Attention TV/radio announcers: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible: Here is an item of interest to swimmers. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced toda… read more
The “Immersive Hong Kong” roving exhibition is now being held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), by the Information Services Department (ISD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) in collaboration with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai (Dubai ETO) to promote business and cultural relations and exchanges between the two places.
“Since the establishment of the Dubai ETO in 2021, we have witnessed ever closer ties between Hong Kong and the Middle East, with the Chief Executive and various Principal Officials from the HKSARG having visited the Middle East to strengthen bilateral ties and explore opportunities for collaboration on all fronts. We will continue to engage stakeholders in the Gulf Cooperation Council for deepening relations and telling the good stories of Hong Kong in the region,” said the Director-General of the Dubai ETO, Mr Damian Lee.
“In this regard, we have brought the ‘Immersive Hong Kong’ exhibition to Dubai to introduce to the cosmopolitan population here the wonderful and exciting facets of Hong Kong,” he added.
The Minister of State for Foreign Trade of the UAE, His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, who visited the exhibition today (December 24) at the invitation of the Dubai ETO, said the exhibition provides an important platform for the people of the UAE to explore the potential of Hong Kong across tourism, business and investment sectors.
Highlighting the city’s distinctive role as a gateway to Mainland China, he emphasised that strengthening investment and trade partnerships with Hong Kong plays a key role in supporting broader strategic co-operation between the UAE and China, whilst helping to unlock new business opportunities between the Emirati-Chinese business communities.
The Consul General of the UAE in Hong Kong, His Excellency Shaikh Saoud Ali M. A. Almualla, who earlier visited the exhibition, also noted the huge potential for closer bilateral ties.
“There are many similarities between the UAE and Hong Kong, such as economic ambition, cultural inclusivity, and a vision of continued growth and global collaboration. Both places offer a thriving environment for business and personal development, making them ideal partners in fostering deeper trade and investment ties across regions,” he said.
Themed “Hong Kong – Where the World Looks Ahead”, the “Immersive Hong Kong” roving exhibition is part of the ISD’s external promotional campaign to showcase the city’s new attractions, advantages and opportunities. It is now on display at The Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence, until January 5, 2025. Admission is free.
More information on the exhibition is available on the dedicated page of the Brand Hong Kong website (www.brandhk.gov.hk/en/campaign/hkpromotion-middle-east) as well as the website of the Dubai ETO (www.hketodubai.gov.hk/en/index.html).
​The second National Security Education Study Tour organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government concluded and returned to Hong Kong this afternoon (December 24). A total of 131 principals, teachers, and students from 19 primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong departed for Beijing on December 18. The primary school group completed their tour and returned to Hong Kong on December 22, while the secondary school group proceeded to Shanghai on the same day and returned today. Members of the study tour were primarily from the winning teams with outstanding performance and achievements, as well as their coaching principals and teachers of schools that excelled in the Territory-wide Inter-school National Security Knowledge Challenge, jointly organised by the Department of Justice, the Security Bureau, the Education Bureau, and the Hong Kong Shine Tak Foundation. Among the participants were non-Chinese speaking students joining both the challenge and study tour for the first time. The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, the Secretary General of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR, Mr Au Chi-kwong; and the Chairman of the Hong Kong Shine Tak Foundation, Mrs Tung Ng Ling-ling, accompanied the study tour to Beijing, while the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai, joined the study tour on December 21 in Beijing and travelled with them to Shanghai. On December 22, members of the study tour were warmly received by Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Central People’s Government, Mr Nong Rong.
In the past few days, the study tour visited the Museum of the Communist Party of China and participated in interactive exchanges with teachers and students from the Branch of the High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China and Zhongguancun No. 3 Primary School. They also watched the solemn flag-raising ceremony on the viewing stage of Tiananmen Square. Other sites visited included the National Museum of China, the National Archives of Publications and Culture, the China Academy of Space Technology, the China Science and Technology Museum, the China National Arts and Crafts Museum, the Shanghai National Security Education Center, and the Sihang Warehouse Memorial of War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
During the tour, students demonstrated great enthusiasm and curiosity about the country’s system, history, culture, economy, science and technology, and social development. They eagerly embraced this opportunity to move beyond textbooks for on-site visits, particularly being deeply moved when watching the national flag rise on the viewing stage at Tiananmen Square. The visit to the China Academy of Space Technology enhanced their understanding and aspirations regarding the country’s aerospace technology development. During their interactions at key primary and secondary schools in Beijing, they were also impressed by the diverse learning environment and the enthusiasm of local students.
Yang, a student from Ng Clan’s Association Tai Pak Memorial School, remarked that the Museum of the Communist Party of China left the deepest impression on him, especially the history of the Long March. He felt both pained and moved by the pioneers’ contributions and efforts in building New China. Lam, a student from Munsang College (Hong Kong Island), said that as Chinese people, everyone should unite, contribute together, and actively participate in the country’s future development. She believes that their generation, blessed by the protection and guidance of their predecessors, also bears the responsibility of safeguarding national security. Kabra, a non-Chinese speaking student from Queen’s College, said the tour broadened his understanding of China’s history, culture, and national security. He emphasised that he returned to Hong Kong not only with knowledge but also a commitment to applying these insights to help build a more secure world.
The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, encouraged students at the opening ceremony to understand the history and culture of the country through their footsteps, comprehend China’s modernisation through their eyes, listen to the thoughts and voices of the Chinese people with their ears, and to grasp the essence of China’s spirit with their hearts. He urged them to deeply appreciate the historical depth, cultural richness, and warmth of lives in the Motherland, develop positive viewpoints on state, history and nation, thus proactively safeguarding national security and better contributing to Hong Kong and the Motherland. Secretary General, Mr Au Chi-kwong, expressed his encouragement towards the students’ enthusiasm for exploring national security knowledge, urging them to learn more about the country’s history, culture, and achievements in various fields through on-site visits and to deepen their understanding of the principle of “one country, two systems”, becoming proactive contributors to Hong Kong’s future development. At the closing ceremony, the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai, encouraged students to share their experiences and insights from the study tour with their teachers and classmates. He emphasised the importance of combining reading extensively with traveling widely to deepen their understanding of the country’s history, culture, and current realities. He encouraged them to maintain their enthusiasm for learning and to aspire to become pillars of society in the future.
The National Security Department (NSD) of the Hong Kong Police Force today (December 24) said that Police have put six persons who have absconded overseas and are suspected to have committed offences under the Law of the People… read more
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council (LegCo) delegation led by the President of LegCo, Mr Andrew Leung, and comprising seven members of the Parliamentary Liaison Subcommittee concluded its four-day duty visit to Japan today (December 24). The delegation returned to Hong Kong in the afternoon.
Mr Leung, the leader of the delegation, concluded that the duty visit, marked by exchanges and achievements, carried great significance, adding that he felt deeply about the trip. He said, “The duty visit not only enabled the LegCo to establish closer ties with the National Diet of Japan, government departments as well as local politicians and businessmen, but also kept members of the delegation abreast of the latest developments of Japan’s economy and trade, food safety, culture and tourism, and agriculture and fisheries. It will help both Hong Kong and Japan to explore cooperation opportunities in various areas.”
Hong Kong is striving for early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), of which Japan is a member. The delegation emphasised to Japan parliament members and relevant government officials the contribution of Hong Kong to the development of regional economy after it joined RCEP. Hong Kong as a “super-connector” and “super value-adder” between the Mainland and the rest of the world can help enterprises to enter the Mainland market to tap the business opportunities.
Mr Leung said, “Canvassing support for Hong Kong’s accession to RCEP was one of the key focuses of the duty visit. During the direct exchanges with the Japanese side, Members stressed that Hong Kong’s accession to RCEP would not only help the city’s economy, but also deepen the economic and trade exchanges with RCEP members, including Japan, achieving a mutually beneficial outcome.”
The delegation also took the opportunity to pay a courtesy call on the Chinese Ambassador to Japan, during which they explored how Hong Kong should further leverage its unique strength under “one country, two Systems”.
During Members’ visit to the National Diet of Japan, apart from sharing parliamentary experience and strengthening dialogues, Members had the opportunity to understand the views of the Japanese side on the control measures Hong Kong implemented against aquatic products imported from Japan. While meeting with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Tourism, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation explained to Japanese officials that the measures Hong Kong put in place were based on stringent, objective and scientific standards, which were aimed to protect the health of Hong Kong citizens.
Telling good stories of Hong Kong and its actual situation was also a highlight of the duty visit. The delegation introduced to Japan parliament members and government officials that Hong Kong was stable and safe after the implementation of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. Under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong has a well-established legal system and an internationalised business environment, with full protection to foreign companies.
During the duty visit, Members exchanged with various chambers of commerce and explored how Hong Kong could better capitalise on its bridging role to enable Japanese enterprises to enter the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area market through Hong Kong.
The duty visit covered a wide range of areas, including visiting local cultural and tourism-related enterprises and facilities. Members further learnt about Japanese industry’s successful experience of transforming and upgrading production with elements of tourism. They believed that Hong Kong could draw on these examples to develop industrial tourism to attract tourists and enhance the competitiveness of local brands. Mr Leung added that the first-hand information obtained by Members during the duty visit will enable them to put forward proposals to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government on injecting new impetus into the economy and jointly study more measures to benefit the people.
The delegation is led by Mr Leung, and the deputy delegation leader is the Chairman of the Parliamentary Liaison Subcommittee, Mr Tommy Cheung. Other participating Subcommittee members are Mr Jeffrey Lam, Mr Dominic Lee, Ms Nixie Lam, Ms Joephy Chan, Mr Tang Fei and Mr Yim Kong.
Members of the delegation were delighted to complete the duty visit successfully and shared their experience. Mr Tommy Cheung said, “Japanese officials have doubts on the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance in Hong Kong. The LegCo delegation explained to them in person that the actual situation in Hong Kong is stable and safe, which is favorable for investment. The effect is very positive. The Japanese government also understands that the aim of Hong Kong’s control measure on aquatic products imported from Japan is for ensuring food safety and public health. Meanwhile, the delegation has achieved one of the goals of the duty visit to Japan, which is to canvass support for Hong Kong’s early accession to RCEP.”
Mr Jeffrey Lam said, “Last year, there were 1,400 Japanese companies setting up regional headquarters and offices in Hong Kong. I explained to the Japanese authorities that the passage of the Extension of Government Leases Ordinance in the LegCo this year, which provides an automatically extending land leases for 50 years in six years before the expiry of each batch of applicable leases, would be conducive to a stable land policy for the development of industries. I also promoted that the foreigners working in companies registered in Hong Kong can apply for ‘multiple-entry visa’ travelling to the Mainland. This is favorable for trade, as well as significantly consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s position as a gateway for business and investment between the Mainland China and Japan in the future.”
Mr Dominic Lee said, “This duty visit to Japan has deepened my understanding of Hong Kong’s potential and role in regional economic cooperation. We had thorough discussions with various ministries of the Japanese government and organizations, particularly emphasising the importance of supporting Hong Kong’s accession to RCEP. As an important trading partner of Hong Kong, Japan plays a crucial role in facilitating Hong Kong’s integration into the regional economy. I hope that the bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and innovative technology can be strengthened, further consolidating the relationship between Hong Kong and Japan, and injecting new impetus into Hong Kong’s economy.”
Ms Nixie Lam said, “This duty visit enabled our extensive dialogues with the government, legislators and business sectors of Japan, advancing the possibility of further cultural and economic cooperation between both sides. China and Japan share a long-standing friendship, with frequent exchanges between the people of both countries. However, it remains a one-way traffic to Japan in the aspect of tourism. Hong Kong needs to enhance its efforts in attracting Japanese high-calibre talents to Hong Kong. I believe that the commissioning of the Kai Tak ‘Youth Post’ can take forward its mission to strengthen the ties between Hong Kong and Japan, deepen communication and enhance mutual understanding.”
Ms Joephy Chan pointed out, “This overseas duty visit marks the ‘final mile’ in our quest for Hong Kong’s early accession to RCEP. We conducted explanatory work at both the House of Councillors and the House of Representatives of Japan. Japan is an important trade partner for Hong Kong, and we hope that the Japanese business community and political sector recognise the mutual benefits brought by Hong Kong’s accession to RCEP. Another key issue is the safety of Japan’s export aquatic products following the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water. We specifically visited the Toyosu Market to understand the hygiene and food safety inspection conditions, so that we can provide recommendations to the Hong Kong government on relevant control measures.”
Mr Tang Fei said, “The LegCo delegation’s duty visit to Japan facilitated our in-depth exchanges with Japanese officials and parliamentarians on food safety and other issues. Members also emphasised the steadfast implementation of ‘one country, two systems’ principle, which enables a stable social environment in Hong Kong and steady development towards governance and prosperity. The delegation took this opportunity to tell the good stories of our country and Hong Kong, fully leveraging the role of LegCo Parliamentary Liaison Subcommittee in communicating and interacting with overseas parliaments, as well as political and business communities.”
Hon Yim Kong said, “The LegCo delegation’s duty visit to Japan made efficient use of time to visit various Japanese ministries, parliaments, chambers of commerce, and the Chinese Embassy in Japan, striving to promote exchanges and cooperation between Hong Kong and Japan in multiple aspects, including politics, trade, tourism, food safety and culture, and to tell the good story of Hong Kong under the advantages of ‘One Country, Two Systems’. This brings positive result to our proactive efforts for Hong Kong’s early accession to RCEP and attracting more Japanese investment in Hong Kong. With the vision of building a new era of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between China and Japan, Hong Kong will play an important bridging role.”
The delegation visited Japan from December 21 to 24. The delegation expressed gratitude to the relevant Japanese ministries and the Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong for their thoughtful arrangements, as well as the assistance from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo. Their support contributed significantly to the success of the duty visit. read more