Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) hosted Chinese New Year receptions in Luxembourg on February 11, followed by Istanbul, Türkiye on February 12, as part of the celebration series for the Year of the Horse.

In her welcoming remarks in Istanbul, the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, described 2026 as a year of renewed opportunities for Hong Kong and Türkiye, following the coming into force of two landmark agreements between the two places, namely the Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement and the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, which marked an important milestone in strengthening bilateral economic ties and laid a strong foundation for deeper cooperation in the years ahead.

Ms Yung reaffirmed Hong Kong’s long-standing commitment to free and open markets. “Amid rising tariffs, Hong Kong continues to uphold our status as a free port, with the free flow of capital, goods, talent and information. We stay aligned with rule-based international standards, and keep our tax system simple and low,” she said.

Ms Yung also highlighted Hong Kong’s unique strengths premised on the “one country, two systems” framework, as well as the initiatives to reinforce HK’s position as a “super connector”, including the “Go Global” initiative, which leverages Hong Kong’s fundraising and professional services to support Chinese Mainland enterprises in their global expansion and supply chain diversification.

Brussels ETO took the opportunity to showcase Hong Kong’s unique East-meets-West culture in Istanbul by inviting the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra to stage a Chinese musical performance featuring iconic Hong Kong and festive melodies, which captivated local guests.

Deputy Representative of Brussels ETO, Miss Fiona Li officiated at the reception in Luxembourg, where she highlighted Hong Kong’s continued economic expansion and its strength as a leading international financial centre. She noted the city’s resilient trade performance, revitalised capital markets and strong fundraising activity, reaffirming Hong Kong’s position as a premier global IPO hub.

Miss Li also emphasised Hong Kong’s growing attractiveness to international investors, particularly in asset and wealth management. Sustained capital inflows reflect confidence in Hong Kong’s business prospects, reinforcing its role as a trusted gateway for global investors seeking diversification in Asia.

The events in Luxembourg and Istanbul were attended by over 460 guests from government, financial and business sectors, academia, cultural and creative sectors, media, and the Chinese community. The receptions were co-organised by the Brussels ETO, Invest Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, with support from local partners. In Luxembourg, the reception was co-organised by the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and the China-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today visited the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point to inspect its operations on the first day of the Chinese New Year.

Accompanied by Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung, Director of Immigration Benson Kwok and Commissioner of Customs & Excise Chan Tsz-tat, Mr Chan was briefed on customs clearance, passenger flow diversion and public order maintenance during the festive period.

Mr Chan extended his festive greetings and thanked staff for their dedicated service during the holidays, ensuring visitors receive smooth and efficient clearance during peak travel periods.

The Chief Secretary noted that departments have been co-ordinating transport and boundary control arrangements. They are also working closely with the travel trade to prepare for crowd management and information dissemination to ensure the smooth operations for visitors.

He appealed to visitors to plan their itineraries in advance, and encouraged them to stay overnight to fully experience Hong Kong’s festive culture and unique charm after attending the various Chinese New Year celebrations.

Mr Chan thanked Government colleagues and industry practitioners for their hard work during the festive period. He also expressed his wishes for the motherland’s stability and prosperity, a thriving economy, and every success for the community.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Principal officials today visited families and distributed gift bags in six districts – Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan, Islands, Kwun Tong, Eastern and Tai Po – ahead of the Lunar New Year.

Co-ordinated by the Home Affairs Department, today’s visits were the culmination of four days of year-end household visits to all 18 districts of Hong Kong. The visits were aimed at sharing good tidings for the New Year with the community.

Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan visited a family and an elderly person at Heng On Estate in Ma On Shan to chat with them and learn more about their living environment.

Meanwhile, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung visited an elderly family and another household in Sham Tseng, Tsuen Wan.

Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan visited an elderly couple and an ethnic minority family living at Cheung Tung Estate, Tung Chung.

For his part, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau visited an elderly couple and a young family at Yau Tong Estate, Yau Tong.

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn visited an ethnic minority family and an elderly resident at Model Housing Estate, Quarry Bay.

Acting Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Clement Woo visited an elderly family and a young resident at Fu Tip Estate, Tai Po.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the translation of the Chinese New Year message delivered by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (February 16):
     
     Chinese New Year is the festival we eagerly anticipate, a time when every household decorates and prepares to welcome new beginnings.

     As the spirited steed gallops forward, leaving the old year behind, we stand united to embark on a new journey.

     The horse, symbolising speed and stamina, boldly charges ahead, covering vast distances every day. It embodies the tenacity and resilience of Hong Kong people.

     As we step into the Year of the Horse, let us continue to move with agility and steadiness, seizing opportunities, overcoming challenges, and propelling Hong Kong forward.

     My wife and I wish for every sector in Hong Kong to lead the way, for every endeavour to meet with swift success, and for the Year of the Horse to bring good fortune and joy to all.

     (The message is available on the website of the Chief Executive’s Office: www.ceo.gov.hk/cny-message/26/en/) 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Two incoming passengers were sentenced to five months’ and six months’ imprisonment and fined $1,000 respectively by the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today (February 16) for dealing with and possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
 
Customs officers intercepted an incoming male passenger, aged 36, at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) on February 14, and seized about 91 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $372,300 and a duty potential of about $300,200, from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested. He was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and fined $1,000 by the Courts today.
 
As well, Customs officers intercepted an incoming female passenger, aged 42, at HKIA on the same day, and seized about 74 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $302,500 and a duty potential of about $243,900, from her personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested. She was sentenced to five months’ imprisonment and fined $1,000 by the Courts today.
 
Customs welcomes the sentences. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflect the seriousness of the offences.
 
Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
 
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette 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 – 4

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (February 16) that the indoor facilities of the reprovisioned Tuen Mun Swimming Pool located on Lung Mun Road will come into service next Tuesday (February 24). The swimming pool was relocated to facilitate the Tuen Mun South Extension project.
 
     The indoor facilities to open include a 50 metre x 25 metre main pool and a 25m x 15m training pool, both providing heated water, as well as a 1 200-seat spectator stand. The opening date of the outdoor facilities, including a training pool, a teaching pool, a leisure pool and a diving pool, will be announced later.
 
     For enquiries, please contact the venue staff at 2404 1918 or 2458 8022, or visit the LCSD website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/beach/swim-intro/swimlocation.html).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region