Month: June 2026

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CE: Central Asia visit yields fruitful results and opens up new opportunities for co-operation between Hong Kong and Central Asia

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, led a business delegation comprising representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises to continue its visit programme to Uzbekistan today (June 5). He met with local officials and business leaders, and visited innovation and technology (I&T) and cultural institutions to learn about the latest developments in areas such as the digital economy and cultural preservation.

In the morning, Mr Lee visited IT Park Uzbekistan, an innovation technology park in Uzbekistan, and met with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov, to exchange views on strengthening co-operation between the two places in I&T and the digital economy. Uzbekistan has been actively promoting digital transformation through its “Digital Uzbekistan 2030” Strategy. IT Park Uzbekistan has now become a leading I&T hub in Central Asia, bringing together over 1 000 I&T enterprises and start-up teams covering areas such as software development, AI and digital trade. During the meeting, Mr Lee witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between IT Park Uzbekistan and Hong Kong’s three major I&T parks, namely Cyberport, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, to promote closer co-operation between the two places on various fronts, including start-up incubation, talent exchanges and joint research and development (R&D).

Mr Lee said that Hong Kong ranks fourth globally in digital competitiveness, and is home to five universities among the world’s top 100 with world-class R&D capabilities. Hong Kong is pressing ahead with the development of the Northern Metropolis and its associated projects, including the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster, for developing into an international I&T centre. He expressed confidence that Hong Kong will become a strategic gateway for Uzbek enterprises seeking to tap into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and international markets, while Hong Kong enterprises can also leverage Uzbekistan’s vast talent pool and industrial strengths. He said he believes the MOUs will help establish closer and longer-term partnership between the two places in areas such as the digital economy and I&T development.

At noon, Mr Lee attended a luncheon hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr Yu Jun. He thanked the Embassy for its continued support to the work of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and for making meticulous arrangements for the visit.

In the afternoon, Mr Lee visited the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. The Center is the largest cultural, scientific and educational complex in Uzbekistan, showcasing the country’s profound historical and cultural heritage. Mr Lee said that Hong Kong is actively developing into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, with world-class museums, rich and diverse arts and cultural activities, and a vibrant network for people-to-people exchanges. He expressed hope that Hong Kong and Uzbekistan will further strengthen co-operation in arts and culture, people-to-people exchanges and museum collaboration, and deepen friendship between the two places.

Mr Lee then attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan, where he met again with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov. Mr Lee said at the event that Uzbekistan has actively promoted economic reforms and continuously improved its business environment in recent years, demonstrating enormous development potential. He said that Hong Kong, as an international financial centre, is equipped with a sound and well-regulated rule of law environment, a robust and transparent regulatory regime, and a highly open and internationalised business environment. Hong Kong can provide professional support for Uzbekistan’s economic development needs and serves as an ideal platform to assist Uzbek enterprises in expanding their business. He said he looked forward to strengthening co-operation between the two places and laying a solid foundation in areas including capital markets connectivity, infrastructure financing and green finance, with complementary advantages and mutual benefit.

     Mr Lee will later attend a dinner hosted by Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov. Mr Lee thanked the Government of Uzbekistan for making thoughtful arrangements for the visit and expressed confidence that the two places will open up a new chapter of mutual benefits and win-win co-operation.

     Concluding the visit, Mr Lee said that the Central Asia visit has yielded fruitful results. During the delegation’s visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, achievements have been secured in eight areas:

(1) establishing high-level contacts and ties between the HKSAR Government and the Governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and reaching consensus on co-operation in multiple areas;

(2) the HKSAR Government and the two governments signed a total of 15 MOUs and agreements covering areas such as commerce, education and development projects. Beyond the government level, a total of 81 MOUs and agreements were concluded, covering such areas as trade and economic co-operation, investment, finance, technology and aviation. A total of 96 co-operation agreements and MOUs were reached during the visit, involving specific amounts exceeding US$1.65 billion in total;

(3) the governments agreed to commence bilateral discussions on agreements in various areas, including discussions with the Governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreements, negotiations on a bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement, and co-operation with the Government of Uzbekistan on customs clearance facilitation;

(4) deepening project matching and research collaboration between Hong Kong and Central Asian region in areas including finance, I&T, and aviation;

(5) demonstrating Hong Kong’s effective role as a platform for going global and achieving substantial results, with Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises joining forces in tapping new markets and bringing synergistic advantages into full play;

(6) facilitating more convenient people-to-people exchanges by promoting direct flights, aviation and transport co-operation, and extensions to the mutual visa-free period;

(7) promoting exchanges in education, talent and culture to further deepen people-to-people bonds; and

(8) advancing a hub-to-hub co-operation model to open up broader room for co-operation between Hong Kong and the Central Asian region.

     Mr Lee and the delegation will depart from Uzbekistan tonight and return to Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon (June 6).

                             

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Smart Design Global 2026 Awards Presentation Ceremony sponsored by CCIDA held

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Smart Design Global 2026 Awards Presentation Ceremony sponsored by CCIDA held       
     Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Miss Drew Lai, remarked that CCIDA has been continuously supporting industry players to stage outstanding design projects through the CreateSmart Initiative. This serves to promote more cross-sectoral and cross-disciplinary collaboration, enabling Hong Kong to actively serve as a platform in the design industry and further strengthen its position as Asia’s creative capital.
      
     The SDG 2026, formerly known as the Hong Kong Smart Design Awards, was established in 2012 with the aim of enhancing innovation and collaboration within the design community. The SDG 2026 presented a total of 54 awards across four major product design categories, namely Live, Dine, Gift and Play. This year’s SDG adopted a two-way, interactive judging process in the final stage, allowing shortlisted entrants to showcase their works and elaborate on their design concepts directly to the judging panel. In addition, the project will lead the winners to participate in trade fairs in Bangkok, Thailand, and Paris, France, increasing the global exposure of Hong Kong’s original designs and transforming creativity into business opportunities.
      
     For more information on the SDG 2026, please visit www.sdawards.org.hk/home/index/enIssued at HKT 19:20

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Fatal traffic accident in Castle Peak

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Castle Peak today (June 5), in which a man died.    

     Police received a report at 5.52pm today that a light goods vehicle (LGV) driven by a 34-year-old man was travelling along Lung Mun Road towards Tuen Mun town, while a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driven by a 50-year-old man was travelling along Lung Mun Road towards Lung Kwu Tan. When approaching the junction of Lung Mun Road and Lung Fai Street, the two vehicles reportedly collided head-on.

     The LGV driver of the LGVs was trapped inside the vehicle and rescued by firemen. Sustaining head injuries, he was rushed to Tuen Mun Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 7.15pm.

     Investigation by the Special Investigation Team 1 of Traffic, New Territories North is under way.  
     Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers. The contact number is 3661 3800.

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CHP investigates confirmed Mpox case epidemiologically linked to “Hutong”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CHP investigates confirmed Mpox case epidemiologically linked to “Hutong” 
Case details
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     The case involves a 52-year-old male who reported to have high-risk contact at a premises called “Hutong” on Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, on May 2 (during the incubation period). He developed a non-pruritic and painless rash over his genital area on May 21, followed by a fever and sore throat on May 25, and a subsequent rash eruption over his upper limbs, chest, and anal region. The CHP made several attempts to contact the patient between the end of May and the beginning of June, but had failed to reach him. The CHP thus sent him a text message. The patient attended the Yau Ma Tei Male Social Hygiene Clinic on June 4 to seek medical treatment and reported relevant high-risk contact history to the healthcare workers. The CHP subsequently arranged for him to receive isolation treatment at the Yan Chai Hospital. The patient is currently in stable condition. His samples tested positive for Monkeypox virus upon laboratory testing by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP.
 
     According to the information provided by the patient, he has not received Mpox vaccination. The CHP is continuing its epidemiological investigations of the case and endeavouring to contact individuals who had high-risk contact with him. The CHP will report the case to the World Health Organization.
 
Follow-up on the “Hutong” cases in Mong Kok
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     The CHP continues to follow up on the investigation of the cases in “Hutong” 
     Furthermore, the CHP will collaborate with Hong Kong AIDS Foundation to launch an outreach Mpox vaccination activity in the next two weeks at the organisation’s service centre in Mong Kok. Eligible high-risk groups (especially men who have sex with men) can make an appointment on the organisation’s website 
Mpox vaccine
—————–      High-risk target groups can receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at any of the DH’s SocHS (namely Chai Wan SocHS, Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Female SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS) and the DH’s Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre.

     Meanwhile, the DH’s Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre and the Hospital Authority’s Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital also provide Mpox vaccination services for their clients.Issued at HKT 21:52

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FEHD releases eighth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

FEHD releases eighth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May  

District　　With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April or May every year. The indexes are higher from April to June. The actual timing and extent of the rise are affected by factors like weather conditions and rainfall. As compared with last year, the temperature began to climb earlier this year and the rainfall in April and May increased substantially, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. As a result, the rise in gravidtrap indexes occurred earlier this year. Depending on factors like rainfall, the indexes may rise further but the overall trend of gravidtrap indexes this year is similar to those of previous years.

　　For survey areas which recorded indexes exceeding 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures, including eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and ensuring that mosquito trapping devices are placed at appropriate locations, as well as to strengthen efforts in publicity and education. Moreover, following the discovery of stagnant water in a construction site in Wong Tai Sin District and five public housing estates in Kwai Tsing District, the FEHD has issued six statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified time frame. The FEHD, the relevant departments and stakeholders also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures.     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 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 21:00

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CHP investigates locally acquired measles case

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CHP investigates locally acquired measles case      
     The case involves a 19-year-old female who developed a fever, myalgia and headache on May 29. She attended a private clinic on the following day (May 30). As her symptoms persisted and she further developed a rash, she attended to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) on June 1. Her clinical specimen was tested positive for the measles virus upon laboratory testing. The patient is currently receiving treatment under isolation and is in stable condition.
      
     An epidemiological investigation revealed that the patient was born outside Hong Kong. She reported having received the measles vaccination in her place of birth during childhood. As she spent most of her incubation period in Hong Kong, the case has been classified as a local case.
      
     The patient is a student but she did not visit the school campus during the incubation period (between May 8 and 22) and the communicable period (between May 28 to June 5). During the communicable period, the patient visited a private clinic on May 30 and QEH on June 1. For the remainder of the communicable period, she largely remained alone at her residence. The CHP has contacted the abovementioned private clinic, the hospital and the residential management company to identify any close contacts and high risk individuals. As of 5pm today, approximately 85 individuals have been identified as close contacts. All of them are asymptomatic so far. The CHP will put the individuals under medical surveillance.
 
     The CHP will continue to investigate and follow up on the case.
      
     So far this year, eight measles cases have been recorded in Hong Kong, including four imported cases and four local cases (two of which were epidemiologically linked to an imported case and all of which belonged to the airport backend support staff cluster      
     Measles outbreaks are currently occurring in many regions around the world. In recent years, North America (including the United States, Canada and Mexico) and Southeast Asia (including Indonesia, Cambodia and the Philippines) have seen persistent measles outbreaks due to low vaccination coverage. Nearly 2 000 cases have been recorded in the United States so far this year, a figure significantly higher than the same period last year. In Europe, the number of measles cases in the United Kingdom and Spain has increased this year, with 630 and 118 cases recorded respectively since January. In Asia, measles remains prevalent in the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Cambodia. Japan has also seen a substantial rise in cases this year, with 511 cases recorded as of May 27, surpassing last year’s total of 265 cases and marking the highest record since 2019. Singapore and Australia have reported 37 and 104 measles cases respectively this year, which is also higher than the same period last year. Most of the overseas cases involved individuals who were not vaccinated against measles or had an unknown vaccination status, highlighting the importance of maintaining a high vaccination rate and herd immunity within the community.
      
     As a city with a high volume of international travel, Hong Kong faces the potential risk of importation of the measles virus and its spread in the local community. The CHP’s territory-wide immunisation surveys showed that under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme, the two-dose measles vaccination coverage has consistently stayed above 95 per cent. The local seroprevalence rates of measles virus antibodies reflect that most people in Hong Kong are immune to measles. However, measles is highly contagious. A small number of people who have not completed measles vaccinations (such as non-locally born people including new immigrants, foreign domestic helpers, overseas employees and people coming to Hong Kong for further studies) are still at risk of being infected and spreading measles to others without immunity against measles, such as children under one year old who have not yet received the first dose of the measles vaccine. Those who have unknown immunities against measles or need to receive measles vaccinations are urged to consult their doctor.
      
     The Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme introduced a measles vaccine for the first time in 1967. Thanks to the strong support of parents, schools and the healthcare sector, Hong Kong’s vaccination coverage has remained at a very high level, enabling the city to successfully eliminate measles in 2016. Over the past two years, measles outbreaks have occurred in many parts of the world, leading to a resurgence of community transmission in some countries that had previously eliminated the disease. However, because Hong Kong’s vaccination coverage has remained high, the number of cases recorded in the city has not risen significantly as a result, and Hong Kong has successfully maintained its measles-eliminated status to date.
 
     People born and raised in Hong Kong before 1967 can be considered to have acquired immunity to measles through natural infection, as measles was endemic in Hong Kong at that time. People born in Hong Kong in or after 1967 who have not yet completed the two doses of measles vaccination, or whose measles vaccination history is unknown, should consult their family doctors as soon as possible to complete the vaccination and ensure adequate protection against measles.
      
     The incubation period of measles (i.e. the time from infection to onset of illness) is seven to 21 days. Symptoms include fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes. If travellers returning from places with a high incidence or an outbreak of measles develop symptoms of measles (e.g. fever and rash), they should seek medical advice immediately and avoid contact with non-immune individuals, especially pregnant women and infants under one year old. They should also report their symptoms and prior travel history to healthcare workers so that appropriate infection control measures can be implemented at the healthcare facilities to prevent any potential spread.

     Besides being vaccinated against measles, members of the public should take the following measures to prevent infection:
      For more information on measles, the public may visit the CHP’s measles thematic pageIssued at HKT 20:52

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Speech by FS at French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong Gala Dinner (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong Gala Dinner this evening (June 5):

Consul General Christile Drulhe (Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macao, Mrs Christile Drulhe), Rebecca (Honorary President of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong, Mrs Rebecca Silli), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Bonsoir. Good evening, everyone.
      
     Two weeks ago, I was in Paris. I wandered into a bistro, and the owner – upon knowing that I was from Hong Kong – broke into a smile and said, “I heard Hong Kong is a major buyer of French fine wine. Now that you’re in Paris, you should have a few more glasses to pair with our delicacies.” The place was gloriously noisy, full of laughter and warmth.        
     We see that ambition at work: in seeking new trading partners and growth opportunities; in channelling savings into technology, innovation, digital transformation and green transition; and in deepening collaboration with China and the broader Asian region.       
     I thank the French Chamber for 40 years of deep engagement with and support to Hong Kong. I wish the Chamber continued success, and French wine and style as excellent as ever. 

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CHP investigates case of severe paediatric influenza B infection

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 5) investigating a severe paediatric influenza B infection case. The CHP urged the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
 
     The case involves a 17-year-old boy with underlying illnesses. He was admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital on May 27 due to a fever, vomiting and seizure. His condition gradually improved following treatment. He remained hospitalised and developed a fever again on June 3, accompanied by a cough with blood-stained sputum. He was transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit of United Christian Hospital yesterday (June 4) due to a drop in blood oxygen levels. His respiratory specimen collected on June 4 tested positive for the influenza B virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza B infection complicated with severe pneumonia and shock. He remains hospitalised and is in critical condition.
 
     The CHP’s preliminary investigation revealed that the boy has not received the 2025/26 seasonal influenza vaccination. He had no travel history and did not attend school during the incubation period. His close contacts remain asymptomatic. No influenza outbreaks have been reported recently at his boarding school. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.
 
     Influenza activity in Hong Kong has increased in recent weeks but remains below the baseline level. Based on past experience, Hong Kong may experience two influenza seasons each year. Last year’s summer influenza season began later than usual and lasted longer than normal, extending from early September last year to early January this year, resulting in the absence of the winter influenza season that traditionally occurs in the first quarter of each year. Nearly six months have passed now since the last influenza season. Given that many members of the public have not been infected with the seasonal influenza virus in recent months, it cannot be ruled out that influenza activity may further increase.
 
     The CHP also reminded members of the public that, especially for children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, they should seek medical advice promptly for early treatment if they present with fever and respiratory symptoms. As children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly, parents must pay close attention to their children’s condition. They should go to an Accident and Emergency Department immediately if the child’s condition deteriorates, for example, if they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions.
 
     Separately, the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent contracting influenza and other respiratory illnesses. High-risk individuals should wear surgical masks when staying in crowded places. People with respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly. They should also consider whether to attend work or school.
 
     Members of the public may refer to the CHP’s COVID-19 & Flu Express, Seasonal Influenza Webpage, COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Webpage, and Vaccination Schemes Webpage, for the latest information.

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Central Asia visit fruitful: CE

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee concluded his trip to Uzbekistan today by meeting local officials and business leaders, and visiting innovation and technology (I&T) and cultural institutions.

In the morning, he toured IT Park Uzbekistan, an innovation technology park, and met First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan Ayubkhon Sultonov to exchange views on strengthening co-operation between the two places in I&T and the digital economy. 

Mr Lee said: “Our visit to the IT Park is for many purposes, so we come here for building co-operation, cross-fertilising and see what other things that you are doing and what other things we are doing so that we can mutually benefit.”

Welcoming the Chief Executive, Mr Sultonov said: “We highly value your visit, we see today’s meeting as an important step to develop practical co-operation between Uzbekistan and Hong Kong.”

During the meeting, Mr Lee also witnessed the exchange of memorandum of understanding (MoU) or the confirmation of intention to co-operate between IT Park Uzbekistan and Hong Kong’s three major I&T parks – Cyberport, the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation & Technology Park – to promote closer co-operation between the two places on various fronts, including startup incubation, talent exchanges and joint research and development.

In the afternoon, the Chief Executive visited the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion.

He expressed hope that Hong Kong and Uzbekistan will further strengthen co-operation in arts and culture, people-to-people exchanges and museum collaboration, and deepen friendship between the two places.

Mr Lee then attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan, where he again met Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov.

He noted that Hong Kong can provide professional support for Uzbekistan’s economic development needs and serves as an ideal platform to assist Uzbek enterprises in expanding their business.

Mr Lee also attended a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan where he expressed confidence that the two places will open up a new chapter of mutual benefits and win-win co-operation.

Concluding his trip, Mr Lee said that the Central Asia visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan has yielded fruitful results, with achievements secured in eight areas.

They include establishing high-level contacts and ties between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and reaching consensus on co-operation in multiple areas.

The Hong Kong SAR Government and the two governments signed a total of 15 MOUs and agreements covering areas such as commerce, education and development projects. 

Beyond the government level, a total of 81 MOUs and agreements were concluded, covering such areas as trade and economic co-operation, investment, finance, technology and aviation. 

A total of 96 co-operation agreements and MOUs were reached during the visit, involving specific amounts exceeding US$1.65 billion in total.

The governments agreed to commence bilateral discussions on agreements in various areas, including discussions with the Governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreements, negotiations on a bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement, and co-operation with the Government of Uzbekistan on customs clearance facilitation.

Another achievement involved deepening project matching and research collaboration between Hong Kong and the Central Asian region in areas including finance, I&T and aviation.

It has also demonstrated Hong Kong’s effective role as a platform for going global and achieving substantial results.

The trip has facilitated more convenient people-to-people exchanges by promoting direct flights, aviation and transport co-operation, and extensions to the mutual visa-free period.

In addition, it has promoted exchanges in education, talent and culture to further deepen people-to-people bonds.

Mr Lee also noted that the trip has advanced a hub-to-hub co-operation model to open up broader room for co-operation between Hong Kong and the Central Asian region.

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MOFA welcomes public comments from Philippine Secretary of National Defense Teodoro on deepening Taiwan-Philippines cooperation

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA welcomes public comments from Philippine Secretary of National Defense Teodoro on deepening Taiwan-Philippines cooperation

Date：2026-06-01
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

June 1, 2026  No. 246  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely welcomes and highly commends comments made by Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro while he attended the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 30.

Secretary Teodoro said that in the face of China’s continued expansion of military influence and coercive actions in the region, and in addition to his country’s current efforts to strengthen security relations with the United States, the Philippines was seeking exchanges and cooperation with such defense partners as Japan, Vietnam, and Taiwan so as to jointly respond to regional challenges.

MOFA emphasizes that Taiwan and the Philippines continue to strengthen their substantive partnership under the integrated diplomacy and three-chain strategy advanced by President Lai Ching-te and MOFA. This has included bolstering both nations’ supply chain resilience through the promotion of the Taiwan-Philippines Economic Corridor. Taiwan has also been pleased to see the Philippines launch supply chain cooperation with the United States under the Pax Silica initiative. It looks forward to developing a comprehensive partnership with the Philippines in economic, security, technological, and people-to-people exchanges, and aspires to work with the Philippines and like-minded nations to enhance democracy, peace, and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific. (E)