Following is the speech by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, at the Hong Kong – Riding the Trends in Transportation business luncheon in Singapore today (January 30):

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

     Good afternoon. In fact, Singapore is not too new to me. I worked in the Development Bureau five or six years ago. The Development Bureau is equivalent to the MND (Ministry of National Development) of Singapore, looking after infrastructure development. I was the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), looking after the construction sector. From 2018 to 2020, I used to stay several days here, conducting visits to Singapore's construction industry. I have learnt a lot and actually brought something back to Hong Kong. But I am now wearing a different hat, looking after transport and logistics. Just like the Ministry of Transport in Singapore, the portfolio that I cover includes local transport, the regulation of operators, airport, ports and the associated operations in logistics. I am delighted to be here today to meet different people, who are a bit different from those I met before, and I am delighted to be back to the Lion City in just six months since the Chief Executive's visit, with a HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government and business delegation, last July. Thank you for the opportunity for sharing with all of you today the latest trends in transportation that we are witnessing, and opportunities awaiting us to exploit.

     The year-round summer-like weather and the warm hospitality of the people in Singapore have been a pleasant contrast to the relatively cold spell my colleagues and I experienced back home in Hong Kong last week. Actually there were two or three days last week we experienced temperature of about 4 to 5 degrees Celsius in the morning and probably a peak of around 9 to 10 degrees Celsius in the afternoon. It was extreme and for Hong Kong's standard, it should be regarded as cold. However, the occasional sudden rainfall brought by the monsoonal climate here also serves as a reminder of the unstable global economic outlook in the year of 2024. 

Global trends in aviation, maritime and logistics

     The World Bank's latest Global Economic Prospects report projected the global growth to slow for the third consecutive year, from 2.6 per cent last year to 2.4 per cent in 2024. Trade growth this year is expected to be only half the average in the decade before pandemic. 

     While the risk of a global recession has diminished, mounting geopolitical tensions have loomed large in global stability. The lingering geopolitical risks in Ukraine, the Israel-Gaza conflict, among other regional conflicts, brought disruptions to the global order.   

     Here in Asia, the economic and financial situation remains rather stable, and some even expect strong growth.

     Despite this, in wake of the COVID-19 epidemic, the world of aviation, maritime and logistics has undergone significant changes. We have seen a wave of new transformations in both the regional and international landscapes. Multinational companies have been seeking risk diversification strategies, leading to the emergence of new trade patterns and supply chains. Consumers are increasingly demanding just-in-time deliveries. International trade is getting ever more intricate, necessitating greater professional support from various industries.

     In the meantime, the extreme climate conditions that the world has been experiencing has made it more urgent than ever to address the problem. As an English saying goes, "We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." Climate change has emerged as one of the top policy considerations, with a consensus spanning across countries. 

     Against the above backdrop, "go green" and "go smart" have become the buzzwords worldwide, regardless of the industry one finds themselves in.  

Multimodal connectivity

     With this in mind, we have recently launched two action plans, one on modern logistics development, and another on maritime and port strategy, in Hong Kong in the last quarter of 2023, to embrace the irreversible trends of smart solutions, modernisation, green and sustainability. 

     One of our key focuses is leveraging our advantage in multimodal transport, optimising our world-class airport with strong cargo performance, comprehensive land crossings to different parts of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, or GBA in short, and our well-developed port facilities with frequent liner shipping services, connecting to nearly 500 destinations worldwide through more than 300 international vessel sailings per week.

     The pace of boosting multimodal cargo transhipments between Hong Kong and Mainland China is gathering steam, as we continue with our pilot scheme for sea-air intermodal cargo transhipment between Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and Dongguan, China, with the first phase development of a permanent facility of a dedicated logistics park in Dongguan for this transhipment mode targeted for completion by the end of 2025. Furthermore, several air cargo facilities have come into service since last year. This includes DHL completing the expansion of its Central Asia Hub in Hong Kong; the debut of the premium logistics centre, Cainiao Smart Gateway; and UPS announcing its investment in a new express hub facility at the HKIA. 

     On the sustainability front, we will kick off the feasibility study on providing bunkering of green fuels such as the LNG (liquefied natural gas), green methanol, hydrogen and ammonia, for both local and ocean-going vessels, with a view to developing Hong Kong into a high-quality green fuel bunkering centre. With the increasing use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by airlines around the world, the Airport Authority Hong Kong will also formulate an action plan to drive the use of SAF in our city and we will monitor the development trend closely for forward-looking planning.

Continuing advancements in aviation infrastructure

     Over the past years, we have introduced a host of initiatives ranging from tax concessions targeting key maritime sectors, to collaborations with international maritime organisations and port cities in the GBA. These efforts have helped navigate us through the shifting currents in the global maritime and logistics industry.

     Turning to aviation, the story is different. Global air traffic is experiencing a strong rebound as the COVID-19 pandemic recedes. In the case of HKIA, daily passenger throughput reached 70 per cent of pre-pandemic level by the end of last year, peaking at 80 per cent during the Christmas period. It is expected to fully recover by the end of this year, on pace with other airports in Asia.  

     With the pandemic now behind us, Hong Kong is going all out with the further development of our aviation hub to raise its competitiveness. Among others, we are pursuing the development of the Three-Runway System for our airport, which upon full commissioning will allow HKIA to reach the target of handling 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo per year by 2035.  

     We are already reaping from our investment, with the third runway of our airport opened since 2022, and new infrastructure that allows passengers to travel between HKIA and other GBA cities seamlessly and effortlessly by land and by sea without the need to go through Hong Kong's immigration process commissioned in late 2023. This year, we will see the completion of the Three-Runway System, while the much-anticipated automated carparks at HKIA will open their doors to self-drive passengers from neighbouring Guangdong and Macao wishing to fly to international destinations through our aviation hub.

What Hong Kong means to Singaporeans

     Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong and Singapore share so many similarities, and we enjoy a constructive relationship defined by synergy and co-operation. In 2023, Singapore was Hong Kong's fourth-largest trading partner, and reciprocally, we were your fifth-largest trading partner. Despite our similarities, I must point out that Hong Kong has all along been Singapore's bridgehead to Mainland China. In last year, around 8 per cent of the total merchandise trade between Singapore and Mainland China, amounting to over 11 billion Singapore dollars (HK$67.1 billion), was routed through Hong Kong.

     As the world's second largest economy, it goes without saying that there are tremendous business opportunities in the China market. Let alone the GBA market, an emerging economic powerhouse that covers nine major cities in the Guangdong Province, plus the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao. The region accounts for a population of over 86 million and includes a high proportion of middle-class families, all of whom are potential customers and investors.

     Hong Kong has much to offer as one of the most highly service-oriented economies and with decades of know-how in doing business with both Mainland China and the world. Accompanied by our unique edge and the institutional strength of "one country, two systems", along with our long-renowned professional services, we look forward to welcoming more of our Singaporean friends to tap into the immense potential of the growing Chinese and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) markets.

Concluding remarks

     In weathering a crisis, we see our resilience grow. Hong Kong has undoubtedly faced challenges in the past few years but is now returning to normalcy. We are prepared to sail through the ebbs and flows the global economy expected in the near future.  

     Amidst all the uncertainties ahead, one thing is certain: Hong Kong is back on stage and we are more than ready to welcome visitors from around the world. I am not sure if any of you are a soccer fan like I am. I was thrilled that Hong Kong hosted an exhibition football match last week featuring all-time legends Ryan Giggs' and Michael Owen's teams, and Lionel Messi together with Inter Miami CF will be coming to Hong Kong this weekend and they will play a game with Hong Kong's team this Sunday. 

     Back to business, we will be holding the Hong Kong Maritime Week, an annual flagship event on the global maritime calendar, from November 17 to 23 this year. Throughout the week, there will be a series of events that bring together leading professionals, policymakers and stakeholders from around the globe to exchange insights about the future development of the maritime industry. May I take this opportunity to extend my invitation to all of you and I look forward to seeing you in Hong Kong very soon. 

     In the lead up to the Lunar New Year, I wish you all a fortunate and prosperous Year of Dragon ahead. Thank you.

  

     â€‹The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, today (January 30) gave an update for some 120 representatives of consulates, local and foreign chambers of commerce, professional bodies and the business community on the Government's work on strengthening connection with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the "Connecting Hong Kong and ASEAN" Luncheon co-organised by the Trade and Industry Department and Invest Hong Kong.
      
     Speaking at the luncheon, Mr Yau said that the Government is stepping up partnership with ASEAN, the second largest trading partner of Hong Kong, through, among others, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Investment Agreement between Hong Kong and ASEAN, which entered into full force three years ago.
      
     He pointed out that the two Agreements have strengthened Hong Kong's relations with ASEAN. Since the signing of the Agreements in 2017, Hong Kong's cumulative investment in ASEAN increased by 32 per cent to US$73 billion in 2022. On merchandise trade, ASEAN accounted for almost 14 per cent of Hong Kong's total trade with the world in 2022.
      
     "Earlier this month, I signed the First Protocol to Amend the FTA between ASEAN and Hong Kong to update the Product Specific Rules (PSRs) of origin, which enhanced the coverage of the PSRs from some 200 to almost 600 categories of products. Hong Kong traders will be able to gain originating status for products more easily and effectively to enjoy preferential tariff treatment, which in turn would surely further enhance the burgeoning trade relations between Hong Kong and ASEAN," Mr Yau added.
      
     Apart from promoting trade and investment, the Government also spares no effort in enhancing people-to-people exchange and experience sharing through the Economic and Technical Cooperation (ECOTECH) Work Programme under the FTA.
      
     With a contribution of HK$25 million, the ECOTECH Work Programme encourages activities aiming to exchange information, share best practices and build capacity for regional growth. Twenty-eight projects proposed by ASEAN member states and Hong Kong have been approved so far, covering a wide array of areas including professional services, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) co-operation, trade facilitation, intellectual property and e-commerce co-operation. Thirteen of them have been completed, benefitting more than 4 000 participants.
      
     Mr Yau highlighted Hong Kong's commitment to taking co-operation with ASEAN to the next new level, and called on stakeholders' continued support for Hong Kong's early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world's largest and one of the most open and inclusive free trade agreements.
      
     "All RCEP members, including ASEAN, are already Hong Kong's important trading partners, accounting for 71 per cent of Hong Kong's total merchandise trade in 2022 and 46 per cent of our total trade in services in 2021. This is why Hong Kong is well-placed to join and add distinct value to RCEP, through contributing our advantages as a logistics, trading and financial hub towards further optimisation of the regional supply chain," he said.
      
     The ASEAN Secretary-General, Dr Kao Kim Hourn, expressed his welcome to Hong Kong's accession to RCEP in his opening remarks delivered by the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community, Mr Satvinder Singh, at the luncheon through a video. Noting Hong Kong's unique and significant role in supporting ASEAN's development and prosperity, he said he looked forward to more implementation of practical co-operation in areas of mutual interest in the years to come to further elevate economic and people-to-people relations between ASEAN and Hong Kong.
      
     Also speaking at the luncheon, the Director-General of Trade and Industry, Ms Maggie Wong, expressed appreciation to the professionals and experts in supporting the ECOTECH projects and fostering a closer relationship between Hong Kong and ASEAN.
      
     She also introduced the Government's measures in ensuring that Hong Kong's SMEs are equipped and ready to connect with ASEAN and even RCEP economies. Among others, HK$657 million has been granted under the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales to assist Hong Kong enterprises in exploring and developing their businesses in the ASEAN market.

            

     Hong Kong Customs seized about 4 200 kilograms of dried shark skins suspected to be from endangered species, with an estimated market value of about $1.7 million, at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound yesterday (January 29).
      
     Through risk assessment, Customs on that day selected a container, arriving from Thailand and declared to be containing dried shark skins, for inspection. Upon examination, Customs officers found the batch of suspected endangered species' dried shark skins inside the container.
      
     After a follow-up investigation, Customs yesterday arrested a 67-year-old male director of the consignee company suspected to be connected with the case.
      
     An investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation.
      
     Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years.
      
     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

    

     The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, chaired the first meeting of the Steering Committee on Health and Medical Innovation Development (Steering Committee) today (January 30) to discuss initiatives for bolstering the development of medical innovation in Hong Kong.

     To take forward the recommendation of developing Hong Kong into a health and medical innovation hub as announced in "The Chief Executive’s 2023 Policy Address", the Health Bureau (HHB) has established a high-level Steering Committee, chaired by the Secretary for Health and comprising members from relevant bureaux, departments, institutions, and local medical schools. The Steering Committee is tasked with co-ordinating and advancing the work related to health and medical innovation, and advising the Government on Hong Kong's development in this area. 

     The work focuses of the Steering Committee include:

(i) Steering the direction to enhance local infrastructure and systems to enable high-quality development in health and medical innovation;

(ii) Steering and monitoring the preparation and development of the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation, focusing on capacity building and engagement strategy with the Mainland and international regulatory authorities;

(iii) Steering and monitoring the establishment of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) International Clinical Trial Institute (GBAICTI), focusing on strategies to foster collaboration in clinical trials with the Mainland (especially the GBA) and international stakeholders; and

(iv) Advising on the strategies to foster closer interface and alignment with health and medical innovation development in the Mainland and other places outside Hong Kong.

     Professor Lo said, "Members of the Steering Committee offered invaluable insights at today's meeting to advise on the direction and policy initiatives for driving medical innovation. The HHB will actively follow up with a view to developing Hong Kong into a health and medical innovation hub, which will not only enable patients to benefit from the most advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies but also spurring the growth of new industries in pharmaceutical and medical device research and development (R&D) and testing.

     "Hong Kong has high-quality healthcare professions and an efficient healthcare system. By fully leveraging Hong Kong's medical strengths, promoting health and medical innovation, as well as establishing a registration mechanism of drugs and medical devices based on the 'primary evaluation' approach in the long run, it is expected that more local, Mainland and overseas pharmaceutical and medical device enterprises will be attracted to conduct R&D and clinical trials in Hong Kong. The capacity, recognition and status of Hong Kong's approval mechanism of drugs and medical devices will thus be built up to ensure that the eventual mechanism would be widely recognised internationally and by the Mainland," he stressed.

     "Furthermore, health and medical innovation brings the benefits of good drugs and R&D to Hong Kong. To advance the health and medical innovation development, the HHB needs to take a more proactive and efficient attitude towards the reviewing and registering of drugs and medical devices, and to enhance clinical trial development."

     To this end, the HHB will establish the GBAICTI in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, providing a one-stop clinical trial support platform for medical research institutions and co-ordinating clinical trial resources in Hong Kong's public and private sectors. At the same time, the HHB will also explore co-operation with the clinical trial networks in the Mainland, in particular in the GBA, to co-ordinate clinical trial work between the two places to comply with national and international standards.

     The membership of the Steering Committee is as follows:

Chairman
————
Secretary for Health

Non-official members
————
Professor Lau Chak-sing
Professor Chiu Wai-yan

Official members
————
Permanent Secretary for Health
Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry (or representative)
Director of Health 
Commissioner for Innovation and Technology (or representative)
Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority 

    

     The Thematic Household Survey Report No. 78 is published by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) today (January 30).

     This publication contains key findings of the Thematic Household Survey conducted during December 2022 to April 2023. The survey collected information on various topics, including the utilisation of health services, medical benefits provided by employers/companies, coverage of individually purchased medical insurance and views on organ donation of Hong Kong residents. 

     In view of the emergence of the COVID-19 epidemic in Hong Kong since early 2020, the services throughput and the utilisation across a wide range of health services have been affected to different extents. As such, relevant figures of the present survey should be interpreted with care when compared to the results of similar surveys conducted in the past.

     Findings of the present survey revealed that some 982 800 persons had consulted a doctor during the 30 days before enumeration, constituting 14.2% of total population covered in the survey. While 79.6% of them had consulted practitioners of Western medicine during that period, 24.3% had consulted practitioners of Chinese medicine, including practitioners of Chinese medicine (general practice), bone-setters and acupuncturists.

     Among persons who had been infected with COVID-19 at least three months prior to the time of enumeration, some 526 800 persons (18.4%) had selected symptoms for more than two months that could not be explained by an alternative diagnosis of the doctor. The selected symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction, headache, chest pain, joint pain, etc. About two-thirds of them considered that these symptoms had not affected their everyday functioning or had affected their everyday functioning but the impact was acceptable, while the remaining one-third considered that these symptoms had adversely affected their everyday functioning.

     Some 3 453 500 persons were entitled to medical benefits provided by employers/companies or were covered by individually purchased medical insurance or had both kinds of medical protection, constituting 49.7% of total population covered in the survey. Among them, 1 147 000 persons (33.2%) were entitled to medical benefits from employers/companies only, including 345 900 persons entitled to medical benefits provided by Civil Service / Hospital Authority only. While another 1 261 200 persons (36.5%) were covered by individually purchased medical insurance only, the remaining 1 045 300 persons (30.3%) had both kinds of medical protection.

     Among some 4 503 400 persons aged 18 to 64 covered in the survey, some 1 032 100 persons (22.9%) were willing to donate their organs after death whereas about 769 800 persons (17.1%) were not willing to do so; and 60% of them had not yet decided/considered to do so or did not answer questions on organ donation. 

Other information

     The survey successfully enumerated target respondents in some 10 000 households in accordance with a scientific sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong.

     Detailed findings of the survey, together with the population coverage and concepts/definitions of key terms, are presented in the publication. Users can download the publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?scode=453&pcode=B1130201).

     Enquiries about the survey findings can be directed to the Social Surveys Section (2) of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 0592 or email: thematic@censtatd.gov.hk).