Social well-being, protection enhanced

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee outlined today that under its First Five-Year Plan Hong Kong will enhance social well-being and refine the social protection framework.

Launching the plan, he said the Government will address challenges arising from demographic changes and pursue enhancements across various policy areas, including education, social development and healthcare.

In terms of advancing Hong Kong’s education, the plan’s commitments include promoting the progressive integration of AI into learning, teaching and assessment, and fostering a humanistic spirit of “Technology for Good” among students and through the curriculum.

Digital education will be strengthened across mathematics, science and technology, with teachers being given more scope to cultivate innovation among children. The compilation of teaching materials and the mechanism for reviewing textbooks will be enhanced.

At the same time, efforts will be made to nurture a new generation of students with both an affection for China and Hong Kong and a global perspective, and to cultivate cross-functional and multi-skilled talent by advancing the high-quality development of vocational and professional education and training.

The five-year plan also seeks to foster the development of young people, women, families and a harmonious society.

Youth development opportunities will be enhanced through support for exchanges, internships and employment, as well as entrepreneurial endeavours, while women will be empowered to realise their potential and pursue high-quality career development.

Family values will be promoted, and family bonds, education and traditions strengthened, while Hong Kong’s religious communities will be supported to sustain their efforts in fostering social harmony and inclusion. The Government will also strengthen communication with and facilitate the development of rural communities, and enhance support for ethnic minorities.

In the area of healthcare, the plan aims to improve governance and infrastructure and deepen reforms.

A sustainable governance system for primary healthcare will be developed, along with co-ordinated and coherent multi-disciplinary, evidence-based service and referral standards. The synergised development of the family doctor system will be enhanced across both public and private sectors through the establishment of a statutory register of primary healthcare service providers.

In addition, the number of cumulative beneficiaries of District Health Centres is to reach one million within five years, and resource allocation for primary healthcare programmes will be steadily increased to about 30% above the current level by 2030-31.

Meanwhile, reforms to the public healthcare service subsidisation structure will be deepened, so as to enhance the protection for “poor, acute, serious, critical” patients on all fronts and make the healthcare system more sustainable.

On healthcare infrastructure, works projects under the First Hospital Development Plan will be launched, with the total number of hospital beds under the Hospital Authority reaching about 35,000 in 2031, and the number of operating theatres reaching about 360.

Also under the plan, the disease prevention and control system and smart anti-epidemic measures will be strengthened. An “integrated epidemic management system” will be built to consolidate frontline defence against communicable diseases.

Visit Part 5 of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan for more details.

5-Year Plan charts HK’s course

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today announced the First Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, a forward-looking, strategic and directional guiding document, formulated to proactively align with national development strategies, allowing Hong Kong to better integrate into and serve overall national development.

While grounded in the city’s present, the blueprint lays out the medium- to long-term strategy for Hong Kong’s development. The Five-Year Plan is designed to guide directions for development, optimise resource allocation, enhance certainty over social expectations and better protect social well-being, as well as the interests of internationals investors.

The document ensures that Hong Kong will continue to make more substantial contributions to building a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation through the advancement of Chinese modernisation.

Seven principles

Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan is underpinned by seven principles, which include adhering to the “one country, two systems” principle and remaining committed to a livelihood-oriented approach to governance. At the same time, the documents stipulates that the Hong Kong SAR will uphold an executive- led system of government that will continue to embrace reform and innovation.

Additionally, the inaugural Five-Year Plan aims to maintain a two-pronged approach of “effective markets” and “capable government”.

The document also outlines a holistic approach that Hong Kong will use for development and security, as well as pragmatic and proactive planning.

Five objectives

The First Five-Year plan is aimed at achieving five major objectives. Among them, the document highlights that Hong Kong will achieve new breakthroughs in economic development, ensuring a more prosperous future offering new opportunities.

As an international city, Hong Kong will continue to leverage its advantages to boost its global competitiveness and expand its influence. Under the Five-Year Plan, the creation of the Northern Metropolis will be expedited to establish an integrated development that offers a university town, a hub for I&T and industry, and an environment suitable for living, work and travel.

The document also outlines a strategy to enhance social well-being through refining the Social Protection Framework.

The fifth objective is to make significant strides in integrating into and serving the overall national development.

Visit Foreword & Part 1 of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan for more details.

MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan in joint declaration and cooperation treaty between China and Kyrgyzstan

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan in joint declaration and cooperation treaty between China and Kyrgyzstan

Date:2026-09-01
Data Source:Department of West Asian and African Affairs

September 1, 2026
No.405

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) refutes and condemns in the strongest possible terms claims made by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Kyrgyz Republic that repeat the fallacy of the “one China principle,” exposing China’s authoritarian ideology and its aim to disrupt international stability and peace.

On September 1, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a joint declaration on a comprehensive strategic partnership for high-quality development for the new era and a treaty on permanent good-neighborliness, friendship, and cooperation between China and Kyrgyzstan. The documents contain language that seriously undermines Taiwan’s sovereignty. With China again using its interactions with other countries in international settings to spread its rhetoric, MOFA urges the Kyrgyz government not to acquiesce to China’s distorted and false narratives.

The ROC (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country; neither it nor the PRC is subordinate to the other. This undeniable and objective fact also constitutes the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. No statements or arguments intended to denigrate Taiwan’s sovereignty can change this reality. 

MOFA once more urges the international community to address China’s long-standing practice of using various modes of coercion and enticement to influence the sovereign decisions of other governments. As well as being used to suppress Taiwan, this tactic poses a serious challenge to global democracy and the international rule of law.

Taiwan will continue to deepen cooperation with like-minded countries and defend the democratic front line. MOFA reiterates that no matter what forms of economic coercion or diplomatic intimidation Taiwan faces, it will remain firmly committed to integrating with the world and demonstrating national resilience. (E)

Foreign Minister Lin concludes successful visit to Palau for PIF-related events

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

September 3, 2026  
No. 415  From August 27 to September 3, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung led a delegation to the Republic of Palau, a diplomatic ally of Taiwan, and attended events related to the 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders’ meeting. He engaged in extensive exchanges with representatives of Taiwan’s Pacific allies and like-minded countries, strengthening Taiwan’s cooperation with Pacific partners. Minister Lin returned to Taiwan on the evening of September 3, concluding the successful trip.
 
On behalf of Taiwan, Minister Lin attended the opening ceremony of the PIF and presided over the Taiwan Night event, which was jointly hosted by Taiwan and Palau. At the invitation of Palau President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., he toured the Pacific Prosperity Exhibit with prominent political figures of Palau and representatives from such like-minded countries as the United States, Japan, and Australia. Together, they witnessed the fruits of Taiwan’s cooperation with its Pacific allies and like-minded countries in low-carbon energy, social empowerment, smart agriculture, smart health care, digital resilience, infrastructure, and other areas. These achievements highlighted joint efforts to satisfy development needs, strengthen resilience, and advance sustainability in the Pacific.
 
Minister Lin also attended the 30th Taiwan/ROC-Forum Countries Dialogue, which was chaired by President Whipps, to exchange views with leaders from Taiwan’s allies on talent development, regional exchanges and connectivity, and other issues. He proposed a comprehensive approach that integrated the aspects of education, training, employment, and certification and leveraged Taiwan’s experience in technical and vocational education and industrial talent development. This would support allies in cultivating a labor force that met the needs of society and industry, bolster youth employment, and establish a stronger talent base for long-term national development. 
 
Furthermore, Minister Lin discussed with leaders of allied nations the promotion of sustainable and mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation, as well as feasible approaches to using allies’ funds to invest in Taiwan’s capital markets. He stated that the goal of such endeavors would be to share the opportunities and outcomes created by Taiwan’s economic development with diplomatic allies through investment and industrial linkages and thereby expand bilateral collaboration in finance, industry, and economic development. 
 
Following the meeting, Minister Lin and the leaders of Taiwan’s three Pacific allies signed a joint statement reiterating the 1992 PIF leaders’ decision regarding their relations with Taiwan/ROC. The statement also recognized Taiwan’s pragmatic contributions to the Pacific region over the years in such areas as agriculture, fisheries, health care, education, technical assistance, talent training, and community development. It showcased the mutual trust, friendship, and foundation for cooperation built by Taiwan and its Pacific allies.
 
During the visit, Minister Lin and President Whipps witnessed the progress of several Taiwan-Palau cooperation projects that spanned health care, green energy, energy transition, sustainable development, and other fields. This involved a visit to Belau National Hospital, the opening of a golf demonstration park, the groundbreaking ceremony of a Taiwan-Palau hydrogen initiative, and the launch ceremony of the One Stop Shop solar power project and an electric bus project.
 
Besides meeting with prominent political figures and traditional leaders of Palau, Minister Lin visited the state of Peleliu to gain a better understanding of the area’s electric power system and development needs. This information will serve as important reference for the planning of future projects that further deepen bilateral cooperation.
 
While engaging with the government and various sectors of Palau, Minister Lin emphasized that bilateral interactions should extend beyond the governmental level to civil society and industry. He added that the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project could be used to spur direct people-to-people exchanges, business collaboration, and the sharing of development benefits. 
 
In addition, Minister Lin stated that tourism and investment were crucial to connecting the people and linking the economic development of the two countries. Looking ahead, Taiwan would encourage more citizens to visit Palau for tourism purposes and urge enterprises and private capital to invest in Palau, which would drive the development of the tourism, services, infrastructure, and other sectors. He added that by combining Taiwan’s economic vitality with Palau’s outstanding nature, culture, and development potential, a mutually beneficial cooperation model could be gradually established with the participation of government, businesses, and individuals.
 
Minister Lin also shared Taiwan’s experience in adopting drones and other emerging technologies to assist with public services and social development. He pointed out that Taiwan could introduce its advanced technologies and applications to allies through technology diplomacy. This would expand the use of technology in agriculture, environmental monitoring, disaster response, infrastructure, remote area services, and other fields, which would in turn improve the efficiency of public governance and help build a more convenient, safer, and more sustainable  living and development environment.
 
Meanwhile, Minister Lin welcomed the announcement made by the US government during the PIF that it would collaborate with Taiwan to promote such projects as the relocation of Belau National Hospital and a drinking water sampling project in Palau. This further demonstrated the determination of like-minded countries to work together to respond to the development needs and enhance the resilience of Pacific nations. Before returning to Taiwan, Minister Lin attended a briefing hosted by Palau on the hospital’s relocation and exchanged views with relevant parties on the future direction of the initiative. 
 
Minister Lin and representatives from like-minded countries held a meeting to discuss how to provide mutual support, leverage one another’s complementary strengths, and integrate resources to assist Pacific allies in enhancing their resilience, economic development, and sustainable growth.
 
In addition, Minister Lin pointed out that, with Palau hosting the PIF this year, the event had special significance. He said that the visit had given him the chance to fortify Taiwan-Palau ties and expand Taiwan’s exchanges and cooperation with other Pacific allies, the PIF, and like-minded countries. He mentioned that Taiwan had long participated in the PIF as a development partner and, like other Pacific countries, faced challenges with respect to climate change, energy security, economic development, and regional security. He reiterated that Taiwan supported the common vision of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
 
In recent years, Taiwan has coordinated the use of resources from across government agencies, industries, and civil society to advance the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project and promote integrated diplomacy. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to transform existing intergovernmental collaboration to let even more people and businesses participate and benefit. In the areas of talent development, tourism exchanges, investment cooperation, and emerging technologies and applications, Taiwan will further align its development momentum with allies’ needs. 
 
Taiwan will also continue to serve as a trustworthy development partner in the Pacific that is willing to make long-term investments and work with regional partners to create a more resilient, prosperous, and sustainable Blue Pacific future through talent, capital, technology, and regional linkages. (E) 

MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement by China and Egypt

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly refutes false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement by China and Egypt

Date:2026-09-03
Data Source:Department of West Asian and African Affairs

September 3, 2026
No.414

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly refutes the false claims made in a joint statement released by China and Egypt, including that Taiwan was an inseparable part of China.

The joint statement was issued following Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s state visit to Egypt on September 1 and 2. The document seriously distorts and ignores the objective status quo. MOFA solemnly protests and strongly condemns China’s government for continuing to manipulate the international community, for demanding that the governments of other nations accept its unilateral political narrative that disrupts peace and stability, and for issuing absurd statements that denigrate Taiwan’s sovereignty. 

MOFA reiterates that no narrative aiming to undermine the nation’s sovereignty can change the objective reality that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country and that neither it nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. China’s attempts at coercion only further strengthen Taiwan’s determination to defend its free and democratic system and oppose authoritarian expansionism. MOFA calls on the international community to recognize historical facts and objective realities and not be manipulated or misled by malicious political narratives spread by China’s government. (E)

MOFA strongly condemns China for again engaging in unilateral, provocative actions that raise tensions in South China Sea and region

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA strongly condemns China for again engaging in unilateral, provocative actions that raise tensions in South China Sea and region

Date:2026-09-02
Data Source:Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

September 2, 2026  
No. 410  

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) condemns in the strongest possible terms the so-called “combat readiness patrols” that China’s People’s Liberation Army conducted on September 2 in airspace and waters near Minzhu Reef. China’s actions interfered with routine operations of other countries’ vessels and aircraft and were therefore dangerous, irresponsible, and highly provocative.  
 
MOFA has consistently opposed unilateral and illegal efforts by any side in the South China Sea aimed at power expansion, including gray-zone coercion, militarization, and any other behavior that undermines peace. It calls on China to abide by international law, uphold the principle of peaceful dispute settlement, and respect the common desire of countries in the region for peace and stability.
 
Taiwan will continue to cooperate with like-minded countries and regional partners to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea, protect freedom of navigation and overflight, and ensure a free, open, peaceful, and stable international order. (E)

MOFA welcomes public statements by US Department of State affirming Taiwan-US cooperation on assisting Taiwan’s Pacific allies

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA welcomes public statements by US Department of State affirming Taiwan-US cooperation on assisting Taiwan’s Pacific allies

Date:2026-09-02
Data Source:Department of North American Affairs

September 2, 2026  
No. 409  
 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes a US Department of State media note, issued on September 1, entitled “Promoting Pacific Prosperity: US Engagement at the Pacific Islands Forum.” 
 
The media note emphasized that the US commitment to the security and prosperity of Pacific island nations was steadfast and enduring, serving as a core pillar of America First foreign policy. It also cited major cooperation initiatives between Taiwan, the United States, and like-minded countries—including hospital relocation and drinking water sampling projects in Palau—promoting the development of Taiwan’s Pacific allies and the broader region. 
 
Additionally, in response to media inquiries on August 29, the Department of State said that the United States strongly backed Taiwan’s continued participation in the Pacific Islands Forum, highlighting Taiwan as a reliable, like-minded, and democratic partner that made significant contributions to prosperity and economic development across the Pacific.
 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes continued US public support and recognition of Taiwan’s international participation and contributions to regional development. Minister Lin is also pleased to see the ongoing expansion of concrete Taiwan-US cooperation in the Pacific and other regions. He anticipates that Taiwan-US relations, Taiwan’s partnerships with diplomatic allies and like-minded countries, and prosperity and stability worldwide will continue to flourish under the mutually complementary strategies of Taiwan’s integrated diplomacy and the United States’ commercial diplomacy. (E)

Taiwan actively promotes UN participation, calls for a UN that delivers for all

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

September 2, 2026  
No. 408  

The 81st session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly will open on September 8 at the UN headquarters in New York. The General Debate will take place from September 22 to 26 and on September 28. The theme of this year’s General Debate will be “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All.”

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Baushuan Ger held a special press conference on September 1 to communicate to the public the Taiwan government’s 2026 campaign and strategy for promoting Taiwan’s UN participation and to urge the UN to accept Taiwan’s involvement at the earliest possible juncture. 

Noting that Taiwan was an important and responsible member of the international community, Vice Minister Ger said that Taiwan not only faced the same global challenges encountered by other nations but was also confronted by China’s ongoing and escalating threats across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the region.

Vice Minister Ger explained that Taiwan needed to participate in relevant multilateral mechanisms to protect its national interests and the rights of the 23.5 million Taiwanese people. More importantly, he said, over many years Taiwan had accumulated abundant experience and capabilities in addressing issues of common global concern. He stated that Taiwan was willing to share its know-how and contribute expertise through the UN system and other multilateral mechanisms so as to jointly advance global welfare.

Vice Minister Ger pointed out that the root cause of the exclusion of the 23.5 million people of Taiwan from the UN was China’s distortion of the content of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and its efforts to conflate the resolution with the so-called “one China principle,” falsely claiming that China represents Taiwan in the UN system. He said that China’s actions were an attempt to legally negate the fact that the ROC (Taiwan) was a sovereign country and inappropriately deny Taiwan’s legitimate right to participate in the UN system.

Vice Minister Ger stressed that in recent years China had continued to escalate its threatening behavior across the Taiwan Strait and broader Indo-Pacific region, employing such gray-zone tactics as military intimidation, cyberattacks, and economic coercion in an attempt to unilaterally change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and the region. Pointing out that in July China had implemented its Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress, he said that China sought to use this domestic law to engage in transnational repression, which was a serious infringement of freedom, democracy, and human rights everywhere. In response, he observed, the United States, the European Union, Australia, and other members of the international community had expressed a high level of concern. In the face of the dynamic regional situation, the Taiwan government would staunchly maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and security, and continue to work with allies and like-minded nations to defend the front lines of freedom and democracy while steadily and pragmatically promoting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.

This year, Taiwan’s UN campaign is focusing on three key aspects:
1. Drawing attention to the fact that UNGA Resolution 2758 only addressed China’s right to representation within the United Nations. The resolution neither dealt with Taiwan’s sovereignty nor precluded Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the UN system. The UN Should identify appropriate ways of including Taiwan’s participation in the UN system so that Taiwan can contribute its expertise and experience to help accelerate the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 
2. Firmly maintaining the status quo and ensuring peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. This is the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan and the widely held and staunch position of the international community. It has also received extensive support among Taiwan’s democratic partners. Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are indispensable to global security and prosperity. 
3. Committing to the peaceful settlement of disputes and staunchly defending the international legal order. Any attempts or actions to disrupt the status quo across the Taiwan Strait contravene the principles enshrined in the UN Charter prohibiting the threat or use of force and requiring the peaceful settlement of disputes.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) this year would again request that diplomatic allies’ permanent representatives to the UN send a joint letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and that diplomatic allies speak up for Taiwan during the General Debate. The joint letter would strongly promote the three points outlined above.

Moreover, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung would publish an op-ed entitled “Restoring trust: Taiwan’s rightful place in the free world” to communicate the Taiwan government’s stance to the world. The op-ed would underline that only by following the principles set out in the UN Charter and treating every member of the international community in a fair and just manner could the UN win back the international community’s confidence.

Vice Minister Ger went on to thank the Legislative Yuan for once again organizing a cross-party delegation of legislators to travel to New York to impart to the UN community the steadfast support of the people of Taiwan for the government’s bid to participate in the UN system. He also mentioned that MOFA would host related side events and conduct a promotional campaign in New York while the General Assembly was in session.

Located along the Indo-Pacific’s first island chain, Taiwan is a key hub for global semiconductor supply chains. Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are integral to global well-being. Taiwan is also an indispensable and vital force in the UN’s efforts to manage transformation. The government of Taiwan once again calls on the UN system to recognize the legitimate right of the 23.5 million people of Taiwan to participate in international affairs and to promptly seek appropriate ways to include Taiwan. Only in this way can the UN truly realize its commitment to leave no one behind and being a UN that delivers for all. (E)

Speech by FS at Cathay 80 Years Together Dinner (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at Cathay 80 Years Together Dinner this evening (September 15):

Mr Guy Bradley (Chair of Cathay Group), Deputy Director Zhang Yong (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Deputy Commissioner Li Yongsheng (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Ronald (Chief Executive Officer of Cathy Group, Mr Ronald Lam), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening.

It is a great pleasure to celebrate Cathay Pacific’s 80th anniversary with you. Tonight, we celebrate not only an airline, but a journey that belongs, in a very special way, to Hong Kong.

From Betsy, your pioneering DC-3, to today’s global network, Cathay has grown together with Hong Kong. Even your name speaks of ambition: “Pacific” expressed the dream of crossing that vast ocean, long before the airline could do so. That spirit – starting modestly, thinking boldly and looking outwards – is unmistakably Hong Kong.

For generations, Cathay has been part of life’s most meaningful journeys: the first trip abroad, departure for university, a business venture and a long-awaited reunion. And for returning travellers, that familiar welcome on board brings a comforting feeling: home is already a little closer.

Of course, your journey had difficult chapters. During the pandemic, the Government’s support reflected our determination to safeguard Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub and our confidence in Cathay’s role within it. That was an investment in our shared future. And it was your people – their professionalism, perseverance and dedication – who helped turn confidence into recovery.

Your work matters far beyond air connections. For Hong Kong, every new route is another opening for trade, investment and opportunity. This is our “super connector” role in practice: bringing businesses to markets, and people to one another.

Looking ahead, the National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing our status as an international aviation hub. We are determined to translate that support into greater capacity, wider reach and lasting economic benefits.

Our Three-Runway System and newly opened Terminal 2 facilities provide more room for growth. The Airport Authority’s expanded Airport City development, SKYTOPIA, will further strengthen our airport’s appeal – as both a gateway and a destination.

With these developments, the Government is pursuing new air services agreements and expanded traffic rights, particularly with partners in the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and South America. These efforts will give airlines more opportunities to expand their networks through Hong Kong and strengthen our Belt and Road connections.

Cathay’s plan to launch direct flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan, in January 2027 is a welcome example. It will open a new gateway to Central Asia, creating opportunities for business, tourism, cultural exchanges and deeper friendship between our communities.

As the Government opens the way for wider air links, I encourage Cathay to seize these opportunities and add new destinations to your network.

In an uncertain world, we must pursue these opportunities with prudence as well as confidence. The case for bringing people together and opening up new markets is stronger, not weaker.

Cathay’s commitment of around HK$150 billion to aircraft, cabins, lounges and digital innovation is a vote of confidence in Hong Kong’s future. I look forward to seeing that investment deliver better journeys for passengers, rewarding careers for local talent, and fresh possibilities for our city.

As Hong Kong’s home carrier, you are an ambassador for the city. For many visitors, their first impression of Hong Kong begins with your welcome, before they ever see our skyline. Safety without compromise, service with care and respect, onboard dining experience worthy of Hong Kong’s reputation, and professionalism in every detail: these are the qualities that earn trust and make Hong Kong proud.

And, ladies and gentlemen, I am sure passengers would be delighted to see one more thing: your excellent service accompanied by equally attractive fares. Guy and Ronald, I shall leave that in your capable hands.

Happy 80th anniversary, Cathay Pacific. May you continue to bring the world closer to Hong Kong, and Hong Kong closer to the world – and wherever you fly, carry the warmth, ambition and spirit of this city with you. Thank you very much.

Ends/Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:25
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Dubai ETO hosts dinner in Kazakhstan to deepen hub-to-hub co-operation between Hong Kong and Central Asia

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Dubai ETO hosts dinner in Kazakhstan to deepen hub-to-hub co-operation between Hong Kong and Central Asia  
     The dinner brought together over a hundred guests, including local leaders from the political, business, innovation and technology, and academic sectors, as well as executives and representatives from various related sectors, institutions, and enterprises in Hong Kong, providing a platform for exchanges, broader connections and exploration of more co-operation opportunities between the two places. Prominent guests attending the dinner included Governor of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), Mr Renat Bekturov; President of Nazarbayev University, Professor Waqar Ahmad; Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the technology and innovation park – Astana Hub, Mr Magzhan Madiyev, and Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr Su Yu.
 
     In his opening remarks, the Director-General of Dubai ETO, Mr Simon Chan said that the Chief Executive led a delegation to visit Central Asia in June this year, advancing the hub-to-hub co-operation model, which has established a solid foundation for co-operation and opened up broader space for collaboration between the two places. As a “super connector” and “super value-adder” linking the Chinese Mainland with the rest of the world, Hong Kong is the best platform for Central Asian enterprises to enter the Chinese Mainland and expand their businesses across Asia.
 
     “Kazakhstan is pressing ahead at full speed with its digital transformation and infrastructure development, which dovetails deeply with Hong Kong’s unique strengths in finance, investment, innovation and technology, infrastructure, and professional services. As important hubs in their respective regions, the two places can generate synergy through co-operation, achieving a true hub-to-hub partnership – connecting Central Asia with the Chinese Mainland, Asia, and global markets,” said Mr Chan.
 
     A representative from Invest Hong Kong also introduced to local guests at the dinner Hong Kong’s various business advantages as an international financial centre, its vibrant business environment, and the investment opportunities in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
 
     Mr Chan later attended China Conference: Central Asia 2026 and the ninth Astana Finance Days, exchanging views with executives and professionals from the finance, investment, technology, and other sectors in Central Asia and around the world. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered a video speech at the annual conference, and Dubai ETO was also a supporting partner of the conference.
 
     During their stay in Astana, Dubai ETO officers held bilateral meetings with multiple government authorities and key institutions of Kazakhstan to strengthen Hong Kong’s economic and trade ties with the country. Mr Chan met with Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Astana Hub, Mr Magzhan Madiyev, to explore co-operation opportunities in the digital economy and innovation ecosystem. Astana Hub is the largest international technology park in Central Asia and has signed memoranda of understanding with several major innovation and technology parks in Hong Kong. He also visited AIFC, where he exchanged views with Chief of Staff, Ms Dinara Zhakupova, on strengthening financial connectivity and co-operation between the two places.
 
     In addition, Mr Chan paid courtesy calls on the economic and foreign trade departments of the Kazakh government, including Director of the Department of International Economic Co-operation of the Ministry of National Economy, Mr Yerzhan Nessibkulov and Deputy General Director of the QazTrade Center for Trade Policy Development, Dr Ainur Amirbekova, to discuss expanding economic and trade co-operation. Apart from official institutions, Mr Chan also met with Chief Financial Officer of the Air Astana Group, Mr Gonçalo Pires, to jointly explore the possibilities of co-operation between the two places.
 
     Dubai ETO officers also visited Nazarbayev University which jointly offers the Bachelor of Business Administration (Eurasian Business Management) programme with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). The first cohort of students commenced their studies at Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Business in late August this year. They will study at the university for the first two years before transferring to HKUST to complete the programme. Mr Chan met and exchanged views with the Vice Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr Tom Vinaimont, and the new students enrolled in the programme, learning about their studies and daily life in Kazakhstan and briefing them on the latest developments in Hong Kong. He wished them success in their studies in both places and expressed hope that they would make contributions to exchanges between Hong Kong and Central Asia in the future.
Issued at HKT 1:40

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