Month: June 2026

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today led a joint Hong Kong-Mainland business delegation to Kazakhstan, kicking off an official visit aimed at deepening economic co-operation.  

Mr Lee began the morning by meeting Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin.

During the meeting, Mr Lee highlighted Kazakhstan’s rapid economic growth driven by its ongoing structural reforms. He noted that Hong Kong, as a leading international financial centre, the world’s largest cross-boundary wealth management centre and a premier offshore renminbi business hub is uniquely positioned to support these reforms. The city can provide flexible, diversified capital and asset allocation solutions to fuel Kazakhstan’s infrastructure and economic projects. 

The Chief Executive welcomed Kazakhstan’s government and local enterprises to leverage Hong Kong’s financial advantages. He encouraged them to list, issue bonds and secure project financing in the city to connect with global investors, raise international funds and add value to local development initiatives.

Mr Lee then met Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at noon to discuss deepening bilateral relations, before attending an official luncheon hosted by the President. 

The Chief Executive highlighted Kazakhstan’s significance as the birthplace of the Belt & Road Initiative, where President Xi Jinping first proposed the Silk Road Economic Belt in 2013. The country is currently Hong Kong’s largest trading partner in Central Asia, with strong economic and trade ties and broad prospects for future co-operation.

As vital regional trade gateways, both economies are actively driving diversification. Mr Lee noted that Hong Kong, as one of the world’s most competitive economies, bridges the Chinese Mainland and global markets, making it a perfect partner for Kazakhstan’s industrial transformation. 

This visit marks the first overseas trip led by Mr Lee since the formation of the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global. It is also his largest delegation to date, comprising more than 70 business leaders and professionals from Hong Kong and the Mainland. 

The Chief Executive said that he looks forward to reaching multiple co-operation agreements during this mission. The pacts will span trade, investment promotion, financial services, innovation and technology (I&T) and culture and tourism, as well as further exploring emerging markets and strengthening bilateral economic ties.

Mr Lee emphasised that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys strong support from the central government alongside global connectivity. This unique pairing positions the city as a crucial functional platform for the Belt & Road Initiative. 

He added that Hong Kong will continue to leverage its roles as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder”, as it deepens international exchanges and accelerates the growth of new economic sectors. 

He expressed his desire to strengthen two-way co-operation between the two regions. He  encouraged enterprises in Kazakhstan to leverage Hong Kong’s professional services and business advantages to enter the Chinese Mainland and Asian markets. Concurrently, this partnership enables Hong Kong and Mainland firms to go global, capture opportunities from Kazakhstan’s economic reforms and build a corporate presence in Central Asia.

The Chief Executive noted that these joint commercial efforts will inject fresh momentum into the high-quality development of the Belt & Road Initiative.

In addition, Mr Lee visited the Astana Hub, a local technology and innovation park, to learn about Kazakhstan’s latest milestones in artificial intelligence. He met Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister & the Minister of Artificial Intelligence & Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev. 

Mr Lee introduced Hong Kong’s developments in I&T and welcomed Kazakhstan’s technology and innovation enterprises to set up operations in Hong Kong.

He then visited the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) to learn about Kazakhstan’s experience in promoting the development of the non-bank financial sector, and met the AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov. 

In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner hosted by the Kazakhstan Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
 
     The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday (June 3) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework and Amended Common Reporting Standard) Bill 2026 will be introduced into the Council for the First Reading and the Second Reading. The Second Reading debate on the Bill will be adjourned.
 
     On Members’ motions, Mr Ken Wong will move a motion on “Promoting digital education in Hong Kong’s primary and secondary schools to cultivate future digital talents”. The motion is set out in Appendix 1. Mr Chong Ho-fung, Mr Chu Lap-wai, Dr Elvin Lee, Mr Dennis Leung and Dr Junius Ho will move separate amendments to Mr Wong’s motion.
 
     Mr Andrew Fan will move a motion on “Advancing the development of marine economy in Hong Kong”. The motion is set out in Appendix 2. Mr Steven Ho and Mr Lam Wai-kong will move separate amendments to Mr Fan’s motion.
 
     Members will also ask the Government 22 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.
 
     The agenda of the above meeting is available on the LegCo Website (www.legco.gov.hk). Members of the public can watch or listen to the meeting via the “Webcast” system on the LegCo Website. To observe the proceedings of the meeting at the LegCo Complex, members of the public may call 3919 3399 during office hours to reserve seats.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Government today (June 1) launched the Future Innovative Logistics Acceleration Scheme (FILAS) to spur the development of information technology (IT) onboarding solutions that facilitate logistics enterprises to use logistics data platforms operated by the Government or public organisations, including the Port Community System and the HKIA Cargo Data Platform, with a view to promoting digitalisation of the industry.

A spokesman for the Transport and Logistics Bureau said, “The level of digitalisation of some logistics enterprises, especially the small- and medium-sized ones, is relatively low, which presents an obstacle for them to use existing logistics data platforms. By encouraging the development of innovative IT onboarding solutions through FILAS, we hope to bridge the digital divide and facilitate the wider use of logistics data platforms by the industry, thereby enhancing its competitiveness and fostering Hong Kong’s development as an international smart logistics hub.”

As part of the Government’s continual effort in promoting the digitalisation of Hong Kong’s logistics trade, the Financial Secretary announced in the 2026-27 Budget that FILAS would be established under the Pilot Subsidy Scheme for Third-party Logistics Service Providers (Pilot Scheme). The target number of logistics enterprises that will benefit from FILAS is 100.

Under FILAS, third-party logistics service providers (3PLs) may apply for funding support for subscribing to or using pre-approved solutions listed on a white list. Same as the Pilot Scheme, applicant enterprises for FILAS must be non-listed enterprises registered in Hong Kong under the Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310) with substantive business operations related to either inbound or outbound third-party logistics services in Hong Kong, and funding support will be provided based on the subsidy ratio of 2 (Government) to 1 (enterprise). Each eligible enterprise may receive funding support of up to $2 million under the Pilot Scheme (including FILAS).

Solution providers may apply for their IT onboarding solution, no matter whether it is developed or under development, to be listed on a white list of pre-approved solutions under FILAS. Solution providers, which must be enterprises registered in Hong Kong under the Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310), can submit only one proposal for IT onboarding solution for one or more logistics data platform(s) for inclusion on the white list. As the first stage, FILAS is now open to white list applications with the submission of the first batch of applications closing on June 30, 2026.

White list applications will be subject to a three-tier assessment mechanism, namely, (i) an initial assessment by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), the Secretariat of FILAS, on the eligibility of solution providers; (ii) a two-stage technical assessment via preliminary interviews by logistics data platform operator(s) on, among others, the compatibility of the solutions with the platform(s) concerned, their compliance with the relevant security and technical requirements and their relevance to the industry; and (iii) final endorsement by the Management Committee for the Pilot Scheme from the perspective of the alignment of the proposed solutions with FILAS policy objectives and overall benefits to the logistics sector.

Upon inclusion on the white list, such solutions will be deemed capable and practical for helping logistics enterprises to use the specified logistics data platform(s), and can be chosen by interested 3PLs, who can then apply for a subsidy under FILAS for subscribing to or using the solutions.

Details of FILAS are available on the Pilot Scheme’s dedicated website (tplsp.hkpc.org). Interested solution providers may contact the HKPC for enquiries and submission of applications (Tel: 2788 6077; email: tplsp_sec@hkpc.org). 

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Chief Executive Officer representing the Perth Heat and the Sydney Blue Sox of the Australian Baseball League (ABL) paid a courtesy visit to Director-General David Cheng-Wei Wu. The two sides engaged in a productive discussion on promoting sports events in Australia and highlighted the prowess of baseball, Taiwan’s national sport.
During the meeting, both parties expressed optimism about future sports and culture collaborations between Taiwan and Australia. By fostering friendship through sports, they aim to further deepen cultural and athletic exchanges. With upcoming initiatives in motion, a thrilling Sydney Game and expanded baseball exchanges may be just around the corner, promising exciting experiences for baseball fans in both nations.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu visited the Parliament of New South Wales and met with the Hon. Damien Tudehope MLC, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council and Shadow Attorney General, to exchange views on Taiwan–Australia relations, regional developments, and issues of mutual interest.
DG Wu thanked Mr Tudehope for his longstanding support for democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. He also briefed him on President Lai Ching-te’s “New Population Strategy for Taiwan,” announced earlier that day, which includes increased childbirth and childcare subsidies, extended parental leave, expanded child and youth allowances, and enhanced student loan support. DG Wu noted that addressing demographic challenges is essential to national competitiveness, fiscal sustainability, and social resilience.
Mr Tudehope expressed strong interest in the policy measures and noted that Taiwan and Australia share democratic values and open societies, with close cooperation across trade, education, technology, and people-to-people exchanges. He also welcomed the opportunity to continue strengthening engagement between New South Wales and Taiwan.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the morning of June 1, the Presidential Office held a press conference to announce that Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao will lead a delegation to the Republic of Palau, a diplomatic ally of Taiwan, from June 6 to 10. President Lai Ching-te expressed hope that the delegation will achieve the three core objectives of deepening diplomatic ties, assisting Palau in promoting sustainable tourism, and witnessing the achievements of Taiwan-Palau cooperation through the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project. The president also expressed hope that Taiwan and Palau will continue deepening cooperation in various areas, demonstrating to the international community the robust, profound bilateral relations and cooperative achievements between Taiwan and Palau.
At the press conference, Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) stated that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Taiwan and Palau have maintained a close and friendly partnership, and that President Lai’s first overseas visit after he assumed office in 2024 was to Palau. She noted that Palauan President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. has also visited Taiwan multiple times in recent years, demonstrating through his concrete actions his high regard for the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Palau. The spokesperson mentioned that this year, Taiwan was once again honored to receive President Whipps’ invitations for President Lai and Vice President Hsiao to visit. To deepen the friendship and promote people-to-people exchanges, she said, President Lai has especially appointed Vice President Hsiao to lead a delegation to Palau from June 6 to 10 in response to President Whipps’ gracious invitation.
Spokesperson Kuo stated that the name of this visit is the “Palau Prosperity Project,” which symbolizes the hope that, on the foundation of our deep diplomatic ties, Taiwan and Palau will continue to provide mutual assistance for shared prosperity, create greater well-being for both peoples, and jointly promote progress for the two countries and the world. President Lai has set three core objectives for the visit:
1. To deepen diplomatic ties. The vice president’s trip will include meetings with President Whipps and political figures, with the aim of strengthening interactions and further deepening the friendship between the two nations.
2. To assist Palau in promoting sustainable tourism. Since tourism is a key pillar of Palau’s national development, Vice President Hsiao will visit well-known sustainable tourism attractions in Palau and jointly promote Palau’s tourism with President Whipps.
3. To witness the achievements of Taiwan-Palau cooperation through the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project. In recent years, the governments of Taiwan and Palau have jointly promoted the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project. On this trip, Vice President Hsiao will witness firsthand the tangible results of the project as well as our cooperative achievements in recent years in such areas as medicine and public health, agriculture and fisheries, and public infrastructure.
The spokesperson mentioned that the “Palau Prosperity Project” delegation will include Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lin Ching-yi (林靜儀), Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Baushuan Ger (葛葆萱), as well as a team composed of personnel from the Presidential Office, the National Security Council, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other agencies.
Vice Minister Ger subsequently provided further details on the itinerary:
1. Official visits: As part of her itinerary, Vice President Hsiao will meet with President Whipps and other key leaders of the Palauan government. She will also visit the Palau National Congress to engage with members of the Senate and the House of Delegates.
2. Witnessing the achievements of Taiwan-Palau cooperation through the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project: Vice President Hsiao will visit the demonstration farm of the Taiwan Technical Mission in Palau, the National Aquaculture Center, and Belau National Hospital, among other sites. She will also attend an inauguration ceremony for an infrastructure project built with Taiwan’s assistance, and alongside members of the Palauan government, review cooperative achievements from recent years resulting from the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project in areas such as agriculture and fisheries, medicine and public health, and infrastructure.
3. Promoting Palau’s sustainable tourism attractions: Vice President Hsiao will be personally accompanied by President Whipps, at his invitation, to visit several of Palau’s sustainable tourism attractions. Through these firsthand visits, they will jointly promote Palauan tourism, with the hope of introducing more of Taiwan’s citizens to the beauty of Palau and sparking greater interest in traveling there.
4. Attending the Palauan government’s welcome banquet and hosting Taiwan’s appreciation banquet: At the invitation of the Palauan government, Vice President Hsiao will attend a welcome banquet hosted by President Whipps. She will also host an appreciation banquet on behalf of the government of Taiwan to express gratitude for Palau’s hospitality.
5. Other itinerary items: In addition to the aforementioned itinerary, Vice President Hsiao will engage with the Palauan community and visit local cultural businesses to foster closer interaction and exchanges with the Palauan people. She will also visit the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the Republic of Palau to show her support for frontline diplomatic personnel, members of the technical mission, medical staff stationed in Palau, volunteers, and members of the overseas Taiwanese community.
Vice Minister Ger stated that conducting head-of-state and vice-head-of-state diplomacy through visits to strengthen ties with diplomatic allies has always been a key focus of the government’s foreign policy. This will mark Vice President Hsiao’s first visit to a diplomatic ally since taking office, making it especially meaningful, and all official meetings and visits are being meticulously planned and coordinated. The vice minister said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work closely with relevant agencies and the Palauan government to ensure that all arrangements for the visit are comprehensive and that its objectives will be smoothly accomplished, demonstrating to the international community the robust, profound bilateral relations and cooperative achievements between Taiwan and Palau.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today welcomed the appointment of Prof Li King-chuen as the Founding Dean of Medicine at the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (UST).

It added that the appointment, which takes immediate effect, marks a new milestone in the university’s preparatory work for the establishment of the city’s third medical school.

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau iterated that the establishment of the third medical school is of great importance to the long-term development of Hong Kong’s healthcare system.

He highlighted that Prof Li served as Founding Dean of the Carle Illinois College of Medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the United States and possesses relevant practical experience that will be invaluable.

“I look forward to the UST’s medical school continuing to smoothly advance the relevant preparatory work under his leadership,” the health chief added.

Such work includes recruitment of teaching and research teams; the formulation of teaching programmes; participation in overall planning for the Ngau Tam Mei campus and the new integrated teaching and research hospital; deepening collaboration with local healthcare institutions and teaching partners; and co-operating with the Medical Council of Hong Kong with regard to accreditation for the curriculum.

Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin said Prof Li possesses outstanding leadership experience in medical education, an interdisciplinary academic background, and extensive experience in establishing a medical school.

“It is hoped that, with his global vision, academic and clinical experience, and extensive connections in the international medical community, he will lead the HKUST’s medical school in leveraging the strengths of clinical medicine, engineering, data science, and emerging technologies to develop an innovative education model that meets local professional standards, while also being forward-looking and internationally oriented.”

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Prof Li is an internationally renowned physician-scientist, biomedical innovator, and academic leader. He is currently Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus of the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, and Adjunct Professor of Radiology at the Stanford University School of Medicine in the United States.