Tag Archives: China

     â€‹Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Italian Chamber of Commerce Gala Dinner today (November 3):
     
Ambassador Ambrosetti (Ambassador of Italy to China, Mr Massimo Ambrosetti), Consul General Ficarra (Consul General of Italy to Hong Kong and Macao, Mr Carmelo Ficarra), Mr De Rosa (President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce, Mr Davide De Rosa), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Buona sera (good evening). It gives me great pleasure to join your gala event this evening.  

     The pandemic in the last few years might have interrupted our people-to-people exchanges, but judging from the turnout of our Italian friends and the Hong Kong and Macao business communities tonight, it is clear that the passion remains. The enchanting flow of wine from Italy’s finest regions, coupled with the indulgence of culinary delights, and the lively conversations filling the room, will surely rekindle our business connections and friendships. 

     We have long been good economic partners, with bilateral merchandise trade amounting to around HK$63 billion last year, despite the pandemic. I am optimistic that as we reconnect, the increasing contacts, engagements, and exchanges, will boost our business.

     In fact, Italian companies continue to maintain a significant presence here. Hong Kong currently hosts nearly 170 Italian companies, many of them serving as regional offices or headquarters.   

     After all, Italian goods and brands perfectly reflect your pursuit of excellence. From Zegna to Solaia, from Testoni to Ferrari, they embody the true Italian glamour that few people can resist. La Dolce Vita!

     I would like to highlight that when Italian businesses establish themselves in Hong Kong, they are also paving the way to the Greater Bay Area (GBA), the Chinese Mainland and Asia.  Hong Kong serves as the perfect gateway for Italian products, as what sells well here will also sell well in the GBA, a consumer market of nearly 87 million.

     Looking ahead, beyond enhancing our bilateral trade ties, we see numerous collaboration opportunities between our two economies, particularly in innovation and technology (I&T) and the cultural and creative industries.

     Hong Kong and Italy can be strong partners in I&T. Italy has a proud tradition of ingenuity and innovation that runs deep in your nation’s character. From the grandeur of ancient Rome to the brilliance of Da Vinci, Galileo, and Michelangelo during the Renaissance, and to your robust machinery, automotive, and pharmaceutical industries today. In fact, Italy is the second-largest manufacturing country in Europe, and it is estimated that 75 per cent of Italian manufacturers undertake advanced manufacturing projects.

     On our side, Hong Kong is actively developing I&T as an economic super-engine. We are collaborating with sister cities in the GBA to combine our respective strengths in basic and translational research, commercialisation and advanced manufacturing, to rise as a leading global innovative hub.

     We are fast-tracking our progress by welcoming strategic enterprises in the areas of life and health technology, AI and robotics, fintech, advanced manufacturing, and new materials. We will facilitate their settlement in our Northern Metropolis, our future innovation hub, to leverage the synergy with our neighbouring city of Shenzhen.

     In short, Italian companies are most welcome to join this great initiative to seize the opportunities and vast potential.

     Beyond business, there is significant room for cultural exchanges and collaboration in the creative industries. One example is the film industry. Our CreateHK and Italy’s Directorate General for Cinema and Audiovisual just signed an MoU (memorandum of understanding) on film co-operation this year in Venice.

     Another example is the year-long Viva Italia programme, launched in March this year with the support of the Consulate General of Italy, to promote Italian culture and provide students of the Hong Kong Design Institute with greater exposure to your culture.

     Ladies and gentlemen, the potential for collaboration between Hong Kong and Italy is immense. We will continue to play a unique role as a gateway between East and West, connecting the Mainland, Asia, and Europe. Hong Kong is your trusted partner and platform. We have extensive network, knowledge, funding and other resources to help Italian businesses and talents tap into the enormous potential of the GBA, Chinese Mainland and Asia.

     May I wish you continued success in your business endeavours in Hong Kong and beyond in the years to come.

     Now, please join me in raising a toast: to Italy and our enduring friendship!

     Grazie! 

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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (November 3) investigating one suspected food poisoning cluster affecting 11 persons, and reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent foodborne diseases.

     The cluster involved eight boys and two girls, aged 3 to 5, and a female teacher, who developed abdominal pain and diarrhoea about 5.5 to 15 hours after having lunch at a kindergarten in Eastern District on November 1. One of the affected persons sought medical advice and none required hospitalisation. All affected persons are in stable condition.

     Initial investigations of the CHP revealed that the affected persons had consumed common food and the food concerned was steamed rice with pumpkin and diced pork. The poisoning might have been caused by Bacillus cereus or Clostridium perfringens.

     The personnel from the Centre for Food Safety of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department have conducted investigation at the concerned premises. The CHP’s investigation is ongoing.

     To prevent foodborne diseases, members of the public are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times. When dining out:
 

• Patronise only reliable and licensed restaurants;
• Avoid eating raw seafood;
• Be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sashimi, sushi and raw oysters, at a buffet;
• Pre-cooked or leftover foods should be stored and reheated properly before consumption;
• Ensure food is thoroughly cooked before eating during a hotpot or barbecue meal;
• Handle raw and cooked foods carefully and separate them completely during the cooking process;
• Use two sets of chopsticks and utensils to handle raw and cooked foods;
• Do not patronise illegal food hawkers;
• Drink boiled water;
• Do not try to use salt, vinegar, wine or wasabi to kill bacteria as they are not effective; and
• Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet. 

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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 3) reported an update on the investigations of the suspected Mycobacterium abscessus infection cluster. Currently, the suspected Mycobacterium abscessus infection cluster involved a total of 15 females. According to the latest investigation findings, people who have patronised the following premises, or contacted the following Instagram social media accounts and received relevant injections and suspect they have experienced relevant symptoms, are urged to seek medical attention and contact the CHP as soon as possible.
 

	Name of premises	Address of premises
1	GALS GLAM BEAUTY (Business registration name being “GALS GLAM CLINIC”)	6/F, Hop Hing Industrial Building, 702-704 Castle Peak Road, Lai Chi Kok
2	GALS GLAM (Business registration name being “GALS GLAM CLINIC”)	4/F, Wing Hong Centre, 18 Wing Hong Street, Lai Chi Kok
3	CHING’S BEAUTY (Business registration name being “CHING’S BEAUTY LIMITED”)	10/F, Block A, Alexandra Industrial Building, 23-27 Wing Hong Street, Lai Chi Kok

 

	Instagram social media accounts
1	“90s__beautygirls”
2	“galsglam.beauty”
3	“beauty_hklady”

     Apart from the five people involved in the suspected Mycobacterium abscessus infection cluster announced yesterday (November 2), the CHP has conducted contact tracing and contacted seven females, aged 23 to 37 who have patronised at Gals Glam Beauty/Gals Glam and received relevant injections services claimed to have slimming effect in the two premises in Lai Chi Kok (6/F, Hop Hing Industrial Building, 702-704 Castle Peak Road or 4/F, Wing Hong Centre, 18 Wing Hong Street). They developed rash, induration or abscess after injection. All patients are in stable condition.

     The CHP has set up an enquiry hotline (2125 2372) for the related cases, which operates from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from 9am to 5.30pm. The hotline will also operate from 9am to 1pm tomorrow (November 4) and on November 5 to receive enquiries. As of 3pm today, seven calls were received. Three females, aged 25 to 32, said that they have received relevant injection services and developed compatible symptoms.

     The CHP again appeals to persons who presented with symptoms such as skin redness, rash, purulent or induration after receiving injections at the above three premises, should seek medical attention and call the hotline immediately. Officers of the CHP will assess their condition and arrange for follow-up as appropriate.

     Investigations are ongoing.

     The DH reminded members of the public that injection procedures should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should look for his or her full name against the list of registered doctors of the Medical Council of Hong Kong as well as his or her professional qualifications and relevant experience. read more

     The Department of Health (DH) today (November 3) endorsed a licensed Chinese herbal medicines wholesaler, Kam Hing Hong Limited (Kam Hing Hong), to voluntarily recall from the market one batch of herbal medicine labelled as “Rhizoma Bletillae” (batch number: 17082023), as it is not Rhizoma Bletillae after identification. 

     Acting upon intelligence, the DH conducted an investigation at Kam Hing Hong and seized the above-mentioned herbal medicine. After comparing with the morphological features of Rhizoma Bletillae as stipulated in the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China (2020 Edition), the herbal medicine was identified not being Rhizoma Bletillae.

     Preliminary investigation revealed that Kam Hing Hong imported the above-mentioned herbal medicine from the Mainland for local sale. Kam Hing Hong will recall the concerned batch of herbal medicine from the market. A hotline (2548 3973) has been set up by Kam Hing Hong for related enquiries. The DH will continue the investigation and closely monitoring the recall.

     According to the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Cap. 549), Rhizoma Bletillae is a Schedule 2 Chinese herbal medicine. Rhizoma Bletillae, the tuber of Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb. f., is used to act as an astringent, stop bleeding, disperse swelling and promote tissue regeneration.
 
     According to section 52 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132), those who sell any drug not of the nature, substance or quality demanded by the purchaser is liable to a maximum penalty of a fine of $10,000 and three months’ imprisonment. Upon completion of the investigation, the DH will work with the Department of Justice on prosecution matters. The DH will also refer this case to the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong for possible disciplinary action. Furthermore, the DH will consider referring the case to the relevant law enforcement agency to follow up.
 
     Chinese medicine practitioners, Chinese medicine personnel or members of public who have the affected Chinese herbal medicine in hand should refrain from selling or using them and submit the affected Chinese herbal medicine to the DH’s Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office at 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, during office hours for disposal, or return them to the supplier. 

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     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair 2023 today (November 3):
 
Peter (Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC), Dr Peter Lam), Margaret (Executive Director of the TDC, Ms Margaret Fong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good evening. I am delighted to be here today with you – a world of wine buyers, exhibitors and connoisseurs, plus plenty of red, white, rosé and orange enthusiasts like yours truly. We’re here, all of us, keen to cork, pour, sniff, sip and celebrate the opening of this year’s Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, where business meets pleasure.
 
     Alongside the usual numbers, I’ve been counting glasses – wine glasses. First, at the opening week of the Wine and Dine Festival; and now, today, for the 15th edition of the TDC’s International Wine & Spirits Fair.
 
     This year’s global gathering has attracted more than 500 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions. They’re buying, selling and trading old-world and new-world wine, as well as wine and spirits from the Mainland and Japan, and whisky and beer from everywhere.
 
     Together, they offer clear – and sometimes sparkling – testimony to Hong Kong’s standing as Asia’s wine-trading and distribution hub.
 
     Vineyards aside, Hong Kong has what it takes, including zero wine duties, an extensive logistics and distribution network, rich wine-trading experience, and, of course, people with a passion for fine wine and fabulous fare. Indeed, all sorts of wine and food, too.
 
     Our close proximity and connections to the Mainland’s vast, and growing, consumer market is another magnum-size advantage. Last year, the Mainland and Macao accounted for more than two-thirds of our wine exports. In value terms, Hong Kong wine exports soared more than 45 per cent last year.
 
     On Sunday, this fair opens to the public. A welcome opportunity for wine lovers and newbies, too, to discover and delight in a bright abundance of wine – from around the world.
 
     My sincere thanks to the HKTDC for organising this year’s Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair.
 
     I wish you all rewarding three days at the fair, a memorable long weekend in Hong Kong and the best of business, and pleasure, in the coming year. Thank you.

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