Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the Business of Intellectual Property Asia Forum today (December 5):
 
Deputy Commissioner Hu Wenhui (Deputy Commissioner of the China National Intellectual Property Administration), Deputy Director-General Wang Binying (Deputy Director-General of the World Intellectual Property Organization), Dr Peter Lam (Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. Welcome to Hong Kong, and to the 14th edition of the Business of Intellectual Property (IP) Asia Forum.
 
     This annual, two-day Forum is a global gathering. This year, about 2 000 IP owners, service providers and users from some 20 countries and regions are taking part. We are here to explore a crucial driver of our economic future: the development of intellectual property trading and its transformative potential, under the theme of "Reimagining IP for Impact and Growth."
 
     With the support of our country through the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is committed to becoming a regional IP trading centre.
 
     And we are on our way. To illustrate with an example: a Hong Kong-based start-up, specialising in electricity-free cooling technology, has attracted nearly $100 million Hong Kong Dollars in its Series A round financing, taking full advantage of Hong Kong's robust IP protection and extensive distribution networks.
 
     Partnering with local and international companies, it is advancing new technology research and development (R&D), expanding its product portfolio and bringing its technology to the global market.
 
     And it is only one of many Hong Kong success stories making use of their IP rights to generate growth.
 
     I invite you to check out Radio Television Hong Kong's "IP: New Opportunities" programme for more inspiring Hong Kong stories. The success of these businesses is a testament to IP trading's power in driving economic growth and job creation.
 
     The early stages of R&D require vigorous IP protection. And Hong Kong is committed to supporting our innovators. We are planning to establish a World Intellectual Property Organization Technology and Innovation Support Centre in Hong Kong, which is expected to commence operation by next year at the earliest. It will provide essential services to help our local entrepreneurs and businesses protect and commercialise their innovations.
 
     Our goal is to make it easy for our entrepreneurs and businesses to go from product concept to market launch, offering expert guidance, support and resources.
 
     And we are working to make it easy for you, too. Our "patent box" tax incentive, up and running since July, has reduced tax rates on qualifying IP profits from 16.5 per cent to 5 per cent. That can only encourage more R&D and IP trading.
 
     Our strategy for ensuring Hong Kong's rise as a regional IP trading leader is built on two key pillars.
 
     First, enhancing IP infrastructure. We will update the Copyright Ordinance and revamp the registered design regime to meet demand, today and tomorrow. Legislative amendments will also be proposed to streamline IP litigation, allowing our courts to manage such cases more effectively.
 
     Second, we are building an IP-savvy workforce. Our Intellectual Property Department will work with the Qualifications Framework Secretariat to develop IP training materials for 23 industries. It will also advance our plans to introduce regulatory arrangements for local patent agents.
 
     Hong Kong's IP strategy is evolving in a global context. As an international financial, trade and logistics centre, Hong Kong has long emphasised the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing.
 
     And we will continue to do so, engaging with the world, particularly our ASEAN neighbours and countries along the Belt and Road, in sharing best practices and staying at the forefront of IP trends.
 
     Speaking of ASEAN, tomorrow's Forum features a two-part session on ASEAN IP commercialisation. Organised by the ASEAN Secretariat and our Intellectual Property Department, it is focused on the arts, cultural and creative industries. The Global Tech Summit is on tomorrow, as well, examining the transformative impact of AI and other technology.
 
     And this afternoon, you will want to take in two highlight sessions on the Greater Bay Area and IP.
 
     Remember, too, that the Business of IP Asia Forum is part of Innovation and IP Week, running through December 7 and featuring seven events covering IP, technology, design and branding.
 
     My thanks to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for bringing us together, once again, for this flagship event.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you all a rewarding Forum and the best of IP business in the coming year.
 
     Thank you.

    

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (December 5) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Ministry of Finance will issue Renminbi Sovereign Bonds through the Central Moneymarkets Unit of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). Please find attached the tender notice and the tender information memorandum of the Renminbi Sovereign Bonds to be issued by the Ministry of Finance. Please also find attached the tender-related information provided by the Issuing and Lodging Agent through the HKMA.

     To enable the community to have a better understanding of the Constitution, the Basic Law, and the HKSAR's constitutional basis as laid down by the Constitution and the Basic Law, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR today (December 4) jointly held a seminar on Constitution Day, with the Endeavour Education Centre as the supporting organisation.
    
     About 1 000 participants from various sectors of the community attended the Seminar themed "The Constitution and Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively". The Seminar comprised of two parts: a keynote speech and a panel discussion. The keynote speech was delivered by Professor Mo Jihong, who is the Member of the Academy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Director of the Institute of Law of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Dean of the School of Law of the University of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and Executive Vice-President of the Association of Constitutional Law of the China Law Society. The panel discussion was moderated by member of the Management Committee of the Endeavour Education Centre, Miss Elsie Leung, who hosted a discussion with Hong Kong member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and non-official member of the Executive Council and member of the Legislative Council, Mr Martin Liao; and member of the HKSAR Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Dr William Wong, SC, on the vital functions of the Constitution in the process of further deepening reform comprehensively and promoting Chinese modernisation, as well as Hong Kong's integral roles in this regard.

     Speaking at the Seminar, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said that in the course of further deepening the reform comprehensively, the status of the Constitution as the fundamental law of the country must be upheld, and the provisions, principles and spirit of the Constitution must be firmly safeguarded and implemented, so as to ensure that the reforms are heading in the right direction and are carried out correctly and steadily. At the same time, education on the Constitution must be stepped up, because only when all people fully understand the content and spirit of the Constitution, a favourable atmosphere of respecting and abiding by the law can be created in society, and reforms can move forward steadily while abiding by the rule of law. He pointed out that the Resolution (the Resolution of the CPC Central Committee on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization) adopted at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC Central Committee) put forward more than 300 important reform initiatives, many of which are closely related to Hong Kong, and the key requirement throughout is that the HKSAR should fully capitalise on the institutional advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle.

     Addressing in his speech, Mr Zheng Yanxiong, the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, mentioned that with the propelling of further comprehensive deepening of reforms, the full implementation of the Constitution mechanism will be further enhanced. The rule of law and Rule of the Constitution will step to a new stage and enter a new horizon in the new journey of the Chinese modernisation. The spirit of the rule of law and innovation will lead Hong Kong to a higher level of security and quality development. At present, with the staunch support of the Central Government, the strong leadership of the HKSAR Government, and the concerted efforts of all sectors of the HKSAR, the situations in Hong Kong society remain stable, and the economic and social developments of Hong Kong experience favourable changes. Hong Kong is now entering the best period for striving for economic growth and development at full strength.

     When delivering his keynote speech, Professor Mo expressed his full confidence in the future of Hong Kong, which originates from the successful implementation of the Basic Law in Hong Kong in an active and effective manner. He pointed out that we must firmly establish the awareness of the importance of the Constitution, consciously uphold the authoritative status of the Constitution as the fundamental law in promoting Hong Kong's economic development and prosperity, use the reform spirit of the Constitution to promote practical innovation of the HKSAR's system, and continue to ensure that on the premise of the Central Authorities' effective exercise of overall jurisdiction, we can fully mobilise and utilise the initiative and proactiveness of all sectors of the community in Hong Kong, and encourage and support the HKSAR and the HKSAR Government to make good use of the high degree of autonomy conferred by the Constitution and the Basic Law, in order to place the legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong residents at the core position of the HKSAR's system.

     During the panel discussion of the Seminar, Mr Liao said the Constitution is the founding capital of modern countries and a country's fundamental law which possess the highest authority and status. We are all familiar that the Constitution is also the crystal of unity for the party and the country and unity for the people. It is also a mutual adaptation to the history of the country, the cultural background, the social values, as well as the current institution and mechanism, and a representation of the entire country's spiritual outlook, both internally and externally. Dr Wong pointed out that the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee put forward new development concepts, emphasising on comprehensive ruling of the country in accordance with the law. He considered this as opportunities for all young people in Hong Kong, for the reason that establishing a completely fair cultural awareness and a fair mechanism allow all citizens to give full play to their strengths and pursue happy lives.
    
     The Government has arranged the government website as well as some major television stations to broadcast live the Seminar. The full version of the Seminar will also be uploaded to the website of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau (www.cmab.gov.hk/en/home/index.htm) to enable members of the public to review the Seminar. They may visit the dedicated webpage (www.cmab.gov.hk/en/issues/constitution_day.htm) for other information about Constitution Day.

      

     The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) convened a meeting yesterday (December 3) to strengthen preparations for receiving mega cruise ships homeporting at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal (KTCT) in the coming months.  
      
     The meeting was chaired by the Commissioner for Tourism, Mrs Angelina Cheung, and attended by representatives of the Transport Department (TD), the Hong Kong Police Force, relevant cruise lines, transport services providers, the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the cruise terminal operator. 
      
     Mrs Cheung said, "The Government attaches great importance to facilitating operations on international cruise lines, and aspires to furnish cruise passengers with better visiting experiences, thereby consolidating Hong Kong's position as a major homeport in Asia and attracting more ship calls."
      
     Departing from Shanghai, Spectrum of the Seas will berth at the KTCT on December 6 (Friday) until the afternoon on the same day with some 4 900 passengers from different places, beginning its seasonal homeport deployment in Hong Kong with a total of eight ship calls in the coming two months. The Government welcomes the ship to choose Hong Kong as its homeport, and looks forward to working with the trade to better prepare to receive cruise passengers.  
      
     At the suggestion of the CSTB, the cruise lines will collect information from passengers and persons-in-charge of the tour groups on board regarding post-disembarkation arrangements such as planned destinations and whether a vehicle pick-up has already been arranged. The cruise lines will pass such information to the terminal operator so that the transport arrangements can be adjusted and enhanced as necessary.
      
     Transportation services at the KTCT will be strengthened during the disembarkation period between 7am to 10.30am on December 6, with due regard to the disembarkation arrangements by the cruise line, and to enable passengers to head to different destinations. Improved services include:
 
(a) apart from four regular franchised bus routes and one minibus route, two additional express bus routes will be in service, connecting the Kai Tak MTR Station and the West Kowloon High Speed Rail Station (via Tsim Sha Tsui) respectively. Franchised bus companies will step up service levels to meet demand when necessary, and will deploy more buses with luggage racks to serve passengers with luggage. At least 53 flights of buses will be in operation; 

(b) coach operators will provide free and paid shuttle services as well as support pre-arranged tours organised by local travel agents. At least 38 coaches will be in operation; and 

(c) with regard to taxis, since the taxi supply may fluctuate during peak hours, shift-change hours and inclement weather conditions, in addition to the existing mechanism of frequently notifying the taxi trade before and during the disembarkation period via instant message platforms, the TD has also recently communicated with the taxi trade specifically on cruise ship calls, and will further assist in informing the taxi associations in advance before the arrival of mega cruise ships. If an exceptionally strong demand is anticipated, the terminal operator will, depending on the ground situation, increase the face value of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) coupons distributed to each taxi that picks up passengers at the KTCT to $100 as appropriate. Real-time messages to the taxi trade will also be refined by including the forecast taxi demand on top of the time of disembarkation and real-time waiting situations. 

     Furthermore, the CSTB reminded parties attending the meeting to work together and take other necessary measures to ensure that passengers can leave the terminal for their destinations quickly and smoothly. In particular:
 
(a) making available to passengers, through cruise lines and before the ship’s arrival, specific information about various transport options so that passengers can decide on their transportation arrangements in advance; 

(b) imposing appropriate crowd management measures, through cruise lines, the terminal operator and relevant parties early and in a timely manner, and deploying sufficient manpower and signage at the KTCT to guide and assist passengers; and 

(c) informing the terminal operator immediately of any congestion and major traffic incidents in the vicinity of the KTCT and along major trunk roads so that appropriate contingency measures can be imposed and alternate advice to passengers could be given.       
     
     â€‹The Government has long been providing, and will continue to provide, necessary support to the terminal operator with regard to receiving cruise ships. The terminal operator should continue to discharge its responsibilities of co-ordinating various departments, cruise lines, and service providers on making appropriate transportation plans and on ensuring efficient, smooth and effective management of cruise passenger flows. Stakeholders will continue to maintain close communications on the ship calls at the KTCT, plan in advance and co-ordinate different aspects for receiving cruise passengers to Hong Kong. The CSTB will also closely monitor the implementation of the strengthened measures and will further review and adjust the arrangements for ship calls thereafter.