Category: MIL-OSI

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Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office holds seminar in Shenzhen to explore cross-boundary applications of low-altitude economy (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office holds seminar in Shenzhen to explore cross-boundary applications of low-altitude economy  
     Delivering a pre-recorded speech at the opening session, the Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Ms Maisie Chan, said that the 15th Five-Year Plan clearly identified the low-altitude economy as one of the nation’s strategic emerging industrial clusters for accelerated development, establishing it as an important engine for economic growth. The GBA, with its solid industrial foundation and strong economic vitality, not only provides fertile ground for the development of the low-altitude economy but is also well-positioned to be a global pioneer and pilot demonstration area in the low-altitude economy. The GBA covers three administrative regions, which offers abundant scenarios for cross-boundary applications of the low-altitude economy. As a core city and key driving engine of the GBA, Hong Kong is contributing proactively to the low-altitude economy area. Following the launch of the Regulatory Sandbox X scheme, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will issue the Action Plan on Developing Low-Altitude Economy this year to promote Hong Kong as a hub for low-altitude innovation and applications through institutional innovation and technological advancement.
 
     The Acting Chief Business Development Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), Mr Oscar Wong, said that the HKSTP is a member of the Greater Bay Area Low Altitude Economy Alliance to support the development of the low-altitude economy, and has been actively collaborating and communicating closely with the HKSAR Government and various stakeholders. This has enabled the successful launch of the first batch of pilot projects under the low-altitude economy regulatory sandbox, including food delivery via drones over Science Park and pharmaceutical delivery trials by another park company. The HKSTP looks forward to seeing more outcomes in the future.
 
     The seminar was co-organised by the GBA Office and the HKSTP. Industry leaders and think tank representatives were invited to share their insights on the opportunities and challenges of cross-boundary applications of the low-altitude economy. The panel discussions were lively, with guests actively exchanging views and offering forward-looking suggestions that provided practical references for the audience, reflecting the sector’s keen anticipation on cross-boundary operations in the low-altitude economy.
Issued at HKT 17:14

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CE meets Prime Minister of Vanuatu (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CE meets Prime Minister of Vanuatu (with photo) 
     Mr Lee said that Hong Kong will further leverage its advantages of connecting with both the Mainland and the world and its role as a functional platform for the Belt and Road Initiative, and will further strengthen economic and trade collaborations with Belt and Road economies and promote participation in green co-operation. Hong Kong and Vanuatu will together seize the opportunities presented by the Belt and Road Initiative. Hong Kong is the world’s freest economy. Mr Lee welcomed enterprises from Vanuatu to leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages, such as its highly internationalised business environment and its pool of professional services talent, to explore overseas and Mainland markets, to further strengthen co-operation and exchanges across different areas between the two places, and to jointly explore more opportunities. 
Issued at HKT 18:00

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

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

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

Location of
Dedicated LPG Filling StationCeiling Price in
February 2026 (HK$/litre)Ceiling Price in
January 2026 (HK$/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.hkIssued at HKT 11:25

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Health risk category for Air Quality Health Index reached “Serious” level

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Health risk category for Air Quality Health Index reached “Serious” level 
     Winds are weak over Hong Kong this afternoon, which are unfavourable for pollutant dispersion. The intense sunshine enhances photochemical smog activity, leading to the rapid formation of ozone and fine particulates in the Pearl River Delta region. The high ozone level also promotes the formation of nitrogen dioxide.

     According to the Hong Kong Observatory’s forecast, under the influence of a strong easterly airstream, it will be mainly cloudy and windy over the coast of Guangdong later this week. It is expected that air quality will improve by then.Issued at HKT 18:01

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Speech by FS at Asian Financial Forum Global Business Summit (English only) (with video)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at Asian Financial Forum Global Business Summit today (January 27):

Fred (Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Professor Frederick Ma), Vice Mayor Wu Wei (Member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Shanghai Municipal Committee and Executive Vice Mayor of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, Mr Wu Wei), Vice Governor Tang (Vice-Governor of the People’s Government of Shanxi Province, Mr Tang Zhiping), Vice Governor Wang (Vice-Governor of the People’s Government of Hunan Province, Mr Wang Junshou), 張文武副董事長 (Vice Chairman and President of CITIC Group, Mr Zhang Wenwu), your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Welcome to this inaugural Global Business Summit. To government officials and business leaders joining us from around the world, a very warm welcome to Hong Kong.

     We are meeting at a pivotal moment, marked by a deep structural transformation in industrial development – driven by several powerful forces.

Global industries in transformation 

     First, artificial intelligence (AI) and other frontier technologies are reshaping how products are designed, factories operate, supply chains are managed, and services are delivered. AI is not only an industry in its own right; its greatest value lies in its ability to scale across processes and supply chains, accelerating innovation in areas such as advanced manufacturing and biotechnology. It ultimately will become a defining competitive advantage.

     Second, the green transition. Around the world, most economies continue to move steadily towards carbon neutrality, with rising demand for decarbonised industrial processes and green products. The shift to renewable energy, electric vehicles and emerging solutions such as green hydrogen is creating new industrial chains and investment cycles, and better responds to consumers’ aspirations for green products.

     Third, geopolitics and supply-chain reconfiguration. Geoeconomic fragmentation is reshaping economic relationships and driving businesses to diversify production networks, balancing efficiency with resilience. For businesses, the key question is far more than “where is cheapest?”, but “where is secure, scalable, sustainable and cost-competitive?”

China under spotlight

     Clearly, China is at the heart of these developments. It has the world’s most comprehensive and complete industrial system. It is a global leader in technological innovation, such as AI, robotics and biotech. It is advancing rapidly in green transformation. In a changing geoeconomic landscape, Chinese companies are also diversifying their supply and industrial bases, and deepening participation in international industrial and supply-chain co-operation.

     It is noteworthy that in the Recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan, the country will continue to pursue high quality development as well as technological self-reliance. It has emphasised the deep integration of technological and industry innovation. 

Hong Kong’s catalytic role  

     Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to turn to Hong Kong. Looking ahead, trade, finance and innovation and technology will be the three principal drivers of our economic growth.  

     On innovation and technology, over the past few years, we have invested more than HK$200 billion to drive its development, and formulated a comprehensive strategy to expedite progress across the spectrum. From supporting R&D (research and development) and building the relevant infrastructure, to nurturing start-ups and attracting talent, we are strengthening Hong Kong’s tech ecosystem from upstream to downstream.

     Our priority sectors are clear: artificial intelligence and data science, biotech, fintech, and new energy and new materials. These are areas where we have strong foundations and clear competitive advantages.

     A further essential piece in building a more vibrant tech ecosystem is technology enterprises. This is why this Government is determined to attract the world’s leading frontier-technology enterprises to Hong Kong. Over the past three years, the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises has attracted more than 100 strategic enterprises, which are expected to invest over HK$60 billion and create more than 22 000 jobs. Moreover, these companies will bring in partners across their value chains, further strengthening and broadening Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem.

     To better integrate I&T (innovation and technology) with industrial development, this Government has made it a priority to expedite the development of the Northern Metropolis, a strategic development area comprising around one-third of Hong Kong’s landmass. 

     We welcome technology and industrial enterprises to establish a presence in the Northern Metropolis. Where justified, we are prepared to tailor incentive packages, which may include land grants, premium concessions, tax incentives and other facilitation measures. Everything is negotiable. Specific arrangements will be considered in light of factors such as the frontier technologies and investment to be brought in, the project’s economic benefits, the jobs to be created, and the extent to which the projects will strengthen Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem.  

     We are also providing for more flexible development models in the Northern Metropolis, including large-scale land disposals for high-impact projects.  
 
     It helps that Hong Kong is an international financial centre, offering a full spectrum of funding options to support tech companies at different development stages to scale up. That includes a vibrant private equity and venture capital ecosystem. That, of course, also includes a deep and liquid stock market. 

     The HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government has established the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited, or HKIC. It provides patient capital and makes strategic investments in high-potential ventures, particularly in hard technology. HKIC is willing to co-invest in projects where justified.  

     Taken together, we are leveraging finance to power tech and industry development. Our world-class financial services and international connectivity further enhance Hong Kong’s overall value proposition. 

Closing remarks

     Ladies and gentlemen, the message I wish to leave with you today is this: Hong Kong is not just a platform that connects capital, market, projects, talent and opportunity. Hong Kong is willing to be a strategic partner to help you grow, scale up and go global. 

     Thank you very much. I wish the Summit every success, and the best of health and business to you all. 

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More elderly homes to join Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

More elderly homes to join Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong      
     Together with the existing 24 RCHEs, the total number of RCHEs participating in the Scheme will increase to 26, with full coverage of the nine Mainland cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), offering more choices to Hong Kong elderly people who wish to retire in the GBA. Elderly persons who are waitlisted for subsidised residential care services on the Central Waiting List and would like to join the Scheme may contact their responsible workers to file an application. The information on the additional RCHEs is as follows:
 

NameDongguan Hongmei Hospital Nursing Centre
(Jointly operated by Pok Oi Hospital and a Mainland elderly service operator)
 Taiping Healthcare (Guangzhou) Company Limited
(Jointly operated by Fuk On Home of Aged Limited and a Mainland elderly service operator)
      The SWD is receiving a new round of applications for RCHEs to join the Scheme. Eligible Hong Kong operators planning to apply within this year for including their RCHEs located in the GBA, operated either on their own or under partnership with Mainland elderly service operators, in the Scheme shall submit their applications on or before April 30 this year. Results are expected to be announced by year end.
 
     Details of the Scheme are available on the SWD website: www.swd.gov.hk/en/pubsvc/elderly/cat_residentcare/subrcheplace/guangdong/index.htmlIssued at HKT 12:00

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Hong Kong Police Force and Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam sign MOU to strengthen co-operation (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Police Force and Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam sign MOU to strengthen co-operation  
     The MOU was signed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Yip Wan-lung, and the Deputy Director of Foreign Relations Department under the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam, Senior Colonel Nguyen Minh Hieu, in the presence of the Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming, and the Director General of Office of Investigation Police Agency under the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam, Lieutenant General Tran Minh Tien.
 
     Mr Chow stated that amid an increasingly complex international crime landscape, such as threats from cybercrimes, cross-border scams and terrorism, the HKPF would continue to leverage Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” through various international policing platforms, including INTERPOL, to proactively strengthen collaboration with law enforcement agencies across countries and regions, working together to combat crimes and safeguard global and regional security. 
 
     The MOU sets out a framework for co-operation in combating cross-boundary crimes, fosters professional and policing development, and reinforces the commitment of the both police authorities to strengthen collaboration and exchanges in key areas, such as criminal investigations, intelligence sharing and police training.
Issued at HKT 18:02

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Seat belt rules are key to safety: CE

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive John Lee said today the new seat belt mandate might cause inconvenience at first, but is essential to enhancing passenger safety.

Starting from January 25, all seated passengers on public transport and in commercial vehicles must now wear seat belts.

Outlining that the measure will require a change of behaviour, Mr Lee said that this small modification can potentially reduce serious injuries by 70%, and also reduce deaths.

He remarked that, when enforcing the new laws, the Government will handle each case based on “law, reason and compassion”.

“The primary focus of the initial phase will be on public education, advice and changing habits,” he said. “The law allows for a reasonable excuse, such as emergency or sudden special need, and those people will be exempted from liability.”

Mr Lee added that the Transport & Logistics Bureau will require public transport operators to properly manage the cleanliness, functionality and regulatory compliance of seat belt installations.

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Erick Tsang steps down

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

The Central People’s Government announced today that – in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law – it has, upon the recommendation of Chief Executive John Lee, approved the removal of Erick Tsang from the post of Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs.

Ahead of today’s Executive Council meeting, Mr Lee said Mr Tsang had earlier tendered his resignation due to health reasons. Following discussions with Mr Tsang, Mr Lee recommended to the central authorities that Mr Tsang be removed from his post.

Mr Tsang has served the Government for nearly 40 years. As Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs, he was responsible for liaison and co-operation between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Mainland. He also handled policy matters concerning human rights in the Hong Kong SAR, among other duties.

In addition, Mr Tsang supervised the Registration & Electoral Office in working with the Electoral Affairs Commission to organise a number of important elections in the city.

“I am thankful for Mr Tsang’s contributions over the years and wish him the best of health and luck in future endeavours,” Mr Lee said.

The Chief Executive also highlighted that principal officials’ jobs are very demanding.

“Not only the workload is heavy, but the pressure is also heavy. So, I can understand why Erick, under the present health condition, would like to take a rest so as to take care of his health problems.”

The Chief Executive said he will work to identify a suitable candidate to succeed Mr Tsang as Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs. During this period, Under Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Clement Woo will be Acting Secretary.

“I have also said that there will be no further change of principal officials, particularly now we have so many things to do, and they are all doing as I require them to do, sharing my governance philosophy,” Mr Lee added.

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2 care homes added to GD scheme

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Social Welfare Department announced today that two additional residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) in Guangzhou and Dongguan will become Recognised Service Providers under the Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong.

Effective February 1, these homes will offer subsidised residential care for eligible seniors.

With the addition of these two homes, the scheme will now feature 26 RCHEs, achieving full coverage across all nine Mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area. This expansion offers a broader range of choices for Hong Kong seniors wishing to retire within the bay area.

Separately, a new application round is open for RCHEs wishing to join the scheme. Hong Kong operators planning to apply within this year should ensure their applications are filed on or before April 30.

Click here for details on the Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong.