Led by the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip, the delegation of politically appointed officials for national studies and duty visit began its study programme in Beijing, and was received by the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong today (November 21).

     Mr Xia extended a warm welcome to the Under Secretaries and Political Assistants from various departments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government who joined the programme in Beijing. He acknowledged and affirmed their work since they have taken up their role.

     Mr Xia emphasised that politically appointed officials of the HKSAR Government are an integral part of the HKSAR's governance team, performing vital functions in the governance of the HKSAR. He expressed the hope that all members will fulfil their oaths faithfully, demonstrate their patriotism and love for Hong Kong through concrete actions, continuously strengthen their learning and experience, enhance their capabilities and level of performance, take up responsibilities and deliver good results. He urged them to fully support the Chief Executive in the governance of Hong Kong in accordance with the law, making greater contributions to Hong Kong's progress to prosperity and ensuring the steady and successful implementation of "one country, two systems".

     Ms Yip reported to Mr Xia about the objectives of the study programme and the learning outcome of the delegation. She mentioned that this is the first national studies programme for politically appointed officials organised by the current-term Government, which is the largest of its kind over the years. This reflected the Government's emphasis on enhancing politically appointed officials' understanding of the history, political system, legal system, important policies, and the latest socio-economic situation of the country, she said.

     Ms Yip said she believes that, through comprehensive and in-depth study of national affairs, the politically appointed officials of the HKSAR Government will be able to consider matters more from the national, international, and holistic perspectives in their policy formulation, public communication and other daily work. They are expected to gain a better understanding of the needs of the country in promoting high-quality development, helping the HKSAR's more proactive integration into the national development, while contributing to the needs of national development and achieving a better development for Hong Kong.

     During the past two days, the delegation received three thematic lectures at the National Academy of Governance (NAG). Yesterday (November 20), the Deputy Director of the Department of Politics and Law Research at the National Academy of Governance, Professor Sun Dongfang, delivered a lecture on the holistic view of national security and the modernisation of the national security system and capabilities, while the Deputy Director of the Legislative Affairs Commission and the Basic Law Committee of the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Mr Zhang Yong, delivered a lecture on the Constitution and the Basic Law of the HKSAR. Today, Professor Zhang Zhanbin of the School of Marxism of the NAG gave a lecture to the delegation on the philosophy and implementation of the modernisation with Chinese characteristics.

     Led by Ms Yip, the delegation comprises 13 Under Secretaries and 19 Political Assistants. The delegation will continue its programme and visit in Beijing tomorrow (November 22).

          

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (November 21) that it is investigating a confirmed Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) case, and urged the public to heighten vigilance and avoid close physical contact with persons suspected of contracting Mpox. Meanwhile, high-risk target groups are advised to receive Mpox vaccination.

     The case involves a 48-year-old male patient with an underlying illness. He had developed vesicles since November 17, and visited the Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre of the DH on the same day. He is in stable condition and arrangements were made for him to be admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital. 

     An initial investigation revealed that the patient had high-risk exposure in Hong Kong during the incubation period with no travel history. No epidemiological linkages between this case and other confirmed cases recorded in Hong Kong earlier have been found so far. The CHP is continuing its epidemiological investigations of the case and will report the case to the World Health Organization.

     A total of 54 confirmed Mpox cases have been recorded in Hong Kong so far. The CHP appeals again to high-risk target groups to receive Mpox vaccination with a view to lowering the risk of infection or the possibility of having more severe symptoms after infection. Persons who experience Mpox symptoms (including rashes, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle pain, and severe headaches) or suspect themselves of being infected are advised to seek medical attention and receive treatment at once, and they should not engage in activities with others during which other people may have contact with their skin rash or body fluids. Members of the public should maintain good personal and hand hygiene to prevent virus transmission or infection through contact. They should also avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of infection.

     The CHP had earlier set up an Mpox telephone hotline (2125 2373). The hotline operates from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 9am to 5pm, which enables those who suspect or are concerned they have had high-risk contact with confirmed patients, in particular men who have sex with men or those who have sexual practices with strangers, to make enquiries and receive relevant health advice.

     The Government has activated the Alert level of the preparedness and response plan for the disease in September last year and will continue to assess the risk in view of the latest scientific evidence and situation, and implement corresponding control measures.

     The Mpox vaccination programme for high-risk groups commenced on October 5 last year. Under the programme, the following high-risk target groups can receive Mpox vaccination on a voluntary basis:
　　

1. Individuals with high-risk sexual practices, e.g. having multiple sexual partners, sex workers, or having a history of sexually transmitted infection within the past 12 months;
2. Healthcare workers responsible for caring of patients with confirmed Mpox;
3. Laboratory personnel working with zoonotic pox viruses; and
4. Animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in case of Mpox occurrence in animals in Hong Kong.

     High-risk target groups can receive Mpox vaccination at the designated Mpox vaccination centre (situated at 2/F, CHP building, 147C Argyle Street, Mong Kok), by appointment through email (mpv_booking@dh.gov.hk) or telephone booking line (2547 1900) during office hours. They can also receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at all of the DH's Social Hygiene Service Clinics (SocHS) (namely Chai Wan SocHS, Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Female SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS). Further information of the clinics including their locations is available at www.dh.gov.hk/english/tele/tele_chc/tele_chc_shcf.html and www.dh.gov.hk/english/tele/tele_chc/tele_chc_shcm.html.

     Meanwhile, the DH's Integrated Treatment Centre in Kowloon Bay, and the Hospital Authority's Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital will continue to provide Mpox vaccination services for their clients.

     For more details, please visit the CHP's page on Mpox.

     In response to the requests by some taxi groups, representatives of the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) and the Transport Department (TD) met with the trade this morning (November 21) to understand their opinions and exchange views. 

     A spokesman for the TLB said that the Government representatives had made it clear at the meeting that the Government will stringently combat the use of motor vehicles for illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward which constitutes an offence. To enhance the deterrent effect, the Government has proposed to increase the penalty level for the use of motor vehicles for illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward under the relevant Bill introduced into the Legislative Council (LegCo) for scrutiny in July this year, which includes increasing the maximum fine, as well as lengthening the period of suspension of vehicle licences and the impoundment of vehicles. In addition, after careful consideration of the views of the Bills Committee, the Government will move amendments to further propose increasing the maximum term of imprisonment as well, with a view to enhancing the deterrent effect.

     The Government emphasised that a review of the existing legislation will be launched on how to deal with illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward more effectively. The Government will also explore the regulation of online hire car hailing platforms to step up efforts in combating illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward. 

     The spokesman added that the Government will strive to resume the Second Reading debate on the relevant Bills at the LegCo meeting as soon as possible for early implementation of the relevant measures. The Government will also continue to step up enforcement actions against the use of motor vehicles for illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward.

     The spokesman reiterated that the Government has long been concerned about the operating environment of the taxi trade, and will continue to maintain close communication with the taxi trade and listen to their views. The Government hopes that the taxi trade will tackle the issues in a rational and pragmatic manner with the public interest in mind. 

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the opening ceremony of "Botticelli to Van Gogh: Masterpieces from the National Gallery, London" Special Exhibition today (November 21):
 
Consul General Davidson (British Consul General to Hong Kong and Macao, Mr Brian Davidson), Dr Finaldi (Director of the National Gallery, London, Dr Gabriele Finaldi), Henry (Chairman of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Board (WKCDA), Mr Henry Tang), Winnie (Chairman of the Board of the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM), Ms Winnie Tam), Betty (Chief Executive Officer of the WKCDA, Mrs Betty Fung), Louis (Museum Director of the HKPM, Dr Louis Ng), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
         
     Good afternoon. I am delighted to be here for the opening of the exhibition "Botticelli to Van Gogh: Masterpieces from the National Gallery, London". A very warm welcome to Dr Finaldi and all other guests from London.
 
     I had the pleasure of visiting the UK (United Kingdom) about two months ago on a fruitful business trip, and am pleased to have this welcome opportunity to welcome our friends from London, which will certainly contribute to deepening the close ties between our two great cities.
 
     "Botticelli to Van Gogh" is a spectacular, meaningful and timely exhibition. It spans over 400 years of Western art, featuring 52 masterpieces by some of the greatest artists in European history. It is the first time such a significant group of Western paintings from the National Gallery is exhibited in Hong Kong.
 
     It is very meaningful that these works are presented here at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, which was opened last year with a mission to promote cultural exchanges between East and West through collaboration with cultural institutions worldwide. And under this same roof, you will also find lively discussions on some of the most important Chinese paintings by renowned artists in China's Ming and Qing dynasties from the 14th to the early 20th centuries.
 
     I am sure that "Botticelli to Van Gogh", with its visually stunning and intellectually rich content, will enhance our mutual cultural understanding and stimulate further cross-cultural exchanges.
 
     This is also a very timely event, with Hong Kong embarking on its quest to become an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, a unique positioning supported by the Central Government. This exhibition is one of the major projects supported by our Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund, which was launched earlier this year to support international large-scale arts and cultural events in Hong Kong. Through this exhibition and many other significant projects, we aim to foster exchanges and dialogue across world civilisations, making Hong Kong a unique international cultural hub and cultural tourism destination.
 
     I am grateful to the National Gallery, London, for co-organising this exhibition with the Hong Kong Palace Museum. I am sure that our local artists and residents as well as visitors from near and far will enjoy these breathtaking works.
 
     I thank the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority and the Hong Kong Palace Museum for their good work in presenting this important exhibition.
 
     Last but not least, I would also like to thank the commercial sponsors for their generous financial support.
 
     I wish the exhibition a great success and I hope that our friends from London and around the world would have a very enjoyable stay here, in Asia's world city. Thank you.

        

     The Civil Service College (CSC), in collaboration with the Institute for Hong Kong and Macau Studies, Peking University, launched an in-depth programme on "one country, two systems" and the contemporary China. As part of the programme, a lecture on the topic of "Chinese Path to Modernisation under the New Era" was delivered by Professor Cheng Meidong of the School of Marxism of Peking University at the CSC today (November 21).
 
     President Xi Jinping pointed out clearly in the report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) that Chinese modernisation is socialist modernisation pursued under the leadership of the CPC. It contains elements that are common to the modernisation processes of all countries, but it is more characterised by features that are unique to the Chinese context.
 
     Addressing the lecture, the Head of the CSC, Mr Oscar Kwok, stressed that the features of Hong Kong that are unique to the Chinese context are indeed the "one country, two systems" principle that Hong Kong enjoys. It is due to this "two systems" principle that Hong Kong holds distinctive advantages over other cities in the country, enjoying the strong support of the motherland and maintaining close connection to the world. Therefore, as civil servants of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, they must proactively support the country's international exchanges and co-operation, and foster cultural exchanges in their respective roles. At the same time, they should actively assist with Hong Kong's integration into the overall national development, and dovetail with national strategies including the National 14th Five-Year Plan, the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative. By doing so, Hong Kong can contribute significantly to the modernisation of the country on all fronts.
 
     Around 70 civil servants at the rank of Directorate Pay Scale Point 1 and 2 attended the in-depth programme. In addition, about 80 politically appointed officials and other directorate officers enrolled and sat in the lecture via video conferencing.
 
     The programme was organised to further strengthen training for senior officials and directorate civil servants. It consists of 12 monthly lectures covering a wide range of topics, such as the CPC and the contemporary China, socialism with Chinese characteristics, the theory and practice of "one country, two systems", as well as developments in contemporary Chinese society, economy, national defence, technology, and more. Distinguished scholars from the Mainland will deliver the programme and engage in in-depth discussions with participants.