Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source:

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

Exploring the depths of Robin’s Nest Country Park, nestled in the northeastern New Territories, hiking the Lin Ma Hang trail and ascending over 900 stairs reveals a hidden gem – Lin Ma Hang Lead Mine, an remnant of the once-thriving local mining community.

Mining history 

The site served as one of Hong Kong’s natural mineral reserves with significant economic value, housing the largest lead mine known for producing galena, sphalerite and silver. Its history dates back to the 19th Century.

“In 1925, the Government issued a mining lease. Mining activities peaked from 1936 to 1939, with approximately 2,000 workers labouring round the clock. During World War II, the mine was taken by Japanese forces. By the late 1950s, the mine eventually ceased operation due to various reasons, including the drop in the international lead prices,” explained Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department Country Parks Ranger Services Officer (North-West) Felix Chan.

After a year-long revitalisation project jointly conducted by the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Civil Engineering & Development Department (CEDD), the mine has been transformed into an open museum, which was opened to the public last December.

The revamp included stabilising the roof of the main cave with rock dowels and grouting, and reinforcing rock pillars with concrete buttresses disguised as artificial rock to seamlessly integrate with the natural landscape. Rock wire mesh has been installed to prevent loose and small rocks from falling.

Bat ecology 

The mine comprises five levels and tunnels stretching over 2,100m in length, although access to most of these areas is restricted. Fences have been set up not only to prohibit visitors from accidentally entering but also to protect the sanctuary for bats.

Following its abandonment, the dark and humid environment of the deserted caves and intricate networks of the mine’s galleries have made it an ideal habitat for bats, turning the mine into an important bat roosting site in Hong Kong.

The area was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1994.

“Now, we have already recorded 10 species of bat here, accounting for around 40% of what we have recorded in Hong Kong. This includes the Lesser Bent-winged Bat and the Chinese Horseshoe Bat,” said Mr Chan.

He also reminded visitors to lower their voices and avoid using bright lights when venturing into the mine.

Joint effort 

Mr Chan added that the mine, as the first collaboration between the AFCD and CEDD, serves as a reference for similar types of revitalisation projects in country parks in the future.

Robin’s Nest Country Park, where the mine is located, is the 25th country park in Hong Kong, measuring about 530 hectares. It lies on mountain ridges stretching from the Shenzhen Wutong Mountain Scenic Area to the north and Hong Kong’s Pat Sin Leng Country Park to the south.

Established last March, Robin’s Nest Country Park features two scenic hiking trails that connect Lin Ma Hang Village in the west to Shan Tsui of Sha Tau Kok in the east. It normally takes four to five hours to finish walking the two country trails.

The two trails encompass multiple attractions, including the MacIntosh Forts, a Grade 2 historic building as well as war relics such as pillboxes and trenches, and the Robin’s Nest viewing point which overlooks Starling Inlet.

In addition, part of Robin’s Nest Country Park was previously within the frontier closed area. With minimal disturbance from human activities, it has rich biodiversity, including species of conservation value such as the Chinese Grassbird, Red Azalea and Chinese New Year Flower.

Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department Country Parks Officer (North), Charlie Shue pointed out that Robin’s Nest Country Park boasts rich biodiversity with elements of human history, making it a crucial part of the Northern Metropolis’ Blue and Green Recreation, Tourism and Conservation Circle – comprising areas endowed with rich cultural heritage and natural resources.

The department has also teamed up with the Tourism Commission to promote the country park under the “Design District Hong Kong” initiative’s activities in Sha Tau Kok.

Rich biodiversity 

The mountain ridges of Robin’s Nest interlink with the Shenzhen Wutong Mountain, forming an ecological corridor, Mr Shue noted, adding that the AFCD has joined forces with its counterparts in Shenzhen across various sectors to consolidate resources and strengthen conservation efforts.

The AFCD has worked closely with the Planning & Natural Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality to formulate the joint work programme for the Wutong Mountain-Robin’s Nest Ecological Corridor.

Both sides signed the Cooperative Framework Agreement for the Enhancement of Wutong Mountain (Shenzhen) – Robin’s Nest (Hong Kong) Ecological Corridor last August.

The initial plan is to establish an ecological data exchange platform, conduct biodiversity monitoring at both sites, remove invasive species, exchange experiences in nature education, and explore ways to improve the ecological connectivity for animals, with the aim of promoting ecological integration between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

FarmFest 2025, showcasing a variety of local agricultural and fishery products, opened today and will run until Sunday at Fa Hui Park in Mong Kok.

The carnival includes some 420 stalls with more than 220 offering local produce for sale.

Premium agricultural products on offer – produced by local organic, hydroponic and accredited farms – include cherry tomatoes, cabbages, sweet potatoes and hydroponic microgreens.

Fresh fishery products from local accredited fish farms, such as spiny lobsters, grey mullets, tilapia and speckled blue groupers, are also available.

Additionally, ready-to-cook cherry wood smoked cobia fillet, collagen jelly and Shanghai smoked fish, all developed through co-operation and research between industry, academia, the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department and the Fish Marketing Organization, will be available for sale at the carnival.

There are stalls selling local delicacies, organic and healthy food, and household goods.

An agricultural zone and a fisheries zone have also been set up to give consumers the chance to learn more about developments in the industry, including how it boosts productivity and uses technology to enhance the quality of local produce.

In addition, FarmFest offers a variety of entertainment, including music and cultural performances, and cooking demonstrations.

The event is open from 10am to 8pm. Admission is free.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

A musical firework extravaganza lit up the night sky over Victoria Harbour on New Year’s Eve, bringing joy and wonder to residents and visitors gathered along the harbour’s promenades.

Themed ‘The Symphony of Happiness’, the 12-minute display involved representing various aspects of nature in order to convey wishes for prosperity. It featured four stunning fireworks effects, namely ‘Blooming Blossoms’, ‘Evergreen Tree’, ‘Golden Waterfall’, and for the first time in Hong Kong ‘Propitious Clouds’.

The news.gov.hk team wishes all our readers a prosperous New Year and good health in 2025.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The Music Office’s Hong Kong Youth Symphony Orchestra under the Leisure & Cultural Services Department will hold its annual concert titled “Dance of Fate” at 3pm on January 19 next year at the Cultural Centre.

It will be conducted by Music Office Chief Music Officer Tsui Ying-fai and instructors Lee Sing-wan and Joseph Kam. Four young musicians from the Academy for Performing Arts School of Music will join hands with the orchestra to perform Haydn’s Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat major.

The repertoire will also include Chinese composer Shi Wanchun’s Festival Overture, French composer Lalo’s Namouna Suite d’Orchestre No. 1, and Symphony No. 5 in C minor, “Fate”, a Beethoven classic.

Established in 1978, the orchestra comprises members aged between 12 and 25.

Concert tickets are now available at URBTIX.

Click here for details.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

A programme series under the theme of “Myth Breaker on Breaking Hell Gate & Nanyin” will be held in December to introduce traditional funeral rites and Nanyin, a form of traditional music popular in the Pearl River Delta region.

 

Taoist priest and Taoist priest consultant of the movie The Last Dance Leung Chun will hold two talks on the first floor of the Hong Kong Heritage Museum Theatre for two consecutive Sundays this month.

      

The first talk, scheduled for December 15 from 2.30pm to 4pm, will unveil the traditional funeral rites and their underlying meaning.

 

The second talk, slated for December 22 from 2.30pm to 4pm, will unveil the role and significance of a Taoist priest in serving as a guide to lead the deceased.

 

The talks will open for admission 15 minutes before they start. Admission is free on a first come, first served basis.

 

Nanyin, the other intangible cultural heritage for this programme, is featured throughout The Last Dance.

 

“‘A Wanderer’s Autumn Grief’ – Nanyin” will be performed by local troupe “The Gong Strikes One” on December 21 from 2pm to 3pm at the Hall on the first floor of the Hong Kong Museum of Art.

 

The troupe will introduce the structure, history and culture connotations of Nanyin, particularly its connection with funeral rites. There will also be a live performance for the audience to experience and enjoy the music.

      

Call 2851 6134 for enquiries.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The public consultation exercise for the 2025-26 Budget has started, the Government announced today.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan stressed that Hong Kong must manage public finances more prudently in light of a continuously uncertain external environment, a complex and changing global political and economic landscape, and the structural adjustments taking place in the local economy.

He also pointed out that it is equally important to drive the city’s economic development forward.

“At the present stage, both development and stability are central to our progress.”

Encouraging citizens to share their views on the new Budget, the Financial Secretary said: “As we work together, Hong Kong will reinforce its strengths and achievements, and accelerate advancement towards better goals amid challenging external conditions and evolving socio-economic circumstances.”

Those who wish to share their views on the Budget can visit the website www.budget.gov.hk. They can also voice their opinions by email, by phone at 2810 3768, by fax at 2147 5770, or by post to the Budget Consultation Support Team at 24/F Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki

With the support of our country through the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is committed to becoming a regional intellectual property (IP) trading centre.

 

And we are on our way. To illustrate with an example: a Hong Kong-based startup, specialising in electricity-free cooling technology, has attracted nearly $100 million in its Series A round financing, taking full advantage of Hong Kong’s robust IP protection and extensive distribution networks.

 

Partnering with local and international companies, it is advancing new technology research and development (R&D), expanding its product portfolio and bringing its technology to the global market.

 

And it is only one of many Hong Kong success stories making use of their IP rights to generate growth.

 

I invite you to check out Radio Television Hong Kong’s IP: New Opportunities programme for more inspiring Hong Kong stories. The success of these businesses is a testament to IP trading’s power in driving economic growth and job creation.

 

The early stages of R&D require vigorous IP protection. And Hong Kong is committed to supporting our innovators. We are planning to establish a World Intellectual Property Organization Technology & Innovation Support Centre in Hong Kong, which is expected to commence operation by next year at the earliest. It will provide essential services to help our local entrepreneurs and businesses protect and commercialise their innovations.

 

Our goal is to make it easy for our entrepreneurs and businesses to go from product concept to market launch, offering expert guidance, support and resources.

 

And we are working to make it easy for you, too. Our “patent box” tax incentive, up and running since July, has reduced tax rates on qualifying IP profits from 16.5% to 5%. That can only encourage more R&D and IP trading.

 

Our strategy for ensuring Hong Kong’s rise as a regional IP trading leader is built on two key pillars.

 

First, enhancing IP infrastructure. We will update the Copyright Ordinance and revamp the registered design regime to meet demand, today and tomorrow. Legislative amendments will also be proposed to streamline IP litigation, allowing our courts to manage such cases more effectively.

 

Second, we are building an IP-savvy workforce. Our Intellectual Property Department will work with the Qualifications Framework Secretariat to develop IP training materials for 23 industries. It will also advance our plans to introduce regulatory arrangements for local patent agents.

 

Hong Kong’s IP strategy is evolving in a global context. As an international financial, trade and logistics centre, Hong Kong has long emphasised the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing.

 

And we will continue to do so, engaging with the world, particularly our Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) neighbours and countries along the Belt & Road, in sharing best practices and staying at the forefront of IP trends.

 

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki gave these remarks at the Business Intellectual Property Asia Forum on December 5.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

Secretary for Transport & Logistics Lam Sai-hung

Following the completion of the annual flagship event, Hong Kong Maritime Week last week, the Transport & Logistics Bureau welcomed two major aviation milestones this week, propelling Hong Kong’s aviation development into a new era.

Three-Runway System Commissioned

The Three-Runway System at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), which began consultation in 2011 and construction in August 2016, is comparable in scale to building a new airport next to the existing one. Just two days ago (November 28), the Three-Runway System was put into operation. The three runways can now operate simultaneously: The South Runway, the new North Runway which commenced operations in November 2022, and the Centre Runway, which was reconfigured from the original North Runway. This development provides a broader dimension for Hong Kong’s aviation growth, allowing HKIA to handle approximately 120 million passengers and 10 million tons of cargo annually starting from 2035.

At the beginning of the Three-Runway System project, I exchanged views with the then Transport & Housing Bureau from an engineering perspective on how the Government could monitor the implementation of the project while I was at the Highways Department. Now, in my new position as the Secretary for Transport & Logistics, I am both excited and moved to witness the triumphant completion of the Three-Runway System. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to the project, especially the frontline workers. This mega project, completed on time and within budget despite the unprecedented challenges of the three-year pandemic, confirms that Hong Kong’s engineering management standards are truly world-class.

The Three-Runway System is not only a significant mega infrastructure but also a key component of Hong Kong’s economic development. HKIA connects to nearly 200 global destinations at the moment, and the added capacity allows for further expansion of the aviation network, strengthening HKIA’s connectivity, increasing passenger and cargo flow, and creating vast opportunities and economic value for the airport city and surrounding sectors such as business, tourism, trade and logistics. This will generate numerous job opportunities and inject new momentum into the economy and people’s livelihoods.

Hong Kong-Zhuhai Co-operation

The momentum of HKIA also extends to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), contributing to the world-class airport cluster mentioned in the Outline Development Plan for Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Since 2006, the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) started to manage the Zhuhai Airport, resulting in a significant increase in passenger volume, making the Zhuhai Airport one of the major airports in the GBA. The collaboration between the AAHK and Zhuhai Airport elevated to the next level on Tuesday (November 28), with the AAHK acquiring a 35% stake in Zhuhai Airport for approximately RMB4.3 billion. I also attended the signing ceremony in Zhuhai to witness this memorable moment.

Last December, AAHK launched the “Fly via Zhuhai-HK” service, utilising Zhuhai Airport’s domestic air network to connect directly to HKIA via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, in an air-land-air multimodal transport model that links the two regions’ aviation networks. As of the end of October, nearly 40,000 passengers have used this innovative service. AAHK plans to expand this service to more cities in the Mainland, invite participation from more airlines, and explore extending the service hours of “Fly via Zhuhai-HK”.

We will also advance other aspects of co-operation with Zhuhai, including the development of international air freight services and promoting the establishment of a high-end aviation industry cluster. The multimodal transport network established with Zhuhai and other cities in the GBA will strengthen our connections with the entire country and fully leverage our role as a super connector between the Mainland and the international community, enabling HKIA to serve the entire nation.

As noted by Director of the Hong Kong & Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Xia Baolong, Hong Kong must continue to develop its land, sea, and air ports. The Three-Runway System represents a remarkable achievement in airport development. Its completion will not only meet the long-term demand for air traffic but also solidify Hong Kong’s strategic position as an international aviation hub, and the AAHK’s investment in Zhuhai Airport also exemplifies the complementary advantages between Hong Kong and the GBA cities. I would like to echo the Chief Executive’s hope expressed at the Three-Runway System Commissioning Ceremony that, by leveraging the significant aviation milestones launched last week, Hong Kong’s aviation development will soar to new heights.

Secretary for Transport & Logistics Lam Sai-hung wrote this article and posted it on his blog on November 30.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

Chief Executive John Lee

Hong Kong is a key gateway – a super connector and super value-adder – between the Mainland market and a world of investors. And the Northern Metropolis is a geographical manifestation of this very important role.

The Northern Metropolis enjoys an unparalleled geographical advantage of seamlessly connecting with Shenzhen, one of the most entrepreneurial and energetic cities on the Mainland.

Shenzhen and Hong Kong, together with Guangzhou, Macau and seven other cities in southern China, form the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The GBA brings together a population of 86 million and a combined gross domestic product that rivals that of the world’s 10th-largest economy.

The Loop, an area that straddles across the boundary between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, will be developed into an international innovation and technology hub. With the Loop, and other development areas in the pipeline, the Northern Metropolis will become a region that radiates beyond geographical boundaries.

Taking forward a development of this scale, and gravitas, requires the efforts and resources of all sectors of our community. Yes, the development of the Northern Metropolis will be government-led, but market participation is just as vital.

The private sector could participate in land development by multiple means. We will be trying out a large‑scale land‑disposal approach in three pilot areas: Hung Shui Kiu, Fanling North and San Tin Technopole.

In each of these areas, a relatively large parcel of land will be put to tender. Each parcel will feature elements of commercial value, as well as infrastructure works or government facilities. The three sites are different in scale and components, suiting varying commercial interests and risk appetite. I am confident that this would provide the private sector with a brand-new and efficient way to participate in our development and, in turn, benefit our society as a whole.

Ladies and gentlemen, I look forward to your active participation in the development of the Northern Metropolis. Together, we will realise that bright future for your businesses, for the Northern Metropolis, and for Hong Kong.

Chief Executive John Lee gave these remarks at the Signing Ceremony for Enterprise Participation in Northern Metropolis Development on November 29.