Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Remarks by SDEV on application for renewal of registration of contractor at media session (with video)
Reporter: First question is how can the Government prevent future projects from being managed by the same individuals at Aggressive Construction Engineering Limited, and avoid similar incidents in the future? Additionally, how will the Bureau address other subsidiary companies of the said company? Will the Bureau refuse applications from them? Second question is, since the main contractor of the Anderson Road project is Superb Interior Contracting Company, which is also managing five other private developments, can you provide the name of these five projects, and will the Bureau remove the said company from the list accordingly? And will these projects be handed over to other contractors?
Secretary for Development: Let me try to answer the three questions you have raised. On the first one, regarding how we would prevent the same authorised signatories or what we call the technical directors, who are the responsible persons under the registered contractor, from being appointed to other construction companies. I think on this you can be rest assured that we have a system to prevent that from happening without going through the gatekeeping of the Buildings Department. Taking the present case as an example, the director has just now explained that the authorised signatories and the technical directors of this company have failed the interviews. So they will be removed from the list. If the same persons would like to work for other construction companies as authorised signatories and technical directors, they will have to go through the gatekeeping by the Buildings Department. So if they cannot go through, then they cannot go through. They can’t be appointed by other construction companies in that capacity.
As regards your second question, whether a parent company and a subsidiary company will be interrelated or affected whenever we take action against one. Our current system of deregistration, disciplinary action and prosecution focus on the entity. Whichever is the entity that is our target, we focus on them. So for today, we are talking about Aggressive Construction Company Limited, that is the target that we have for this deregistration exercise. We won’t be penalising the parent company or any related subsidiaries of the company penalised, because that will not be fair. What we will focus on is to make sure that, as I have explained just now, the authorised signatories and technical directors responsible and who have failed in the exercise, will not be too readily appointed by other construction companies, because of the gatekeeping system.
Regarding your third question that is concerning the case investigated by ICAC and the Buildings Department yesterday, that is completely a different case, because yesterday’s case regards another construction site under another construction company and is related to bribery and corruption, and also some deficiencies in the quality of the building works. And today, the case is about the decision on the application to renew the registration of another company. So the two are in two different contexts. So we have to deal with them separately and they are not interrelated in our consideration of the case.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
Issued at HKT 21:57
NNNN
26th World Customs Organization Asia/Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference concludes (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The 26th World Customs Organization (WCO) Asia/Pacific (A/P) Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference held by Hong Kong Customs, in the capacity of the WCO Vice-Chair for the A/P Region (APVC), concluded today (May 22).
In his concluding remarks, the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, recognised the fruitful outcomes gained from the four-day Conference, where participants endorsed various significant regional decisions, including the confirmation of the next-term regional representative positions and composition of the Regional Strategic Plan Working Group. The participants also received updates on the latest developments among A/P members and regional entities. In addition, the Conference featured discussions about an innovative initiative concerning a blockchain-based cross-validation platform, which was led by the APVC and aimed to accelerate logistics and economic development in the region.
On the first day of the Conference (May 19), Mr Chan met with the Secretary General of the WCO, Mr Ian Saunders, to discuss multiple issues, including the work of Hong Kong Customs since assuming the role of the Vice-Chair for the A/P Region, and the trends in global Customs development. On May 20 and 21, Mr Chan held individual bilateral meetings with the heads of five Customs administrations in the A/P region, namely the Commissioner of the Australian Border Force, Mr Gavan Reynolds; the Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance and President of the Customs Administration of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr Foroud Asgari; the Commissioner General of the Maldives Customs Service, Ms Fathimath Dhiyana; the Director General of the Singapore Customs, Mr Tan Hung Hooi; and Deputy Chief Executive of New Zealand Customs Service Mr Joe Cannon to strengthen mutual collaboration and explore future development opportunities. The Acting Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, also met with the Iranian authority and chaired the meeting.
​This Conference marks a significant milestone for Hong Kong Customs as it almost concludes its first year as the APVC. Over the past year, Hong Kong Customs has proactively organised around 10 impactful events, fostering knowledge sharing, co-operation, and cohesion among A/P members, and demonstrating their commitment to the promotion of regional development. In the future, Hong Kong Customs will continue to lead the members to contribute to the robust development of regional Customs affairs.
Speech by Acting SCED at launch event of Business Climate Survey for Swedish Companies in Hong Kong SAR 2025 (English only)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, at the launch event of the Business Climate Survey for Swedish Companies in Hong Kong SAR 2025 (Business Climate Survey 2025) today (May 22):
Secretary Jevrell (State Secretary to the Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade of Sweden, Mr Håkan Jevrell), Consul General Bergholm (Consul General of Sweden in Hong Kong, Ms Louise Bergholm), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. My pleasure to join you all today. This annual Business Climate Survey is indeed a valuable resource for understanding the perceptions and experiences of Swedish businesses in our city. I would like to sincerely congratulate Team Sweden for this initiative.
Hong Kong and Sweden have been enjoying a mutually beneficial relationship. Among the European Union member states, Sweden is our fourth-largest partner in services trade and 13th-largest partner in merchandise trade. In 2024, the merchandise trade between the two places amounted to HK$6.6 billion, a testament to the robust economic ties between the two economies. Hong Kong is also home to several world-renowned Swedish companies, such as IKEA and H&M, whose high-quality products have become household names in our city. We deeply value their contributions to Hong Kong’s economy and society.
The annual report reveals that Swedish businesses in Hong Kong perceive an improvement in the business climate compared to last year. This is indeed encouraging news, and it reaffirms Hong Kong’s position as an important regional hub and an attractive destination for Swedish companies to establish and expand their operations. Hong Kong’s competitive advantages, which include the rule of law, free flow of capital, a free trade and investment regime, and an efficient and clean government, all remain intact. Together with our low, simple and competitive tax system, open business environment, world-class infrastructure and multicultural talent pool, Hong Kong continues to offer unparalleled advantages for businesses from around the globe.
Like Sweden, Hong Kong is a staunch supporter of free trade. As a founding member of the World Trade Organization, we have never implemented any customs tariffs. We will continue to uphold the principle of free trade and firmly oppose any unilateral and bullying actions that undermine the global trading system.
Despite the challenges posed by the economic slowdown in overseas markets and the impact of geopolitics, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been actively working to consolidate our status as an international trade centre through diversified measures. Under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong has the unique advantage of connecting both the Mainland and the rest of the world. We are committed to seizing opportunities to strengthen our international ties, particularly through closer partnerships with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the expansion of overseas markets. In the face of a complex and ever-changing global trade landscape, we will do our best to turn risks into opportunities, ensuring the sustainable development of Hong Kong as a global trade hub.
According to the latest annual survey in 2024, Hong Kong has a record high of 9 960 companies with overseas or Mainland parent companies, including around 100 from Sweden, representing a year-on-year increase of over 7 per cent. These figures underscore Hong Kong’s growing attractiveness as a destination for global businesses, including those from Sweden.
As shown in the findings of this year’s Business Climate Survey, our city’s institutional fundamentals and core strengths, such as our common law system, regulatory regime aligned with international rules, as well as key national strategies like the Greater Bay Area development and the Belt and Road Initiative, are key reasons why so many Swedish companies have chosen to establish their presence here. The HKSAR Government will continue to work hard to maintain and enhance our favourable business environment.
To promote the development of strategic industries, Hong Kong is actively seeking technology partnerships in areas such as green tech, climate solutions and sustainable urban development, where Sweden excels. We believe that Swedish innovation in clean energy, circular economy and smart cities aligns perfectly with Hong Kong’s development goals. Our investment promotion agency, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), along with its consultant office in Gothenburg, will continue to provide one-stop customised support services to Swedish businesses exploring opportunities in our city.
In short, Hong Kong is the only place in the world where the global advantage and the China advantage converge in a single economy. Our city is an ideal destination for Swedish businesses and investment, especially for those looking to enter the vast market of Mainland China.
Before I conclude, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you all to the upcoming European Community Networking Reception 2025, to be held on June 4. This event will provide a wonderful platform for you to connect, collaborate and explore new business opportunities with fellow European companies. Your presence would undoubtedly enrich our discussions and networking. For more information, please visit InvestHK’s website. I look forward to seeing you there.
In closing, I would like to congratulate again Team Sweden on the successful launch of the 2025 Business Climate Survey. Hong Kong remains committed to fostering a business-friendly environment and strengthening our ties with Sweden. Together, we can unlock new opportunities and achieve greater success in the years to come.
Thank you so much. Enjoy the evening.
DCS chairs eighth meeting of Task Force on District Governance (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DCS chairs eighth meeting of Task Force on District Governance
Mr Cheuk said, “With the full implementation of the improved district governance structure, various policies and measures have been carried out in accordance with the overall strategies set by the Steering Committee, leading to concrete improvements in district facilities and environmental hygiene. The Task Force will continue to co-ordinate departments in optimising resources and deepening collaboration to advance people-centric measures and unite community efforts in building a better home.”
The Steering Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration has formulated strategies for 12 district issues, including multiple measures to enhance the local environment and improve streetscapes to create a more comfortable and livable environment while boosting the city’s appeal to tourists. The Task Force followed up at the meeting on the implementation progress and outcome of relevant initiatives, including:
Note: The eight key issues include: (1) expanding after-school care and enhancing support for parents; (2) caring for the elderly and enhancing community support; (3) fostering clean markets and mobilising the community to participate in anti-rodent work; (4) enhancing public order and combating crimes on all fronts; (5) improving pedestrian facilities and ensuring road safety; (6) improving the environment of public housing estates and creating comfortable homes; (7) caring for the elderly and promoting digital inclusion; and (8) Improving the waiting environment at public transport interchanges to enhance the travel experience.
Issued at HKT 19:00
NNNN
Algernon Yau attends Chongqing fair
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau today promoted Hong Kong’s advantages to Mainland enterprises as he attended the Seventh Western China International Fair for Investment & Trade in Chongqing.
Organised by the Chongqing Municipal People’s Government, the fair is an important platform for trade co-operation and investment promotion in the western region of the country.
Hong Kong is the “guest city of honour” at this year’s fair and has a pavilion at it promoting the city’s strengths and showcase its role as a premium trade and business platform for Mainland enterprises to go global. A service industry event was also held to foster co-operation with Chongqing.
Addressing the fair’s opening ceremony, Mr Yau said that Chongqing and Hong Kong have long enjoyed close ties, playing unique roles in the nation’s development, with Chongqing being an important link between the Belt & Road, the Yangtze River Economic Belt and highly “opened-up” inland areas.
As regards Hong Kong, he outlined that the city possesses the unique advantages of enjoying strong support nationally while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the wider world, adding that it is the country’s southern gateway and a key platform connecting the Greater Bay Area with international markets.
Since the establishment of a Hong Kong/Chongqing co-operation conference mechanism in 2023, Mr Yau added, both places have been pursuing co-operation on different fronts, leveraging their complementarity to achieve mutual benefits and contribute jointly to the country’s high-quality development and create unlimited opportunities for enterprises.
The commerce chief emphasised that Hong Kong is the connecting platform under the national dual circulation strategy, serving as “super connector” and “super value-adder”, and functioning as a springboard for Mainland enterprises to go global whilst also attracting overseas enterprises. He said he looked forward to more Chongqing enterprises coming to Hong Kong.
Mr Yau then toured the Hong Kong Pavilion, which covers 600 sq. m and showcases Hong Kong’s strengths in areas such as finance, shipping and innovation and technology, as well as the achievements of its co-operation with Chongqing.
Speaking at another function jointly organised by the Commerce & Economic Development Bureau and the Trade Development Council, Mr Yau remarked that Hong Kong has a mature modern service industry system while Chongqing is a major economic centre in the western region with a strong manufacturing base that enjoys strong complementarity with Hong Kong.
Highlighting that the two places present enormous potential for co-operation in the services sector, he said Hong Kong can provide solid support for Chongqing in the development of modern services while Chongqing’s sizeable market and industrial base also offer extensive opportunities for Hong Kong enterprises.
Apr inflation up 2%
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Overall consumer prices rose 2% year-on-year in April, larger than the corresponding increase in March, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.
Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, underlying inflation was 1.3%, also larger than that in March.
Compared with a year before, price increases were recorded in April in the following categories: electricity, gas and water; transport; housing; miscellaneous services; meals out and takeaway food; miscellaneous goods; and alcoholic drinks and tobacco.
Meanwhile, year-on-year decreases were logged in clothing and footwear; durable goods; and basic food.
The Government said that inflation pressure remained largely moderate in recent months, with price pressures on various major components staying contained in general.
Travel-related charges climbed amid the Easter holidays which started in April, resulting in an increased underlying consumer price inflation rate in the month, it explained.
The Government expects that overall inflation should remain modest in the near term, while pressures from domestic costs and external prices should stay broadly in check.
Hong Kong Customs detects smuggling case by river trade vessel involving goods worth about $28 million (with photo)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs detects smuggling case by river trade vessel involving goods worth about $28 million (with photo)Issued at HKT 18:00
NNNN
SAMOA TRAINS 30 ECO-GUARDIANS TO LEAD ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGN
Source:
[PRESS RELEASE 25 April 2025] – Conservation International (CI) and the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC) co-hosted a comprehensive Training of Teachers (TOT) workshop at the Elisa Hotel Conference Room in Sogi from the 22 – 25 April. The event equipped 35 educators from Sagaga and Anoamaa districts and partners, for the next implementation sites for the Guardians Environmental Education Campaign, with innovative tools and strategies to promote environmental stewardship among students and communities.
The workshop focused on familiarizing participants with the Guardians Manual, experiential teaching techniques, and practical methods to deliver engaging environmental education programs. Key sessions included interactive modules on multiple learning styles, effective teaching practices, and trial runs of campaign themes such as Trash Star, Coral Champion, Wise Fisher, Tree Guardian, and Samoa Voyager. Participants collaborated to design activity plans, resource materials, and delivery methods tailored to their communities.
A dedicated session on social and environmental safeguards emphasized child protection, prevention of exploitation, and logistical best practices to ensure safety during campaign activities. The workshop concluded with certificate presentations, recognizing participants’ commitment to advancing environmental education.
“This workshop was very valuable and important and I appreciate the generous resources invested in us as educators to be able to support the Guardians Environmental Education modules” said Maria Fonofili from Sauano Primary School. “I am very grateful to the organizers for the past four days for all the informative sessions and knowledge shared which have greatly expanded our understanding for the benefit of teaching our children .”
The training and campaign ahead is made possible through foundational funding from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Manaaki Programme, with additional support from the Blackmore Foundation, Waitt Foundation and the Blue Nature Alliance. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) and the Samoa Voyaging Society (SVS) were also able to support the facilitation of the programme modules and strengthening its impact. Conservation International and the Ministry of Education and Culture, extend their deepest gratitude to these partners for their commitment to environmental education and sustainable development in Samoa.
“We’re deeply grateful to our partners and donors for their continued support of the Guardians Programme,” says Le’ausalilo Leilani Duffy-Iosefa, Director of Conservation International. “Our goal is to ensure the programme leaves a lasting impact on Samoa’s children by helping protect their environmental and cultural heritage for generations to come”
The Guardians Campaign, now in its fifth year, continues to engage schools and communities in hands-on conservation efforts, building a generation of environmental Guardians, enhancing Samoa’s Ocean Strategy.
For more information about the Guardians programme, please contact Samantha Kwan on 21593.
END.
SOURCE – Conservation International Pacific Islands
Samoa at Osaka World Expo 2025
Source:
By: Asuisui Fofoa Matafeo
Samoas’ presence and visibility is on the global stage at Osaka Japan World Expo 2025.
Capitalizing on the international stage to profile Samoa’s export commodities and goods complemented by Samoa’s revere tourism profile in bids to attract more visitors to Samoa, the Expo held every five years was officially opened on April 12th 2025.
Her Excellency (H.E) Fa’alava’au Perina Sila Tualaulelei, Ambassador of Samoa to Japan led Samoa contingent at the official opening ceremonies.
She was accompanied by Paul Oteta Ane, Representative of the Samoa Chamber of Commerce and Industry and representative from Government Press Secretariat and Savali Newspaper Principal Videographer and Filming, Asuisui Fofoa Matafeo.
Samoa’s delegation also joined their global counterparts in commemorating the beginning of Expo activities, signaling Samoa’s readiness to share its distinctive culture, innovations, and future-focused vision with the world.
Samoa’s exports and profile will remain on display at her pavilion showcasing handicrafts, clothing, food, and much more providing a wider platform for Samoa’s products to be noticed on the world stage.
With millions in attendance, the Expo reaffirms unity and portray a future society through the ideas of life, world and the future.
Osaka previously hosted a World Expo in 1970 that attracted 64 million visitors.
The Expo is for 6 months and will close this October.
Photos: Asuisui Fofoa Matafeo (Savali Newspaper)
YOUNG SAMOAN WOMEN WRITE MORE HEADLINES AT DALLAS CUP
Source:
[PRESS RELEASE – 24 April 2025] – The Samoa U17 women’s team continues to write history by becoming the first-ever Pacific Island team to reach the semi-finals of the prestigious Dallas Cup in the United States.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Juan Chang Urrea, the first Pacific Island team to participate in the Dallas Cup delivered a historic performance by winning their pool and advancing through the quarter-finals to secure a top 4 finish in one of the most competitive youth football tournaments in the world.
The Dallas Cup appearance was part of Samoa’s preparation for the FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco in October, after they became the first Samoan football team to qualify for a FIFA tournament when they finished second in the OFC U16 championship.
“This level of preparation is unheard of in the Pacific Islands,” says coach Chang Urrea.
“We are all working together in the Federation to give our team the best preparation possible to make our country and the Oceania Region proud at the World Cup.”
With the support of FIFA Forward Operational funding and OFC, the federation created a detailed plan to prepare the players, scattered across Samoa, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
Football Federation Samoa (FFS) earlier this year had gathered the team in California for a training camp and coach Urrea says that this time together was already bearing fruit during the Dallas Cup.
In front of huge crowds of US-based Samoan fans who had travelled from different states, the team opened their campaign with a dominant 7-1 win against DKSC, before shocking the Spanish professionals from Villareal with a 2-0 victory.
A 2-2 hard-fought draw against the strong local Dallas Texans completed an unbeaten run and top spot in Pool A.
The fairytale continued in the quarter-finals where the DKSC ECNL team was dispatched 2-0 to set up an intimidating semi-final clash with the FC Dallas.
The academy team from the host city’s professional club proved to be as good as their reputation and despite valiant Samoan resistance, FC Dallas ran out comfortable 5-0 winners to advance to the final.
The stand-out player at the tournament for Samoa was top goal scorer Makea Leonard who bagged 5 goals in 5 games.
Chang Urrea says the wins, but especially the semi-final loss, will provide essential experience against elite opposition and showcased the continued evolution of the team’s style, resilience, and confidence.
“We are incredibly proud of how far these girls have come. This wasn’t just a tournament – it was a major stepping stone toward our World Cup ambitions,” says Chang Urrea.
“Placing in the top 4 of this prestigious tournament is an indication that we are on the right track to compete in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in October this year.”
The team will have their final training camp in June in the United States, before they plan to organise two friendly international matches on their way to Morocco once the World Cup draw has been completed.
END.
SOURCE – Samoa Football