Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV and radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 30) that due to the sighting of a suspected red tide, the red flag has been hoisted at Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach until further notice.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, at the BOC Life 11th Golden Age Expo and Summit Grand Opening this morning (July 30):
 
Dr Roy Chung (Honorary President of the Golden Age Foundation, the Founder and Chairman of the Bright Future Charitable Foundation), Professor Rebecca Choy Yung (Founder and Chair of Golden Age Foundation), Mr Wilson Tang (Chief Executive Officer of the BOC Group Life Assurance Company Limited), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. It is my great honour to join you today for the grand opening of the 11th Golden Age Expo and Summit. A very warm welcome to our friends from Hong Kong and around the world. This gathering of brilliant minds is a powerful testament to the immense potential and global significance of the silver economy. The development of the silver economy is a shared mission. It requires concerted efforts of the Government, business community, social organisations, and every one of us. This Summit provides exactly an excellent forum for dialogue, partnership, and collaboration.
 
     This year’s theme, “Connect．Collaborate．Co-innovate”, perfectly captures the spirit we need, in order to embrace the opportunities arising from our ageing population. It could not be more timely. Like many advanced economies, Hong Kong’s demographic is changing rapidly. Our population is ageing, and this presents not only a challenge, but also a profound opportunity. The National 15th Five-Year Plan highlights the importance of actively responding to population ageing by developing the silver economy, enriching the supply of age-friendly products and elderly services, and strengthening the financial and policy support for elderly care. These strategic directions provide important guidance for Hong Kong as we continue to develop a vibrant and sustainable silver economy.
 
     The silver economy encompasses all economic activities that meet the needs of our older population. It is a dynamic and growing market, driven by the needs, aspirations, and considerable purchasing power of our older generation. It is also a catalyst for innovation, job creation, and inclusive growth, creating value for our senior citizens while supporting sustainable economic development.
 
     Recognising this potential, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has established a high-level Working Group on Promoting Silver Economy to drive cross-sectoral co-operation and formulate a comprehensive strategy. Since last year, the Working Group has rolled out 30 measures with fruitful results across five key areas, namely boosting “silver consumption”, developing the “silver industry”, promoting “quality assurance of silver products”, enhancing “silver financial and security arrangements”, and unleashing “silver productivity”. Today, I wish to highlight two of these areas. 
 
     First, on boosting “silver consumption”, it is essential to address the needs of the silver population. My Bureau has worked closely with the industry to increase silver elements at various exhibitions, bringing together a wider range of products and services closely related to the elderly’s daily life. Now, there are more dining options for seniors with swallowing difficulties in several major chain restaurants and food companies. The sales channels for this kind of care food have also become more developed. More suppliers of silver products are now capitalising on e-commerce marketing. In addition, the Hong Kong Consumer Council has launched the “Smart Seniors” Consumer eHub in January this year, providing a one-stop, elder-friendly information platform that helps seniors better protect their consumer rights. 
 
     Second, consumer confidence depends on quality assurance. That is why promoting “quality assurance of silver products” is fundamental. We encourage the industry to leverage Hong Kong’s strengths in testing technology and professional certification to ensure the delivery of high-quality silver products and services. There is now a Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Standard for care food helping the industry improve the quality of soft meals and expand sales in the GBA.
 
     The Golden Age Expo and Summit is an ideal platform to turn our policies into action. It is more than an exhibition. It brings together ideas, innovation, investment and collaboration to unlock new opportunities for the silver economy. The Golden Age represents not just a stage of life, but also a golden opportunity for Hong Kong’s future development. Looking ahead, the HKSAR Government will continue to promote the silver economy. Together with the expertise, creativity and commitment of all of you, we can respond to the needs of our elderly more effectively, while giving a boost to our local economy.
 
     I wish the 11th Golden Age Expo and Summit every success, and for those travelling to Hong Kong to attend, a wonderful stay. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:
 
     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.
 
     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 30) that according to the Beach Water Quality Forecast System of the Environmental Protection Department (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/water/beach_quality/forecast_system.html), the Beach Water Quality Forecast Index for Ting Kau Beach in Tsuen Wan District is 4, which means the predicted water quality at this beach is “Very Poor” due to potential transient water quality fluctuations caused by heavy rain. The red flag has been hoisted, and beachgoers are advised not to enter the water to safeguard their health.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Federal Open Market Committee of the United States Federal Reserve (the Fed) announced earlier today (July 30, Hong Kong time) its decision to keep the target range for the federal funds rate unchanged at 3.5-3.75 per cent.
 
The policy decision is in line with market expectations. The statement released after the meeting indicated that economic activity was expanding at a solid pace and the labour market was stable, but inflation has remained elevated, reflecting that the Committee is watchful over the outlook on inflation. 
 
Hong Kong’s monetary and financial markets have continued to operate in an orderly manner. Under the Linked Exchange Rate System, Hong Kong dollar interbank rates generally track the US dollar counterparts, while shorter-tenor interbank rates tend to be also influenced by the supply and demand of Hong Kong dollar funding in the local market such as seasonal factors and capital market activities.
 
US interest rate adjustments will depend on developments in inflation, labour market, and other economic data, and may influence the interest rate environment in Hong Kong. The public should carefully manage interest rate risks when making decisions about property purchase, investment or borrowing. The HKMA will continue to closely monitor market developments and maintain monetary and financial stability.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Ministry of Finance will issue Renminbi Sovereign Bonds through the Central Moneymarkets Unit of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). Please find attached the tender notice and the tender information memorandum of the Renminbi Sovereign Bonds to be issued by the Ministry of Finance. Please also find attached the tender-related information provided by the Issuing and Lodging Agent through the HKMA.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the morning of July 30, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the Institute for Indo-Pacific Security (IIPS). In remarks, President Lai stated that when it comes to security, prosperity, and development, Taiwan and the US are indispensable partners. The president said that in the face of China’s increasingly frequent coercion and aggression, Taiwan deeply understands that peace can only be achieved through strength, and the government is therefore continuing to reform national defense, strengthen asymmetric capabilities, and enhance whole-of-society defense resilience. He stated that Taiwan is furthering defense cooperation with the US so that we can contribute even more to international peace and stability.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I am delighted to once again welcome our good friend Mr. Randall G. Schriver. This is the second time in the past 10 months that he has led an IIPS delegation to Taiwan, demonstrating strong support for Taiwan through concrete actions. Our esteemed guests here today have long attached great importance to Indo-Pacific security and Taiwan-US relations. Your visit highlights the steadfast friendship between our two countries and reaffirms the enduring, staunch, and bipartisan US support for Taiwan.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US and the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election. At the same time, we celebrate our cherished values of freedom and democracy and continue championing the importance of human rights and the rule of law. Nevertheless, this month, China passed a law facilitating transnational repression and conducted a test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile. These actions have severely impacted international human rights and regional peace and stability. In the face of China’s increasingly frequent coercion and aggression, Taiwan deeply understands that peace can only be achieved through strength. Our government is therefore proactively continuing to reform national defense, strengthen asymmetric capabilities, and enhance whole-of-society defense resilience.
I believe our guests fully understand Taiwan’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding national security and maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Our defense spending, as defined by NATO, surpassed 3 percent of GDP this year, and we expect it to reach 5 percent by 2030. To keep enhancing our self-defense capabilities, the government has already proposed a special defense budget. And now, we are actively seeking a special budget to procure unmanned vehicles for the establishment of drone defense systems. I would also like to thank Chairman Schriver for accepting an interview with the media upon his arrival in Taiwan and explaining to the public why it is essential for Taiwan to develop indigenous drone systems.
Taiwan very much looks forward to furthering defense cooperation with the US. We hope to evolve beyond military procurement to a partnership that encompasses joint research and development and joint production, so that we can contribute even more to international peace and stability. Beyond security, Taiwan and the US are also indispensable partners in prosperity and development. Today, the US is Taiwan’s largest trading partner, while Taiwan is the fourth-largest trading partner of the US. Currently, 25 US states and Guam maintain trade offices in Taiwan. And Taiwan is preparing to open its 14th representative office in the US, which will be in Phoenix, Arizona.
We are pleased that earlier this year Taiwan and the US signed an MOU on investment and the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, as well as the Joint Statement on the Pax Silica Declaration and US-Taiwan Economic Security Cooperation, which have enhanced our economic and trade partnership. On the basis of reciprocity and parity, we are jointly reducing trade barriers to ensure the resilience of high-tech supply chains. In closing, I would once again like to thank our guests for making this trip to Taiwan. I wish you all a pleasant and productive visit. Chairman Schriver then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for receiving them, adding that it is a great honor and that they look forward to an exchange of views with the president and his team. He thanked the president for noting the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US. Mentioning that after July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was met with a British attempt to crush US democracy, and that Taiwan’s first election, in March 1996, was met with Chinese missile exercises, he pointed out that we both had to fight for our democracy.
Chairman Schriver said that one of the interesting things about participating in a delegation every year is the excellent snapshots of where things stand, and that it also gives a glimpse at the progress and developments over the course of the year upon returning. This visit, he said, has shown him that Taiwan’s economy is stronger, the US-Taiwan trade relationship is more stable and durable, and the Taiwan military and its coast guard are growing stronger and fit for purpose given the challenges Taiwan faces. He attributed much of this to President Lai’s strong leadership and the hard work of his team.
Those developments notwithstanding, Chairman Schriver noted the Chinese pressure, the military intimidation and coercion, and the intensified lawfare campaign trying to squeeze and put pressure on Taiwan. So they have come here today to listen, he said, to learn from President Lai how they can be a good partner in helping to address these challenges, and how to build on Taiwan’s momentum in its economy, the Taiwan-US trade relationship, and our security cooperation. He then thanked President Lai once again for meeting with them.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Hong Kong and Shenzhen today signed two documents relating to the implementation of new arrangements at the redeveloped Huanggang Port.

The “Co-operation Arrangement between the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government (SZMG) and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on the Implementation of Colocation Arrangement at the Huanggang Port” was signed by Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and SZMG Vice Mayor Luo Huanghao at the Central Government Offices.

The document gives effect to co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen on implementing a co-location arrangement at the port.

Meanwhile, the Security Bureau and the SZMG’s Office of Port of Entry & Exit signed the “Agreement on the Right to Use the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area and Related Extended Areas”, which allows the Hong Kong SAR Government to acquire, by way of a lease, the right to use these areas, collectively referred to as the Hong Kong Port Area.

The lease will commence on the day on which the areas are commissioned and will expire on June 30, 2047. On the expiry, the lease may be renewed with a decision by the National People’s Congress.

The SZMG will meet the design and construction costs of the entire Huanggang Port Redevelopment Project. The Hong Kong SAR Government will pay the SZMG a nominal rent of RMB1,000 per year.

Mr Tang thanked the central authorities for their staunch support in implementing the co-location arrangement and establishing the Hong Kong Port Area. The latter will be established at midnight tonight and will be subject to the jurisdiction of the Hong Kong SAR in accordance with the city’s laws.

The security chief said the signing of the two documents marks an important milestone in preparatory work for the port’s opening.

He added: “The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to work closely with the Shenzhen side to take forward various preparatory tasks in an orderly manner, including system testing, and operational and emergency drills, to ensure that all facilities and operational arrangements at the Port are sound and comprehensive.”

Upon confirmation that the port is ready for operation, the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong will finalise and announce an official opening date.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     A 69-year-old Indonesian man, who smuggled dried seahorses into Hong Kong, was convicted at the District Court today (July 29) for violating the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) and sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment.
 
A spokesman for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said that the male passenger arrived at Hong Kong International Airport from Bangkok, Thailand, on September 16 last year. Upon inspection of the man’s luggage by Customs officers, a batch of suspected controlled dried seahorses was found concealed among food items in an attempt to evade detection. AFCD officers attended the scene, examined the specimens and confirmed that they were controlled dried seahorses, weighing a total of 6.18 kilograms, with an estimated market value of about $150,000. The man was prosecuted by the AFCD for illegal import of specimens of endangered species. He was convicted at the District Court today, and the court adopted a starting point of 15 months’ imprisonment for sentencing. With a one-third reduction given for his guilty plea, the defendant was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment.

Seahorses are listed in Appendix II to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and are regulated under the Ordinance in Hong Kong. Any person who imports, exports or possesses specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years with the specimens forfeited.
 
The spokesman said, “The Government is committed to protecting endangered species. The AFCD and Hong Kong Customs will remain vigilant and continue to monitor and combat illegal activities involving endangered species.”
 
Members of the public may call 1823 to report any suspected irregularities to the AFCD and visit the AFCD website at www.cites.hk for information on the control of endangered species in Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     A girl who went missing in Aberdeen has been located.

     Wong Chun-wing, aged 15, went missing after she left her school on Nam Long Shan Road on May 5 morning. School staff made a report to Police on the same day.

     The girl was located in Ping Tin Estate this afternoon (July 29). She sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region