Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Labour Department completes special inspection exercise targeting contractor with unsatisfactory safety performance
During the special inspection exercise, the LD inspected 62 construction sites, with 75 written warnings and 154 improvement notices issued; as well as 41 prosecutions initiated, which mainly involved violations such as unsafe lifting operations, unsafe working at height, and failure to provide personal protective equipment.
The LD will continue to follow up on the improvement progress of the construction sites with violations and will deal with unsafe working conditions in accordance with the law.
The LD reiterated that contractors must strictly implement all site safety measures to ensure the OSH of employees. Under the general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance (Cap. 509), employers are obligated to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant legislation are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years.
Issued at HKT 12:00
NNNN
Process Review Panel for Accounting and Financial Reporting Council publishes 2024-25 report
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Process Review Panel for the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council:
The Process Review Panel (PRP) for the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council (AFRC) published its annual report today (June 5), covering the work of the PRP in 2024-25.
The Chairperson of the PRP, Ms Edith Shih, said, “The PRP has conducted a review on the AFRC’s work in 2023-24 under its statutory functions of inspection, issuance of practising certificates, registration and recognition, investigation and enquiry, discipline, as well as oversight of the performance of specified functions of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The PRP concluded from the review that the AFRC had carried out the work in accordance with its internal procedures. The PRP also made a number of observations and recommendations to the AFRC on helping it to further enhance its regulatory efficiency and effectiveness.
“We are grateful for the co-operation and support rendered by the AFRC in facilitating the work of the Panel, as well as its positive response to the PRP’s recommendations,” she added.
The 2024-25 Annual Report has been uploaded to the website of the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau at (www.fstb.gov.hk/fsb/en/business/prp/doc/afrc_prp_report24_e.pdf). The PRP welcomes the views of the public and market participants on the PRP’s work. Comments can be referred to the PRP via email at afrcprp@fstb.gov.hk.
EPD releases Environmental Performance Report 2026 and 2025 environmental annual reports
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (June 5), coinciding with World Environment Day, released the Environmental Performance Report 2026 along with the 2025 annual reports on Hong Kong’s air quality, marine water quality, and river water quality. The reports outline the EPD’s achievements over the past year in implementing measures to improve environmental quality, deepening regional co-operation, and enhancing external exchanges, while summarising the overall status of Hong Kong’s key environmental indicators in 2025.
Environmental Performance Report 2026
In review of 2025, the EPD achieved significant milestones across various sectors, including water quality, environmental assessment, and innovative technologies, in which the EPD has received both domestic and international recognition.
In December 2025, Hong Kong’s Mirs Bay was selected as a national “Outstanding Example of Beautiful Bays” with an excellent overall score. This marks the first time the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has received the national commendation, affirming the efforts of the HKSAR Government in marine environment protection and ecological conservation, and highlighting Hong Kong’s significant achievement of active participation in the joint building of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into a beautiful bay area.
The EPD continues to advance the application of innovative technologies, garnering widespread acclaim. Last year, the Territory-wide Sewage Surveillance Programme, co-developed by the EPD, the Drainage Services Department (DSD) and the Department of Health, won the Grand Award in the Innovation Category (2010-Present) of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers’ 50th Anniversary Legacy Award. This recognises the team’s innovative model of using technology to safeguard public health and environmental wellness. Furthermore, the Hong Kong Environmental Database (hked.epd.gov.hk/en/homepage), developed by the EPD, won several domestic and international awards. These include the Best Smart Environment Award and the Grand Award at Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Open Data Challenge 2025, showcasing excellence in integrating cutting-edge technology with environmental governance. Additionally, the EPD’s AI Environmental Air Nuisance Investigation Robot Dog (AI Dog) won the Gold Award at the HKMA/HKT Global Innovation Award. Utilising AI for on-site monitoring, the AI Dog has significantly improved enforcement efficiency and overcome previous technical limitations in nuisance investigations.
The EPD has also remained proactive in resolving long-standing environmental issues through technology and inter-departmental collaboration. A dedicated task force comprising the EPD, the DSD and the Buildings Department, has successfully tackled sewerage misconnections in Sham Shui Po. This collaborative effort earned the Ombudsman’s Awards 2025 for Teams of Public Organisations, recognising cross-departmental collaboration and professional spirit.
Hong Kong’s air quality continues to improve
The report indicates that overall air quality in 2025 remained good and broadly complied with Hong Kong’s Air Quality Objectives. Owing to the sustained emission reduction efforts of the HKSAR Government over the years, Hong Kong’s air quality has continued to improve over the past 20 years, resulting in an over 50 per cent reduction in long-term health risks.
From 2004 to 2025, the annual average concentrations of respirable suspended particulates (PM10), fine suspended particulates (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulphur dioxide (SO2) in the ambient air have reduced significantly by 45 per cent to 88 per cent, whereas the annual average concentrations of these pollutants at the roadside have reduced by 37 per cent to 83 per cent. The annual average concentration of ozone (O3) has also gradually turned steady in the past few years. The number of hours of reduced visibility has greatly reduced by 83 per cent from its level in 2004.
The EPD launched the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) in 2014 to provide the public with daily updates on short-term health risks of air pollution, enabling individuals to take necessary precautions to safeguard their health. In 2025, the percentage of hourly AQHI readings below seven (i.e. within the “low” or “moderate” health risk categories) recorded by general and roadside monitoring stations improved from 96.1 per cent and 92.1 per cent when the index was first launched in 2014 to 98.4 per cent and 98.6 per cent, respectively.
Hong Kong’s environmental water quality continues to improve
In 2025, river water quality continued to be satisfactory and stable, with the overall Water Quality Objectives (WQO) compliance rate reaching 89 per cent. A substantial 81 per cent of river monitoring stations achieved a Water Quality Index (WQI) grading of “Good” or “Excellent”, a significant leap from 26 per cent in 1987. This progress reflects the notable success of the Government’s pollution control and river management measures implemented over the past three decades. As pollutant loads entering rivers continue to decline, Hong Kong’s rivers have successfully sustained their long-term trend of water quality improvement.
In 2025, the overall compliance rate for marine WQOs was 74 per cent, which was lower than in previous years, primarily due to exceptional weather conditions. The summer of 2025 was abnormally hot, with the frequency of tropical cyclones and heavy rainstorms reaching record highs (with a total of 14 Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals and over 20 Red or Black Rainstorm Warning Signals issued), leading to persistent natural stratification of seawater, which reduced dissolved oxygen levels and resulted in a decline in the compliance rate for relevant water quality indicators. Given that these circumstances were driven by short-term meteorological and natural factors, the long-term improving trend of marine water quality remains intact.
With the overall improvement in Hong Kong’s environmental water quality in recent years, the triathlon event of the 15th National Games was successfully held in November 2025 at the Central Harbourfront Event Space and Victoria Harbour, with water quality meeting the stringent standards required for the competition. Hosting such a major national sporting event in the core of a busy harbour marks a remarkable achievement in Hong Kong’s efforts to enhance its environmental water quality.
An EPD spokesperson said, “The progress made in 2025 is a testament to the collective efforts of the Government and all sectors of the society. Looking ahead, Hong Kong will continue to leverage its unique strengths and expertise to promote regional co-operation. We are committed to continuously enhancing our environmental governance and working hand-in-hand with the community to create a greener and more sustainable future.”
For the Environmental Performance Report 2026, please visit www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/resources_pub/publications/pub_reports_ap.html. For the 2025 annual reports on Hong Kong’s air quality, marine water quality and river water quality, please visit www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/resources_pub/publications/pub_reports_mr.html.
Government welcomes annual report of Process Review Panel for Accounting and Financial Reporting Council
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Government today (June 5) welcomed the publication of the annual report of the Process Review Panel (PRP) for the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council (AFRC).
A spokesman for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said, “The PRP conducted an in-depth review of the internal processes and operational procedures in cases associated with the AFRC’s performance of its various regulatory functions under the regulatory regime of the accounting profession. The PRP has made observations and suggestions which are conducive to maintaining the fair and effective exercise of regulatory powers by the AFRC, thereby contributing to the safeguarding of high-quality financial reporting and auditing in Hong Kong.
“We would like to express sincere gratitude to the PRP Chairperson, Ms Edith Shih, and members of the PRP for their valuable observations and recommendations such that the AFRC can further enhance its regulatory efficiency and effectiveness,” the spokesman said.
The PRP is an independent panel established by the Chief Executive to review cases handled by the AFRC and to consider whether actions taken by the AFRC are consistent with its internal procedures and guidelines for ensuring fairness and consistency.
TD approves pilot licence for autonomous vehicles trial between Sunny Bay and Siu Ho Wan
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Transport Department (TD) announced today (June 5) that a pilot licence for autonomous vehicles (AVs) has been issued to approve an AV trial between Sunny Bay and Siu Ho Wan, in accordance with section 4(1) of the Road Traffic (Autonomous Vehicles) Regulation (Cap. 374AA).
The trial involves a bus operating in autonomous mode, routeing through the Sunny Bay Public Transport Interchange, Sunny Bay Road, Cheung Tung Road and the Discovery Bay Tunnel Toll Plaza. During the trial, a backup operator will be stationed in the vehicle at all times to take over control of the vehicle when necessary. The TD’s label for pilot AV shall be displayed on the pilot AV for identification by other road users. Details of the pilot licence have been uploaded to the TD’s website on AV trials.
A spokesman for the TD said that the project, funded by the Smart Traffic Fund, aims to develop a 20-seat autonomous driving bus suitable for the complex road environments in Hong Kong. It will test the use of advanced “neuromorphic event-based camera” technology for shortening the reaction time and response distance of the autonomous driving system. Upon completion, the project will provide practical data to enhance autonomous driving technology in Hong Kong.
Chaired by the Commissioner for Transport, the Autonomous Vehicle Applications Promotion Working Group will, in collaboration with relevant departments and the industry, review the progress of each AV project; provide steer on the trial locations, vehicle types and licensing arrangements required to support the commercial development of AVs; and explore appropriate regulatory arrangements to allow AVs to provide a certain degree of commercial services in specific areas on an individual pilot basis.
The TD welcomes interested organisations or enterprises to submit applications for a pilot licence for AVs. Upon receipt of an application, the TD will consider various factors, including the operational design domain and functions of the autonomous driving system, relevant national or international standards/guidelines, and the road testing conditions, based on the Code of Practice for Trial and Pilot Use of Autonomous Vehicles, before approval. Driving and road safety remain the Government’s top priorities. The Government will draw on practical experience to refine technical standards, share research findings with the industry in a timely manner, and implement initiatives to promote AVs in a prudent and orderly manner.
HKMA and SFC conclude joint consultation on amendments to Clearing Rules for over-the-counter derivative transactions
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Dates set for blaze hearings
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po announced today that the fifth round of evidential hearings will be held on June 22, 24 and 25.
On each of those dates, hearings take place from 10am to 1pm, and from 2.15pm to 4.30pm, at the Multi-purpose Hall, 3/F, City Gallery, in Central.
From 10am on June 8 to 10am on June 11, members of the public can pre-register online. Successful registrants will receive a confirmation issued by the committee secretariat no later than June 17.
In this round of hearings, the committee will receive oral evidence from experts, appointed by the Government and the committee, on issues relating to the causes that led to the fire and its rapid spread.
Part of the evidence will be given in English. Simultaneous interpretation in Cantonese, Putonghua and English will be provided on-site at City Gallery.
FEHD steps up inspections against fresh provision shops to stringently combat irregularities possibly causing rodent infestation
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
A spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (June 4) that, the department has always attached great importance to food safety and environmental hygiene, and has been stepping up inspections against licensed/permitted food premises, including fresh provision shops (FPSs). The FEHD stringently combats irregularities that could lead to rodent infestation or affect public health, with a view to safeguarding food safety and environmental hygiene.
In response to a recent complaint received concerning the appearance of rodents at a FPS on Hip Wo Street, Kwun Tong, the FEHD deployed staff yesterday (June 3) to inspect the FPS concerned. During the inspection, floor stains, signs of rodent activity, and cracks on ceiling and walls were detected. Prosecution was then initiated to the relevant person under the Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X); a Notice of Elimination of Vermin was also issued under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132) Section 47(1), requiring the person-in-charge adopting necessary procedures to remove any items causing rodent infestation within specified time frame, failing which prosecution will be instituted. FEHD officers also provided health education and offered advice on rodent prevention and control to the person-in-charge and the staff of the premises, and reminded them to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times. The FPS concerned has suspended business to carry out thorough cleaning and strengthen rodent prevention and control measures. The department will continue to monitor the hygienic condition of the premises and take appropriate actions to safeguard food safety and environmental hygiene. At the same time, the FEHD has strengthened cleansing of nearby public areas and placed poisonous baits to prevent rodent infestation.
The spokesman said, as of June 3 this year, the FEHD conducted about 91 500 inspections against licensed/permitted food premises across the territory, including about 6 200 inspections against FPSs. During the period, five licensed FPSs accumulated sufficient demerit points in breach of the Food Business Regulation, the FEHD thus ordered the FPSs concerned to suspend businesses from seven to 14 days. In addition, the department issued a press release on February 10 for a licensed FPS found with poor hygiene condition and serious rodent infestation. An immediate closure order was issued to the FPS concerned, and after the problems were thoroughly rectified, it was approved to reopen earlier. Another press release, issued on March 10, announced that the licence of a FPS was cancelled after breaching licensing condition. During the same period, FEHD officers issued 451 verbal warnings and 77 warning letters, and initiated 527 prosecutions against the irregularities found at the food premises concerned; including issuance of 173 verbal warnings and nine warning letters, and initiation of 125 prosecutions to the licensed FPSs.
Apart from stepping up inspections and enforcement, the FEHD also issued letters to the licensed/permitted food premises across the territory, reminding the trade of key points to note when handling and storing food during the summer period, as well as strengthening rodent control work. The FEHD reminded the trade to handle food properly, for example, keeping hot food that is prepared but not for immediate consumption at or above 60 degrees Celsius, and cold food at or below 4 degrees C; at the same time, following Five Keys to Food Safety, namely choose wisely, keep clean, separate raw and cooked food, cook thoroughly and safe temperature, in order to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
The FEHD further reminded the trade to reduce the risk of rodent infestation from three aspects, namely food, harbourage and passages of rodents, including the elimination of food sources and hiding places of rodents, as well as blockages of their dispersal routes. For example, properly storing food and food waste, maintaining cleanliness of the premises from inside to outside, avoiding accumulation of articles, and immediately sealed the holes and cracks on the walls, door frames, openings of pipes and other passages for the rodents.
The spokesman emphasised that, the FEHD will continue to closely monitor the hygiene conditions of the food premises, and step up inspections and prosecution with reference to the risk assessment. If premises are found with poor hygiene condition, mishandling of food, or possibly causing rodent infestation, the department will adopt appropriate enforcement actions depending on actual circumstances, with a view to safeguarding public health.
Under the relevant regulation, every person engaged in any food business, including FPSs, shall not knowingly suffer or permit in any food premises, the presence of rats, mice or insects; and shall adopt appropriate measures to protect the food from risk of contamination or deterioration. Operators must at all times keep every part of food premises clean, properly maintained, and in good condition. Offenders are liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for three months. If a licensee/permit holder is convicted of an offence relating to food safety and environmental hygiene under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132) and its subsidiary legislation, or breaches any licence/permit conditions, the FEHD may also register demerit points, issue verbal and written warnings, and suspend or cancel the relevant licence/permit under the established mechanisms. If the condition of a premises poses an imminent health risk, the FEHD has the authority to issue closure orders and immediately close the premises.
CE leads delegation to begin visit programme to Uzbekistan
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, led a business delegation comprising representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises to commence its visit programme to Uzbekistan today (June 4). He met with local leaders, government officials and business representatives to deepen co-operation between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan in areas including trade, investment, finance, innovation and technology (I&T), and people-to-people exchanges.
Mr Lee and the delegation arrived in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, last night and met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Mr Bakhtiyor Saidov. Mr Lee and Mr Saidov jointly witnessed an exchange of notes between the two places on a mutual visa-free arrangement, which would allow a visa-free period of 30 days for visitors from both sides. The governments of both places will immediately advance the discussions of the detailed arrangements to strive for early implementation. Mr Lee said he looked forward to the early advancement of the relevant visa-free arrangement with Uzbekistan.
This morning, Mr Lee met with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov, and Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Mr Jamshid Khodjayev to discuss ways to deepen economic and trade exchanges and co-operation. Mr Lee said that he was pleased to have the opportunity of meeting them in Uzbekistan for the first time, following his earlier meeting with the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister in Hong Kong, when they led their delegations to visit the city.
Mr Lee said that Uzbekistan is an important trading partner of Hong Kong in Central Asia. Economic and trade ties between the two places have continued to deepen, and there are broad prospects for further co-operation. As an international trading centre, Hong Kong ranks first globally in economic freedom and is the world’s fifth-largest merchandise trading entity. He said that Hong Kong and Uzbekistan are respectively important gateways for trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific and Central Asian regions. The two places can leverage their complementary strengths to further enhance economic and trade co-operation and help enterprises explore broader markets. Mr Lee said that Hong Kong has been deepening economic and trade ties with its trading partners through its overseas Economic and Trade Offices. He said he looks forward to further strengthening bilateral co-operation with Uzbekistan in various areas in the future.
Afterwards, Mr Lee met with the Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan on Strategic Development, Mr Sardor Umurzakov, to exchange views on deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan. Mr Lee said that he hopes to build closer ties with the local government, enterprises and relevant institutions through the visit, with a view to achieving mutual benefits and win-win outcomes.
At noon, Mr Lee met with the President of Uzbekistan, Mr Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, to exchange views on furthering co-operation. Mr Lee said that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. He said that Hong Kong will continue to play its roles as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” to further deepen co-operation and exchanges with Uzbekistan on various fronts in line with Uzbekistan’s goal of achieving high-quality development. The two places will join hands in seizing the opportunities from the joint development of the Belt and Road Initiative, and promoting common development between the two places and the Central Asian region.
Uzbekistan is the most populous country in Central Asia, and possesses abundant natural resources and a young labour force. In recent years, its Gross Domestic Product has maintained a robust growth, demonstrating enormous potential in economic growth, industrial development, green transformation and infrastructure development. Mr Lee said that Hong Kong is committed to developing into an international hub for post-secondary education and an international hub for high-calibre talent. Hong Kong is pressing ahead with the promotion of the “Study in Hong Kong” brand to attract more students from outside of the city to study and conduct researches in Hong Kong. He invited Uzbekistan to stage its major conferences and key projects in Hong Kong in the form of Asian chapters or roadshows. He also encouraged more young people from Uzbekistan to study in Hong Kong, building a stronger foundation for long-term co-operation between the two places through education, cultural and people-to-people exchange.
Mr Lee said that Hong Kong is actively developing into an international gold trading centre, attracting the storage, clearing and delivery of gold in Hong Kong and building a comprehensive gold trading ecosystem. He said that Uzbekistan has abundant gold reserves, and that Hong Kong can provide strong support to Uzbekistan in areas such as gold trading, reserve allocation and professional services, and create more mutually beneficial business opportunities for the two places.
In the afternoon, Mr Lee attended a luncheon hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan to discuss ways to facilitate business matching and expand market opportunities between enterprises of the two places.
In the evening, Mr Lee attended a business dinner and a signing ceremony for Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) jointly organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, where he introduced Hong Kong’s development opportunities and business advantages to local political and business representatives.
Mr Lee will continue to lead the delegation on its visit programme in Uzbekistan tomorrow (June 5).
Remarks by CE at media session in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 4), in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, spoke on the Central Asia visit of the business delegation comprising representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises. He was accompanied by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong; the Commissioner for Belt and Road, Mr Nicholas Ho; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Professor Frederick Ma; Chamber Council Member of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce Mr Jeffrey Lam; and Vice President of Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group Company Limited Dr Hanson Liu. Following are the remarks by Mr Lee:
Reporter: Sir, welcome to Uzbekistan. My first question, Hong Kong is one of the world’s leading financial centres, and following today’s discussions, what concrete investment and projects or areas of economic (co-operation) between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan in the near future can we expect? And the second question, which sectors of Uzbekistan’s economy does the Hong Kong business community currently view as the most promising for investment, and why? And a short question, could you please tell us when the visa-free regime can be expected in the near future? Thank you.
Chief Executive: I will answer your last question first. Both governments are working very hard to implement this 30-day visa-free arrangement. We have overcome the most difficult part; that is, both sides have worked on the details, and yesterday we exchanged the notes verbales on this matter. With the enthusiastic attitude of both governments, I think we can see very early implementation of the arrangement. I will push my colleagues to work harder, and I received the same assurance from my counterparts in the government of Uzbekistan.
In regard to financial co-operation, I am very glad to know about the establishment of an international financial centre in Uzbekistan. Hong Kong has, I think, a lot of experience to share, including capital markets, asset management, green and sustainable finance, as well as the support of professionals to help upgrade and strengthen the financial centre. I see particular potential in co-operation in capital markets, connectivity, asset management, green finance, financial technology, and related professional services. All these help to foster mutual growth between our two places in regard to financial co-operation. I also want to suggest we co-operate in the area of gold trading, because Uzbekistan has a large production of gold and also has a strong gold reserve, and Hong Kong is quickly building a gold trading market. We hope to see more co-operation in this area, and I think this will be a win-win situation for both financial centres. Then, of course, the traditional stock exchange area is an obvious area for the two Exchanges to co-operate in. Already, the Hong Kong Exchange has been in communication with the Tashkent Stock Exchange, and further co-operation will ensure that investors and also market participants will gain even further mutual benefit. One other point I think Hong Kong and Uzbekistan can co-operate in is fintech, because while we develop financial markets and co-operation in this area, nowadays, technology in the financial sector plays an important role, and I think this is an area we can contribute to and bring mutual benefit to both sides.
As regards your question about which sector looks to us as the most prominent sector for co-operation and for mutual development, you are asking a question which will probably involve a long list of sectors. We come here and, as Chairman Fred Ma of the Trade Development Council has indicated, the examples of agreements and co-operation are just so abundant that they range from the service sector to heavy industries such as mining and infrastructure development. I think the sky is the limit. A lot of Belt and Road projects are actively being pursued in Uzbekistan. For example, Uzbekistan sits in the heart of the corridor of Asia and Europe, so logistical development, railway development, and also how we can complement and supplement each other in cargo handling will be an area for a very wide range of co-operation. Of course, the financial side, which you have asked about, is an area of co-operation. Technology is also an important area, because technology is the future of different parts of the world; without technology, we will all fall behind. IT co-operation will be an area we will focus on, and already you can see there have been some agreements signed in this regard. So your question is one which indicates that the answer will be a big one, and I am glad, because that means the visit to Central Asia is a right decision. The opportunities are so many, and the potential is so unlimited.
The last thing I would say is youth development and education. I am very impressed by the President’s 2030 strategy, in which human capital development and education are highly emphasised, and this is an area where I think Hong Kong can work together with Uzbekistan, because Hong Kong has achieved some good results in education, with five universities in Hong Kong among the top 100. We have three universities which have been rated as most international. We have scholarships for Belt and Road students. In fact, there are altogether some 6 000 students from Belt and Road countries studying in Hong Kong. Besides the scholarship offered by the Government, universities also offer a wide range of scholarships to students, Uzbekistan students included. So the areas of co-operation are wide. Thank you very much.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)