Author Archives: hksar gov

     The Development Bureau (DEVB) today (November 15) hosted the International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit, bringing together more than 500 major infrastructure project leaders and experts in infrastructure from over 20 countries and economies around the globe, including senior government officials from Mainland and overseas countries, and representatives of renowned international organisations such as the World Economic Forum and International Institute for Management Development, to delve into the strategies and policies of infrastructure delivery plans, and addressed the challenges and opportunities in implementing mega infrastructure projects under the theme of Strategic Leadership in Managing Complexity and Uncertainty in Infrastructure Delivery. 
      
     Addressing the Summit, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said that the Hong Kong Special Adminstrative Region Government is committed to investing in infrastructure and advancing land development projects to promote social and economic development. Despite many challenges, Hong Kong’s infrastructure development has remained robust with world-class infrastructure recognised internationally. The Government has taken proactive stances to spearhead the transformation of the construction industry over the past few years, promoting advanced construction methods and materials, integrated digital technologies, as well as adopting new project delivery model. Through exchanges that transcend geographical and sectoral boundaries at the Summit, the Government hopes to pool wisdom on the delivery of projects with enhanced efficiency and quality. She also mentioned that under the unique advantages of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong would continue to capitalise on the privilege of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, and consolidate its position as an international infrastructure centre, uniting the world’s best talent, knowledge and investment to address upcoming challenges and promote quality infrastructure development.
      
     Speaking at the Summit, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Water Resources of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Li Liangsheng, said that the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China stressed the need to establish a system for the planning and standardisation of new infrastructure facilities, optimise the mechanism for the integration and utilisation of new infrastructure facilities, promote the digital transformation of conventional infrastructure, expand the diversity of investment and financing channels, and enhance the co-ordination mechanism for major infrastructure development. The Summit will inject impetus generated in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into the national development of new quality productive forces. It will further promote international infrastructural co-operation and bring far-reaching significance.
      
     In his keynote presentation, the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau, said that the Government is taking forward the Northern Metropolis, the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands project as well as a number of major transport infrastructure projects. He stressed the Government’s commitment to be an “enabler” fostering innovation and industrialisation to drive industry enhancement, and added that Hong Kong’s diverse talent pool is also one of its most significant advantages, allowing the city to play a leading role in the construction industry. 
      
     The presentation and plenary sessions of the Summit gathered prominent infrastructure leaders and experts from various sectors worldwide, including government, academia, construction and finance, to share the latest initiatives and challenges facing infrastructure development. The first plenary session “The Next Growth Curve” highlighted the critical role of infrastructure in driving the city development and the next wave of global economic growth. The second session “Powerful Partnerships” explored effective financing and procurement strategies essential for advancing infrastructure projects within a culture of collaboration. The last session “Building Tomorrow” focused on how innovation and digital technologies are reshaping infrastructure development, promoting greater efficiency and sustainability.
      
     At the Summit, the Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi) which was established by the DEVB in August this year to drive innovative applications in the construction industry, signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) with Mainland and overseas organisations, namely Guangdong Provincial Academy of Building Research and the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore, as well as three local universities, namely the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. These MoU would expand the collaboration network of the BTRi for the promotion of innovative application in the construction industry. The major development directions of the BTRi are to promote applied research and development (R&D), review and uplift standards ,as well as to provide accreditation, certification and testing. 

          

The following is issued on behalf of the Building Technology Research Institute:
 
     The Chairperson of the Board of the Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi), Mr Hon Chi-keung, today (November 15) attended the International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit organised by the Development Bureau (DEVB) to introduce the three major development directions of the BTRi, namely driving applied research and development, reviewing and uplifting standards, providing accreditation, certification and testing. He also shared the initial work plans of the BTRi.
      
     The BTRi was established in August this year as a limited company wholly owned by the Financial Secretary Incorporated to spearhead the construction industry in strengthening innovative applications to enhance productivity, cost-effectiveness and site safety performance in response to Hong Kong’s future infrastructure development.
 
Driving applied research and development
 
     The BTRi will work closely with the DEVB and works departments to implement and establish innovative construction materials, technologies and machineries through pilot projects in public works projects. The BTRi is collaborating with works departments such as the Architectural Services Department and the Civil Engineering and Development Department to promote the application of high-strength steel and ultra-high performance concrete by piloting in public works projects. The BTRi will assist the project team in solving technical issues, collect data and monitor the performance, so as to facilitate the approval of relevant departments, and formulate relevant standards and guidelines for wider adoption by the industry. These construction materials are two to three times stronger than traditional materials, which can reduce the amount of material, structural weight and even the scale of the foundation, and also facilitate the prefabrication of related structural components in the factory, so as to achieve the effect of speed, quantity, efficiency and quality.
 
Uplifting standards
 
     The BTRi will collaborate with local universities to make reference to overseas building standards and Guobiao (GB). It is expected to effectively improve the efficiency of the project and reduce the construction cost by reviewing and optimising the building standards that have been used in Hong Kong for many years, starting from the design loading requirements of buildings and the design values of the bearing capacity of the foundation, etc. The BTRi will also facilitate the local application of high-quality and cost-effective construction materials from the Mainland and overseas by comparing and complementing the differences in testing and certification requirements between standards in different regions. In addition, the BTRi will work closely with the DEVB and closely liaise with counterparts in the Guangdong Province to take forward the formulation of the Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Construction Standards.
 
Providing accreditation, certification and testing
 
     The BTRi today launched the Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) Manufacturer Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme) to ensure that accredited MiC manufacturers adhere to strict standards in management, production, transportation and other processes, and strengthen quality control. The details and application method of the Scheme is available on the BTRi’s website (btri.hk). The Scheme will play a key role in further promoting the local application of MiC and the development of MiC technology, which will help consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an international leader in MiC. The BTRi will also review the existing testing needs for various construction materials and products in Hong Kong, and strengthen the relevant building testing capabilities of the construction industry.
 
Collaboration and development
 
     Witnessed by the Secretary for Development, Mr Hon signed Memoranda of Understanding today with the Guangdong Provincial Academy of Building Research, the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore, and three local universities, namely the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, to collaborate and promote innovative applications to address the pressing challenges of the construction industry.
      
     In terms of future development, the BTRi will develop its business in areas such as driving applied research and development, uplifting standards, providing accreditation, certification and testing, etc., and will gradually build a professional team to promote innovation in the construction industry. On the other hand, the BTRi will strengthen co-operation with relevant local and overseas institutions to enhance the applied research capabilities of the BTRi and establish its leading position in the GBA and even internationally. 

  

     The Environmental Committee (EC) for the San Tin Technopole set up by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) held its first meeting today (November 15) to give advice and views on the plans for ecological mitigation/enhancement measures for the project.
      
     The Director of Environmental Protection approved the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for San Tin Technopole on May 17. The conditions attached to the approval of the EIA report by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) include the establishment of the EC with a wide representation of stakeholders, members of which comprise relevant government departments, green groups and academics, to provide advice on the preparation of the plans for ecological mitigation/enhancement measures, and monitor the effectiveness of those the measures.

     The EC was established on September 27. At today’s meeting, members discussed the various proposed ecological mitigation/enhancement measures for San Tin Technopole, including wetland enhancement measures at Mai Po, Habitat Creation and Management Plan, as well as the design of Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park.

     The membership of the EC is as follows:

Chairperson
——————–
Project Manager (North), CEDD

Non-official members
——————–
Dr Gary W J Ades
Dr Bosco Chan
Ms Kami Hui Shuk-kwan
Professor Qiu Jianwen
Mr Matthew Sin Kar-wah
Professor Nora Tam Fung-yee
Professor Wong Sze-chun
Mr Yu Yat-tung

Official members
——————–
Representative of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
Representative of CEDD
Representative of EPD

  

     â€‹Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao Gala Night 2024 today (November 15):

Ambassador Ambrosetti (Ambassador of Italy to China, Mr Massimo Ambrosetti), Consul General Ficarra (Consul General of Italy to Hong Kong and Macao, Mr Carmelo Ficarra), Mr De Rosa (President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao, Mr Davide De Rosa), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Buona sera. Good evening. It gives me great pleasure to join your gala dinner again this evening.

     The exquisite Italian cuisine and wine are truly tempting, so I promise to keep my remarks brief. 

     Tonight, we gather to celebrate the long-standing and rewarding ties between our two economies. We are close partners on many fronts, and our collaboration continues to flourish.

     Last year, Italy was Hong Kong’s fourth-largest trading partner among EU (European Union) member states. Our city is home to some 170 Italian companies, spanning banking, communications, logistics, design, and a wide range of other businesses.

     The “Made in Italy” label is synonymous with superior design and exceptional taste. From luxury fashion to automobiles, and from Chianti wine to gelato and chocolate, Hong Kong people just love Italian products. Italian brands and designs are literally everywhere in this city – if you also count the bags carried by the ladies – and gentlemen, too. 

     Speaking of design, I’m pleased to note that Italy will be the partner country for our Business of Design Week 2025. I am sure we have much to work together in the creative and cultural industries. 

     Looking ahead, our relations are bound to grow even stronger. Commemorating the 700th anniversary of the passing of Macro Polo and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Italy, the recent state visit by President Mattarella to our country was highly successful, marking a renewed commitment to strengthening cultural, commercial and diplomatic ties.

     As a “super connector” between the Mainland and the rest of the world, Hong Kong will continue to create ample opportunities for Italian businesses and industries. Beyond our role as an international financial, shipping, and trade centre, we see tremendous potential for mutually rewarding collaboration in innovation and technology. 

     Hong Kong, together with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), is rapidly emerging as an international innovation and technology centre. We focus on four strategic areas: AI and data analytics, biotech, fintech, and new energy and new materials. We welcome Italian enterprises in these sectors to work with us to reap the tremendous benefits ahead.

     Ladies and gentlemen, the Chief Executive’s recent Policy Address announced further measures to underline our commitment in this pursuit, including increasing investments in emerging industries, advancing strategic infrastructure such as the Northern Metropolis, and strengthening our collaboration with neighbouring cities in the GBA.

     Hong Kong is an ideal platform for Italian technology and manufacturing businesses – be they machinery, pharmaceutical, fintech or green industries – seeking to explore the vast opportunities in this part of the world.

     In short, the friendship and partnership that we are building will be highly rewarding long down the road.

     Last but not least, may I wish you continued success in your business endeavours in Hong Kong and beyond in the years to come.

     Grazie! 

    

     Following is the speech by the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the welcome dinner of the 5th US-China Hong Kong Forum today (November 15):
 
Vice Minister Lu Kang (Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee), Commissioner Cui Jianchun (Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Mr John Zhao (Chairman of the China-United States Exchange Foundation), Mr Bi Jingquan (Chairman of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges), Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good evening. It is my pleasure to be here tonight for the Welcome Dinner of the US-China Hong Kong Forum 2024.
 
     The Chief Executive, who had hoped to be with you tonight, sends his regrets. He is in Lima, Peru, for the 31st APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Economic Leaders’ Meeting.
 
     This is the fifth US-China Hong Kong Forum. For bringing together this distinguished group of institutional and governmental leaders and high-profile analysts from all over the world, I am grateful to the organisers: the China-United States Exchange Foundation and the China Center for International Economic Exchanges.
 
     This two-day gathering is taking place under the theme “Reflection and Forecast”. Much of that reflection, and forecast, no doubt, will focus on the results, the implications and the consequences, of the recent US elections.
 
     In that, I take heart from President Xi. Last week, he congratulated President-elect Trump on his victory. President Xi noted that both countries will gain from co-operation – and lose from confrontation. Finding a way forward based on collaboration, President Xi added, would benefit not only the two countries, but the world at large.
 
     President Xi also expressed the hope that the two sides will uphold the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win co-operation, strengthen dialogue and communication, properly manage differences and expand mutually beneficial co-operation.
 
      In the face of a world of transformation and turbulence, it is clear that common interests between China and the US should outweigh differences, and a return to sound and steady development can only benefit all concerned.
 
     That certainly includes Hong Kong-US relations. President Xi once pointed out that China-US ties are among the most important in the world today. Let me add that Hong Kong-US bilateral ties are a special component of the critical relations between China and the US.

     Hong Kong and the US, after all, share a great many common values, from the rule of law and independent judiciary, to the free flow of capital, goods and talent. Our currencies, too, are freely convertible and our markets are free and open.
 
     In Hong Kong, these unique strengths are enshrined in the Basic Law. Our “one country, two systems” framework and our institutional advantages are intact and continue to serve us well.
 
     And President Xi has, on numerous occasions, reiterated that “one country, two systems” will be with us for the long haul.
 
     The ties that connect Hong Kong and the US are longstanding: the US has had a diplomatic presence here for more than 180 years. Our ties are also mutually rewarding. 
 
     Indeed, the US enjoys significant economic benefits thanks to the longstanding ties between our two economies. Over the past 10 years, the US has realised a trade surplus of more than 270 billion US dollars with Hong Kong. That, ladies and gentlemen, is the largest among its global trading partners.
 
     The US is also one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment in Hong Kong. Not surprising, given that more than 1 200 US companies maintain business operations in our city. Among them, about 700 serve as regional headquarters or regional offices.
 
     The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong is the largest among our city’s international business chambers – a critically important part of the Hong Kong business community.
 
     Given our deep trade and economic ties, and long-standing collaboration in so many areas, from education to arts, culture and entertainment, I am hopeful that our relations will continue to grow.
 
     We may have our differences, but only by working together, can we begin to resolve some of our difficult common issues, from economic development to climate change.
 
     And Hong Kong, let me remind you, is a longstanding bridge – a super-connector – between the US and Mainland China.
 
     We remain the premier gateway for US businesses looking to enter the China market. 
 
     Chinese and English are our official languages, and we speak both languages in daily life.
 
     As our many US citizens will tell you. Some 90 000 US citizens live in Hong Kong, one of the largest US expat communities in any city in Asia. And we welcome even more Americans to move to Hong Kong – to look to Hong Kong for their future.
 
     Thanks to our talent admission schemes, more than 160 000 professionals have settled in Hong Kong over the past two years. They include some 4 700 from the US.
 
     The number of universities under our Top Talent Pass Scheme, let me add, has recently expanded to 198. And 54 of the “top” universities on that international list are American – far more than any other nation in the world.
 
     So, yes, Hong Kong has long looked to the US for cooperation. And we continue to look to the US for cooperation – in so many areas, in so many ways.
 
     Hong Kong has three Economic and Trade Offices (ETO) in the US – in Washington D.C., New York and San Francisco. And we continue to liaise with the US administration and Congress, as well as the nation’s business community, its think tanks and academia, to strengthen our ties – in business, trade and investment, as well as in education and cultural exchanges.
 
     I encourage you to work closely with our three US ETOs to help them tell the good stories of Hong Kong – and the good stories of Hong Kong-US relations. How they have worked, so well, for both sides, for so long. And why it is in everyone’s interest that our ties continue – and continue to flourish.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you the best of business tomorrow, day two of this essential Forum. And alongside “Reflection and Forecast”, I urge you to consider prospects and possibilities that can expand China-US cooperation and, in doing so, create the means for rewarding bilateral ties – and the global progress that will surely set in motion.
 
     I know you will enjoy this evening’s dinner and the good company all about you, and I wish you all the best of health, business and cooperation in the coming year. 
 
     Thank you very much.