Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) delegation led by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, today (October 23) visited the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center and the Xiong’an New Area in Hebei to study the development experiences of major new areas on the Mainland and to advance the planning, construction and investment promotion for the Northern Metropolis.

The Beijing Municipal Administrative Center and the Xiong’an New Area in Hebei are the new “two wings” established in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei co-ordinated development strategy. In the morning, the delegation visited the planning exhibition hall, the Yunhe Business District and the Beijing Library of the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center to learn about the planning, industry development, business environment, canal-side development and conservation, as well as the construction of public cultural facilities there. Accompanied by member of the Party Leadership Group of the Beijing Municipal Government and Vice Mayor of Beijing Mr Tang Wenhong, the delegation also toured the Tongzhou campus of the Renmin University of China to learn about its campus planning and smart campus management.

In the afternoon, the delegation proceeded to the Xiong’an New Area in Hebei to tour the comprehensive service centre of Xiong’an’s start-up area and the command centre of Xiong’an Intercity Railway Station along the east-west axis to better understand the planning and construction of both the start-up area and the integrated transport hub of Xiong’an Intercity Railway Station. Accompanied by member of the Party Leadership Group and Vice-Governor of the People’s Government of Hebei Province, Mr Zhao Dachun, delegation members also visited a construction site at the Xiong’an campus of the University of Science and Technology Beijing to understand its development.

Upon arriving in Beijing yesterday (October 22), the HKSAR delegation also visited the Liangma River in Chaoyang District to study the Liangma River restoration and improvement project, the development of the local night and waterfront economy, and cruise at the Blue Harbor Pier. The delegation will continue its visit to the Xiong’an New Area tomorrow (October 24).

The visit is co-ordinated by the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, while arrangements for the activities are made by the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality and the People’s Government of Hebei Province. Members of the delegation include the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn; the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; and the Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Kevin Choi; as well as representatives from the Education Bureau, the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, Invest Hong Kong and relevant government departments. The delegation also comprises senior management members from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the MTR Corporation Limited, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited, and the eight universities funded by the University Grants Committee, and representatives from the business, finance and banking sectors.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Electoral Affairs Commission:

     The 2025 Legislative Council General Election (LCGE) will be held on December 7 (Sunday). The nomination period for the election will run from tomorrow (October 24) to November 6.

     The Chairman of the Electoral Affairs Commission, Mr Justice David Lok, today (October 23) visited the Returning Officer’s office at the Central Government Offices, Tamar, to inspect the procedures for receiving nomination forms and the preparatory work at the venue.

     Mr Justice Lok said, “Preparatory work and various arrangements for the nomination period of the LCGE at relevant Returning Officers’ offices are all ready. The staff members will receive nomination forms in accordance with the established procedures to ensure smooth operation of the nomination period starting from tomorrow.”

     Mr Justice Lok held a briefing on October 9 for the Returning Officers where he highlighted the important roles and responsibilities of the Returning Officers and reminded them to carry out the electoral work in strict compliance with the relevant electoral laws and guidelines to ensure that the LCGE will be conducted openly, honestly and fairly, as well as in a safe and orderly manner.

     A total of 90 members, with 20 from geographical constituencies, 30 from functional constituencies and 40 from the Election Committee constituency, will be returned in this election.

     To run for a seat in a geographical constituency, a functional constituency or the Election Committee constituency, a nominated person must be a registered geographical constituency elector aged 21 or above. He or she must also have ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for three years immediately preceding the date of his or her nomination, and must be a Chinese citizen who is a Hong Kong permanent resident with no right of abode in a foreign country.

However, candidature in 12 functional constituencies is open to Hong Kong permanent residents who are not Chinese citizens or who have the right of abode in a foreign country. These constituencies are: legal; accountancy; engineering; architectural, surveying, planning and landscape; real estate and construction; tourism; commercial (first); industrial (first); finance; financial services; import and export; and insurance.

     A nominated person for the functional constituency election must be a registered elector for, or have a substantial connection with, the relevant functional constituency. For the Election Committee constituency election, a nominated person needs not be a member of the Election Committee.

     Details on the eligibility to be nominated as a candidate and disqualification from being nominated as a candidate and from being elected as a Member, as well as the requirements to be complied with by persons nominated as candidates, are set out in sections 37, 39 and 40 respectively of the Legislative Council Ordinance (Cap. 542).

     For the geographical constituency election, each nominated person needs to be subscribed by at least 100 but not more than 200 registered electors of the constituency concerned, and an elector may subscribe only one nomination of the geographical constituency in the capacity as an elector in respect of his/her own geographical constituency. Each nominated person for the geographical constituency election must also be subscribed by at least 10 but not more than 20 members of the Election Committee, which must include at least two but not more than four members from each of the five sectors of the Election Committee. A member of the Election Committee may subscribe only one nomination form of the geographical constituency election in his/her capacity as a member of the Election Committee.

     Each nominated person for the functional constituency election must be subscribed by at least 10 but not more than 20 registered electors of the constituency concerned and an elector may subscribe any number of nomination forms up to the number of seats in his/her functional constituency. Each nominated person for the functional constituency election must also be subscribed by at least 10 but not more than 20 members of the Election Committee, which must include at least two but not more than four members from each of the five sectors of the Election Committee. A member of the Election Committee may subscribe only one nomination form of the functional constituency election in his/her capacity as a member of the Election Committee.

     For the Election Committee constituency election, each nominated person must be subscribed by at least 10 but not more than 20 members of the Election Committee, which must include at least two but not more than four members from each of the five sectors of the Election Committee. A member of the Election Committee may subscribe only one nomination form of the Election Committee constituency election.

     The nomination forms may be obtained at the two offices of the Registration and Electoral Office (8/F, Treasury Building, 3 Tonkin Street West, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon, and Unit 2301-03, 23/F, Millennium City 6, 392 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon), or at the offices of the Returning Officers of the relevant constituencies. The nomination forms may also be obtained from any of the District Offices during their operation hours, or downloaded from the election website (www.elections.gov.hk).

     A nominated person must submit the completed nomination form together with an election deposit in person to the respective Returning Officer during ordinary business hours (from 9am to 5pm on Mondays to Fridays and from 9am to noon on Saturdays, except public holidays) within the nomination period. A deposit of $50,000 needs to be paid by each nominated person for the geographical constituency election. Each nominated person for the functional constituency election or the Election Committee constituency election has to pay an election deposit of $25,000. Nominated persons may consider lodging the election deposit by Faster Payment System (FPS) newly introduced this year (but attention should be paid to the transfer limit setting of the relevant account), or by cash and cashier orders to avoid any complications arising from a cheque not being honoured.

     For enquiries, please call the election hotline at 2891 1001 or visit the election website.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

In support of the 2025 National Games, the Science Museum will launch an exhibition presenting the history of the National Games and the competition events to be held in Hong Kong in the 2025 National Games from tomorrow to February 25 next year.

Addressing the opening ceremony today, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing said that the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, cohosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau for the first time, will be launched in November and December respectively this year.

He highlighted that this is the first time for Hong Kong to be a cohost of a national sports event. Relevant government departments will strive to stage a simple, safe and wonderful games with concerted efforts and active preparation, and encourage the public to join in various ways, and ignite their passion for sports.

Mr Cheuk said that the exhibition aims to showcase the country’s remarkable sports achievements, demonstrate how innovative technologies assist athletes to scale new heights, and encourage the public to develop a healthy and active lifestyle. People can better understand the country’s remarkable accomplishments in sports development while participating in this major sports event.

It is the second exhibition of the National Development & Achievements Series.

Featuring more than 20 interactive exhibits, visitors can experience the essence and enjoyment of various sports, such as the spin of rugby, the jumps of beach volleyball, the speed of track cycling, the precision of golf, the attacks of fencing and the defence of basketball. Visitors can also take part in the fitness tests to better understand their own physical condition.

The exhibition covers sports psychology, sports medicine, sports nutrition, etc, enabling members of the public to understand the concept of sports comprehensively and learn how to integrate sports into everyday life.

It also presents Hong Kong athletes’ medals and equipment, highlighting their relentless efforts and pursuit of excellence in the spirit of sportsmanship.

The museum will invite athletes to share their experiences in their personal journeys, and will organise a series of educational programmes, including talks, workshops and scientific demonstrations.

There will be free Cantonese guided tours of the exhibition every Saturday and Sunday from November 8, 2025 to February 22, 2026.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation led by Financial Secretary Paul Chan visited the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center and the Xiong’an New Area in Hebei today, to study the development experiences of major new areas on the Mainland, with a view to advancing the Northern Metropolis’ planning, construction and investment promotion.

The Beijing Municipal Administrative Center and the Xiong’an New Area are the new “two wings” established in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei co-ordinated development strategy.

This morning, the delegation visited the centre’s planning exhibition hall, the Yunhe Business District and the Beijing Library to learn about the planning, industry development, business environment, canal-side development and conservation, as well as the construction of public cultural facilities there.

Accompanied by Beijing Municipal Government Party Leadership Group member and Beijing Vice Mayor Tang Wenhong, the delegates also toured Renmin University of China’s Tongzhou campus, where they found out more about its campus planning and smart campus management.

In the afternoon, the delegation proceeded to the Xiong’an New Area to tour the “comprehensive service centre of Xiong’an’s start-up area” and the “command centre of Xiong’an Intercity Railway Station along the east-west axis” to better understand relevant planning and construction.

In the company of Party Leadership Group member and Vice-Governor of the People’s Government of Hebei Province Zhao Dachun, they also visited a construction site at the Xiong’an campus of the University of Science & Technology Beijing.

Upon arriving in Beijing yesterday, the Hong Kong delegation visited the Liangma River in Chaoyang District to study the Liangma River restoration and improvement project, the development of the local night and waterfront economy, and the Blue Harbor Pier cruise.

The group led by the Financial Secretary will continue the Xiong’an New Area visit tomorrow.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Electoral Affairs Commission Chairman David Lok today visited the Returning Officer’s office at the Central Government Offices, Tamar, to inspect the procedures for receiving nomination forms and the preparatory work ahead of the 2025 Legislative Council General Election’s nomination period.

The 2025 election will be held on December 7 and its nomination period will run from tomorrow to November 6.

Mr Lok said that preparatory work and various arrangements for the election’s nomination period at relevant Returning Officers’ offices are all ready, adding that the staff members will receive nomination forms in accordance with the established procedures to ensure smooth operation of the nomination period.

A total of 90 members, with 20 from geographical constituencies, 30 from functional constituencies and 40 from the Election Committee constituency, will be returned in this election.

The nomination forms are available at the two offices of the Registration & Electoral Office at 8/F, Treasury Building, 3 Tonkin Street West, Cheung Sha Wan, and Unit 2301-03, 23/F, Millennium City 6, 392 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong or at the relevant Returning Officers’ offices. The nomination forms may also be obtained from district offices or downloaded online.

Call 2891 1001 or visit the election website for enquiries.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today extended his warmest congratulations on the victorious conclusion of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

The session adopted the Recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic & Social Development. Mr Lee said that the session holds great significance, as this year marks the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan period and the preparatory year for the 15th Five-Year Plan.

The session’s communique stated that the session gave a highly positive assessment of the country’s major achievements in development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period and outlined the main goals for economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period.

The session emphasised the need to unite in a concerted endeavour to accomplish the 15th Five-Year Plan; to promote the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macau; to promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and the cause of national reunification; and to contribute to the building of a global community of shared future.

The session also pointed out that thoroughly studying and implementing the spirit of the session is a major political task for the entire party and the country, both at present and in the near future.

Mr Lee was deeply inspired and encouraged by the victorious conclusion of the session.

He noted that despite the accelerating global changes unseen in a century during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the country has solidly strived for high-quality development, achieving groundbreaking progress, transformative changes and historic accomplishments in economic and social development. Furthermore, the country has further deepened reform comprehensively, making impressive achievements that drew global attention.

The recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan adopted at the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee will provide a top-level design and strategic blueprint for the country’s development over the next five years and are of great significance and impact to Hong Kong.

Mr Lee said: “Under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantage of having the strong support of the country while being closely connected to the world. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Hong Kong has been actively integrating into national development and playing an important role as a super connector and super value-adder for the world.

“The 15th Five-Year Plan period is crucial for the nation in building a great country and moving toward national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernisation. It also coincides with a critical period when the implementation of ‘one country, two systems’ enters a new stage and Hong Kong accelerates its progression from governance to prosperity.

“In the face of profound and complex changes in the circumstances for development, where strategic opportunities coexist with risks and challenges with increasing uncertainties and unpredictable factors, Hong Kong will identify and focus on its advantageous positioning in the country’s development blueprint, proactively align with the chapters on Hong Kong and Macau in the 15th Five-Year Plan, seize the significant opportunities brought about by the country’s development, and leverage its own unique advantages in national development.

“All sectors of the Hong Kong community should earnestly study and implement the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, give full play to the strength and value of ‘patriots administering Hong Kong’ and, in the nation’s continuous progress of building a great country and moving toward national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernisation, fulfil Hong Kong’s responsibilities, seize Hong Kong’s opportunities and make Hong Kong’s contributions,” Mr Lee added.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam today attended two discussion sessions at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting in Incheon, Korea.

In the morning, Mr Lam met Indonesian Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, before the ministerial meeting. They discussed capacity building on online dispute resolution and other matters of mutual interest.

Mr Lam then attended the third and fourth discussion sessions of the ministerial meeting.

Apart from discussing how structural reform can promote prosperity for all, Mr Lam also introduced Hong Kong, China’s measures in housing, labour, healthcare, and support for the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

Furthermore, he elaborated on Hong Kong, China’s vision of further improving people’s livelihoods and building a fair and just society through legislation, updating laws, and developing the economy through reforms.

In the afternoon, Mr Lam visited the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Regional Centre for Asia & the Pacific, and met its Head Athita Komindr.

The Sixth UNCITRAL Asia Pacific Judicial Summit, a biennial flagship event jointly organised by UNCITRAL and the Department of Justice (DoJ), will be held in Hong Kong during Hong Kong Legal Week in December.

The summit will explore topics related to the application of digital economy, virtual assets, artificial intelligence and other relevant subjects in the judicial field.

Mr Lam wrapped up the day’s engagements with a courtesy call to Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Korea Dai Bing in the evening.

The justice chief briefed Mr Dai on the co-operation between the DoJ and the Korean Ministry of Justice, and the way forward for strengthening the overseas promotion of the advantages of Hong Kong’s legal services.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival today (October 23):

Peter (Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Dr Peter Lam), Allan (Representative of the Bordeaux Wine Council, Mr Allan Sichel), ladies and gentlemen, 

Good evening. A big welcome to the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, the 13th happy edition! 

We have all the ingredients for four fabulous days and nights of wining and dining under the sun and the stars. And this year, ladies and gentlemen, you can party until midnight every night.

I’m told some 150 000 people, from Hong Kong, the Mainland, the Asian region and around the world will take part in this year’s Wine & Dine Festival, here to enjoy the stunning, harbour-side setting and the wide range of international and local offerings. 

As the Chief Executive announced in his recent Policy Address, this year’s Wine & Dine Festival is an enhanced version. More than 300 fine wine and food booths, from 31 countries and regions, are here – waiting for you and your taste buds. It’s all part of the Government’s efforts to showcase Hong Kong as an international culinary hub. Something we clearly don’t have to tell you. 

As Peter noted, this year’s Festival welcomes the return of the Grand Wine Pavilion, featuring more than 100 exceptional Old and New World wines chosen by renowned wine critic James Suckling, and offering you a rare opportunity to sample hand-picked wines and enjoy a refined tasting experience.
 
And, yes, Gourmet Avenue is back and bigger than ever. A dozen of this city’s top restaurants – counting 13 Michelin stars and seven Black Pearl diamonds among them – will serve up Cantonese, Chinese, French, Nordic-Japanese, pizza and more, all in one place. 

Then there’s the Tasting Room, where five celebrated chefs from around the world come together in a special collaboration. 

I know you will enjoy it all, ladies and gentlemen. Every last memorable bite, bottle and moment of this year’s Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival.

Once you have enjoyed the food and wine, we invite you to take some time to explore the rest of Hong Kong. Our city truly has it all. You can discover our vibrant arts and cultural scene, explore our rich heritage, relax in our beautiful country parks, have fun at our world-class theme parks, or enjoy fantastic shopping. There is always so much more to see and do. 

My thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Bordeaux Wine Council, and all the many devoted organisers and sponsors who have contributed to the success of this spectacular festival. Together, we are making Hong Kong a true gathering place for food and wine lovers from all over the world. 

And while you are enjoying the vibrant life of our city, I would like to take this opportunity to call upon all of you from Hong Kong to cast your votes in the upcoming Legislative Council election to be held on December 7. By casting your vote, you can play a part in shaping the future of this community we all love. Let us elect a team of patriotic, capable, and dedicated legislators who will work tirelessly to serve the people of Hong Kong and contribute to our country.  

Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy the party, beautiful Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong, the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. That certainly includes fine food and wine enjoyed in the very best of company. Cheers!