The Environment and Ecology Bureau today (March 1) announced the establishment of the Expert Group on Conservation for Sha Lo Tung.

     Members of the Expert Group are appointed by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, with Professor Lam Kin-che as the convener. The members include experts and scholars from fields of nature conservation or related sectors involved in promoting conservation work, as well as representatives of the relevant government bureau and department. The membership list of the Expert Group is set out in the Annex. The term of appointment is two years, from March 1, 2024, until February 28, 2026.

     The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, said that members of the Expert Group possess profound professional knowledge and extensive experience. With their support, the Government can conserve the beautiful ecological environment and biodiversity in Sha Lo Tung in a more comprehensive and sustainable manner, and provide a more fruitful countryside experience and opportunities for ecological research for visitors and scholars from Hong Kong and other regions.

     The work of the Expert Group includes assisting the Government in mapping out the long-term strategies for conservation of ecology and biodiversity in Sha Lo Tung, advising the Government on measures to promote scientific research and eco-recreation in Sha Lo Tung, and steering the implementation of conservation studies and projects carried out in Sha Lo Tung.

     Sha Lo Tung has very high ecological value, ranking second among the 12 Priority Sites for Enhanced Conservation under the New Nature Conservation Policy. Since 2018, the Government has been implementing ongoing conservation work in Sha Lo Tung through a Nature Conservation Management Agreement project funded under the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme. With the completion of non in-situ land exchange in Sha Lo Tung in July 2022, the Government will take forward further measures to enhance nature conservation in Sha Lo Tung, facilitate scientific research and enable public enjoyment of the precious ecological resources there.

     The Government published in the Gazette today (March 1) the Telecommunications (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 (the Amendment Ordinance) to provide legal basis for the Communications Authority (CA) to grant authorised access for mobile network operators to install and maintain mobile communications facilities (MCFs) in reserved space in specified new buildings (including new and redeveloped commercial, industrial, residential and hotel buildings). The above Amendment Ordinance was passed in the Legislative Council on third reading on February 21 this year.
 
     "We are grateful to the Legislative Council for promptly scrutinising and passing the relevant bill, enabling the successful implementation of the initiative proposed in the 2022 Policy Address to enhance the fifth generation (5G) mobile services infrastructure, which helps institutionalising the arrangement for installing MCFs in specified buildings and streamlining the approval process, with a view to further expanding Hong Kong's 5G network coverage and facilitating Hong Kong's development into a smart city," a spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said.
 
     To implement the Amendment Ordinance, the CA will issue a code of practice to provide detailed information and guidance for mobile network operators, building developers, construction professionals, etc, on the minimum standards and requirements of the infrastructure for the installation of MCFs in specified new buildings. Relevant government departments including the Buildings Department and the Lands Department will also revise administrative guidelines/codes of practice/practice notes under their respective purview to implement the relevant proposal.
 
     Upon completion of the relevant work, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development will specify the commencement date of the relevant provisions by notice published in the Gazette to allow sufficient time for relevant stakeholders to prepare and adapt to the new requirements.
 
     The Amendment Ordinance also adapts the Telecommunications Ordinance (Cap. 106) and its regulations to bring them into conformity with the Basic Law and with Hong Kong's status as a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. The relevant adaptation amendments commence with immediate effect.

     The Designs Registry under the Intellectual Property Department (IPD) will reduce the fees of various design registration and post-registration services with effect from today (March 1). The levels of reduction are from 10 per cent to 70 per cent.
 
     The Government has all along adopted a multi‑pronged strategy to promote intellectual property (IP) trading, including strengthening the protection of IP rights. The fee reduction concerned is one of the policy measures under the Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address to promote the further development of IP trading.
 
     The Director of Intellectual Property, Mr David Wong, said, "This measure encourages the trade to register designs by electronic means as soon as possible to obtain legal protection for new product designs, facilitating IP commercialisation and promoting the development of creative industries."
 
     The fee level of government services is generally set based on the "user pays" principle. The reduction of fees of the Registry's services is attributable to increased efficiency and reduced cost as a result of updating the information technology system and streamlining workflows.
 
     "Efficient registration services are an important aspect of the IP protection system. We will continue to utilise technology to raise service standards, further enhance Hong Kong's business environment and make every effort to develop Hong Kong into a regional IP trading centre," Mr Wong added.
 
     Details of the new fees are available at the IPD's website (www.ipd.gov.hk/en/designs/new-fees-of-the-designs-registry/index.html).

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 (March 1) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; and Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

     The new Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (the Scheme) is open for application today (March 1). 

     An eligible applicant must make investment of a minimum of HK$30 million in the permissible investment assets. A successful applicant may bring dependants (including spouse and unmarried dependent children aged under 18) to Hong Kong.  Permission to stay will normally be granted to them for two years. Upon expiry of the two-year period, they may apply for an extension of stay for three years, and may subsequently apply for further extensions of stay for three years. They may, upon a period of continuous ordinary residence in Hong Kong of not less than seven years, apply to become Hong Kong permanent residents in accordance with the law. 

     Invest Hong Kong is responsible for assessing whether the applications fulfill the financial requirements under the Scheme, and the Immigration Department is responsible for assessing the applications for visa/entry permit and extension of stay, etc. Details are available at the Scheme website (www.newcies.gov.hk/en/index.html)

     The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, "Following the announcement of the Scheme details in December 2023, a multitude of briefing sessions have been conducted for financial intermediaries, members of the Network of Family Office Service Providers and international business associations. These sessions have garnered considerable interest from high-net-worth individuals worldwide, including those from the Middle East, Southeast Asia and beyond. An early launch of the Scheme demonstrates the Government’s commitment to strengthening the development of asset and wealth management business, financial services and related professional services, as well as driving the high-quality development in Hong Kong."

     The Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau, said, "The Scheme will solidify Hong Kong's position as a hub for talent and capital, and elevate Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre. As the Government continues to roll out measure to further enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness as an asset and wealth management hub, the attractiveness of the Scheme will be further enhanced. We will continue to work diligently in promoting the Scheme to various business associations, international stakeholders and family offices. We will also collaborate closely with service providers and potential applicants in addressing enquiries and ensuring clarity."