Month: March 2026

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InvestHK and EEB cohost seminar: cross-departmental collaboration to explore how businesses can leverage Hong Kong to expand into Chinese Mainland F&B market

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) today (March 18) jointly organised a seminar titled “New Opportunities for Hong Kong Food and Beverage (F&B) Industry in Expanding into Chinese Mainland Market”, attracting the participation of around 80 industry representatives. The seminar aimed to help the industry keep abreast of the latest information and capture emerging business opportunities following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Inspection, Quarantine and Hygiene Requirements for Meat Products Exported from Hong Kong to the Mainland and the Cooperation Arrangement for the Export of Dairy Products from Hong Kong to the Mainland (collectively referred to as co-operation agreements) in May last year between the EEB and the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China to facilitate food trade between Hong Kong and the Mainland.
 
The seminar showcased the synergy of cross-departmental collaboration, focusing on how the co-operation agreements facilitate the entry of Hong Kong-manufactured meat and dairy products into the Mainland. Discussions also explored how food brands can leverage the intellectual property advantages of “Made in Hong Kong” products to expand more efficiently into the Mainland food market and enhance competitiveness.
 
     Acting Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK Mr Arnold Lau said, “Demand for high-quality food products in the Mainland market continues to grow, creating significant opportunities for ‘Made in Hong Kong’ food products, which are well known for their high-quality standards. With further streamlined cross-boundary trade procedures, InvestHK will fully support companies establishing F&B operations in Hong Kong to forge connections with Mainland distribution channels and partners, helping them seize the opportunities arising from the Mainland food trade.”
 
     A spokesperson of the EEB said, “‘Food from Hong Kong’ is a reputable brand for Mainland customers. Coupled with the potential of the Mainland market, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has facilitated the food industry in opening up the Mainland market by strengthening co-operation with Mainland authorities. We encourage food enterprises to make good use of the policy and seize the market opportunities by exporting food products that satisfy the prescribed requirements to the Mainland.”
 
During the seminar, representatives from the EEB provided a detailed briefing on the requirements and procedures for Hong Kong food products entering the Mainland market, including testing and certification and facilitation measures for customs clearance, and shared updates on the practical implementation of the co-operation agreements signed last year, offering food enterprises new opportunities for growth. Representatives from InvestHK introduced the wide range of supportive services available to overseas and Mainland companies and highlighted how the Northern Metropolis offers attractive land resources for food businesses to scale up production, strengthen competitiveness through the “Made in Hong Kong” advantage, and capitalise on the growing Mainland market demand.
 
InvestHK will continue to strengthen cross-departmental collaboration, maintain close engagement with the industry, and provide timely information and support to help Hong Kong-manufactured food and beverage businesses seize development opportunities, while promoting economic and trade exchanges and two-way investment between Hong Kong and the Mainland.
 
To download photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720332586638.

           

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Global Talent Summit Week fosters integration of education, technology and talent to support Hong Kong in building international hub for high-calibre talent

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    ​ The Global Talent Summit Week (GTS Week) organised by Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) commenced today (March 18). Its flagship events, the International Talent Forum and the CareerConnect Expo, will be held over two consecutive days. From now until March 29, HKTE will collaborate with local and overseas partners to host nine satellite events focusing on the integration of education, technology and talent. The GTS Week highlights Hong Kong’s position and advantages as an international talent hub and the country’s gateway for talent.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, officiated at the opening ceremony of the GTS Week and delivered the opening address. He said that Hong Kong is fast rising as an international talent hub, driven by a comprehensive and forward-looking strategy that integrates talent development with economic transformation, technological advancement and regional co-operation. Such efforts have been widely recognised, with Hong Kong rising to fourth globally and first in Asia in the International Institute for Management Development’s World Talent Ranking 2025. 

Mr Lee said that Hong Kong will continue to uphold openness, deepen international engagement and align closely with national development strategies. Policies in education, innovation and infrastructure will be further refined to ensure Hong Kong remains a fertile ground for ideas and enterprises, where global talent feels welcomed, valued and supported. He stressed that while economic indicators and technological achievements are important, human development remains the ultimate goal, and Hong Kong will continue to place people at the centre of its vision for the future.

Vice Minister of Human Resources and Social Security Mr Yu Jiadong stated in his speech that talent is the primary resource for economic and social development. Building a national high-calibre talent hub is the top-level design and strategic plan, to accelerate the building of a strong country with talent. In recent years, Hong Kong has been fully committed to boosting the economy, proactively attracting talent, leveraging the role as the country’s gateway for talent. This year’s GTS Week has successfully established an important platform for all parties to exchange experiences, providing strong support for accelerating the development of a high-calibre talent hub. He emphasised the need to jointly build a talent hub, share talent dividends, and foster an open, inclusive, and complementary talent ecosystem, ensuring that these benefits better serve both Hong Kong and the Mainland, ultimately contributing to the nation’s prosperity.

This year’s International Talent Forum, themed “Connecting Global Minds”, brings together leaders from government, business and academia from Hong Kong and abroad to discuss future trends and strategies within the talent ecosystem. 

Professor Christopher A Pissarides, a 2010 Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences, delivered a keynote speech on the future of work in a changing world. He said, “Artificial intelligence is not intended to replace human labour, but to enhance capabilities, drive productivity growth and improve overall well-being. To meet this technological transformation, it is essential to promote lifelong learning and help talent prepare for the future. As a global financial and trade centre, Hong Kong can leverage the Greater Bay Area’s advantages as a hub for innovation hardware and industrial artificial intelligence to attract more young talent and build itself into an international innovation and technology centre.”

     The Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, shared in a featured speech on how the Jockey Club reinforces its position as an ideal employer to attract global high-calibre talent. He also elaborated on strategies for nurturing potential employees into leaders and retaining talent. The Chairman of McKinsey & Company Greater China, Mr Joe Ngai, and the Chief Development Officer of the South China Morning Post, Mr Eugene Tang, then engaged in a fireside chat exploring the new talent equation for China in the next era of tech and AI models.

Three panel discussions were held in the afternoon, focusing on education, technology and talent respectively. In the education session, the President of Peking University, Professor Gong Qihuang; the President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Nancy Ip; Professor of Higher Education (Emeritus) at the University of Oxford Professor Simon Marginson; and the American President and Executive Vice Chancellor of Duke Kunshan University, Professor John Quelch, discussed the paradigm shift in education and talent strategy in the future. They also shared insights on fostering innovation and nurturing talent through cross-border collaboration and industry partnerships.

In the technology session, the Chief AI Officer and Director of the Labour Market Information Department, Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, United Arab Emirates, Mr Omran AlShamsi; the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of KESK, Ms Basima Abdulrahman; the Chief Executive Officer of AlipayHK and General Manager of Greater China at Ant International, Ms Venetia Lee; Co-founder and the Chief Scientist of SenseTime Group Limited, Dr Lin Dahua; and the Group President of Animoca Brands, Mr Evan Auyang, explored the identification of emerging capabilities, team hiring and development, as well as forward-looking strategies to provide innovative solutions for the sustainable development of the global technology and talent ecosystem, thereby addressing future international challenges and opportunities.

The talent session featured the Vice President of Talent Solutions of Asia Pacific at LinkedIn, Ms Ruchee Anand; the Managing Director of Global Partnerships and Client Solutions, and Chief Representative of Beijing Representative Office at CFA Institute, Mr Paul Moody; Group Executive of Artificial Intelligence of SEEK Mr Grant Wright; and Group Chief People and Culture Officer at DFI Retail Group Ms Joy Xu. They shared insights on how AI and digital technology are reshaping talent strategies, and elaborated on how Hong Kong can reinforce its role as a “super connector”, linking the Chinese Mainland with the world, to further strengthen its position as an international talent hub.

In addition, HKTE premiered its latest promotional video during the GTS Week’s opening session. The video features four talents with diverse backgrounds currently living and working in Hong Kong. They share how they are utilising the city’s international and multicultural platform and its liveable environment to further their careers while enjoying a diverse lifestyle with their families, truly “orchestrating achievements” in Hong Kong. The video also highlights Hong Kong’s unique advantages of being backed by the motherland and connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, demonstrating the city’s irreplaceable appeal to global talent.

Prior to the GTS Week’s opening session, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, accompanied Mainland official delegates to tour the concurrently running CareerConnect Expo. They visited the HKTE exhibition area, as well as the thematic zones for education, technology and talent.

The GTS Week will continue tomorrow (March 19). The International Talent Forum will be webcast live, and the CareerConnect Expo will be open from 10am to 5.30pm tomorrow at Hall 3F of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Satellite events under the GTS Week are also taking place concurrently. Interested parties can visit the GTS Week website (gts.hkengage.gov.hk) or HKTE’s social media platforms for more details.

                    

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DH follows up on outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease in Kent, United Kingdom

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

DH follows up on outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease in Kent, United Kingdom      
     Epidemiological investigations by the local health authority revealed that all those affected are young adults; some of them visited a local nightclub called “Club Chemistry” between March 5 and 7. The local health authority is conducting contact tracing and has provided preventive drugs to over 2 500 persons who visited the nightclub during the period and to those who were close contacts of the cases. Since some of the patients are students at the University of Kent, the university has also collaborated with the UK health authority to provide health advice and conduct contact tracing among its staff and students, as well as offering vaccinations to students who reside in campus halls.
      
     The CHP has enquired with the UK health authority whether any persons who visited the nightclub during the relevant period were students from Hong Kong. No notification has been received so far. The CHP will maintain close liaison with the UK health authority to obtain the latest information.
 
     Meningococcal infection is a statutory notifiable disease in Hong Kong. The CHP has recorded three cases this year so far, all of which are sporadic. A total of 11 cases were recorded last year.
      
     “According to overseas literature, there is a higher risk of transmission or outbreak of meningococcal infection in crowded settings including university or staff dormitories. The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (SCVPD) under the CHP last year reviewed the local epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease, the recommendations of the World Health Organization and overseas practices. In light of the very low invasive meningococcal disease incidence in Hong Kong, the SCVPD did not recommend introducing universal meningococcal vaccination into the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme from the public health perspective. However, the SCVPD recommended      
     Dr Tsui added that with the Easter holidays approaching, overseas students may return to Hong Kong. He reminded members of the public to seek medical advice as soon as possible if they develop symptoms of meningococcal infection. Travellers should seek professional advice from doctors for meningococcal vaccination. Doctors will take into account their age, health conditions, and details of their journeys (including destination, duration and activities) when giving vaccination advice.
 
     Meningococcal infection is caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus. It is mainly transmitted by direct contact with respiratory secretions, including droplets from the nose and throat, of infected persons. Severe illness may result when the bacteria invade the bloodstream (meningococcaemia) or the membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord (meningococcal meningitis). Meningococcaemia is characterised by a sudden onset of fever, an intense headache, purpura, shock and even death in severe cases. Meningococcal meningitis is characterised by high fever, severe headache, stiff neck followed by drowsiness, vomiting, fear of bright light, or rash; it can cause brain damage or even death.

     To prevent meningococcal infection, Dr Tsui urged members of the public to take the following measures:     The CHP will continue to monitor the situation to safeguard public health and the well-being of citizens. The public may also visit the CHP’s websiteIssued at HKT 19:10

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Oil Street Art Space’s two new exhibitions use water as creative lens to spark imaginations

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Oil Street Art Space’s two new exhibitions use water as creative lens to spark imaginations  
Zheng Jing’s “Oi! Spotlight – Space · Ecology · Poetics: Zheng Jing’s Way of Art”
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     Zheng, a professor at the China Academy of Art, is a leading figure of public art. His first solo exhibition in Hong Kong, “Oi! Spotlight – Space · Ecology · Poetics: Zheng Jing’s Way of Art”, explores the possibilities of various non-solid media such as water, sound, air and light within public spaces. He presents several sets of art installations at the Oi! warehouses. Artwork “Echoes of Space·Time – The Pearl of the Orient” was inspired by his childhood memory of playing with reflections in mirrors. Zheng collected a wide range of urban sound elements in Hong Kong, including the distinctive “ding‑ding” of trams, local transit announcements, the melody of local ice‑cream trucks, the clamour of street markets, and local children’s songs, transforming them into an integral part of the artwork. Stepping into the gallery at the Oi! Warehouse 1, visitors feel as if they are submerged beneath the waters of Victoria Harbour, looking up while manipulating light from a mirrored installation, tracing time and space through the wave movements beneath the sea surface. At the core of another installation, “Convergence of Time and Space”, is a suspended cube, from which beams of light project outward, piercing through the space of the Oi! Warehouse from multiple directions. The artwork “Drifting Bottle” was Zheng’s graduation creation more than 20 years ago. He constructed a huge vessel, utilising video projection to encapsulate a human figure in perpetual diving.
 
     Standing on the Oi! Lawn is “Spirit Consonance – Stone’s Wandering III”. The five sculptural forms, modelled after “Taihu” stones, are clad in golden mirror-like surfaces. Through the manipulation of gas, these “stones” engage in an elemental cycle of “breathing” – as if inhaling and exhaling – allowing energy and spirits to flow continuously, imbuing the work with an unending sense of vitality. Apart from four sculptures inspired by the four famous stones of Jiangnan Classical Gardens, the “Kwong Yat-sau Rock” was created by Zheng using 3D scanning during a field visit to the Kowloon Walled City Park. Oi! Study showcases videos and exhibits related to Zheng’s largest and continuously evolving public art initiative in his artistic career to date – the “Expeditionary Light” public art project.
 
Chan Wai-lap’s “Oi! Spotlight – Jeremy’s Bathhouse”
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     Hong Kong artist Chan Wai-lap presents his new solo exhibition “Oi! Spotlight – Jeremy’s Bathhouse” at Oi! Glassie. Continuing his “Swimming” series with an immersive bathhouse installation that blurs the boundaries between reality and imagination.
 
     Chan drew inspiration from bathing cultures across different places and historical periods. The site-specific installation “LEVO LOVE” is composed of more than 1 200 handcrafted ceramic tiles. To create this contemporary version of a “bathhouse” that is uniquely for Hong Kong, Chan travelled to Jingdezhen to learn ceramic firing techniques to produce custom tiles and decorative motifs specifically for the exhibition. Its heart-shaped form evokes immediate associations with love and romance, while also functioning as a spiritual symbol of emotion. Visitors are invited to step into the pool, dissolving the divide between the public and the private, and explore a unique sensory journey about distance, intimacy, and publicness.
 
     Another installation, “Chromatic Soap”, captures the intimate relationship between soap and the body, highlighting the former’s malleable qualities. The ceramic soaps displayed along the wall metaphorically reflect individual uniqueness within interpersonal relationships, while suggesting the diversity inherent in collective coexistence. The atmosphere of the space evolves through the timed release of mist, creating shifting visual conditions that move between clarity and obscurity, offering an immersive sensory experience.
 
     The exhibitions are presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and organised by Oi!. “Oi! Spotlight – Space · Ecology · Poetics: Zheng Jing’s Way of Art” will run from March 19 to October 11, and “Oi! Spotlight – Jeremy’s Bathhouse” will run from March 19 to August 30. Admission is free for both exhibitions. Artist tours guided by the two artists will be arranged on March 21 and 22 respectively. For details of the exhibitions, please visit the website www.apo.hk/en/web/apo/oi_projects_and_programmes.htmlIssued at HKT 19:00

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Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled live turtles worth about $1 million

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled live turtles worth about $1 million (with photo)      
     Based on risk assessment, Customs yesterday intercepted an outgoing private car at the aforementioned control point. Upon inspection, the batch of suspected smuggled live turtles was found in seven black plastic bags placed in the trunk of the vehicle.
      
     A 42-year-old male driver and a 50-year-old male passenger were arrested. They were charged by Customs with one count of attempting to export unmanifested cargo and were charged by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department with one count of cruelty to animals. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (March 19).
      
     Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action based on risk assessment and intelligence analysis.
      
     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
      
     Also, according to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), any person who, by wantonly or unreasonably doing or omitting to do any act, causes any unnecessary suffering to any animal commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years upon conviction.
      
     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.hkIssued at HKT 17:40

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SITI continues visit to Beijing

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

SITI continues visit to Beijing  
     Professor Sun called on the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and met with Vice Minister of Industry and Information Technology Mr Ke Jixin. They had an in-depth exchange on the arrangements for promoting the establishment in Hong Kong of the first national manufacturing innovation centre outside the Mainland, as well as on how Hong Kong can promote the development of new industrialisation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area under the National 15th Five-Year Plan. Professor Sun said that to implement the Co-operation Agreement on the Development of New Quality Productive Forces and the Promotion of New Industrialisation signed with the MIIT, as well as to actively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, deeply involve itself in the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and better integrate into and serve the overall national development, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government had proposed in its Budget to earmark about $220 million to support the establishment of the innovation centre with the MIIT.
 
     Professor Sun also visited the National Development and Reform Commission and met with the Director of the Department of Foreign Capital and Overseas Investment, Mr Zhang Huanteng. Professor Sun said that Hong Kong will proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and participate in the construction of a modern industrial system with advanced manufacturing as its backbone. Both sides discussed ways to jointly promote new industrialisation in Hong Kong, drive industrial structure upgrading and optimisation, and nurture and build up emerging and future industries.
 
     Professor Sun had a working meeting with Deputy Head of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange Mr Xu Zhibin, and briefed him on the latest progress in setting up the Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund by the HKSAR Government. Both sides discussed the participation of Mainland financial institutions in the Fund and in the development of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone.
 
     Professor Sun then met with the Deputy Secretary of the CPC Haidian District Committee and District Mayor, Mr Xu Xinchao. Both sides exchanged views on collaboration between Haidian District and Hong Kong in the industry, academic and research sectors, and explored co-operative models with Haidian District for promoting the Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund.
 
     Professor Sun also visited Linkerbot Beijing Technology Co Ltd to learn about the company’s latest business developments, technological innovation outcomes and product application scenarios. The company focuses on developing embodied intelligence platforms centred on dexterous hands and cloud intelligence as core technologies. Professor Sun said that embodied intelligence presents a new track of deep integration between AI and robotics, and its rapid development in recent years has attracted widespread attention from the industry. He added that various I&T parks in Hong Kong will allocate resources to support the development of embodied intelligence enterprises in the city.
 
     Additionally, Professor Sun met with the management of China Construction Bank to learn about the bank’s suggestions on optimising Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem and financing environment. Both sides also exchanged views on how finance can better empower I&T development and promote new industrialisation.
 
    The Commissioner for Industry (Innovation and Technology), Dr Ge Ming, also joined part of the visit.
 
     Professor Sun will continue his visit to Beijing tomorrow (March 19).
Issued at HKT 17:40

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Term of non-permanent CFA judge extended

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Term of non-permanent CFA judge extended      
     The Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance provides for a list of non-permanent Hong Kong judges and a list of judges from other common law jurisdictions. The term of appointment of such judges is three years. That term may be extended for one or more periods of three years by the Chief Executive acting in accordance with the recommendation of the Chief Justice.
Issued at HKT 17:00

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FEHD releases third batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in March

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

FEHD releases third batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in March 

District

District     Among the third batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering four survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering 15 survey areas in March, most of the areas recorded 0 per cent, indicating that the distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes was not extensive.

     The FEHD has so far released three batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in March 2026, covering 32 survey areas. Among these 32 survey areas, 24 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month (i.e. February 2026), representing that the areas’ mosquito infestation improved or maintained a low level. Eight other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent.     Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.

     ​Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#Issued at HKT 17:00

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8 building plans approved in Jan

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Buildings Department approved eight building plans in January, with two on Hong Kong Island, one in Kowloon and five in the New Territories.

Of the approved plans, five were for apartment and apartment/commercial developments, while three were for community services developments.

Consent was given for works to start on five projects. Upon completion, they will provide 63,158 square metres of domestic gross floor area involving 1,403 units, and 56,231 sq m of non-domestic gross floor area.

Additionally, the department has received notification of commencement of superstructure works for five building projects.

It also issued 17 occupation permits – three on Hong Kong Island, six in Kowloon and eight in the New Territories.

The buildings certified for occupation comprise 34,216 sq m of gross floor area for domestic use, involving 1,300 units, and 31,107 sq m for non-domestic use.

Meanwhile, the department received 2,635 reports about unauthorised building works in January and issued 759 removal orders. Four demolition consents were also issued.

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President Lai meets former President Lech Walesa of Poland   

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the afternoon of March 17, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by former President Lech Walesa of Poland. In remarks, President Lai thanked former President Walesa for always standing with Taiwan over the past 30 years, noting that the former president has witnessed Taiwan’s democratization process and seen it overcome various challenges to become a force for good in the world. The president expressed hope that Taiwan and Poland will deepen cooperation in areas such as democratic defense and societal resilience, trade and the economy, technology, and supply chain security, working together to make even greater contributions to democracy and peace in the world. He emphasized that Taiwan will continue to work with and support like-minded countries to safeguard regional peace and stability and promote global prosperity and development.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
Today, on behalf of our nation and people, I am deeply honored to welcome former President Walesa, a pioneer of Poland’s democratic movement, who is visiting Taiwan for the seventh time. Former President Walesa’s journey is truly admirable. He went from bravely opposing authoritarian rule to being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; from being a leader of the democratic movement to becoming the first democratically elected president after Poland’s democratization. His personal experience tells the world that freedom is never a gift from the powers that be, and that democracy is not a historical accident. As long as the people do not give up hope and society unites against external forces, though faced with high authoritarian walls, the will to freedom will ultimately break through.
Taiwan is no stranger to the path Poland has traversed. We have both struggled under authoritarian rule, moving step by step toward democracy. Poland is a pioneer of democratization in Eastern Europe, while Taiwan is a model of peaceful transition. Precisely because we have trod the same path, we know better than anyone that democracy does not fall from the sky, and that it requires the joint guardianship of generation after generation.
This year is the 30th anniversary of our first direct presidential election. Thirty years ago, under military threat from missiles, the people of Taiwan did not yield, but resolutely cast their sacred votes to complete the first direct presidential election in Taiwan’s history. From that moment on, the belief that sovereignty rests in the hands of the people has taken deep root in this land.
In 1996, at a crucial moment when Taiwan had just completed its first direct presidential election and experienced the Third Taiwan Strait Crisis, former President Walesa first visited Taiwan and delivered a speech at our Legislative Yuan, providing great encouragement and support to our people through his concrete actions. In his speech, while not disregarding the dangers that exist in the modern world, former President Walesa stated his belief that “‘good’ will prevail.” Over these past 30 years, former President Walesa has visited Taiwan numerous times, witnessing Taiwan’s democratization process and seeing Taiwan overcome various threats and challenges to become a force for good in the world.
Taiwan is determined to continue as a force for good and become a contributor to global democratic resilience. We believe that in the face of rapid changes in global geopolitics, non-conventional threats, and intensifying gray-zone aggression, like-minded countries must work together and support one another to safeguard regional peace and stability and promote global prosperity and development. We look forward to Taiwan and Poland deepening cooperation, whether in areas such as democratic defense and societal resilience, or in trade and the economy, technology, and supply chain security, working together to make even greater contributions to democracy and peace in the world.
Once again, I want to thank former President Walesa for always standing with Taiwan over the past 30 years. May Taiwan and Poland continue to demonstrate their determination to defend freedom and become a steadfast force for the safeguarding of democracy, and may we continue to shine the light of democracy around the world. I wish former President Walesa a smooth and successful visit.
Former President Walesa then delivered remarks, first noting that this generation has experienced many changes and now faces opportunities for prosperity and peace. He expressed his pleasure in engaging in dialogue and exchange with other countries through the Yushan Forum and exploring current international developments from diverse perspectives.
Former President Walesa stated that he has on multiple occasions publicly called on China not to take wrong actions against Taiwan, emphasizing that this generation should pursue peace and prosperity together through sustained dialogue and exchange. He stressed that he has always stood with Taiwan and will continue to support Taiwan. He noted that Taiwan and Poland face similarly difficult situations, but solutions should not be provided by outside parties. Rather, the future of Taiwan should be decided by the people of Taiwan themselves. He said he looks forward to further exchanges with all sectors of society.
The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Director of the Polish Office in Taipei Janusz Henryk Bilski.