Tag Archives: China

     The Government Property Agency is inviting two separate quotations for (i) Shop No. 1 and (ii) Shop No. 2, both on Ground Floor, Passenger Terminal Building (Public Transport Interchange), Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point, New Territories, Hong Kong, each for a three-year tenancy subject to the provisions for renewal for a further term of two years.

     Both premises should only be used for general retail and/or services purposes, excluding fast food shop, restaurant, godown, residential use, office use; and excluding sale of any goods or commodities that are subject to export control under the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, any regulations made thereunder and any amending legislations.

     The quotation notices were uploaded today (December 7) to the Government Property Agency’s Property Portal: www.gpaproperty.gov.hk. Quotation documents are available for collection at the Government Property Agency, 9/F, South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, during the period from 9am to 6pm from Monday to Friday, except public holidays. The documents can also be downloaded from the Government Property Agency’s Property Portal.

     Interested bidders who wish to conduct a site inspection of the premises should make a prior appointment with the Agency by calling 3842 6915 on or before December 14.

     Bidders must submit their quotations by placing them in the Government Property Agency Quotation Box placed at the Ground Floor Lobby, South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, before noon on January 3, 2024. Late quotations will not be accepted. read more

     The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has received notification from the Government of the Republic of Angola (Angola) that HKSAR passport holders may visit Angola visa-free for a stay of up to 3… read more

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (December 7) that the Aberdeen Public Library (including the Students’ Study Room) will be temporarily closed on December 10 to facilitate voting for the 2023 District Council Ordinary Election at the polling station located in the Aberdeen Sports Centre.
 
     A book drop service will be available at the Aberdeen Public Library on that day. Alternatively, readers may borrow or return library materials at other public libraries, or renew loan items by telephone on 2698 0002/2827 2833 or online at www.hkpl.gov.hk.
 
     For enquiries, please contact library staff of the Aberdeen Public Library at 2921 1056. read more

     Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, at the Policy Dialogue Session – Powering Economic Growth through a Future-Ready IP Policy of the 13th Business of Intellectual Property Asia Forum today (December 7):

Director General Daren Tang (Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization), Deputy Commissioner Lu Pengqi (Deputy Commissioner of the China National Intellectual Property Administration), Professor Muhammed Zeki Durak (President of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office), Mr Santisouk Phounesavath (Chairman, Association of Southeast Asian Nations Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation), Mr Rowel Barba (Chair, Intellectual Property Rights Experts Group, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. I’m thrilled to be here at today’s Policy Dialogue Session. We have a lineup of experienced leaders of international and regional intellectual property (IP) offices, who will shed light on the latest global and regional IP policies. But before we dive into their insights, allow me some time to pick up what the Deputy Financial Secretary has just mentioned about our ongoing efforts to further develop Hong Kong into a dynamic regional IP trading centre.

     One of the areas that we are focusing on is patents. Since the introduction of Hong Kong’s Original Grant Patent (OGP) system in 2019, we have poured resources into fortifying our patent regime by building up our substantive examination capacity progressively. As you would have already heard, we will be introducing legislative amendments in the first half of next year to introduce the “patent box” tax incentive, offering a competitive tax regime to those taxpayers who have successfully brought their R&D (research and development) outcomes to the marketplace and have their patented inventions commercialised.

     We will also plan for the introduction of regulatory arrangements for local patent agent services. We recognise the crucial role played by patent agents in supporting inventors to file and prosecute patent applications and resolve disputes over issues on patents, thereby driving more IP trading activities involving patents with market potential and value. Their professionalism is instrumental in supporting the effective commercialisation of IP assets. The proposed regulatory arrangements will also help enhance service quality and nurturing professional talent, serving as a complementary component to support the development of the OGP system. We will work with stakeholders to look into the pertinent issues involved and work out a way forward in the best interest of Hong Kong.

     Innovation does not stop at patents alone. We are keenly aware of the lightning-fast advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and the need for enhanced copyright protection in this domain. We will conduct a consultation next year to gauge stakeholders’ views on how we may enhance copyright protection for AI-generated work to support AI technology development in Hong Kong.

     Our commitment also extends to elevating the experience and visibility of Hong Kong’s trade shows and events, including the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market exhibition, the Hong Kong International Licensing Show, and the Hong Kong Book Fair. These events serve as vibrant hubs where IP owners, sellers, buyers and intermediaries gather, fostering connections and deal-making opportunities. By enhancing these platforms, we attract a wide array of industry players, boosting the visibility and allure of Hong Kong’s IP trading scene. Moreover, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council has been enhancing its Asia IP Exchange portal, which provides a dynamic digital marketplace that complements the physical trade shows and events. The synergy between these physical and digital platforms will enhance accessibility and facilitates the seamless exchange of IP on a regional scale.

     By connecting the dots and implementing these interconnected initiatives, we will continue to enrich the IP ecosystem, making it more comprehensive and solid in support of Hong Kong’s growth and development as a regional IP trading centre.

     Ladies and gentlemen, IP is the cornerstone of today’s global economy. According to a recent study conducted by the Intellectual Property Department, on average over the period of 2019-2021, the IP-intensive industries in Hong Kong contributed to 32.7 per cent of our GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and 29.1 per cent of our total employment, highlighting the pivotal role IP plays in our economic development. I am eagerly awaiting the insights of our distinguished guests on how policymakers are harnessing the full potential of IP to empower startups, businesses, intermediaries, and society as a whole. It’s an exciting time, and let’s make the most of it.

     Last but not least, to all the eligible voters of Hong Kong, the District Council election is just around the corner. Remember to cast your vote on Sunday. Pick your preferred candidate, and let’s build a nice and harmonious community together. Thank you. read more

     The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (December 7) announced that the department tested 101 water samples collected from cooling towers in 62 buildings in its routine inspections in November this year. Three samples were detected to have a total legionella count at or above the upper threshold, which is 1 000 colony-forming units per millilitre. The latest statistics are set out in Annex 1.

     The cooling towers in which the three samples were collected are located at Wing Ming Building, 122 Ting On Street, Kwun Tong; 23-25 Mei King Street, Kowloon City and 2 Yee On Street, Kwun Tong. The EMSD has issued nuisance notice under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance to the owners of the cooling towers requiring appropriate disinfection work to be done. Among them, the owners of two cooling towers have already completed the disinfection work. The EMSD has instructed again the owner of the cooling tower of the remaining case at 2 Yee On Street, Kwun Tong, to complete the disinfection work within a prescribed period. Details of the cases can be found in Annex 2.

     Apart from carrying out routine surveillance inspections, the EMSD assists the Centre for Health Protection in collecting water samples for testing for epidemiological investigation of Legionnaires’ disease. In November, one sample was detected to have a total legionella count at or above the upper threshold. The owner of the cooling tower has completed disinfection work. Details of the cases can also be found in Annex 2.

     The EMSD publishes the latest statistics of the above information on a half-monthly basis on its website
(www.emsd.gov.hk/en/other_regulatory_services/cooling_towers/water_sampling/index.html).

     The EMSD reminds the owners of fresh water cooling towers that they have the responsibility to design, operate and maintain cooling towers properly. They should arrange regular inspections, timely maintenance and periodic testing of the water quality in their cooling towers in accordance with the Code of Practice for Fresh Water Cooling Towers issued by the department to prevent the proliferation of legionella. read more