Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ20: Health screening work conducted by Department of Health at various boundary control points
BCP(3) as it is learnt that the Government has installed body temperature screening facilities (including infra-red thermo-imaging machines) at all BCPs, of the relevant expenditure incurred in the past five years, including expenditure on the procurement of equipment, repair and maintenance, and operation;
(4) whether it has assessed the current operational status of the body temperature screening facilities at various BCPs (including whether their technical advantages have been maximised), and whether complementary measures have been adopted to reduce reliance on manual body temperature screening; whether the authorities have formulated plans to further enhance the effectiveness of the body temperature screening facilities at various BCPs; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and (2) From 2020 to 2024, the average daily number of health screening shifts of the DH at various BCPs (some health screening posts involve more than one shift according to the operation of BCPs) are as follows:
The DH redeploys health screening posts according to actual circumstances. For posts in some BCPs suspended operation would be redeployed to other BCPs.
Health screening service of Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and Ocean Terminal were not included as they were only provided during stopover of cruises.
(3) The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department is responsible for the procurement and maintenance of the Infrared Thermal Imaging System installed by the DH at various BCPs. The recurrent expenditure incurred in the past five financial years is as follows:
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 26) investigating a suspected case of food poisoning related to the consumption of wild mushrooms, and urged the public not to pick and eat wild mushrooms.
The case involves a 60-year-old female who developed sweating, increased salivation, vomiting and diarrhoea about 15 minutes after consuming self-picked wild mushrooms yesterday (March 25). She sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of North Lantau Hospital and was admitted for further observation the same day. She is in stable condition.
The CHP’s investigation is ongoing.
Members of the public should not pick wild mushrooms for consumption as it is difficult to distinguish edible mushroom species from inedible ones. Mushroom poisoning is generally acute. Common presentations include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain appearing shortly after ingestion. Depending on the mushroom species, patients may also have other symptoms such as profuse sweating, hallucinations, a coma or other neurological symptoms, as well as liver failure. Death may result in severe cases.
If mushroom poisoning is suspected, the patient should seek immediate medical attention and bring along any available remnant for identification.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit today (March 26):
Chris (Secretary for the Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon.
I am delighted to welcome you to the third Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit.
Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning, I know you will enjoy your time here in Asia’s world city. And before long, it will feel like your city too.
Family offices play a vital role in preserving family wealth and building a lasting legacy for future generations. The focus extends beyond making investments that provide sustainable, long-term financial returns. You are also visionaries, philanthropists and next-generation leaders committed to creating positive social and environmental impacts that benefit humanity.
We share these values deeply. That’s why we launched this Summit two years ago, bringing together principals, key decision makers and senior executives of family offices worldwide, to discuss how we could harness wealth for good together.
This year, we are excited to feature another impressive line-up of distinguished speakers from influential families and institutions, who will share insights on subjects ranging from tech and AI to philanthropy and culture.
Hong Kong, premier location for family offices
Allow me to take a couple of minutes to tell you why Hong Kong is an ideal place for family offices to realise their objectives and ambitions.
To begin with, Hong Kong is Asia’s premier financial centre, offering a wide range of investment opportunities that are particularly compelling right now.
Notably, the recent boom in the Hong Kong stock market underscores this potential. The Hang Seng index rose by some 20 per cent since the beginning of this year, building on an 18 per cent increase throughout 2024. This surge reflects investor optimism about the future of technology in China and highlights Hong Kong’s essential role in connecting regional opportunities with global investors, showcasing the significant returns our market can deliver.
Beyond securities, Hong Kong boasts a dynamic ecosystem of angel investments, venture capital and private equity. Capital under management by private equity firms exceeded US$230 billion last year, making us the second largest in Asia, only after the Mainland.
Our asset and wealth management industry is thriving, fuelled by the affluent population of the Greater Bay Area and the influx of ultra-high-net-worth individuals into our city. We currently manage about US$4 trillion in assets, with two-thirds originating from outside Hong Kong. By 2028, we are on track to become the world’s largest cross-border wealth management centre.
In the latest Global Financial Centres Index published last week, Hong Kong continues to rank third globally. Notably, we secured the top spot worldwide for “investment management”, “insurance” and “finance”, and came third in “banking” and “business environment”.
Above all, global capital feels at ease in Hong Kong. For compelling reasons. President Xi and the Central Authorities have affirmed on multiple occasions that the “one country, two systems” arrangement will remain in place over the long term.
This means Hong Kong will continue to uphold the common law system with a judiciary exercising powers independently; safeguard the free flow of capital, goods, information and people; maintain a freely convertible currency, and keep a simple and low tax system.
And here’s the real gem – we have no capital gains tax, no estate tax, and no tax on dividends. In other words, you can freely invest without the usual financial hang-ups.
Then, protection of capital and private property are enshrined in our Basic Law, along with our steadfast commitment to international obligations under the United Nations, in opposition to accepting decisions unilaterally imposed by other countries.
With all these, not surprisingly, more than 2,700 family offices have already chosen Hong Kong as their home, with half of them managing assets of more than US$50 million.
Here, family offices can leverage a robust network of world-class service professionals, including private bankers, legal experts, accountants and investment advisers to support your endeavours. Our professionals offer a distinctive combination of global perspective and local expertise in everything they do.
This year, in addition to our existing tax concessions for single family offices, we will expand exemptions for funds, enhance concessions for family offices, and boost incentives for private equity.
That, ladies and gentlemen, is an invitation for all of you to join us in shaping a future where wealth creates value for everyone.
Making a real impact
Family offices aspire to achieve more than just financial returns. Through my encounters with many family principals and executives, I’ve witnessed your profound desire to create a lasting impact and a brighter future for generations to come.
In this city, international foundations, charitable organisations and NGOs (non-governmental organisations) come together to form a vibrant philanthropy network that not only connects funding and meaningful projects, but also amplifies your efforts and fosters collaboration.
More than that, Hong Kong’s value proposition has an additional dimension: innovation and technology.
We are investing heavily in our city’s economic future to propel Hong Kong’s development in innovation and technology. Two years ago, we outlined our vision for Hong Kong to become an international green tech and green finance centre.
That endeavour is progressing well. Alongside our leadership position in green finance, Hong Kong’s green tech community is thriving. In our Science Park and Cyberport, there are some 300 green start-ups specialising in energy-efficient materials, carbon capture, EV infrastructure, and much more – all keen on addressing the world’s most pressing challenges with their groundbreaking technologies. Many of these start-ups have made successful strides into global markets, creating a significant and positive impact worldwide.
In a world where AI is transforming production, business and consumption models and redefining the economic competitiveness, we have a clear vision to establish AI as a core industry. By applying and integrating AI across the community, we can unlock substantial benefits for humanity.
We possess strong foundational research capabilities and attract some of the brightest talent from around the world. Uniquely positioned as a convergence point for data from both the Mainland and international sources, we leverage our close collaboration with sister cities in the Greater Bay Area to amplify our strengths.
And we have developed a comprehensive strategy to drive the growth of the innovation and technology sector. The Hong Kong Investment Corporation, or HKIC, established with a capital of US$8 billion, plays a vital role in this strategy. This “patient capital” supports tech firms in their nascent stages, covering hard tech, biotech, and new energy. So far, it has invested and co-invested in over 90 of such projects, attracting $4 of long-term capital for every $1 invested. The HKIC looks forward to collaborate with family offices, creating dynamic partnerships that fuel our innovation ecosystem.
Art, sports and lifestyle
Ladies and gentlemen, beyond business and finance, Hong Kong is blessed with a thriving art and culture scene. Consider Art Basel, which has become a hallmark event of this city. Opening this Friday, it will present more than 240 galleries from over 40 countries and regions, showcasing a dazzling array of contemporary art.
Indeed, in 2023, we traded more than US$13 billion in art and antiques, all tax-free. Our airport will soon feature a bespoke art storage facility to support this vibrant market.
Let’s not forget the world-class M+ and Hong Kong Palace Museum, both located in our West Kowloon Cultural District.
If sport is your passion, you’ll want to be here right through the weekend. The Hong Kong Sevens kicks off this Friday at the spectacular Kai Tak Sports Park, which boasts seating for 50,000 rugby-mad fans. Bigger house. Bigger party. So why not grab your friends and prepare for a weekend of wild tries and even wilder times!
Looking ahead together
Ladies and gentlemen, whatever your passion, Hong Kong is where you want to be.
Hong Kong is of the world: a meeting point for East and West, tradition and innovation. And it is for the world: a city where your ambitions can take flight and flourish, touching lives far beyond our shores.
My thanks to our Summit organisers, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and Invest Hong Kong, for making this event possible.
And I wish you all good health and the best of family business in the year ahead.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, continued his visit to Hainan today (March 26) to meet with leaders of Hainan Province and witness the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the People’s Government of Hainan Province. He also exchanged views with young people from Hong Kong who are starting businesses and working in Hainan.
In the morning, Mr Lee met with the Secretary of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee, Mr Feng Fei, to exchange views on enhancing Hong Kong’s co-operation with Hainan. Noting the close economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and Hainan, Mr Lee said that Hong Kong has long been the major source of external investment in Hainan, with many Hong Kong enterprises conducting business in the province. In 2024, more than 700 Hong Kong enterprises were established in Hainan, and the realised direct investment from Hong Kong was RMB15 billion. With the customs closure operation of the Hainan Free Trade Port and the implementation of preferential policies, Hong Kong enterprises and professionals will have more development opportunities in Hainan.
After the meeting, Mr Lee and Mr Feng attended the Signing Ceremony of the Hainan-Hong Kong Memorandum of Cooperation. They witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the HKSAR Government and the People’s Government of Hainan Province on deepening co-operation in five areas, namely trade and investment, finance, safe flow of data, tourism, and talent exchanges.
Mr Lee noted that the HKSAR Government is fully leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle of having strong support of the country while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world. Hong Kong is committed to contributing to the introduction of international projects to Hainan and facilitating Hainan’s capital investments in overseas markets, with a view to jointly venturing into the global market with Hainan. The HKSAR Government will promote collaborative development and mutual benefits between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the Hainan Free Trade Port, making greater contributions to the country’s high-quality development and high-level opening up.
In the afternoon, Mr Lee met with young people from Hong Kong who are working and starting businesses in Hainan to learn about their daily lives and latest developments. He encouraged them to better understand the scope and policies covered in the Memorandum of Cooperation signed by the governments of the two places to seize the opportunities within and realise their aspirations. He also called on the young people to contribute to fostering mutual engagement and integrated development between citizens of the two places.
In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner hosted by the organiser of the Boao Forum for Asia.
Mr Lee will continue his visit tomorrow (March 27) to attend the opening plenary of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ10: Primary healthcare services Question:
Regarding primary healthcare services, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the following information on the District Health Centres (DHCs) in Hong Kong (set out by the 18 districts across the territory):
(i) the contract expiry date of the existing service contractors (contractors); and
(ii) the planned timetable and arrangements for the new round of tendering of contractors;
(2) of the following information on the relevant assessment of DHCs’ service performance:
(i) the assessment methods, specific indicators and assessment standards;
(ii) the assessment cycle (i.e. the average interval of years between assessments);
(iii) whether there were cases in the past in which the service performance of the contractors was not up to standard; if so, of the details (including the measures taken at that time and their effects); and
(iv) whether channels are available for the public to access the performance ratings of various DHCs;
(3) of the respective assessment details of DHCs/DHC Expresses in the Kwun Tong district and Wong Tai Sin district in the past (including the service performance of these DHCs/DHC Expresses);
(4) given that the Secretary for Health indicated at the meeting of the Panel on Health Services of this Council on May 10 last year that priority would be accorded to the reorganisation of services in Elderly Health Centres and Woman Health Centres, of the following information on the relevant service reorganisation:
(i) the current numbers of members of these centres, with a breakdown by age group and gender;
(ii) the timetable for service reorganisation, and set out the specific timelines and targets for each phase; and
(iii) the service transitional arrangements for the current users of these centres and details of the support measures during the period; and
(5) whether it has compiled statistics on the current number of community pharmacies (including those operated by profit-making and non-profit-making organisations) in Hong Kong, and the districts in which such pharmacies are mainly located?
Reply:
President,
The Government released the Primary Healthcare Blueprint (Blueprint) in December 2022, setting out a series of reform initiatives to strengthen primary healthcare services in Hong Kong. One of the recommendations in the Blueprint is to develop a district-based family-centric community healthcare system based on the District Health Centre (DHC) model. To this end, the Government set up DHCs and interim DHC Expresses (DHCEs) of a smaller scale (hereafter collectively referred to as DHCs) in all districts across the city by the end of 2022, thereby attaining the interim goal of covering all 18 districts. As a primary healthcare services and resource hub, DHCs provide services including chronic disease screening and management, family doctor pairing, health promotion, health risk factors assessment and community rehabilitation.
In consultation with the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) and the Department of Health (DH), the replies to the respective parts of the question raised by the Hon Tang Ka-piu are as follows:
(1) to (3) The PHC Commission was established in July 2024 to oversee primary healthcare service delivery, standard setting, quality assurance, etc, under one roof. Regarding the services of DHCs, the PHC Commission appoints non-governmental organisations as operators through open tender. The relevant operation service contracts have specified the facilities and service requirements, including the qualifications and relevant experience of key staff, the districts and number of ancillary centres/service points to be set up, and the staffing establishment of the centres. Regarding the operation period, the initial operation period of the DHC operation service contracts is three years from the date of operation with an option for extension of up to further three years, whereas the initial operation period of the DHCE operation service contracts is three years with option for multiple contract extensions. The PHC Commission will, in accordance with the terms of the contract and subject to the performance of the operator, arrange for contract renewal or conduct an open tender exercise to identify an operator before the expiry of the initial operation period. The DHCs’ service commencement dates are set out in Annex I.
The PHC Commission continuously reviews the services of DHCs, with a view to strengthening their role as the co-ordinators of community primary healthcare services and case managers. As such, the PHC Commission has adjusted the operating service contracts of DHCs, including adjusting the categorisation of service targets to tie in with the enhancement of DHC services, such as the pairing of family doctors with citizens and the provision of nurse clinic services. Also, operators are required to achieve or exceed the predetermined service targets within the contract period to be eligible for contract gratuities and incentive payment to encourage the operators to actively enhance their service standards. The contract also states that the Government shall have the right to terminate the contract if an operator fails to comply with the contract requirements.
The PHC Commission is preparing to upgrade the DHCEs in Central and Western District, Eastern District and Yau Tsim Mong District into DHCs within this year. The construction works of the DHCs in Wan Chai, Kwun Tong, Sai Kung and North District are in progress, and they will be upgraded to DHCs upon completion in the next few years. Tenders will be invited to identify operators in due course. Depending on the progress of the construction works of the DHCs or the expiry date of the operation service contracts, the PHC Commission will enter into new or renewed operation service contracts with the operators and include new assessment indicators, including those relating to the participation of new members in the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme. At present, the operators of the Central and Western DHC and Sham Shui Po DHC have signed new service contracts. Tenders are being conducted for the service contracts of the Eastern, Yau Tsim Mong and Kwai Tsing DHCs, and the contracts of the DHCEs in other districts are being renewed. The PHC Commission will incorporate the assessment indicators as appropriate.
The PHC Commission uploaded the DHC performance indicators, including “DHC new members received information and knowledge on life course preventive care (LCPC) together with individualised LCPC health advice” and “Seasonal flu vaccination rate”, onto the DHC website for public access in December 2024. In addition, the PHC Commission is progressively enhancing the performance monitoring mechanism of the DHCs by regularly reviewing a number of quantitative and qualitatively related aspects, including service volume, operational effectiveness and health-related outcomes, to assess the performance of the DHCs, and to make timely recommendations to the operators for improvement. The PHC Commission will take into account the relevant assessment results when renewing the operating service contracts.
(4) Integration of woman and elderly health services under the DH into the district health network of the PHC Commission aims to utilise resources more effectively and expand the multidisciplinary primary healthcare service network. The overview of persons who have registered for services at Woman Health Centres (WHCs) and designated Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs), as well as those who are members of Elderly Health Centres (EHCs) under the DH, is at Annex II.
The PHC Commission will begin the integration of women’s health services within this year in an orderly manner, whereby a non-governmental organisation appointed through open tender will provide women’s primary healthcare services through three service points named Women Wellness Satellites (WWS). The three WWSs located in Chai Wan, Lam Tin, and Tuen Mun are expected to commence operation gradually within this year to replace the WHCs of DH. The Chai Wan WWS will commence operation in the second quarter, while the other two in Lam Tin and Tuen Mun will commence operation in the third quarter.
The three WHCs (namely the Chai Wan WHC, Lam Tin WHC, and Tuen Mun WHC) and four designated MCHCs (namely the Ap Lei Chau MCHC, Yaumatei MCHC, Fanling MCHC, and Ma On Shan MCHC) under the DH have ceased accepting new appointments for women’s health services since January 24, 2025. During the transition period of service integration, those who have already made appointments or have paid their annual fee and are still within the service period will continue to receive relevant services from the DH.
Regarding EHCs, the PHC Commission plans to start preparing for the integration of the relevant services into the district health network in phases from 2025-26, with a view to enhancing service synergy and minimising service duplication. The details, including the transitional arrangements, will be announced in due course.
(5) According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138), only “Authorised Sellers of Poisons” (ASP) (commonly known as “pharmacies”) are allowed to conduct the relevant retail business of selling poisons including poisons listed in Part 1 and Part 2 of the Poisons List at Schedule 10 to the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations (Cap. 138A). As at December 31, 2024, there are a total of 643 ASP, with 131, 226 and 286 of them located on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and in the New Territories respectively.
The Government intends to launch the community pharmacy programme (CPP) by phases starting from the fourth quarter of 2026 to help the public to obtain affordable primary healthcare drugs more conveniently through central purchasing and the community network, thereby reducing their over-reliance on the public healthcare system. The services of the CPP will cover all 18 districts across Hong Kong, with at least four to five community pharmacies expected to operate in each district. The Government will, through a competitive process, select service providers that meet the set requirements and cost-effectiveness standard to join the CPP. Issued at HKT 16:56
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by Dr the Hon David Lam and a reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (March 26):
Question:(2) “Co-payment by those who can afford and co-payment by those with mild conditions”: We need to expand and enhance the co-payment mechanism; (3) Enhancement and reduction: To enhance the protection for “poor, acute, serious, critical” patients and to reduce in wastage; (4) High subsidisation: To maintain 90 per cent overall public subsidisation rate; and (5) Gradual and orderly manner: Aim to achieve the objective in five years. In consultation with the HA, the reply to the question raised by the Hon David Lam is as follows:
[PRESS RELEASE -12th March 2025, Apia Samoa – The leading role played by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), through the Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC), in climate change action providing direct support to Pacific countries and key stakeholders, including the private sector, is a testament of the Pacific’s shared commitment to build resilience.
Samoa’s Minister of Finance, Honourable Lautimuia Afoa Uelese Vaai, highlighted this when he opened the two-day Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC) Partners Dialogue on Long Term Sustainability Plan for Building a Climate Resilient Pacific in Apia, Samoa, on Wednesday.
“The PCCC facility itself along with continued investments through technical support, reaffirms the genuine partnership in addressing climate change for our region,” said Hon. Lautimuia.
“Since its establishment in 2019, it has served as a Hub for knowledge-sharing, applied research, capacity-building, and innovative solutions tailored to the unique challenges of the Pacific. Our
collaboration reflects a deep-seated commitment to resilience, sustainability, and the protection of our Pacific home for generations to come.”
The PCCC Partners Dialogue is taking place as communities in Samoa and Pacific countries on the frontline of the climate crisis continue to struggle with the devastating impacts.
“Our communities, economies, and ecosystems are experiencing the severe impacts of rising sea
levels, extreme weather events, and shifting climate patterns. As Small Island Developing States, we bear the brunt of a crisis not of our making, yet we remain resolute in our commitment to climate action and resilience-building,” said Hon. Lautimuia.
The PCCC is in its fourth year of operation since it was established. The PCCC Partner’s Dialogue on Long Term Sustainability Plan for Building a Climate Resilient Pacific is a crucial mechanism to report on areas of progress, flag gaps, challenges, and opportunities, as SPREP and Pacific countries work to build a more resilient Pacific environment.
“A call for collective actions and genuine partnership is why we are here today. The responsibility to secure the future of the PCCC and our Pacific islands is a shared one. I call upon all partners to reaffirm their commitment to long-term, predictable, and accessible financing for climate resilience through our Centre,” said Hon. Lautimuia.
“Samoa remains steadfast in its commitment to the Pacific’s climate resilience journey. Together, through collaboration, innovation, and unwavering determination, we will build a stronger and a more resilient Pacific.”
The PCCC is underpinned by strong partnerships with Pacific Governments, applied research
institutions, donors, civil society, and the private sector. It is a partnership between the Governments of Japan and Samoa, funded under grant aid through JICA for Samoa as the host country of SPREP.
Chargé d’Affaires Embassy of Japan in Samoa, Mr Kazuo Tsukasa, said the Dialogue provides an important opportunity to discuss and explore avenues for sustainable funding.
“Japan strongly supports these discussions, recognizing that a stable and well-resourced PCCC is essential for continued regional climate action,” said Mr Tsukasa.
“Climate change is not just a regional issue, it is a global challenge that requires collaboration beyond borders. Japan welcomes discussions on the PCCC Long-Term Sustainability Plan and the Pacific
Climate Innovative Investment Hub. Our shared goal is to create a sustainable, climate-resilient Pacific by strengthening partnerships and mobilising long-term investment.”
The call is welcomed by SPREP’s Director General, Mr Sefanaia Nawadra, who reassured the Pacific about SPREP’s commitment to the long-term sustainability of the Centre.
“The PCCC is a collective commitment, and we recognise the support of our host government, the Government of Samoa, our long-standing partners – Japan, New Zealand, Australia,” said Mr Nawadra.
“We welcome new initiatives and partnerships with private sector and academic institutions such as the University of Melbourne who is also residing as the representative of research institutions on the PCCC advisory board.
“The journey of the Pacific Climate Change Centre has been made possible through your support and partnership, and we all witness significant strides in the past four years which is a testament to our genuine partnership, and I am confident about the path ahead.”
In addition to the funding for the PCCC from the partnership between the Governments of Japan and Samoa, the Centre also receives generous funding and support from the Governments of New Zealand and Australia.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Samoa, His Excellency Will Robinson said Australia is honoured to be working with members of the Pacific family to address the most pressing issue the region faces – climate change.
“Australia is pleased to be supporting the important work of the Pacific Climate Change Centre and SPREP. We are committed to undertaking climate action with our region through the regional
architecture, backing Pacific-led solutions to the climate crisis,” he said.
New Zealand High Commissioner to Samoa, Her Excellency Si’alei van Toor, reiterated her nation’s commitment to work with the PCCC to enhance and sustain the critical services in order to fulfil its mandate to address the climate change challenges in the Pacific.
The opening session of the PCCC Partners Dialogue was facilitated by Ms Ofa Kaisamy, PCCC Manager with Pastor Morgan Gregera from Every Home for Christ Samoa offering a devotion.
The Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC) is the regional Centre of excellence for climate change information, research, capacity building, and innovation, hosted at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) in Apia, Samoa.
As a Centre of excellence, the PCCC is mandated to provide practical information, support, and training to address the adaptation and mitigation priorities of Pacific Island communities.
For more information on the PCCC, please contact pccc@sprep.org.
[MEDIA RELEASE – Apia: 12 Mar 2025.] As SPWAN (Samoa Police Women Advisory Network) commemorated International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme “Accelerate Action” their commitment to making a lasting difference in our community was clearly demonstrated through their thoughtful contributions to SVSG. Their visit to the Campus of Hope not only provided essential goods but also brought an abundance of hope, encouragement, and solidarity to the survivors of violence and abuse we care for.
Around 30 female officers from the SPWAN visited the SVSG Campus, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Papali’i Monalisa Tia’i-Keti and Assistant Commissioner Papali’i Efo Peiko Moalele.
This ongoing partnership between SVSG and SPWAN is a powerful reflection of our shared mission to protect, uplift, and empower the most vulnerable members of our community. We deeply commend SPWAN’s dedication to service and their steadfast support for women, children, and victims of violence.
The visit and generous donation from this remarkable group of women in positions of authority have greatly uplifted the spirits of the young survivors at the Campus of Hope. In particular, their presence has empowered the young female residents to embrace resilience and take positive action toward change. It is truly inspiring to witness how these women, who dedicate their lives to law enforcement as police officers, also serve as powerful role models by reaching out and giving back to support vulnerable victims in our community.
SVSG President Siliniu. Lina Chang, expressed her heart felt gratitude to the SPWAN leaders and members and reiterated on the words of blessing, quoted; “May your leadership and advocacy continue to inspire meaningful change. Fa’afetai tele lava for standing with us on this journey of hope and healing.”
The young residents of the Campus of Hope ended the day with uplifted spirits and hearts full of happiness.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS By Honourable Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, Prime Minister And Minister Of Tourism at the Official Opening of the Samoa Tourism Exchange 2025 – (Wednesday, 5th March 2025, Samoa Tourism Cultural Village)
Lau Susuga i le Taitai ole Sauniga, Reverand Ellice Soliola
Honourable Members of Cabinet
Distinguished Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Distinguished Guests/ Participants
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Talofa Lava and a pleasant good evening to you all.
I am delighted to be in your company for the Opening ceremony this evening of the 2025 Samoa Tourism Exchange. On behalf of the Government, and especially the people of Samoa, it is my pleasure and honour to warmly welcome all of you to our beloved country, Beautiful Samoa.
The theme for this year, Resilient Tourism and a Sustainable Future, could not be more fitting, as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of global travel while safeguarding the natural and cultural heritage that makes Samoa unique.
As we embark on this journey together, it’s essential to acknowledge that tourism has long been a cornerstone of our economy, providing vital income, employment, and opportunities for cultural exchange. It serves as a gateway, welcoming visitors to share in the beauty and richness of our Samoan heritage. Tourism is not just an Industry; it is now a key part of who we are as a community.
The past few years have tested our resilience as an industry with the tourism sector facing significant challenges. Natural disasters, climate change, evolving travel trends, and global crises have threatened to disrupt our livelihoods and diminish our resilience. It is essential that we adapt and innovate in response to these growing global challenges.
Resilience in tourism is not merely about withstanding challenges; it involves thriving in the face of adversity and turning obstacles into opportunities. It requires a collective effort to invest in smart infrastructure, empower local communities, embrace digital innovation, and adopt sustainable practices. As a nation, we must ensure that our tourism sector not only survives but flourishes.
To our tourism operators, Sustainability is no longer an option; it is a necessity. This means prioritizing eco-friendly initiatives, supporting local businesses, and respecting the traditional ways of life that make Samoa unique. As we welcome visitors, we also entrust them with the responsibility to cherish and protect our islands—this is the essence of sustainable travel.
To our international agents and wholesalers. As we engage in discussions throughout this exchange, let us remember the power of storytelling. Every visitor to our islands is an opportunity to share our vibrant culture, our traditions, and our way of life. When we tell our stories authentically, we invite the world to experience the warmth of our “aiga,” our family, our people, and our island home.
As I conclude, I would like to acknowledge the support from the Government of New Zealand through the Samoa Tourism Resilient and Recovery (STRR) Program, which made this event possible. Furthermore, I recognised the valuable contributions of all our sponsors for this year’s event, particularly our Main Sponsors, Fiji Airways, and Air New Zealand, in enhancing the experiences for all delegates at this event. Faafetai Faafetai tele lava.
I am pleased to declare the Samoa Tourism Exchange 2025 officially opened and wish you well in your deliberations.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Prime Minister, Hon Fiame Naomi Mataafa (Friday, 7 March 2025, 5.30pm, Chinese Embassy, Vailima)
Lau afioga Masiofo Faamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiifano
Your Excellency Ambassador and Your Good Lady
Distinguished Good Ladies
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Invited Guests,
Talofa and good evening,
I am pleased to join the reception this evening to celebrate “International Women’s Day” an annual event to recognize women’s contribution across all fields, to raise awareness about gender equality and to promote the empowerment of women in all spheres of society.
I want to thank the Ambassador of China, His Excellency Fei Mingxing and Madam Li Wenjun for hosting this reception. It is a significant occasion as it is an opportunity to honour and recognise the role of women in our society and their significant contribution to the development of their families, the government and society as a whole. It also provides a platform to evaluate the national scorecard towards gender equality and to address the disparities that remain.
This year’s theme is a call to accelerate action for all women and girls towards gender equality. It gives emphasis to the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres. For Samoa, it is a reminder to us all to make serious commitment to address the stark realities of unequal opportunities, underrepresentation in parliament and the issue of ever-pervasive gender-based violence.
I also understand that 2025 is a pivotal moment in the global pursuit of gender equality and women’s empowerment, as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic relations with China. The Beijing Platform remains the most progressive and widely endorsed blueprint for women’s and girls’ rights worldwide. It guides policies, programmes and investment that impact critical areas of our lives, such as: education, health, peace, media, political participation, economic empowerment, and the elimination of violence against women and girls. Addressing these issues, along with emerging priorities around climate justice and the power of digital technologies, is urgent, with just five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. So, it is appropriate that we are hosted in the premises of the Chinese embassy to celebrate these milestones.
Much progress has been achieved in advancing the situation of women in Samoa. Parliament though fractured, continues to look at the best way to address the underrepresentation of women in parliament. Women are now leading the governance institutions of a few male dominated sports such as soccer and cricket. There is growing recognition and support of organisations providing services for victims of violence particularly women and children. There is significant movement in developing screening programs for women’s health issues. Development partners are collaborating with the government in initiatives to promote and accelerate the empowerment of women and youth. However, there is much more to be done still.
I note and acknowledge the presence of many of our female leaders from all walks of life this evening. Your achievements and contributions to society has made a huge difference in promoting, empowering and elevating the status of women in society. Women have a place at all levels of our society, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women’s voices resonate throughout generations and capture attention. I would like to share with you one Samoan adage that I believe suitably defines the ambience of this evening which is; “E au le Ina’ilau a tamaitai”. It speaks about women in our society having the determination and fortitude to achieve excellence in whatever they set out to do.
Samoa’s delegation is attending the 69th Commission on the Status of Women that will bring together countries to New York for the next two weeks to review and assess the current challenges that affect the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Excellencies and Ladies,
Tonight’s reception is one of the many undertakings that we share with the Embassy of China to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Samoa and China’s strong friendship since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975. The unveiling of the Commemorative Logo to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our partnership adds prominence to this evening’s celebrations.
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in proposing a toast:
“To all the women and girls of Samoa and those present here this evening, I wish you all a Happy International Women’s Day.”
Soifua.
Photo by the Government of Samoa (Leota Marc Membrere)