Tag Archives: China

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at Malta’s Republic Day Celebration today (December 8):
 
Sein (Consul of Malta in Hong Kong, Ms Sein Chew), Mr Gnocchi (Head of European Union in Hong Kong, Mr Thomas Gnocchi), Mr Pan (Deputy Commissioner of the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Pan Yundong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good evening. It is with immense pleasure that I join you in celebrating the spirit of Malta’s Republic Day, a hallmark of your nation’s proud and sovereign identity. On behalf of the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau of the HKSAR Government, I extend the warmest congratulations to the people of Malta on your national celebration.
 
     Nearly five decades ago, Malta embarked on a new chapter in its illustrious history, revising its constitution and embracing the status of a republic. This bold step not only symbolised the end of a historical era, but also marked the beginning of a journey towards self-governance and national pride. Today, we commend Malta’s accomplishments since the transformation and celebrate the spirit of freedom and progress that the Republic Day embodies.
 
     Our ties with Malta extend beyond today’s celebration, rooted in our longstanding economic and trade relationships. The Comprehensive Double Taxation Agreement signed between Malta and Hong Kong in 2011 stands as a testament to our mutual commitment to fostering an environment conducive to financial prosperity and co-operation. This agreement has laid a foundation for our flourishing partnership, enabling businesses and individuals to thrive and contribute to the economic welfare of both our regions.
 
     In these times of global economic flux, where challenges and uncertainties abound, Hong Kong’s resilience as an international financial centre continues to shine. Implementation of “one country, two systems” bridges the vast potential of our motherland with the dynamic pulse of global finance in our city. It is this unique strength that has enabled us to weather storms and emerge resilient.
 
     This resilience is evident in the performance of our financial sectors. As of the end of October, the securities market has seen a 17 per cent year-on-year rebound in market capitalisation, while our asset and wealth management sector recorded net inflow of HK$88 billion reaching HK$30.5 trillion at the end of last year. The banking industry, too, has shown increase in deposits, and the insurance sector has recorded an impressive 30.6 per cent surge in new office premiums of long-term business, excluding retirement scheme business, in the first three quarters of this year.
 
     These achievements reflect Hong Kong’s commitment to maintaining a strong, reliable, and forward-thinking financial hub that Malta and other global partners can confidently rely on. As an international financial centre, Hong Kong extends a warm invitation to companies from Malta to capitalise on our status as a major hub for capital formation. 
 
     Moreover, as the world’s largest offshore RMB (Renminbi) business hub, we are eager to welcome companies from Malta to issue RMB bonds in Hong Kong. We also encourage banks from Malta to leverage our comprehensive RMB clearing and settlement system, which facilitates RMB trade settlements and a spectrum of other RMB-related financial activities, thereby streamlining Malta’s commercial interactions with Mainland China.
 
     Such collaborations will unlock new growth avenues, fortifying the economic bonds between our regions. As we navigate the complexities of the international economic environment, let us reaffirm our dedication to nurturing our ties and work together to foster a future rich in opportunity and mutual success.
 
     In closing, I once again convey my warmest regards on the occasion of celebrating Malta’s Republic Day. May the year ahead be filled with peace, prosperity, and continued friendship between us. Thank you. read more

     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) was notified today (December 8) by the University of Hong Kong (HKU) that an environmental sample taken from the Mai Po Nature Reserve (MPNR) tested positive for H5N1 subtype highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.
      
     A research team of the School of Public Health, HKU collects samples from the MPNR regularly for avian influenza surveillance. Among the environmental samples collected on December 6, a sample of faecal dropping has been confirmed to be positive for H5N1.
      
     An AFCD spokesman said the World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong, the managing organisation of the MPNR, has stepped up cleansing and disinfection of tourist facilities including bird hides and floating boardwalk. Disinfectant carpet has been placed at the entrance of the MPNR for visitors to disinfect the soles of their shoes. In addition, the AFCD is closely monitoring the situation of the birds in the MPNR and has put up notices to remind visitors to pay attention to personal hygiene.
      
     There are no chicken farms within three kilometres of the MPNR. Since winter set in, the AFCD has strengthened avian influenza surveillance and been closely monitoring the situation of the local poultry farms and wholesale market. Poultry farmers, pet bird shop owners, and licence holders of pet poultry and racing pigeons are reminded from time to time to ensure that proper precautions against avian influenza have been implemented.
      
     “People should avoid contact with wild birds and live poultry and their droppings. They should clean their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with them. Members of the public can call 1823 for the AFCD’s follow-up if they come across birds suspected to be sick or dead, including the carcasses of wild birds and poultry,” the spokesman said.
      
     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will continue to be vigilant over live poultry stalls. It will also remind stall operators to maintain good hygiene.
      
     The Department of Health will keep up with its health education to remind members of the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent avian influenza.
      
     The AFCD, the FEHD, the Customs and Excise Department and the Police will strive to deter the illegal import of poultry and birds into Hong Kong to minimise the risk of avian influenza outbreaks caused by imported poultry and birds that have not gone through inspection and quarantine.
      
     All relevant government departments will continue to be highly vigilant and strictly enforce preventive measures against avian influenza. Health advice about preventing avian influenza is available on the AFCD website at www.afcd.gov.hk. read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:      Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) and the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH) signed a collaborative agreement today (December 8) to promote exchange and co-ope… read more

     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, attended the Passing-out Parade for the 136th-139th Customs Inspector Induction Courses and the 488th-491st Customs Officer Induction Courses at the Hong Kong Customs College today (December 8) to inspect 79 Probationary Customs Inspectors and 94 Probationary Customs Officers on parade. For the first time, there are six Probationary Customs Inspectors among the passing-out officers who are also members of the Customs Youth Leader Corps.

     The Guards of Honour and all passing-out officers adopted the Chinese-style foot drill to form the bauhinia pattern which represents the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) during the foot drill performance. This arrangement symbolised the passing-out officers bearing allegiance to the HKSAR. Then, the parade formed a pattern that represents the world, demonstrating the full support of Hong Kong Customs for the country’s Belt and Road Initiative. The performance concluded with the pattern symbolising the District Council election to appeal to voters to vote.
      
     In his speech, Mr Chan said with the staunch support of the country, Hong Kong has been fully implementing the National Security Law and embarking on the new journey from stability to prosperity in full normalcy after the epidemic, and that Hong Kong Customs shoulders four important missions along this course.
      
     On safeguarding national security and maintaining social stability, Mr Chan praised Hong Kong Customs for its remarkable achievements in combating smuggling and drug trafficking syndicates. Pointing out that the number of relevant cases detected in the first 10 months this year has seen an over 50 per cent year-on-year increase, Mr Chan stressed that Customs officers have to stay vigilant at all times and adopt the bottom-line thinking.
      
     Capitalising on Hong Kong’s distinctive advantage of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, Mr Chan reckoned that the leadership role of Hong Kong Customs on the international stage has become more noticeable. In addition to the endorsement by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to establish a WCO Regional Dog Training Centre in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Customs will take up the post of the WCO Vice-Chairperson for the Asia/Pacific Region from 2024 to 2026. The department is also dedicated to expediting the development of Smart Customs and has launched the Smart Customs, Smart Borders and Smart Connectivity Initiative together with the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China to facilitate the high quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
      
     To improve people’s livelihood, Mr Chan said that Hong Kong Customs is committed to protecting the rights and interests of consumers. The department has handled more than 10 000 complaints relating to the Trade Descriptions Ordinance in the first 10 months this year to rigorously crack down on unscrupulous traders in order to ensure a safe and pleasant shopping experience for the public and visitors.
      
     On promoting youth development, Mr Chan said Hong Kong Customs established in 2021 a youth development programme known as Customs YES to nurture positive mindsets and law-abiding behaviour of young people, and to heighten their sense of national identity.
      
     Mr Chan encouraged the passing-out officers to achieve Hong Kong Customs’ objective of “Connectivity towards Security and Prosperity”, and strive to provide diverse and quality customs services, making significant new contributions to the country and Hong Kong.
      
     The District Council election is to be held the day after tomorrow (December 10). Mr Chan called upon fellow colleagues, friends and guests to fulfil their civic responsibilities by voting for the District Council members they trust, with whom they can build together a prosperous and harmonious community.

            

     The Awards Presentation Ceremony of the Asia Pacific Information and Communications Technology Alliance (APICTA) Awards 2023 was held today (December 8). In the event organised by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) and the Hong Kong Computer Society (HKCS), Hong Kong teams achieved remarkable results again, bagging a record-breaking total of seven Winner and 13 Merit Awards among over 250 entries, ranking first among the 16 participating economies.

     This year’s APICTA Awards, hosted by Hong Kong for the third time since 2004 and 2013, brought together over 600 leaders and elites of the information and communications technology (ICT) industry from across the Asia Pacific region. Through four days of award judging and networking activities, the event promoted collaboration in the region’s ICT sector and provided opportunities for participants to experience the leading advantages of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) development.

     The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, congratulated all winning teams at the awards presentation ceremony and applauded their outstanding achievements, which inspired the ICT innovators across the Asia Pacific region. Professor Sun said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government values the contributions of talent with diverse backgrounds and expertise, and will pursue the prevailing strategy of attracting and retaining talent with a view to nurturing an even more vibrant and thriving I&T ecosystem.

     The Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Tony Wong, presented awards to winners at the ceremony and commended their outstanding performances. Hong Kong teams performed exceptionally well among over 250 award entries. The list of award-winning projects by Hong Kong teams is in the attachment.

     The OGCIO and HKCS, with co-sponsorship by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, also hosted “Hong Kong Night” at Cyberport last night (December 7), enabling Hong Kong teams to present their insights, innovative ideas and technology solutions to representatives from other participating economies. Earlier that afternoon, three networking sessions were arranged to facilitate insightful exchanges among primary, secondary and tertiary students of the member economies, as well as forge new connections for start-ups with their counterparts and investors from across the member economies.  

     Brunei Darussalam has been chosen as the host of the 23rd APICTA Awards next year.

     The APICTA Awards is an acclaimed international awards programme organised annually by the APICTA. Through the concerted support of the 16 member economies, the APICTA Awards is highly regarded by the ICT industry in the Asia Pacific region. More details of the Awards are available on the thematic website apicta2023.hk.