Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The 26th World Customs Organization (WCO) Asia/Pacific (A/P) Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference held by Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the WCO Vice-Chair for the A/P Region (APVC), concluded today (May 22).

In his concluding remarks, the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, recognised the fruitful outcomes gained from the four-day Conference, where participants endorsed various significant regional decisions, including the confirmation of the next-term regional representative positions and composition of the Regional Strategic Plan Working Group. The participants also received updates on the latest developments among A/P members and regional entities. In addition, the Conference featured discussions about an innovative initiative concerning a blockchain-based cross-validation platform, which was led by the APVC and aimed to accelerate logistics and economic development in the region.

On the first day of the Conference (May 19), Mr Chan met with the Secretary General of the WCO, Mr Ian Saunders, to discuss multiple issues, including the work of Hong Kong Customs since assuming the role of the Vice-Chair for the A/P Region, and the trends in global Customs development. On May 20 and 21, Mr Chan held individual bilateral meetings with the heads of five Customs administrations in the A/P region, namely the Commissioner of the Australian Border Force, Mr Gavan Reynolds; the Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance and President of the Customs Administration of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr Foroud Asgari; the Commissioner General of the Maldives Customs Service, Ms Fathimath Dhiyana; the Director General of the Singapore Customs, Mr Tan Hung Hooi; and Deputy Chief Executive of New Zealand Customs Service Mr Joe Cannon to strengthen mutual collaboration and explore future development opportunities. The Acting Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, also met with the Iranian authority and chaired the meeting.

​This Conference marks a significant milestone for Hong Kong Customs as it almost concludes its first year as the APVC. Over the past year, Hong Kong Customs has proactively organised around 10 impactful events, fostering knowledge sharing, co-operation, and cohesion among A/P members, and demonstrating their commitment to the promotion of regional development. In the future, Hong Kong Customs will continue to lead the members to contribute to the robust development of regional Customs affairs.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, at the launch event of the Business Climate Survey for Swedish Companies in Hong Kong SAR 2025 (Business Climate Survey 2025) today (May 22):
 
Secretary Jevrell (State Secretary to the Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade of Sweden, Mr Håkan Jevrell), Consul General Bergholm (Consul General of Sweden in Hong Kong, Ms Louise Bergholm), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening. My pleasure to join you all today. This annual Business Climate Survey is indeed a valuable resource for understanding the perceptions and experiences of Swedish businesses in our city. I would like to sincerely congratulate Team Sweden for this initiative.

     Hong Kong and Sweden have been enjoying a mutually beneficial relationship. Among the European Union member states, Sweden is our fourth-largest partner in services trade and 13th-largest partner in merchandise trade. In 2024, the merchandise trade between the two places amounted to HK$6.6 billion, a testament to the robust economic ties between the two economies. Hong Kong is also home to several world-renowned Swedish companies, such as IKEA and H&M, whose high-quality products have become household names in our city. We deeply value their contributions to Hong Kong’s economy and society.

     The annual report reveals that Swedish businesses in Hong Kong perceive an improvement in the business climate compared to last year. This is indeed encouraging news, and it reaffirms Hong Kong’s position as an important regional hub and an attractive destination for Swedish companies to establish and expand their operations. Hong Kong’s competitive advantages, which include the rule of law, free flow of capital, a free trade and investment regime, and an efficient and clean government, all remain intact. Together with our low, simple and competitive tax system, open business environment, world-class infrastructure and multicultural talent pool, Hong Kong continues to offer unparalleled advantages for businesses from around the globe.

     Like Sweden, Hong Kong is a staunch supporter of free trade. As a founding member of the World Trade Organization, we have never implemented any customs tariffs. We will continue to uphold the principle of free trade and firmly oppose any unilateral and bullying actions that undermine the global trading system.

     Despite the challenges posed by the economic slowdown in overseas markets and the impact of geopolitics, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been actively working to consolidate our status as an international trade centre through diversified measures. Under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong has the unique advantage of connecting both the Mainland and the rest of the world. We are committed to seizing opportunities to strengthen our international ties, particularly through closer partnerships with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the expansion of overseas markets. In the face of a complex and ever-changing global trade landscape, we will do our best to turn risks into opportunities, ensuring the sustainable development of Hong Kong as a global trade hub.
 
     According to the latest annual survey in 2024, Hong Kong has a record high of 9 960 companies with overseas or Mainland parent companies, including around 100 from Sweden, representing a year-on-year increase of over 7 per cent. These figures underscore Hong Kong’s growing attractiveness as a destination for global businesses, including those from Sweden.

     As shown in the findings of this year’s Business Climate Survey, our city’s institutional fundamentals and core strengths, such as our common law system, regulatory regime aligned with international rules, as well as key national strategies like the Greater Bay Area development and the Belt and Road Initiative, are key reasons why so many Swedish companies have chosen to establish their presence here. The HKSAR Government will continue to work hard to maintain and enhance our favourable business environment.

     To promote the development of strategic industries, Hong Kong is actively seeking technology partnerships in areas such as green tech, climate solutions and sustainable urban development, where Sweden excels. We believe that Swedish innovation in clean energy, circular economy and smart cities aligns perfectly with Hong Kong’s development goals. Our investment promotion agency, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), along with its consultant office in Gothenburg, will continue to provide one-stop customised support services to Swedish businesses exploring opportunities in our city.

     In short, Hong Kong is the only place in the world where the global advantage and the China advantage converge in a single economy. Our city is an ideal destination for Swedish businesses and investment, especially for those looking to enter the vast market of Mainland China.

     Before I conclude, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you all to the upcoming European Community Networking Reception 2025, to be held on June 4. This event will provide a wonderful platform for you to connect, collaborate and explore new business opportunities with fellow European companies. Your presence would undoubtedly enrich our discussions and networking. For more information, please visit InvestHK’s website. I look forward to seeing you there.

     In closing, I would like to congratulate again Team Sweden on the successful launch of the 2025 Business Climate Survey. Hong Kong remains committed to fostering a business-friendly environment and strengthening our ties with Sweden. Together, we can unlock new opportunities and achieve greater success in the years to come.

     Thank you so much. Enjoy the evening.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau today promoted Hong Kong’s advantages to Mainland enterprises as he attended the Seventh Western China International Fair for Investment & Trade in Chongqing.

Organised by the Chongqing Municipal People’s Government, the fair is an important platform for trade co-operation and investment promotion in the western region of the country.

Hong Kong is the “guest city of honour” at this year’s fair and has a pavilion at it promoting the city’s strengths and showcase its role as a premium trade and business platform for Mainland enterprises to go global. A service industry event was also held to foster co-operation with Chongqing.

Addressing the fair’s opening ceremony, Mr Yau said that Chongqing and Hong Kong have long enjoyed close ties, playing unique roles in the nation’s development, with Chongqing being an important link between the Belt & Road, the Yangtze River Economic Belt and highly “opened-up” inland areas.

As regards Hong Kong, he outlined that the city possesses the unique advantages of enjoying strong support nationally while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the wider world, adding that it is the country’s southern gateway and a key platform connecting the Greater Bay Area with international markets.

Since the establishment of a Hong Kong/Chongqing co-operation conference mechanism in 2023, Mr Yau added, both places have been pursuing co-operation on different fronts, leveraging their complementarity to achieve mutual benefits and contribute jointly to the country’s high-quality development and create unlimited opportunities for enterprises.

The commerce chief emphasised that Hong Kong is the connecting platform under the national dual circulation strategy, serving as “super connector” and “super value-adder”, and functioning as a springboard for Mainland enterprises to go global whilst also attracting overseas enterprises. He said he looked forward to more Chongqing enterprises coming to Hong Kong.

Mr Yau then toured the Hong Kong Pavilion, which covers 600 sq. m and showcases Hong Kong’s strengths in areas such as finance, shipping and innovation and technology, as well as the achievements of its co-operation with Chongqing.

Speaking at another function jointly organised by the Commerce & Economic Development Bureau and the Trade Development Council, Mr Yau remarked that Hong Kong has a mature modern service industry system while Chongqing is a major economic centre in the western region with a strong manufacturing base that enjoys strong complementarity with Hong Kong.

Highlighting that the two places present enormous potential for co-operation in the services sector, he said Hong Kong can provide solid support for Chongqing in the development of modern services while Chongqing’s sizeable market and industrial base also offer extensive opportunities for Hong Kong enterprises.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Overall consumer prices rose 2% year-on-year in April, larger than the corresponding increase in March, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.
 
Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, underlying inflation was 1.3%, also larger than that in March.
 
Compared with a year before, price increases were recorded in April in the following categories: electricity, gas and water; transport; housing; miscellaneous services; meals out and takeaway food; miscellaneous goods; and alcoholic drinks and tobacco.
 
Meanwhile, year-on-year decreases were logged in clothing and footwear; durable goods; and basic food.
 
The Government said that inflation pressure remained largely moderate in recent months, with price pressures on various major components staying contained in general.
 
Travel-related charges climbed amid the Easter holidays which started in April, resulting in an increased underlying consumer price inflation rate in the month, it explained.
 
The Government expects that overall inflation should remain modest in the near term, while pressures from domestic costs and external prices should stay broadly in check.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

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[PRESS RELEASE 25 April 2025] – Conservation International (CI) and the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC) co-hosted a comprehensive Training of Teachers (TOT) workshop at the Elisa Hotel Conference Room in Sogi from the 22 – 25 April. The event equipped 35 educators from Sagaga and Anoamaa districts and partners, for the next implementation sites for the Guardians Environmental Education Campaign, with innovative tools and strategies to promote environmental stewardship among students and communities.

The workshop focused on familiarizing participants with the Guardians Manual, experiential teaching techniques, and practical methods to deliver engaging environmental education programs. Key sessions included interactive modules on multiple learning styles, effective teaching practices, and trial runs of campaign themes such as Trash Star, Coral Champion, Wise Fisher, Tree Guardian, and Samoa Voyager. Participants collaborated to design activity plans, resource materials, and delivery methods tailored to their communities.

A dedicated session on social and environmental safeguards emphasized child protection, prevention of exploitation, and logistical best practices to ensure safety during campaign activities. The workshop concluded with certificate presentations, recognizing participants’ commitment to advancing environmental education.

“This workshop was very valuable and important and I appreciate the generous resources invested in us as educators to be able to support the Guardians Environmental Education modules” said Maria Fonofili from Sauano Primary School. “I am very grateful to the organizers for the past four days for all the informative sessions and knowledge shared which have greatly expanded our understanding for the benefit of teaching our children .”

The training and campaign ahead is made possible through foundational funding from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Manaaki Programme, with additional support from the Blackmore Foundation, Waitt Foundation and the Blue Nature Alliance. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) and the Samoa Voyaging Society (SVS) were also able to support the facilitation of the programme modules and strengthening its impact. Conservation International and the Ministry of Education and Culture, extend their deepest gratitude to these partners for their commitment to environmental education and sustainable development in Samoa.

“We’re deeply grateful to our partners and donors for their continued support of the Guardians Programme,” says Le’ausalilo Leilani Duffy-Iosefa, Director of Conservation International. “Our goal is to ensure the programme leaves a lasting impact on Samoa’s children by helping protect their environmental and cultural heritage for generations to come”

The Guardians Campaign, now in its fifth year, continues to engage schools and communities in hands-on conservation efforts, building a generation of environmental Guardians, enhancing Samoa’s Ocean Strategy.

For more information about the Guardians programme, please contact Samantha Kwan on 21593.

END.

SOURCE – Conservation International Pacific Islands

May 22, 2025

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KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Prime Minister Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa – (Thursday 24th April 2025)

Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet

The cohort of new Samoan citizens who have taken oaths this morning

Families and friends.

Talofa lava,

Today marks a significant milestone of your journey by virtue of taking your oaths as citizens of our country. It reflects your commitment, loyalty, and devotion to serve Samoa and her people.

On behalf of the government and the people of Samoa, I extend to you our congratulations, and am very pleased to welcome you as fellow citizens of Samoa.

The wake of the COVID 19 pandemic in 2020 caused delays in the processing of citizenship applications in accordance with requirements of the Citizenship Act 2004.

We have not had a swearing in ceremony for new Samoan citizens since 2020.

I am aware that some of you have qualified for Samoan citizenship by virtue of years of your marriage to Samoan citizens, and some by virtue of your permanent residency status. To many of you, it has been a long wait, but as you will appreciate, these things take time.

The Samoan citizenship is dear to us for it is our identity and freedom to live harmoniously and peacefully in our lands. But it comes with responsibility. Responsibility to care and to love, to be law abiding, to respect others, and to use God given talents, wisdom and knowledge to work together for the common good of Samoa. Today, you have been entrusted with that responsibility as citizens of Samoa to serve your country.

I thank you for years of your contribution to Samoa in various sectors you are working in. Do continue to excel in what you do to serve our people. We have our own challenges as a small island state, but our resilience as people of the Blue Pacific begins with us.

At the heart of our progress is the recognition of our shared responsibilities as citizens. Our strength lies in our unity, for it is the cornerstone of our identity, people to people linkages, and our culture and traditions.

We are duty bound to build a country where Samoans want to live in the future, and to nurture responsible future custodians of our scarce resources.

Today, I urge you to serve Samoa with humility, integrity, and dedication. Let us never lose sight of our duties as Samoan citizens, nor take for granted the trust of our fellow countrymen.

As a nation founded on the Christian faith, we proclaim our dependence on God. He has been faithful to Samoa, and we trust that He will continue to guide us through His grace and abundance.

God bless you and your families, God bless Samoa.

Soifua ma ia manuia.

Photos by : Leota Marc Membrere

May 22, 2025

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REMARKS by H.E. Fei Mingxing at Alo Paopao Academy (April 19 2025)

Reverend Tuia Peseta,

Hon Minister of Sports and Recreation Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell,

Hon Tuuu Anasii Leota,

President Schuster of Alo Paopao Academy,

Parents, boys and girls and friends,

My colleagues and I are very pleased to join you on the beautiful beach on such a lovely day. First of all, my arm congratulations on the opening of Le Miti Aito International 2025. We are proud to be associated with the return of the international solo paddling competition and the official launch of the Village and Va’a Scholarship Program.

Seeing so many young faces today, I cannot help quoting Chairman Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People’s Republic of China: “The world is yours, as well as ours, but in the last analysis, it is yours. You young people, full of vigor and vitality, are in the bloom of life, like the sun at eight or nine in the morning. Our hope is placed on you.” This has inspired generations and generations of young Chinese. I hope it could

be inspirational to our young Samoans too.

Actually, young people have been the backbone for China-Samoa relations. The first Chinese arrived in Samoa was a young sailor in 1876. Early 1900s, thousands young Chinese laborers were employed by owners of coconut plantations in Samoa.

Some of them stayed and married with local girls. That is why 20% Samoan population could trace their roots to China and our relations runs deep and sound.

In 1975, Samoa and China established diplomatic ties. Since then, our young people of both countries have been builders of our close relations. In 2024 for example, more than 20 young Samoans went to China for study under the Chinese government scholarship scheme; most of 110 plus officials and professionals who traveled to China for training are young men and women.

In Samoa, all Chinese medical specialists working in the national hospital are young ones. So are teachers of the Confucius Institute in NUS and most of SCATAP experts.

This year, while celebrating the 50th anniversary of establishment of our diplomatic ties, we count on our young Samoan and Chinese people, to bring our two countries closer and more benefits to our two peoples. President Xi Jinping said, “I care about young people wherever I go.”

This is why since my arrival in Samoa early last year, I have been trying my best to work with the Samoan government and institutions, to help young people in Samoa whenever possible. The sports is strength of individuals and the nation. The youth is the wealth of the community and the country.

When young people are more capable, our countries have better hope, and China-Samoa relations are more promising. I wish Alo Paopao Academy and the Siumu community as well as wider regions of Samoa good luck.

I wish you all a nice day.

Thank you.

Fa’afetai!谢谢！

May 22, 2025