Following is the speech (English translation) by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Thematic Forum on Sub-national Cooperation of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing today (October 18):
 
The Honourable Deputy Director Wang Linggui (Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council), Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good afternoon. I am pleased to lead a high-level delegation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China to participate in this year's Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation here in Beijing. Our 70-strong delegation comprises leaders from political and business sectors, and we are glad to discuss regional co-operation with you at this thematic forum.
      
     Let me first express my gratitude to the forum's organising committee for being supportive and arranging the Hong Kong session at this thematic forum. Our delegation looks forward to exchanging views and co-operating with other forum participants to enhance the connectivity between regions, cities and people.
      
     Under "one country, two systems", Hong Kong has the distinctive advantages of enjoying the Mainland's strong support and being closely connected to the world. We strive to make the best use of our status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre to take forward regional co-operation in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative in four aspects, thereby achieving mutual benefit.
      
     First, actively integrating into the country's overall development. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is formed by the two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao as well as nine cities in Guangdong Province. The GBA has a total population of over 86 million and a combined gross domestic product of more than US$1.9 trillion, which is equivalent to that of the 10th largest economy in the world. Hong Kong has been actively promoting in-depth integration of the GBA and the Belt and Road Initiative. We join hands with other GBA cities in pursuing high-level regional co-operation and complementing each other for high-quality development along the Belt and Road.
      
     Second, going all out to promote unimpeded external trade. This year, I have led high-level HKSAR delegations to visit countries in the Middle East and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. We have signed some 50 co-operation agreements with local enterprises and organisations in a bid to boost exchange and co-operation.
      
     Hong Kong has always championed free trade. We have already signed free trade agreements with 20 economies, and investment agreements with 31 economies around the world. We are striving for early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the world's largest free trade agreement, to deepen regional economic collaboration.
      
     Third, enhancing mutual learning and people-to-people bonds. As an international metropolis where East meets West, Hong Kong has signed memoranda of understanding on cultural co-operation with more than 10 Belt and Road partner countries to enhance cultural and arts exchanges. Hong Kong's cultural and creative talent travel around the globe every year for performances and exchanges, promoting the inheritance of traditional culture and establishing friendships with people all over the world.
      
     This month, Hong Kong is hosting the Asia+ Festival for the first time. The festival has attracted over 20 Belt and Road countries to showcase their arts, thereby strengthening inclusiveness among peoples of different places and promoting the spirit of friendly co-operation among regions.
      
     Fourth, deepening the exchange of young professionals. The HKSAR Government launched the Belt and Road Scholarship and the Scheme for Subsidy on Exchange to Belt and Road Regions for Post-secondary Students in 2016 to encourage co‑operation in education and training. So far, we have supported more than 3 000 Hong Kong tertiary students to go on exchange to Belt and Road countries, and supported students from about 40 Belt and Road countries to study in Hong Kong.
      
     We have also introduced the Funding Scheme for International Youth Exchange, which has funded nearly 50 youth exchange programmes, covering different Belt and Road countries. We will continue to provide exchange and internship opportunities in regions along the Belt and Road, so that Hong Kong's young people will be able to take part in Belt and Road regional co-operation.
      
     What's more, Hong Kong has been actively mobilising its professional forces to collaborate with our Belt and Road counterparts in training, seeking in-depth co-operation in such areas as railway technology and operation, management of cargo and passenger transportation, electrical engineering, corruption prevention and preventive education and so on, with a view to facilitating regional development.
      
     Ladies and gentlemen, regional co-operation is an integral part of the concerted effort to develop the Belt and Road. Hong Kong will work hand in hand with you to further achieve win-win results at different levels.
      
     I look forward to the further advancements of Belt and Road regional co-operation, and I wish this thematic forum a resounding success. Thank you.

     A spokesman for the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration's Office today (October 18) alerted members of the public to a suspicious Facebook page named "å�“永興WH Cheuk Fanpage".
 
     The spokesman solemnly clarified that the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration has no connection with the above suspicious Facebook page. The case has been reported to the Police for handling.

     Following is a question by Prof the Hon William Wong and a written reply by the Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, in the Legislative Council today (October 18):

Question:
 
     There are views pointing out that the recent spate of hacker intrusions into the computer systems of public organisations have reflected the existence of loopholes in the network security of public organisations. On the other hand, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry has indicated earlier on that the Government is conducting relevant studies on a cyber security law. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) following the hacking of the computer systems of the Cyberport and the Consumer Council, whether the Government has instructed various public organisations to conduct immediate and regular information security checks on their computer systems to eliminate potential risks;
 
(2) whether the information technology security policies, standards, guidelines, procedures and relevant practice guides formulated by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) are applicable to public organisations; if so, whether OGCIO will conduct regular inspections to ensure that public organisations strictly implement such policies and guidelines, etc.;
 
(3) as there are views that compliance with the aforesaid policies and guidelines, etc., by public organisations necessitates computer systems of a very high standard and rather stringent daily maintenance requirements, whether the authorities have provided sufficient dedicated funding to various public organisations to carry out work on upgrading their computer systems and enhancing, among others, the management systems, defence facilities, training and education, as well as inspection and supervision relating to computer system information security; whether the authorities will, in the light of the recent incidents of hacker intrusions, increase the relevant funding for various public organisations;
 
(4) of the progress of enacting the cyber security law and when it is expected to be introduced into this Council for scrutiny;
 
(5) as it is learnt that Singapore set up the Public Sector Data Security Review Committee in 2019 to review government measures on protecting citizens' data, whether the authorities will, by drawing reference from the practice of Singapore, set up a committee on information security prior to the introduction of the cyber security law and invite relevant experts to participate in the committee, so as to regularly review the performance of government departments and public organisations in the aspects of the management, supervision and coordination of information security; and
 
(6) in order to prevent intrusion by international hackers, whether the authorities will consider setting up a data bureau to comprehensively establish a data governance system, so as to build a complete cyber security barrier for Hong Kong and the country?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     Having consulted the Security Bureau, reply to the questions raised by Prof the Hon William Wong is as follows:
 
(1) The Government is deeply concerned about the recent incidents of unauthorised access into computer systems of individual public organisations by hackers. These incidents suggest that cybersecurity threats are increasingly commonplace. All sectors of society must take effective measures to safeguard their systems and enhance security of the networks and data.
 
     Immediately following the recent cybersecurity incidents in public organisations, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) had issued reminders to all bureaux/departments (B/Ds) of the relevant security guidelines, offered technical support, and requested B/Ds including public organisations under their purview to assess and strengthen their current information security and cybersecurity measures without further ado, in order to guard against cyberattacks and minimise the potential security risks.
 
(2) The OGCIO has formulated a set of comprehensive Government IT Security Policy and Guidelines (Policy and Guidelines), setting out the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continuously improving the information security management system for all B/Ds to follow. The Policy and Guidelines are timely updated by the OGCIO with reference to the latest national and international standards on information security management and industry best practices. To raise the awareness of information security risks of all B/Ds, the OGCIO also regularly reminds B/Ds to adopt effective security measures to protect government information systems and data.
 
     While the above-mentioned policy, guidelines and government information security requirements are aimed for compliance by B/Ds, the OGCIO has uploaded the Policy and Guidelines to the Internet for reference by all public and private organisations. Individual organisations may adopt those principles and measures on security risk management recommended in the Policy and Guidelines having regard to their own circumstances.
 
(3) Public organisations can formulate and adopt computer systems, IT governance policies and cybersecurity defense measures that suit their own business nature, operating modes and computing facilities. They may also consider and plan for enhancing their IT infrastructure based on their actual circumstances and the latest technology development, with a view to better managing their business needs and associated risks. B/Ds will also request public organisations under their purview to review and step up their information security and cybersecurity measures as appropriate.
 
(4) To enhance the protection of cybersecurity of critical infrastructures, the Government plans to define clearly, through legislation, the cybersecurity obligations of the operators of these critical infrastructure. This includes the establishment of a good preventive management system to ensure the secure operation of their information systems and networks. The Government is working on the draft legislative framework and soliciting initial views from the industry. The next step is to consult the Panel on Security of the Legislative Council and the public on the legislative proposals.
 
     On the other hand, the Law Reform Commission (LRC) set up a sub-committee in 2019 to conduct a study on cybercrime. At the first stage, a public consultation exercise on cyber-dependent crimes and jurisdictional issues was completed in October 2022. Upon the LRC's release of a report on the topic, the Government will study the recommendations made in the report and consider follow-up actions to further enhance cybersecurity.
 
(5) and (6) To our understanding, the Singapore's Public Sector Data Security Review Committee is tasked to make recommendations to the Government covering areas such as strengthening data protection, incident detection and handling capabilities; as well as civil servants' awareness and ability to protect data, data protection responsibilities and governance structure. On the other hand, the National Data Bureau is taking forward the development of digital infrastructure, the opening, sharing and security of data, and digital economy, etc.
 
     In Hong Kong, the Government has devised multi-pronged security measures and implementation mechanisms on data security risk management, covering data protection, audit and risk assessment, incident handling and response, education and training, etc., thereby safeguarding the security of government information systems and data on all fronts. As a core member of the Government's Information Security Management Committee, the OGCIO regularly conducts independent compliance audits for B/Ds to ensure their adherence to relevant security regulations, and provides guidance to B/Ds for continuous improvement of their security management systems. The OGCIO has also established the Government Computer Emergency Response Team Hong Kong (GovCERT.HK) which provides assistance and coordinates departments in dealing with computer emergency response and incidents. In addition, the OGCIO has implemented the Cyber Risk Information Sharing Platform within the Government to timely disseminate cyber and data security threats alerts to all departments. Moreover, the GovCERT.HK and the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) of the Hong Kong Police Force co-organise the Inter-Departmental Cyber Security Drill to strengthen the capability of B/Ds in defending and responding to cybersecurity incidents.
 
     Apart from the above, to enhance the overall information security awareness in the community, including public and private organisations, and strengthen their capability in defending against cybersecurity threats and response to cybersecurity incidents, the OGCIO works closely with stakeholders, including the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited (HKIRC), to administer the cybersecurity information sharing and collaborative programme "Cybersec Infohub" that promotes cybersecurity information sharing among public and private organisations, and supports the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) which offers incident response services for information security, security threat alerts, preventive guidelines and security education. In collaboration with the CSTCB, the HKIRC and the HKCERT, the OGCIO also organises various publicity campaigns and training to remind the community to strengthen their cybersecurity measures and protect their information systems and data against cyberattacks.
 
     It is the Government's ongoing effort to review and strengthen the responses of Government and all sectors of society against information security risks and fortify the data security protection. As mentioned above, the Government will make reference to the latest information security management standards and industry's best practice and timely update the Policy and Guidelines for B/Ds' compliance and reference by the public. We are also formulating a legislative framework to enhance the cybersecurity protection of critical infrastructures. The Government will continue to press ahead with relevant work and review from time to time, in a bid to build Hong Kong into a safe and secure smart city.

     Following is the speech (English translation) by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the High-level Forum on Connectivity of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing today (October 18):
 
Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good afternoon. I am pleased to attend today's High-level Forum on Connectivity to discuss with you how we can deepen the development of "hard connectivity" – connectivity on infrastructure, as well as "soft connectivity" – connectivity on regulations and standards. Both of them are crucial to furthering the Belt and Road Initiative.
      
     Under "one country, two systems", Hong Kong has the distinctive advantages of enjoying the Mainland's strong support and being closely connected to the world. Geographically, Hong Kong is the southern gateway of our country, China, and can reach half of the world's population within five hours of flight, well-positioned as a regional connectivity hub.
      
     Our Hong Kong International Airport is the world's busiest cargo airport, handling some 4.2 million tonnes of cargo last year. Our Hong Kong Port is one of the 10 busiest container ports in the world, handling some 17 million twenty-foot equivalent units of containers last year.
      
     Hong Kong has already signed air services agreements or air services transit agreements with some 50 participating countries of the Belt and Road Initiative. On land transport, Hong Kong is connected with the over 40 000 kilometre‑long national high speed rail network. This, coupled with the landmark Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, facilitate interaction and underpin close economic ties between Hong Kong and different places in Mainland China.
      
     The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is composed of the two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao as well as nine cities in Guangdong Province. Hong Kong is fully committed to facilitating the provision of an efficient and well-connected sea, land and air transportation network in the Greater Bay Area, so as to create a "one-hour living circle" which is ideal for living, working and travelling, and in turn, offers crucial support for the joint development of the Belt and Road.
      
     We will continue to serve as a premier gateway for passengers and goods from all over the world to the Mainland and vice versa, and help to promote the joint development of "hard connectivity" of transport infrastructure for Belt and Road countries.
      
     Meanwhile, we attach great importance to the development of "soft connectivity" under the Belt and Road Initiative. Hong Kong people are biliterate and trilingual, and well versed in the business environment and culture of both the international community and Mainland China. Hong Kong's diversified professional services are among the world's best. We are pressing ahead with the high-quality development of Belt and Road projects concerning such areas as engineering, construction, accounting, insurance, investment and financing, and legal and dispute resolution. Through co-operation and sharing of innovation experience, we are seeking to achieve connectivity in professional fields.
      
     Hong Kong serves not only as a two-way platform between Mainland China and other Belt and Road countries, but also as a key link for the Belt and Road, and even global, investment and economic and trade networks.
      
     Hong Kong boasts a substantial foreign currency deposit base and trade volume, and is the world's largest offshore Renminbi hub. Hong Kong has long been an ideal corporate treasury centre for Belt and Road projects and the prime platform for issuance of bonds and related products. The city provides an important channel for connectivity of capital under the Belt and Road Initiative.
      
     Moreover, Hong Kong has been contributing to fostering people-to-people bonds for Belt and Road countries. Hong Kong is an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, and also a dynamic Asia's world city. We have a wealth of museums and exhibition resources. Located at West Kowloon Cultural District, the Hong Kong Palace Museum, which showcases treasures from the Forbidden City, and the M+, which is Asia's first global museum of contemporary visual culture, have become must‑see attractions for both local and inbound visitors.
      
     As our tourism industry sees a strong recovery, we look forward to welcoming friends from our Belt and Road partners to Hong Kong. Together, we can enhance mutual learning and build a global community of shared future in this free and open city.
      
     In the years to come, Hong Kong will spare no effort to strengthen infrastructure connectivity and financial integration with different Belt and Road countries, develop bilateral and multilateral economic and trade relations with our Belt and Road partners and, by doing so, help enhance the connectivity between our country and the world.
      
     In closing, I wish the forum a great success. Thank you.

      

     The Government noted that the Legislative Council today (October 18) passed the Product Eco-responsibility (Amendment) Bill 2023 for regulating disposable plastic tableware and other plastic products, and for enhancing two existing producer responsibility schemes (PRS).
 
     The main regulations on disposable plastic tableware and other plastic products under the Amendment Bill include:

1. Regulation of disposable plastic tableware

     The Amendment Bill prohibits the local sale of nine types of disposable plastic tableware, and prohibits catering premises from providing customers with such products, with implementation carried out in two phases. In the first-phase regulation, the sale of expanded polystyrene (EPS) tableware and four other types of disposable plastic tableware that are small in size and difficult to recycle or to which there are mature alternatives will be prohibited, and so will the provision of such tableware to takeaway customers. Moreover, the provision of all nine types of disposable plastic tableware to dine-in customers at catering premises will be prohibited. The regulation will be fully implemented in the second phase. Details are summarised as follows:
 

2. Other plastic products

     The Amendment Bill also regulates the manufacturing, selling and distributing of a series of disposable plastic products, which will also be implemented in two phases. In the first phase, it is proposed to ban the sale and provision of those products that either have established non-plastic alternatives or are not necessities. Hotels and guesthouses are banned from providing disposable toiletries and in-room plastic-bottled water for free. Moreover, the manufacturing, selling and free distribution of oxo-degradable plastics products are banned. The phased regulation on various types of plastic products is summarised below:
 

     A spokesman for the Environment and Ecology Bureau said, "To allow the trade to get prepared, we will commence the first-phase regulation around six months after the passage of the Amendment Bill. We propose to implement the first-phase regulation from April 22, 2024, in support of Earth Day. The timing of implementing the second-phase regulation will depend on the availability and affordability of the relevant non-plastic or reusable alternatives, and it is tentatively set for 2025. We encourage the trade to get prepared early for the relevant control measures, and jointly build a plastic-free culture."
 
     To facilitate the adoption of non-plastic tableware in lieu of disposable plastic ones by the trade, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has commissioned the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency to set up an online information platform for reference by the food and beverage trade, tableware suppliers and the public. The platform (www.greentableware.hk/en-us/) has been accepting applications from tableware suppliers since November last year. Currently, more than 400 non-plastic disposable tableware products are listed on the platform. The platform also provides information on tableware rental and cleaning services to encourage restaurants to adopt reusable tableware and further reduce waste. Moreover, the EPD is establishing an information platform on disposable plastics to share with the public the characteristics and pros and cons of different alternatives for the public to make well-informed choices. The department will continue to promote reduction of disposable plastic tableware through different channels so as to reduce waste at source. For instance, it launched the Bring Your Own Containers Eateries Scheme last month to encourage the general public to develop the good habit of bringing their own containers when ordering takeaways. Currently, more than 350 restaurants have participated in the scheme.
 
     In addition, the Amendment Bill expands the coverage of the PRS on waste electrical and electronic equipment to include refrigerators and washing machines with larger capacities as well as stand-alone clothes dryers and dehumidifiers. It also removes the requirements in relation to the provision of recycling labels in the distribution of regulated electrical equipment so as to streamline the operation. This amendment is expected to be implemented on July 1, 2024. Moreover, the Amendment Bill also optimises the operation of the PRS on glass beverage containers.
 
     For details of the Amendment Bill, please visit www.legco.gov.hk/en/legco-business/council/bills.html?bill_key=10010&session=2023.