Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation led by Financial Secretary Paul Chan visited the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center and the Xiong’an New Area in Hebei today, to study the development experiences of major new areas on the Mainland, with a view to advancing the Northern Metropolis’ planning, construction and investment promotion.

The Beijing Municipal Administrative Center and the Xiong’an New Area are the new “two wings” established in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei co-ordinated development strategy.

This morning, the delegation visited the centre’s planning exhibition hall, the Yunhe Business District and the Beijing Library to learn about the planning, industry development, business environment, canal-side development and conservation, as well as the construction of public cultural facilities there.

Accompanied by Beijing Municipal Government Party Leadership Group member and Beijing Vice Mayor Tang Wenhong, the delegates also toured Renmin University of China’s Tongzhou campus, where they found out more about its campus planning and smart campus management.

In the afternoon, the delegation proceeded to the Xiong’an New Area to tour the “comprehensive service centre of Xiong’an’s start-up area” and the “command centre of Xiong’an Intercity Railway Station along the east-west axis” to better understand relevant planning and construction.

In the company of Party Leadership Group member and Vice-Governor of the People’s Government of Hebei Province Zhao Dachun, they also visited a construction site at the Xiong’an campus of the University of Science & Technology Beijing.

Upon arriving in Beijing yesterday, the Hong Kong delegation visited the Liangma River in Chaoyang District to study the Liangma River restoration and improvement project, the development of the local night and waterfront economy, and the Blue Harbor Pier cruise.

The group led by the Financial Secretary will continue the Xiong’an New Area visit tomorrow.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Electoral Affairs Commission Chairman David Lok today visited the Returning Officer’s office at the Central Government Offices, Tamar, to inspect the procedures for receiving nomination forms and the preparatory work ahead of the 2025 Legislative Council General Election’s nomination period.

The 2025 election will be held on December 7 and its nomination period will run from tomorrow to November 6.

Mr Lok said that preparatory work and various arrangements for the election’s nomination period at relevant Returning Officers’ offices are all ready, adding that the staff members will receive nomination forms in accordance with the established procedures to ensure smooth operation of the nomination period.

A total of 90 members, with 20 from geographical constituencies, 30 from functional constituencies and 40 from the Election Committee constituency, will be returned in this election.

The nomination forms are available at the two offices of the Registration & Electoral Office at 8/F, Treasury Building, 3 Tonkin Street West, Cheung Sha Wan, and Unit 2301-03, 23/F, Millennium City 6, 392 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong or at the relevant Returning Officers’ offices. The nomination forms may also be obtained from district offices or downloaded online.

Call 2891 1001 or visit the election website for enquiries.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today extended his warmest congratulations on the victorious conclusion of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

The session adopted the Recommendations of the CPC Central Committee for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic & Social Development. Mr Lee said that the session holds great significance, as this year marks the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan period and the preparatory year for the 15th Five-Year Plan.

The session’s communique stated that the session gave a highly positive assessment of the country’s major achievements in development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period and outlined the main goals for economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period.

The session emphasised the need to unite in a concerted endeavour to accomplish the 15th Five-Year Plan; to promote the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macau; to promote the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and the cause of national reunification; and to contribute to the building of a global community of shared future.

The session also pointed out that thoroughly studying and implementing the spirit of the session is a major political task for the entire party and the country, both at present and in the near future.

Mr Lee was deeply inspired and encouraged by the victorious conclusion of the session.

He noted that despite the accelerating global changes unseen in a century during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the country has solidly strived for high-quality development, achieving groundbreaking progress, transformative changes and historic accomplishments in economic and social development. Furthermore, the country has further deepened reform comprehensively, making impressive achievements that drew global attention.

The recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan adopted at the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee will provide a top-level design and strategic blueprint for the country’s development over the next five years and are of great significance and impact to Hong Kong.

Mr Lee said: “Under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantage of having the strong support of the country while being closely connected to the world. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Hong Kong has been actively integrating into national development and playing an important role as a super connector and super value-adder for the world.

“The 15th Five-Year Plan period is crucial for the nation in building a great country and moving toward national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernisation. It also coincides with a critical period when the implementation of ‘one country, two systems’ enters a new stage and Hong Kong accelerates its progression from governance to prosperity.

“In the face of profound and complex changes in the circumstances for development, where strategic opportunities coexist with risks and challenges with increasing uncertainties and unpredictable factors, Hong Kong will identify and focus on its advantageous positioning in the country’s development blueprint, proactively align with the chapters on Hong Kong and Macau in the 15th Five-Year Plan, seize the significant opportunities brought about by the country’s development, and leverage its own unique advantages in national development.

“All sectors of the Hong Kong community should earnestly study and implement the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, give full play to the strength and value of ‘patriots administering Hong Kong’ and, in the nation’s continuous progress of building a great country and moving toward national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernisation, fulfil Hong Kong’s responsibilities, seize Hong Kong’s opportunities and make Hong Kong’s contributions,” Mr Lee added.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam today attended two discussion sessions at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting in Incheon, Korea.

In the morning, Mr Lam met Indonesian Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, before the ministerial meeting. They discussed capacity building on online dispute resolution and other matters of mutual interest.

Mr Lam then attended the third and fourth discussion sessions of the ministerial meeting.

Apart from discussing how structural reform can promote prosperity for all, Mr Lam also introduced Hong Kong, China’s measures in housing, labour, healthcare, and support for the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

Furthermore, he elaborated on Hong Kong, China’s vision of further improving people’s livelihoods and building a fair and just society through legislation, updating laws, and developing the economy through reforms.

In the afternoon, Mr Lam visited the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Regional Centre for Asia & the Pacific, and met its Head Athita Komindr.

The Sixth UNCITRAL Asia Pacific Judicial Summit, a biennial flagship event jointly organised by UNCITRAL and the Department of Justice (DoJ), will be held in Hong Kong during Hong Kong Legal Week in December.

The summit will explore topics related to the application of digital economy, virtual assets, artificial intelligence and other relevant subjects in the judicial field.

Mr Lam wrapped up the day’s engagements with a courtesy call to Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Korea Dai Bing in the evening.

The justice chief briefed Mr Dai on the co-operation between the DoJ and the Korean Ministry of Justice, and the way forward for strengthening the overseas promotion of the advantages of Hong Kong’s legal services.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival today (October 23):

Peter (Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Dr Peter Lam), Allan (Representative of the Bordeaux Wine Council, Mr Allan Sichel), ladies and gentlemen, 

Good evening. A big welcome to the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, the 13th happy edition! 

We have all the ingredients for four fabulous days and nights of wining and dining under the sun and the stars. And this year, ladies and gentlemen, you can party until midnight every night.

I’m told some 150 000 people, from Hong Kong, the Mainland, the Asian region and around the world will take part in this year’s Wine & Dine Festival, here to enjoy the stunning, harbour-side setting and the wide range of international and local offerings. 

As the Chief Executive announced in his recent Policy Address, this year’s Wine & Dine Festival is an enhanced version. More than 300 fine wine and food booths, from 31 countries and regions, are here – waiting for you and your taste buds. It’s all part of the Government’s efforts to showcase Hong Kong as an international culinary hub. Something we clearly don’t have to tell you. 

As Peter noted, this year’s Festival welcomes the return of the Grand Wine Pavilion, featuring more than 100 exceptional Old and New World wines chosen by renowned wine critic James Suckling, and offering you a rare opportunity to sample hand-picked wines and enjoy a refined tasting experience.
 
And, yes, Gourmet Avenue is back and bigger than ever. A dozen of this city’s top restaurants – counting 13 Michelin stars and seven Black Pearl diamonds among them – will serve up Cantonese, Chinese, French, Nordic-Japanese, pizza and more, all in one place. 

Then there’s the Tasting Room, where five celebrated chefs from around the world come together in a special collaboration. 

I know you will enjoy it all, ladies and gentlemen. Every last memorable bite, bottle and moment of this year’s Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival.

Once you have enjoyed the food and wine, we invite you to take some time to explore the rest of Hong Kong. Our city truly has it all. You can discover our vibrant arts and cultural scene, explore our rich heritage, relax in our beautiful country parks, have fun at our world-class theme parks, or enjoy fantastic shopping. There is always so much more to see and do. 

My thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Bordeaux Wine Council, and all the many devoted organisers and sponsors who have contributed to the success of this spectacular festival. Together, we are making Hong Kong a true gathering place for food and wine lovers from all over the world. 

And while you are enjoying the vibrant life of our city, I would like to take this opportunity to call upon all of you from Hong Kong to cast your votes in the upcoming Legislative Council election to be held on December 7. By casting your vote, you can play a part in shaping the future of this community we all love. Let us elect a team of patriotic, capable, and dedicated legislators who will work tirelessly to serve the people of Hong Kong and contribute to our country.  

Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy the party, beautiful Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong, the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. That certainly includes fine food and wine enjoyed in the very best of company. Cheers!

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The Hospital Authority (HA) Chairman, Mr Henry Fan, and the HA Chief Executive, Dr Libby Lee, attended the 2025 Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election Kick-off Ceremony today (October 23). The HA fully supports the LegCo General Election to be held on December 7 and will actively call on all staff to vote, electing a new term of LegCo Members to jointly build a better future for Hong Kong.
 
     Mr Fan said, “Hong Kong is advancing from stability to prosperity. Over the past four years, the LegCo has restored rationality. The executive and legislative branches, adhering to the principles of an executive-led system and ‘patriots administering Hong Kong’, have effectively engaged in positive interaction. The high quality and efficiency of legislative deliberations are evident for all to see. I urge everyone to cast their ballots on December 7 to elect LegCo Members with patriotism and affection for our country and Hong Kong, governing capability and passion for service, jointly promoting good governance and forging ahead.”
 
     The HA will leverage various platforms to encourage all staff to vote on election day. Also, the HA will assist candidates from different constituencies in reaching voters working in public hospitals in a fair and just manner, so that voters can better understand the manifestoes of different candidates and make the most prudent choice.
 
     Dr Lee said, “Although many healthcare staff will be on shift duty on polling day, the HA will encourage colleagues to vote. If colleagues’ work schedules conflict with voting hours, the HA will implement flexible arrangements by temporarily releasing colleagues to fulfil their civic responsibility, without affecting patient services.”
 
     The HA has always maintained a good co-operative relationship with the LegCo. Both Mr Fan and Dr Lee are looking forward to engaging and collaborating with all Members as soon as possible after the new LegCo term is formed. They also call on all voters to cast their votes on December 7 to elect the eighth LegCo Members who are competent, visionary, dedicated, and pragmatic, to jointly promote Hong Kong’s development for the benefit of its citizens.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (October 23) that in view of notifications from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Sorø Municipality in Denmark, West-Vlaanderen Province in Belgium and the District of Oberhavel of the State of Brandenburg in Germany, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

     A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 210 tonnes of frozen poultry meat, and about 150 000 poultry eggs from Denmark; about 30 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Belgium, and about 30 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Germany in the first six months of this year. 

     “The CFS has contacted the Danish, Belgian and German authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

An owner was convicted and fined $98,315 in total, of which $90,315 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts yesterday (October 22) for failing to comply with a removal order issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).

The case involved an unauthorised structure with an area of about 40 square metres on the flat roof of a composite building at Argyle Street, Mong Kok. As the unauthorised building works (UBWs) were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), a removal order was served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO. Failure to comply with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted by the BD.

A spokesman for the BD said today (October 23), “UBWs may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with removal orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building and public safety.”

Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year’s imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.