Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

Chief Executive John Lee

Hong Kong is a key gateway – a super connector and super value-adder – between the Mainland market and a world of investors. And the Northern Metropolis is a geographical manifestation of this very important role.

The Northern Metropolis enjoys an unparalleled geographical advantage of seamlessly connecting with Shenzhen, one of the most entrepreneurial and energetic cities on the Mainland.

Shenzhen and Hong Kong, together with Guangzhou, Macau and seven other cities in southern China, form the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The GBA brings together a population of 86 million and a combined gross domestic product that rivals that of the world’s 10th-largest economy.

The Loop, an area that straddles across the boundary between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, will be developed into an international innovation and technology hub. With the Loop, and other development areas in the pipeline, the Northern Metropolis will become a region that radiates beyond geographical boundaries.

Taking forward a development of this scale, and gravitas, requires the efforts and resources of all sectors of our community. Yes, the development of the Northern Metropolis will be government-led, but market participation is just as vital.

The private sector could participate in land development by multiple means. We will be trying out a large‑scale land‑disposal approach in three pilot areas: Hung Shui Kiu, Fanling North and San Tin Technopole.

In each of these areas, a relatively large parcel of land will be put to tender. Each parcel will feature elements of commercial value, as well as infrastructure works or government facilities. The three sites are different in scale and components, suiting varying commercial interests and risk appetite. I am confident that this would provide the private sector with a brand-new and efficient way to participate in our development and, in turn, benefit our society as a whole.

Ladies and gentlemen, I look forward to your active participation in the development of the Northern Metropolis. Together, we will realise that bright future for your businesses, for the Northern Metropolis, and for Hong Kong.

Chief Executive John Lee gave these remarks at the Signing Ceremony for Enterprise Participation in Northern Metropolis Development on November 29.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

Chief Executive John Lee

It has been 20 years since Hong Kong last hosted a regional conference of the International Association of Prosecutors, and it is an honour to do so again this year. Hong Kong, I want you to know, has come a long, good way over these past two decades.

 

For the next few minutes, I am happy to update you on Hong Kong, and how our distinguished legal sector is working to protect the people of Hong Kong in this age of technology – and technology crime.

 

Under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys a unique status, unparalleled by other jurisdictions in many ways. We are a special administrative region within the People’s Republic of China, our country. At the same time, Hong Kong flourishes as a major international financial and legal hub, with deep and long-standing connections to the rest of the world. 

 

We are a city characterised by unrivalled connectivity and a free flow of information, capital, goods and people.

 

Under the Basic Law, our constitutional document, Hong Kong may make appropriate arrangements with foreign states, for reciprocal juridical assistance. We may, using the title “Hong Kong, China”, participate in international organisations and international trade agreements; and develop relations with foreign states and regions in such fields as trade, financial, shipping, communications and sports. Representatives of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government may, also, participate in international organisations and conferences, as members of Chinese delegations.

 

Hong Kong is China’s only common law jurisdiction. Our legal system, resembling that of many major global financial centres, is supported by a long and established practice of the rule of law. Our courts exercise their judicial power independently, free from any interference.

 

Also free from any interference, as prescribed by the Basic Law, is the conduct of criminal prosecutions by our Department of Justice. Our prosecutors pursue justice with integrity, professionalism and passion. And we are deeply committed to international co-operation in the fight against crime.

 

This three-day regional conference of the International Association of Prosecutors, is hosted by the Prosecutions Division of the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Department of Justice. With nearly 100 high-profile prosecutors and senior legal professionals here from 25 countries and regions, this conference is testament to Hong Kong’s determination to work with the world – with you – in combatting crime.

 

The conference theme, “Effective Prosecution Service in the Technological Age”, highlights the critical importance of maintaining an innovative, connected and efficient public prosecution service in today’s digital, ever-changing world. 

 

That demands that our public prosecution departments and offices, and everyone in them, be kept abreast of the latest developments in the law, as well as society.

 

Cross-jurisdictional sharing of best practices and experience gained can make a decided difference in tackling technology crime, on an international level.

 

In Hong Kong, a highly-developed international financial centre where technology is easily accessible by all, criminals are increasingly turning to the use of cryptocurrencies, virtual assets, and technology in committing traditional crime. And crimes executed solely through technology are also on the rise.

 

That is why Hong Kong places great emphasis on the security of cyber infrastructure, in fighting technology crime, locally and internationally.

 

The Law Reform Commission of Hong Kong’s Cybercrime Sub-committee has published a consultation paper, on “Cyber-Dependent Crimes & Jurisdictional Issues”. The sub-committee’s law reform proposals centre on cyber-dependent crimes, ranging from the illegal interference and interception of computer data and systems, to possessing devices for committing a crime.

 

The recommendations, which are in varying stages of progress, are part of an ongoing, multistage focus on cybercrime and related matters. They were created to better protect individual rights, in the face of rapid developments in information technology and the Internet, and the potential for our citizens to be criminally exploited.

 

Last year, the Prosecutions Division of our Department of Justice established a Technology Crime Sub-Division. Its dedicated team of prosecutors specialise in handling and prosecuting technology crimes. 

 

The prosecutors work closely with cyber and forensic experts, and Police’s Cyber Security & Technology Crime Bureau, to combat technology crime in the city.

 

Hong Kong has been equally active in international outreach. Last September, we hosted the International Symposium on Cyber Policing, bringing together police leaders and officers from the Mainland, Macau, Interpol and 35 international jurisdictions, together with scholars and experts, all focused on cybersecurity.

 

And, just last month, we participated in the 14th China-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Prosecutors-General Conference in Singapore, as part of China’s delegation to the conference. We took part in discussions, alongside Mainland colleagues, on issues related to today’s technology, as well as financial crime and its effective prosecution.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to take a moment to pay tribute to our prosecutors, from home and beyond. In the pursuit of justice, you uphold the principles of fairness, impartiality and, most importantly, the rule of law. You stay committed to safeguarding the public interest in spite of formidable challenges.

 

I take pride in Hong Kong’s excellent prosecutors. Hong Kong will continue to pursue the highest prosecutorial standards, bringing to the world stage a dedicated prosecution service, working with other jurisdictions to take on the heightened challenges of our technological age.

 

My thanks to the International Association of Prosecutors for hosting this year’s Asia and Pacific Regional Conference here in Hong Kong. I am grateful, too, to the Department of Justice for its dedicated efforts in organising this essential international gathering.

 

Chief Executive John Lee gave these remarks at the opening ceremony of the 11th Asia & Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Prosecutors on November 28.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The Government today announced that Sandy Cheung will assume the post of District Officer (Southern) tomorrow, succeeding Francis Cheng.

Since joining the Administrative Service in 2001, Ms Cheung has served in various bureaus and departments, including the Home Affairs Department, the then Environment, Transport & Works Bureau, the Environmental Protection Department, the then Food & Health Bureau, the Education Bureau, the then Home Affairs Bureau, and the Innovation, Technology & Industry Bureau.

She was Principal Assistant Secretary at the Security Bureau before taking up the new post.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The Government today announced its 2025-26 Land Sale List which includes eight residential sites, involving about 4,450 flats to be put up for sale.

Unveiling the list this afternoon, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn said taking into account the estimated land supply from government land sale, MTR Corporation and Urban Renewal Authority projects as well as private development/redevelopment projects, the private housing land supply in 2025-26 can produce about 13,700 flats.

Pursuant to the “Long Term Housing Strategy Annual Progress Report 2024” released in October 2024, the target for private housing land supply in 2025-26 is 13,200 flats, similar to the potential supply of this financial year.

No commercial site has been included on the list, considering the high vacancy rate of offices in recent years and the relatively ample supply in the next few years.

As for industrial sites, the Government has identified three pilot areas to adopt the large-scale land disposal approach, located in Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen, Fanling North and the San Tin Technopole.

Each of these pilot areas covers land for residential, industry and public facilities. The expressions of interest exercise will last until end-March, with a target to commence the tendering work progressively from the second half of 2025 to 2026.

For the first quarter of 2025-26, ie April to June this year, a site in Tuen Mun will be put up for tender, capable of producing about 525 flats.

Ms Linn said that the site is located in a mature residential neighbourhood near a light rail station and should be attractive to the market.

She reiterated that the Government will prudently roll out land in a paced and pragmatic manner for development and maintain a continuous and sustained land supply, noting that placing available sites on the list does not mean all sites are to be rolled out.

The Government will refer to the market situation and other supply sources so as to announce the Land Sale Programme on a quarterly basis. Depending on the market situation, it may also put up additional sites to respond to market changes, Ms Linn added.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

Declaring Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) officially open today, Chief Executive John Lee reminded the public that the venue will soon welcome top local, Mainland and international sports, music and cultural events as “Hong Kong Super March” gets underway.

Mr Lee officiated at a Grand Opening Ceremony at Kai Tak Stadium, along with other guests including Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Director Zheng Yanxiong, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kai Tak Sports Park Limited Henry Cheng.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Lee said that having once been the location of an airport in the heart of a busy city, Kai Tak has evolved to become a new global stage for sports, culture and the arts, reflecting Hong Kong’s spirit of “daring to be the pioneer” and creating unlimited horizons in a limited space.

The largest sports infrastructure project ever commissioned in Hong Kong, KTSP comprises the 50,000-seater Kai Tak Stadium, the 10,000-seater Kai Tak Arena and the 5,000-seater Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground. It encompasses 700,000 feet of retail, catering, leisure and entertainment facilities.

The Government said KTSP will boost sports development and inject impetus into related industries such as recreation, entertainment and tourism, as well as the city’s mega-event economy, thereby consolidating Hong Kong’s reputation as an events capital in Asia.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The Government announced today that it received 27 expression of interest (EOI) submissions for the Smart & Green Mass Transit System (SGMTS) project in the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen and Yuen Long South New Development Areas (NDAs).

The Transport Department explained that it, together with the Transport & Logistics Bureau, invited relevant system suppliers and operators to submit EOIs for the SGMTS project in the NDAs on December 20 last year.

The department said that the EOIs, after analysis, will serve as a reference for firming up the specific requirements and designs of the SGMTS and the relevant infrastructure, as well as ascertaining the delivery mode and financial arrangements of the project.

Once it makes reference to the views gathered, the Government can explore various procurement options and review the feasibility of shortening the overall programme of the project, the department added.

The Government plans to invite tenders for the project in 2026 and award the contract in 2027.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today outlined a series of measures in the Budget concerning Hong Kong’s collaboration with other cities of the Guangdong – Hong Kong – Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) on various fronts, including youth development.

As from this year, the requirements for joining the GBA Youth Employment Scheme has been relaxed so that youngsters aged 29 or below with sub-degree or higher qualifications can join, while the limit of allowance for enterprises has been increased to $12,000 per month per person for up to 18 months.

With regard to medical co-operation, the Government is seeking to establish the Real-World Study & Application Centre for the GBA Clinical Trial Collaboration Platform by Hong Kong and Shenzhen by the end of this year.

With the data from the special measure of using Hong Kong registered drugs and medical devices used in Hong Kong public hospitals in the GBA, Mr Chan explained that the aim is to accelerate approval for the registration of new drugs in Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas, fostering research and development, clinical trials and the application of advanced biomedical technology in Hong Kong.

On the financial front, following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cross-Boundary Credit Referencing Pilots between the Monetary Authority and the People’s Bank of China, the Government will progressively expand the pilot coverage to further facilitate cross-boundary financing for enterprises.

Concerning transport and logistics, Mr Chan pointed out that 21 airlines and 125 logistics companies have participated in the sea air intermodal cargo transshipment mode under the co-operation of Hong Kong and Dongguan.

It is expected that the first phase construction of the permanent facility for the Phase 1 development of the logistics park in Dongguan will be completed within this year and the preliminary study of Phase 2 development will commence shortly.

The co-operation with GBA cities covers the construction industry as well. Mr Chan pointed out that in collaboration with Guangdong Province, the Government has successfully established the “Professional Title” evaluation mechanism for the first batch of Hong Kong engineering professionals, with the mechanism to be extended to other construction related professions with the right conditions. 

The Government will collaborate with Guangdong Province and Macau to formulate GBA standards on the skill levels for skilled workers and technicians of the construction sector, and take forward the “One Examination, Multiple Certification” arrangement.

The Financial Secretary also mentioned the development of Qianhai, saying that the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Co-operation Zone is one of the major co-operation platforms in the bay area.

“For example, the turnover of Qianhai Mercantile Exchange, a subsidiary of Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing, exceeded RMB100 billion over the year. It operates our country’s only offshore spot trading platform for soybeans.”

He added that the Department of Justice collaborated with the relevant Mainland authorities and achieved the extension of the measures, including the one of “allowing Hong Kong invested enterprises to choose Hong Kong as the arbitration place” to other pilot cities in the bay area, thereby providing Hong Kong investors with a more facilitative business environment.

“Hong Kong will continue to support Qianhai in trying out new policies on a pilot basis and pursuing more policy innovation and breakthroughs, with a view to promoting the successful policies to the rest of the GBA and even the entire country.”

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The Lands Department today posted land resumption notices for the implementation of public housing development in Area 33 of Tung Chung.

 

Fifteen private lots with a total area of about 4,700 sq m will be resumed. The land will revert to the Government in three months’ time, on May 28.

 

The Government said it will maintain close liaison with the land owners and affected parties, and properly handle compensation and rehousing matters.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The total number of reported drug abusers in 2024 decreased by 9% from 2023 to 5,068, the Action Committee Against Narcotics announced today.

 

The number of reported drug abusers aged under 21 rose by 8%, however, to 720. Of these abusers, 226 had vaped the “space oil drug”.

 

The figures come from the Central Registry of Drug Abuse.

 

The most common substances taken by drug abusers in 2024 were heroin, cocaine and “ice” (methamphetamine), while people under 21 mostly took cannabis, cocaine and the “space oil drug”.

 

Since the first half of 2024, the “space oil drug” has been the third most common substance taken by drug abusers under 21.

 

To step up the control of the drug, the Government has listed etomidate, its main ingredient, along with its three analogues, as dangerous drugs.

 

The Security Bureau said the listing of etomidate as a dangerous drug has significantly enhanced deterrence against “space oil drug”-related crimes, and allowed law enforcement agencies to take more stringent enforcement actions against such crimes.

 

The committee’s Chairman, Donald Li, said he is glad that the Government adopted its suggestions to list etomidate as a dangerous drug.

 

He suggested that the Government should step up anti-drug publicity on all fronts and said he hopes primary and secondary schools can take the initiative to inculcate in their students the values of resisting drugs.

 

The Government’s new campaign, “Don’t fall into ‘space oil drug’ traps!”, has launched on various television and radio channels.

 

An Anti-“Space Oil Drug” Week was held last week by the bureau’s Narcotics Division and the Education Bureau. It was rolled out in all schools in Hong Kong, enabling students to understand the harms of the “space oil drug” and seriousness of crimes related to it.

Source: Assainir, relancer et développer ensemble : les orientations du 18e gouvernement

The Government today clarified that information being circulated online about the launch of a “National Hong Kong Coin” on blockchain purported to be announced by the Chief Executive is fake and cautioned the public not to believe it.

It pointed out that the information is totally fictitious with fraudulent intent and strongly condemned those who have attempted to distribute fake information in the name of the Chief Executive.

The Government reminded members of the public to remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of such content.

The incident has been referred to Police for a follow-up investigation.