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 

     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 culling operation on November 25 on the farm concerned. The operation was completed today (November 30).

     An AFCD spokesman said, "According to the contingency plan on ASF, the AFCD has sent staff to cull and handle a total of 1 957 pigs on the licensed farm in Lau Fau Shan, Yuen Long, since November 25. The operation was completed today. All culled and handled pigs were sent to the West New Territories Landfill for dumping according to established procedures."

     The spokesman further said, "The AFCD will arrange thorough cleaning and disinfection of the farm, and has notified the World Organisation for Animal Health of this incident. An investigation and tracing of the source of the virus in collaboration with international experts are underway."

     Regarding the three pig farms within three kilometres of the index farm, the AFCD is still suspending transport of any pigs from the three pig farms for the sake of prudence. One of these pig farms has no pigs. As to the other two pig farms, no reports of abnormalities have been received so far. The AFCD will arrange veterinary inspection of these two pig farms tomorrow (December 1) and collect further samples from pigs for ASF virus testing. If no abnormal health condition is noted with the pigs, and all samples test negative for the ASF virus, pigs on these two pig farms would be allowed to be transported to slaughterhouses.

     The AFCD will continue to keep local pig farms under close surveillance, as well as conducting tests if necessary. The AFCD has also reminded all farmers to ensure biosecurity measures have been properly implemented and alert the Department immediately if an abnormal health condition is observed in the pigs.

     The spokesman stressed that ASF is not a zoonotic disease and will not infect humans, hence does not cause any food safety risk. Pork cooked thoroughly is safe for consumption. Members of the public do not need to be concerned. The incident does not affect the operation of local slaughterhouses nor the overall supply of live pigs.

     Following is the opening remarks by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the HKQAA International Symposium – Sustainable Finance, ESG and Climate Resilience · Hong Kong 2023 today (November 30):

Ir C S Ho (Chairman of the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA), Mr Ho Chi-shing), Simon (Deputy Chairman of the HKQAA, Mr Wong Ka-wo), Eddie (Deputy Chairman of the HKQAA, Sr Lam Kin-wing), Michael (Chief Executive Officer of the HKQAA, Dr P H Lam), 陳廳長 (Deputy Director-general of the Department of Finance of Guangdong Province, Mr Chen Guohuang), �廳長(Deputy Director-general of the Department of Finance of Hainan Province, Ms Li Lei), 張巡視員 (Level 2 Inspector of Shenzhen Finance Bureau, Ms Zhang Sufen), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good afternoon. I am pleased to join you for the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency's International Symposium, a platform focusing on sustainable finance and climate resilience as its core theme. Today's symposium gathers a remarkable lineup of speakers representing international organisations, government bodies, and both local and global businesses. We are here to exchange ideas on advancing green and sustainable finance, not just in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, but across our country and at the same time around the world.

     Climate change is more than a global challenge; it is a global call for action and innovative solution. Just two weeks ago, during the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Economic Leaders' Meeting, amidst an informal dialogue and working lunch, President Xi Jinping spotlighted sustainable development as the "golden key" to the world's pressing problems. To accelerate the implementation of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, President Xi stressed the critical need to forge a new path of transformation for green development and build global synergy on climate change.

     In line with our motherland's objectives, Hong Kong is pursuing these sustainability goals. To align with the country's commitment to peak carbon emission before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060, the Hong Kong Government will devote about HK$240 billion to take forward various measures on climate change mitigation and adaptation in the next 15 to 20 years, with a view to achieving carbon neutrality before 2050. By 2035, we aim to reduce our total carbon emissions to half of our 2005 levels.

     We are also striving to accelerate the development of Hong Kong into an international centre for green technology and finance. The Financial Secretary has set up the Green Technology and Finance Development Committee, serving as an important platform to foster the growth of green technology and finance. 

     Reflecting on our progress, the green and sustainable finance market in Hong Kong has seen tremendous growth. The total green and sustainable debt, comprising both bonds and loans, rose by over 40 per cent from 2021, hitting more than US$80 billion in 2022. Remarkably, the green and sustainable bonds arranged in Hong Kong constituted 35 per cent of the Asian market, underscoring our influential role in this domain.

     Building on this momentum, we continue to harness the robust financial infrastructure of Hong Kong, utilising it as a springboard for green investment and financing. One such strategy involves the issuance of government green bonds. Since 2019, the Hong Kong Government has issued some US$24 billion worth of government green bonds, including two mega-scale triple-currency offerings denominated in RMB (Renminbi), Euro and US dollars in January and June this year, marking the largest ESG (environmental, social and governance) bond issuance in Asia.

     Echoing the global trend, businesses across all sectors are recognising the critical importance of sustainable development. Investors are seeking accurate, consistent, and relevant information to comprehend how climate change impacts the operations, assets, and financial status of businesses they invest in.

     In response to this global shift towards sustainable practices and to meet the evolving needs of investors, we are steadfast in our commitment to establishing world-class regulation in line with international standards. As outlined in "The Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address", we are collaborating with relevant financial regulators and stakeholders to create a roadmap for adopting the IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) Sustainability Disclosure Standards in Hong Kong's financial services. To achieve this, a working group led by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and the Securities and Futures Commission, with the participation of relevant financial regulators and major stakeholders, has been set up. The prime focus of the working group is to identify the key elements to be covered by this roadmap.

     Stepping forward from regulation to innovation, we look to actively foster the green fintech ecosystem. With a goal to transform Hong Kong into a leading hub for green fintech, we are paving the way for substantial development in this field. In this pursuit, we will launch a dedicated proof-of-concept subsidy scheme for green fintech in the first half of 2024. The new scheme will promote the development of technological solutions and provide early-stage funding support for pre-commercialised green fintech, thus nurturing the growth of the green fintech ecosystem.

     In a separate but related initiative, we are working with relevant stakeholders on developing a Hong Kong green fintech map to provide one-stop information on the current status of green fintech companies in Hong Kong and related services. The objective is to raise the profile of these companies and further enhance the green fintech landscape.

     On the global front, the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) is taking place in Dubai, and is scheduled to conclude on December 12. Recently, a report from the UN Climate Change once again highlighted the urgency of our task, stating that the current national climate action plans are insufficient to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, a target set by the Paris Agreement. In another recent report, also released by the UN Climate Change, which examined various countries' plans to transition to net-zero emissions by or around mid-century, it was indicated that these countries' greenhouse gas emissions could be roughly 63 per cent lower in 2050 than in 2019, if all the long-term strategies are fully implemented on time. 

     These reports underscore the urgent need for concerted global action and the potential for significant progress if these strategies are fully realised. The UN Climate Change, therefore, advocates for a definitive turning point at COP28, where governments should not only agree on stronger climate actions but also begin to demonstrate concrete plans to deliver them. This stance is in harmony with President Xi's perspective, emphasising the essential need to foster global synergy in our collective battle against climate change.

     Embracing this global call for decisive action, we must acknowledge that the journey towards combating climate change is a shared responsibility. It requires the involvement, commitment, and participation of all sectors – the government, businesses, and indeed, the community. 

     Therefore, we earnestly call for your continued support in our endeavour. In this regard, we gratefully recognise the HKQAA for its unwavering support in our ongoing transformation towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient city. Your technical expertise, your active participation in the development of national and international standards, and your comprehensive role in our progress as a regional hub for green and sustainable finance are not only welcome but absolutely essential.

     Moreover, I would like to extend my gratitude to the many green and sustainable finance professionals who are present at today's symposium. Your continuing support and efforts to bolster Hong Kong's rise as a regional green and sustainable finance hub will play a significant role in our ultimate success. 

     Ladies and gentlemen, let's continue our work together to achieve our shared visions. As we transition into the discussions in today's symposium, I hope that the discussions will inspire us all towards creating a future that is not only prosperous but also sustainable and resilient. Thank you.

     Jointly presented by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the China Manned Space agency and organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), the China Manned Space Exhibition will be staged at the Hong Kong Science Museum (HKScM) and the Hong Kong Museum of History (HKMH) from December 1 to February 18 next year with free admission.
      
     Addressing the opening ceremony at the HKScM today (November 30), the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, said that this exhibition gave a comprehensive and systematic account of the thirty-year journey of China's manned space development. It was hoped that the exhibition would arouse the interest of Hong Kong people, especially that of the younger generation, in space science, and inspire them to pursue their space dream through building a solid foundation of knowledge in the field of innovation and technology. Mr Chan pointed out that the country was recruiting the fourth batch of astronauts where Hong Kong candidates had entered the final round of the payload specialists recruitment, and that it was testimony to the country’s great importance and recognition bestowed upon Hong Kong. He looked forward to seeing Hong Kong people contribute to the country's aerospace endeavours in future.
      
     Other officiating guests today included Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR Ms Lu Xinning; Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR Mr Fang Jianming; Deputy Commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison Major General Zheng Guoyue; Deputy Director of China Manned Space Agency Mr Lin Xiqiang; astronauts Mr Liu Boming, Ms Wang Yaping, Mr Chen Dong and Mr Zhang Lu; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; and the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu. Key commanders and designers of the manned space programme also attended the ceremony.
      
     The exhibition is divided into two zones, which will be staged respectively at the HKScM and the HKMH. About 30 groups of exhibits are on display. The exhibition area at the 1/F Main Lobby of the HKMH centres around the history of China's manned space development, providing visitors with an insightful look into the extraordinary thirty-year journey towards the goal. The exhibition area at the 2/F Exhibition Hall of the HKScM displays remarkable engineering achievements and exciting prospects for future development. Highlighted exhibits include the Shenzhou spacecraft return capsule, a intravehicular space suit, a model of the space station, various carrier rocket models such as Long March-2F, Long March-7, Long March-5B, and models of the new-generation manned spacecraft and lunar lander.
      
     For details of the exhibition, please visit hk.science.museum/en/web/scm/exhibition/cmse.html, or call 2732 3232 for enquiries. Please note that the opening hours of the HKMH will be specially adjusted during the exhibition period to align with those of the HKScM. Details are as follows:
      
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 10am – 7pm
Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 10am – 9pm
Closed on Thursdays (except public holidays) and the first two days of the Chinese New Year
Closed at 5pm on Christmas Eve and Chinese New Year's Eve
December 31, 2023: closed at 9pm
(To echo the Night Vibes Hong Kong campaign to promote night activities, the two museums will extend the opening hours to 10pm on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (except December 24 and 31) until January 1, 2024.)