HKSAR Government holds first seminar on promotion of spirit of Fourth Plenary Session of 20th CPC Central Committee today

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Upon the invitation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, with the approval of the Central People’s Government, the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council invited the member of the publicity delegation, the President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mr Hou Jianguo, and the member of the publicity delegation, the Deputy Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs and the Deputy Director of the Office of the Central Leading Group for Rural Affairs, CPC, Mr Zhu Weidong, to visit Hong Kong to speak on the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC Central Committee). The HKSAR Government today (November 24) held the first seminar on the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee at the Central Government Offices.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the CPC Central Committee, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, and the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr Zhou Ji, delivered speeches at the seminar. Mr Hou and Mr Zhu gave presentations respectively, providing in-depth explanations of the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee as well as the key contents and significance of the Recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development. The two members of the publicity delegation also responded to questions raised by participants. Mr Lee delivered concluding remarks.

He said, “The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee holds great significance. It is an important meeting convened at a critical juncture which falls on the successful conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan and the preparatory period of the 15th Five-Year Plan. Studying and implementing the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee well is a major task for us. At present, the world is undergoing accelerated transformations unseen in a century, but transformations often come with opportunities. The Recommendations for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan focus on high-quality development, achieving self-reliance and strength in science and technology through cultivating “new quality productive forces”, and promoting high-level opening up, which bring historical opportunities to Hong Kong. We must gain a deep understanding of the guiding ideology, major principles, as well as the objectives and tasks, for the economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year period, assist Hong Kong in solidly advancing various measures for its economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year period, actively align with the national 15th Five-Year Plan, comprehensively promote the development of finance and innovation and technology as dual engines, engage in broader and closer exchanges and co-operation around the globe, and actively integrate into and serve the overall strategy of national development.”

In his address, Mr Zhou said that the first seminar by the central authorities’ publicity delegation in Hong Kong was targeted at the HKSAR’s governance team, which fully demonstrated the Central People’s Government’s high regard for the Chief Executive and the governance team, their deep concern for Hong Kong compatriots, and their strong support for Hong Kong’s development. The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee has made top-level designs and strategic plans for the country’s development over the next five years, and has also provided clear guidance for Hong Kong’s economic and social development. He believed that through this briefing, everyone would be able to further strengthen their confidence in victory from the achievements of national development, better recognise opportunities and prospects from the current situation and tasks, grasp more accurately the direction of development from the Recommendations for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan, fully leverage the institutional strengths of “one country, two systems” and the unique advantages of connecting the Mainland and the world, promote Hong Kong’s better integration into and service to the overall national development, and continuously opening up new horizons for the high-quality development of the cause of “one country, two systems”.

Mr Zhu provided a comprehensive, systematic and in-depth interpretation around the great significance of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, the situation and tasks for the national economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year period, and the guiding principles and main objectives for the economic and social development. He elaborated on the seven major objectives to be focused on during the 15th Five-Year period, namely significant achievements in high-quality development, substantial improvements in scientific and technological self-reliance and strength, fresh breakthroughs in further deepening reform comprehensively; notable cultural and ethical progress across society, further improvements in quality of life, major new strides in advancing the Beautiful China Initiative, and further advances in strengthening the national security shield. He indicated that the formulation and implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan will inject strong development momentum into Hong Kong, and Hong Kong should better integrate into and serve the overall national development and participate in national strategies such as the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, with development opportunities becoming more numerous and development vitality growing ever stronger.

Mr Hou introduced the strategic tasks and major measures that have significant traction, driving and supporting roles in advancing Chinese modernisation during the 15th Five-Year period by fields, including building a modernised industrial system, achieving greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, building a robust domestic market, moving faster to develop a high-standard socialist market economy, promoting high-standard opening up, accelerating agricultural and rural modernisation, promoting coordinated regional development, fostering a thriving socialist culture, working harder to ensure and improve public wellbeing, accelerating the green transition in all areas of economic and social development, modernising China’s national security system and capacity, as well as promoting high-quality modernisation of national defence and the armed forces. Having regard to the plans and requirements set out in the Recommendations regarding scientific and technological innovation and the development of innovation hub, he suggested that Hong Kong leverage its own strengths and advantages, strengthen forward-looking and pioneering basic research, expand the development and openness of application scenarios, and build a hub for high-calibre talents as well as an open platform hub for global scientific and technological cooperation.

About 500 people attended today’s first seminar, including principal officials of the HKSAR Government, representatives of the Executive Council, representatives of the Legislative Council, representatives from the Judiciary, and heads of major statutory bodies.

The HKSAR Government will hold the second seminar on promotion of the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee tomorrow at 9.30am. Arrangements have been made for Radio Television Hong Kong and the government website to broadcast the seminar live in full for citizens to listen and watch.

12th NGD and 9th NSOG torch relay to be held on November 29

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

12th NGD and 9th NSOG torch relay to be held on November 29
The torch relay in Hong Kong will start at 9.30am on November 29. The total route length is approximately 9 kilometres, divided into five segments, with the running distance accounting for about 3.4km. Starting from the Central Government Offices in Tamar, the Hong Kong route passes through the Central and Western District Promenade (Central Section), the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade, the Monument in Commemoration of Return of Hong Kong to China, and Golden Bauhinia Square. For the second section, torchbearers will cross Victoria Harbour by Star Ferry and take part along the Tsim Sha Tsui route. They will start from Star Ferry Bus Terminus in Tsim Sha Tsui on Salisbury Road to Mody Lane, passing by the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and the Hong Kong Museum of Art. Torchbearers of the fourth section will take an open-top bus to the bus terminal at the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP). After entering the KTSP, the torchbearers of the fifth section will pass by the bronze statue at the main entrance of the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground. Passing the torches along the running track, the last torchbearer will then light the cauldron, and the closing ceremony will take place.

Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao competition regions held a press conference on the torch relay and volunteer services for the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG in Guangzhou today (November 24). The Head of the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) (NGCO), Mr Yeung Tak-keung, said the torchbearers are comprised of people from various sectors, including sports, sponsors, volunteers, the youth, persons with disabilities and ethnic minorities, as well as athletes with different disabilities from the sports sector, fully demonstrating Hong Kong as a diverse, open and inclusive city. He also commended volunteers for providing essential support in various positions during the game period and extended his gratitude to every volunteer for their selfless contributions and dedicated service, in particular to the participation of volunteers with disabilities, which will foster a more diverse and wonderful NGD and NSOG.

To facilitate the holding of the torch relay this time, special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented by the Police and the Transport Department during the event.

Road traffic control measures

During the torch relay, road closures and special traffic arrangements will be implemented in the areas of Wan Chai North, the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, and around the Kai Tak Sports Park. All affected roads will be reopened in due course after the torch relay has passed through. The affected areas include:

(1) Wan Chai North
– Section of Expo Drive East outside Golden Bauhinia Square will be closed from 8am.
– Expo Drive, the slip road leading from Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel eastbound to Expo Drive, and Expo Drive East will be closed from 9am.
– Roads near Lung Wo Road and Hung Hing Road will be intermittently closed.

(2) Area around Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront
– Salisbury Road, Canton Road, Kowloon Park Drive, Hankow Road, Nathan Road, Middle Road, Chatham Road South, Hong Wan Path, Mody Lane, Hung Hom Bypass, etc, will be closed from 8.30am.
– Hong Chong Road, Chatham Road North, and the East Kowloon Corridor will be intermittently closed.

(3) Area around Kai Tak Sports Park
– The pick-up/drop-off area next to the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground on Sung Wong Toi Road will be closed from 8am.
– East Kowloon Corridor, Kowloon City Road, and Sung Wong Toi Road will be intermittently closed.

???Moreover, road sections of the Central and Western District Promenade (Central Section), Golden Bauhinia Square and Wan Chai Temporary Promenade will be temporarily closed during the event.

Restricted flying zone

The Police will set up a temporary restricted flying zone (RFZ), extending 2km outwards from the route of the torch relay from 8.30am to noon on November 29. No small unmanned aircraft, except those authorised, will be permitted to enter the zone. Details of the temporary RFZ will be shown on the electronic portal for small unmanned aircraft “eSUA”.

Public transport arrangements

To facilitate the temporary road closures and traffic control measures to be implemented by the Police at Wan Chai North and Tsim Sha Tsui on the morning of the Hong Kong leg of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG torch relay, 58 franchised bus routes and five green minibus (GMB) routes operating in the affected road sections in the vicinity of Expo Drive East in Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier Bus Terminus, Nathan Road and Salisbury Road will adjust their services starting from the first departure on that day. Among them, KMB route No. 8P (Laguna Verde – Tsim Sha Tsui (Circular)) will be suspended. The remaining affected bus and GMB routes will require temporary diversion or suspension/relocation of relevant stops within the affected areas. Normal operations will resume gradually after roads reopen. Relevant public transport operators will issue notices to inform affected passengers of the service adjustment details.

According to the route of the torch relay, the torch will be passed to the Kai Tak Sports Park via ferry and an open-top bus, with temporary control measures along the route. Subject to the actual situation, there may be temporary service adjustment from around 9.30am to 10.45am in the Wan Chai – Tsim Sha Tsui ferry route. In addition, the overall traffic at Wan Chai North, West Kowloon and East Kowloon will be busier. The Transport Department urges members of the public and visitors travelling to the affected areas to plan their trips in advance and allow sufficient time for their journeys. They are advised to use railway services as far as possible and avoid driving to the affected road sections.
Issued at HKT 22:14

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Launch event of Low-altitude economy “Regulatory Sandbox X” held

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The launch event of the low-altitude economy “Regulatory Sandbox X” was held today (November 24), with an aim to further promoting the development of low-altitude economy in Hong Kong and exploring innovative applications. The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan; the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Mr Victor Liu; the Executive Director of Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), Mr Mohamed Butt, and the Chief Digital Officer of HKPC, Mr Edmond Lai, officiated at the event.

     Speaking at the event, Ms Chan said, “the low-altitude economy ‘Regulatory Sandbox X’ announced by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, in his 2025 Policy Address in September this year was launched today. As an advanced version of “Regulatory Sandbox”, “X” represents “extended” and “extra”. The goal of “Regulatory Sandbox X” is to handle more complex scenarios, such as cross-boundary low altitude drones, unconventional aircraft designed for passenger-carrying, and integrated operation platforms. Projects under the low-altitude economy “Regulatory Sandbox” launched in March have been progressively implemented, injecting smart vitality and creating new prospects for Hong Kong. We will continue to engage with the industry and gather diverse perspectives to enable the drafting of the Action Plan on Developing Low-Altitude Economy by the end of next year. This will establish the foundational infrastructure for the top-level design of the entire low-latitude economy, providing the industry with a clear and forward-looking trajectory.”

     The HKPC is a technical partner of the “Regulatory Sandbox” launched by the Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy. At the event, the Chief Digital Officer, Mr Edmond Lai, stated that the HKPC has been actively contributing to and advancing innovation and practical implementation in Hong Kong’s low-altitude economy sector. With “Regulatory Sandbox X” focusing on more complex and technologically advanced application scenarios, the HKPC will continue to serve as a technical partner, striving for R&D in forward-looking areas such as new materials, new energy, and advanced traffic management systems, to support the industry in strengthening technical standards and application capabilities, fostering the adoption of innovative solutions in real-world environments.

     In the first batch of “Regulatory Sandbox”, 38 projects were selected, with 29 projects already implemented, covering a wide range of fields and application scenarios, including emergency and rescue, logistics and distribution, inspections and safety maintenance, surveillance, and low-altitude infrastructure, injecting new smart dynamics into the city. “Regulatory Sandbox X” will bring new elements of “extra”, “extended” and “collaboration”, and raise the work on developing low-altitude economy to the next level.

     On the same day, the Project Facilitation Task Force (the Task Force) under the Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy provided a detailed briefing to nearly 200 industry professionals on the content and application details of “Regulatory Sandbox X”. The Task Force and the government-appointed partners will continue to actively assist in advancing the “Regulatory Sandbox X” pilot projects. The first phase of applications, primarily focuses on unmanned aircraft system traffic management system demonstrations, will commence from today until January 9, 2026. For more details, please refer to the website of the low-altitude economy “Regulatory Sandbox X” of the Transport and Logistics Bureau (www.tlb.gov.hk/eng/highlights/transport/low-altitude.html).

     

“4th Hong Kong Denim Festival – Denim Artistry” under second edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest programme launches today

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

      Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Hong Kong Design Institute under the Vocational Training Council, the “4th Hong Kong Denim Festival – Denim Artistry” (Hong Kong Denim Festival) kicked off today (November 24) with the Denim Delight Party, presenting a denim fashion show infused with live music performances against the magnificent night view of Victoria Harbour as the backdrop.
      
     As one of the major programmes of the second edition of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest, the Hong Kong Denim Festival runs from today to December 11, promoting the unique appeal of denim culture through a series of activities including denim art exhibitions, denim apparel retail showcases, workshops and talks.
      
     Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum, said this year’s Hong Kong Denim Festival showcases a vibrant array of denim works, guiding audiences to appreciate the timeless artistic charm and exquisite craftsmanship of denim, as well as demonstrating its boundless possibilities in fashion and beyond.
      
     The Denim Delight Party featured creations by Hong Kong-founded fashion brands and innovative designs by eight emerging local denim artists through blending denim culture and music.
      
     For details of the “4th Hong Kong Denim Festival – Dnim Artistry”, please refer to the official social media channels. For more information on the Hong Kong Fashion Fest, please visit www.hongkongfashionfest.com.

           

Speech by SCST at opening ceremony of HKGX 2025 IBF World Championships (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the opening ceremony of the HKGX 2025 IBF World Championships today (November 24):

His Excellency Sheikh Talal Mohammad Al-Sabah (President of the International Bowling Federation), Mr Timothy Fok (President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China), Ms Vivien Lau (Chairman of the Hong Kong, China Tenpin Bowling Congress), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

Good evening, everyone. A very warm welcome to the opening ceremony of the HKGX 2025 IBF World Championships, especially our friends who have travelled from abroad. Welcome.  
      
It is a tremendous honour for Hong Kong to host this prestigious event for the first time. Following the success of January’s IBF World Cup and IBF Para Bowling World Championships, we are once again privileged to welcome the world’s bowling elites to our city. Over fifty of the world’s top men’s and women’s teams will compete across four events, showcasing the finely-honed skills and profound perseverance that have brought them here. The stage is set for an unforgettable display of athletic excellence. 

My sincere gratitude goes to the Hong Kong, China Tenpin Bowling Congress for their meticulous organisation and unwavering dedication to promoting tenpin bowling as an elite sport in Hong Kong. I would also like to thank the title sponsor, the Hong Kong Gold Exchange, alongside all other sponsors, partners and volunteers. Your concerted support has been indispensable in making the world-class event a reality.

As we celebrate the passion of this World Championships, let us also take this opportunity to embrace the spirit of active participation in our community. With the 2025 Legislative Council General Election approaching, I strongly encourage every registered voter in Hong Kong to fulfil their civic duty and cast their vote on December 7. Together, let us elect patriotic, capable and visionary legislators who will contribute to the continuous prosperity of Hong Kong.

Before I close, I wish the World Championships a resounding success, and to all bowlers, the very best of luck. May you bowl with precision, passion, and the true spirit of sportsmanship. Thank you.

Plenary session seminar held

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today held the first of two seminars on the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee at the Central Government Offices.

 

The CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office and the State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office have invited two members of the central authorities’ publicity delegation to speak in Hong Kong about the session’s spirit.

 

The two delegates are President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Hou Jianguo, and Deputy Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Financial & Economic Affairs and Deputy Director of the CPC Office of the Central Leading Group for Rural Affairs Zhu Weidong.

 

Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and Zhou Ji, who is Deputy Director of the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, and Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR, delivered speeches at the seminar.

 

Mr Hou and Mr Zhu both gave presentations on the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session and the key aspects of the “Recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development”. They also responded to questions raised by participants. Mr Lee delivered concluding remarks.

 

Mr Lee said the Fourth Plenary Session was an important meeting convened at a critical juncture, occurring after the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan and during the preparatory period for the 15th Five-Year Plan.

 

“Studying and implementing the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee well is a major task for us,” he said.

 

Highlighting that the world is undergoing accelerated transformations unseen in a century, he said such transformations often come with opportunities. He said the CPC Central Committee’s Recommendations focus on high-quality development, achieving self-reliance and strength in science and technology through the cultivation of new quality productive forces, and promoting high-level opening up, all of which brings historical opportunities for Hong Kong.

 

“We must gain a deep understanding of the guiding ideology, major principles, as well as the objectives and tasks, for the economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year period, assist Hong Kong in solidly advancing various measures for its economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year period, actively align with the national 15th Five-Year Plan, comprehensively promote the development of finance and innovation and technology as dual engines, engage in broader and closer exchanges and co-operation around the globe, and actively integrate into and serve the overall strategy of national development.”

 

In his address, Mr Zhou said that the first seminar held by the central authorities’ publicity delegates was deliberately targeted at the Hong Kong SAR’s governance team, demonstrating the central government’s high regard for the Chief Executive and his team, its deep concern for Hong Kong, and its strong support for the city’s development.

 

He highlighted that the Fourth Plenary Session comprises top-level, strategic plans for the country’s development over the next five years, and also provides clear guidance for Hong Kong’s economic and social development.

 

He expressed his belief that the seminar would strengthen Hong Kong’s confidence in benefitting from the achievements of national development, allow it to better recognise opportunities from the current situation, grasp more accurately the content of the Recommendations for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan, fully leverage the institutional strengths of “one country, two systems” and the unique advantages of connecting the Mainland and the world, promote Hong Kong’s fuller integration into and service to China’s overall national development, and continue to open up new horizons for high-quality development.

 

Mr Zhu provided a systematic and in-depth interpretation of the significance of the Fourth Plenary Session, tasks for national economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year period, and the guiding principles and main objectives for the nation’s economic and social development.

 

He elaborated on the seven major objectives to be prioritised during the 15th Five-Year period, namely significant achievements in high-quality development; substantial improvements in scientific and technological self-reliance and strength; fresh breakthroughs in further deepening comprehensive reforms; notable cultural and ethical progress across society; further improvements in quality of life; major new strides in advancing the “Beautiful China Initiative”; and further advances in strengthening the national security shield.

 

He stressed that the formulation and implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan will inject strong development momentum into Hong Kong, and that Hong Kong should better integrate into the overall national development and participate in national strategies such as the development of the Greater Bay Area.

 

Mr Hou introduced the major measures to advance Chinese modernisation during the 15th Five-Year period. These include building a modernised industrial system; achieving greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology; building a robust domestic market; moving faster to develop a high-standard socialist market economy; promoting high-standard opening up; accelerating agricultural and rural modernisation; promoting co-ordinated regional development; fostering a thriving socialist culture; working harder to ensure and improve public well-being; accelerating the green transition in all areas of economic and social development; modernising China’s national security system and capacity; and promoting high-quality modernisation in the field of national defence and the armed forces.

 

With regard to plans set out in the Recommendations regarding scientific and technological innovation and Hong Kong’s development as an innovation hub, he suggested that the city leverage its own strengths and advantages, strengthen forward-looking and pioneering basic research, expand the development application scenarios, and establish itself as a hub for high-calibre talent and as an open platform for global scientific and technological co-operation.

 

About 500 people attended today’s seminar. They included principal officials of the Hong Kong SAR Government, as well as representatives of the Executive Council, the Legislative Council and the Judiciary, and heads of major statutory bodies.

 

The Hong Kong SAR Government will hold a second seminar on the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee tomorrow at 9.30am. Arrangements have been made for Radio Television Hong Kong and the government website to broadcast the seminar live in full for citizens to listen and watch.

Torch relay to be held on Saturday

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A torch relay will be held in Hong Kong, Macau, Guangzhou and Shenzhen this Saturday ahead of the official opening of the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) on December 8, with 50 torchbearers taking part in the exercise.

 

With 50 torchbearers taking part in each of the four cities, there will be a total of 200. Shenzhen will hold a torch relay launching ceremony at 9am on Saturday. Ceremonies will be held in Hong Kong, Macau and Guangzhou at 9.30am, and the four relays will start simultaneously.

 

The total route length of the Hong Kong relay is approximately 9 kilometres.

 

Starting from the Central Government Offices in Tamar, it will pass through the Central & Western District Promenade (Central Section), the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade, the Monument in Commemoration of the Return of Hong Kong to China, and Golden Bauhinia Square.

 

Torchbearers will carry the torch across Victoria Harbour by Star Ferry before it continues along its Tsim Sha Tsui route. This will run from the Star Ferry Bus Terminus on Salisbury Road to Mody Lane, passing by the Cultural Centre and the Museum of Art.

 

Torchbearers will then take an open-top bus to the bus terminal at the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP). After entering the KTSP, the torch will pass by the bronze statue at the main entrance of the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground. It will be passed along the running track, before the last torchbearer lights the cauldron, at which point a closing ceremony will take place.

 

Representatives of the four cities will return the individual flames to Guangzhou after the torch relay. A flame-gathering ceremony will be held at around 5pm in the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center, ahead of the lighting of the main torch for the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG.

 

To facilitate the relay in Hong Kong, special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented.

Regulatory Sandbox X launches

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A launch event was held today for the low-altitude economy “Regulatory Sandbox X” initiative, with Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan and Director-General of Civil Aviation Victor Liu officiating.

 

The initiative will promote the development of Hong Kong’s low-altitude economy and support the the exploration of innovative applications.

 

Speaking at the event, Ms Chan highlighted that the initiative was announced in September by Chief Executive John Lee, in his 2025 Policy Address.

 

She explained that the “X” in “Regulatory Sandbox X” represents “extended” and “extra”, and that the scheme will facilitate complex low-altitude applications, such as cross-boundary drones, unconventional passenger aircraft, and integrated operation platforms.

 

In addition, she mentioned that low-altitude projects launched in March have already unleashed vitality into the sector and created new prospects for Hong Kong.

 

Ms Chan said: “We will continue to engage with the industry and gather diverse perspectives to enable the drafting of the Action Plan on Developing Low-Altitude Economy by the end of next year. This will establish the foundational infrastructure for the top-level design of the entire low-latitude economy, providing the industry with a clear and forward-looking trajectory.”

 

The first batch of 38 “Regulatory Sandbox X” projects includes 29 projects that have already been implemented. They span a wide range of fields and application scenarios, including emergency and rescue, logistics and distribution, inspections and safety maintenance, surveillance, and low-altitude infrastructure.

 

Also today, the Project Facilitation Task Force under the Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy provided a detailed briefing on the “Regulatory Sandbox X” to nearly 200 industry professionals.

 

Applications are open from today until January 9, with an emphasis on unmanned aircraft system traffic management system demonstrations.

 

Click here for more details.

Para games flag ceremony held

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A flag presentation ceremony for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Delegation to the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) of the People’s Republic of China was held at the Tiu Keng Leng Sports Centre this afternoon.

Chief Executive John Lee officiated at the ceremony and presented the Hong Kong SAR regional flag to Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism and Head of the Hong Kong SAR Delegation Rosanna Law.

Addressing the event, Miss Law said that this marks Hong Kong SAR’s eighth time participating in the NGD and its sixth time participating in the NSOG.

She highlighted that the Hong Kong SAR Delegation captured 17 medals, comprising 10 gold, one silver and six bronze, at the last NGD, and 42 medals, comprising 25 gold, nine silver and eight bronze, at the last NSOG. The Hong Kong, China Delegation also won three gold, four silver and one bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

She added that these outstanding results not only prove the exceptionally high standard of Hong Kong athletes, but also demonstrate the Hong Kong SAR Government’s consistent efforts to strengthen policy support and resource allocation for sports development, ensuring that Hong Kong nurtures world-class athletes.

The Hong Kong delegation participating in this year’s NGD and NSOG is the largest to date. It comprises over 280 athletes, supported by about 140 team officials and medical personnel. They will take part in 14 competition events and four mass participation events in the NGD, as well as seven events in the NSOG.

This year’s NGD and NSOG will be held in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau from December 8 to 15.

Click here for details.

National officials visit metropolis

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan accompanied members of the central authorities’ publicity delegation on a visit to the Northern Metropolis this afternoon.

 

The delegation members were President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Hou Jianguo and Deputy Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Financial & Economic Affairs and Deputy Director of the Office of the Central Leading Group for Rural Affairs, the Communist Party of China (CPC), Zhu Weidong.

 

They were visiting Hong Kong to speak about the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC.

 

The two delegates first visited the Kwu Tung North New Development Area (NDA), where they were briefed on the progress of planning and construction for the NDA and the whole Northern Metropolis.

 

The NDA is the first such area in the Northern Metropolis to enter its construction phase. The delegation visited the site office to conduct an on-site inspection of construction there.

 

They then visited the Hong Kong Park area of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, which will open officially in December. They toured the wet laboratory facilities and accommodation for talent in the Hong Kong Park.

 

They also exchanged views with members of enterprises specialising in life and health technology, artificial intelligence and robotics, which have already settled in the park. They were briefed on the park’s operations and future development.

 

The delegation members highlighted that the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee outlined key initiatives to promote the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, and expressed hope that people can grasp opportunities to help implement the 15th Five-Year Plan by leveraging Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages and vital functions of enjoying the motherland’s strong support while being closely connected to the world.

 

They said that will speed up the development of the Northern Metropolis and accelerate Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology centre, as well as its integration into and contribution to the broader national development landscape.

 

Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn, Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong, and others accompanied the delegates during their tour.