Police will implement crowd safety management measures and special traffic arrangements to facilitate the holding of a golf tournament at Fanling Golf Course from November 21 (Thursday) to November 24 (Sunday). A.  … read more
Following is the speech by the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit today (November 19):
The Honourable Vice Premier He Lifeng (Vice-premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China), Deputy Secretary General Xu Shouben (Deputy Secretary-General of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China), Deputy Director Zhou Ji (Executive Deputy Director of Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee), Director Zheng Yanxiong (Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)), Minister Li Yunze (Minister of the National Financial Regulatory Administration), Chairman Wu Qing (Chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission), Deputy Governor Zhu Hexin (Deputy Governor of the People’s Bank of China), Commissioner Cui Jianchun (Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR), Mr Eddie Yue (Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority), distinguished guests from around the world, ladies and gentlemen,
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Good morning. I am delighted to welcome you, financial leaders and innovators all, to Hong Kong, where East meets West, and tradition marries innovation.
I hope you enjoyed last night’s welcome dinner, with its breathtaking views. From that rooftop, on a fine day, you can almost see the future. Of course, there are days and nights when you wish for a little more clarity, for a better understanding of where that future precisely lies.
It is much the same, these days and nights, with the global economy. Which is why we are here today. To work together, to help see our way to the flourishing future we all want.
The global financial landscape has witnessed unprecedented shifts in recent years. Geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties and technological change have created a complex environment for policymakers, investors and companies, large and small, global and local.
And if things were not complicated enough, the election results this year across different parts of the world bring lots of new and uncertain dynamics to the international investment picture.
For Hong Kong, the upside could mean opportunities for growth in emerging sectors such as fintech and green and sustainable finance.
The global push for sustainability is reshaping industries, with green finance and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) considerations becoming integral to investment strategies. Investors are increasingly seeking opportunities that align with sustainable development goals, driving growth in sustainable infrastructure and green technologies.
Green finance is a central policy priority of the Hong Kong Government. Initiatives like the launch of “Core Climate” – our international carbon market – and the Government Sustainable Bond Programme, have strengthened our green agenda.
And the volume of green and sustainable bonds arranged last year in Hong Kong topped the Asian market, accounting for 37 per cent of the total.
China’s financial development continues to be a cornerstone of global economic growth. With the support of our country, Hong Kong continues to be the world’s largest offshore Renminbi business hub.
As we are working to expand our offerings, providing more diversified, Renminbi-denominated investment products, increasing the issuance of Renminbi bonds and supporting more green and sustainable offshore Renminbi bond issuances in Hong Kong.
We will also boost the Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect Scheme, and Southbound Trading under Bond Connect. These, and other initiatives, will bolster Hong Kong’s status as the premier gateway for investors looking to enter the Mainland market.
Technology is no less central to Hong Kong’s future. Artificial intelligence, blockchain and data analytics are enhancing market efficiency and driving financial innovation.
Hong Kong counts about 1 000 fintech companies and start-ups, making financial services more accessible, efficient and user-friendly.
We are also working with financial regulators to provide an enabling regulatory environment.
In August, the HKMA (Hong Kong Monetary Authority) launched a sandbox project to test interbank settlements using tokenised money. And our Securities and Futures Commission will develop a regulatory framework on asset tokenisation to ensure that the assets are traded in a safe and transparent manner.
By capitalising on these and other emerging trends, while navigating their complexities, we are working to build a brighter, more prosperous and sustainable future for all of us.
I know we will make the most of our time here. And while we can only accomplish so much in a few days, I am confident that the insights and experiences we are sharing, the connections we are making, will lead to collective growth, and mutual rewards, long down the road.
My thanks to each and every one of you for your inspiring presence and invaluable involvement.
I wish you all a rewarding Summit and the best of business, and investment, in the coming year. Thank you so much.
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 Labour Department (LD) is holding an online exhibition from 9am today (November 19) to 6pm on November 21 on the LD’s website disseminating information about the Employment Ordinance and the Minimum Wage Ordinance to enhance the public’s understanding of employment rights and benefits.
Consolidating the content of physical exhibitions held by the LD, the online exhibition features the main provisions of the Employment Ordinance and the Minimum Wage Ordinance, employment rights and benefits for foreign domestic helpers, as well as good human resource management measures. The relevant hyperlink is www.labour.gov.hk/common/Online_exhibition_EO_MWO/index_en.html. read more
​The Chief Executive emphasised in this year’s Policy Address that it is of utmost importance for Hong Kong citizens to safeguard national security of their own accord. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government aims to strengthen community participation through the launch of the National Security Education District Tutor Training Scheme, actively encouraging all citizens to understand a holistic approach to national security and the significance of safeguarding national security, thereby fostering a collective commitment to uphold it.
Today (November 18), the HKSAR Government held the launching ceremony of the National Security Education District Tutor Training Scheme at the Hong Kong Museum of History. Officiating guests attending the ceremony were the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak Mei-kuen.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Cheuk said, “National security is the fundamental prerequisite for every country’s survival and development. The top principle of ‘one country, two systems’ is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. After experiencing the painful days of the Hong Kong version of ‘colour revolution’ and the widespread ‘black-clad’ violence in 2019, citizens deeply understand the importance of national security to Hong Kong’s continued prosperity and stability.”
“Article 10 of the Hong Kong National Security Law stipulates that the HKSAR shall promote national security education in schools and universities and through social organisations, the media, the internet and other means to raise the awareness of residents of national security and of the obligation to abide by the law. One of the important measures is the opening of the National Security Exhibition Gallery in August this year. As the first national security education base in the HKSAR, it has received over 200 000 visitors and more than 800 groups in just three months since its opening, demonstrating society’s emphasis on and support for national security education.”
Mr Cheuk added, “The National Education District Tutor Training Scheme that we are participating in today exactly aims to radiate outward national security education widely and effectively by district tutors.”
In his speech, Mr Tang said, “In March this year, the HKSAR fulfilled the constitutional responsibility for enacting local legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law. The newly enacted Safeguarding National Security Ordinance achieves convergence, compatibility and complementarity with the Hong Kong National Security Law, creating a legal shield for national security and laying a solid foundation for Hong Kong to boost its economy and pursue development.”
Mr Tang added, “I hope that district tutors will leverage your networks to publicise and promote law-abiding awareness, national awareness, sense of national security, and positive thinking in the community. This will enhance citizens’ ability to think critically and not be misled by ‘soft resistance’ rhetoric or behaviour, ultimately fostering a safe and stable social environment.”
In her speech, Miss Mak said, “All of you here are key patriots in the districts dedicated to our country and Hong Kong, continuously supporting the work of the Government in strict accordance with the law. You are the most qualified and capable individuals to assist the Government in raising public awareness of national security in the districts, thereby enhancing Hong Kong’s capacity to fend off security risks.”
Miss Mak stressed, “District tutors can deeply engage with different community groups and convey national security messages in a lively and engaging manner, helping citizens understand the importance of respecting and safeguarding national security, promoting a conscious effort to safeguard it among all citizens, and strengthening public awareness of its significance.”
The first batch of around 120 district tutors made a pledge in the presence of distinguished guests to do their utmost to promote national security in the community and fully assist the HKSAR in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security.
District Offices have begun inviting district council members, district organisations, and groups across Hong Kong to enroll in the district tutor training scheme. It is expected that by 2025, at least 2 600 district tutors will be trained. Given that each tutor will disseminate national security messages to at least 30 people within a year, it is anticipated that over 78 000 people will receive messages about safeguarding national security.
The course under the district tutor training scheme, conducted by experienced educators, includes interactive classroom learning and visits to the National Security Exhibition Gallery, totalling approximately four hours. Participants will also receive relevant materials to assist them in promoting national security awareness in the districts.
“The security of Hong Kong is premised on that of our Motherland, and the security of our home is premised on that of our country.” Safeguarding national security is everyone’s responsibility and a duty to be fulfilled. The district tutor training scheme helps raise awareness of national security among Hong Kong citizens. Everyone should contribute their part to help safeguard it and work together to build a stable and prosperous Hong Kong.
