Author Archives: hksar gov

     Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hak-kan and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, in the Legislative Council today (November 6):
 
Question:
 
     According to government information, there were about 1.38 million inbound visitors during the National Day Golden Week this year, with the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line (LMC SL) Control Point being the boundary control point (BCP) used by the majority of Mainland visitors during the period. There are views pointing out that the BCP has become one of the most frequently used BCPs for the public and visitors, with an average number of inbound and outbound visitors comparable to that of the Lo Wu Control Point, and the MTR East Rail Line (ERL), which is connected to these two BCPs, is often overcrowded with passengers during the holiday. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) given that at present, the service hours of the Lo Wu Control Point are from 6.30am to 12.00 midnight, while those of the LMC SL Control Point are from 6.30am to 10.30pm, whether the Government will, in the light of visitors’ demand, discuss with the relevant Mainland authorities the extension of service hours of the LMC SL Control Point; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
 
(2) as it is learnt that the current ratio of train frequency to MTR Lo Wu Station and to MTR Lok Ma Chau Station is 2:1, whether the Government will discuss with the MTR Corporation Limited to increase the ratio of train frequency to 1:1, so as to better meet the needs of passengers; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
 
(3) whether the Government has compiled statistics on the patronage and occupancy rate of ERL during the peak hours (i.e. from 8am to 10am and from 5pm to 7pm) during the National Day Golden Week this year, and whether there was any overloading situation; if it has compiled such statistics, of the details;
 
(4) whether it will consider further enhancing the cross-boundary coach services to divert visitors on days with a higher number of visitors, including bus services plying between the LMC SL Control Point and districts such as Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai and Central; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
 
(5) whether the Government has plans to construct new cross-boundary railways to connect the Man Kam To BCP, the Heung Yuen Wai BCP and the new Huanggang Port after redevelopment, etc., so as to increase the carrying capacity of the traffic to and from the land BCPs as soon as possible; if so, of the timetable, and the measures in place to expedite the implementation of the relevant plans?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     With the commissioning of the East Rail Line (ERL) cross-harbour extension in 2022, passengers can travel directly from the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point to various districts in the New Territories East, Kowloon and even on Hong Kong Island by using the convenient, fast and efficient railway service. Having consulted the Security Bureau, the Transport Department (TD), and the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL), the reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Hak-kan is as follows:
 
(1) The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been closely monitoring the demand for clearance services at various land boundary control points (BCPs). On the basis of the 24-hour passenger clearance services currently provided in Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Control Point and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port, the HKSAR Government will liaise with the Mainland authorities on extending the operating hours of the passenger clearance service at respective BCPs as and when necessary to further facilitate the flow of people between the two sides.
 
(2) The MTRCL reviews and adjusts the frequency of trains, including those of the ERL to/from Lo Wu Station and to/from Lok Ma Chau Station from time to time, in the light of the changes in passenger demand. To cope with the passenger demand for railway service to/from the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point, the MTRCL enhanced the ERL train service for two times in March and August this year respectively, by increasing the train frequencies to/from Lok Ma Chau Station during various periods on weekdays, weekends and/or public holidays. Regarding the distribution of passengers of the ERL, as the overall patronage of trains to/from Lo Wu Station is still higher than that of Lok Ma Chau Station, overall speaking, the frequency of trains travelling to/from Lo Wu Station is higher than that to/from Lok Ma Chau Station. The TD will continue to maintain close liaison with the MTRCL to review and adjust the ERL train service in a timely manner, having regard to the travel pattern and demand of passengers.
 
(3) To facilitate the travel of the public and visitors on the National Day, the days before and after that as well as during the Chung Yeung Festival long weekend, the MTRCL enhanced the train service of eight railway lines, including the ERL, between September 28 and October 13, 2024 with a total of about 950 train trips added. In particular, the ERL ran more frequent train trips to/from Lo Wu Station or Lok Ma Chau Station in the mornings and evenings. From the National Day Golden Week to Chung Yeung Festival, the weekday patronage was about 70 100 and loading was about 83 per cent for the critical link of the ERL (Tai Wai to Kowloon Tong) from 8am to 10am; for the critical link (Kowloon Tong to Tai Wai) from 5pm to 7pm, the patronage was about 65 600 and the loading was about 83 per cent. As for weekends or public holidays, during which passengers travel at relatively scattered times unlike on weekdays, the loading was about 70 per cent during the peak hours for critical links, and under 70 per cent for the majority of the rest of the day. According to the MTRCL’s observations, despite having a higher passenger flow on the National Day (October 1) and Chung Yeung Festival (October 11), the overall operation of the ERL was largely smooth and orderly. On the whole, train service of the ERL was able to meet passenger needs between the National Day Golden Week and Chung Yeung Festival.
 
(4) The Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point is a rail-based BCP. Passengers travel to and from the BCP mainly by the ERL of the MTR. During festive periods, the MTRCL will maintain close liaison with relevant departments at the BCP to flexibly adjust the ERL train service in a timely manner according to the situation at the BCP. Additional staff will also be deployed to the busier stations to facilitate passenger flow and assist passengers.
 
     To facilitate travel for those in the New Territories West, the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point is also connected by KMB Route No. B1 to/from Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai, providing services at a minimum frequency of eight-minute intervals during hours with high demand. In practice, during periods of particularly strong passenger demand such as weekends and public holidays, the KMB will flexibly enhance the service to operate more departures than scheduled. Apart from KMB Route No. B1, Green Minibus Route No. 75 also provides supplementary transport service between Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and Yuen Long.
 
     As for cross-boundary coach services, the current short-haul cross-boundary coach services through the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Control Point provide services for travellers to travel to/from various destinations, including Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kwun Tong, Wan Chai (via Central), Tsuen Wan, the Disneyland. The TD has worked with relevant operators to draw up plans ahead of each peak cross-boundary travel period, including issuing ad-hoc quotas and arranging stand-by coaches when necessary, with a view to facilitating the operators’ arrangement for additional trips having regard to the actual situation.
 
(5) The Government is pressing ahead with cross-boundary railway projects to further promote close collaboration between Hong Kong and the Mainland, thereby assisting Hong Kong in seizing the opportunities and advantages arising from the development of the Greater Bay Area and the Northern Metropolis. The Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu – Qianhai) (HSWRL) and the Northern Link (NOL) Spur Line projects provide direct cross-boundary railway connection to the Shenzhen Bay Port and the new Huanggang Port from the New Territories Northwest and New Territories Central respectively, thus providing additional commuting options for residents and visitors travelling to/from the Greater Bay Area. Meanwhile, residents and visitors can also travel to Man Kam To Port and Heung Yuen Wai Port by the proposed NOL Eastern Extension and Northeast New Territories Line. After the commissioning of the relevant railway lines, the number of land-based BCPs covered by railways in the Northern Metropolis will substantially increase from two at present (i.e. Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau) to six, which is expected to effectively divert residents and tourists to different BCPs, and promote cross-boundary integration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
 
     The HKSAR Government will continue to take forward the two cross-boundary railway projects, namely the HSWRL and the NOL Spur Line, through the Task Force for Hong Kong-Shenzhen Co-operation on Cross-Boundary Railway Infrastructure. We are working to reach consensus with the Shenzhen authorities on the implementation arrangement of the NOL Spur Line within this year for the MTRCL to commence the detailed planning and design of the project early next year. Meanwhile, we are preparing for the next stage of implementation of the proposed NOL Eastern Extension and Northeast New Territories Line, including formulating the implementation approaches, financial arrangements, etc. The layout and commissioning target of the projects were holistically outlined in the Hong Kong Major Transport Infrastructure Development Blueprint promulgated at the end of last year. We will consider different implementation arrangements and explore various innovative engineering technologies based on the construction and operation details of each new railway project with a view to enhancing the cost-effectiveness and expediting the delivery of new railway projects. read more

     The Department of Health (DH) today (November 6) invited interested organisations to submit proposals for providing services under the Community Dental Support Programme (CDSP).

     Organisational applicants interested in participating in the CDSP must meet all of the following requirements:
     

1. Be a non-profit-making entity exempted from tax under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) on or before the application closing date;
2. Have established at least one clinic providing dental services to the public on or before the application closing date;
3. Ensure that the registered dentists providing services are registered with eHealth and enrolled in the Primary Care Directory; and
4. Be registered under Section 12 of the Dentists Registration Ordinance (Cap. 156) on or before the application closing date.

     In evaluating the submitted proposals, the DH will consider the requirements specified in the invitation documents.
      
     The Working Group on Oral Health and Dental Care of the Health Bureau indicated in its Interim Report that in order to address the high demand for dental service provided through General Public (GP) Sessions under the DH, a new service model should be developed in collaboration with non-governmental organisations to supplement the GP Sessions. In response, the Government will pilot a Community Dental Support Programme in 2025 to increase service capacity, add service points and expand service scope, targeting designated underprivileged groups with financial difficulties requiring GP Session services. 
         
     â€‹Interested applicants can collect invitation documents from the DH’s Community Dental Service at Unit 01-P03, P08-09, 26/F, One Kowloon, 1 Wang Yuen Street, Kowloon Bay, or via email (aa1a_cds@dh.gov.hk).
     
     Applications must be submitted to the DH’s Community Dental Service at Unit 01-P03, P08-09, 26/F, One Kowloon, 1 Wang Yuen Street, Kowloon Bay, by 9.30 am on December 2, 2024. Late applications will not be accepted. For enquiries, please call the Community Dental Service (2111 3465). read more

     The Department of Justice (DoJ) issued a Policy Statement on the Incorporation of Mediation Clauses in Government Contracts today (November 6) to set out the Government’s policy stance and approach on promoting the use of mediation to resolve conflicts in an amicable way, and to implement the policy initiative under the 2023 Policy Address on deepening mediation culture, consolidating the strategic positioning of Hong Kong as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region under the national policies.

     The Government has been committed to promoting the development of mediation in Hong Kong, encouraging a wider use of mediation by all sectors as a flexible and constructive approach in resolving disputes outside the courts to produce mutually acceptable settlements while keeping the risks, costs and time in control. It can help build a harmonious and stable society and foster a culture that embraces mutual support, respect, harmony and inclusiveness.

     To further promote mediation culture, the Mediation Clause Policy requires all government departments to incorporate mediation clauses in future government contracts, so as to further promote the use of mediation to resolve disputes first before resorting to arbitration or litigation.

     The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, said, “By taking the lead to incorporate mediation clauses in government contracts, the Government hopes to encourage private companies to include similar mediation clauses in their contracts, further promoting a ‘mediate first’ culture.

     “In conjunction with the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation’s headquarters in Hong Kong, the DoJ will continue to implement policy measures of deepening the mediation culture to build Hong Kong as the capital for international mediation.”

     The full policy statement can be found in the Annex to this press release. read more

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Seminar on Life Science and Global Health “Innovation ·Inclusion · Impact” on November 5 (Ottawa time):
 
Ms Wu (Board Director of Hong Kong Canada Business Association, Ottawa, and Department Chair of Algonquin College School of Business and Hospitality, Ms Sandra Wu), Mr Eng (President of Hong Kong Canada Business Association, Ottawa, Mr Frank Eng), Senator Woo (Senator of Canada, Mr Woo Yuen-pau), Mr McLean (Member of the House of Commons of Canada, Mr Greg McLean), Mr Arya (Member of the House of Commons of Canada, Mr Chandra Arya), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,     
 
      Good evening. It is my great pleasure to join you all here today in Ottawa and in such a historic building for the Seminar of Life Science and Global Health, to explore the vital intersection of life science and global health, through the lenses of innovation, inclusion, and impact.
 
      Over the years, Hong Kong has established close ties with Canada in many façades, say economically, culturally and people-to-people bond. We share many similarities and a wide range of common interests. While Canada has long been recognised as a powerhouse in the field of life and health science, Hong Kong is emerging as an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre, as well as a health and medical innovation hub in the Asia-Pacific region. Taking this opportunity, I would like to give you a brief update on Hong Kong’s I&T landscape and the opportunities that lie ahead in the field of life and health technology.
 
      Promoting I&T development is of top priority on the policy agenda of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government. Back in December 2022, we promulgated the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint, which clearly indicated our development direction to perfect the I&T ecosystem by promoting positive interaction between upstream for basic research, midstream for technology transfer, and downstream for all industries development. We greatly support the development of technology industries with an edge and of strategic importance.
 
      Life and health technology is one of our focuses.
 
      Hong Kong possesses professional medical services and a well-established healthcare system. Supported by five top 100 universities and two top 40 medical schools in the world, together with a multitude of world-class experts in the life and health disciplines, Hong Kong enjoys significant advantages in developing life and health technology. 
 
      To capitalise on our strength in basic research and foster global I&T collaboration, Hong Kong’s flagship R&D (research and development) initiative, namely InnoHK, has built collaboration with more than 30 world-renowned universities and research institutes from 12 economies, including Canada of course, and set up a total of 29 InnoHK research laboratories. Of these, 16 of them focus on healthcare-related technologies and have brought notable scientific achievements and benefits to society. For example, the Centre for Eye and Vision Research, which was jointly established by the University of Waterloo and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, is one of them.
 
      Furthermore, we will launch a HK$6 billion subsidy programme, roughly $1.1 billion Canadian dollars, to support setting up cross-institutional and multidisciplinary life and health technology research institutes in Hong Kong. We have also earmarked HK$3 billion, that is approximately $540 million Canadian dollars, for the Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme to accelerate cross-disciplinary researches in various frontier technology fields, including clinical medicine and health, gene and biotechnology, spearheaded by the local funded universities and renowned scholars from around the world. These initiatives will empower us to create a vibrant research atmosphere with the participation of global talent, thereby strengthening Hong Kong’s capability for forward-looking and disruptive scientific researches.
 
      A few weeks ago, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR Government announced his 2024 Policy Address, in which a series of new initiatives are introduced to accelerate the pace of the development of Hong Kong into an international I&T centre.  Among them, we will launch a new HK$10 billion I&T Industry-Oriented Fund, which is equivalent to around $1.8 billion Canadian dollars, to form a fund-of-funds to channel more market capital to invest in specified emerging and future industries of strategic importance, including life and health technology. Indeed, we launched a HK$10 billion Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme last year to accelerate the transformation and commercialisation of outstanding research outcomes from universities, and another HK$10 billion New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme this year to encourage industries of strategic importance, including life and health technology, to set up new smart production facilities in Hong Kong. Just these three funding schemes alone, totalling HK$30 billion, almost $5.4 billion Canadian dollars in financial commitment, demonstrates our strong commitment to promoting industry development and placing a strong emphasis on investment in the I&T sector.
 
      Adequate sites and sophisticated infrastructure are equally important for the long-term I&T development. Located in the border area between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, the Hetao Hong Kong Park, or the Loop in short, will serve as an I&T hub of strategic value connecting Mainland China and the international community. We will set up the InnoLife Healthtech Hub in the Loop to attract top-notch research teams and talent from around the world. We will allocate another HK$2 billion to support the InnoHK research clusters to establish presence in the Loop, and HK$200 million to support start-ups in the Loop engaging in life and health technology in the form of incubation and acceleration programmes. 
 
      Besides, new I&T land will be available in San Tin Technopole in the northern part of Hong Kong to support I&T industry development, creating synergy with the nearby Shenzhen I&T Zone. With the new I&T platform in the Loop and new I&T land in San Tin Technopole, coupling with the gigantic market of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, there are indeed many I&T opportunities and possibilities lying ahead in Hong Kong.
 
      While the global economic and political situation is becoming more complicated, Asia will still play a pivotal role in the technological revolution. Under the principle of “one country, two systems” and with a strategic geographical location on the doorstep of Mainland China, Hong Kong is the best platform to connect I&T talent and companies from Mainland China and around the world. Whether you are looking for job opportunities, capital or investment, there is always a place for you in Hong Kong. I strongly believe that apart from life and health technology, there is a lot of room for bilateral collaboration between Hong Kong and Canada, say, in green technology, renewable energy, environmental protection and sustainability, where Canada has an edge.    
 
      Ladies and gentlemen, the challenges we face in global health are complex and multifaceted. By fostering global I&T collaboration, we amplify the impact brought by innovation and inclusion, from zero to one, from one to many, to unlock new possibilities and drive the next wave of technological advancement for the betterment of the mankind. Hong Kong stands ready to play the promising role as a “super-connector” and a “super value-adder” to create value and impact to the world.
 
      In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to Hong Kong – Canada Business Association (Ottawa) and Invest Hong Kong for organising today’s seminar. I look forward to the fruitful collaborations that will arise from this seminar. Thank you very much.

read more

     Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at Hong Kong Legal Week 2024: Beyond Litigation: The Vibrant Landscape of Alternative Dispute Resolution of Hong Kong today (November 6):
 
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     It is a great pleasure to see you all again on day three of Hong Kong Legal Week 2024. After two days of fruitful discussions on issues relating to international law, today we will put our focus back on Hong Kong, in particular, our alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services. Today’s theme is “Beyond Litigation: The Vibrant Landscape of Alternative Dispute Resolution of Hong Kong”.
      
     Hong Kong takes pride in our world-class ADR services and legal talents. It is immensely encouraging that in the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024, Hong Kong ranks fifth globally as the most competitive economy, and, most importantly, ranks first in the sub-topics of “Business Legislation” and “International Trade”. In the recent “Business Ready 2024 Report” published by the World Bank Group, Hong Kong ranks eighth in the topic of “Dispute Resolution” among the 50 economies covered.
      
     In recent years, the Government has formulated a comprehensive set of policy initiatives, which aim at deepening the mediation culture in Hong Kong. At present, mediation clauses are not mandatory in government contracts but various forms of such clauses can be found in some of them. Resolving disputes through mediation can save public funds, achieve early resolution of disputes and lessen the burden on our courts. There have been a multitude of successful instances of mediation involving the Government, from personal injuries cases, construction works disputes, adverse possession claims to medical negligence cases. Against such a background, it was first mentioned in the Chief Executive’s 2023 Policy Address and repeated in “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address” that the Government will take the lead, and incorporate mediation clauses in government contracts, while encouraging private organisations to incorporate similar clauses in their contracts. The key effect of including such clauses is that, if any dispute arises, the parties are obliged to try to resolve it by mediation first, and will resort to arbitration or litigation if, but only if, mediation fails.
      
     Taking the opportunity of today’s event with a strong emphasis on mediation, I am very pleased to announce that today, the Government will formally issue a policy statement on the incorporation of mediation clauses in all government contracts. The policy statement is a confirmation of the Government’s commitment to use mediation to resolve contractual disputes. Upon the taking effect of the policy, the Government will incorporate mediation clauses in all future government contracts; and departure from that policy will need to be justified by exceptional circumstances, for example, the existence of an inconsistent statutory provision. Supporting and monitoring mechanisms to be provided by the Department of Justice to other policy bureaux and departments will be put in place to ensure the smooth implementation of this policy. Through this policy, we do not only aim at ensuring that contractual disputes involving the Government may be resolved in a flexible, economical and time-saving manner. We also hope that, with the Government taking the lead, the policy will also encourage the private sectors to follow suit, contributing to the cultivation of a mediation culture in Hong Kong and bringing more harmony and peace to society. 
      
     With this policy initiative in mind, I would like to introduce our three panels and distinguished speakers for today’s event. The first panel discussion this morning, entitled “Mediation in Action: Harmony and Peace for All”, will cover how mediation can be used effectively in various sectors of the community, for instance, in areas of family disputes, civil claims, improving relations between citizens and government departments, and not simply for resolving the disputes but, more importantly, to foster a culture that embraces mutual respect, harmony and inclusiveness.
      
     The Government has always been a staunch supporter of mediation for the community. Since 2009, we have launched the Mediate First Pledge campaign to encourage the use of mediation as the first step to resolve disputes. The Mediate First Pledge is a non-legally binding commitment by pledgees to first explore the use of mediation to resolve disputes before resorting to other means of dispute resolution. At present, over 900 companies, organisations and individuals coming from different sectors have signed the pledge. The biennial Mediation Week and Mediation Conference, coupled with the Mediate First Pledge Event, are our flagship events to explore and promote wider use of mediation to resolve disputes in Hong Kong. The last one was just held a few months ago in May this year.
      
     A very significant event about mediation with global significance took place in Hong Kong on October 17, less than a month ago. On that day, the four-day Fifth Session of the Elaboration of the Convention on the Establishment of The International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) was concluded. Representatives from various countries completed negotiations on the Convention at that session and decided that the signing ceremony for the Convention will be held in Hong Kong in 2025. The IOMed is the first intergovernmental international legal body dedicated to settling international disputes by mediation. With the support of our motherland China and the agreement of other state parties, it was agreed that the headquarters of the International Organization for Mediation will be established in Hong Kong in 2025. This represents a strong vote of confidence in Hong Kong and a clear acknowledgement from the international community of Hong Kong’s status as an international dispute resolution centre. I am delighted that Dr Sun Jin, Director-General of the International Organization for Mediation Preparatory Office, will deliver a keynote speech before lunch today.
      
     Later this afternoon, we will discuss ADR in the context of artificial intelligence (AI). While there is no doubt that the use of AI may enhance the efficiency in resolving disputes, it is vital to ensure that the integrity of the dispute resolution process will not be compromised by the misuse of AI, whether intentionally, negligently or even inadvertently. Our distinguished speakers will consider the opportunities and risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence in ADR. They will also discuss the adoption of lawtech by Hong Kong practitioners, the benefits of lawtech in improving legal services and enhancing access to justice.
      
     Our last panel of today’s event is on sports disputes. As stated in “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address”, with our thriving development of sports activities and the industry, sports disputes have become increasing complicated. Hence, Hong Kong will explore establishing a sports dispute resolution system and promoting sports arbitration. In this session, our speakers will share their experiences and insights regarding the demand, application, effectiveness and challenges of sports ADR.
      
     To round up today’s events, we will have the 2024 Hong Kong Mediation Lecture at the office of Herbert Smith Freehills this evening. Professor Shahla Ali, through her perspective as a mediator with the World Bank and the Energy Community Panel, would explore the unique challenges and opportunities involved in the use of mediation in deals relating to natural resources, particularly in the Belt and Road Initiative, and how mediation can contribute to ensure that energy and natural resources agreements are environmentally sustainable and foster collaborative approaches.
      
     While today’s programmes are focused on mediation, we must not forget that Hong Kong has always been promoting and expanding our arbitration services proactively not just in Hong Kong but also the Mainland and other countries. Two examples would suffice. First, the Hong Kong Arbitration Week was just been held between October 21 and 25. Second, the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre has recently announced its imminent opening of a Beijing office, being its second office in the Mainland since the opening of its Shanghai office back in 2015.
      
     As I mentioned on different occasions previously, Hong Kong is an international legal dispute resolution centre in which numerous options, all of top quality, are made available to the parties to disputes. On this note, let me conclude by wishing you very fruitful exchanges and discussions in today’s sessions to come. Thank you very much. read more