Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Attention TV/radio announcers:
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:
Here is an item of interest to swimmers.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department said today (September 9) that the red flag at Tai Po Lung Mei Beach in Tai Po District has been lowered, and the beach has been reopened.
The beach was closed earlier on after an oil spill.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs (SHYA), Miss Alice Mak, informed Tuen Mun District Council (DC) member Mr Kenneth Yip Kat-kong in writing today (September 9) that, in light of his dangerous driving conviction, which constituted misconduct, his functions and duties as a DC member shall be suspended for one week.
The SHYA appointed a supervisory committee on July 18 pursuant to section 72C of the District Councils Ordinance (Cap. 547) to investigate the alleged misconduct of Mr Yip. The supervisory committee submitted a report to the SHYA on September 1. After considering the evidence related to the misconduct, the negative impact of the incident on DC members, DCs and the Government’s reputation and credibility, as well as Mr Yip’s written representation, the supervisory committee concluded that Mr Yip’s dangerous driving conviction constituted misconduct and recommended suspending Mr Yip’s functions and duties as a DC member for one week.
Pursuant to section 72D of the Ordinance and the Performance Monitoring Guidelines for Members of the District Councils, and after considering the report of the supervisory committee, the SHYA concurred with the supervisory committee’s opinions that Mr Yip’s dangerous driving conviction constituted misconduct, and decided to suspend his functions and duties as a DC member for one week. For the period of suspension, he shall not be entitled to receive any remuneration or allowances, including end-of-service gratuity, but shall be entitled to be reimbursed for the operating expenses incurred, e.g. office rentals and staff salaries, during the period.
Miss Mak said, “This is the first time the Government has investigated and imposed sanctions on a DC member for misconduct in accordance with the performance monitoring mechanism for DC members under the improved district governance. The Government places strong emphasis on the conduct and integrity of DC members, and they should conduct themselves in a manner that is in line with public expectations and commensurate with the reputation of the DC and its members. The Government will continue to monitor the performance of DC members to ensure that every DC member upholds their duties to serve the people. The Government would also like to express gratitude to the five members of the supervisory committee for their work and opinions on the case.”
Mr Yip will be suspended from his functions and duties as a DC member from tomorrow (September 10) to September 16 (both dates inclusive). The DC website has been updated accordingly for public information.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at Brazil’s Independence Day Reception today (September 9):
Ambassador Valler (Consul-General of Brazil in Hong Kong, Mr Wladimir Valler Filho), Deputy Commissioner Pan Yundong (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon.
It’s a pleasure to be here, today, in celebration of Brazil’s National Day – the 203rd anniversary of its Declaration of Independence. On this special occasion, we honour not only the rich history and culture of Brazil but also the enduring friendship between our peoples.
Brazil is a country of enviable superlatives. The world’s fifth-largest nation in area, it’s also the seventh-largest in population, with some 213 million people.
As Latin America’s largest economy, Brazil has built an impressive and diversified industrial base, with globally competitive companies spanning agriculture, manufacturing, aerospace, metallurgy, services, and more.
I’m pleased to say that Brazil is also our key trading partner in Latin America. Last year, Brazil was Hong Kong’s largest import source and second-largest export market in the region. Bilateral merchandise trade between our economies last year reached US$3.4 billion – an increase of more than 18 per cent year on year. These figures speak to the strength and potential of our economic ties.
At a time when protectionism and unilateralism are on the rise globally, Brazil continues to champion multilateralism and international co-operation. It has been a steadfast partner to our country, China, in building a multipolar world and a more sustainable planet. These shared values are more important than ever, as we work together to build a more inclusive and resilient global community.
Last year marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil, when President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Brazil. It was a milestone celebrated with the signing of over 30 bilateral agreements. And during President Lula da Silva’s state visit to our country in May this year, a further 20 co-operation agreements were concluded, covering a wide range of areas including science and technology, digital economy, finance, and more.
This deepening of co-operation between Brazil and China opens up new and exciting avenues for Hong Kong to strengthen its engagement with Brazil. Under the unique “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong serves as a vital bridge between China and the rest of the world. We are well positioned to facilitate and expand bilateral ties across business, trade and innovation.
Hong Kong offers a world-class business environment, underpinned by the rule of law, a free and open economy, and a regulatory regime that is aligned with the best international standards and enriched by a vibrant international and diverse community. These core strengths continue to earn us high recognition in global competitiveness rankings and positive feedback from international businesses operating here.
In trade, our zero-tariff regime, efficient logistics, and seamless customs clearance make Hong Kong an ideal gateway for Brazilian goods entering the Greater Bay Area and the broader Chinese and Asian markets.
One area of particular promise for future collaboration is innovation and technology. Brazil leads Latin America in the number and diversity of its start-ups, reflecting a dynamic and entrepreneurial spirit. Likewise, Hong Kong is emerging as a leading I&T hub, bolstered by the strength of the Greater Bay Area, which hosted an innovation cluster that tops the world in a recent ranking by the World Intellectual Property Organization.
We are actively attracting global talent, companies and start-ups to join our thriving innovation ecosystem, with nearly 30 per cent of start-up founders coming from outside Hong Kong.
It helps that Hong Kong is Asia’s leading financial centre, offering a full range of funding options, with deep liquidity, exceptional professional services, and unparalleled international connectivity. For start-ups and innovators, launching here is effectively an international seal of approval. If a start-up can thrive in Hong Kong, it is likely to succeed elsewhere.
Of course, our growing ties are not limited to business alone. We welcome Brazilian music, dance, food and drink, entertainment and, yes, football, too. I had the pleasure of enjoying a taste of Brazilian culture in June, at the opening ceremony of “Extravaganza! When Brazil Meets Hong Kong”, down by the harbour. It was a joyful and colourful celebration that added vibrancy to Hong Kong’s calendar as Asia’s events capital.
I am delighted to hear that Brazil’s “Extravaganza” will return to Hong Kong next year, and I look forward to even more cultural exchanges that bring our communities closer together.
On this note, I wish you a happy national day. Thank you very much.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
​The Education Bureau (EDB) announced today (September 9) that the Study Subsidy Scheme for Designated Professions/Sectors (SSSDP) will subsidise a total of 4 781 places in 57 undergraduate programmes, covering 3 425 places in 57 first-year-first-degree (FYFD) programmes and 1 356 places in 45 top-up degree (TUD) programmes of eight post-secondary institutions for the cohort to be admitted in the 2026/27 academic year.
The programmes of the SSSDP fall under 10 disciplines that have been identified as having keen manpower demand, namely architecture and engineering, computer science, creative industries, financial technology, healthcare, insurance, logistics, sports and recreation, testing and certification, and tourism and hospitality. The programmes include 16 applied degree programmes, which will receive additional subsidies, with a view to further strengthening the vocational and professional education and training progression pathway at the post-secondary level.
The programmes and numbers of subsidised places under the SSSDP are determined by the EDB in consultation with relevant policy bureaux and departments. Details of the participating institutions, the programmes and the numbers of subsidised places are listed in the Annex. The EDB will continue to work with relevant policy bureaux and departments to explore covering more suitable programmes in the SSSDP.
The annual subsidy amounts for the 2026/27 academic year will remain unchanged at $81,450 for laboratory-based programmes and $46,780 for non-laboratory-based programmes. For applied degree programmes, including the additional annual subsidies, the total annual subsidy amounts will also remain unchanged at $89,620 for laboratory-based programmes and $51,880 for non-laboratory-based programmes.
The subsidy amounts are applicable to both new and continuing eligible students. The subsidy is tenable for the normal duration of the programmes concerned. Subsidised students will pay a tuition fee with the subsidy applied. Students in need may still apply for student financial assistance from the Student Finance Office of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency in respect of the actual amount of tuition fee payable.
The subsidised FYFD intake places are allocated mainly through the Joint University Programmes Admissions System to ensure that eligible students are selected on a merit basis, whereas the subsidised places of the TUD programmes are allocated in accordance with the existing admission arrangements of the self-financing TUD programmes, i.e. through direct admission by institutions. Students can apply for admission to the programmes directly through the institutions concerned.
The SSSDP was launched in the 2015/16 academic year to subsidise students to pursue designated full-time locally accredited self-financing undergraduate programmes in selected disciplines. The objectives are as follows:
(1) to increase the supply of subsidised undergraduate places by leveraging the supply of the self-financing post-secondary education sector;
(2) to nurture talent in support of specific industries with keen demand for human resources;
(3) to encourage the self-financing post-secondary education sector to offer programmes in selected disciplines that meet Hong Kong’s social and economic needs by providing targeted financial support; and
(4) to support the healthy and sustainable development of the self-financing post-secondary education sector to complement the University Grants Committee-funded sector in broadening and diversifying study opportunities.
The SSSDP has been expanded to include TUD programmes with effect from the 2023/24 academic year. As for the designated sub-degree programmes, the relevant details for the 2026/27 cohort, including the participating institutions, the sub-degree programmes, the numbers of subsidised places and the subsidy amounts, will be announced in due course.
Details of the SSSDP are available on the EDB website (www.cspe.edu.hk/sssdp).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Ma Liu Shui New Ferry Pier is open for public use today (September 9), providing two berths to divert vessel and passenger traffic from the existing Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier and the nearby landing steps, thereby alleviating congestion, especially during holidays.
The new pier, a project under the Pier Improvement Programme (PIP), is located next to Ma Liu Shui Landing No. 3 on Science Park Road in Sha Tin (see location map). It provides berths for local sightseeing vessels and kaito ferries for passenger boarding and alighting. Two regular kaito ferry service routes, namely Ma Liu Shui – Lai Chi Wo and Ma Liu Shui – Kat O/Ap Chau, currently using Landing No. 3 for boarding and alighting, will switch to the new pier starting this Saturday (September 13). The other two regular kaito ferry service routes, Ma Liu Shui – Tap Mun and Ma Liu Shui – Tung Ping Chau, will continue to use Ma Liu Shui Ferry Pier.
The new pier features a design with a floating platform and a gangway. As the floating platform rises and falls with the sea level, it remains at the same level as the vessels, making it easier for them to berth and for passengers to board and alight safely and conveniently. The floating platform is connected to the shore by a gangway for passengers in need. In addition, facilities including charging stations, a Wi-Fi hotspot and an information display panel are installed on the shore to enhance user convenience and experience.
Launched in 2017, the PIP aims to improve marine traffic to and from remote areas in the New Territories and outlying islands, facilitating access for residents and visitors while meeting the needs of fishermen’s operations through reconstruction or construction of public piers and upgrading of pier facilities. The PIP currently involves 23 public piers. In addition to Ma Liu Shui New Ferry Pier, which is open today, Pak Kok Pier on Lamma Island and Kau Sai Village Pier in Sai Kung are already open for public use. Ten piers are under construction, seven of which will open progressively by the end of 2025. These include Lai Chi Chong Pier, Sham Chung Pier and Sam Mun Tsai Village Pier in Tai Po District; Leung Shuen Wan Pier in Sai Kung District; Yi O Pier and Ma Wan Chung Pier on Lantau; and Shek Tsai Wan Pier at Ma Wan. Improvement works for Yung Shue Wan Public Pier on Lamma Island, Sai Wan Jetty on Cheung Chau and Tai O Public Pier on Lantau are expected to be completed in 2026. The remaining piers are at the planning and design stages, and the projects will be taken forward in an orderly manner.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the AVPN Global Conference 2025 today (September 9):
Ms Batra (Chief Executive Officer of AVPN, Ms Naina Batra), Winfried (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning.
On behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to you all.
The AVPN conference brings together some of the most influential minds in philanthropy, family offices and impact investing. I would like to express my sincere thanks to AVPN and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for hosting this impactful event right here in Hong Kong.
You are here because you all recognise a profound shift in the global investment narrative. You are here because you know the importance of forging partnerships and breaking silos. And you are here because Hong Kong stands as a global centre and a strategic hub for philanthropy, sustainable finance and impact investing.
Today marks Day 2 of Hong Kong Green Week, and I’m delighted that impact investing is front and centre. This is an area that Hong Kong has made significant strides in recent years. As a global financial and business centre, and the gateway connecting the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world, we have been doing well, particularly for the financial markets over the past year or so. But we know that doing well alone is no longer enough. The imperative of our time is clear: we must do good while doing well.
The Asian opportunity
Indeed, Asia presents both an enormous need, and a tremendous opportunity, for impact investing.
To put it into perspective: Asia is home to around 60 per cent of the world’s population and is undergoing an unprecedented economic transformation. Yet, the region is also highly vulnerable to natural disasters. In 2022, for example, 140 disasters struck this continent, resulting in economic damage equivalent to the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of Myanmar.
The UN (United Nations) has estimated that Asia requires around US$1.5 trillion in annual investments to meet the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Apparently, the gap between need and available private capital is vast.
Globally, the impact investing market has expanded rapidly, with AUM (assets under management) reaching US$1.6 trillion in 2024, more than double the total in 2020. The amount is projected to reach US$6 trillion by 2031. Yet, capital allocation for impact investing remains uneven. Studies show that North America accounts for 47 per cent, Europe 23 per cent, while South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia combined account for less than 15 per cent.
But within this gap lies hope and immense potential. Asia is home to a fast-growing generation of wealth holders. According to market analysis, the region counted over 850 000 high-net-worth individuals in 2024. Many are not just wealthy entrepreneurs or heirs to fortunes. They are impact-minded leaders who seek to define their legacy through positive social and environmental change.
With these trends and challenges, the key question is: How can we better connect opportunities with capital where it is needed most?
Hong Kong: a platform for purposeful capital
This is exactly where Hong Kong comes in.
Hong Kong has always been a super connector. A conduit for global capital and a value adder. We are built for this.
Our world-class financial and legal systems as well as top-notch professional services are underpinned by the “one country, two systems” framework. We consistently rank among the world’s top cities, from business competitiveness to economic freedom, and from innovation prowess to talent quality. These make us uniquely positioned to serve as a launch pad for purpose-driven investments.
For philanthropists and social businesses, Hong Kong offers access to global networks and best practices, institutions and talent, and a diverse pool of impact-first capital.
One example is the Impact Link, launched by the Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy last year. This platform connects donors and family offices with high-impact charitable initiatives, matching capital with projects of worthy causes. Our city is also home to a vibrant network of charitable organisations, NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and international foundations. They, of course, include the HKJC Charities Trust, which may well be Hong Kong’s largest charity donor.
In fact, over the past three years, tax deductible charitable donations made by individuals and businesses stood at about HK$40 billion.
We are magnifying this impact through proactive policies, such as providing tax concessions and attracting more family offices which are forces for good. And our policy statement for developing family offices offers a clear roadmap to support the growth of family offices.
Our ESG (environmental, social and governance) and green finance ecosystem is one of the most vibrant in Asia. In 2024, Hong Kong issued over US$80 billion in sustainable debt, with green bonds making up 45 per cent of the regional total. Today, more than 200 ESG funds are authorised by the Securities and Futures Commission with a combined AUM exceeding US$140 billion.
We are also innovating. From tokenised green bonds to more thematic ESG ETFs (exchange traded funds), we are expanding the suite of financial instruments and product offerings.
Beyond finance, the Greater Bay Area, including Hong Kong, is fast rising as the world’s leading innovation cluster. Start-ups here are developing transformative solutions, ranging from AI-powered greentech to medtech and inclusive fintech, all designed to solve real-world problems and promote equitable development.
Indeed, across the Chinese Mainland and Asia, a new wave of innovation is emerging, brimming with tech start-ups and enterprises. They are offering scalable, tech-enabled solutions to address our most pressing challenges like climate change.
With these advantages, Hong Kong is keen to create a seamless ecosystem where capital can be efficiently structured, deployed and scaled for maximum sustainable impact, both within our region and across the globe.
At our core, Hong Kong believes in collaboration. We are committed to building strong, cross-sector partnerships that create value for all.
Step forward: showcasing our capability
In this connection, understanding how to mobilise impact capital effectively is crucial. I am pleased to note that tomorrow, our Financial Services Development Council will launch a special report right here at this conference.
That report will highlight real-world case studies that showcase how Hong Kong is already serving as a powerful agent in mobilising impact capital. I hope you will find inspiration and actionable insight in its pages.
Conclusion
Ladies and gentlemen, we live in uncertain times. But gatherings like this one give me tremendous hope.
You are the change makers, the architects of a more inclusive and sustainable future. And Hong Kong is your committed partner. We are ready, willing and uniquely positioned to help you channel capital for purpose, connect ambition with action, and turn the vision of doing good into a reality that changes lives.
Enjoy the rich discussions over the next few days. Let us learn from one another, forge new partnerships, and leave here ready to build a better world, together. Thank you.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting tomorrow (September 10) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Second Reading debate on the Registration of Same-sex Partnerships Bill will resume. If the Bill is supported by Members and receives its Second Reading, it will stand committed to the committee of the whole Council. After the committee of the whole Council has completed consideration of the Bill and its report is adopted by the Council, the Bill will be set down for the Third Reading.
The Second Reading debates on the Supplementary Appropriation (2024-2025) Bill, the Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025 will resume. If the Bills are supported by Members and receive their Second Reading, they will stand committed to the committee of the whole Council. After the committee of the whole Council has completed consideration of the Bills and their reports are adopted by the Council, the Bills will be set down for the Third Reading.
Meanwhile, the Road Traffic (Amendment) (Ride-hailing Service) Bill 2025 will be introduced into the Council for the First Reading and the Second Reading. The Second Reading debate on the Bill will be adjourned.
On Member’s Bill, the Second Reading debate on Hong Kong Baptist University (Amendment) Bill 2025 will resume. If the Bill is supported by Members and receives its Second Reading, it will stand committed to the committee of the whole Council. After the committee of the whole Council has completed consideration of the Bill and its report is adopted by the Council, the Bill will be set down for the Third Reading.
On Members’ motions, Professor Chan Wing-kwong will move a motion on stepping up efforts in combating illegal medical practices to safeguard public health. The motion is set out in Appendix 1.
Mr Kwok Wai-keung will move a motion on firmly upholding the safeguards of the employment priority for local employees. The motion is set out in Appendix 2. Mr Michael Tien will move an amendment to Mr Kwok’s motion.
In addition, Mr Chan Kin-por will move a motion under Rule 49E(2) of the Rules of Procedure to take note of a report of the House Committee on consideration of subsidiary legislation and other instruments. The motion is set out in Appendix 3.
Members will also ask the Government 22 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.
The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the LegCo Website (www.legco.gov.hk). Members of the public can watch or listen to the meeting via the “Webcast” system on the LegCo Website. To observe the proceedings of the meeting at the LegCo Complex, members of the public may call 3919 3399 during office hours to reserve seats.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the HK-Asean Summit 2025 today (September 9):
Honourable Minister Anthony (Minister of Transport of Malaysia, Mr Loke Siew Fook), Secretary Rodolfo (Undersecretary for the Industry Development Group of the Department of Trade and Industry of Philippines, Dr Ceferino Rodolfo), Ms Catherine So (Chief Executive Officer of the South China Morning Post), Dr Daryl Ng (Chairman of the Hong Kong-ASEAN Foundation), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. I am very delighted to join you today at the 2025 Hong Kong-Asean Summit.
This is, I’m pleased to say, the fourth consecutive year I’ve addressed this Summit, an annual event created to put a bright spotlight on the dynamic and mutually rewarding ties between Hong Kong and ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Allow me first to welcome Minister Loke, our good friend from Malaysia, together with many other senior government officials, business leaders and distinguished guests from ASEAN and beyond.
Indeed, some 400 of you are here today, with another 300 or so taking in this year’s Summit virtually, and you’ll be hearing from 20 prominent speakers from some 30 countries and regions. Your presence underscores the enduring strength of our partnership, and shared commitment, to enhancing regional development and prosperity.
There are good reasons for our partnership. The recent rise of protectionism and unilateralism is creating significant uncertainties in international trade, damaging trading systems and escalating geopolitical risks.
In such trying times, it is all the more important for like-minded economies to work together, upholding multilateralism with an open, rules-based order. Hong Kong has long been a free port and a champion of multilateral trade. That’s why we attach great importance to our relations with ASEAN, whose 10 member states share similar values and a clear commitment to promoting free and open trade.
And that’s why the ASEAN region was the destination of my first overseas visit, after assuming office some three years ago. Over the years, I’m glad to have led high-level business delegations from Hong Kong to visit seven different ASEAN countries, concluding some 90 documents of co-operation on various fronts.
ASEAN, after all, is the third-most populous region and fifth-largest economy in the world.
For 15 years in a row, ASEAN has been Hong Kong’s second-largest merchandise trading partner. Last year, our trade was valued at more than US$165 billion, up almost 15 per cent over the previous year.
And our merchandise trade in the first half of this year continued to soar, I’m delighted to note, rising nearly one quarter. Our services trade is equally cheering, climbing about 30 per cent, year-on-year, and reaching US$18 billion in 2023, making ASEAN our third-largest services trading partner.
We like to invest in each other’s opportunities, too. ASEAN is Hong Kong’s third-largest outward investment destination, and sixth-largest source of inward direct investment.
More than our long years of friendship, the robust relationship between us is backed by the ASEAN-Hong Kong, China Free Trade Agreement and its related Investment Agreement. They have been in full force since 2021, with the linked Economic and Technical Co-operation Work Programme focused on ensuring continuing trade and investment growth.
Last year, the number of offices set up in Hong Kong with parent companies located in ASEAN grew 13 per cent. Some 730 ASEAN companies now call Hong Kong home.
There are plenty of good reasons for ASEAN companies to look to Hong Kong for their future. Long the world’s freest economy, Hong Kong was also the world’s seventh-largest merchandise trading entity last year.
This year, the International Institute for Management Development’s World Competitiveness Yearbook ranked Hong Kong third, globally, in competitiveness. That is the second year, in a row, that we’ve gone up two places in this ranking, and our first return to the global top three since 2019.
More good news. Just this morning, the Institute released its annual World Talent Ranking, in which Hong Kong’s ranking rose to fourth, globally, and first in the Asia Pacific. This is our highest-ever position in the ranking, having climbed up five places from last year. Indeed, our ranking rose 12 places over the past two years, a clear testament to the HKSAR Government’s enhanced efforts in education and talent development.
The World Talent Ranking, I’m pleased to add, recognises Hong Kong’s outstanding academic achievement, ranking us first in the indicator “Graduates in Sciences”.
Yes, Hong Kong is the only city in the globe with as many as five universities in the world’s top 100. Our excellent institutions nurture world-class scientists and research talent in different disciplines.
Leveraging that strength, Hong Kong is fast rising as an innovation and technology hub. Earlier this month, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster topped the world – for the first time – in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s annual Global Innovation Index.
All three cities in the cluster are core cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a cluster city development that brings together a population of 87 million.
By synergising Hong Kong’s research prowess with the Mainland’s innovation and manufacturing capabilities, we are committed to becoming one of the world’s leading I&T centres.
And, as one of the world’s top three international financial centres, Hong Kong has the liquidity, along with the angel investors, venture capital and private equity funds, to drive innovation and innovative companies. These, ladies and gentlemen, present far-reaching opportunities for ASEAN companies and entrepreneurs looking to tap into the vast and promising markets of the Mainland.
And we are continually seeking to expand our co-operation and ties. In addition to our Economic and Trade Offices in Singapore, Jakarta and Bangkok, we are working closely with the Malaysian Government to open a fourth ASEAN-based Office in Kuala Lumpur.
I am pleased to note that excellent progress has been made towards establishing this new office, and I am sure our ties with ASEAN will reach another level entirely with the new addition.
Then there’s the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the world’s largest free trade bloc. The theme of this year’s Summit, “Bridging Horizons, Building Futures”, seems to me to speak to the value and contributions Hong Kong will add to the Partnership with our accession.
That includes serving as a multilevel bridge between the Chinese Mainland and ASEAN. Ladies and gentlemen, I count on your continuing support in realising Hong Kong’s bid for accession.
Trade and investment aside, we enjoy close people-to-people ties and exchanges. We have relaxed the criteria for nationals of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam in applying for multi-entry visas for travel and business. And we have extended their validity period from two to three years.
We are, as well, providing self-service immigration clearance for invited visitors participating in business, development and related activities from all ASEAN countries.
Those “related activities” include enjoying the world-class arts, culture and entertainment, everywhere you turn, in Hong Kong, a world city rising as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. Sports exchange and excitement, too, thanks to our world-class facilities, including new, state-of-the-art Kai Tak Sports Park. Or a fond exchange with our six cuddly giant pandas, right here in Ocean Park.
Before I go, allow me to mention that Hong Kong’s Belt and Road Summit, the 10th anniversary edition, opens tomorrow. The annual event attracts government officials and business leaders and investors from Hong Kong, the Mainland and throughout the region, including those from ASEAN states.
Hong Kong, of course, plays a key role in our country’s Belt and Road Initiative. It’s part of our continuing contribution to regional connectivity. I look forward to seeing you there.
Because we believe in partnership. Despite all the uncertainties and unease across the globe, Hong Kong holds on to the belief that free trade is the backbone for boosting global output. It’s the key ingredient for a more interconnected, peaceful and productive world economy.
As Hong Kong and ASEAN deepen our collaboration, we are paving the way for stronger economic partnerships and enhanced regional connectivity, creating opportunities for shared growth and prosperity. Together, we are not afraid of storms. United, we will sail our ships, through thick and thin, whether it is Typhoon Nine, Typhoon Eight, or Typhoon Eight-Goodbye.
In closing, my thanks to the South China Morning Post for once again hosting this significant annual gathering, made for business, for networking, for creating partnerships and enduring co-operation. And that, ladies and gentlemen, will ensure that today’s trying times soon give way to inspiring times. Rewarding times for us all.
I wish you the best of business and a memorable stay in Hong Kong.
Thank you.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
​ The Labour Department (LD) will hold job fairs under the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) from tomorrow (September 10), providing job vacancies of waiter/waitress, junior cook, and more for local job seekers. Over 25 organisations will participate in the job fairs this week, offering over 800 job vacancies.
To safeguard employment priority for local workers, the LD has been continuously enhancing the implementation arrangements for the ESLS. The LD announced that from tomorrow, if an employer applies to import waiters/waitresses or junior cooks under the ESLS, the employer will be required to join a job fair once a week during the four-week local recruitment period at job centres assigned by the LD and conduct job interviews on the spot. If an employer fails to join the arranged job fair(s), the LD will reject their application(s) for labour importation under the ESLS.
The LD encourages job seekers to participate in the job fairs to apply for vacancies of waiter/waitress, junior cook, and more. The job fairs will be held from 10am to 1pm or from 2.30pm to 5.30pm at designated job centres. Admission is free. For details of the job fairs, please visit the LD’s Interactive Employment Service website (www.jobs.gov.hk/en/esls/jobfair).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
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 (September 9) that Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach in Islands District is temporarily closed until further notice for maintenance of the shark prevention nets. The red flag has been hoisted at the beach. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.