Month: October 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The fourth report of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment is available on the website of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau (www.cmab.gov.hk/en/press/hr_reports.htm), the HKSAR Government announced today (October 10).   

     “The report of the HKSAR constitutes part of the report submitted by the People’s Republic of China under the Convention against Torture. The report sets out the progress of the implementation of the Convention in the HKSAR since the HKSAR’s submission of the previous report to the United Nations Committee against Torture in June 2013 until May 2024. It also responds to the concluding observations of the Committee after its meeting on the previous report in November 2015,” a Government spokesman said.

The report will be discussed by the Committee at a future meeting, the exact date of which is to be fixed.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Government launched today (October 10) an open tender for the disposal of Lot No. 953 in Demarcation District No. 89 at Sandy Ridge, North District (Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster site), under a two-envelope approach. The tender invitation will close on December 31, 2025 (Wednesday).

The Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster site is situated in the Northern Metropolis and is adjacent to Lo Wu. The site, with an area of approximately 116 365 square metres and being rezoned to “Other Specified Uses” annotated “Innovation and Technology (I&T)”, is designated for the development of a data facility cluster and related industries purposes, aligning with the vision of developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre. The maximum gross floor area (GFA) that may be attained is 250 000 square metres, and no less than 70 per cent of the GFA must be dedicated to high-tier data centre use.

The launch of this tender for the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster site aims to provide advanced computing power facilities, foster the growth of data and artificial intelligence-related industries, strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a regional digital infrastructure hub, and advance the development of a digital economy and smart city initiatives.

A spokesperson for the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau said, “Through this tender, we hope to attract capable investors to develop Sandy Ridge into an advanced data facility cluster for a data centre and related industries to drive forward I&T development in Hong Kong. The Government has included specific provisions in the tender documents to ensure that the site will be primarily used for a data facility cluster, and will adopt a two-envelope approach in the tender assessment to enable a comprehensive evaluation of both non-premium and premium proposals with a view to selecting the proposal that best unleashes the site’s potential.”

Under the two-envelope tender arrangement, a weighting of 70 per cent will be allocated to the assessment of the non-premium proposal, and 30 per cent to the premium proposal. The tender must comply with the requirements on both non-premium and premium aspects specified in the tender documents. The detailed assessment criteria are set out in the tender documents.

The successful tenderer will be required to enter into a service deed with the Government, which will incorporate the commitments made in its tender to facilitate the Government’s monitoring of its implementation.

Land sale documents for the lot including the Explanatory Statement, the Information Statement, the Form of Tender, the Tender Notice, the Conditions of Sale and the sale plans have been made available for public downloading from the Lands Department’s website (www.landsd.gov.hk). Hard copies of the sale plan may also be purchased at the Survey and Mapping Office, Lands Department, 6th Floor, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong, from today until the close of the tender. Details of the tender have been gazetted today.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (October 10) announced that the department collected nine liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) samples from auto-LPG filling stations and LPG terminals on a random basis in September 2025 for laboratory tests. The results show that the LPG quality of all these samples complied with auto-LPG specifications.

The detailed test results are available on the EMSD’s website (https://www.emsd.gov.hk/en/gas_safety/lpg_vehicle_scheme/publications/general/results_of_lpg_sample_analysis/index.html). Enquiries can also be made to the EMSD’s hotline on 2333 3762.

In addition, the EMSD has been vetting independent third-party test reports submitted by LPG supply companies for each shipment to ensure that the quality of imported LPG complies with the specified requirements.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Police today (October 10) appealed to the public for information on two women who went missing in Tsuen Wan.
 
Two Filipino women, Pabuaya Imee-mahilum and Tibay Alelie-perez, aged 24 and 33 respectively, went missing after they were last seen on Yeung Uk Road on October 4 afternoon. Police has respectively received the reports on October 8 and October 6.
 
The 24-year-old woman, Pabuaya Imee-mahilum, is about 1.55 metres tall, 50 kilograms in weight and of medium build. She has a round face with yellow complexion and short brown hair. She was last seen wearing a dark blue denim top, dark blue denim shorts and white shoes.
 
The 33-year-old woman, Tibay Alelie-perez, is about 1.58 metres tall, 50 kilograms in weight and of thin build. She has a round face with yellow complexion and long black hair. She was last seen wearing a light blue long-sleeved top, light blue denim trousers and white shoes.
 
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the two missing women or may have seen them is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Hong Kong Island on 2860 1040 or 9886 0034, or email to rmpu-hki@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) supported the performances and exchange tour of the Hong Kong Clarinet Ensemble Clarisma at the International Rising Musician Exchange Programme, held at Haute École de Musique (HEMU) in Lausanne, Switzerland, from October 7 to 10 (Lausanne time).
 
On October 9, the talented performers of Clarisma collaborated with musicians from HEMU to deliver a mesmerizing ensemble concert that captivated the Swiss audience. The performance highlighted their unique artistic pieces, combining Western classical rigor with contemporary Chinese musical elements. This fusion demonstrated the versatility of the clarinet and the harmonious blend of traditional and modern music.
 
In a bid to support young performers and foster their international exposure, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau provided funding support to sponsor Clarisma’s exchange tour. During their stay, Clarisma also engaged in two public performances and participated in two workshops, which brought together music practitioners for cultural and musical exchanges between diverse backgrounds.

About HKETO Berlin
 
HKETO Berlin is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Germany as well as Switzerland, Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs on September 10 detected a smuggling case involving a passenger at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and seized 1 746 pieces of pharmaceutical injections containing Part I Poisons, 8 080 tablets of pharmaceutical products containing Part I Poisons and 74 tubes of pharmaceutical ointment containing Part I Poisons. The total estimated market value was about $1.3 million. The passenger concerned was convicted and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment by the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today (October 10) for contravening the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO) (Cap. 60).
 
Customs officers intercepted a male passenger, aged 54, on September 10 at the Arrival Hall at HKIA for Customs clearance. Upon examination, the batch of pharmaceutical injections and pharmaceutical products was found inside his check-in suitcases and personal baggage.
 
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.
 
Customs reminds the public not to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong.
 
Under the IEO, any person who imports pharmaceutical products and medicines without a valid import licence commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
 
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations for eight consecutive days from October 2 to yesterday (October 9). A total of 13 suspected illegal workers, three suspected employers and three suspected aiders and abettors were arrested.

     The ImmD has long been highly vigilant against the problem of illegal employment and has taken vigorous and effective enforcement actions. The ImmD has mounted intelligence-led focused operations in multiple targeted locations. During the joint operation with Labour Department codenamed “Lightshadow”, five suspected illegal workers and three suspected aiders and abettors were arrested by ImmD Task Force officers. The five arrested suspected illegal workers were non-ethnic Chinese males aged 21 to 59. Four of them were found to be holders of recognisance forms and were non-refoulement claimants, which prohibit them from taking any employment in Hong Kong. Furthermore, three suspected aiders and abettors were Hong Kong male residents aged 28 to 50. They were arrested for being suspected of aiding and abetting illegal workers to take up food delivery works, and conspiracy to defraud delivery platforms.

     Among the other anti-illegal worker operations, eight suspected illegal workers and three suspected employers were arrested by ImmD investigation officers. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised one man and seven women, aged 37 to 58. In addition, two women were also suspected of using and being in possession of a forged Hong Kong identity card. Three Hong Kong male residents, aged 34 to 44, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were also arrested. An investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.

     An ImmD spokesman said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.”

     The spokesman warned, “As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years’ imprisonment. As stipulated in section 20(1)(a) of the Immigration Ordinance, the Chief Executive may make a deportation order against an immigrant, prohibiting the immigrant from being in Hong Kong at any time thereafter if the immigrant has been found guilty in Hong Kong of an offence punishable by imprisonment for not less than two years. Under the prevailing laws, it is an offence to use or possess a forged identity card or an identity card related to another person. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $100,000 and up to 10 years’ imprisonment.”

     The spokesman stressed that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.

     According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.

     Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) victims. When any TIP indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threats and coercion in the recruitment phase and the nature of exploitation. Identified TIP victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.

     For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 3861 5000, 24-hour Immigration Offences Hotline 2824 1551, by fax at 2824 1166, email to anti_crime@immd.gov.hk, or submit “Online Reporting of Immigration Offences” form at www.immd.gov.hk.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, at the LSCM Logistics Summit 2025 today (October 10):

Alan (Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre (LSCM), Professor Alan Lam), Simon (Chief Executive Officer of the LSCM, Mr Simon Wong), Frankie (Legislative Council member Mr Frankie Yick), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, friends,

We have so many friends and partners with us here today, current, past and future, who have contributed to logistics, to technology, and in particular to the PCS (Port Community System). I wish I would not miss key messages in my speech that my team would like me to deliver. Alan just mentioned inviting me to join this Summit; it is indeed my great honour and privilege to be able to participate among you, to witness the ceremony today. I also vividly remember that I came to this venue back in 2023, in my days as the Permanent Secretary of the Transport and Logistics Bureau. Throughout these past few years, the passion and dedication demonstrated by various partners and stakeholders in the logistics sector have remained the same, if not higher. I am really impressed by all the friendship, collaboration and relationship that we have built among ourselves over all these years. 

Today’s theme is particularly topical, and not only embraces the term PCS. I think naming is very important. On the Mainland, when we go to visit different provinces and ports, they have big screens showing data platforms, and it is really a daunting task. In Hong Kong, we seem to start in a very humble manner: we call it PCS, Port Community System. Nobody else on the Mainland or overseas knows what we are talking about. Port, community, system – those three words cannot relate to them, and they are not familiar to them. When I just hear what Professor Alan Lam said, port community system means different things to me. Port, P – I think we can brand it as “platform”, å¹³å�°. Community – we should brand it as “collaboration”. System, S – we should brand it as “smart”. I think PCS really embraces all these three concepts, that is, platform, collaboration, and the need to work smart. We need to build a smart system. 

Reflecting on our progress, it seems like just yesterday that we gathered for the PCS launching ceremony in May. I think the momentum we have gathered and maintained has been truly remarkable. It is not just a demonstration or promulgation of an action plan, but it means a lot of actions by you all and also by my team. I am really thrilled to witness all the substantial achievements and advancements made in just this past five months or so. This rapid progress underscores our unwavering commitment in our logistic sector. This is also articulated in both the 2024 and 2025 Policy Addresses. Without clear leadership and very deep commitment by our senior echelon of the Government, I do not think the community can unite so quickly and rapidly together. By now, I can see that we have already created a synergy and awareness, so we can unite together and then we can move even faster ahead. At the HKMA Data Summit in July, I emphasised that “whoever masters data defines the future”. Data is power. Today, I am very proud to say that through the PCS, we are not just mastering data; we are harnessing it to redefine what is possible for Hong Kong’s future, in particular for the maritime, port and logistics industry. I am very confident that we have a very bright future for our industry and for our young generations ahead.

The PCS represents not just a technological upgrade, but it is also the cornerstone of our Action Plan on Maritime and Port Development Strategy. It is a very fundamental piece of digital infrastructure nowadays for our city. Thanks to the ITF (Innovation and Technology Fund), Ivan (Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Ivan Lee), and also to the Commissioner for Customs and Excise, our bureau has been working very closely with all the policy bureaux and departments to work ahead for logistics development and technological upgrade. As a government-funded and government-led initiative scheduled for launch in January 2026, which is just two months ahead, the PCS is designed to be a transformative force. It will provide a comprehensive, real-time cargo tracking function, creating a seamless digital thread that connects sea, land, and air networks like never before. I think for Hong Kong’s future roadmap, we need to harness and build on our advantage of intermodal logistics and cargo transportation and transshipment. So PCS, you were born at the right moment. This digital backbone is poised to significantly bolster trade and capital flows, directly enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness as an international trade, finance, and logistics hub. As Simon always says, and I am sure all of you present here are very well familiar with, we would like to highlight three points. It is easier to hammer into our audience’s heads. If I can summarise or highlight three fundamental cornerstones or pillars that underpin the PCS:

First, it establishes a single, unified platform whereby we can connect all supply chain partners, and most importantly, through this connection, we break the information silos. The silos not only exist within the Government, but also in the trade, in the sector. We are here to serve, to break all the information silos so that we will not overlap; we will not duplicate the efforts, but we can synergise. Second, by its nature, it is government-run, official, so in a way it instils and upholds a high level of confidence in the trade. I think digital system is not new to the trade. Willy (Chairman of Hong Kong Shippers’ Council, Mr Willy Lin) always says that to me. In the past, we have different kinds of experimental systems, but this time, it is government-run, government-led. So, in a way, we will try to reduce, if not eliminate, the industry’s concern over commercial sensitivity or favouritism. We are open, we are neutral, we are frank. So we are there to open up and attract different people to join and participate in the system. Amy (Deputy Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Miss Amy Chan), my team, recently did a presentation, and we are so amazed and blessed that we win high recognition for the technology software that we use for the PCS, and they said that it is actually among the top in the world. Third, and very crucially, we finally get a taste of how blockchain technology can help and guarantee us a very trusted, immutable, and verifiable record of the cargo flow. This is not just academic or theoretical; we are already seeing several various practical applications. I mentioned just now our collaboration with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). I am very happy to see that through collaboration with the HKMA, they have a Project CargoX Expert Group, in which nearly all banks in Hong Kong are actively using PCS data for robust cargo verification, streamlining their financing verification processes, reducing credit costs for SMEs, and unlocking new opportunities for financial innovation. Henry (President of the Hong Kong E-Commerce Logistics Association, Professor Henry Ko), who is present here, you are the President of the Hong Kong E-Commerce Logistics Association, in which a lot of small and medium enterprises participate. I think trade finance and loan finance are very important to help overcome any cash flow problems in order to unlock a huge amount of potential and opportunities for new entrants to join our logistics centre.

Our ambition, however, extends well beyond Hong Kong’s boundaries. To genuinely future-proof our role in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the global supply chain, strategic connectivity is paramount. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) we signed with Guangdong e-Port Management Company Limited in May was a critical first step, laying the groundwork for more transformative services like the one we provide with the Guangdong e-Port Management Company, which is the “One-Data-Multiple-Declarations”, 一單多報, and the pre-declaration of sea-cargo manifest, 海上船務貨物é �å ±. Such initiatives will dramatically reduce administrative burdens, accelerate customs clearance, and bring tangible efficiency, economic gains to businesses operating across the GBA. We are actively pursuing similar dialogues with other Mainland and international ports and logistics platforms to ensure Hong Kong remains at the heart of the digital shipping world. I would like to emphasise that you did not hear me wrong: Hong Kong will definitely remain at the heart of the world’s digital shipping sector.

This naturally brings me to a highlight of today’s event, the signing of further MOUs. These partnerships embody the very collaboration highlighted in this summit’s theme, collaboration and innovation. Such collaborations are the testament to the spirit of this summit and will be instrumental in further enriching the PCS ecosystem, 生態圈, driving innovation, and building a more vibrant and resilient port community. 

Talking about the geopolitical challenges worldwide and also the US tariff war, I think it is of paramount importance that we, the logistics sector, help ourselves among each other, in particular the small ones, the medium ones, who may not afford to diversify their market and business in such a short period of time. So we really need to build the resilience of our ecosystem. Every part of the supply chain counts and works, and we should not lose sight of their sustainability and business viability. I am very grateful to be able to witness the MOUs signing ceremony that will take place later today.

Again, the PCS represents a strategic investment in Hong Kong’s high-quality development. It serves as the critical digital link that synergises our status as a financial centre, a trade and industry hub, and a maritime gateway, creating a powerful virtuous cycle for sustainable economic growth. The journey ahead, I assure you, requires a collective effort, and it will involve a very bright future.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the speech.)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 10) announced that three new melioidosis cases were recorded in the past week (October 3 to 9). All patients had underlying illnesses. The CHP appealed to members of the public to maintain personal and environmental hygiene to prevent melioidosis. The CHP also specifically reminded high-risk groups, including the elderly and people with underlying diseases, to avoid contact with soil or muddy water after typhoons or storms with a view to lowering infection risk.

The first case involves an 81-year-old male who lives in Sham Shui Po. On September 23, he presented with a fever, malaise, cough and shortness of breath. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre on September 25 and was admitted for treatment. The clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. He is in stable condition.

The second case involves a 73-year-old female who lives in Sham Shui Po. She presented with a fever, chills and malaise since October 3. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre and was admitted for treatment on the same day. The clinical diagnosis was sepsis. She is in stable condition.

     The third case involves a 44-year-old male who resided in Tung Chung. He presented with confusion since September 29. He was sent to the Accident and Emergency Department of Prince of Wales Hospital on the next day (September 30) due to deteriorated condition with respiratory distress and was admitted for treatment on the same day. The clinical diagnosis was pneumonia and sepsis. He passed away on October 1 due to pneumonia.

The clinical samples of the three cases were confirmed to be positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei upon testing. The CHP is investigating the infection sources of the cases. Initial epidemiological investigations revealed that these are sporadic cases. No epidemiological linkages have been established between these three cases and other confirmed cases previously recorded in Hong Kong.

As of October 9, 16 melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong this year. In 2024, 23 melioidosis cases were recorded.

Person-to-person transmission and animal-to-human transmission are rare, but the bacteria causing melioidosis can survive in the local environment. Melioidosis is an endemic disease in Hong Kong, and melioidosis cases have been recorded in Hong Kong each year.

     According to literature, melioidosis cases are more common after typhoons or rainstorms. The bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei in soil and muddy water may become exposed to the ground after typhoons or rainstorms, and the bacteria could spread more easily with strong winds or rainstorms. As such, the number of melioidosis cases may increase.

     With this in mind, where practicable, members of the public should stay indoors during typhoons and rainstorms, avoid travelling to areas with potential flooding, and do not wade in or have contact with muddy water and soil. In addition, high-risk individuals should avoid paths near stormwater drains where aerosols may be generated from contaminated water.

     Members of the public should also take the following preventive measures against infection:
 

• Avoid contact with contaminated soil;
• Wear appropriate protective clothing or footwear when participating in activities with possible contact with soil or water, e.g. using gloves and wearing boots. High-risk individuals may also consider wearing a surgical mask;
• Wash or shower after exposure to contaminated water or soil;
• Always clean any wounds as soon as possible and cover them with waterproof dressings;
• Wash hands with liquid soap and water after handling soil or gardening;
• Observe food hygiene and avoid drinking raw water; and
• Travellers can contract the disease through outdoor water sports. Risk of infection can be minimised by avoiding exposure to water sources (such as rivers, ponds or lakes) that might be contaminated.

​​The CHP appealed to members of the public to seek medical advice if they develop symptoms, in particular people with diabetes or other immunocompromising conditions, in order to receive an appropriate medical diagnosis and treatment. For more information on melioidosis, please visit the website of the CHP at www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/24/101110.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Joint Business Community Luncheon today (October 10):
 
Ms Agnes Chan (Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce), Dr Jonathan Choi (Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong), Dr Wingco Lo (President of the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong), Mr Anthony Lam (Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries), Mr Wang Haimin (Chairman of the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association), Mr Davide De Rosa on behalf of InterCham (President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
Good afternoon. I thank you for giving me this opportunity to come and join you, once again, for this essential annual gathering – the Joint Business Community Luncheon.
 
My thanks, first of all, to the main organisers: the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce; the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong; the Federation of Hong Kong Industries; and the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong.
 
I have been told that over 400 of you are here today from five local chambers and 19 international chambers, together with a number of Consuls-General and other consulate officials.
 
Business and institutional leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, investors and more, you’re here for more than a fine social occasion – and the good lunch that comes with it.
 
I would like to take this opportunity to give you a better sense of the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government’s policies, and how they may fit with your plans – your future, your business and your career in Hong Kong, this beloved community we all call home.
 
The theme of the 2025 Policy Address is “Deepening Reforms for Our People, Leveraging Our Strengths for a Brighter Future”. As I emphasised in the Policy Address, my ultimate objective is to improve the livelihood of the people of Hong Kong. And that’s best realised through economic growth driven by continuing reforms.
 
Successful reform is a collective commitment. Working together, we can, and we will, create a brighter future for us all. And build an even more dynamic, innovative and business-friendly hub, as noted by Agnes.
 
International recognition
 
The results to date are no less reassuring. Confidence is returning to our businesses and industries, and our communities, shops, streets and homes. And the world has recognised these achievements.
 
In June, the annual World Competitiveness Yearbook, produced by the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development, ranked Hong Kong third in the world, up two places from last year. In government efficiency and business efficiency, we rose one place and five places, respectively, to second overall, topping the rankings in “tax policy” and “business legislation”. For international business and investors, Hong Kong is one big welcome mat.
 
And what a month September was, with Hong Kong in the international ratings spotlight, four remarkable times. Each honour recognises a distinctive facet of our revitalised economy.
 
I will start with innovation. Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou are, collectively, recognised as the world’s top innovation cluster, in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s annual Global Innovation Index. That’s up one place from previous years and our highest ranking ever.
 
In talent, we claimed fourth place, overall, in the World Talent Ranking, up from ninth in 2024 and 16th the year before. This also marks our highest-ever ranking in the report. And Hong Kong finished first in Asia and world’s best in the percentage of graduates in sciences.
 
For economic freedom, Hong Kong was once again ranked No. 1, as the world’s freest economy by the Canadian-based Fraser Institute last month.
 
And in finance, we placed third in the world in the Global Financial Centres Index, just one point back of London, and only two behind New York.
 
Those, and other international plaudits, are a compelling reflection of Hong Kong’s cheering improvements – and in multiple sectors of our economy as well. They’re powered by government policy and, more importantly, by the collaborative efforts of Hong Kong – of everyone in this room.
 
I would like to share with you some of the Government’s policies and plans underlying those rankings, and new initiatives from my Policy Address last month. Together, they’re designed to advance our economic development a good deal further.
 
Northern Metropolis
 
First of all, the Northern Metropolis. It is at the heart of the HKSAR Government’s long-term policy priorities. An innovative new engine for our economy, a far-reaching and welcoming space for community and family, the Northern Metropolis symbolises the rewarding future we all want for Hong Kong. A future built on co-operation and the wide-ranging rewards it promises.
 
Given the boundless potential of the Northern Metropolis – given, too, its sheer size and the scale of funding required to bring it to full and sustainable life – I am taking a leading role in its development. As head of the new Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis, I called our first meeting last week. And I am determined to fast-track its evolution, removing every possible speed bump in its path.
 
We aim to enact new, dedicated legislation within next year to accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis. The legislation will streamline procedures for setting up and funding statutory industry park companies, fine-tune parameters for land development, and speed up compensation payment for land resumption. Speed, speed, speed.
 
We will expedite land and construction project approval and implementation. We will smooth the cross-boundary flow of people, goods, data, capital and more to attract the investors, businesses and research organisations that want a stake in the Northern Metropolis, and its far-reaching economic potential.
 
And that’s just touching on the open-minded measures we are pursuing to bring Hong Kong’s new powerhouse engine to engaging life, as expeditiously as possible. In my Northern Metropolis playbook, “soon” is not nearly soon enough.
 
The San Tin Technopole, a key area in the Northern Metropolis, will provide some 210 hectares of land dedicated to innovation and technology (I&T). The Government will publish the Conceptual Outline of the Development Plan for the Innovation and Technology Industry in the San Tin Technopole before year’s end. With that, San Tin will begin its inevitable rise as the fast-beating I&T heart of the Northern Metropolis.
 
Tenants – from life and health technology, new energy, artificial intelligence and other strategic industries – have begun to move into the first three buildings of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park. Construction of five other buildings in the Park will be completed, progressively, from 2027.
 
This Hong Kong Park, together with Shenzhen Park, make up the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, an area that straddles our boundary with the neighbouring city of Shenzhen. Co-operation is central to the Zone and the Northern Metropolis, to Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, of which we are a part. Our concerted collaboration will propel the Greater Bay Area’s rise and shine as one of the world’s greatest I&T hubs.
 
The Northern Metropolis will also excel as a centre for education. We are building a University Town there, on some 90 hectares of land. In my Policy Address, I noted that a Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town would be set up, one of three working groups under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis.
 
It had its first meeting last week, highlighting the Government’s strategy of integrating educational excellence and industry at University Town.
 
That’s part of a larger goal, outlined in my Policy Address, of developing Hong Kong into an international education hub.
 
Hong Kong is proud to be home to five of the world’s 100 top universities. In fact, in the latest World University Rankings just announced by Times Higher Education, all six of our previously ranked universities have risen to higher positions. Meanwhile, two more of our publicly funded universities have entered the Rankings for the first time. That, ladies and gentlemen, means that all eight of our publicly funded universities are on the Rankings, and in higher positions than last year. So we’re making good progress, and that’s thanks to everybody involved in the education sector, particularly in higher education.
 
Hong Kong demonstrated outstanding performances in key indicators of the Rankings, making sustained progress in such areas as teaching reputation and staff-to-student radio. That’s probably why our universities are highly popular, with a double-digit year-on-year increase in the number of self-financing non-local applicants.
 
In my Policy Address, I also announced that the number of self-financing places for non-local students wishing to study at our post-secondary institutions will rise to 50 per cent, from the previous 40 per cent, beginning in the 2026/27 academic year – this is a strategy designed to create a more diverse and international student body.
 
To help our eight publicly funded universities recruit overseas and Mainland teachers and students, I have set aside funding support of $40 million for them. And the Government will establish a task force designed to attract more international teaching and research talent to Hong Kong.
 
Talent attraction
 
Talent is an essential component in the integrated development of education, technology and industry in the Northern Metropolis. Indeed, talent is central to every sector, industry, business and institution in Hong Kong.
 
Which is why we’ve introduced a range of talent admissions schemes since the end of 2022. Since then, more than 230 000 people have come to work here, with 70 per cent of them under the age of 40. The Top Talent Pass Scheme alone has brought in nearly 100 000 young professionals, mostly employed in the financial and I&T sectors. These are high-income individuals and degree holders from prominent international universities. For those whose Top Talent Pass has expired, some 55 per cent of them have applied for an extension of stay, continuing their contribution to our economy. And our businesses are willing to pay much higher salaries to them, which means that they are in high demand, and companies reckon that with what they pay, they get more out of it.
 
Attracting enterprises
 
Attracting businesses is also a policy priority of the Government. The results are just as encouraging. The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, set up by me less than three years ago, has already attracted over 100 – the exact number is 102 – strategic companies to Hong Kong. They are bringing in investments of $60 billion and will create some 22 000 jobs.
 
Just yesterday, the Office welcomed three of the world’s top 10 pharmaceutical firms to Hong Kong, alongside companies specialising in generative AI (artificial intelligence), autonomous driving, microelectronics, Web3 and new media.
 
Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), our investment promotion agency, has helped over 1 300 Mainland and overseas companies set up or expand their business in Hong Kong. They are expected to bring in direct investment of more than $175 billion, while creating some 20 000 job opportunities.
 
To build on this success, I announced, in my Policy Address, that the Financial Secretary will lead a team of government and public organisations in putting together packages of preferential policies. These will include land grants and premiums, as well as financial subsidies and tax incentives.
 
The initiative is designed to encourage strategic industries and high-potential companies to set up in Hong Kong. Our goal is clear: to promote diversified, high-quality, long-term economic development.
 
Targeted industries include life and health technology, pharmaceuticals, aircraft recycling and trading, AI and new energy.
 
Artificial intelligence
 
Yes, artificial intelligence has become central to our lives. It helps with decision-making, reduces errors, and boosts productivity. It is the future of our development. I think the world has no choice.
 
The Government will promote AI as a core industry for Hong Kong. I have set aside $1 billion for the establishment, next year, of the Hong Kong AI Research and Development Institute. It will enable upstream R&D (research and development), as well as midstream and downstream outcomes.
 
And the $3 billion Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme, announced earlier, will help universities attract prominent researchers in AI and other fields.
 
The Hong Kong Investment Corporation, established in my first year in office, is investing in AI companies, in fields ranging from cloud computing to drug development.
 
Sustainable development
 
As for new energy, we are developing a sustainable aviation fuel industry chain, in concert with Mainland authorities and a local company setting up its business in the Greater Bay Area.
 
And we now have 28 hydrogen energy trial projects either underway or under preparation, covering everything from hydrogen buses to a hydrogen gas station. We will also develop hydrogen standard certification and work with Guangdong to develop the Greater Bay Area Hydrogen Corridor.
 
Going global
 
Our co-operation with the Mainland extends beyond the Greater Bay Area. Given the shifting global trade order, and our country’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism, there is fast-growing demand for “Made in China” products. I see growing opportunities in helping Mainland companies go global through Hong Kong’s customised, wide-ranging and world-class professional services.
 
In my Policy Address, I announced the establishment of a task force focused on supporting Mainland enterprises in going global. I am glad to add that this GoGlobal Task Force has already been launched earlier this week.
 
The task force brings together the overseas offices of InvestHK and the Trade Development Council, as well as Hong Kong offices on the Mainland. It is also joined by partners from various industries including legal, accounting, financial services, banking, chambers and professional organisations. It will smooth the way for Mainland companies taking their businesses globally.
 
Through Hong Kong, a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, companies will connect, faster and more effectively, with international markets and buyers. Ladies and gentlemen, I am confident we can contribute to our country’s development of its markets and business opportunities in the Global South, in Belt and Road regions and emerging markets everywhere. Thanks to the unique “one country, two systems” principle. Thanks to you, the companies and professionals driving Hong Kong’s unparalleled strengths.
 
Culture, sports and tourism
 
But we need fun as well. There’s a great deal more in this year’s Policy Address, including wide-ranging measures designed to promote the integrated development of culture, sports and tourism. We work hard, but also we need to play hard, eat hard, drink hard and spend hard.
 
These measures range from the development of an arts trading hub and deepening ties with Art Basel, to boosting the West Kowloon Cultural District’s international visibility, targeting yacht tourism and promoting sports development.
 
That certainly includes next month’s 15th National Games, together with December’s 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games. These landmark Games mark the first time Hong Kong has served as a cohosting city – alongside Guangdong and Macao – in the country’s top sports games.
 
That, ladies and gentlemen, will surely be an integrating, entirely electrifying, moment for Hong Kong, for our country, for us all.
 
In the interest of time, I think I better stop here. I look forward to taking your questions about this year’s Policy Address. And Hong Kong’s flourishing future.
 
Thank you for your time.