Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Global Mediation Summit, organised by the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), will be held tomorrow at the Convention & Exhibition Centre, with Chief Executive John Lee officiating and delivering a special address.

With the support of key sponsors the Department of Justice and the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy, the summit is geared towards establishing Hong Kong as a global mediation capital. It will bring together leading mediation experts, policymakers and industry leaders from around the world to explore topics such as cross-cultural international mediation, financial and investment dispute mediation, and the development of a global mediation ecosystem.

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam will give opening remarks.

Keynote speeches will be delivered by IOMed Governing Council Vice-Chairperson and Kenyan Ambassador to China H.E. Willy Bett, and by Director General of the Treaty & Law Department of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Qi Dahai.

The summit will feature three panel discussion sessions, enabling former government officials, law professionals, academics and leaders of international institutions in the field of dispute resolution, from China and around the world, to share their insights and experience in relation to three core themes: “The Facilitators of Peace: Wisdom from World-class Mediators”; “The Clients’ Voice: Why States and Investors Choose Mediation”; and “Beyond the Horizon: Developing the Global Mediation Ecosystem”.

The event will take place from 8.30am to 5.30pm, with in-person attendance augmented by live-streaming. It will be conducted in English. Simultaneous interpretation in Putonghua and Cantonese will be provided.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 6) investigating a case of mad honey poisoning, and reminded the public to buy honey from a reliable source or apiary.

     A 59-year-old female developed chest discomfort, dizziness, transient blurred vision over bilateral eyes and near syncope around 30 minutes after consuming honey on April 30. She was sent to the Accident and Emergency Department of Pok Oi Hospital and was hospitalised for treatment. The patient was in stable condition. Her clinical diagnosis was mad honey poisoning. She was discharged on May 1.

     Grayanotoxin was detected in the honey remnant and the patient’s urine sample upon testing. A preliminary investigation revealed that the patient had consumed honey brought by her from Türkiye recently. The CHP’s investigation is ongoing, and the Turkish health authority will be informed.

     Mad honey poisoning is caused by ingestion of honey containing grayanotoxins derived from plants belonging to the Ericaceae family, including rhododendrons. Grayanotoxins are neurotoxins that can affect nerves and muscles. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, weakness, excessive perspiration, hypersalivation and paraesthesia shortly after ingestion. In severe cases, hypotension, bradycardia or shock may occur.

     Members of the public are reminded to take heed of the following preventive advice:
 

• Buy honey from a reliable source or apiary;
• Discard honey with a bitter or astringent taste – grayanotoxin-containing honey may cause a burning sensation in the throat; and
• Pay special attention to honey from India, Nepal and the Black Sea region of Türkiye, as honey from these areas has led to grayanotoxin poisoning cases.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements, led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (May 6) announced that the five-day Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland (May 1 to 5) concluded yesterday, with all aspects of receiving visitors operating smoothly. According to the Immigration Department (ImmD), around 1.19 million visitors arrived in Hong Kong over the Golden Week, representing an increase of 8 per cent over the same period last year. Mainland inbound visitors accounted for around 1.01 million, representing an increase of 10 per cent compared to last year. The increase in visitor arrivals directly boosted local businesses, including retail, catering and hotels, bringing significant economic benefits.

     Mr Chan said, “Visitor arrivals surged during this year’s Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland. Popular attractions saw a large number of visitors and a vibrant atmosphere, showcasing the unique metropolitan charm of the city. The growth in visitor arrivals also directly boosted various local industries, including retail, catering and hotels, with significant visitor flows in shopping malls, restaurants and shops bringing significant benefits. Representatives of some shopping malls indicated that consumption in various retail categories saw year-on-year double-digit increases, while the catering sector noted that businesses in tourist areas increased about 20 per cent in the same period, generating considerable economic benefits. These results fully reflected the function of the tourism industry as an important driver of the local economy. The Government will continue to work closely with these industries to promote diversified tourism products and projects, creating comprehensive and immersive travel experiences for tourists while spreading the economic advantages brought by visitor increases to different sectors to benefit the overall economy.”

Visitor flow, situation of control points, and traffic and public transport arrangements

     During the five-day Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland, the daily average of Mainland visitors was around 200 000. The arrival of Mainland visitors peaked on May 2, with around 260 000 Mainland visitors arriving in Hong Kong. During the Golden Week, the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point received the highest number of Mainland visitors, followed by the Express Rail Link West Kowloon Control Point. 

     To cope with the increased passenger flows during the Golden Week, relevant departments deployed additional manpower and operated additional counters, temporary counters and channels to facilitate passenger and vehicular flows. The Security Bureau activated the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre during the holidays to closely monitor and co-ordinate public order across various districts, including various boundary control points. The overall operation of the control points and traffic were smooth and orderly.

     The overall traffic conditions were generally smooth during the Golden Week. The Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre of the Transport Department (TD) operated round the clock at an escalated tier to holistically monitor traffic conditions and public transport services across the territory, including boundary control points, major stations and various tourist hotspots. The TD steered local and cross-boundary public transport operators (PTOs) to enhance their carrying capacity, including enhancing MTR train services to and from Lo Wu/Lok Ma Chau Stations, strengthening relevant Express Rail Link train services to and from Futian, Shenzhenbei and Beijingxi Stations, strengthening cross-boundary coach services and increasing the frequency of bus services connecting land boundary control points for the convenience of residents and visitors. PTOs also deployed additional staff to maintain order and reserved sufficient vehicles and manpower to further enhance services when necessary. 

Conditions of mega events and major tourist attractions

     Visitors went to different parts of Hong Kong during the Labour Day Golden Week, with high visitor flows observed at major tourist attractions including the West Kowloon Cultural District, Ocean Park, Hong Kong Disneyland, the Peak Tram and Ngong Ping 360. Smooth and effective crowd management measures were implemented. Local areas like Old Town Central, Yau Ma Tei and Kowloon City emerged as popular urban walking routes.

     At East Dam of the High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung, various departments took measures to control traffic, increase the frequency of minibuses, publish visitor flow information, and strengthen cleaning services as needed according to the plan devised before the Golden Week. As regards the public transport service for East Dam, upon the TD’s co-ordination, the Green Minibus route No. 9A operator enhanced services plying the route between Pak Tam Chung and East Dam of High Island Reservoir in response to passenger demand and traffic conditions. The overall services were generally smooth. 

     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) installed additional railings at the Po Pin Chau viewing platform, deployed additional staff and utilised drones for patrolling and broadcasting safety alerts, and implemented crowd control measures at Po Pin Chau during busy hours. Tourists followed the instructions of the on-site staff, with the pedestrian flow smooth and order well maintained. Incidents where visitors approached dangerous areas or crossed railings had decreased dramatically. As for the campsites at Ham Tin Wan, Sai Wan and Long Ke Wan, the AFCD and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) conducted joint operations to keep the campsites and the Ham Tin Public Toilet clean, deployed staff to conduct day and night patrols and stationed on-site, and remind campers of camping etiquette and regulations according to the plan. The usage, hygiene, and order at various campsites were generally good. The AFCD had strengthened enforcement against illegal activities. During the Golden Week, it conducted publicity and education measures, and issued advisories and warnings along Sections 1 and 2 of the MacLehose Trail and at designated campsites nearby, with a total of 19 enforcement cases against offences of littering, illegal camping outside designated campsites, etc. 

     At Sharp Island and Shui Hau sandflat on Lantau Island, the AFCD deployed staff to patrol along the coastline to remind visitors not to harm, disturb, feed, or collect marine life. Snorkelling guides and kayaking guides were deployed at nearshore waters to remind snorkellers to enter and exit the water by following the coral-friendly routes to avoid accidentally stepping on corals. In addition, the AFCD conducted joint patrols with the Hong Kong Police Force, the Marine Department and the FEHD, and deployed drones to regularly monitor visitors’ activities. The AFCD also collaborated with the World Wide Fund For Nature Hong Kong and the Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong to conduct public education activities and promote marine conservation messages to visitors. 

Inbound tour groups and hotel occupancy rate

     In terms of Mainland inbound tour groups, around 820 Mainland inbound tour groups brought over 32 000 visitors to Hong Kong during the five-day Golden Week, with around 60 per cent engaged in overnight itineraries. The number of tour groups remained similar to the same period last year. 

     During the Golden Week, the Travel Industry Authority proactively co-ordinated the flow and itineraries of inbound tour groups and stepped up inspections and enforcement actions to stringently combat non-compliant activities, including deploying staff daily to major boundary control points, tourist attractions, registered shops and dining venues frequented by Mainland tour groups. The arrangements for tour group flow management and tourism activities during the Golden Week were generally orderly.

     The overall hotel occupancy rate reached 90 per cent, slightly higher than last year. Hotel prices increased by 10 per cent compared with long holidays in the past. 

     Mr Chan thanked all relevant government departments, organisations, and industries for working together, co-ordinating closely, and properly handling the reception of visitors, creating a welcoming travel experience for them during the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

According to the Immigration Department, around 1.19 million visitors arrived in Hong Kong over the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland from May 1 to 5, representing an 8% increase over the same period last year. Mainland inbound visitors accounted for around 1.01 million, representing an increase of 10% compared to last year.

The interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements, led by Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, said the surge in visitor arrivals directly boosted local businesses, including retail, catering and hotels, bringing significant economic benefits.

Mr Chan said: “Popular attractions saw a large number of visitors and a vibrant atmosphere, showcasing the unique metropolitan charm of the city.

“Representatives of some shopping malls indicated that consumption in various retail categories saw year-on-year double-digit increases, while the catering sector noted that businesses in tourist areas increased about 20% in the same period, generating considerable economic benefits. These results fully reflected the function of the tourism industry as an important driver of the local economy.

“The Government will continue to work closely with these industries to promote diversified tourism products and projects, creating comprehensive and immersive travel experiences for tourists while spreading the economic advantages brought by visitor increases to different sectors to benefit the overall economy.”

During the five-day Golden Week, there was a daily average of around 200,000 Mainland visitors. Inbound Mainland visitors peaked on May 2, with around 260,000 of them arriving in Hong Kong. Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point received the highest number of Mainland visitors, followed by the Express Rail Link West Kowloon Control Point.

Around 820 Mainland inbound tour groups brought over 32,000 visitors to Hong Kong, with around 60% engaged in overnight itineraries. The number of tour groups remained similar to the same period last year. The overall hotel occupancy rate reached 90%, slightly higher than last year. Hotel prices rose 10% compared with long holidays in the past.

The Government said overall traffic conditions were generally smooth during the Golden Week.

At East Dam of the High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung, various departments took measures to control traffic, increase minibus frequencies, publish visitor flow information, and strengthen cleaning services according to the plan devised before the Golden Week.

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) implemented crowd control measures at Po Pin Chau during busy hours, with the pedestrian flow smooth and order well maintained.

Usage, hygiene and order were generally good at the campsites in Ham Tin Wan, Sai Wan and Long Ke Wan.

Separately, the AFCD issued advisories and warnings along Sections 1 and 2 of the MacLehose Trail, as well as at designated campsites nearby. A total of 19 enforcement cases were logged against offences of littering, illegal camping outside designated campsites.

Mr Chan thanked government departments, organisations, and industries for working together for properly handling the reception of visitors, creating a welcoming travel experience for them during the Golden Week.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Uzbekistan-China (Hong Kong) Economic Forum today (May 6):

Your Excellency Mr Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov (Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon and welcome to Hong Kong.

It is an honour to have His Excellency Abdulla Aripov, the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, with us today. His Excellency is here, in Hong Kong, leading a high-powered government and business delegation, some 200 strong, from Uzbekistan.

Mr Prime Minister, your presence here speaks volumes about the strength of the relations between Uzbekistan and China, our country.

In 1992, Uzbekistan became the first Central Asian country to establish diplomatic relations with China, our country. Two years ago, the two countries established an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era.

Your trip this week to our country, and the eighth session of the China-Uzbekistan Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee, will surely boost our rewarding ties.

I am confident, too, that today’s Uzbekistan-China (Hong Kong) Economic Forum will set our two economies, and our two peoples, together on a far-reaching and mutually rewarding partnership.

The good news is that we are already exploring co-operation, and in more than several areas, I’m pleased to say.

Last August, I met with His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev here in Hong Kong, exchanging views on our trade relations and other collaboration. And my Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury is in Uzbekistan now for the Asian Development Bank’s annual Board of Governors meeting.

Last October, the Director-General of Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), our designated investment promotion agency, visited Uzbekistan to explore opportunities in trade, logistics, financial technology, sustainable development and other sectors. InvestHK is also, let me add, engaging with enterprises from Uzbekistan to support their business expansion in Hong Kong.

To put it simply, our government and business ties are growing stronger and stronger. And for good reasons. A good many reasons. Uzbekistan is at the heart of the ancient Silk Road. It has served as a conduit for trade and cultural exchange for centuries.

Central Asia’s most populous country, and the region’s fast-growing economic engine, Uzbekistan has realised a GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth rate consistently above 6 per cent in recent years. That is a compelling testament to the country’s reform and development initiatives.

Indeed, the Asian Development Bank, in a report last month, said, and I quote, “Uzbekistan enters the next two years from a position of strength, supported by resilient domestic demand, high levels of investment, and ongoing structural reforms.”

The country’s dynamic economy serves as a gateway to Central Asia and beyond. It offers diversified investment and trading opportunities, thanks to modernised industrial zones, as well as mining and commodities trading. Its agricultural sector is thriving, and the country’s rich cultural heritage draws more visitors every year.

No less important, Uzbekistan continues to reform its economy. And the country is dedicated to joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), to better integrate into the global economy.

Hong Kong, of course, is a long-standing champion of free trade, and a founding member of the WTO. We are also the world’s fifth-largest entity in merchandise trade. And the WTO is a critical institution in promoting free and open global trade, especially in today’s fractured world.

Under our “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. We offer low taxes, a free flow of capital and information, the rule of law and a legal system based on common law – trusted by businesses all over the world.

Hong Kong believes in the power of multilateralism and win-win co-operation. We welcome the world, Uzbekistan very much included, to join us in pursuing, and creating, opportunity.

That’s why we are fully engaged in our country’s Belt and Road Initiative. Hong Kong, one of the world’s top three global financial centres, offers a wealth of financing, as well as professional services, dispute resolution and much more – for Uzbekistan and for all countries along the Belt and Road.

For Uzbek enterprises here with us today, if you’re looking to tap into the vast Chinese market, Hong Kong is your ideal partner. Hong Kong speaks the language of international business. Our financial experts can help you raise capital. Our lawyers, accountants and arbitration specialists can guide you and your business every step of the way.

Last year, the number of companies in Hong Kong with Chinese Mainland or overseas parent companies rose to more than 11 000. That’s up 11 per cent over the year before – and a record high.

Our start-up companies last year also hit a record high, totalling over 5 200, also up 11 per cent, year on year.

In a global economy fraught with geopolitical uncertainties and fragmented trade and investment flows, Hong Kong is where you want to be.

Stability, certainty and trust are our natural resources, and we’re happy to share them with Uzbekistan – with you.

Set up your regional offices here. List on our stock exchange. Use our world-class professional services, and reach every market, every corner, of China and the world.

You’re welcome to come for our world-class education, too. Hong Kong is the only city in the world that counts five universities among the world’s top 100. And we welcome Uzbek students to study here.

The HKSAR Government offers scholarships specifically for students from Belt and Road countries, including Uzbekistan, to study at our post-secondary institutions.

Ladies and gentlemen, the friendship between China, our country, and Uzbekistan runs deep. Hong Kong is proud to be a part of that friendship. And we look forward to seeing it grow and flourish.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Hong Kong officials and business leaders here for today’s forum are eager to chat with you about opportunities in various sectors, industries and areas.

I know you will enjoy today’s Forum, and I hope to see you back soon in Hong Kong, Asia’s world city. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, highlighted that Hong Kong is acting positively towards the reconfiguration of global value chains amid a world with complex global challenges when he attended the Governors’ Plenary at the 59th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on May 5 (Samarkand time).
 
The Governors’ Plenary has its theme set as “Shifting Global Value Chains, Technology and Inclusive Growth”. Addressing the Plenary, Mr Hui said that Hong Kong has been diversifying its markets and promoting enhanced co-operation between Hong Kong and other global partners. The city’s stellar performance in capital formation attracted various companies to opt for Hong Kong for secondary listings. Currently, Hong Kong is proactively developing new industries to serve as new engines for economic growth while enhancing the competitiveness of traditional industries with better use of technology, with a view to boosting long-term and healthy economic development.
 
On the sidelines of the Annual Meeting, Mr Hui had a meeting with the Alternate Executive Director representing Hong Kong, China’s constituency in the ADB Board of Directors, Ms Lisa Wright. They had a fruitful discussion on areas where the ADB and member countries can take advantage of Hong Kong’s financial markets and professional services, including issuing catastrophe bonds as Hong Kong is consolidating its position as a global risk management centre. Mr Hui mentioned that two catastrophe bonds issued by the World Bank had already been listed in Hong Kong. While Hong Kong remains one of the world’s largest equity fundraising centres and a leading hub for arranging Asian international bond issuance, the Government is also keen to promote the wider adoption of tokenisation in the bond market, especially in green bonds which the ADB can leverage to raise funds. Separately, Hong Kong is definitely an ideal place for the ADB to pursue quality procurement.
 
Mr Hui also held a series of meetings with representatives of several member countries. Among them were the Deputy Director-General and Head of Department for Multilateral Development Banks, Sustainability and Climate of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Sweden, Mr Tobias Axerup, and the Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development of Sri Lanka, Mr Anura Hapugala. Mr Hui expressed to them Hong Kong’s determination in fostering closer international economic and trade ties. He also elaborated to them the benefits that would be brought to the business communities of both economies by commencing negotiations on a Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement (CDTA) with Hong Kong. The parties also touched on Hong Kong’s strong legal and financial professions and the utilisation of the city as a neutral platform for facilitating financial mediation and issuing green bonds.
 
During his meeting with the Director of the Center for Regional and Bilateral Policy in the Fiscal Policy Agency of the Ministry of Finance, Indonesia, Ms Yogi Rahmayanti, Mr Hui said that Asia accounts for 60 per cent of the world’s annual gold demand, with its investment demand increasing in recent years. Global central banks are also making net gold purchases as a tool for long-term value preservation and investment risk diversification. Amid the increasingly complicated geopolitics, Hong Kong’s security and stability give the city a clear edge as an attractive place for physical gold storage, driving more gold trading, settlement and delivery activities. Riding on an array of initiatives by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to build the city into an international gold trading centre, Indonesia can make use of the opportunity to work together with Hong Kong in establishing a gold ecosystem in Asia.
 
While meeting with the Head of Division (Regional Development Banks) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany, Dr Wolfram Morgenroth-Klein, Mr Hui mentioned that Hong Kong is one of the top three international financial centres and has put forward new moves to expand the financial value chains so as to consolidate the position. Germany is welcome to build closer ties with Hong Kong through financial co-operation, including considering the early commencement of negotiations on a CDTA and exploration of co-operation in the gold industry.
 
In the evening, Mr Hui returned to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, for meetings with Uzbek financial institutions, as well as the Chinese Embassy in Uzbekistan on the next day (May 6).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov, at Government House today (May 6) to exchange views on further strengthening co-operation between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan. The Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; and the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip, also attended the meeting.
 
Mr Lee welcomed Mr Aripov and his delegation to Hong Kong to attend economic and trade events. He said that Hong Kong is a functional platform for the Belt and Road (B&R) Initiative, and Uzbekistan is a major country in Central Asia with abundant natural resources and a strong labour force, and has experienced rapid economic growth. Hong Kong and Uzbekistan are both active participants in the B&R Initiative, and there is broad scope for co-operation. Hong Kong will continue to leverage its unique advantage of having the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, deepen international exchanges and co-operation, proactively explore B&R markets, and further strengthen collaboration with Uzbekistan in different areas, to jointly seize the opportunities brought by the B&R Initiative.
 
Mr Lee said that Hong Kong is an international financial, shipping and trading centre, is the world’s fifth-largest trading entity in merchandise trade economy and ranks No. 1 in the world in economic freedom, with a highly internationalised and market-driven business environment. Hong Kong is making every effort to develop into an international innovation and technology centre and an international hub for high-calibre talent. Uzbekistan’s economy is growing rapidly and is vigorously promoting infrastructure development. There is vast potential for co-operation between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan. He encouraged Uzbek enterprises to establish a presence in Hong Kong and leverage Hong Kong’s advantage in connecting with both the Mainland and the world to explore the Mainland and overseas markets. Hong Kong will continue to play its roles as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder”, to work with Uzbekistan to explore more business opportunities for mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.
 
Mr Lee said that Hong Kong is pressing ahead to develop into an international post-secondary education hub and is the only city in the world with five universities ranked among the world’s top 100. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has set up a Task Force on Study in Hong Kong, and has launched the B&R Scholarship to attract outstanding students around the world. Mr Lee welcomed more young people from Uzbekistan to come to Hong Kong for further studies and career development, to further promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two places.