Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
SED to attend 7th APEC Education Ministerial MeetingIssued at HKT 11:00
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Conférence fiscale et sociale : un accord-cadre pour le quotidien des Calédoniens
Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie
La conférence sociale et fiscale qui s’est tenue du 22 au 25 avril, sous l’impulsion du gouvernement, a réuni l’ensemble des partenaires économiques et sociaux afin d’établir des pistes de transformation du modèle économique et social calédonien. Ces journées d’échanges ont abouti à un accord-cadre, qui prévoit un ensemble de réformes à court, moyen et long terme, dans les secteurs de l’économie. Il a été signé ce 12 mai au gouvernement.
La conférence consacrée aux enjeux sociaux et fiscaux de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, menée sous l’égide de Christopher Gygès, membre du gouvernement chargé du travail, de l’emploi, de l’économie et de la fiscalité, a permis de dresser un diagnostic partagé de la situation actuelle et d’aboutir à un accord global. Celui-ci définit les trajectoires de réformes sociales et fiscales, afin de relever les défis majeurs que sont l’emploi, le pouvoir d’achat et la compétitivité des entreprises.
Un accord partagé pour tracer la voie
Cette feuille de route partagée a pour vocation de guider l’action collective dans les mois et années à venir. Elle marque une volonté commune de restaurer la confiance, d’assurer la soutenabilité du modèle social et de construire ensemble un avenir plus juste, plus prospère et plus solidaire pour la Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Le président du gouvernement Alcide Ponga a tenu à saluer le travail effectué en concertation entre les partenaires sociaux et le gouvernement, en rappelant les enjeux à venir. « Ça c’est le cadre sur lequel on s’est mis d’accord, maintenant l’objectif est de se mettre au travail ».
Les grands objectifs de l’accord répondent à des priorités partagées entre l’ensemble des acteurs :
- restaurer l’équilibre des comptes publics et sociaux d’ici cinq ans ;
- pouvoir d’achat : hausse des revenus et lutte contre la vie chère ;
- compétitivité des entreprises et attractivité du territoire ;
- retour et accès durable à l’emploi ;
- réforme et simplification de la fiscalité.
Cet accord s’articule autour de trois axes structurants :
- Construire un nouveau modèle économique, social et fiscal
- Structure et niveau des prix
- Favoriser le retour à l’emploi et l’inclusion.
Vers un nouveau modèle de financement plus juste et plus soutenable
L’accord propose d’analyser une baisse ciblée des charges sociales pesant sur le travail des salariés et des agents publics, compensée par un transfert vers une fiscalité à assiette large.
Ce mécanisme vise à :
- augmenter le pouvoir d’achat des salariés et des agents publics ;
- partager plus équitablement la richesse créée ;
- renforcer la compétitivité des entreprises ;
- relancer durablement la croissance.
Afin de parvenir à ce changement structurel, l’accord prévoit d’établir plusieurs scénarios qui prendront en considération un plan d’économies de dépenses notamment avec une transition numérique du système de santé (fiche de salaire, dossier partagé, numéro unique, etc.).
Des mesures concrètes pour les Calédoniens
Le protocole prévoit de réaliser un certain nombre d’études afin de prendre des décisions rapidement et d’établir quelles sont les mesures réalisables.
Parmi les réformes à mener en faveur du pouvoir d’achat, il est envisagé :
- l’augmentation des salaires via le transfert progressif des charges sociales vers une fiscalité à assiette large
- l’extension du nombre de produits de première nécessité régulés (de 15 à 60). Ces derniers seront exonérés de droits de douane ;
- la création d’un nouveau « Bouclier qualité prix » en 2025 ;
- la baisse des droits de douane sur des produits de grande consommation ;
- la réduction du fret maritime grâce à une péréquation nationale ;
- l’élargissement du dispositif d’intéressement aux entreprises de 11 à 50 salariés et défiscalisation de la prime pour les salariés.
D’autre part, l’accord plaide pour plus de transparence économique à travers notamment le lancement d’un audit sur les dispositifs de régulation de marché ou encore une étude des marges de la grande distribution par l’Autorité de la concurrence.
Afin de favoriser la compétitivité des entreprises et l’attractivité économique de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, plusieurs mesures sont également à l’étude, telles que la réduction progressive de l’impôt sur les sociétés sur trois ans pour un taux compris entre 20 et 25 %, ou encore l’exonération d’impôt sur les sociétés pendant trois ans pour toute nouvelle entreprise.
Enfin, l’accord-cadre a pour objectif d’encourager le retour à l’emploi. Il prévoit notamment l’instauration d’une nouvelle loi du pays sur le chômage partiel, avec des leviers de maintien et de retour à l’emploi, le lancement d’une plateforme emploi avec numéro unique, ou encore le déploiement d’outils numériques pour favoriser l’inclusion.
Les conjoints devraient également être pris en compte dans le dispositif de l’emploi local. De plus, certaines conventions collectives seront révisées afin de mieux valoriser les compétences et le budget de la formation en alternance sera revu à la hausse.
Pour faire face à l’urgence économique et sociale, plusieurs mesures sont déjà lancées et seront examinées en séance du gouvernement dans les semaines à venir.
« Parmi les premières mesures, il y a une loi qui permettra de maintenir les gens dans l’emploi avec la création d’une allocation de maintien et de retour à l’emploi et une exonération des charges patronales. De plus, la liste des produits de première nécessité sera élargie de 15 à 60 produits, ce qui est significatif pour le pouvoir d’achat des Calédoniens. Et il est également prévu des mesures sur la fiscalité des entreprises », a expliqué Christopher Gygès.
London ETO supports showcase of Hong Kong artisans in London (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
London ETO supports showcase of Hong Kong artisans in London
The “Embracing Craft, Connecting Culture” exhibition is being held at the Royal Society of Sculptors (108 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3RA) from May 12 to 18. On May 17, Hong Kong artisans will host Lingnan Penjing demonstration and panel discussion.
Issued at HKT 1:20
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Multiple agreements reached in Qatar
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Continuing his visit to Qatar, Chief Executive John Lee today met local government and business leaders there, and witnessed the reaching of 35 agreements or memoranda of understanding among government departments, enterprises and institutions from Hong Kong, the Mainland and Qatar.
In the morning, Mr Lee met Qatar’s Minister of Labour Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh Al Marri to discuss plans for enhancing talent exchanges. Highlighting that Hong Kong is home to five of the world’s top 100 universities and is on a path to become an international hub for post-secondary education, Mr Lee emphasised that the city offers a Belt & Road Scholarship to encourage students from countries or regions in the Belt & Road Initiative to pursue studies in the city. He invited more young people from Qatar to study in Hong Kong and develop careers in the city.
Afterwards, the Chief Executive and members of his delegation attended a roundtable meeting with representatives of the Qatari Businessmen Association and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Extolling Hong Kong’s robust legal system, resilient financial system and simple and low tax regime, Mr Lee said he welcomed Qatari enterprises to capitalise on the city’s advantages in connecting with both Mainland China and other parts of the world under the “one country, two systems” principle. He added that Qatari enterprises can leverage Hong Kong’s financial, logistics and professional services, and its bridging roles, to tap into the Mainland market.
In the afternoon, Mr Lee attended a business lunch where he spoke of Hong Kong’s development opportunities and business advantages to over 300 local political and business representatives.
He also took the opportunity to announce that Hong Kong and Qatar have substantially concluded negotiations on an Investment Promotion & Protection Agreement, and will begin discussions on mutual recognition arrangements for their respective Authorized Economic Operator Programmes, in order to create a more favourable environment for the flow of capital and goods.
In addition, the Chief Executive revealed that Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders can visit Qatar visa-free for up to 30 days. He said he looks forward to deepening co-operation with Qatar, adding that Hong Kong and Qatar can jointly seize development opportunities brought by the Greater Bay Area and the Belt & Road Initiative.
Government departments, enterprises and institutions from Hong Kong, the Mainland and Qatar also announced 35 memoranda of understanding or agreements covering economic co-operation, investment, technology, legal collaboration, finance, banking, and capital market development.
Besides co-operation between Hong Kong and Qatar, two agreements were signed directly between Mainland and Qatari enterprises to foster co-operation in financial services and high-end manufacturing. A tripartite agreement was also signed among Hong Kong, the Mainland and Qatar to strengthen co-operation in fintech, covering Web3 and artificial intelligence.
After the lunch event, Mr Lee visited Hamad International Airport in Doha to learn about an autonomous vehicle pilot project there.
The project involves participation by UISEE, a Mainland Chinese enterprise which has established its international headquarters in Hong Kong. Having also collaborated with Hong Kong International Airport on autonomous vehicle projects, UISEE has drawn on those experiences to promote its technology to overseas clients.
Mr Lee and the delegation will depart for Kuwait tonight.
HKETO, Brussels supports the Hong Kong architecture exhibition at Venice Biennale (with photo)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) supports the architecture exhibition “Projecting Future Heritage: A Hong Kong Archive”, staged at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – Biennale Architectettura 2025 – at La Biennale di Venezia (Venice Biennale) in Venice, Italy, from May 10 until November 3, 2025.
Addressing at the grand opening of the Hong Kong Exhibition on 9 May (Venice time), the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union in Brussels, Miss Shirley Yung, highlighted Hong Kong’s unique urban identity: “From cooperative housing and multifunctional public complexes to modernist industrial buildings, the exhibition showcases how creativity, community, and sustainability underpin Hong Kong’s architectural energy”. Miss Yung added: “As a city where East meets West; Hong Kong’s architecture embodies a vibrant balance of tradition and innovation, local character and international vision, sustainability and forward-thinking design.”
“Projecting Future Heritage: A Hong Kong Archive” is a Collateral Event of the Venice Biennale. It is organised by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation, Hong Kong Institute of Architects and the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, and sponsored by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, HKETO, Brussels and other partners.
35 pacts signed on CE’s Qatar visit
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Chief Executive John Lee said 35 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and agreements have been signed during his visit to Qatar.
At a media session in Doha, Qatar today, Mr Lee emphasised that this is his second visit to the Middle East since taking office. He outlined that his delegation comprises over 50 professionals and leaders of enterprises from both Hong Kong and Mainland China.
“I have set out three major goals for our visits to the Middle East this time,” he said. “First, to strengthen government-to-government relations. Second, to explore new ideas of co-operation. Third, to make friends and expand our network.
“We agreed to deepen collaboration across sectors between Hong Kong and Qatar. We have also expanded our business networks. During this visit, we have achieved 35 MOUs and agreements, spanning trade, investment, technology, legal co-operation, financial markets and so on.”
He added: “In addition to Hong Kong-Qatar co-operation, two agreements were reached between enterprises from Mainland China and Qatar, supporting the development of financial services and advanced manufacturing.
“A tripartite agreement among organisations from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Qatar was also reached, focusing on fintech collaboration, showcasing Hong Kong’s bridging role between different economies.”
CE leads delegation to continue visit to Qatar
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CE leads delegation to continue visit to Qatar
In the morning, Mr Lee met with the Minister of Labour of Qatar, Dr Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh Al Marri, to discuss plans on enhancing talent exchanges between Hong Kong and Qatar, with a view to promoting cultural exchanges and communication between the two places. Noting that Hong Kong is home to five of the world’s top 100 universities and is actively developing into an international hub for post-secondary education, Mr Lee highlighted that Hong Kong offers a Belt and Road Scholarship to encourage students from Belt and Road countries or regions to pursue post-secondary studies in the city. This initiative aims to attract more outstanding non-local students and talent to Hong Kong. He welcomed more young people of Qatar to study and develop their careers in Hong Kong.
After that, Mr Lee and the delegation attended a roundtable meeting with representatives of the Qatari Businessmen Association and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry respectively. Highlighting Hong Kong’s robust legal system, resilient financial system and simple and low tax regime, Mr Lee welcomed Qatari enterprises to capitalise on Hong Kong’s advantages in connecting with both the Mainland and the world under the “one country, two systems” principle. Qatari enterprises can also leverage Hong Kong’s high-quality financial, logistics and professional services, as well as its bridging roles to assist enterprises in going global and attracting external investment, tapping into business opportunities on the Mainland market.
In the afternoon, Mr Lee attended a business luncheon co-hosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Addressing the luncheon, Mr Lee introduced Hong Kong’s development opportunities and business advantages to over 300 local political and business representatives. Noting that the Middle East is a key region under the Belt and Road Initiative, Mr Lee said this marks his second visit to the Middle East since taking office, and that he was very pleased to see the continuous strengthening of ties and co-operation between Hong Kong and the region. Pointing out that Qatar is Hong Kong’s third-largest trading partner in the Middle East region, Mr Lee announced that Hong Kong and Qatar had substantially concluded negotiations on the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, and would begin discussions on mutual recognition arrangements for their respective Authorized Economic Operator Programmes, creating a more favourable environment for flows of capital and goods. He also announced a new arrangement allowing Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders to visit Qatar visa-free for up to 30 days. He said he looks forward to further deepening co-operation with Qatar in such areas as economy and trade, tourism, and culture. He said that Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises complement each other’s strengths, and that Hong Kong will continue to play its bridging role to serve enterprises in going global and attracting external investment, with a view to deepening international exchanges and co-operation. Hong Kong and Qatar can jointly seize the significant development opportunities brought by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative.
During the luncheon, government departments, enterprises, and institutions from Hong Kong, the Mainland and Qatar exchanged and announced 35 MOUs and co-operation agreements covering economic co-operation, investment, technology, legal collaboration, as well as finance, banking, and capital market development. In addition to the co-operation between Hong Kong and Qatar, two agreements were signed directly between Mainland and Qatari enterprises to foster co-operation in financial services and high-end manufacturing. Furthermore, a tripartite agreement was signed among Hong Kong, the Mainland, and Qatar to strengthen co-operation in fintech, covering Web3 and AI, leveraging the respective technological strengths of each region for mutual development.
Afterwards, Mr Lee visited Hamad International Airport in Doha to learn about the operation and effectiveness of its autonomous vehicle pilot project and to examine the application of autonomous buses. The pilot project, which had participation by a Chinese enterprise, UISEE, set a precedent for applying autonomous driving technology at airports in the Middle East region. UISEE is one of the leading companies in autonomous driving technology on the Mainland, having established its international headquarters in Hong Kong as a springboard to expand its business globally. The company collaborated with Hong Kong International Airport on autonomous vehicle projects to enhance the safety and operational efficiency of airport logistics, drawing on the successful experiences to promote the technology to the international market. Hamad International Airport, which is the latest pilot site of UISEE, demonstrated the co-operation among Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Qatar.
Mr Lee and the delegation will depart for Kuwait tonight.
Issued at HKT 23:58
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Remarks by CE at media session in Doha (with photo/video)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Remarks by CE at media session in Doha (with photo/video)
Chief Executive: I will now turn to our English-speaking friends in the media.
This marks my second duty visit to the Middle East since taking office. Our delegation comprises over 50 professionals and leaders of enterprises from Hong Kong plus Mainland China. The composition of the delegation demonstrates Hong Kong’s unique role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” under the principle of “one country, two systems”. Hong Kong is dedicated to capitalising on its connectivity with both Mainland China and the world, collaborating and synergising with economies and enterprises that are eager to pursue high-quality development with us.
I have set out three major goals for our visit to the Middle East this time. First, to strengthen government-to-government relations; second, to explore new areas of co-operation; third, to make friends and expand our network.
Yesterday, I had the honour of meeting His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar, followed by a meeting with the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. We also visited the Qatar Investment Authority. I introduced to them Hong Kong’s latest developments in finance, professional services, and innovation and technology. We agreed to deepen collaboration across sectors between Hong Kong and Qatar.
We have also expanded our business networks. During this visit, we have achieved 35 MOUs and agreements spanning trade, investment, technology, legal co-operation, financial markets and so on.
In addition to Hong Kong-Qatar co-operation, two agreements were reached between enterprises from Mainland China and Qatar, supporting the development of financial services and advanced manufacturing.
A tripartite agreement among organisations from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Qatar was also reached, focusing on fintech collaboration, showcasing Hong Kong’s bridging role between different economies.
The delegation has first-hand insights from the visit. The delegation visited the Qatar Foundation to learn about its R&D, education and community projects, and visited Lusail City to better understand the smart infrastructure in Qatar’s second-largest city.
Later today, I will visit an autonomous vehicle project at the airport — a project designed by a Mainland Chinese tech firm with its international headquarters in Hong Kong, and first piloted in the Hong Kong International Airport. This exemplifies our role as a launchpad for global innovation.
Tonight, we will depart for Kuwait and will announce the outcome of our duty visit later.
Reporter: Thank you honourable sir. I wanted to ask you if you could you give a rough figure of the value of the 35 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) that have been signed today? And if you can go into a little bit more about the sectors whereby Qatar and Hong Kong can both benefit from each other? For example, you mentioned earlier technology in autonomous vehicles manufactured by Yutong.
Chief Executive: There are 35 agreements signed within two days. I think that is quite a record. I am very glad that delegate members, plus our counterparts in Qatar, both have been very active and supportive in developing co-operation, collaboration and networking, and I see them really spending their time exchanging contact details and also exchanging ideas on how they can develop the relationship. The 35 co-operation agreements cover areas including economic co-operation, investment, technology, legal co-operation, finance, banking and also capital arrangement. If you want to look at the 35 areas of co-operation, I think if you look at the fullest, then you will see the focus areas of co-operation.
The result of these 35 agreements will have to be judged by those who will then continue their work. What a visit led by the Chief Executive will achieve, and can achieve, is opening the doors first with governments, so that the delegates, business players and entrepreneurs can then continue the liaison to open more doors, windows and opportunities. It is up to them to work hard, and this is something I will be demanding – for them to work hard. But if you look at my last visit to the Middle East, which was about two years ago, after we signed a number of MOUs, we have seen companies producing hydrogen buses for a country in the Middle East. We have seen, for example, on the stock exchange side, stock exchanges exchanging agreements for dual listing. We also see professionals set up their offices in the countries that I visited in the Middle East last time, and they have been receiving work orders and doing their services. I expect the delegates to continue these liaisons amongst themselves. But I am glad to inform you that the amount of enthusiasm is very strong. I will say that there will be more exchanges between not just governments, but in the private sector, chambers, businessmen and associations. And I will see not just exchanges between themselves, but also their participation in some of the events organised in Hong Kong, including both conferences, a lot of match-making deals, etc. I am very positive that the momentum will continue.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
Issued at HKT 23:58
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Maritime Trade Summit set for Nov
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan met International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Secretary General Guy Platten and his soon-to-be successor Thomas Kazakos today to go over plans for the second Global Maritime Trade Summit, which will be co-hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the ICS during Hong Kong Maritime Week in November.
Ms Chan said: “We hope that our co-hosting of the upcoming summit with the ICS will reinforce our shared vision of a connected, efficient, and resilient maritime ecosystem for the common interest of the global maritime community.
“The Transport & Logistics Bureau will spare no effort to leverage on Hong Kong’s status as an international maritime centre to ensure the event’s success.”
The Transport & Logistics Bureau outlined that it will work closely with the ICS in the coming months to bring the summit to fruition.
Views sought on biodiversity plans
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
With a view to updating the Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan of Hong Kong, the Government today commenced a public consultation to gather views from the community.
The consultation document has proposals spanning four strategic areas: nature conservation, deepening mainstreaming, capacity building, and collaborative partnering.
To conserve nature, the Government proposes to continue taking measures to ensure the preservation of healthy ecosystems, for example exploring the implementation of “area-based” conservation measures, restoring degraded or declining habitats, and strengthening the protection of species of concern.
Separately, the Government proposes to further promote the adoption of biodiversity-friendly practices across all sectors of society. It plans to do so through mobilising resources to support the sustainable use and conservation of natural resources, encouraging various sectors to leverage biodiversity opportunities, and supporting communities to develop stewardship responsibilities towards nature.
In terms of capacity building, the Government proposes to continue strategically investing resources in promoting research and nurturing talent. Initiatives include enabling innovative and high-quality research, promoting knowledge transfers and talent development, and strengthening institutions.
Furthermore, the Government proposes to foster a culture of collaboration to extend the benefits of nature conservation to broader communities, for example, by jointly taking actions with cross-boundary and international partners, promoting the exchange of experience and information, and encouraging cross-disciplinary collaborations.
The Government added that it will complete updating the Biodiversity Strategy & Action Plan later this year to step up work on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, and to support global and national initiatives.
Members of the public can send in their views by post, by email or by fax on or before July 11. The Government will also invite organisations from relevant sectors to attend consultation sessions to collect views.