Tag Archives: China

     The China Manned Space delegation attended a luncheon hosted by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau today (November 30) to meet and exchange views with representatives from Hong Kong’s technology and higher education sectors.

     The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, said at the luncheon, “The National Manned Space Programme has been breaking new ground and making remarkable achievements in the past some-30 years. Last year, the country launched the recruitment of the fourth batch of astronauts and the recruitment of payload specialists in Hong Kong for the first time, giving Hong Kong citizens the opportunity to participate in the important missions of the National Manned Space Programme. This demonstrated the country’s care and support to Hong Kong, and the importance and recognition attached to Hong Kong’s technology sector. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been rendering its full co-operation to the country’s recruitment exercise. We are deeply honoured and encouraged that Hong Kong candidates have entered into the final stage of the recruitment process. We hope that the Hong Kong candidates could have the opportunity to realise their space aspirations and contribute to the country. Meanwhile, Hong Kong has a solid foundation in basic scientific research. We will continue to leverage on our strengths to contribute to the country’s building of an aerospace power.”
 
     The Deputy Director General of the China Manned Space Agency, Mr Lin Xiqiang, also shared the country’s achievements and latest developments in aerospace technology with representatives from the technology and higher education sectors at the luncheon.

     The luncheon was attended by officials from the HKSAR Government, including Professor Sun; the Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Mr Eddie Mak; the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong; the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Ivan Lee; the Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Tony Wong; and the Commissioner for Efficiency, Miss Patricia So.

     Representatives from the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison also attended. Other guests included presidents of universities and young researchers, representatives from the University Grants Committee, the Research Grants Council, research and development centres for innovation and technology, and the InnoHK research laboratories.

      

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, at Our Hong Kong Foundation and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation Joint BioTech Research Report Launch: “Developing Hong Kong into Asia’s Leading Clinical Innovation Hub” today (November 30):
 
Dr Silas Yang (Governor of Our Hong Kong Foundation), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good afternoon. I am most delighted to stand before you today as the Secretary for Health to give remarks at the launch of the insightful research report “Developing Hong Kong into Asia’s Leading Clinical Innovation Hub”, which was jointly conducted by Our Hong Kong Foundation (OHKF) and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP). I would like to extend my warmest welcome to all in attendance today, and express my deepest gratitude to OHKF and the HKSTP for spearheading this pioneering study.
            
     The launch of the study today comes at a perfect time as our community and the world are now entering the post-COVID pandemic stage and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is determined to seize the opportunity to develop Hong Kong into a health and medical innovation hub. In this year’s Policy Address, the Chief Executive announced that various initiatives will be implemented to develop Hong Kong into a health and medical innovation hub by leveraging Hong Kong’s high-quality healthcare system, state-of-the-art research facilities and capabilities, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) national strategy.
 
     First of all, Hong Kong is planning to establish the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute (GBAICTI) in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone to provide a one-stop clinical trial support platform for research institutions and stakeholders, and co-ordinate resources in the public and private healthcare sectors.  More importantly, the Hetao Co-operation Zone provides the ideal strategic location for a Hong Kong-Shenzhen cross-boundary collaborative clinical trial platform that complies with both national and international standards, combining the high-quality international clinical research experience of Hong Kong with the large-quantity clinical networks in Shenzhen and the GBA.
 
     At the same time, our Hospital Authority (HA), that manages 43 public hospitals under a single clinical management computer system ideal for clinical trial networks and big data research, will establish the Cluster Clinical Research Support Office that aims to roll out different supportive measures to encourage, facilitate and expedite the process of clinical trials.
 
     With the aim of bringing good medicine to Hong Kong 「好藥港用ã€� and enhancing our biomedicine development ecosystem, we are also taking steps to enhance our drug regulatory regime towards the “primary evaluation” approach. The Government will establish a drug and medical device regulatory authority under the title of the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation (CMPR). As the first step, we have launched the new “1+” mechanism since November 1, 2023, to expedite the approval of new drugs. In contrast to secondary evaluation that requires the approval of two reputable regulatory authorities or two CPPs (Certificates of Pharmaceutical Product), application for registration of new drugs used for life-threatening or severely-debilitating diseases may now rely on one CPP plus the submission of sufficient local clinical data for experts’ approval. The new regime will provide a fast track for the registration and clinical use of new drugs to benefit needy patients not only in Hong Kong but in the GBA through the measure of using Hong Kong registered drugs and medical devices used in Hong Kong public hospitals in the GBA 「港澳藥械通ã€�. It will also attract pharmaceutical and device industries to develop R&D (research and development) and have new medical products registered in Hong Kong.
 
     In addition, with the support of the National Medical Products Administration, Hong Kong, China has been accepted as an observer of the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) with effect from October 31, 2023. Our mission is to serve as the centre of “bringing in” and “going global” for health and medical innovations that will benefit the GBA and contribute to the building of a “Healthy China” and to become an internationally recognised regulatory authority for medical products.
 
     The initiatives call for concerted cross-sector collaboration and dialogue, and OHKF and the HKSTP are definitely our important partners in this subject area. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for the research report which shares the same visions that the Government has and sheds insightful light on how Hong Kong can leverage our strengths to elevate our standing as a regional powerhouse that propels health and medical innovation, bringing benefits to Hong Kong and the GBA as well as contributing to the building of a “Healthy China”. This report systematically unveils policy, talent, operational and infrastructural constraints hindering Hong Kong’s clinical research ascent through in-depth surveys and experts’ interviews that involved over 250 stakeholders. Based on stakeholders’ feedback, it recommends action plans across five fronts that can help overcome our limitations and transform Hong Kong into a leading regional powerhouse and global influencer in the field of medical innovation. The recommendations echo the Government’s initiatives and reinforce our society’s confidence in scaling new heights in health and medical innovation.
 
     In closing, I would like to quote from the important speech that President Xi Jinping delivered at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term Government of the HKSAR last year. President Xi said, “We must fully and faithfully implement the principle of ‘one country, two systems'” and “Hong Kong should maintain its distinctive status and advantages.”
 
     Hong Kong’s mission of developing into a health and medical innovation hub with a new policy of “primary evaluation” for medical products and establishment of a clinical trial platform in collaboration with Shenzhen and the GBA follows President Xi’s direction to maintain our distinctive status and advantages in clinical research. It will create strong impetus for growth in biomedical innovation and translation as Hong Kong dovetails with the national strategies of the 14th Five-Year Plan and the GBA development to develop an international innovation and technology centre. It will address people’s expectation to benefit from the most advanced biomedical technology and further enhance the healthcare standard in Hong Kong.
 
     Finally, I would like to reiterate the Government’s gratitude for this extensive research report, which sheds light on Hong Kong’s health and medical innovation landscape and suggests pathways for seeking a breakthrough. It is of extremely high reference value. Thank you very much and may I wish you all excellent health.

  

     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the International Chamber of Commerce – Hong Kong: 25th Anniversary Reception today (November 30):
 
Mr J P Lee (Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce – Hong Kong), Mr Keith Brandt (Chairman of the 25th Anniversary Celebration Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce – Hong Kong), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening. I am pleased to join this high-powered gathering tonight. We are here to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) – Hong Kong. Happy anniversary!
 
     Since its establishment in 1998, ICC Hong Kong has played a pivotal role in promoting Hong Kong’s strengths and advantages to the world. It has, as well, assisted Hong Kong’s business community in expanding our presence in international commerce, while boosting Hong Kong’s role as the ideal gateway between the East and the West.
 
     Our enviable strengths are premised under the unique “one country, two systems” principle. This principle is the bedrock of Hong Kong’s continued success. As you have heard from President Xi Jinping last year, this great principle is here to stay.
 
     With this clear commitment and backing by the Central Government, you just know that Hong Kong’s success story will keep writing itself, one chapter more successful after another.
 
     I’m confident that Hong Kong’s “super connector” role and “super value-adder” role, between the Mainland and the rest of the world, will keep growing. Our potential in growth and development will keep unleashing.
 
     Hong Kong promotes open international trade and investment. We champion free trade and provide a level playing field for all. I am sure that all of you, as respected leaders of the thriving business community of Hong Kong, can testify to that.
 
     You live and work here. You enjoy the vibrancy of a safe and peaceful Hong Kong day in, day out. You are fully familiar with our bilingual community, not just in doing business, but also in grocery shopping and bar hopping. Indeed, your presence here indicates your vote of confidence in Hong Kong.
 
     But not everyone in the world – not everyone yet – has the fortune of travelling to this part of the globe, and they haven’t seen the facts for themselves.
 
     You will be aware that there is no shortage of speculations in the media, especially western media, and the social media, questioning Hong Kong’s continued success as a financial centre. From time to time, you come across reported claims that Hong Kong will not be able to maintain our uniqueness.
 
     Let me just set the record straight here. Hong Kong is a major international financial centre. No doubt about it. This is not just a grand statement by John Lee, the Chief Executive. This was reaffirmed in the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) report this year, which commends Hong Kong’s robust institutional frameworks, substantial capital and liquidity buffers, high-quality regulatory regime, and a well-functioning Linked Exchange Rate System.
 
     Hong Kong has a long and proud tradition of the rule of law. We are the only common law jurisdiction in China. We have a judiciary that exercises its power independently, free from any interference. It means our legal system is similar to that of most major international financial centres, and we speak the same legal language as they do.
 
     Hong Kong is proud to have a business-friendly environment, low tax regime, free economic system, as well as a wealth of multicultural and multitalented professionals with extensive knowledge on global markets.
 
     Hong Kong has signed free trade agreements (FTA) with 20 economies. Just a month ago, we signed an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) with Türkiye. It is the first IPPA signed by the current-term Government, bringing our IPPA coverage to a total of 32 economies.
 
     We are also negotiating IPPAs with Bahrain, Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia respectively, plus an FTA with Peru. These would provide Hong Kong enterprises with better legal protection and enhanced market access.
 
     Just yesterday, Asia’s first Saudi Arabia exchange-traded fund (ETF) was launched here in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, our Stock Connect Scheme with the Mainland has yielded a cumulative turnover of over US$4,700 billion. These speak volume about our crucial role as an international gateway for capital flow.
 
     In my second Policy Address, I made it a point that we remain committed to strengthening Hong Kong’s global competitiveness. We are redoubling our efforts to bring in talents and enterprises from around the world.
 
     We have already achieved our targets of attracting overseas talents to Hong Kong successfully, by hitting our two-year target in just under a year. Over 70 000 new talents have already arrived in Hong Kong, doubling our annual target of attracting 35 000 talents.
 
     We have also successfully attracted some 30 global enterprises in strategic industries to establish or expand their operations here. They are expected to invest HK$30 billion and create 10 000 new jobs here.
 
     These results in the first year have been encouraging, and we will keep working to raise Hong Kong’s competitiveness.
 
     You can help us too. I am sure you have many great Hong Kong stories to tell your contacts and business partners. Tell them all about Hong Kong’s attractiveness, Hong Kong’s business-friendliness, and our world-class professional services.
 
     Invite them here. Show them around, not just for meetings or conferences, but also our vibrant wine and dine scenes that cater for the taste buds of everybody from around the world, or the natural wonders in our countryside, just a stone’s throw away from the city centre. Seeing is believing!
 
     On that note, may I offer my warmest congratulations again to the International Chamber of Commerce – Hong Kong on your 25th anniversary. I wish the Chamber every success in the next 25 years ahead.
 
     Have an enjoyable evening. Thank you.

    

     The Government announced today (November 30) the appointment of Dr Lam Ching-choi as the new Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health (ACMH), as well as the appointment of eight new members and reappointment of 15 incumbent members, for a term of two years with effect from tomorrow (December 1).
 
     The eight newly appointed members are Dr Chang Wing-chung, Dr Peter Tsoi Ting-kwok, Dr Josephine Grace Wong Wing-san, Miss Chan Sau-kam, Miss Vicky Leung Pui-ki, Professor Paul Yip Siu-fai, Miss Linda Choy Siu-min and Miss Sara Tong See-pui, SC. 
 
     The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, is pleased that Dr Lam has accepted the appointment as Chairman of the Advisory Committee, and that new members are joining the Advisory Committee. He said, “Dr Lam has had a long record of public service. With his extensive experience in healthcare and elderly issues, I am confident that the ACMH will build on past achievements and provide invaluable advice to the Government under his leadership. The newly appointed members have a wealth of experience and professional knowledge in their respective sectors. I look forward to working together with Dr Lam and all members in enhancing the mental health of the general public.”
 
     Professor Lo also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing Chairman, Mr Wong Yan-lung, SC, who is about to complete his tenure, for his outstanding contribution to mental health policies and services. He said, “As the inaugural Chairman of the ACMH, Mr Wong Yan-lung, SC, has demonstrated exceptional leadership in steering the ACMH to formulate work plans from a broad perspective throughout his six-year tenure. He is committed to encouraging various service providers to explore ways to strengthen the modes in the provision of mental health services, and is particularly concerned about the mental health services for specific groups including students, carers of persons in mental recovery and ethnic minorities, and strives to enhance publicity and public education. He has made a significant contribution to the development of mental health services in Hong Kong. Under his leadership, the ACMH launched the ‘Shall We Talk’ mental health promotion and public education initiative; completed three city-wide mental health surveys; co-ordinated the Mental Health Initiatives Funding Scheme; and has actively followed up on the implementation of the recommendations under the 2017 Mental Health Review Report (Review Report).”
　　
     Professor Lo expressed gratitude to the eight outgoing members, namely Professor Eric Chen Yu-hai, Ms Jamie Cheng Po-kwan, Dr David Lau Ying-kit, Mr Frederick Lai Wing-hoi, Dr Pamela Tin Sze-pui, Professor Samson Tse Shu-ki, Mr Banny Lau and Ms Yuen Shuk-yan, for their remarkable contributions to the ACMH during their tenure.
 
     Established in December 2017, the ACMH advises the Government on mental health policies, including the adoption of a more integrated and comprehensive approach to tackle multifaceted mental health issues, assisting the Government in formulating policies, strategies and measures, as well as following up on and monitoring the implementation of various recommendations of the Review Report, with a view to enhancing mental health services in Hong Kong.
 
     The membership of the ACMH from December 1 this year is as follows:
 
Chairman
————
Dr Lam Ching-choi
 
Non-official members
————————–
 
Healthcare sector
# Dr Chang Wing-chung
* Dr Hung Se-fong
* Professor Patrick Ip Pak-keung
* Dr Carolyn Kng Poey-lyn
* Professor Linda Lam Chiu-wa
* Ms Jolene Mui
# Dr Peter Tsoi Ting-kwok
# Dr Josephine Grace Wong Wing-san
 
Social service and education sectors
# Miss Chan Sau-kam
* Mr Chua Hoi-wai
# Miss Vicky Leung Pui-ki
* Ms Rachel Leung Wai-ling
* Mr Ricky Leung Wai-kay
* Mr Tso Tat-ming
* Mr Terry Wong Chung-bao
# Professor Paul Yip Siu-fai
 
Lay persons
Miss Angel Chan Hoi-yi (Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth member)
* Ms Lily Chan
Mr Ikey Cheung Ho-yuen (Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth member)
# Miss Linda Choy Siu-min
* Dr Ferrick Chu Chung-man (Representative of Equal Opportunities Commission)
* Ms Shirley Marie Therese Loo
* Professor Naubahar Sharif
* Ms Barbara Tong
# Miss Sara Tong See-pui, SC
 
Ex-officio members
————————
Permanent Secretary for Health or representative
Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare or representative
Permanent Secretary for Education or representative
Director of Health or representative
Director of Social Welfare or representative
Director (Cluster Services), Hospital Authority
Chairman, Coordinating Committee in Psychiatry, Hospital Authority
Principal Assistant Secretary (Health) 3 (Secretary)
 
Note:
# New appointments
* Reappointments  read more

     Regarding the incident announced on November 23 where samples of pigs from a local pig farm tested positive for African Swine Fever (ASF), the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) launched a … read more