Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The 11th Belt & Road Summit opened today, bringing together over 6,000 participants, including over 100 government and business speakers, as well as over 100 delegations. More than 60 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) will be witnessed during the Summit.

Under the theme “Advancing High-quality Development • Embarking on a New Journey”, the Summit aims to foster high-quality, sustainable and innovative development.

Speaking at the opening session, Chief Executive John Lee said, in addition to strengthening the city’s relations with traditional partners, Hong Kong continues to expand its network of friends along the Belt and Road.

“I have led high-level business delegations to explore opportunities in 13 Belt and Road countries across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Middle East and Central Asia, focusing on specific areas to explore new markets,” Mr Lee said.

“These missions delivered over 250 MOUs and other agreements, from policy co-ordination and trade and investment, to expanded connectivity and support for companies. They underline Hong Kong’s long-standing focus on opening new markets, forming new partnerships and advancing regional co-operation.”

Mr Lee said these achievements demonstrate the value of a hub-to-hub co-operation model, where Hong Kong can serve as Belt and Road economies’ gateway to the Chinese Mainland and global markets and the economies can connect Hong Kong with relevant regions. This interconnected network of hubs will amplify regional strengths through enhanced connectivity and unleash fresh opportunities.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said ASEAN has consistently outpaced the global economy and is becoming an increasingly important partner in technological advancement and industrial upgrading. Two-way trade between China and ASEAN surpassed US$1 trillion last year, reflecting the reshaping of industrial chains across the region.

He stated that ASEAN’s demographic, market and technology dividends offer growth opportunities through its young population, expanding middle class, trade agreements and AI. Turning these advantages into sustained growth requires patient capital, open, well-regulated testing grounds and a strong talent base. Hong Kong can connect global investors with innovative companies, drawing on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s frontier research, advanced manufacturing and substantial consumer market. The Northern Metropolis will facilitate the flow of technology, talent and capital, strengthening connections between research, commercial application and production to foster shared prosperity across the region.

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam noted that the arbitration ecosystem in Hong Kong is equally world-renowned, the city is the second most preferred arbitral seat in the world, and the most preferred arbitral seat in Asia Pacific. Together with the headquarters of the International Organization for Mediation established in Hong Kong, which is dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation, all these reinforce the city’s status as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre.

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau highlighted that Hong Kong is steadfast in promoting trade for the benefit of all, through upholding a rules-based multilateral trading system, implementing transparent and non-discriminatory regulations, and facilitating customs and digital interoperability.

The Summit witnessed seven MOUs between the HKSAR Government and their overseas counterparts to promote bilateral co-operation and exchanges, covering the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy, the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Belt and Road Office, Invest Hong Kong and the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, with Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Thailand, Turkey, Zimbabwe, and Uzbekistan.

The Summit also witnessed around 55 other MOUs in various areas. The total value of these MOUs, together with new projects and deals finalised before and during the Summit, is over US$3.1 billion.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Hong Kong and Macau youth joined a “Tiangong Class” today to engage with space experts and the Shenzhou-23 crew currently carrying out a manned space mission on the Chinese Space Station.

Mission commander Zhu Yangzhu, astronaut Zhang Zhiyuan and Hong Kong’s first payload expert Lai Ka-ying served as “space teachers” to deliver expert lectures to students, conduct real-time science experiments, and engage in an interactive “dialogue between space and Earth”.

Organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Macao SAR Government, and the China Manned Space Agency, the “Tiangong Class” Hong Kong and Macao Designated Session was held at Ms Lai’s alma mater, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College.

Over 200 participants attended the session, which featured in-orbit demonstrations, expert lectures and a question-and-answer session. The participants included primary and secondary school teachers and pupils from Hong Kong and Macao, alongside tertiary students, researchers, technology professionals, and youth organisation representatives.

The session lasted approximately 1.5 hours, during which Ms Lai introduced the operational process of the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO). Developed by the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, MUSICO undertakes the important task of monitoring global greenhouse gases, contributing to national aerospace programmes and global sustainable development.

The astronauts also introduced the Tiangong Space Station’s facilities, including the core module instruments and experimental facilities, the space vegetable garden, the space kitchen and space food, and shared their daily lives and scientific research work on the space station.

Speaking at the event, Chief Executive John Lee thanked the China Manned Space Agency for its support, as well as the various organisations and departments for their joint efforts, which have enabled students from Hong Kong and Macao to learn from the astronauts aboard the Tiangong Space Station.

Mr Lee noted that, over the more than 30 years of the development of China’s manned space programme, every step has embodied the Chinese nation’s indomitable spirit of self-improvement and courage in exploration.

He added that when the delegation from China’s manned space programme visited Hong Kong in 2023, it sowed three important seeds for the city: a seed to foster national pride, a seed to explore science and technology, and a seed to encourage the pursuit of dreams. As Hong Kong’s aerospace research and development has progressed from ground-based support to in-orbit operations in space, enabling Hong Kong people to explore the cosmos, it demonstrates that these seeds have not only taken root and sprouted, but are also thriving.

Mr Lee also encouraged all sectors of society, particularly young people, to actively participate in the science popularisation and awareness-raising activities currently organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government under the theme “A Shared Cosmic Vision for National Rejuvenation”.

He expressed the hope that the younger generation would look to astronauts as role models, serving the nation in building a strong aerospace country, thereby writing a brilliant chapter for the Chinese nation.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Buildings Department (BD) and the Labour Department (LD) have filed a total of 284 prosecutions over the Wang Fuk Court fire incident in Tai Po, comprising 259 repair work-related offences and 25 occupational safety charges.

The BD today laid charges for a total of 259 offences against four persons and two companies in connection with the major building repair works at Wang Fuk Court, where a fire broke out on November 26 last year. 

The two companies charged are the works consultancy firm, Will Power Architects Company Limited (Will Power), and the main contractor, Prestige Construction & Engineering Company, Limited (Prestige).

The four individuals charged include Will Power director Wong Hap-yin and registered inspector Ng Yeuk, alongside Prestige directors Hau Wa-kin and Ho Kin-yip.

Following the incident, the BD and the Independent Checking Unit (ICU) of the Housing Bureau investigated the major repair works at the estate. Based on the ICU’s findings of irregularities and after seeking legal advice from the Department of Justice, the BD laid the charges under the Buildings Ordinance (BO).

The charges include allegedly permitting or authorising the use of materials in building works that are defective or do not comply with the provisions of the BO; permitting or authorising building works and inspections to be carried out in a manner causing injury to any person or damage to property; and failing to properly supervise repair works, among other contraventions.

The BD once again reminded contractors and relevant building works practitioners to properly supervise inspections and building works in accordance with the BO and its subsidiary regulations and the relevant Codes of Practice to ensure suitable materials are used and  works are carried out safely.                                                          

Meanwhile, the LD has initiated at this stage a total of 25 prosecutions regarding the fire incident which caused the death of five construction contractor employees, following consultation with the Department of Justice.

The prosecutions were brought against a contractor, a project consultant and an individual, by way of indictment under the Factories & Industrial Undertakings Ordinance for general duty contraventions.

The LD emphasised that it does not tolerate contraventions of occupational safety and health legislation, and will strictly enforce the law.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The 11th Belt & Road Summit, currently being held at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, has brought together government and business representatives from various Belt & Road economies. Speaking in an interview today, the Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Kao Kim Hourn, said Hong Kong is an important partner and reiterated the bloc’s support for the city joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Dr Kao said Hong Kong is a very important gateway on its own, as well as for the Chinese Mainland, adding that ASEAN has been co-operating with Hong Kong in different areas including tourism, trade and investment. He noted that the bloc believes including Hong Kong as part of this broader regional economic framework is important for all member states.

Another summit participant, Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence & Digital Development Bakhtiyar Mukhametkaliyev, expressed confidence that collaboration with Hong Kong can produce win-win outcomes.

Highlighting Hong Kong’s robust financial infrastructure and deep market experience, Mr Mukhametkaliyev said that companies can come to Hong Kong to structure deals, and then expand their operations to Kazakhstan with local government support regarding land acquisition and a special tax regime, which will enhance co-operation to a new level and benefit the entire Central Asia market.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today met with senior government officials from Uzbekistan, Uruguay, Laos, Kazakhstan and Qatar who were in Hong Kong for the 11th Belt & Road Summit, welcoming their delegations and exchanging views on issues of mutual concern.

Mr Lee met with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov at Government House. He noted that both sides, building on government-to-government high-level contacts and established ties, have pressed ahead with the results achieved during his earlier visit to Uzbekistan, and are closely following up on co-operation in legal services, trade, investment, education, innovation and technology, transport and logistics, culture, and talent development. Both sides will also continue discussions on bilateral agreements in various areas.

Mr Lee also noted that Uzbekistan is an important trading partner for Hong Kong in Central Asia. Hong Kong can provide strong support to Uzbekistan in trade and professional services. Both sides will continue to work together to promote co-operation in various areas, further consolidate their advantages as gateways for trade and investment, respectively in the Asia-Pacific and Central Asian regions, and jointly participate in the high-quality development of the Belt & Road Initiative to seize opportunities together and achieve mutual benefits.

The Chief Executive then met the Vice President of Uruguay Carolina Cosse. He said Hong Kong will continue to serve as a functional platform for the Belt & Road Initiative, leveraging the dual advantage of enjoying both national and global opportunities, to assist enterprises from the Global South in exploring the Asian market and seizing the immense opportunities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Mr Lee added that there is immense potential for co-operation between Hong Kong and Uruguay, and expressed the hope that both sides will strengthen collaboration in trade and investment, finance and professional services, and share the fruits of development together.

Mr Lee also met the Deputy Prime Minister of Laos Saleumxay Kommasith. He said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has established a Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur to deepen economic and trade co-operation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and neighbouring countries.

Mr Lee welcomed enterprises from Laos and other ASEAN countries to make use of Hong Kong’s leading professional services and favourable business environment to explore opportunities, and jointly promote regional co-operation and economic prosperity. He also thanked Laos for its support of Hong Kong’s accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Afterwards, Mr Lee met the Minister of Trade & Integration of Kazakhstan Arman Shakkaliyev. He said today’s meeting followed up on the solid outcomes achieved during his earlier visit to Kazakhstan, further advancing the “hub-to-hub” co-operation model.

Mr Lee also noted that, with the launch of direct flights from Hong Kong to Almaty in the first quarter of next year, and the expansion of the Economic & Trade Office network to cover Central Asia, bilateral exchanges and economic and trade co-operation will be further deepened, continuously strengthening co-operation across various sectors and jointly seizing the opportunities presented by the Belt & Road Initiative.

Mr Lee then met the Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs of Qatar Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed. He said that as the global economic gravity continues to shift eastwards, Hong Kong will continue to firmly support free trade and multilateralism, and continue to expand its global trade network, including providing safe, free and diverse investment opportunities with no capital controls for investors from the Middle East.

He also mentioned that Hong Kong can provide financing and professional services support for the Qatar National Vision 2030 and its economic diversification efforts, promoting broader and deeper co-operation between the two sides in finance, investment, trade, and innovation and technology.

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau, Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong, Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law and the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office Carol Yip also attended the respective meetings.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the afternoon of September 8, President Lai Ching-te met with a Canadian parliamentary delegation from the Bloc Québécois. In remarks, President Lai stated that this marks the first time that a delegation from the Bloc Québécois has visited Taiwan since the party was founded in 1991, making it of great significance to bilateral exchanges and cooperation. The president thanked the Bloc Québécois for taking parliamentary action in support of cross-strait peace and Taiwan’s international participation. He expressed hope that Taiwan and Québec will forge an even closer partnership in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, aerospace, critical minerals, renewable energy, and supply chain security.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
This marks the first time that a delegation from the Bloc Québécois has visited Taiwan since the party was founded in 1991, and it is also Bloc Québécois Leader and Member of Parliament Yves-François Blanchet’s first trip to Taiwan, making it of great significance to bilateral exchanges and cooperation. Two years ago, Member of Parliament Christine Normandin made the long trip to Taiwan to attend my and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao’s inauguration. This year she is here once more, and with so many good friends alongside her. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my warmest welcome to you all. I hope that this visit will be followed by a second, a third, and many more. And please be sure to set aside a little time to get to know Taiwan’s local customs and to enjoy our food.
Taiwan and Québec, though geographically distant, share the same beliefs and values. We each cherish our land, our culture, our languages, and our way of life. And we both believe that people have the right to determine their own future. The culture, language, and historical memory of a place are the deepest roots of democracy. Party Leader Blanchet has long defended the French language and Québec’s culture, and that is a conviction Taiwan feels deeply and shares completely.
In November 2024 the Bloc Québécois spearheaded the introduction of a motion in the House of Commons to counter China’s distortion of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. In February of this year, Party Leader Blanchet publicly called on the Canadian government to expedite the signing of the Taiwan-Canada Trade Cooperation Framework Agreement. And on the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, Member of Parliament Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe urged Canadian naval vessels to continue transiting the Taiwan Strait. Time and again, through parliamentary actions, these members of parliament have told the world that cross-strait peace and Taiwan’s international participation are matters of common concern to the international community. Their visit today further demonstrates their high regard and support for Taiwan, for which I express my most profound appreciation. Looking forward, I am confident that we will transform this sincere friendship into even deeper cooperation.
Québec is a major hub in the global aerospace industry; Montreal is a world-renowned base for artificial intelligence research; Taiwan is an international leader in the semiconductor and ICT industries. Taiwan’s Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation and Canada’s Bombardier have been collaborating for over 20 years. In the future, Taiwanese enterprises will continue to invest and expand their presence in Montreal.
I am certain that by pairing Québec’s AI with Taiwan’s chips, and by integrating Québec’s aerospace prowess with Taiwan’s strength in precision manufacturing, we can fly higher together and take democratic supply chains even further. I look forward to forging an even closer partnership in AI, semiconductors, aerospace, critical minerals, renewable energy, and supply chain security.
In closing, I once again welcome our distinguished guests to Taiwan. I hope that you take not just insights into Taiwan’s policies and industrial experience back to Québec, but also the most sincere friendship of the people of Taiwan.
Party Leader Blanchet then delivered remarks, noting that this is the first delegation to Taiwan composed entirely of members of parliament from Québec, which makes the visit historic. He said he is confident that Taiwan and Québec have many areas in which they can further deepen exchanges and cooperation.
Party Leader Blanchet noted that given the current international situation, Taiwan finds itself in a unique position. The delegation’s itinerary included a visit to Kinmen, where members met with local military officers and saw firsthand the infrastructure and resources China has committed at a distance of only about two kilometers from Kinmen. That experience, he said, gave them a deep appreciation of the challenges Taiwan faces every day, as well as a deeper understanding of cross-strait relations and related issues.
Party Leader Blanchet pointed out that Taiwan’s economy is thriving and that Taiwan plays an important role in global supply chains, making it an indispensable part of shared global prosperity. Deepening economic cooperation between the two countries is therefore an important matter, he said. Canada and Taiwan concluded negotiations on the Trade Cooperation Framework Agreement in early 2025 with the aim of promoting bilateral trade, and the Bloc Québécois will continue to urge the Canadian government to sign it.
Party Leader Blanchet emphasized that Taiwan has both the need and the legitimate right to participate in major international organizations and agreements, including the World Health Organization, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Whether that participation takes the form of formal membership or another status, he said, is for Taiwan itself to decide. He noted in particular that China’s military activities in the airspace around Taiwan bear not only on military security but also on civil aviation safety, which makes Taiwan’s participation in the ICAO all the more important.
Party Leader Blanchet said that the Bloc Québécois will continue to speak out in the Canadian Parliament on behalf of the courageous people of Taiwan until every government in the free world acts according to conscience and refuses to be intimidated by China, so that Taiwan has the opportunity to take part in multilateral mechanisms, to demonstrate its outstanding economic strength and remarkable talents, and to enjoy the rights of equality, freedom, and security. Taiwan should have the right to determine the manner and extent of its participation in international forums in accordance with its own wishes, he said, which is also an important way of exercising the right to self-determination.
Party Leader Blanchet noted that the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law recently passed by China is vaguely worded yet extremely broad in scope, and it seeks to establish cultural and political hegemony. Its reach extends even to the roughly 200,000 Taiwanese living in Canada and to overseas ethnic Chinese. He condemned such politically motivated acts of hegemony and reaffirmed the support and friendship of the Bloc Québécois and the people of Québec for Taiwan. He also expressed solidarity with Tibet, the Uyghurs, Hong Kong, and Mongolia, with all Chinese people facing harassment overseas, and with all democratic countries threatened by such improper conduct.
In closing, Party Leader Blanchet expressed admiration for the hard work, courage, and creativity of the people of Taiwan, for the vitality of Taiwan’s economy, and for the Taiwanese people’s awareness of history and their sense of belonging to their own culture. He emphasized that only in peace can such rich foundations be fully realized. In today’s world, he said, we must jointly defend justice, equality, and democracy, and work hand in hand to address challenges such as climate change and the environment. He expressed confidence that these challenges will inspire the people of Taiwan and Québec to keep moving forward.
The delegation also included Members of Parliament Patrick Bonin and Sébastien Lemire and was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Canadian Trade Office in Taipei Executive Director Marie-Louise Hannan.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the afternoon of September 8, President Lai Ching-te met with a parliamentary delegation from the Japan Innovation Party (JIP)’s Taiwan friendship discussion group. In remarks, President Lai thanked the group for long supporting Taiwan through concrete action, and for attaching importance to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region. He also noted that Taiwan and Japan have lent each other mutual support for many years and share common values. The president expressed hope that the two sides can continue to deepen strategic industry cooperation as well as regional economic and trade cooperation, and together enhance the resilience of global democratic supply chains.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
The JIP has always been an important friend of Taiwan in Japan. I welcome this visit from Representative Baba Nobuyuki, chair of the Taiwan friendship discussion group; Representative Fujita Fumitake, co-leader of the JIP; and other friends from the JIP, both old and new. I also thank each of our distinguished guests for taking concrete action to demonstrate support for Taiwan.
After the 2024 Hualien earthquake, Chair Baba personally mobilized the JIP to donate 30 million yen to assist with our recovery effort. This act of friendship impressed upon the people of Taiwan the sincere warmth of the JIP’s support, and we have been extremely grateful. Similarly, after a major earthquake struck Kumamoto Prefecture this year, besides my joining Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao and Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) in making individual charitable contributions, the Taiwan government also called on all sectors of society to lend a helping hand in hopes that recovery work could be carried out smoothly. When faced with typhoons or earthquakes, Taiwan and Japan are there to help each other, truly demonstrating that a friend in need is a friend indeed.
Taiwan and Japan have lent each other mutual support for many years. Beyond natural disaster response, we have also joined hands in facing many other kinds of global challenges. The JIP calls for Japan to strengthen its defense capabilities and jointly maintain Indo-Pacific peace and stability, and in addition, its Eight-point Innovation Plan lists Taiwan as a partner sharing common values, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. We are very touched and gratified by this. I am confident that under the coalition government formed by the JIP and the Liberal Democratic Party, Japan and Taiwan will go on to make even greater contributions to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific region.
Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae recently designated 17 sectors including AI, semiconductors, quantum technologies, and aerospace as important strategic investment areas. In July, the Japanese government further adopted a strategic industry cluster plan in hopes of attracting large-scale investment. In addition to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), Taiwan has many other high tech firms that will respond to Prime Minister Takaichi’s plan.
I hope that, with the JIP’s support, Taiwan and Japan will join forces and continue deepening exchanges and cooperation to jointly build non-red supply chains, enhance the resilience of global democratic supply chains, and strengthen regional economic and trade cooperation. Finally, I would like to once again thank our guests for taking time at this key juncture to visit Taiwan. This visit is of tremendous significance to Taiwan-Japan relations as well as to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. I wish you all a smooth and successful stay here in Taiwan.
Chair Baba then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with them. He also noted that after the earthquake in Kumamoto in late July, President Lai was one of many who personally donated money to support the relief effort, which once again showed the people of Japan the warmth and sincerity of the support that has been given by people from all walks of life in Taiwan. He added that Taiwan and Japan both experience frequent and severe natural disasters, but are always there for each other and provide mutual support, truly demonstrating that a friend in need is a friend indeed.
Chair Baba stated that Taiwan and Japan have a shared commitment to the fundamental values of the rule of law, freedom, and democracy. He noted that economic, trade, and people-to-people ties are close, and that Taiwan is an extremely important partner and valuable friend of Japan. Roughly 6.76 million Taiwanese tourists visited Japan last year, he said, hitting an all-time high for the second straight year, and Taiwan and Japan also engage in very active parliamentary exchanges. He added that sustained, long-term people-to-people exchanges have been an important foundation of today’s Taiwan-Japan relations, and expressed hope that on this foundation, the two sides can further enhance cooperation and exchanges.
Turning to economic matters, Chair Baba noted that cooperation in the semiconductor industry, most notably involving TSMC, is an important symbol of Taiwan-Japan industrial cooperation, which shows that bilateral cooperation is making steady progress. Taiwanese investments in Japan in 2024 topped US$5 billion, he noted, marking an all-time high, demonstrating that industrial cooperation continues to bear fruit. Chair Baba said that he hopes to see cooperation in a wider range of fields in the future, and that it will generate win-win benefits by enhancing supply chain resilience and talent cultivation.
Chair Baba mentioned that United States President Donald Trump visited China this past May and met with President Xi Jinping, and that later this month, the latter will visit the US. With respect to the issue of Taiwan, he said, China continues to take a hardline position, while the US emphasizes that its policy regarding Taiwan has not changed. President Lai has indicated that he is highly focused on this situation, Chair Baba added. The chair then expressed his view that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are extremely important to the international community. He stated that Japan has always hoped for Taiwan-related issues to be resolved peacefully through dialogue, and said that this position will not change.
Chair Baba stated that when Japanese people visit Taiwan, they always feel as if they have returned to a familiar, nostalgic place. He said that though this trip will be short, he would like to engage in exchanges with and learn from a wide range of people and jointly promote the continued development of Taiwan-Japan relations.
The delegation also included Japanese House of Councillors Members Takagi Kaori, Shibata Takumi, Ishii Mitsuko, Katayama Daisuke, Aoshima Kenta, Okazaki Futoshi, and Ishii Megumi, as well as House of Representatives Members Ichimura Koichiro and Azuma Toru. The group was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Deputy Representative Mizobuchi Masashi.

Source: Government of Singapore

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the 11th Belt and Road Summit today (September 9):

Your Excellency Prime Minister Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan), Your Excellency Vice President Carolina Cosse (the Vice President of Uruguay), Your Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith (Deputy Prime Minister of Laos), Honourable Director Zhou Ji (the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)), Vice Minister Yan Dong (Vice Minister of Commerce), Vice Chairman Li Zhen (Vice Chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council), Commissioner Cui Jianchun (the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR), Professor Frederick Ma (the Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is my great pleasure to welcome you – more than 6 000 government leaders and high-profile professionals from over 70 countries – from ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Central Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and beyond – welcome to Hong Kong, and welcome to the 11th Belt and Road Summit.

Every year since 2016, we gather here to turn opportunities into tangible outcomes – business and investment partnerships, and the promise of more to follow. This year, under the theme “Advancing High-Quality Development · Embarking on a New Journey”, we come together with renewed determination to build a more prosperous future for all.

In a world struggling with unprecedented change and geopolitical fragmentation, connectivity, co-operation and consensus are essential. That’s precisely what the Belt and Road Initiative offers.

Rooted in our rich history of cross-cultural collaboration, the Belt and Road Initiative is not a map of the past, but a shared blueprint for the future. And Hong Kong is where we realise that future. Where East meets West. Where capital, talent, businesses and opportunities converge.

And for good reason. Under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong enjoys the strong support of China, our country, while maintaining far-reaching international connectivity. We are internationally recognised as a global centre for finance, trade and logistics, as well as legal services and dispute resolution. Hong Kong is also developing rapidly as an international innovation, technology and education hub.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank’s plan to establish an office in Hong Kong, and the International Organization for Mediation’s opening of its headquarters here, last October, underline our role as an international financial and dispute resolution centre.

Hong Kong has signed free trade agreements with 14 Belt and Road countries, investment agreements with 20 Belt and Road economies and comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreements with 43 Belt and Road tax jurisdictions.

There’s more. With the official opening, last month, of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong now has 15 overseas Economic and Trade Offices. Together with InvestHK and Hong Kong Trade Development Council offices, our global network covers 129 countries, including 99 Belt and Road countries.

Hong Kong’s merchandise trade with Belt and Road countries rose by nearly 17 per cent last year, reaching about 323 billion US Dollars. Close to 1 500 companies from Belt and Road countries have established offices in Hong Kong, up about 17 per cent from 2022. Over 100 Belt and Road companies are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with more in the pipeline.

Hong Kong is also a hub for major international events. In July, LEAP, the global technology conference based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, chose Hong Kong for its first international edition, LEAP East. Next month, Hong Kong will host the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Finance Ministers’ Meeting. We will also host the 94th INTERPOL General Assembly, for four days from November 30, and the Belt and Road Green Innovation Conference next month.

In addition to strengthening our relations with traditional partners, Hong Kong continues to expand our network of friends along the Belt and Road. Ever since assuming office four years ago, I have led high-level business delegations to explore opportunities in 13 Belt and Road countries across ASEAN, the Middle East, and Central Asia: starting with Thailand in 2022; followed by the UAE (United Arab Emirates) and Saudi Arabia, and then Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia in 2023; Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam in 2024; Qatar and Kuwait in 2025; and Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan this year.

Our approach to exploring new markets is as itinerant as it is strategic. Every year, we focus on specific areas, and key economies in these areas.

One of our focal points is obviously ASEAN – Hong Kong’s close neighbour and our second-largest trading partner in the past 16 years in a row. Another area of focus is the Middle East, where the connectivity and exchanges between its dynamic centres of economic might and Hong Kong are growing by the day, and paving the way for accelerated trade growth. One other significant hub of connection is Central Asia, which acts as our gateway to unlock potentials of the broader region of Eurasia, seamlessly linking us with vibrant emerging markets.

Our regional focus is structured. Our reach remains flexible. Our drive stems from meeting the needs and interests of the business community.

These missions delivered over 250 MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding) and other agreements, from policy co-ordination and trade and investment, to expanded connectivity and support for companies. They underline Hong Kong’s long-standing focus on opening new markets, forming new partnerships and advancing regional co-operation.

My most recent mission, to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, deepened Hong Kong’s long-term engagement with Central Asia. I am deeply grateful for the warm welcome extended by both governments, and honoured that the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan is joining us today at this Summit.

The mission yielded 96 co-operation agreements and MOUs valued at more than 1.65 billion US Dollars. Early results are encouraging: Central Asian companies are pursuing listings in Hong Kong; direct flights between Central Asia and Hong Kong are expected to begin in January; and a large-scale conference, presented by a major Hong Kong media organisation, has just concluded in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

These are not isolated successes. Rather, they demonstrate the value of a hub-to-hub co-operation model. Under it, Hong Kong can serve as Belt and Road economies’ gateway to the Chinese Mainland and global markets. In return, the countries we visit join us with their regions, creating an inter-connected network of hubs. This network will amplify regional strengths through enhanced connectivity and, in doing so, unleash fresh opportunities.

The true currency of the Belt and Road is, after all, trust. It is what Hong Kong can seamlessly deliver as a global gateway for capital.

In June, Kazakhstan’s national railway company applied for a listing in Hong Kong, to finance new rail infrastructure and expand transport capacity. A Hungarian bank listed its seven billion euros medium-term note programme in Hong Kong, becoming the first European Union bank to establish such a bond programme on our exchange.

And negotiations on the Agreement on Promotion and Protection of Investments between Hong Kong and Bangladesh has recently concluded. The agreement will be signed today. Its entry into force will provide protection to investors on both sides, further encouraging bilateral investment flow.

Hong Kong is also advancing digital connectivity. In July, the nearly 3 000-kilometre Sihanoukville-Hong Kong submarine cable landed in Tseung Kwan O. This landmark China-Cambodia Belt and Road project will strengthen the security of Cambodia’s international Internet connectivity, while reinforcing our role as a regional information and digital hub.

Hong Kong is an ideal two-way springboard for Mainland enterprises expanding overseas, and for international companies looking to enter the Mainland market. Our GoGlobal Task Force, established last October, has assisted more than 300 Mainland enterprises in establishing or expanding their businesses in Hong Kong, and our world-class professional services are ready to support their overseas expansion plans.

We are equally committed to education. As the world’s only city counting five universities among the global top 100, Hong Kong attracts outstanding students from around the world. The HKSAR Government’s Belt and Road Scholarship has now supported more than 830 recipients. Some 5 000 students are enrolled in programmes of Hong Kong’s publicly-funded universities this year. About 600 students from Belt and Road countries took up internships here, which is an increase of 50 per cent, year on year. Yes, Hong Kong is committed to developing a shared Belt and Road talent pool, a long-term foundation for expanding people-to-people bonds and regional co-operation.

Cultural exchange is also a central priority. The Hong Kong Palace Museum will partner with Uzbekistan’s State Museum of History and the Center for Islamic Civilization, organising exhibitions on the Ancient Silk Road. And from September to November, Hong Kong hosts the fourth Asia+ Festival, celebrating the artistic and cultural diversity of Asia, including Belt and Road regions.

Embodying our strong network of friendship and collective striving for co-operation, this year’s Belt and Road Summit features Central Asia’s, Middle East and ASEAN elements. It also includes spotlights on the low-altitude economy, health, and the sovereign wealth funds of Belt and Road countries. The exhibition zone features more than 120 exhibitors.

During the Summit, we will witness the exchange of over 60 government agreements and MOUs, as well as business MOUs and transactions with Belt and Road partners. The total of projects and deals concluded in recent days has reached over 3.1 billion US Dollars.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Belt and Road Initiative is ultimately about building bridges – not just across continents, but also into a brighter future. Hong Kong thrives in connecting markets around the globe, but today, we are also connecting with the cosmos.

Yes, Hong Kong’s reach now extends to the stars – as our city boasts its very first home-grown astronaut, payload specialist Dr Lai Ka-ying, now orbiting above us on the Tiangong Space Station as part of the crew of our country’s Shenzhou-23. And, as much as I would love to stay and talk more with you this morning, I have to make a quick dash now – for I will be joining, in a moment, students from Hong Kong and Macao in a live space-to-earth dialogue with Dr Lai and her fellow astronauts.

Let’s just say, from global infrastructure to outer space, Hong Kong knows no limits in its pursuit of development. On that note, I wish you all a rewarding Belt and Road Summit and an enjoyable stay in Hong Kong.

Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Opening Ceremony of BIOHK2026 today (September 9):

Professor Albert Yu (Chairman of the Hong Kong Biotechnology Organization and President of BIOHK2026), Professor Lo (Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is a great pleasure to join you all at BIOHK2026. As we are riding on the wave of biotechnology transformation, it is crucial for us to exchange ideas, contribute our expertise, and seize boundless opportunities in the biotechnology area. A very warm welcome to those joining us from abroad and I wish you a pleasant stay in Hong Kong.

Let me begin with an achievement worth celebrating for Hong Kong’s recent I&T (innovation and technology) development. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) yesterday published the WIPO Global Innovation Index 2026, once again ranking the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster first globally. Reaching the top once is a monumental milestone, but retaining the top spot cements our cluster’s world-class capability, resilience, and sustained innovation. The cluster has excelled at channelling capital to support the translation of innovative ideas into practical outcomes, including biotechnology.

This affirms that Hong Kong’s efforts in fostering effective collaboration among the Government, industry, academic, research and investment sectors are on the right track. Over the past few years, the Government has deployed targeted policy measures to ensure technology, capital, and talent reinforce one another, as well as expediting co-operation with our Greater Bay Area sister cities. Core to this strategy are three $10 billion funding schemes, namely the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme, the New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme, and the Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund. Moreover, the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government has been supporting the growth of start-ups. With the $180 million Pilot I&T Accelerator Scheme to be launched this year, we aim to attract more experienced incubators to set up accelerator bases in Hong Kong so as to better support the development and needs of start-ups.

As Hong Kong accelerates its development into an international I&T centre, life and health technology stands at the very core of our strategic vision. We are taking every step to strengthen our R&D (research and development) capabilities. Our Health@InnoHK cluster continues to develop itself into a holistic research hub on life sciences, accelerating breakthroughs in biomedicine, genomics and more. In addition, we will set up the Life and Health Technology Research Institute. The Institute will operate on a “1+3” model, with a main institute in the Loop focusing on “AI + life sciences”, and three branch institutes established by local universities based on their specific research strengths such as medical diagnostics, advanced therapies, and neurodegenerative diseases in the elderly.

Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong offers an open ecosystem for innovation to thrive. With our world-class universities, advanced research facilities and a vibrant ecosystem, we provide an integrated platform for life and health technology companies to innovate and grow from R&D to clinical trials and commercialisation. Next week, Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan and the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address will be officially announced. As both documents are of paramount importance to our I&T development, I encourage everyone to follow the updates closely so that we can shape the future of I&T together.

Before I close, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to BIOHK and the relevant stakeholders for their significant contributions to promote the development of biotechnology in Hong Kong, the nearby region and the world. I wish BIOHK2026 every success and everyone a fruitful experience throughout the event. Thank you.