The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (November 5) that in view of notifications from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Clackamas County of the State of Oregon, Kings County of the State of California and Cache County of the State of Utah in the United States (US) and Rural Municipality of Willner No. 253 of Saskatchewan Province in Canada, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

     A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about about 63 470 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat and about 17.2 million poultry eggs from the US, and about 370 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Canada in the first nine months of this year.

     "The CFS has contacted the American and Canadian authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation," the spokesman said.

     Following are the closing remarks by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the Second Legal Forum on Interconnectivity and Development under the Hong Kong Legal Week 2024 today (November 5):

Your excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Thank you very much again for participating in this year's Second Legal Forum on Interconnectivity and Development. I would first like to express my gratitude to the Commissioner's Office of China's Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong SAR (OCMFA) for co-organising this forum with the Department of Justice (DoJ) of the Hong Kong SAR. OCMFA's support and contribution are invaluable to the success of this event.

     I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and especially to their General Counsel, Mr Alberto Ninio, who delivered an impactful keynote address on promotion of good governance and high-quality development under international law earlier this morning. Hong Kong, China became a member of AIIB in 2017. Our arrangement for secondment of DoJ counsel to the legal department of AIIB in the past few years has been conducive to enhancing our collaboration with AIIB and strengthening the development of Hong Kong international legal and dispute resolution services, especially in the financial fields.

     Following the keynote address from AIIB, the two Panel Sessions examined the critical importance of legal connectivity in our increasingly globalised landscape, as well as its impact across various fields, from international trade and commerce, dispute resolution, sanctions to emerging domains such as the governance of artificial intelligence (AI). The experience and practice of Hong Kong in connecting with high-standard international legal rules provide a good illustration for our discussion. Allow me to reflect briefly on today's discussions and Hong Kong's role in these vital developments.

Cross-border legal connectivity and China's foreign-related rule of law

     Legal connectivity transcends borders, bringing jurisdictions closer and promoting shared prosperity. As President Xi Jinping has noted, the fundamental purpose of advancing foreign-related rule of law is to better safeguard the interests of the country and the people, promote the progress of international rule of law and the development of a community with a shared future for mankind. China's institutional opening-up progresses alongside its development of foreign-related legal frameworks. The rule of law forms the foundation of a favourable business environment.

     The first session explored Hong Kong's evolving legal landscape, where, under the "one country, two systems" framework, it serves as a strategic nexus for trade and commerce and dispute resolution, regionally in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as well as internationally. In this era of ever-changing global business norms, as China's institutional opening-up progresses, Hong Kong serves not only as a "super-connector" but also provides unique legal services under its legal and international arbitration framework.

Rule of law to safeguard sustainable development

     On the importance of the rule of law to mitigate risks and to safeguard Hong Kong's and national sustainable development, the learned speakers have shared their insights into the global developments in financial sanctions and anti-sanctions, as well as legislative trends on anti-interference in major western countries.

     As AI rapidly advances, it transforms industries and economies in a revolutionary way. This also brings with it complex global regulation and governance issues and related risks. As the final report on this subject by the United Nations Secretary-General appointed panel concludes, "the very nature of the technology itself – transboundary in structure and application – necessitates a global approach". The discussions on this topic today are timely and relevant as we consider how to safeguard sustainable development in an increasingly inter-connected world with AI.

     As President Xi stressed during the 16th BRICS Summit, "as the world becomes more turbulent, it is even more important to uphold the banner of peace, development, co-operation and win-win outcomes". It is my sincere hope that the discussions in today's forum could bring out a spirit of co-operation and collaboration in traditional fields like economy and trade, as well as emerging areas like artificial intelligence, with our sustainable development safeguarded by the rule of law.

Hong Kong as a global legal and dispute resolution hub

     On co-operation and development, aligned with Hong Kong's development of "eight centres" as outlined in the National 14th Five-Year Plan, the Department of Justice has taken forward policies to strengthen Hong Kong's role as a leading legal and dispute resolution hub.

     The staunch support of the Central People's Government in strengthening the city as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region under the National 14th Five-Year Plan can be demonstrated by the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) Preparatory Office last year. The IOMed Preparatory Office has successfully facilitated the conclusion of negotiations on the Convention on Establishment of the IOMed last month. A decision has also been made by all the negotiating parties that a signing ceremony of the Convention will be held in Hong Kong next year and the IOMed headquarters will also be situated in Hong Kong once the Convention has entered into force.

     As the world's first intergovernmental international legal organisation dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation, IOMed is important for the implementation of settling international disputes by peaceful means as set out in the United Nations Charter. Upon its establishment, the IOMed will provide friendly, flexible, economical and efficient mediation services, thereby building Hong Kong as a capital for international mediation.

     Apart from exciting development on IOMed, we also continue to enhance our collaboration with prominent law-related international organisations, such as the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT), with which we co-organised this year's Asia-Pacific International Private Law Summit yesterday. We are also in active discussion with UNIDROIT for the possible establishment of its liaison office in Hong Kong in the near future. These forms of collaborations enable Hong Kong to contribute to and align with international standards, thus enhancing its appeal as a global hub for dispute resolution.

     In addition, with the support of the Central People's Government and the assistance of the OCMFA, the Department of Justice has put in place programmes to second local legal talents to several law-related international organisations including the UNIDROIT. Through participating in the work of such international organisations, local legal professionals can enhance their knowledge of international legal matters and develop global vision. Nurturing Hong Kong's legal talents is crucial for the sustainable development of the legal community, for consolidating our position as a leading international legal and dispute resolution services centre and for the long-term development of the rule of law, matters to which the Central Authorities and the HKSAR Government have attached great importance.

Fostering legal talent: Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy

     Following the announcement in the Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address, the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy will be officially launched on this Friday, Day five of Hong Kong Legal Week. To make good use of Hong Kong's bilingual common law system and international legal status, the Training Academy will regularly organise practical training courses, seminars, international exchange programmes and more to promote exchanges among talents in regions along the Belt and Road region. It will also provide training for talents in the practice of foreign-related legal affairs for the country, and cultivate legal talents to be familiar with international law, common law, civil law, national legal systems and other legal areas. In future, our Department will make use of this capacity building platform to enable practitioners from different jurisdictions to exchange ideas on promoting the culture of harmony.

Looking ahead: Hong Kong's future role as an international legal hub

     Looking to the future, we are reminded of the traditional Chinese saying by Confucius, in Chinese is "å�›å­�和而ä¸�å�Œ and in English "a gentleman seeks harmony, not uniformity". This philosophy encourages us to pursue a shared vision despite our differences, and is crucial for enhancing interconnectivity and development in building a community of shared future for mankind. In our interconnected world, such harmony through diversity is essential for achieving lasting success and mutual respect across boundaries. Hong Kong's dedicated efforts in aligning with and contributing to international legal standards, its experience in international dispute resolution, as well as its commitment to legal capacity-building could leave a positive impact as the world navigates through complex challenges. As China moves towards deeper institutional opening-up, Hong Kong has a significant role to play in facilitating international engagement and promoting the progress of international rule of law.

     In closing, my sincere thanks to all speakers, participants, supporting organisations, colleagues at the OCMFA and the DoJ for making this forum a success. I look forward to your support for the Third Legal Forum on Interconnectivity and Development next year. Thank you very much.

  

     The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, began his visit to Toronto, Canada, on November 4 (Toronto time).

     In the morning, Professor Sun visited MaRS Discovery District, an innovation hub, and met with its Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Alison Nankivell, to receive a briefing on the hub's successful experience in nurturing an innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem. Located close to major universities and hospitals in downtown Toronto, MaRS focuses on nourishing deep technology industries including clean technology and life science. As the largest urban innovation centre in North America, MaRS Discovery District supports 1 200 enterprises and renders direct assistance to enterprises in the hub with a view to building communities of innovators and promoting the adoption of new solutions.

     Professor Sun then visited the University of Toronto, and toured the Centre for Analytics & Artificial Intelligence Engineering of the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering of the University. Professor Sun met with the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Christopher Yip, and the Acting Associate Vice-President International Partnerships, Professor David Wolfe, and was briefed on the latest developments and research and development (R&D) achievements of the Centre. The Centre brings together universities and industries to translate the latest advances of artificial intelligence and data analytics into technologies in areas ranging from advanced manufacturing to human health. Its team also delivers ongoing guidance for advanced analytics projects in industry settings. Professor Sun encouraged the University to co-operate with universities in Hong Kong to participate in the InnoHK research clusters to strengthen global R&D collaboration.

     In the afternoon, Professor Sun visited a start-up that provides storage and delivery services in North America. The start-up adopts a smart platform that automatically processes orders and updates inventory levels in real time. It also utilises robotic shuttles to manage inventories automatically, thereby reducing the overall cost for logistics and delivery services.

     Professor Sun attended a networking dinner organised by the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (Toronto Chapter) in the evening, and had an exchange with Hong Kong young people studying and working in Toronto to learn more about their study and work lives in Canada. Professor Sun shared with them Hong Kong's efforts to develop as an international I&T centre and build an international hub for high-calibre talent. He noted that it is of paramount importance to enlarge the talent pool for the I&T development in Hong Kong, adding that the city is an ideal destination for young people to develop their careers and that Hong Kong youngsters are encouraged to seize the myriad opportunities there.

     Professor Sun will proceed to Ottawa and continue his visit on November 5 (Ottawa time).

            

     Mobile Libraries 5, 10 and 11 will suspend services during designated periods in November for routine maintenance, a spokesman for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (November 5).

     Mobile Library 5 will suspend services from November 11 to 16. The affected service points are Hin Keng Estate, Kam Tai Court, Mei Tin Estate and Yan On Estate in Sha Tin; Yee Ming Estate and Mang Kung Uk Road in Sai Kung; and Fu Shin Estate and Fu Heng Estate in Tai Po. For enquiries about Mobile Library 5 services, please call 2696 5842.

     Mobile Library 10 will suspend services from November 11 to 23. The affected service points are Tsing Tin Playground, Gold Coast and Lung Mun Oasis in Tuen Mun; Tin Yuet Estate and Tin Shui Estate in Tin Shui Wai; Hung Shui Kiu and Fung Cheung Road in Yuen Long; Ching Ho Estate in Sheung Shui; Cheung Wang Estate in Tsing Yi; Kwai Chung Estate in Kwai Chung; and Hoi Lai Estate in Sham Shui Po. For enquiries about Mobile Library 10 services, please call 2450 1857.

     Mobile Library 11 will suspend services from November 25 to 30. The affected service points are Cho Yiu Chuen, Kwai Shing West Estate and Kwai Shing East Estate in Kwai Chung; Po Tin Estate in Tuen Mun; Sun Chui Estate in Sha Tin; Easeful Court in Tsing Yi; and Tin Wah Estate in Tin Shui Wai. For enquiries about Mobile Library 11 services, please call 2479 1055.

     Readers are welcome to use other public libraries during the service suspension periods. They may also renew library materials by telephoning 2698 0002 or 2827 2833, or via www.hkpl.gov.hk.

     The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, started his visit to Zurich, Switzerland, yesterday (November 4, Zurich time) to promote Hong Kong's status as an international asset and wealth management and risk management centre.

     Mr Hui in the morning met with the Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Solutions, Swiss Re Group, Mr Ivan Gonzalez, and the Chairman of the Board of Zurich Insurance Group, Mr Michel M Liès, respectively. During the exchanges with these two world-leading insurance services and risk-solution providers, Mr Hui updated them on Hong Kong's latest initiatives as announced in "The Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address (Policy Address)" to further strengthen Hong Kong's position as a global risk management centre. The initiatives include reviewing the risk-based capital regime implemented in July 2024 and examining the capital requirements for infrastructure investment to enrich insurance companies' asset allocations for risk diversification, and drive investment in infrastructure; as well as continuing to invite Mainland and overseas enterprises to establish captive insurers in Hong Kong. 

     Hong Kong is currently home to around 160 insurance companies. It has the largest concentration of insurance companies and the highest insurance density in Asia.    

     Mr Hui had a lunch meeting with the Swiss-Hong Kong Business Association (SHKBA), one of the members of the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations. Mr Hui shared with SHKBA members the huge scale and diversified investment opportunities of Hong Kong's asset and wealth management business, adding that the city welcomes investors and family offices around the world.      

     At another gathering with leaders of a multinational financial service provider, Mr Hui briefed them on the enhancements proposed in the Policy Address that further strengthen Hong Kong's status as an asset and wealth management hub. Hong Kong will consult the industry on increasing the types of transactions eligible for tax concessions for funds and single family offices to cover emission derivatives/emission allowances, insurance-linked securities, loans and private credit investments, virtual assets, etc. He also updated participants that the Government's issuance of green bonds has been attracting strong interest from local and international investors. So far a total of HK$220 billion in government green bonds have been successfully issued, including a diverse array of bonds – retail, institutional, and tokenised – across multiple currencies and tenors.

     On the same day, Mr Hui met with the Head of Bilateral Cooperation, Swiss National Bank, Ms Lena Lee Andresen, to discuss issues of mutual concern such as the global trend of monetary policies. 

     Mr Hui also visited the headquarters of Gategroup, and met with their Chief Financial Officer, Mr Urs Schwendinger. Gategroup is a market-leading inflight caterer with a global presence, including Hong Kong. Noting that Hong Kong is an international aviation hub with continuous development of the Airport City, Mr Hui welcomed Gategroup to further expand their business in the city.  
    
     Mr Hui will depart for Geneva in the morning of November 5 (Zurich time) to continue his visit in Switzerland.