Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The nomination period for the 2026 Election Committee Subsector Ordinary Elections ended today with Returning Officers receiving a total of 1,155 nomination forms. Among these, 1,115 were submitted by candidates and 40 by designated bodies.

On October 29, Returning Officers will draw lots to determine the order of candidate names on ballot papers and to allocate designated spots for election advertisements. The drawing of lots will take place at the Civil Aid Service Headquarters and the Kwun Tong office of the Registration & Electoral Office (REO).

The Candidate Eligibility Review Committee will publish a notice of validly nominated candidates in the Government Gazette within 14 days.

If a subsector is contested, a poll will be held on November 22. The corresponding candidate numbers for the ballot papers will be published in the same Gazette notice.

Separately, the Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) will host a briefing session for candidates at Queen Elizabeth Stadium on November 3. EAC Chairman David Lok will chair the session to outline election-related guidelines and key campaigning practices.

Representatives from the Independent Commission Against Corruption will explain the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance, while Hongkong Post will detail the arrangements for free election mail postage. Representatives from the REO and the Department of Justice will also attend.

Source: Government of Singapore

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee

I am delighted to join you today, to celebrate the first anniversary of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed).

A year ago today, I officiated at the International Organization for Mediation’s Inauguration Ceremony, together with members of IOMed’s Governing Council and representatives of the contracting states. Today, we are here to congratulate the IOMed on its welcome progress under the leadership of Secretary-General Prof Teresa Cheng.

The response, internationally, has been equally encouraging. Over this past year, the number of signatory states to the IOMed Convention has increased from the original 33 to 48, while the number of contracting states has more than doubled, from eight to 18.

Just a few months after its inauguration, the IOMed settled an international commercial dispute. More good news: the mediator was an experienced maritime lawyer from Hong Kong. I am pleased to add that the IOMed has already handled multiple cases, and global interest is growing, with more potential cases in the pipeline.

In-person and online training for IOMed member states was held in Hong Kong in May and June, respectively. More in-person training for IOMed member states, in both state-to-state mediation and investor-state mediation, will take place next month.

And the first IOMed Forum, under the theme “Mediation for Peace and Prosperity – the New Frontier”, will be held this December in Hong Kong.

In short, IOMed is fast emerging as a trusted intergovernmental body, committed to resolving international disputes through mediation. And doing so based on mutual respect and understanding.

The IOMed is a vital platform for promoting global peace and prosperity. And the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to support the IOMed, in-keeping with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan. Hong Kong, after all, is the world’s only Chinese‑English, bilingual common law jurisdiction. And our status as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre is internationally recognised.

In last month’s Policy Address, I set out a set of initiatives to support and collaborate with the IOMed, promoting Hong Kong as a global hub for mediation. 

Building on the Government’s “Mediate First” policy, we will include IOMed mediation as a dispute resolution option in government contracts and agreements to which Hong Kong is a party.

I also welcome the IOMed’s involvement in settling disputes in emerging industries. And we are considering the establishment of a special panel of mediators in commodity trading.

I hope, too, to see our talented young professionals contribute to international peace and co-operation. And I look forward to working with the IOMed in creating opportunities for young people in its wide-ranging affairs.

Ladies and gentlemen, IOMed’s headquarters was converted from our historic Old Wan Chai Police Station. Its design theme was rooted in a proverb borrowed from Chinese porcelain, and I quote “一色入窯，萬彩出窯”, which I will translate as “Entering the kiln as one, emerging as a kaleidoscope of colours”.

That reflects the value of international mediation, in which parties begin with a dispute and, ideally, leave with diverse solutions and new opportunities.

Mediation embodies respect, mutual trust, fairness and harmony. And I am confident that the International Organization for Mediation will continue to serve, and shine, as a beacon of hope for the world.

Chief Executive John Lee gave these remarks at the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) 1st Anniversary Celebration on October 20.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today announced it has issued an Amber Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for France in response to the latest protest situation in the country. Hong Kong residents are reminded to avoid non-essential travel to affected protest areas there.

The Amber OTA indicates signs of threat. Due to persistent demonstrations across many places in France, resulting in clashes and damage, the Government advises residents intending to visit or already in the country to monitor the situation, exercise caution and attend to personal safety.

Residents should also pay attention to local announcements on the latest situation and avoid large gatherings of people. Those outside Hong Kong who need assistance can call the Immigration Department’s  24-hour hotline at (852) 1868, make a network data call, or use the 1868 Chatbot via the department’s mobile app.

Alternatively, they can message the 1868 WhatsApp or 1868 WeChat assistance hotlines, submit an online assistance request form, or contact the Chinese Embassy or Consulates-General in France. Residents are also encouraged to register their itinerary and contact details via the online Registration of Outbound Travel Information service to receive timely updates and practical information from the Immigration Department.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

In response to global climate change, extreme weather, and the rising demand for electricity driven by the rapid development of AI and digital technologies, the “2026 APEC ESCI Awards and Workshop on Promoting Good Practices and Recognizing Excellence in Energy Solutions,” hosted by the Energy Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), takes place from October 20 to 21 at the Grand Victoria Hotel in Taipei. The two-day international event bring together representatives from government, industry, academia, research institutions, and panel members across multiple APEC economies-including the United States, Japan, Thailand and Viet Nam-to witness the award ceremony of the 7th APEC Energy Smart Communities Initiative (ESCI) Best Practices Awards and engage in exchanges on energy smart development and innovative practices in the Asia-Pacific region.

In the opening remarks, Vice Minister of Ministry of Economic Affairs Dr. LAI Chien-Hsin stated that the global energy environment is currently undergoing dramatic changes. In addition to continuously advancing low-carbon development, energy transition must simultaneously ensure energy security, system resilience, and economic development. This year’s APEC Energy Ministers’ Meeting also reaffirmed the vital importance of regional cooperation and energy security. Chinese Taipei has long actively participated in APEC energy cooperation, promoting cross-economy exchanges by maintaining the ESCI Knowledge Sharing Platform (ESCI-KSP) and organizing selection activities to translate great ideas into practice across cities, industries, and communities. The Energy Administration noted that this year’s edition attracted 74 innovative entries competing together, fully demonstrating the rich practical experience of the Asia-Pacific region across aspects such as Smart Transport, Smart Buildings, Smart Grids, Smart Jobs & Consumers, and Low Carbon Model Towns. Dr. Lai expressed hope that case sharing and cross-domain exchanges will inspire and create further opportunities for cooperation among economies in promoting energy transition.

The event kicked off with the 7th ESCI Best Practices Award Ceremony, inviting winning teams to deliver insightful practical presentations covering key ESCI pillar areas. Among them, Chinese Taipei’s winning projects this year included the “Print 30: Integrated Smart Low-Energy Buildings and Low-Carbon Manufacturing -A Scalable and Replicable SME Model for Industrial Decarbonization” by NTI PRINTING Co., Ltd. and the “Innovative Communication and Seed Training Mechanism for Energy Transition Policies” by the Taiwan Research Institute, demonstrating Chinese Taipei’s practical achievements across diverse dimensions including energy innovation, low-carbon transition, and social communication.

The workshop featured presentations by domestic and international experts and was chaired by Dr. Cary BLOYD, Chair of the Judging Panel and former Senior Advisor at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) of the U.S. Department of Energy. On October 20, representatives from APEC economies shared their experiences and achievements, including Ms. Ariadne BENAISSA, Deputy Director of Asian Affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE); Ms. Yuna NATSUMI, Deputy Director of the International Affairs Division of the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan; Dr. Chien-Pang LIU, Deputy Director-General of the Transportation Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government; and Mr. Wisaruth MAETHASITH, Professional Level Engineer of the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency of the Ministry of Energy, Thailand. Through policy innovation, smart technologies, and cross-sectoral integration, the presentations demonstrated how energy smart community concepts can be translated into practical, implementable, and replicable actions.

On October 21, experts from international organizations will focus on regional progress and developments. Mr. Julen IMANA SOBRINO, Expert of Green Digital Transformation of Local Governments for Sustainability Europe (ICLEI), will share European perspectives on local energy transition. Dr. Kazutomo IRIE, Chair & President of the Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre (APERC), will present achievements in low-carbon energy community development across the APEC region, while Dr. Chi-Wen LIAO, Chair of the APEC Expert Group on New and Renewable Energy Technologies (EGNRET), will introduce the current development and future directions of new and renewable energy technologies in APEC.

Chinese Taipei has actively promoted deep energy saving, technology-based energy storage, and power grid resilience in recent years, utilizing digital technology to enhance energy efficiency and power system dispatch efficiency. The workshop not only showcases Chinese Taipei’s proactive contributions to energy intelligence and sustainable transition in the Asia-Pacific region, but also provides a platform for closer international cooperation. Looking ahead, Chinese Taipei will continue to deepen partnerships with APEC economies, promote the exchange of best practices and knowledge sharing through the ESCI-KSP platform, facilitate the implementation of more innovative energy solutions across the Asia-Pacific region, and jointly build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable energy future for the region.

Spokesperson:
Deputy Director General Chen, Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs
Tel: +886-2-2775-7700 / +886-919-998-339

Business Contact:
Director Liao, Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs
Tel: +886-2-2775-7710

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the 2026 APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Finance Ministers’ Working Luncheon with the ABAC (APEC Business Advisory Council) on digital infrastructure financing today (October 20):

Minister Lan (Minister of Finance, Mr Lan Fo’an), fellow ministers, ABAC colleagues,

Good afternoon. Let me first thank the ABAC for hosting this luncheon. Our discussion goes beyond mobilising more capital. It is about making digital infrastructure investable, while ensuring that it delivers affordable and reliable services which are accessible to underserved communities.

In our view, three elements are essential.

First, create an enabling environment for investment. Investors need predictable government policies, transparent licensing and data-governance rules, enforceable contracts, and clarity over the availability of land, power supply and network connections. These pre-conditions should be co-ordinated early to provide a friendly and attractive investment environment.

Hong Kong’s experience illustrates that governments need to go beyond just providing clear policies and rules. We have to be proactive and facilitative. For example, for data centre operators, Hong Kong provides them with one-stop assistance, bringing various statutory approvals and compliance requirements under one office, with procedural facilitation. Policy certainty, clear delineation of responsibilities among government departments, and co-ordinated procedures greatly reduce uncertainty and delays, and are very much appreciated by investors.

Second, develop shared digital infrastructure. Beyond physical infrastructure and networks, we should provide common platforms and trusted frameworks on which both the public and private sectors can work together, rather than leaving them to operate in isolation.

For example, Hong Kong’s “iAM Smart” digital identity platform allows residents to access different public and private services using a single identity, thereby reducing paperwork and repeated identity verification. Its value lies not simply in putting services online, but in making them more convenient to use. We are planning to extend this digital platform to the business sector later this year.

Similarly, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Commercial Data Interchange securely connects banks with commercial data providers, allowing banks, with the prior consent of clients, to use their transaction data and other business records in credit assessment. By doing so, loans can be extended to the SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) on the basis of transaction documents, filling the financing gap much needed by SMEs who may not be able to provide real assets as collateral.

Third, we need financing approaches suited to different markets and stages of development. Private utility companies and operators play an important role in Hong Kong’s public utility and infrastructure development. In the railway sector, we adopt a railway plus property development approach while in the public utility sector, we implement a franchise approach with schemes of control over their tariff. These require forward-looking policy certainty, with careful calibration to avoid unnecessary subsidies and excessive tariff on consumers.

In our view, MDBs (Multilateral Development Banks) can contribute not only in financing, but also in expertise and experience in project preparation, implementation and operation. There is a lot that MDBs can assist economies in the region in terms of assessing project viability, structuring viable revenue models, allocating risks and establishing transparent procurement arrangements.

On financing, besides bonds and syndicated loans, public listing and securitisation can provide economies with a useful refinancing channel for infrastructure. By bringing mature projects with established cash flows to the capital market, funds can be recycled to invest in new projects. The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation and the HKEX (Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited) stand ready to provide the technical and financial help.

Finally, Chairman, success should be measured not only by capital mobilised, but also by affordable, reliable services delivered, and improvement to people’s lives. Hong Kong, China, stands ready to share our experience and expertise with governments, businesses and MDBs to translate their priorities into bankable projects to accelerate their sustainable and inclusive growth. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Finance Ministers’ Meeting 2026 Plenary Session 1 – Global and Regional Economic and Financial Outlook today (October 20): 

Chairman, fellow ministers, colleagues,

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to Hong Kong, Asia’s world city.

The global economy has shown resilience, but that resilience is uneven and under strain. Geopolitical tensions and trade policy uncertainty cloud the outlook, with risks tilted to the downside.

Asia continues to outpace global growth, supported by technology-related trade and investment. We see this momentum in Hong Kong, where merchandise exports rose by more than 40 per cent in value in the first eight months of this year, and around 70 per cent of our IPO (initial public offering) proceeds were attributable to AI-related companies. 

Yet prolonged geopolitical disruption would raise energy prices, further fuel inflation and tighten financial conditions, weighing on investment and constraining fiscal space. Concentrated exposures to AI-related assets, particularly where leverage is involved, could amplify market corrections across sectors and borders.

Managing these risks requires fiscal prudence, vigilant financial oversight and closer co-operation in information sharing, risk monitoring and emergency response.

Translation of technological advances into productivity gains, wider adoption of AI, green transition and other innovations require sustained investment. Equally important are building digital infrastructure, developing related skills and literacy, and preparing businesses and communities for change.

Mobilising private capital is essential. Governments need to provide predictable, investment-friendly policies and modernise regulatory frameworks, giving businesses the confidence to innovate and invest.

Regionally, we need open channels for trade and investment, not new barriers. Connected markets allow capital to reach productive uses and technologies be adopted across borders.

Hong Kong, China remains committed to these principles. As an international financial centre, we channel capital into productive investment, while our professional services help businesses enter new markets and commercialise technologies.

Colleagues, interconnected challenges demand co-ordinated responses. Our collective task is to safeguard stability while strengthening the foundations for lasting prosperity. Hong Kong, China stands ready to work with fellow economies to seize opportunities, manage risks and support more resilient, sustainable and inclusive growth across the Asia Pacific.

Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs on September 18 and 21 seized about 20 000 suspected counterfeit goods with a total estimated market value of about $10 million at the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal.

Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs inspected two 40-foot containers arriving in Hong Kong from the Mainland on the above-mentioned days. After inspection, Customs officers found two batches of suspected counterfeit goods totaling about 20 000 items, including mobile phones, mobile phone parts, watches and footwear from the containers. 

An initial investigation revealed that the suspected counterfeit goods would have been transshipped to overseas regions.

The investigation is ongoing.

Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement action against counterfeit goods and smuggling activities through risk assessment and intelligence analysis.

Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who imports or exports any goods to which a forged trademark is applied commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (​eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Finance Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) 2026 seminars today (October 20):

Honourable guests, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is a great pleasure of mine to welcome you all to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and to this seminar session held in connection with the APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting 2026.

It is especially meaningful for the HKSAR to welcome the FMM to our city for the very first time. We are deeply honoured to contribute to the APEC China Year under the theme, “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together”, and to facilitate dialogue that advances our shared prosperity across the region.

That theme could not be more timely. In an era of profound economic transformation and evolving global challenges, prosperity will not be secured by any economy acting alone. It will be built through partnership, innovation and resilience. I am therefore delighted that this seminar brings together regulators, business leaders and experts from across the Asia-Pacific region for meaningful exchanges on how we can unlock new opportunities, strengthen financial resilience, and drive sustainable growth for all.

My sincere thanks go to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Hong Kong, China for organising today’s seminars and for their unwavering support.

The HKMA, as our central bank and also a steward of monetary and financial stability, is a driving force behind the development of our financial infrastructure ecosystem.

ABAC, on the other hand, serves as an important bridge between the public and private sectors, providing APEC leaders with valuable business perspectives on regional co-operation. Its voice helps ensure that our policies remain connected with the realities and aspirations of the business community.

Together, these seminars provide a valuable opportunity for the business community to contribute directly to the broader discussions of the FMM, bringing market insights, practical experience and fresh perspectives to the table.

Today’s discussions will centre on two highly important themes: trade and supply chain finance, and green and sustainable finance. These themes are not only relevant to the region’s development, they are also closely aligned with the HKSAR Government’s latest policy direction. In our inaugural Five-Year Plan (First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030)), we set out a clear vision to advance “Finance+” so that finance can better serve the real economy.

Under “Finance + Trade”, we are stepping up support for small and medium-sized enterprises. In this regard, the HKMA has been playing a pivotal role through various initiatives and innovative financing solutions like its Project CargoX. Rather than getting ahead of the discussion, I shall leave it to our speakers to share their insights on these exciting developments.

Under “Finance + Green Development”, we are making a resolute push to accelerate the development of green and sustainable finance and advance an international carbon market. A prime example is the collaboration between the HKEX (Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited)’s Core Climate and the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency to explore Hong Kong’s participation in cross-boundary carbon trading. In doing so, we may leverage our financial strength as a premier international financial centre to support our country in building a carbon market of greater international influence, thus creating a powerful engine for global environmental sustainability.

Beyond these areas, the Five-Year Plan also sets out a clear vision to reinforce Hong Kong’s roles as a global offshore Renminbi business hub, an international asset and wealth management centre, and an international risk management centre. We are also committed to developing a commodity trading ecosystem with gold as an entry point. Together, these strengths position Hong Kong as a premier platform connecting capital, enterprises and opportunities across the region and beyond.

I am particularly pleased that we are joined today by an outstanding line-up of speakers and practitioners. Their insights have been shaped not only by knowledge, but also by experience at the very forefront of their respective fields. I personally look forward to their sharing and to the vibrant discussions that are to follow.

Last but not least, while you are here for the FMM, I warmly invite you to venture beyond the meeting rooms and feel the unique vibe of the many sides of Hong Kong. From our rich Chinese cultural heritage and local traditions to our renowned food culture and dynamic city life, I hope you will have wonderful memories and enjoy the captivating spirit that makes Hong Kong a truly special and beautiful place.

With that, may I wish the seminars and the FMM every success, and all of you a fruitful and thoroughly enjoyable stay in Hong Kong. Thank you.