offered by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, two key economic drivers connecting SMEs and start-ups to strategic partners and investors in Hong Kong, fostering collaboration with local and international business partners to create new projects, and accelerating digital adoption.  
 
     Other speakers at the seminar included Business Consultant and former Board Member of the Warsaw Stock Exchange Ms Lidia Adamska; the President of the Management Board of Polish Fintech company Vivus Finance, Mr Loukas Notopoulos; and Board Member of Polish export company Vici Group Mr Marek Rataszewski.  
 
About HKETO Berlin
 
     HKETO Berlin is the official HKSAR Government representative in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Poland as well as Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland. read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 15) investigating a case of invasive meningococcal infection, a communicable disease transmitted by direct contact with droplets from carriers or infected persons.

     The case involves a 21-year-old man, with no underlying chronic illness, who has presented with fever and headache since June 12. He sought medical attention from the Accident and Emergency Department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital on June 13 and was admitted for treatment on the same day. He is now in stable condition.

     His blood sample tested positive for Neisseria meningitidis upon laboratory testing. His clinical diagnosis was meningococcaemia.
 
     Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had visited Shenzhen and Macao with three friends during the incubation period. One of his travel collaterals developed headache since June 10. His other travel collaterals and home contacts have remained asymptomatic. The CHP’s investigation is continuing.

     “Meningococcal infection is caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus. It is mainly transmitted by direct contact through respiratory secretions, including droplets from the nose and throat, from infected persons. The incubation period varies from two to 10 days, and is commonly three or four days,” a spokesman for the CHP said.

     The clinical picture may vary. Severe illness may result when the bacteria invade the bloodstream (meningococcaemia) or the membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord (meningococcal meningitis).

     Meningococcaemia is characterised by sudden onset of fever, intense headache, purpura, shock and even death in severe cases. Meningococcal meningitis is characterised by high fever, severe headache and stiff neck followed by drowsiness, vomiting, fear of bright light, or a rash. It can cause brain damage or even death. The brain damage may lead to intellectual impairment, mental retardation, hearing loss and electrolyte imbalance. Invasive meningococcal infections can be complicated by arthritis, inflammation of the heart muscle, inflammation of the posterior chamber of the eye or chest infection.

     Meningococcal infection is a serious illness. Patients should be treated promptly with antibiotics.

     To prevent meningococcal infection, members of the public are advised to take heed of the following measures:
 

• Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly, especially when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, e.g. after sneezing, and clean hands with alcohol-based handrub when they are not visibly soiled;
• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with tissue, dispose of nasal and mouth discharge in a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands immediately;
• Avoid crowded places;
• Avoid close contact with patients who have fever or severe headache;
• Travellers to high-risk areas may consult doctors for meningococcal vaccination; and
• Travellers returning from high-risk areas should seek medical advice if they become ill and should discuss their recent travel history with their doctor. 

     The public may visit the CHP’s website for more information on meningococcal infection. read more

     The "Sparkle! A Good Waste of Time" exhibition organised by Oi! was unveiled today (June 15) at Oi! in North Point. Under the theme "Fun and play", the exhibition gallery has been converted into a funho… read more

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (June 15) announced that a sample of bottled honey was detected to contain an antibiotic. The CFS is following up on the case. &… read more

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Research Bureau of the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) jointly hosted a seminar on “Mainland and Hong Kong Green Finance Opportunities” in Hong Kong today (15 June), to discuss the developments and opportunities in the Mainland and Hong Kong green finance markets.
 
     The seminar covered the green finance policy and market developments in the Mainland and Hong Kong; as well as how Hong Kong can support the national strategies of the Central People’s Government and capture the related green finance opportunities.  The seminar was attended by more than 500 participants including policymakers and market participants from all over the world.  Speakers at the seminar included senior representatives from the PBoC, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the Green Finance Committee of the China Society for Finance and Banking, the HKMA, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, and leading financial institutions and green bond issuers.
 
     The Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “Hong Kong has always been the gateway between Mainland China and the world, and is uniquely positioned to connect these two markets in green finance.  Hong Kong has an increasingly vibrant green bond market, with over US dollar 5 billion issuance so far this year, by corporates, financial institutions and multilateral development banks.  The HKMA will continue to promote green bond issuance and enhance cooperation with the Mainland.”
 
     The Director-General of the Research Bureau of the PBoC, Mr Xu Zhong, said, “Mainland China is a leader in global green finance. Meanwhile, leveraging its advantage as an international financial centre, Hong Kong has also made major progress in this area. The Mainland and Hong Kong should further enhance exchanges and cooperation, and contribute to the international consensus on green finance.”

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