Category: MIL-OSI

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President Lai receives credentials from new Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Kenton X. Chance

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai receives credentials from new Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Kenton X. Chance
On the morning of May 28, President Lai Ching-te received the credentials of new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Kenton X. Chance. In remarks, President Lai expressed hope that Ambassador Chance’s deep-rooted connection to Taiwan will further deepen our nations’ cooperation in such fields as agriculture, infrastructure, information and communications technology, and medicine. This, he said, will help us realize our goal of mutual benefit and prosperity and allow the diplomatic ties between the two nations to continue developing steadily.
A translation of President Lai’s address follows:
I am delighted to receive the credentials from Ambassador Chance as he assumes his new post in Taiwan. On August 15 this year, we will mark 45 years of diplomatic relations between our two nations. On behalf of the government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the people of Taiwan, I extend a sincere welcome to Ambassador Chance, whose appointment at such a significant moment will allow us to witness new milestones in our relations.
Ambassador Chance comes from a long career in journalism and communications. He possesses excellent academic and professional credentials. In fact, he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Ming Chuan University, giving him a deep-rooted connection to Taiwan. I believe that with his assistance, diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will continue to develop steadily.
Since establishing ties in 1981, our nations have enjoyed a profound and enduring bond. We continue to cherish this longstanding partnership as we embrace the future together. Our nations enjoy a fruitful cooperation in such fields as agriculture, infrastructure, information and communications technology, and medicine. Going forward, I believe we will build on existing cooperation in smart agriculture and smart medicine and continue to deepen and diversify our collaboration, helping us realize our goal of mutual benefit and prosperity.
I am extremely grateful to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for actively speaking up for Taiwan over many years at many international venues, including the United Nations General Assembly, World Health Assembly, International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Criminal Police Organization. Such actions embody the priceless spirit of true friendship and mutual support. Moving ahead, we look forward to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines continuing to support Taiwan’s international participation. This will allow Taiwan to use its expertise to make contributions to the international community and work with like-minded nations to enhance global well-being.
In closing, I once again welcome Ambassador Chance to Taiwan as he assumes his new post. Let us work together to further strengthen our diplomatic ties. I wish you all the best with your new duties as we propel bilateral relations to new heights.
Ambassador Chance then delivered remarks, first conveying assurances of unwavering respect and high esteem from King Charles III, King of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, greetings from Governor General Sir Stanley John, Prime Minister Godwin Friday, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, as well as greetings from the government and people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Ambassador Chance mentioned that his arrival in Taiwan this year as the Ambassador Designate of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the Republic of China (Taiwan) is six months short of 20 years after he arrived in 2006 as a recipient of a scholarship from Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to study Mandarin Chinese and to pursue a four-year undergraduate degree. He said he left Taiwan six years after that, in 2012, with an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and a Master of Arts in International Affairs, and that in the subsequent 13 years he pursued a career in journalism and mass communications, during which time he reported for major news outlets around the world. He noted that this work as a journalist resulted in Taiwan’s Ministry of Education recognizing him in 2022 with the Distinguished Taiwan Alumni Award.
Ambassador Chance mentioned that the education he received in Taiwan served him well, explaining that it highlights his deep understanding of the nature of the relationship that exists between our two nations. Noting that this year Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the Republic of China (Taiwan) will celebrate 45 years of diplomatic relations and that he also just turned 45 years old, he pointed out that he is as old as the relationship between our two nations, and so he considers it a special honor to be representing Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in Taiwan at this time.
Praising the first ambassador to Taiwan, Her Excellency Andrea Clare Bowman, for laying a solid foundation during her tour of duty, Ambassador Chance stated that he intends to build on that foundation, erecting pillars in support of a broader, expanded relationship. He also stated that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines values its relationship with the Republic of China (Taiwan), and that their government stands ready to deepen and expand our relationship for the continued benefit of both our peoples and our countries.

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CE’s expert group members named

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government announced today the reappointment of 57 members of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (CEPU) Expert Group, and the appointment of Sonia Cheng, Hendrick Sin, Ling Yu-shih and Prof Anderson Shum as new Expert Group members. The term for all Expert Group members will run from May 30 until June 30 next year.

CEPU Head Stephen Wong thanked the Expert Group members for their active contributions and invaluable advice, as well as for their generous sharing of expertise and research findings, providing important references for the CEPU’s policy research work. He also expressed appreciation to the outgoing members for their contributions during their term of service, and welcomed the new members.

Mr Wong said interaction between the CEPU and Expert Group members continued to take various forms in the past year, including meetings, a “Fireside Chat with CEPU Experts” and written exchanges. In addition, Expert Group members were invited to participate in policy seminars related to the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme and the Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme in order to provide professional perspectives, and served as external examiners for the two funding schemes.

“I look forward to maintaining close liaison and co-operation with Expert Group members, pooling professional expertise and wisdom in support of the Government in further deepening reform and improving people’s livelihood, thereby fully leveraging our strengths and working together to create a brighter future,” Mr Wong remarked.

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Dutiable Commodities (Amendment) Bill 2026 to be gazetted tomorrow

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Dutiable Commodities (Amendment) Bill 2026 will be published in the Gazette tomorrow (May 29) to amend the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109) to introduce specific offences and a presumption of fact provision to enhance enforcement against the mishandling of duty-exempt methyl alcohol (MA, also known as methanol).
 
     To promote Hong Kong’s development into a green maritime fuel bunkering centre, the Government adopts a two-stage approach to provide duty exemption for MA used as fuel in outbound vessels. The first stage was completed with the passage of the Dutiable Commodities (Amendment) Regulation 2025 by the Legislative Council in October 2025, bringing the duty exemption into operation on October 17, 2025. The second stage involves amending the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance to enhance the enforcement efficacy of duty-exempt MA. 
 
     The Bill aims to introduce into the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance specific offences against the mishandling of duty-exempt, non-denatured MA, including using, selling, supplying or permitting the use, sale or supply of such MA other than for the specified exempted purpose. It also makes it an offence to not deliver duty-exempt non-denatured MA together with a note with a specified statement to remind recipients of the sole purpose of such MA. In addition, to enhance the effectiveness of enforcing the control of duty-exempt non-denatured MA, the Bill provides for a presumption of fact, specifying the facts establishment of which would lead to the presumption that certain non-denatured MA is dutiable, unless contrary evidence is available.
 
     A spokesperson for the Transport and Logistics Bureau said, “To support Hong Kong’s development into a green maritime fuel bunkering centre, the Government introduced legislative amendments last year to exempt MA for use as fuel in outbound vessels from duty, facilitating the development of MA bunkering in Hong Kong.The first two MA bunkering operations took place at anchorage and the Kwai Tsing Container Terminals respectively on March 5 and March 10, 2026.
 
     “In anticipation of the increase in volume of MA being bunkered in Hong Kong as its popularity as a green maritime fuel grows, we see the need for introducing the Bill to enhance the efficacy of enforcement against the mishandling of MA, upholding the integrity of the regime for controlling dutiable commodities, thereby fostering our development as a green maritime fuel bunkering centre.”
 
     The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council on June 10.

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Revision to domain of economic activities comprising “Manufacturing and New Industrialisation-related Industries” and update of corresponding statistics

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Revision to domain of economic activities comprising “Manufacturing and New Industrialisation-related Industries” and update of corresponding statistics 
     In line with the principles of adapting to local circumstances and keeping pace with the times, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been closely monitoring how international organisations and other economies define manufacturing and new industrialisation. Having regard to the latest developments in Hong Kong’s economic structure and industrial landscape, the Government conducts timely review of the existing coverage and statistical framework of “Manufacturing and New Industrialisation-related Industries”, with a view to ensuring that relevant statistics objectively and accurately reflect its economic performance and contribution, thereby providing a key basis for refining industrial policies and monitoring their effectiveness.
 
     To better capture global technological trends and the advancement of new industrialisation, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB) has further refined the domain of economic activities that comprises “Manufacturing and New Industrialisation-related Industries” by incorporating “Publishing and Packaging” (covering activities that generate intellectual property) and selected “Telecommunications” services (including data and computing centre services, cloud services, and other information technology activities provided by telecommunications companies). Following consultation with the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the relevant statistical framework has been correspondingly updated.
 
     A new wave of technological innovation and industrial transformation has been developing rapidly, with new industries, business forms, and models emerging continuously. With reference to the latest version of the United Nations’ International Standard Industrial Classification and taking into account the evolution of modern production models, the ITIB has refined the domain of “Manufacturing and New Industrialisation-related Industries” to also cover businesses involving outsourced production processes that satisfy the relevant preconditions (Note).
 
     The ITIB has commissioned a consultant, under the ongoing consultancy study on the medium- to long-term development plan for new industrialisation in Hong Kong, and estimated that, based on the latest international standards and the updated statistical framework, “Manufacturing and New Industrialisation-related Industries” accounted for 3.8 per cent of Hong Kong’s Gross Domestic Product in 2024. This reflects that the Government’s new industrialisation initiatives are playing an increasingly important and positive role in promoting economic diversification and enhancing Hong Kong’s overall competitiveness.
 
     The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, said, “Hong Kong is accelerating the transformation of its economic growth drivers. There is broad consensus in society that innovation and technology should serve as the engine to drive the real economy towards higher-quality development. Advancing a new industrial system underpinned by technological innovation will help reshape Hong Kong’s industrial base and enhance its overall competitive advantage. To support this direction, Hong Kong is actively developing new quality productive forces and promoting new industrialisation, including expediting the development of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Co-operation Zone, enhancing the I&T ecosystem, pooling R&D resources, advancing pilot production, preparing for the establishment of the first national manufacturing innovation centre outside the Mainland, and developing the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster. These measures aim to foster deeper integration between technological and industrial innovation, actively integrate into the Greater Bay Area, and build a co-ordinated innovation model across the industrial chain. We are confident that ‘Manufacturing and New Industrialisation’ will continue to make a more significant contribution to Hong Kong and support the country’s modern industrial system.”
 
     A spokesman for the C&SD said, “Following the revision to the domain of economic activities comprising ‘Manufacturing and New Industrialisation-related Industries’, its statistical framework has been updated accordingly. The C&SD will continue to keep abreast of relevant international guidelines and provide professional statistical advice to the ITIB and other stakeholders, with a view to compiling appropriate statistics that reflect the economic performance of ‘Manufacturing and New Industrialisation-related Industries’.”
 
     “Manufacturing and New Industrialisation-related Industries” encompasses manufacturing and economic activities related to technological and industrial innovation, including:
 
(a) Manufacturing: for instance, the manufacturing of food products, pharmaceuticals, medicinal chemicals and botanical products, computer, electronic and optical products, and new energy equipment;
(b) Businesses involving outsourced production processes (satisfying relevant preconditions (Note)): for instance, cases where import and export companies outsource the production process with the provision of input materials or intellectual property inputs required for production;
(c) Science, product design and technology development: for instance, industrial and product design, chip design, new drug development, AI model development and application, and technical consulting services;
(d) Data services and software development: information technology activities such as data and computing centre services, data storage and processing, software development, and cloud services;
(e) Verification, testing and certification: for instance, functional testing and verification, technical and prototype testing, and compliance certification;
(f) Professional technical services: for instance, system design, integrated delivery, and maintenance services;
(g) Environmental engineering and green business: for instance, sewage treatment, waste recovery, sorting, and disposal; and
(h) Publishing and packaging: activities that generate intellectual property such as publishing productions and packaging products. 

Note: The relevant preconditions refer to cases where a company outsourcing production processes should not only own the final products but also satisfy one of the following conditions:
(a) it owns the input materials used in the production process; or
(b) it exercises control over the production process through the provision of intellectual property inputs required for production (e.g. product design and technical specifications).
Issued at HKT 9:00

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InvestHK promotes Hong Kong’s financial and I&T opportunities in Hebei Province, encourages enterprises to go global via city

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

InvestHK promotes Hong Kong’s financial and I&T opportunities in Hebei Province, encourages enterprises to go global via city       
     At the seminar, the Deputy Director of the Hebei Provincial Committee Financial Commission Office, Mr Xiong Hou, and Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion of InvestHK Mr Arnold Lau delivered opening remarks.
      
     Mr Xiong said that the seminar represents a practical initiative by Hebei to implement its high-level opening-up strategy and align with Hong Kong’s advantages as an international financial centre. It is also a key action to deepen Hebei-Hong Kong financial collaboration and empower industrial clusters to go global and attract foreign investment. He noted that Hong Kong is an international financial centre and professional services hub, characterised by the free flow of capital, a well-established legal system, and a mature capital market. Hebei, meanwhile, is at a critical stage of industrial upgrading and accelerated opening up, featuring 107 key industrial clusters primed for growth. A vast number of enterprises are eager to leverage Hong Kong as a springboard to expand globally and connect with international markets. The complementary strengths of Hebei and Hong Kong create vast opportunities for co-operation and a highly promising future together.
      
     InvestHK is the Secretariat and a core member of the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global (GoGlobal Task Force) steered by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development. In his opening remarks, Mr Lau encouraged Mainland enterprises to choose Hong Kong as their preferred base for going global and outlined how Hong Kong can help them expand into international markets.
      
     Mr Lau stated that Hong Kong offers a stable and predictable policy and investment environment for global investors. Currently, many Mainland enterprises, including those from Hebei Province, are leveraging Hong Kong to connect with global resources and expand into overseas markets, achieving high-quality development. To date, 36 Hebei-based companies have listed in Hong Kong, spanning strategic sectors such as biomedical science, new energy, and advanced electronic materials.
      
     Mr Lau added that the Northern Metropolis represents a new engine for Hong Kong’s development. Enterprises can capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in basic research and its deep pool of international research talent to establish research and development centres in the Northern Metropolis. Through the new industry pattern of “South-North dual engine (finance-I&T)”, businesses can seamlessly connect technology with capital. The HKSAR Government is also formulating preferential policy packages aimed at attracting high-value-added industries and high-potential enterprises to set up in Hong Kong. InvestHK offers Mainland enterprises one-stop support for overseas expansion, ranging from consultations and business set-up assistance to aftercare for further expansion.
      
     Executive President of CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Limited Mr Zhang Yiwei shared his experience at the event as a representative of an enterprise expanding its global footprint. He stated that the enterprise looks forward to fully utilising the services of the GoGlobal Task Force and leveraging Hong Kong’s advantages to expand into global markets, writing a new chapter in high-quality overseas expansion for Mainland enterprises.
      
     The InvestHK delegation will visit Langfang City, Hebei Province, tomorrow (May 29) to jointly organise a roundtable promoting Hong Kong’s innovation and technology opportunities together with the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Hebei Provincial Government and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Langfang Municipal Government. In the afternoon, the delegation will visit a leading digital technology enterprise to learn about its expansion plans in Hong Kong.
Issued at HKT 17:00

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Hong Kong Customs shuts down online shop selling counterfeit perfumes and skincare products

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs shuts down online shop selling counterfeit perfumes and skincare products       
     Customs earlier carried out cyber patrols and discovered that an online shop was offering counterfeit perfumes and skincare products for sale. An investigation was then launched. After an in-depth investigation and with the assistance of the trademark owner, Customs officers took enforcement action on May 26 and searched an industrial unit in San Po Kong, resulting in the seizure of the batch of suspected counterfeit goods.
      
     During the operation, a 36-year-old man was arrested under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
      
     An investigation is ongoing, and the arrested person has been released on bail pending further investigation. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
      
     Customs reminds consumers to purchase goods at reputable shops or online shops and to avoid conducting transactions with suspicious traders. They should check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt.
      
     Customs has been striving to protect consumer rights and carries out inspections in the market and on the Internet from time to time. Moreover, Customs officers use a big-data analytics system to carry out risk assessments and analyses to verify whether online shops have complied with the TDO with a view to safeguarding the interests of consumers during online purchases.
      
     Under the TDO, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with a forged trademark 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.hkIssued at HKT 14:30

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Third meeting of Hong Kong/Guangdong Expert Group on Co-developing a Smart City Cluster held

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Third meeting of Hong Kong/Guangdong Expert Group on Co-developing a Smart City Cluster held 2. exploring more industry applications to achieve smart connectivity;
3. promoting the integration and mutual recognition of modern infrastructure public support capabilities between Hong Kong and Guangdong;
4. accelerating the cross-boundary flow of data elements;
5. exploring the application of AI in more government services and industry sectors; and
6. strengthening the exchanges and co-operation on digitalisation between Hong Kong and Guangdong.Issued at HKT 17:30

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DH calls on eligible female Hong Kong residents born between 2004 and 2008 to complete HPV vaccinations by December to prevent cervical cancer

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced today (May 28) that the one‑off Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Catch-up Programme (catch-up programme), launched by the Government in 2024, will conclude successfully in December. All eligible female Hong Kong residents born between 2004 and 2008 who have not completed their HPV vaccination series are advised to make an appointment quickly, either via the webpage of the Women Wellness Satellites under the Primary Healthcare Commission or by phone, in order to effectively guard against potentially lethal cervical cancer.
 
     “Since the 2019/20 school year, the Government has been providing HPV vaccinations to eligible Primary Five and Primary Six school girls as part of the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme (HKCIP). The cumulative number of doses administered has exceeded 300 000. Based on the data on vaccination coverage rates from the School Immunisation Teams, it is projected that the coverage rate for completion of two doses of HPV vaccination among 15-year-old girls in Hong Kong has surpassed the high level of 90 per cent. Not only does this significantly exceed the 70 per cent interim target coverage rate for completion of HPV vaccinations for school girls as set out in the Hong Kong Cancer Strategy, it has also achieved ahead of schedule the target of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Strategy for Cervical Cancer Elimination, i.e. 90 per cent of girls fully vaccinated with HPV vaccine by age of 15 years before 2030,” said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.

     Cervical cancer ranks ninth among cancer deaths in females in Hong Kong, with 160 deaths recorded in 2024. HPV vaccination is among the most effective measures for cervical cancer prevention, especially for females who have never been exposed to HPV infection, i.e. before their first sexual encounter. In response to the recommendations of the WHO, the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases under the CHP agreed to extend the HPV vaccination target group to include older girls aged 18 or below. A one-off catch‑up programme lasting for about two years was thus launched by the DH in December 2024 to enhance protection for females in this age group, which primarily targets eligible female Hong Kong residents born between 2004 and 2008 who have not been covered by the HKCIP. Each eligible person can receive two doses of vaccination, while immunocompromised persons have to receive three doses of vaccination. All doses are free of charge. Since the recommended interval between the two doses of the HPV vaccine for women with a normal immune function is at least five months, it is recommended that the first dose be administered on or before June 30, 2026, to ensure that the vaccination series is completed before the catch-up programme concludes.
 
     Dr Tsui said, “Since its launch in late 2024, the Government has administered a cumulative total of over 61 000 doses of HPV vaccine through the catch-up programme. As of May 2026, taking into account both catch-up programme participants and those who arranged their own vaccinations, the estimated first‑dose HPV vaccination coverage rate for the relevant group has exceeded 60 per cent. The catch-up programme is now in its final phase. Eligible female Hong Kong residents need only register with eHealth to make an appointment for HPV vaccinations through the webpage of Women Wellness Satellites under the Primary Healthcare Commission or by phone. Eligible female residents of Hong Kong who have not yet received their HPV vaccination series should seize this opportunity to get their first vaccination dose by June 30, 2026, so that they can complete the vaccination series before the catch-up programme ends on December 31, 2026, and protect their health. Those who miss this catch‑up programme will have to arrange for the vaccination on their own and bear the full cost if they wish to receive the HPV vaccination in the future.”
 
    Members of the public may visit the CHP’s thematic webpage for more information about the HPV vaccination catch‑up programme, including vaccination venues.

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Adjustment in ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations in June 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Adjustment in ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations in June 2026 
     A department spokesman said that the adjustment on June 1, 2026, would reflect the movement of the LPG international price in May 2026, and the average movement of the latest Composite Consumer Price Index and Nominal Wage Index. The overall adjusted auto-LPG ceiling prices for dedicated LPG filling stations would range from $4.49 to $5.43 per litre, amounting to an increase of $0 to $0.01 per litre.
 
     The spokesman said that the auto-LPG ceiling prices were adjusted according to a pricing formula specified in the contracts. The formula comprises two elements – the LPG international price and the LPG operating price. The LPG international price refers to the LPG international price of the preceding month. The LPG operating price is adjusted on February 1 and June 1 annually according to the average movement of the Composite Consumer Price Index and the Nominal Wage Index. The latest year-on-year rates of change of the Composite Consumer Price Index and the Nominal Wage Index are +1.4 per cent and +3.4 per cent respectively.
 
     The auto-LPG ceiling prices for respective dedicated LPG filling stations in June 2026 are as follows:
 

Location of
Dedicated
LPG Filling StationCeiling Price in
June 2026
(HK$/litre)Ceiling Price in
May 2026
(HK$/litre)    The spokesman said that the details of the LPG international price and the auto-LPG ceiling price for each dedicated LPG filling station had been uploaded to the EMSD website (www.emsd.gov.hk 
     Details of the pricing adjustment mechanism for dedicated LPG filling stations can also be viewed under the “What’s New” section of the department website at www.emsd.gov.hk/en/what_s_new/current/index.htmlIssued at HKT 11:00

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Hong Kong Judiciary announces initiative to establish Hong Kong International Commercial Court

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Judiciary announces initiative to establish Hong Kong International Commercial Court 
     The Judiciary announced today (May 28) its plan to establish the Hong Kong International Commercial Court (HKICC), a specialist division of the High Court, to adjudicate complex, high-value international and cross-border commercial disputes. Its establishment will strengthen Hong Kong’s standing as both an international financial centre and a leading international dispute resolution hub, in alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan.
      
     The establishment of the HKICC marks a significant development in Hong Kong’s judicial system under the “one country, two systems” principle. It is an appropriate response to the increasing demand for a specialist judicial forum dedicated to addressing the legal and factual complexities arising from the significant growth in international and cross-border commercial activities in recent years. The resolution of such disputes requires specialist judicial expertise, as well as tailored court procedures and practices to enhance flexibility and efficiency. The HKICC is designed to meet these needs, while maintaining the core values and safeguards of Hong Kong’s legal system, which is firmly rooted in the common law.
      
     The HKICC complements Hong Kong’s existing dispute resolution framework. Together with arbitration and mediation, the HKICC will provide parties engaged in international and cross-border commerce with a comprehensive range of dispute resolution options. It offers the distinct advantages of the judicial process, including transparency, authoritative judicial determinations, a structured appellate process, and the certainty of enforceable judgments, including their recognition and enforcement on the Mainland under the relevant mutual arrangements.
      
     Local judges with substantial experience in commercial law will sit on the HKICC. Eminent senior judges or practitioners from other common law jurisdictions may also be invited to sit on an ad hoc basis in accordance with the existing legal framework. Assessors and experts may be engaged, where appropriate, to assist the judges in specialised areas. These arrangements will enhance the HKICC’s expertise and international standing, and promote the development of its jurisprudence in line with international best practices, while remaining solidly based on Hong Kong law.
      
     The High Court Ordinance and the Rules of the High Court provide the necessary legal framework for the establishment of the HKICC as a division of the High Court. A dedicated Practice Direction will be issued for the HKICC to prescribe the categories of cases within its jurisdiction and to set out detailed court procedures. These will include measures to streamline the litigation process, provide a more flexible regime for the handling of appeals, and ensure the timely disposal of cases and appeals, with reference to the best practices of other international commercial courts.
      
     A floor in the High Court Building will be designated for use by the HKICC. In line with international practice, and reflecting the international and cross-jurisdictional nature of cases, the HKICC will make extensive use of technology in handling cases, including remote hearings, electronic filing, electronic bundles, and voice-to-text transcription, with a view to enhancing judicial efficiency. 
      
     The Judiciary emphasises that the establishment of the HKICC represents its firm commitment to judicial excellence and professionalism, and to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a highly respected forum for dispute resolution, thereby reinforcing its enduring role within the global legal and commercial community.
      
     The Judiciary aims to establish the HKICC within the coming year. Preparatory work is already under way, and stakeholders, in particular the legal profession, will be consulted in due course.
Issued at HKT 11:00

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