Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the 10th Belt and Road Summit today (September 10):

Honourable Director Zhou Ji (the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)), Secretary Feng Fei (Secretary of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee), Vice Minister Yan Dong (Vice Minister of Commerce), Vice Chairman Li Zhen (Vice Chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council), Deputy Secretary General Xiao Weiming (Deputy Secretary General of the National Development and Reform Commission), Commissioner Cui Jianchun (Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR), Professor Frederick Ma (Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council), officials and friends from around the world, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. Welcome to Hong Kong, and the 10th Belt and Road Summit.

     Let me first extend a warm welcome to – His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol of Cambodia (Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice-Chairman of the Council for the Development of Cambodia), His Excellency Minister Santiphab Phomvihane from Laos (Minister of Finance of Laos), His Excellency Minister Anthony Loke from Malaysia (Minister of Transport of Malaysia), His Excellency Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed from Qatar (Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs of Qatar), as well as many senior officials and distinguished leaders from Belt and Road countries here, for this anniversary Summit.

     As the Chinese saying goes, “有朋自é� æ–¹ä¾†ï¼Œä¸�亦樂乎” – “What a joy to have friends coming from afar”.

     So many friends, I’m delighted to say. This 10th anniversary edition of Hong Kong’s Belt and Road Summit brings together more than 6 000 high-profile leaders and participants from governments, international organisations, companies and the global media, here to celebrate a decade of achievements. I’d say that’s proof collaboration works. And that this annual Summit delivers.

     Since 2016, Hong Kong’s Belt and Road Summit has united governments, businesses, peoples and cultures in collaboration for change. For rewarding opportunities.

     Over the past 10 years, more than 45 000 people from over 120 countries and regions have participated in the Summit. Together, they have presented over 2 800 projects along the Belt and Road, shaping a shared vision through collaboration and connectivity, which are the fundamental values of the Belt and Road Initiative.

     Upholding that spirit, this year’s Summit theme is “Collaborate for Change – Shape a Shared Future”.

     To mark this 10th edition, we are introducing a new session on signature Belt and Road projects. It will be complemented by project investment sessions on energy, natural resources, public utilities and urban development, including Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis, which takes up one-third of Hong Kong’s geographical area and is fast rising as an innovation and technology hub.

     Later this morning, we will witness the exchange of 9 MoUs (Memorandum of Understanding) and co-operation agreements, between Hong Kong and Belt and Road countries, on official co-operation in dispute avoidance and resolution, customs, anti-corruption, meteorology, investment promotion, and more. These underline our commitment to the Belt and Road, to enabling co-operation and exchanges for mutual benefit. Also today, some 36 business-to-business agreements and deals will be announced, covering finance, technology, logistics, professional services and education.

     Thanks to projects and deals closed in recent days, their total value is now close to 1 billion US Dollars. And that’s just the beginning. The beginning of another decade of business, of investment, and of co-operation.

Trade and investment

     Here in Hong Kong, when we talk business, we mean business. Hong Kong has long thrived as a free port dedicated to multilateralism.

     The HKSAR Government is rapidly expanding Hong Kong’s global trade networks. We have signed free trade agreements with 14 Belt and Road countries, and investment agreements with about 20 Belt and Road economies, as well as Comprehensive Double Taxation Agreements with 37 Belt and Road jurisdictions.

     Not surprisingly, our external trade with Belt and Road countries exceeded 276 billion US Dollars last year, up about 80 per cent since 2013, and three times the average growth rate of Hong Kong’s overall merchandise trade over the same period. Some 1 400 companies from Belt and Road countries have established a base in Hong Kong to seize these opportunities.

     It helps that Hong Kong is one of the most prolific sources of foreign direct investment in the Belt and Road. In 2023, our outward direct investment in Belt and Road countries and regions was 133 billion US Dollars.

     That’s 3.6 times of the amount in 2013 and four times that of Hong Kong’s overall outward direct investment growth, a clear sign that global capital converges here and deploys globally.

     We invest as well as connect. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority established the Belt and Road HK Flagship Impact Fund with the Silk Road Fund Company, and initial capital totalling 1 billion US Dollars.

     Last year, our Monetary Authority signed a MoU with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund on a joint 1 billion-US Dollar fund. They will invest in companies with a Hong Kong nexus expanding to Saudi Arabia.

     Last week, the Development Bank of Kazakhstan issued a 2 billion Renminbi dim sum bond in Hong Kong, the first Renminbi bond issued by a government-owned entity from Central Asia.

     That underscores Hong Kong’s position as a leading fund-raising hub for Belt and Road economies. That’s why more than 100 Belt and Road companies are listed on the HKEX (Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited), with more to come.

     And I believe it is important to reach out to our Belt and Road partners, in person, to let them know what Hong Kong can do for them – for you – whether in key events like this one, or in visiting their countries.

     Since assuming office three years ago, I have visited 12 Belt and Road countries. To most of them, I have led high-level business delegations from Hong Kong, witnessing some 160 MoUs, co-operation agreements and deliverables with the respective economies – many now in development.

     Just this May, I led a joint delegation of Mainland and Hong Kong companies to explore the markets of Qatar and Kuwait, my second visit to the Middle East region.

     Alongside numerous agreements reached during the trip, I’m pleased to note that one of the participants has chosen Hong Kong as its global hub and listed on the HKEX just last month.

     I also witnessed a MoU, less than two weeks ago, between Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment and our Belt and Road Office, part of its new signature project collaborations, working directly with governments.

     Major Belt and Road projects and events are turning to Hong Kong for global roadshows. They include the Future Investment Initiative PRIORITY Summit, in 2023, the recent Saudi Super Cup, and LEAP – one of the Middle East’s largest tech expos, which chose Hong Kong for its first global edition, LEAP East, to be held next year.

     To support development in the Global South, we continue to expand our world-wide network of trade offices across partner countries.

     Our Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices, Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council work together to connect businesses and projects via Hong Kong.

     Through these networks, our Government ties now extend to some 130 countries, including about 100 Belt and Road countries.

Competitiveness

     To a world of investors, especially our friends from Belt and Road economies, Hong Kong offers a unique blend of professionalism and efficiency.

     Hong Kong has long shone as a resourceful and resilient economy, one of the world’s most competitive in the many sectors and industries we commit to.

     That was once again borne out just three months ago, when the International Institute for Management Development put out its 2025 World Competitiveness Yearbook. Hong Kong placed third, globally, up two places from last year.

     In “government efficiency” and “business efficiency”, Hong Kong rose to second overall. And we topped the rankings in “tax policy” and “business legislation”.

     Competitiveness is in Hong Kong’s DNA. And central to that competitiveness, is our people, and our ability in nurturing them.

Talent

     In the IMD (International Institute for Management Development)’s annual World Talent Ranking, which came out just yesterday, Hong Kong rose to fourth, globally, up from ninth place last year and 16th place the year before. Moving up 12 places in two years, we have come to our highest-ever standing in the report, ranking number one in Asia.

     Overall, Hong Kong topped the ranking in the percentage of “graduates in sciences”, and placed among the global top five in the availability of “finance skills”, the “remuneration of management”, and the effectiveness of “management education”.

     Hong Kong’s performance, the IMD report said, demonstrates that “targeted reforms and investment can result in significant gains in talent competitiveness over time”, noting that Hong Kong attracts large numbers of inbound students from abroad, through our outstanding academic achievement. Indeed, Hong Kong is home to five of the world’s top 100 universities, which cultivate multi-talented and enterprising young people for our dynamic city.

     And Hong Kong is committed to nurturing future generations from home and abroad. With the HKSAR Government’s Belt and Road Scholarship and other programmes, more than 4 000 students from Belt and Road countries are enrolled in our tertiary programmes every year.

     This summer, some 400 students from Belt and Road countries were placed in summer internships here, strengthening our shared Belt and Road talent pool.

     Our targeted reforms on talent cover not only grooming our own, but also attracting a world of professionals to our world city. Since the end of 2022, our enhanced talent admission schemes have received more than 520 000 applications, with over 350 000 approved. More than 230 000 have arrived in Hong Kong over the period, boosting our talent pool and economic growth.

Connectivity

And of course, Hong Kong also opens its doors wide to travellers who come to our city for business, leisure and more. Last year, Hong Kong welcomed more than 44 million visitors, fourth globally for visitor arrivals by city, winning the world’s best airport immigration service award. Our international airport is the world’s busiest air cargo hub, handling 4.9 million tonnes of goods and about 45 per cent of Hong Kong’s external trade last year.

     With the three-runway system now in operation, we expect up to 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo annually in about 10 years’ time, with the enhanced capacity to support social and economic growth across Belt and Road countries.

We have signed 80 bilateral civil aviation agreements and operate flights to some 60 Belt and Road destinations, strengthening our role along the Air Silk Road.

Green and sustainable innovation

     Hong Kong is committed to growth. We are also dedicated to sustainability, to ensuring a healthy development for all. As a green and sustainable innovation and finance hub, Hong Kong is working with Belt and Road partners to build a Green and Innovative Silk Road.

     We provide internationally recognised green building certification, with the flexibility to help countries adapt standards and access green finance. And, for seven consecutive years, Hong Kong has ranked first in Asia in the volume of green and sustainable bonds arranged.

Systems

     Hong Kong’s success as a premier functional platform for the Belt and Road rests on our unique “one country, two systems” framework.

     It allows Hong Kong to maintain a common law jurisdiction with a sophisticated legal sector, and a judiciary that exercises its powers independently, providing the safeguards that investors and projects demand.

     In May, government representatives of over 30 states, many of them from the Belt and Road, gathered in Hong Kong to sign the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation.

     The Organization will be headquartered here, in Hong Kong, as the world’s first intergovernmental legal body dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation.

     The “one country, two systems” principle ensures that Hong Kong thrives as an east-meets-west centre for international cultural exchange. With programmes like the Asia+ Festival, which begins next week, we present myriad events showcasing the richness of Asia and Belt and Road regions.

     And the Hong Kong Palace Museum, which houses treasures from Beijing’s Forbidden City, is now hosting masterpieces from Qatar’s Museum of Islamic Art, Doha. In two months’ time, it will also showcase extraordinary collections from seven prominent museums in Egypt. That’s just a taste of the cultural exchange, the creative dialogue, that Hong Kong delivers!

The Ideal Belt and Road Hub

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong is the ideal Belt and Road hub. As the only world city that converges both the China advantage and the global advantage, Hong Kong stands as the premier gateway for co-operation, bridging people, trade, business, education, culture and values across the region, connecting Asia and the world. We are a “super connector” and “super value-adder” for high-quality collaborations worldwide.

Our “dual superpower” of connecting and value-adding means Hong Kong is more than a link between capital and projects. We also inject vigour, innovation and sustainability, adding strategic value to everything we do.

     Hong Kong will continue to drive high-quality development along the Belt and Road. That’s our promise towards a brighter future. Together with you.

     My thanks to our Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the Belt and Road Office and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for making this Summit such a flagship international event over the past decade. And, I’m confident, for many decades to come.

     Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you all a rewarding Summit, and a memorable stay in Hong Kong.

     Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is a question by Reverend Canon the Hon Peter Douglas Koon and a reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (September 10):

Question:

     It has been reported that in August this year, a taxi driver in his eighties struck and killed a Filipino tourist in Tsuen Wan, arousing concerns among various sectors in the community about the driving ability and safety of elderly professional drivers. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) given that the Government has yet to implement the proposals put forward in 2023 to lower the age threshold of commercial vehicle drivers submitting physical fitness certification to the age of 65 and to require them undergoing a medical examination once every year, of the resistance the Government encounters when implementing these proposals, and whether it can commit to a specific implementation timeline;

(2) as there are views that the current physical fitness certification requirements and the examination items for driving licence applicants and holders are overly simplistic and fail to ensure the fitness of elderly professional drivers for driving, whether the authorities will review the requirements for medical examination of elderly professional drivers by drawing reference from practices on the Mainland or Taiwan, such as introducing more stringent examination items, including reaction tests and screening for chronic diseases, as well as formulating detailed assessment guidelines for doctors; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(3) whether it will draw on practices on the Mainland, Taiwan region or Japan to set a mandatory retirement age for professional drivers; if so, of the details; if not, how it will ensure the driving ability of elderly professional drivers?

Reply:

President,

     The Government has always attached importance to the health conditions of drivers and understands that the physical condition of drivers is of vital significance to ensuring road safety. With the increasing number of aged drivers, commercial vehicle drivers face relatively higher risks due to the nature of their profession. In this connection, the Government has conducted a review of the requirements and mechanism for medical certification of driving licence applicants or holders under the Road Traffic (Driving Licences) Regulations (Cap. 374B) (the Regulations) with a view to further safeguarding the safety of drivers and other road users. In consultation with the Transport Department (TD), the reply to the various parts of the question raised by Reverend Canon the Hon Peter Douglas Koon is as follows:

(1) and (2) Currently, when a person aged 70 or above applies for a full driving licence of any class of motor vehicle, he/she must provide a medical certificate completed and signed by a registered medical practitioner to prove that the applicant is medically fit to drive and control a vehicle in that class. Depending on applicants’ choices, the validity period of such driving licences is one year or three years. The Regulations also stipulate that if an applicant is suffering from a disease or physical disability specified in the First Schedule to the Regulations, the Commissioner for Transport shall refuse the application.

     To improve road safety, we consulted the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Transport in 2023, proposing to enhance the requirements for medical certification of commercial vehicle drivers. Specifically, the Government proposes amending the First Schedule to the Regulations, including raising the standards of eyesight to cover visual acuity and visual field, and adding items applicable to commercial vehicle drivers, including hearing requirements, to enhance the relevant requirements. The Government also proposes lowering the age threshold for commercial vehicle drivers to submit medical examination certificates from the age of 70 to that of 65. In addition, the validity period of their driving licences is proposed to be shortened to one year, meaning that an annual check-up is required before the licence can be renewed. Meanwhile, the requirements for non-commercial vehicles drivers to provide medical certification will remain unchanged.

     After consulting the LegCo Panel on Transport, we have kept listening to the views of all sectors. Recently, we have further consulted various stakeholders including LegCo Members, the transport trade and the medical sector, etc. While society as a whole supports the above direction, some trade representatives suggested relaxing the frequency of medical assessment for drivers aged between 65 and 70. Other stakeholders suggested that consideration should be given to requiring drivers to undergo reaction tests. Medical representatives have also pointed out the need to give greater consideration to the practical circumstances faced by frontline medical practitioners.

     In response to the latest opinions collected recently, the consultant team from the University of Hong Kong commissioned by the TD and the medical expert panel, comprising representatives from the Department of Health, the Hospital Authority, the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, and other bureaux and departments, are reviewing and considering to fine-tune the diseases or physical disabilities items specified in the First Schedule to the Regulations, as well as the content of the medical guidelines for medical practitioners’ reference, with a view to making the guidelines clearer, more objective, and more practical.

     To ensure that frontline medical practitioners fully understand the contents of the medical guidelines and the points to note for conducting medical examination and completing medical certificates in the future, and to enhance commercial vehicle drivers’ health awareness and their understanding of the new assessment requirements, the TD will make reference to the Marine Department’s trial experience with the industry in introducing the medical fitness certificate requirement for local vessel operators, and will invite members of the commercial vehicle industry to participate in medical assessment trials ahead of schedule during the fourth quarter of this year. The trial aims to collect and incorporate practical feedback from frontline medical practitioners, thereby reviewing and enhancing the overall process. Meanwhile, as regards reaction tests, we will explore the utilisation of innovative technology and artificial intelligence, including drawing on the experiences in technological innovation across different regions to test the physical responsiveness of drivers, or to simulate various road situations and driving conditions so as to assess aged drivers’ reactions under different circumstances.

     Regarding the specific timetable, we are continuing to actively pursue the law drafting in parallel and will further incorporate the views of the consultant team and the expert panel. We will also draw on the experience of medical assessment trials to be conducted shortly with the trade and medical practitioners with a view to finalising the legislative proposal and medical guidelines in the fourth quarter. We plan to report to the LegCo Panel on Transport the collective findings in the first quarter of next year, and submit the subsidiary legislation amendments to the LegCo. The TD will continue to carry out various preparatory work, including the production of demonstration video clips for frontline medical practitioners, and strive for the implementation of the new arrangement in the second quarter of next year to enhance overall road safety.

(3) As regards comments made in the question on setting a retirement age for commercial vehicle drivers, we notice that different regions have adopted various practices. For instance, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom impose no restrictions, whereas the Mainland imposes age restrictions on the types of vehicles that may be driven. We consider that medical assessment would help prevent illnesses and build healthy lifestyle habits. As currently nearly 40 percent of taxi and light bus driving licence holders are aged 65 or above, a blanket retirement age would inevitably disrupt the manpower in the trade. The Government proposes to first enhance the requirements for medical certification of commercial vehicle drivers at this stage, and will continue to review and enhance its effectiveness.

     Thank you, President.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority (HA), Dr Libby Lee, is leading a delegation on a three-day visit to Beijing from September 9 to 11, to strengthen healthcare collaboration through in-depth exchanges with various healthcare institutions.
 
     The HA renewed collaboration agreements with both the Beijing Municipal Health Commission (BJHC) and the Beijing Hospitals Authority (BJHA). These agreements aim to enhance collaboration between Beijing and Hong Kong in various areas, including high-quality development of public hospitals, hospital management and talent training, etc. The HA will continue to deepen the partnerships with the BJHC and the BJHA through different exchange activities and collaborations including senior management visits and talent-nurturing programs to jointly improve the quality of public healthcare services of the two places.
 
     During the visit, the HA delegation will also attend a high-level meeting with the BJHC to discuss various healthcare matters of common interest.
 
     Dr Lee said, “This Beijing visit has yielded fruitful results. The HA has successfully established strong collaborative relationships with both the BJHC and the BJHA over many years, with significant achievements under previous agreements. The renewal of these collaboration agreements will further strengthen the partnership between healthcare institutions in both cities. Under the current collaboration framework, the HA and the BJHC have implemented exchange programmes for doctors with Beijing hospitals, effectively enhancing medical expertise in both cities. Looking forward, this strategic partnership will further advance the exchange of professional knowledge and experience between Beijing and Hong Kong, jointly improving healthcare service quality for residents in both cities.”
 
     Dr Lee remarked that the public healthcare services in Beijing and Hong Kong have achieved mutual learning and shared growth through deepened exchanges. She said she looks forward to strengthening future collaboration in hospital management and service development, continuing talent development and exchanges, and leveraging mutual professional expertise to jointly advance healthcare services.
 
     The delegation also visited Beijing Tiantan Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University to exchange innovative management experiences, and toured a healthcare services exhibition at the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services to learn about innovative applications and achievements of AI in healthcare.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, will lead a multidisciplinary delegation comprising members of Hong Kong’s legal, arbitration and mediation sectors, as well as the financial and business sectors, to Urumqi, Xinjiang, tomorrow (September 11) to promote Hong Kong’s advantages in its legal system and professional services, and to explore the strengthening of co-operation between Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

     Mr Lam and the delegation will attend a seminar on the role of Hong Kong’s common law in contributing to the Belt and Road Initiative and a networking dinner organised by the Department of Justice and the Xinjiang Lawyers Association on September 12. They will give a briefing on the advantages of Hong Kong’s common law system, and how its legal, dispute resolution and financial services can contribute to Xinjiang’s opening up and facilitate the development of cross-border business for enterprises.
 
     During the visit, the delegation will also meet with local leaders and learn about the development of the local legal services industry.
 
     Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong on September 14. During Mr Lam’s 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

Following is a question by the Hon Lam So-wai and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (September 10):

Question:

There are views that the disposal of large quantities of waste vehicle tyres at landfills in Hong Kong constitutes a waste of resources. Converting such tyres into rubber powder and adding it to conventional bitumin as a road paving material (rubberised bitumin) can facilitate the handling of waste tyres, enhance environmental benefits and also reduce costs of public works projects. In addition, in a blog post on August 17 last year, the then Secretary for Transport and Logistics, indicated that the Highways Department (HyD) had achieved satisfactory results in its research on the application of rubberised bitumin in road paving and was exploring the wider use of this material in road maintenance works. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the number of waste vehicle tyres disposed of at landfills since last year;

(2) of the total consumption of bituminous materials in road works across the territory and the quantity of waste tyres recycled for use in rubberised bitumin in each of the past three years; whether the authorities have plans to fully adopt rubberised bitumin for road paving, and whether an assessment has been conducted on the potential waste reduction benefits of using this material for road paving (including the additional quantity of waste tyres that could be handled annually after its full adoption); if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(3) given that according to the information on the HyD’s webpage, the Government has fully adopted a low noise road paving material called “Highly Modified Stone Mastic Asphalt” for road paving since April this year. However, the HyD has also stated that it has been conducting site trials on rubberised bitumin to formulate criteria for future application of this material in road paving, of the authorities’ major considerations when deciding on the choice of road paving materials (e.g. whether technical and cost differences are included)?

Reply:

President,

In consultation with the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Environmental Protection Department and the Highways Department (HyD), the reply to the various parts of the question raised by the Hon Lam So-wai is as follows:

(1) The total volume of vehicle tyre waste disposed of at landfills from 2021 to 2023 is tabulated as follows:
 

Year (Note 1)	Volume of vehicle tyre waste disposed of at landfills (tonnes) (Note 2)
2021	19 900
2022	16 200
2023	14 300

Note 1: Relevant statistics for 2024 are still under compilation
Note 2: The volume includes a small volume of other tyres which cannot be classified 
 
(2) and (3) Rubberised bituminous material is a paving material that replaces part of petroleum-based bitumen with crumb rubber made from waste tyres. The HyD, in collaboration with academia, has earlier researched and confirmed the technical feasibility of incorporating crumb rubber from waste tyres into conventional bituminous materials. Not only does this technology provide a recycling pathway for waste tyres and reduce burden on landfills, but it also lowers the consumption of non-renewable petroleum resources. Following the completion of site trials for the aforementioned research, the HyD incorporated rubberised bituminous paving materials into road maintenance contracts in 2024 as one of the optional materials for road repairs. Its application will be determined based on the actual needs of road sections and cost-effectiveness considerations.

In addition to using conventional and rubberised bituminous materials as paving materials, the HyD continues to research, develop and introduce more durable bituminous materials. Starting April 1, 2025, highly modified bituminous materials have been fully adopted for paving on suitable road sections to further enhance the overall quality of road pavement in Hong Kong.

When determining which paving material to use, the HyD selects the appropriate material from among conventional, rubberised, and highly modified bituminous paving materials taking into account factors such as the specific needs of the road and the cost-effectiveness of the paving materials. In general, conventional and rubberised bituminous materials are used on non-busy urban and rural roads, while highly modified bituminous materials are applied to high-traffic road sections. For example, among highly modified bituminous materials, the “6 mm Highly Modified Stone Mastic Asphalt”, which effectively reduces tyre-road noise, is particularly suitable for urban road surfaces near residential areas, while the highly permeable “Highly Modified Friction Course” is more commonly used for highway surfaces.

On the other hand, the cost-effectiveness of paving materials is also an important criterion in selecting which paving material to use. Regarding conventional and rubberised bituminous materials, according to HyD’s estimates, the overall project cost (including that of construction and maintenance) of paving with rubberised bituminous material is significantly higher than that of conventional bituminous material and its durability is lower than that of highly modified bituminous materials. Therefore, considering its cost-effectiveness, the HyD currently uses rubberised bituminous material for paving in certain non-busy urban and rural road projects. Moreover, regarding highly modified bituminous materials, according to HyD’s estimates, although the overall cost is slightly higher than that of conventional bituminous materials, their better durability reduces the frequency of road maintenance and minimises the inconvenience caused by road resurfacing works to the public, thereby lowering social costs. With the full adoption of highly modified bituminous materials for suitable road sections, their costs are expected to gradually decrease.

Over the past three years, the total annual consumption of bituminous materials in road projects undertaken by public works departments in Hong Kong averaged approximately 330 000 tonnes, of which the total amount of rubberised bituminous material accounted for an average of about 5 000 tonnes. This included about 25 tonnes of crumb rubber recycled from waste tyres.

The HyD will continue to keep abreast of the latest research, development, and practical experience related to road paving materials and review the application plans for different bituminous materials (including rubberised bituminous materials) in a timely manner to enhance road pavement quality while bringing greater benefits to society.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Following are the remarks by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, at a media session after the Second Reading debate on Registration of Same-sex Partnerships Bill at the Legislative Council today (September 10):
 
Reporter: Now that the Bill was voted down, what would be the Government’s next step and whether the Government would seek extension of time from the Court? Would there be any adverse impact to the rule of law of Hong Kong?
 
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: As I just said, the Government is not going to apply for any extension of time from the Court for the moment but we will further discuss with the DoJ (Department of Justice) to see how to take forward the matter.
 
As regards the rule of law of Hong Kong, the Government has all along fully respected the rule of law of Hong Kong as well as the Court’s ruling. And that’s why we introduced the Bill this time to discharge our positive obligations under the Hong Kong BoR (Bill of Rights) as ruled by the court. And throughout the whole legislative process, you can see that from our detailed analysis of the judgement to see how to fulfil the requirements as set out by the court, to the drafting of the Bill, the introduction of the Bill, and also all the explanatory and lobbying work that we have done to solicit support from the Legislative Council as well as the public. You can see that we have tried our best to pursue the legislative process as well as to fulfil our obligations. As regards of the Legislative Council, you can see that they have dutifully and effectively discharged their functions and obligations under the Basic Law to closely scrutinise the Bill, and to render advice to the Government, and also to reflect the views of the public to us. So, I don’t see any question about the rule of law of Hong Kong being adversely affected in any way. Thank you.
 
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the Opening Ceremony of BIOHK2025 today (September 10):

Honourable Vice-Chairman C Y Leung (Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference), Professor Albert Yu (Chairman of the Hong Kong Biotechnology Organization (HKBIO) and President of BIOHK2025), Professor CM Lo (Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau), Professor Herman Hu (Member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Professor Hu Shao-ming), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

     Good morning. It is a true pleasure to see you all again at BIOHK2025. Time flies. This marks the fourth edition of this annual flagship biotechnology convention in Hong Kong. Following the success of past years, I am delighted to witness the continued growth of this event in its scale, diversity and global significance, mirroring the dynamism of Hong Kong’s ever-growing innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem.

     Let me begin with some exciting updates of Hong Kong’s I&T developments. With strong support from our motherland, the Plaque Presentation Ceremony for 15 State Key Laboratories (SKLs) in Hong Kong was held last month, recognising our city’s world-class capabilities and outstanding achievements in scientific research. Among all, six of the SKLs focus on life and health technologies, covering various aspects such as digestive disease, emerging infectious diseases, and pharmaceutical biotechnology. These SKLs serve as engines of discovery and magnets for talent, translating R&D (research and development) into real-world applications that benefit society.

     Another milestone worth celebrating is the recent announcement by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) that the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster ranks first globally in its Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025. This is truly a remarkable achievement. The top ranking is not only a recognition of the strong innovative capacity of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), but also a powerful endorsement of the GBA as a fertile ground for I&T investment and entrepreneurship, including biotechnology and other frontier technologies.

     For the first time, WIPO has included venture capital investment as a new metric in its GII ranking, highlighting the importance of transforming scientific research into economic value. It also reflects a broader global trend and standard: innovation must be scalable, sustainable and investable. It also affirms that Hong Kong’s efforts in fostering effective collaboration among the Government, industry, academic, research and investment sectors are on the right track.

     As you may be aware, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has identified life and health technology as a strategic industry, and we are committed to develop Hong Kong into a global leader in this field. Every step requires strategic investment and long-term vision, and Hong Kong is rising to seize these opportunities. I am confident that our world-class R&D infrastructure such as the InnoHK research clusters and the future Life and Health Technology Research Institute, coupled with proactive funding schemes like the Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme and the upcoming Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund, will empower Hong Kong to navigate its I&T journey with strength and resilience.

     Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong is open for innovation. As we gather here at BIOHK2025, we reaffirm our shared commitment to shaping the future of biotechnology. The opportunities ahead are vast, and the momentum is real. Let us seize the moment together for a healthier and smarter future, starting right here in Hong Kong.

     In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the HKBIO and the relevant stakeholders, including our industry leaders and experts, for their continued efforts and significant contributions to promote the development of biotechnology in Hong Kong. May I wish the BIOHK2025 a resounding success. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Swordfish”, for five consecutive days from September 5 to 9, targeting foreign domestic helpers who breached their conditions of stay. A total of 11 persons, including six suspected illegal workers and five suspected employers, were arrested.
 
     During the operation, ImmD investigators raided 28 target locations including restaurants, bars and commercial and residential buildings. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised six women, aged 23 to 48. Among them, two persons were current helpers, two persons were overstaying ex-helpers, and two persons were found to be holders of recognisance forms, which prohibit them from taking any employment in Hong Kong. ImmD investigators found most of the suspected illegal workers at restaurants performing dishwashing, cleaning, etc. Meanwhile, five suspected employers, comprising two men and three women, aged 29 to 50, were in charge of the involved companies or restaurants and suspected of employing the suspected illegal workers.
 
     “A helper should only perform domestic duties for the employer specified in the contract. The helper should not take up any other employment, including part-time domestic duties, with any other person. The employer should not require or allow the helper to carry out any work for any other person,” an ImmD spokesman said.
 
     The spokesman also said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him/her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.”
 
     In addition, the spokesman warned that, “As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years’ imprisonment.”
 
     The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
 
     According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman would like to remind all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
 
     Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) victims. When any TIP indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threats and coercion in the recruitment phase and the nature of exploitation. Identified TIP victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter, temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Invest Oman of the Sultanate of Oman (Oman) during the Belt and Road Summit today (September 10). The agreement aims to enhance bilateral economic and investment co-operation, further solidifying Hong Kong’s role as a global business hub and a gateway to the Mainland and beyond.
      
     The signing of this MOU comes on the heels of the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee’s successful Middle East visit in May this year, which elevated Hong Kong’s relations with the Middle East to new heights. During the visit, Mr Lee emphasised Hong Kong’s unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle and its role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” in facilitating international exchanges and co-operation.
      
     The MOU was signed by the Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau, with the Chief Executive Officer of Invest Oman, Mr Nasser Al Kindi. The agreement underscores the commitment of both parties to fostering both inward and outward investment and exploring new opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, and technology.
      
     Ms Lau said, “Oman is a key player in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The signing of this MOU with Invest Oman during the Belt and Road Summit today marks a significant milestone in Hong Kong’s efforts to strengthen its economic ties with the Middle East. Hong Kong’s world-class financial services, professional expertise, and strategic location make it an ideal partner for businesses looking to expand their global footprint. We look forward to working closely with our counterpart in Oman to unlock new opportunities for mutual growth, particularly in the context of the BRI.”
      
     The MOU focuses on sharing information on investment environments and opportunities, encouraging local companies to establish or expand businesses in each other’s regions, supporting and facilitating incoming missions and business programmes, and organising joint investment promotion events and activities.
      
     To download the event photo, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720328938057.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​A property owner was convicted and fined $213,550 in total, of which $113,550 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, at the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts yesterday (September 9) for failing to comply with removal orders issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).  

The case involved three unauthorised structures with a total area of about 1 354 square metres on three lots in D.D. 80, Lin Ma Hang, Sha Tau Kok. As the unauthorised building works (UBWs) were carried out without the prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), three removal orders were served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted by the BD.

A spokesman for the BD said today (September 10), “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 a 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.