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 today (July 3) that due to bi… read more
Owing to the thunderstorm warning, the flag-raising ceremony to be conducted at Golden Bauhinia Square, Wan Chai at 8am today (July 3) will be cancelled. read more
For the fifth consecutive year, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) supported the annual Berlin City Cup in dragon boat races on June 30 and July 1 (Berlin time) at the Olympic Regatta Course in Berlin-Grünau.
More than 70 teams across Germany competed in different race categories. Sports fans and families enjoyed the annual dragon boat-themed tug of war as well as culinary and musical highlights alongside the thrilling competition on the water. The Director of HKETO Berlin, Ms Betty Ho, presented trophies to the winning teams on June 30 (Berlin time).
The Office also hosted a booth to promote Hong Kong to visitors and athletes, especially the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival where thousands of spectators cheer for more than 5 000 athletes at the famous Victoria Harbour every year. The three-day festival in Hong Kong has developed into one of the biggest parties and water sport events in the world. With marching bands, entertainers, live music, food trucks and an artificial sand beach. It is the perfect time for visitors to come to Hong Kong to experience the city’s vibrant culture and festive appeal.
The 2019 edition of the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival will be held from June 14 to 16 next year (Berlin time). Interested teams abroad can apply to join the international championships races, and experience first-hand vibrancy in Asia’s World City.
About Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin
HKETO Berlin is the official Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government representative in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Germany as well as Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland.
Hong Kong Customs seized about 1 kilogram of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of about $500,000 at Hong Kong International Airport on June 30.
Two male passengers arrived in Hong Kong from Thailand on June 30. Upon examination of their luggage, Customs officers found four packs of suspected ketamine wrapped as snacks in their luggage. The two men were then arrested.
The arrested men, aged 34 and 19, have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. They will appear at West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (July 3).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
The Environmental Protection Department today (July 2) reminded members of the public that the Producer Responsibility Scheme on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WPRS) will come into effect on August 1, 2018. The WPRS will cover air-conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, computers, printers, scanners and monitors, which are collectively referred to as regulated electrical equipment (REE). The department also urged suppliers and sellers of REE to gear up for the implementation of the WPRS.
Starting August 1 this year, a consumer who purchases REE can ask the seller to arrange a free statutory removal service to dispose of an item of the same type. Under the arrangement, the designated collector by the seller will remove the waste equipment from a premises as requested by the consumer to a designated recycler for proper treatment. In addition, sellers will have to provide consumers with a recycling label in respect of each REE and a receipt showing the recycling levies, which serve to show that the purchased REE is distributed under the WPRS.
In addition to the free statutory removal service arranged by sellers with a purchase of new REE, members of the public, if necessary, can also call the EPD’s recycling hotline 2676 8888 to arrange for collection service for abandoned REE provided by the operator of the Government’s waste electrical and electronic equipment treatment and recycling facility, WEEE·PARK.
Furthermore, starting August 1 this year, an REE supplier must be registered with the EPD before distributing the above mentioned REE, while an REE seller must have a removal service plan endorsed by the EPD for selling REE. An EPD spokesman reminded members of the trade concerned who have not yet applied to the EPD to act as soon as possible to ensure compliance with the relevant legal requirements when the law comes into effect. They can call the EPD hotline 2310 0223 for enquiries about the applications.
To prepare for the implementation of the WPRS, the EPD and the trade have jointly launched trial schemes since late last year to facilitate the trade and stakeholders to get prepared and familiarise themselves with the relevant operation. The EPD has also organised briefings for members of the trade and has met with trade associations to explain in detail the operation of the WPRS. The EPD with assistance of its appointed service provider has arranged staff to conduct follow-up contacts and shop visits, during which they brief members of the trade about the statutory requirements, and provide the latter with information packages, application forms and promotional materials. It has also been providing assistance to the sellers in completing the application forms, and remind them of the need to ensure compliance with the relevant legal requirements starting August 1 this year.
The control over the disposal, import and export of abandoned REE will come into effect on December 31, 2018. The EPD also urges those interested in obtaining the relevant licences to make applications as soon as possible.
The EPD will launch Announcements in the Public Interest of the WPRS on television and other online platforms tomorrow (July 3). Relevant information will also be advertised on radio and public transportation media platforms. Members of the public can also visit the dedicated website weee.gov.hk for details of the WPRS.
