Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the opening ceremony of the Legal Practical Training Course for Chinese Enterprises Going Overseas today (October 20):

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning. It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to this Legal Practical Training Course for Chinese Enterprises Going Overseas, organised by the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy of the Department of Justice of the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government. 

First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China (SASAC), especially the SASAC Bureau of Policies, Laws and Regulations for making this course a reality. With the strong support of SASAC, we have the privilege to convene 30 general counsel and senior legal officers from our country’s leading state-owned enterprises under one roof. I understand we also invited three senior legal counsel from leading private companies. I also welcome colleagues from the Ministry of Commerce, who are with us here today. I extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for taking the time to join us in Hong Kong for this course.

Traditionally, Hong Kong has been a springboard for Mainland enterprises to go global. This unique position is rooted in Hong Kong’s status under the “one country, two systems” framework, making it the only bilingual common law jurisdiction in China where both Chinese and English are official languages. Such distinct advantages enable Hong Kong to act as a “super connector” and a significant value-adder between the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world. Hong Kong continues to be the first stop for numerous Chinese companies establishing their overseas bases and seeking IPOs (initial public offerings). In the first half of 2025 alone, Hong Kong’s IPO market raised an impressive HK$107.1 billion through 42 listings, marking a 700 per cent increase in funds raised and a 40 per cent rise in deal volume. This extraordinary performance positions Hong Kong as the top global fundraising hub, reinforcing its pivotal role as an international financial centre and a gateway for Chinese enterprises’ global expansion.

As our country transforms from rapid growth to high-quality development, more and more outstanding Mainland enterprises are actively expanding to overseas markets. However, this new phase of global expansion also presents challenges. Chinese enterprises face increasing geopolitical uncertainties, diverse regulatory environments, and increasing compliance demands across different markets. Supply chain complexities and cost pressures continue to test operational resilience. Furthermore, adapting to local legal, cultural, and economic conditions remains critical for sustainable success.
 
Under these circumstances, the roles of legal counsel of enterprises have become more critical than a mere advisor or head of a legal division traditionally in the past. Nowadays, legal counsel often have to play the role as an architect of risk management framework, as a gatekeeper of compliance, and as a compass directing strategic decision-making for the enterprises or organisations as a whole. Legal counsel have to operate at the intersections of law, policy, and business, where your advice has direct implications on economic security and corporate reputation. This course is therefore profoundly important, as it aims to equip you with the cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills that will enable you to guide your enterprises or organisations towards sustained excellence and growth.

As announced in the Policy Address 2025 last month, the Chief Executive has highlighted the significant role of Hong Kong’s legal services sector in supporting Mainland enterprises. Our Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Horace Cheung, is specifically tasked to promote Hong Kong’s legal services and collaborate with other professional sectors, including accounting and finance, to provide robust support for Mainland enterprises aspiring to expand overseas. This course arrives at just the right time to take forward this very important initiative under the Policy Address.

We hope that this course could provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the current trends in overseas expansion, the evolving legal and regulatory challenges, the best practices for compliance and practical tools for navigating these complexities. We will delve into critical areas such as mergers and acquisitions, export control and sanctions, compliance, international commercial and investment arbitration, international trade instruments and regulations, transaction and dispute resolution involving sovereign states, intellectual property international strategies as well as hot topics such as stablecoins. In addition, we will have dedicated regional panels focusing on Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa respectively, where we invited 13 senior practitioners from 12 jurisdictions, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, the UAE (United Arab Emirates) and Vietnam to share their first-hand experience and local insights. I encourage you to actively interact with these panelists and share your experience with them, including any difficulties or challenges that you have faced or may face in these regions. We will also explore case studies to illustrate some critical legal and strategic issues.

We hope that by the end of this course, you will be well positioned to leverage Hong Kong’s unique legal and dispute resolution advantages. We encourage you to make use of Hong Kong’s robust legal infrastructure, wealth of expertise and world-class legal services as key resources to support and enhance your enterprises’ overseas endeavours.

Beyond acquiring technical knowledge, this course also provides a unique opportunity to build and strengthen connections among peers facing similar challenges. We believe that, by sharing your insights and experiences with one another, you will be able to build a strong network that helps each of you grow professionally and enriches the collective wisdom that drives our success during times of uncertainty under the rapidly changing international landscape.

Before I end, I would like to take a moment to introduce the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy, which will soon be approaching its first anniversary. Since its launch last November, the Academy has co-organised a number of training programmes in Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and abroad, covering a variety of topics and targeting a wide spectrum of participants. Through organising practical legal courses, seminars and international exchange programmes, the Academy promotes international legal talent exchanges. This will help to consolidate Hong Kong’s strategic position as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region, establish Hong Kong as a capacity-building hub, and actively participate in the next decade of the Belt and Road Initiative, contributing to the country’s efforts to promote the construction of the rule of law. I thank you all for your valuable support of the Academy thus far, and warmly encourage your continued engagement and collaboration with the Academy. 

The Department of Justice will be hosting its annual flagship event, the Hong Kong Legal Week 2025, from December 1 to 5 this year. It is a fruitful week filled with opportunities to connect, learn, and engage with eminent legal minds from around the world. On December 1, the Academy will co-organise the 6th UNCITRAL Asia-Pacific Judicial Summit 2025 – Judicial Conference together with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). Themed “Building towards End-to-End Digitalization”, this judicial conference will explore topics related to the application of digital economy, virtual assets, artificial intelligence and technology in the judicial field. On December 2, we will co-organise The Third Legal Forum on Interconnectivity and Development with the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong SAR. On December 3, the Academy will co-organise A Symposium of the HCCH Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific on Private International Law with the Hague Conference on Private International Law. Prominent international speakers such as the Secretary-General of international organisations and prominent overseas experts will be speaking at these events. They will certainly give you valuable insights and provide you with abundant opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions with these experts. You are warmly invited to participate in these events, as well as the other events focusing on dispute resolution, Greater Bay Area development and rule of law throughout the Hong Kong Legal Week 2025.

While you are in Hong Kong for this one-week course, I encourage you to take some time to explore the city. Beyond its status as the leading international legal and financial centre, Hong Kong is a vibrant city full of rich culture, delicious cuisine, and stunning sights. I hope you have the opportunity to experience the unique charm of this remarkable city alongside your learning journey.

In conclusion, I wish you all an engaging, insightful and productive experience in the coming week. I look forward to meeting you again during the Hong Kong Legal Week 2025. Thank you. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Inauguration Ceremony of the International Organization for Mediation today (October 20):

Honourable Vice Minister Hua Chunying (Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs), Your Excellencies, representatives of contracting states, ministers and officials from around the world, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good morning. I am very honoured to join you today, for the inauguration of the International Organization for Mediation.

     I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to my country, China, for its steadfast support; and to the International Organization for Mediation’s contracting states and signatory states, for their confidence in Hong Kong, as home to the Organization’s headquarters.
 
     The headquarters is housed in this newly renovated building, a police station for almost a century. The renovation, completed within 14 months, harmoniously blends the building’s historic origins with modern design, preserving architectural features, while drawing inspiration from Chinese porcelain.

     More than stone and mortar, this thoughtful transformation embodies the essential spirit of mediation – uniting diverse elements in balance and harmony, creating a place ideally suited for peaceful resolution.
 
     In these times of global instability, international mediation is indispensable for resolving disputes, preserving relationships and encouraging meaningful co-operation. With our world-class professional services, Hong Kong is dedicated to supporting the cause of dispute resolution.

     Under the unique “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys both the China advantage and the global advantage. We pride ourselves with our established tradition of the rule of law, and a common law regime shared by many global financial hubs. Our three law schools are all ranked within the world’s top 60, and nurture outstanding talent in legal and dispute resolution services.

     Our flagship legal event Hong Kong Legal Week, in December, will include a session on international mediation. And in 2026, during Hong Kong Mediation Week, we will organise a global mediation summit, bringing together mediation practitioners, policymakers and thought leaders from around the world.
 
     We are equally committed to capacity building. The Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy, launched last year by our Department of Justice, equips mediators and legal professionals with the skills to meet international standards.
 
     In my Policy Address last month, I announced the development of the Hong Kong International Legal Service Building, on a site adjacent to us here. It will provide additional facilities for the Organization, and be home to the International Legal Talents Training Academy.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, today’s inauguration is a testament of our shared commitment to a future in which dialogue, co-operation and mutual respect prevail over acrimony and conflict.
 
     As I said in May, at the signing of the convention establishing the Organization, Hong Kong builds bridges. We take pride in being a “super connector” and “super value-adder”. And we are honoured to serve as the Organization’s home.
 
     I am confident that, under the joint dedication of all contracting states and the Secretary‑General’s stewardship, the International Organization for Mediation will rise as a respected and trusted body for resolving disputes through mutual respect and understanding.

     I wish the International Organization for Mediation every success.
 
     Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, will depart for Korea tomorrow afternoon (October 21) to attend the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting in Incheon and speak at the discussion sessions. The Law Officer (International Law) of the Department of Justice (DoJ), Dr James Ding, will also accompany Mr Lam on the visit.

Mr Lam will attend a joint session of the Finance Ministers’ Meeting and the Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting, and the Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting on October 22 and 23. The Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting this year is themed “Future Direction and Role of Structural Reform in addressing emerging challenges”, and ministers from APEC member economies will discuss how to build a sustainable future through structural reforms and the implementation of law and policies.

During his trip to Korea, Mr Lam will also attend a joint legal workshop co-organised by the DoJ and the Ministry of Justice of Korea, and visit the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific, and a local arbitration institution.

Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong on October 25. During his absence, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, will be the Acting Secretary for Justice.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

A spokesman for the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) expressed deep concern over an accident that occurred at Hong Kong International Airport in the early hours of today (October 20), where a cargo aircraft ditched into the sea. The four crew members on board were rescued and sent to the hospital. The TLB is saddened by the loss of two ground staff members in the accident and extends its deepest condolences to their families.

The spokesman added that flight safety is of utmost importance. The Air Accident Investigation Authority will actively investigate the cause of the accident, while the Civil Aviation Department and the Airport Authority Hong Kong will fully co-operate to ensure the safety of airport operations.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) announced today (October 20) that after a total of three rounds of bidding, the auction of radio spectrum in the 2.5/2.6 GHz band was concluded. A total of 50 MHz of spectrum in five frequency blocks was auctioned off to three mobile network operators at total spectrum utilization fees (SUFs) of $202 million.
 
     The results of the auction are listed in the table below:
 

Frequency block	Frequency range (MHz)	Provisional successful bidder	SUF payable ($)
A1	2515 – 2520 paired with 2635 – 2640	China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited	40,000,000
A2	2520 – 2525 paired with 2640 – 2645	SmarTone Mobile Communications Limited	40,000,000
A3	2525 – 2530 paired with 2645 – 2650	SmarTone Mobile Communications Limited	40,000,000
A4	2530 – 2535 paired with 2650 – 2655	Genius Brand Limited	40,000,000
A5	2535 – 2540 paired with 2655 – 2660	Genius Brand Limited	42,000,000

     “The spectrum auction has made available suitable radio spectrum to the market in a timely manner, which helps strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a regional telecommunications hub. Successful bidders, apart from using the relevant spectrum for continued provision of mobile communications services, may also refarm it to further support the applications of future mobile services, including the sixth generation (6G), driving the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s communications technology,” a spokesman for OFCA said.
 
     The assignment of the frequency blocks will be valid for a period of about 10 years and 10 months. Each provisional successful bidder is required to submit a Letter of Credit by December 9, 2025, in full amount to guarantee payment of the SUF as specified in the table above. The provisional successful bidders are also required to submit performance bonds, where applicable, to ensure compliance with the network and service rollout requirement before the actual frequency assignment takes effect.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, chaired the seventh meeting of the Committee on Innovation, Technology and Industry Development (CITID) this morning (October 20).
 
     At the meeting, members were briefed on the major initiatives in “The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address” that were related to the purview of the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau. They then shared their views on the relevant measures.
 
     Professor Sun said, “Our country places innovation and technology (I&T) at the core of its overall development. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government spares no effort in dovetailing with the national strategy for technological development to drive industry restructuring, actively nurturing emerging industries including advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, new energy, AI and robotics, etc, with a view to creating more high-quality job opportunities, enhancing economic efficiency, and benefitting people’s livelihood. The Government will strive to implement the relevant measures announced in the Policy Address, charting Hong Kong in moving full steam towards the vision of becoming an international I&T centre.”
 
     Established on March 3, 2023, the CITID advises the Government on the directions and strategies as set out in the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint on promoting the development of I&T in Hong Kong, and enhances co-operation among stakeholders.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 3.7% in June to August to 3.9% in July to September, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

The underemployment rate remained at 1.6%.

Total employment was 3,674,500, down 6,100 from June to August, while the labour force also decreased by around 1,500 to 3,830,100.

While noting the continued expansion of the Hong Kong economy is expected to support job growth, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said the employment situation in some sectors would continue to face challenges during economic restructuring, adding that the increasing external uncertainties could weigh on corporate hiring sentiment.

“The Government will continue to closely monitor the labour market situation and facilitate job-seeking through enhancing dissemination of employment information.”

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam today spoke at the opening ceremony of the Legal Practice Training Course for Chinese Enterprises Going Overseas, organised by the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy.

Mr Lam said with the high-quality development of the national economy, an increasing number of outstanding Mainland enterprises are actively expanding to overseas markets, while at the same time facing many challenges.

He expressed hope that the training course would enable participants to comprehensively understand current trends in overseas expansion, keep abreast of evolving legal and regulatory challenges, and effectively tackle the complex issues encountered by enterprises when “going overseas”.

Over 30 legal advisers and related professionals from state-owned enterprises will explore the practical and imminent legal issues and challenges faced by Mainland enterprises going global, in the course that officially started today.

The lectures’ speakers include experienced legal professionals from Hong Kong and overseas, as well as members of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Expert Committee.

The academy also invited more than 10 senior legal practitioners from 12 jurisdictions in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa, to share their first-hand experiences and insights in the local markets with participants.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     â€‹The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, today (October 20) led a delegation from the Department of Health (DH) to attend the meeting of the 76th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific in Fiji. He engaged in in-depth discussions with representatives from other countries and regions on major health issues of common concern. They explored practical response strategies and ways to strengthen the resilience of health systems. Dr Lam also shared on public health and medical reforms and achievements in Hong Kong, China.
 
     During the opening session today, Dr Lam reported on the latest developments and challenges in public health in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). “The HKSAR has established a resilient public health system. We have enjoyed one of the best indices in terms of life expectancies, maternal and infant mortality rates, etc, as well as quality healthcare services. These achievements are attributed to a solid foundation established across various public health areas, including disease surveillance, disease prevention, and responsive medical services. At the same time, the HKSAR shares many challenges with other member states of the WHO, such as an ageing population, the ongoing strain on the healthcare workforce, the dual threats of non-communicable diseases and communicable diseases, and rising healthcare expenditure,” Dr Lam said.
 
     To address the abovementioned issues, “The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address” announced that Hong Kong, China is deepening its healthcare reform and enhancing the sustainability of the Hong Kong healthcare system through a series of measures. These include enhancing the public healthcare system, promoting healthcare manpower development, strengthening primary healthcare services, enhancing cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment, promoting the development of Chinese Medicine (CM), promoting mental health, and developing an international health and medical innovation hub.
 
     “Hong Kong, China is pressing ahead with targeted, far-reaching health reforms. We are transforming our primary health care from a treatment focus to a prevention focus and tailoring it to individual health needs; exploring systemic solutions to alleviate healthcare workforce pressures; accelerating the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence and smart and digital healthcare systems to enhance the efficiency and coverage of our services; taking forward health promotion and disease prevention initiatives in a life-course approach; and mobilising resources to tackle health issues of vulnerable groups,” Dr Lam added.
 
     He emphasised that the theme of the WHO Western Pacific Region, “Weaving Health for Families, Communities and Societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025-2029)”, closely aligns with the healthcare reform objectives outlined in “The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address”. Hong Kong, China will continue to collaborate closely with the WHO to advance global and Western Pacific regional health objectives.
 
     The five-day meeting runs until October 24. During the meeting, participants will also discuss mental and psychological health care, the impact of climate change on health system safety and resilience, oral health, alcohol control, artificial intelligence in healthcare systems, hypertension control, safer surgery and tobacco control, among other topics. The Controller of Regulatory Affairs of the DH, Dr Fung Ying, will introduce the HKSAR’s new phase of tobacco control measures at the meeting. The DH was unanimously elected by all member states and regions of the WHO Western Pacific Region to serve as the official rapporteur for this session, responsible for ensuring that the resolutions adequately reflect the views of member states and regions to promote the effective implementation of the regional programme.
 
     With the support of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, the DH has actively collaborated with and supported the WHO in addressing various public health challenges and contributing to global public health over the years. The DH has been designated by the WHO as a Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine and a Collaborating Centre for Smoking Cessation and Treatment of Tobacco Dependence, assisting the WHO in formulating global strategies for traditional medicine. Furthermore, the DH regularly provides training programmes on tobacco control and training in smoking cessation treatment for healthcare professionals as well as tobacco control and smoking cessation practitioners in the HKSAR, on the Chinese Mainland and throughout the entire Western Pacific Region. The DH also conducts CM Acupuncture Smoking Cessation Training Workshops to help frontline CM practitioners enhance their knowledge and skills in delivering cessation treatment. Regarding training, to date, over 1 000 individuals have participated in these programmes and training. Additionally, the WHO has designated the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH as a reference laboratory for various communicable diseases, including tuberculosis, measles/rubella, influenza A (H5), SARS and COVID-19, making significant contributions to fighting epidemics worldwide.
 
     With the support of the Central Government and under the “one country, two systems” principle, the DH will continue to maintain close liaison with the WHO member states and regions on various public health protection issues. Through multilateral collaboration and consensus-building, the DH will further enhance and safeguard overall public health in the region.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart today for Korea to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting and related events in Incheon, and will proceed to Beijing for a visit on Wednesday.

The theme of the APEC meeting is “Sustainable Growth & Shared Prosperity in the Region”, and will explore topics such as global and regional economic and financial developments, digital finance and fiscal policy.

While in Incheon, Mr Chan will also hold bilateral meetings with officials from other economies to discuss issues of mutual concern.

Upon completion of the visits to Incheon and Beijing, he will return to Hong Kong on Saturday.

During Mr Chan’s absence, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong will be Acting Secretary.