Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Hospital Authority releases Medication Safety Bulletin Issued at HKT 16:00

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: The Hospital Authority (HA) today (May 30) published the biannual issue of the Medication Safety Bulletin (MSB). This issue focuses on etomidate, a drug that is commonly used in clinical practice to induce anaesthesia or to facilitate sedation. Recently, etomidate has been used illegally as a narcotic and is known as the space oil drug. Since etomidate has been upregulated as a Dangerous Drug, healthcare professionals should comply with relevant requirements on storage, issuance, etc, and maintain regular inspection. The latest issue also reminds healthcare professionals that the “On Long Term Steroid Replacement Alert” has been implemented in the Clinical Management System to safeguard patients receiving longterm hydrocortisone replacement therapy. In addition, the Kowloon Central Cluster shares its experience in enhancing dispensing accuracy with the implementation of the Pick-to-light system in the General Outpatients Clinics. The publication has already been posted on the HA homepage for sharing with healthcare staff. Members of the public are also welcome to browse its content at the following link: www.ha.org.hk/msb. The MSB is published every six months, during the last week of May and November. The next issue will be published in November 2025.

Japanese medical and life science companies join business mission to understand Hong Kong’s investment environment and explore business opportunities  
     This is the fourth sector-specific business mission organised by InvestHK and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo) in recent years, following the last innovation and technology mission in May 2024, and two food and beverage missions, which were held in February 2025 and April 2023 respectively.
 
     Tying in with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s Asia Summit on Global Health and the Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair 2025, on May 26 and 27, the delegation attended a series of visits, themed seminars, networking sessions, as well as business matching meetings with potential investors, investees and business partners.
 
     At the welcome dinner held on May 26, the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau, said, “With the highest life expectancy in the world, Hong Kong has proven itself as a hub of healthcare excellence and technological innovation. Home to two of the world’s top 30 medical schools, a first-class research talent pool, and globally recognised clinical trial data, our city is a powerhouse for biotech advancement.”
 
     On May 27, the delegates visited the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) to attend a briefing session on the business environment and opportunities available in Hong Kong, followed by a tour of the HKSTP’s Japanese tenants’ lab and other facilities. The delegates then attended a networking dinner organised by InvestHK.
Issued at HKT 14:45

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Framework agreement on co-operation in Mirs Bay pilotage between Hong Kong and Shenzhen renewed 
     The purpose of the framework agreement is to enhance the navigational safety of vessels in the waters of Mirs Bay and to improve the efficiency of vessels calling at the Shenzhen East Port Area. The framework agreement specifies the scope of pilotage services for vessels, pilot deployment, charging arrangements, pilot management and entry/exit arrangements. According to the framework agreement, vessels that are required to be under compulsory pilotage as stipulated in the laws of both Hong Kong and Shenzhen will be piloted by a single Hong Kong or Shenzhen qualified pilot throughout the entire voyage to or from the Shenzhen East Port Area through Mirs Bay, and the service will be charged once. Compared with the previous requirement for vessels to be guided by pilots from Hong Kong and Shenzhen in separate segments, the pilotage co-operation arrangement effectively reduces operating costs of shipping and port entities, and improves the efficiency and safety of pilotage operations.
 
     A spokesperson for the MD said, “Since the initial signing of the framework agreement in 2022, the pilotage co-operation in Mirs Bay between Hong Kong and Shenzhen has been smooth and efficient, and well-received by the trade. Therefore, we welcome the renewal of the framework agreement with Shenzhen in order to continue to provide convenience for the trade in marine transportation, deepen co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen in pilotage services, as well as foster the high-quality development of ports in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.”
Issued at HKT 14:00

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Distinctive arts on offer at LCSD parks (with photo) 
     The 27th phase of the Arts Fun Fair at Kowloon Park runs from June 1 until May 31 next year, and will be open from 1pm to 7pm on Sundays and public holidays at the park’s Loggia. There will be 13 stalls displaying and selling craftworks including floral artworks and ornaments, as well as art services including painting and calligraphy.
 
     The Arts Fun Fair aims at enhancing public interest in the arts and enriching the arts atmosphere in Hong Kong. It will also make the park more appealing and enjoyable for park visitors, a spokesman for the LCSD said.
 
     “The Arts Fun Fair at Kowloon Park has been well received by the general public. In addition to the fair, other specialised facilities in the park, such as the Sculpture Walk, the Water Garden and the Maze Garden, also win the hearts of visitors enjoying fun-filled weekends,” the spokesman said.
 
     In addition to the fun fair at Kowloon Park, the Arts Corner at Hong Kong Park has also commenced.
 
     The 25th phase of the Hong Kong Park’s Arts Corner 
     For enquiries, please call 2724 3344 (Kowloon Park) or 2521 5041 (Hong Kong Park).
Issued at HKT 13:00

Speech by CE at Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation 
Honourable Minister Wang Yi (Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs), Your Excellencies, ministers and officials from around the world, honourable representatives of international organisations, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
Good morning. I am delighted to join you on this historic occasion: to celebrate with you the signing of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation.
 
Gathered here today, in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, are high-level representatives of over 80 countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe; and from the United Nations and about 20 international organisations. A very warm welcome to Hong Kong!
 
It is a privilege for us to host this signing ceremony, and to serve as the IOMed headquarters, once the Convention enters into force.
 
This singular occasion is made possible by the ongoing and dedicated efforts of China, our country, in working with around 20 states, since late 2022, to establish an intergovernmental organisation devoted to mediation. After five rounds of intensive negotiation since 2023, co-ordinated by the IOMed Preparatory Office, the negotiating states concluded the very Convention signed today.
 
The IOMed will become the world’s first intergovernmental international legal organisation dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation. It also reflects our shared confidence in mediation as a peaceful means to maintain international peace and security, as stipulated in the Charter of the United Nations.
 
The IOMed will provide a pathway for countries – regardless of culture, language and legal system – to resolve international disputes based on mutual respect and understanding. This is increasingly important amid mounting geopolitical tensions. When protectionism threatens to derail the international trade order, and when unilateralism looms over global supply chains, it is dialogue – not division – that restores balance.
 
China has long championed equity and unity. The Chinese virtue of “和而不同”, meaning “harmony in diversity”, is deeply rooted in our community and culture. This value of mutual respect in spite of differences also sits at the heart of mediation, the IOMed, and a world that seeks co-operation over conflict.
 
Despite geopolitical turbulence, Hong Kong builds bridges, not walls. Under our unique “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong is the only world city that enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. With the support of the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong has risen as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region.
 
We are the only common law jurisdiction in China, and the only jurisdiction in the world with a bilingual common law system in both Chinese and English. We have a long tradition of the rule of law, and our courts exercise their judicial power independently. Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal, which is vested with the power of final adjudication, has on its bench eminent jurists from both Hong Kong and overseas common law jurisdictions.
 
Our robust, efficient and well-respected legal system is supported by world-class legal and dispute resolution professionals. Often bilingual or even multilingual, they are well-versed in international rules and practices, and help to position Hong Kong as a preferred venue for dispute resolution.
 
In this year’s International Arbitration Survey, Hong Kong is the most preferred seat of arbitration in the Asia-Pacific region, and shares second place globally with another jurisdiction. Our economy also came first in “business legislation” and “international trade” in the World Competitiveness Yearbook. In the latest Business Ready Report published by the World Bank Group, Hong Kong ranks eighth in “dispute resolution” among the 50 economies covered.
 
All this underscores Hong Kong’s effectiveness as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” among many economies. We contribute to cross-border investment and economic activity through our top-notch professional services. Our “one country, two systems” advantages make us well-placed to be the headquarters of the important institution of the IOMed.
 
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is devoted to supporting the IOMed’s provision of friendly, flexible, economical and efficient mediation services. We actively promote a vibrant culture of mediation. In fact, it is a general policy to incorporate a mediation clause in all government contracts. We are also enhancing the system on local accreditation and disciplinary matters of the mediation profession.
 
And we go all out to build bridges with the world. Hong Kong will actively promote the IOMed’s valuable work in settling international disputes through mediation, and advocate mediation as a global tool for peace and justice across borders.
 
Ladies and gentlemen, the establishment of the IOMed’s headquarters in Hong Kong is a great honour for our city. The headquarters, as you may know, will be based in the building that once housed the Wan Chai Police Station, just a stone’s throw away from here. Built in 1932, this iconic building has a long association with law and order in Hong Kong. From its prime downtown location, it has also witnessed the transformation of our city that has long treasured unity. In its new role as the IOMed headquarters, the building will play a vital part in the future of Hong Kong as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services.
 
We are working to complete the conversion of the building for its new mission. I’m happy to say that it could open its doors as early as the end of this year. We look forward not only to welcoming its new occupants, but also to supporting them in building new bridges for a more connected, peaceful and prosperous future through mediation.
 
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Central Government for its staunch support of Hong Kong, allowing Hong Kong the honour of housing the IOMed headquarters here. My sincere gratitude also goes to the international community, for placing your trust and confidence in our city. Let’s renew our commitment to peace, justice and the rule of law. Let’s cultivate a mediation culture together. Let’s build a strong IOMed for a global community of shared future founded on peace and prosperity. Please enjoy the day and enjoy Hong Kong. Thank you.
Issued at HKT 11:50

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Government to further reduce emission allowances of power plants 
     The Tenth TM, which is issued under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (the Ordinance), reduces the annual emission allowances of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and respirable suspended particulates (RSPs) from the electricity sector from 2030 onwards at 2 302 tonnes, 8 350 tonnes and 317 tonnes respectively. This represents further tightening by 19 per cent, 25 per cent and 14 per cent respectively when compared with the emission allowances for the electricity sector for 2026 set under the Ninth TM.
 
     A spokesperson for the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) said, “In setting the new emission allowances, we have taken into account factors such as local electricity demand, the gas-fired electricity generation of the two power companies (including the progress of constructing new gas-fired units for replacement of coal-fired units), the emission performance of existing generating units, the estimated import of nuclear power and clean energy, and the projected electricity intake from renewable energy sources. The Government has also been requiring the two power companies to adopt the best practicable means in their plants’ design and operational management to minimise emissions of air pollutants.”
　　  
     The Hongkong Electric Company Limited is building a new gas-fired generating unit for operation in 2029, while an existing coal-fired generating unit will be decommissioned correspondingly by then. As for CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP), driven by major infrastructure developments (such as the Northern Metropolis), the electricity demand in 2030-2031 is forecasted to be about 9 per cent higher than the forecast made in the Ninth TM. CLP plans to increase the output of its existing gas-fired generating units to meet the additional electricity demand, and will import more zero-carbon energy from the Mainland. These measures can further reduce the two power companies’ reliance on coal-fired power generation, thereby reducing pollutant emissions.

　　The spokesperson added, “Hong Kong’s air quality has been improving continuously in recent years. The ambient concentrations of SO2, nitrogen dioxide and RSPs recorded in 2024 had been reduced by 45 per cent to 88 per cent when compared with that in 2004. The number of hours of reduced visibility observed had also been greatly reduced by 82 per cent from its peak in 2004. The significant improvement is also attributable to the Government’s efforts in implementing measures to reduce air pollutant emissions from power plants. As emissions from the electricity sector accounted for 61 per cent, 27 per cent and 13 per cent of the territory-wide emissions of SO2, NOx and RSPs respectively in 2022, the tightened emission allowances for power plants will help further improve the air quality in Hong Kong and the PRD region.　　 
　　The Tenth TM will be tabled at the Legislative Council on June 4 for commencement by the end of 2025. In accordance with the Ordinance, the new set of emission allowances will come into effect on January 1, 2030.
Issued at HKT 11:30

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