August’s monthly gravidtrap index for Aedes albopictus mosquitoes drops

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (September 9) announced that the monthly gravidtrap index (MGI) for Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in August was 5.3 per cent, lower than the 8.1 per cent in July. This reflects the continued efforts by relevant government departments to intensify mosquito prevention and elimination operations, resulting in the improvement of the overall mosquito infestation situation this month. In addition, the FEHD has strengthened the dissemination of information on the gravidtrap index for Aedes albopictus mosquitoes so that more citizens can quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation. The department will continue its mosquito control work to further reduce the risk of transmission of chikungunya fever (CF) and dengue fever (DF).

In August, all 64 survey areas recorded an area gravidtrap index (AGI) lower than the alert level of 20 per cent. The decreases in the MGI and the number of survey areas with an AGI exceeding the alert level in August are attributable to the continuous and intensified mosquito prevention and elimination operations by various government departments and stakeholders, and may also have been affected by factors such as weather. The monthly rainfall was 939.2 millimetres in August, showing a significant increase from the 601.7mm in July and 237.3mm in June. Overall, the MGI for Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in August was 5.3 per cent, at Level 2 (indicating the distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in the survey areas was fairly extensive). Relevant departments and stakeholders will persistently intensify mosquito prevention and elimination operations.

Moreover, the monthly density index for Aedes albopictus in August was 1.1, which represented that an average of 1.1 Aedes albopictus adults were found in the Aedes-positive gravidtraps, indicating that the number of adult Aedes albopictus was not abundant in the survey areas.

The FEHD currently makes regular announcements on gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus on its webpage. To allow more citizens to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation, the FEHD has strengthened information dissemination by promptly announcing the latest gravidtrap indexes through press releases and social media.

In addition, to further reduce the risk of transmission of CF, the FEHD has extended the intensified mosquito control work, which was originally activated when the AGI reaches 20 per cent, to cover areas with the AGI falling between 10 and 20 per cent. Specifically, the FEHD will conduct detailed risk assessments in the areas concerned to identify locations with higher mosquito infestation risks, and in collaboration with relevant departments and stakeholders, conduct intensive and targeted mosquito control work. The FEHD will also notify the nearby housing estates, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and join hands in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures.

To reduce the risk of transmission of CF and DF, the FEHD continues to step up mosquito prevention and control measures across all districts, and to conduct vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations within a 250 metre radius of the residence of patients and the places patients had visited during the infectious period, including removing mosquito breeding grounds, applying larvicides to stagnant water that cannot be cleared, and carrying out ultra-low volume fogging operations in adult mosquito habitats such as densely wooded areas, dark and secluded places, and abandoned structures to eliminate adult mosquitoes.

The FEHD continues to conduct its three-phase Anti-mosquito Campaign this year. The third phase of the territory-wide campaign was launched on August 4 and will run until October 24. During the period, the district offices of the FEHD will target areas that have drawn particular concern, such as public markets, cooked food centres and hawker bazaars, single-block buildings, streets and back lanes, common parts of buildings, village houses, construction sites, vacant sites and road works sites, to remove accumulated water and carry out mosquito prevention and control work. To further enhance the effectiveness of mosquito control, the FEHD and relevant government departments have carried out phase two of the All-out Anti-mosquito Operations from May 7. In addition to the work of phase one, including eliminating potential mosquito breeding places, the FEHD called on property management entities to arrange for necessary repairs to their premises to minimise mosquito breeding places and commence adult mosquito control measures by means of regular ultra-low volume fogging operations.

The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and estate management bodies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

​Aedes albopictus is a kind of mosquito that can transmit DF and CF. DF is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and has become endemic in many countries in Southeast Asia. In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) recorded over 14 million cases, which was a record number. Additionally, according to the WHO, CF cases have been recorded in more than 110 countries/regions. Many countries worldwide experienced CF outbreaks this year, and as of July, over 240 000 cases had been reported in 16 countries/regions worldwide. The DF and CF activities in neighbouring areas have remained high. Members of the public should stay vigilant and continue to carry out effective mosquito prevention and control measures.

InvestHK hosts “Hong Kong – The Ideal Platform for Mainland Enterprises’ Global Expansion” seminar to showcase city’s unique strengths as multinational supply chain and treasury management centre (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) today (September 9) hosted a seminar entitled “Hong Kong – The Ideal Platform for Mainland Enterprises’ Global Expansion”. The event brought together over 120 representatives from Mainland enterprises to explore leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a multinational supply chain management and international financial centre to support Mainland enterprises in expanding globally.

     The seminar, supported by the Belt and Road Office of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, was attended by guests including the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; Vice Chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) Mr Li Zhen; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; and the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Ms Maggie Wong.

     Mr Chan delivered his opening remarks, “Hong Kong is the country’s southern gateway. Under the “one country, two systems” framework, we possess the unique advantages of connectivity with the Mainland and the world, international and multicultural inclusiveness. Our institutional strengths also include the practice of common law; free port status and free trade; zero tariffs and efficient customs clearance procedures, an extensive logistics network and world-class port infrastructure; as well as robust financial markets and professional services and many more. Hong Kong not only serves as a platform supporting Mainland enterprises to go global; our dynamic financial markets also facilitate capital raising to support their overseas business development.”

     Mr Chan added, “It has become an established trend for Mainland enterprises to go global into the Global South and Belt and Road countries, deploying their supply chains and industrial chains while exploring more diversified markets. In response to this trend, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been promoting the city’s development as a multinational supply chain management hub in recent years. InvestHK, the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council of the HKSAR have established mechanisms and dedicated teams to jointly assist Mainland enterprises in setting up international and regional headquarters in Hong Kong for offshore trade and supply chain management. We provide one-stop advisory services to support your global supply chain deployment and overseas market expansion.”

     Mr Li said, “Amid profound changes in the global landscape, Hong Kong, leveraging its unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle, has increasingly demonstrated its role in connecting global resources and linking international markets. It has become a crucial strategic pivot for Mainland enterprises’ global expansion. Mainland enterprises have achieved substantial results in Hong Kong. As of the end of June 2025, there were 121 central State-owned enterprises listed companies in Hong Kong, with a total market capitalisation of approximately RMB5.1 trillion. In 2024, the import and export volume of non-mineral goods trade between the Mainland and Hong Kong reached US$33.2 billion, fully demonstrating Hong Kong’s value as a global hub for industrial and supply chain collaboration, a platform for capital financing, and a highland for innovation co-operation.”

     Mr Li continued, “In the future, SASAC will support central enterprises in leveraging Hong Kong as a gateway to strengthen global industrial and supply chain collaboration, broaden funding channels, participate in international standard governance, attract global talent, and deepen co-operation with various sectors in Hong Kong. It is believed that under the impetus of the ‘dual circulation’ paradigm and the Belt and Road initiative, Hong Kong is bound to provide even stronger support for Mainland enterprises’ globalisation, enabling them to achieve new breakthroughs in serving the broader national development strategy.”

     The Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau, said, “As a leading international financial and trading hub in Asia, Hong Kong has become the preferred gateway for Mainland enterprises to expand globally. The city possesses unparalleled connectivity, serving as an international logistics hub and global trading centre with a free, open, and well-regulated business environment. Furthermore, Hong Kong possesses robust financial and capital markets, efficient financing channels, a highly transparent legal environment, and talent pool – making it the ideal base for international operations and capital management. At the same time, the Northern Metropolis, as a new engine for Hong Kong’s future development, will inject new economic momentum by providing additional land for innovation and technology purposes.”

     The seminar featured two thematic panel discussions, where representatives from Mainland enterprises and Hong Kong industry leaders shared their strategies and experiences in global markets.

     The first discussion, themed “Strategic Development of Multinational Supply Chain in the Midst of Global Changes”, was moderated by the Head of Transport, Logistics and Industrials at InvestHK, Mr Benjamin Wong. The panel guests discussed how Mainland enterprises are responding to geopolitical situation, multinational supply chain restructuring, and technological transformation. They explored strategies on leveraging Hong Kong’s advantages in offshore trading, supply chain digitalisation transformation, strengthening trade settlement and financing, and positioning Hong Kong as a platform for international logistics and commodities trading.

     The second discussion, themed “Leveraging Hong Kong’s Financial Strengths to Empower Mainland Enterprises’ Global Operations”, was moderated by the Global Head of Financial Services, Fintech & Sustainability at InvestHK, Mr King Leung. The panel guests explored how Mainland enterprises leverage Hong Kong to establish corporate treasury centres, optimise cross-border fund pool management structures, and reduce foreign exchange and financing risks. It also delved into the adoption opportunities of fintech and Renminbi internationalisation in supporting Mainland enterprises to expand globally.

     The seminar successfully facilitated in-depth dialogue between Mainland enterprises and Hong Kong industry leaders, reinforcing Hong Kong as a premier platform for Mainland enterprises’ global expansion.

                 

Cyber Security Exercise SWORDLIFTER held by Hong Kong Police Force in preparation for National Games (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) of the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) conducted the Cyber Security Seminar cum Tabletop Exercise, codenamed SWORDLIFTER, at the Police Headquarters today (September 9). The event aimed to enhance cyber resilience, incident reporting co-ordination and immediate response capabilities of relevant stakeholders in preparation for the 15th National Games (NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG).

Speaking at the seminar, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime), Ms Chung Wing-man, stated that the co-hosting of the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao carries great significance. As one of the host cities, Hong Kong shoulders the responsibilities and has the capability to strengthen its cybersecurity defenses, ensuring that the Games can be carried out in a safe, orderly and secure manner.

The seminar focused on the cyber threats faced and deployment strategies adopted during major sporting events in the past. Industry leaders were invited to share local and overseas case studies and best practices. Topics covered prevention of phishing and counterfeit tickets websites, website security, system intrusion protection and social media account security, in order to enhance the cybersecurity awareness of stakeholders.

The tabletop exercise adopted an integrated scenario simulating pre-event situations where the organiser and relevant stakeholders received malicious and false information, their official websites or related pages were hijacked, and critical infrastructures faced cyberattacks, etc. During the exercise, participants conducted incident analysis, multi-agency reporting and recovery operations, with a view to better understanding the potential impacts of different cyberattacks and corresponding response processes.

Joined by more than 100 representatives from over 30 departments, units and organisations, including the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong), venue operators, various government departments, transportation and public organisations, as well as relevant sports associations, the event concluded successfully and affirmed the importance of cross-sector collaboration.

HKPF will maintain close liaison with all stakeholders to ensure thorough preparations for the upcoming 15th NG and the smooth running of the events.

                          

Hong Kong enters its summer influenza season with another case of severe paediatric influenza A infection reported

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 9) announced a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection. The CHP also reminded members of the public that the local influenza activity has further increased over the past week, indicating that Hong Kong has entered the summer influenza season. Members of the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times. Schools and parents should arrange for children to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) programmes at the start of the new school year to receive free vaccination and prevent respiratory infections.
 
New case of severe paediatric influenza A infection
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The case involves a 15-year-old boy who developed a fever, sore throat, coughing and vomiting yesterday (September 8). He attended a private hospital and was admitted to its paediatric intensive care unit. His nasopharyngeal swab specimen was positive for influenza A (H3) virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A complicated with septic shock. He was transferred to a general ward today and is in stable condition. So far, his household contacts are asymptomatic.
 
The CHP investigation revealed that the boy had received the 2024/25 seasonal influenza vaccine. Five other students in his class recently developed mild influenza-like symptoms between September 5 and 6. They sought medical treatment and none of them required hospitalisation. No outbreaks have been reported in other classes at the school so far. The CHP advised the school on the necessary infection control measures to be implemented and will continue to put the school under medical surveillance.
 
Since last Friday (September 5), five cases of severe paediatric influenza A infection have been recorded. This marked the first occurrence of severe paediatric cases since mid-April this year. Since January this year, the CHP has recorded a cumulative total of 16 cases of severe influenza virus infections in children. Ten of them were unvaccinated in the 2024/25 season.
 
Influenza activity continues to rise
—————————————–
   
After cautiously monitoring influenza trends over the past two weeks, the CHP determined that Hong Kong has entered the summer influenza season. Summer influenza seasons do not occur every year. During the decade before the COVID-19 pandemic (between 2010 and 2019), Hong Kong experienced a summer influenza season in five years. The summer influenza seasons usually occurred between July and August, and lasted for six to 18 weeks. The CHP anticipated that the local influenza activity would remain at a relatively high level in the near term.
 
According to preliminary surveillance data, the percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for seasonal influenza viruses during the week of August 31 to September 6 was 6.94 per cent (provisional figure), higher than the 6.16 per cent recorded during the preceding week (August 24 to 30).
 
Regarding outbreaks influenza-like illness (ILI) in schools and residential care homes (RCHs), the CHP recorded 26 outbreaks during the week of August 31 to September 6, affecting a total of 259 individuals, nearly doubling from the 14 outbreaks (affecting 81 individuals) reported during the previous week (August 24 to 30). With the start of the new school term, there has been a significant increase in ILI outbreaks in schools. The number of outbreaks rose from four (affecting 25 people) in the week ending August 30 to 15 (affecting 202 people) in the week ending September 6. In the first three days of this week (September 7 to 9), 24 school outbreaks (affecting 276 people) were recorded, with four cases involving 20 to 98 people. The CHP staff have inspected these schools and advised the schools on necessary infection control measures. These included recommending that students wear masks on campus, appropriately opening windows to improve ventilation in individual activity rooms and classrooms, thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the campus, and suspending inter-class and inter-grade activities. The CHP also advised teachers and students to check their temperature daily before returning to school. If they develop symptoms or fever, they should not go to school. The CHP will continue to put these schools and RCHs under medical surveillance.
 
Vaccination effectively prevents severe cases of seasonal influenza and its complications
——————————————————————————-
 
Vaccination has been scientifically proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications. It also reduces the risks of in-patient admission and mortality due to seasonal influenza. The Government has all along been encouraging the public to receive vaccination as early as possible, and providing free and subsidised seasonal influenza vaccines to eligible high-risk groups through various vaccination programmes. During the previous influenza season (2024/25), approximately 2.09 million doses of seasonal influenza vaccines were administered under various SIV Programmes, setting a new historical high. Severe influenza cases among adults and children decreased significantly by 20 per cent and 60 per cent respectively, compared to the influenza seasons before the COVID-19 pandemic. It is believed to be attributable to higher vaccination rates.
 
The DH announced yesterday (September 8) that the 2025/26 SIV Programmes would commence on September 25 to provide a free or subsidised SIV to eligible high-risk groups through various vaccination programmes. A number of new initiatives have been introduced to encourage and enable public participation, including further enhancing the SIV School Outreach Programme so that all schools may choose to use the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV nasal vaccines) and “hybrid mode”, i.e. schools being allowed to choose both injectable inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV) and LAIV for the same or different outreach vaccination activities. Approximately 2 300 schools (99 per cent) have joined the outreach programme. To safeguard students’ health, the CHP will publish a list of schools not participating in the programme on its official website to remind parents to promptly arrange for children in those schools to receive vaccinations from family doctors.
 
To make vaccinations more accessible, the Government will open all 29 of the DH’s Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) for all children aged 6 months to under 2 years. Moreover, the 25 District Health Centres and District Health Centre Expresses and their service outlets under the Primary Healthcare Commission, and 74 general outpatient clinics and 38 public hospitals of the Hospital Authority to provide more choices for the public. For a list of vaccination venues, please refer to the CHP’s Vaccination Schemes page. Starting from 9am on September 22, parents of eligible children may book an appointment for their children to receive vaccinations at designated MCHCs via the online booking system.
 
The CHP reminded high-risk persons to wear surgical masks when visiting public places. The general public should also wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. People with respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly, and consider whether to go to work or school. For the latest information on seasonal influenza, members of the public can visit the CHP’s seasonal influenza and COVID-19 & Flu Express webpages.
 

European Commission report rejected

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly disapproved of and rejected the unfounded and biased content targeting Hong Kong’s safeguarding of national security, human rights, etc, in the so-called annual report on the city issued by the European Commission and the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy.

In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government strongly urged the EU to respect facts, abide by international law and basic norms governing international relations that it claims to uphold, and immediately stop its long-arm jurisdiction and interference in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China’s internal affairs.

On the laws safeguarding national security, it noted that in accordance with international law and international relations based on the United Nations Charter, it is each and every sovereign state’s inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and it is also an international practice.

The EU exposed double standards as it pointed fingers at Hong Kong’s legal system and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard national security, while totally disregarding the constitutional duty and practical needs of the city to legislate, and the positive effects brought by the enactment of the national security legislation on economic development and the protection of human rights, the statement said.

Noting that the legal proceedings concerning cases involving Lai Chee-ying, the ’35+’ conspiracy to commit subversion and the Hong Kong Alliance are still ongoing, the statement added it is inappropriate for any person to comment on details of the cases. The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that all cases are handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law.

“Extraterritorial effect for the offences under the National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions.

“It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world. It can be seen that the national security laws of various countries including the member states of the EU also have extraterritorial effect under the ‘personality principle’ and the ‘protective principle’.”

As regards the interim injunction relating to a song granted by the Court of Appeal, the statement reiterated that the interim injunction covers designated types of criminal acts in relation to the concerned song, pursuing the legitimate aim of safeguarding national security and is necessary, reasonable, legitimate, proportionate and consistent with the requirements of the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.

Internationally, many jurisdictions also have legal mechanisms in place to prohibit the dissemination of information that is illegal, offensive, incites violence, incites hatred or harms the public interest.

The EU’s Digital Services Act, for instance, stipulates that upon the receipt of an order to act against specific items of illegal content, providers of intermediary services shall inform the authority of any effect given to the order without undue delay.

The Digital Services Act also requires providers of hosting services to put mechanisms in place to combat illegal content and respond to notices received in a timely manner, including removing and disabling access to relevant content.

The unreasonable criticisms made by the EU against the legitimate legal actions taken by the Hong Kong SAR Government shows clearly the double standards held, the statement said.

“The EU repeatedly uses its so‑called annual reports to smear Hong Kong, which has been faithfully, dutifully and lawfully safeguarding national security, while turning a blind eye to the fact that the relevant laws have allowed the daily lives and economic activities of the broad masses of the city residents to return to normal and have restored the business environment.

“This is a classic example of hypocritical ‘double standards’. The EU must immediately act reasonably and sensibly, and stop smearing the laws safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR.”

Nat’l Games cybersecurity drill held

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Police’s Cyber Security & Technology Crime Bureau today conducted a seminar and tabletop exercise to enhance cyber resilience, incident reporting co-ordination and response capabilities of stakeholders in preparation for the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games.

The seminar focused on the cyber threats faced and deployment strategies adopted during previously-held major sporting events. Industry leaders shared local and overseas case studies and best practices, covering topics including the prevention of phishing and counterfeit ticket websites, website security, system intrusion protection and social media account security.

The tabletop exercise simulated pre-event situations where the organiser and stakeholders received malicious and false information, their official websites or related pages were hijacked, and critical infrastructures faced cyberattacks.

The exercise participants conducted incident analysis, multi-agency reporting and recovery operations to better understand the potential impacts of cyberattacks and corresponding response processes.

Joined by the representatives from over 30 departments, units and organisations including the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong), venue operators, transportation and public organisations as well as sports associations, the event concluded successfully and affirmed the importance of cross-sector collaboration.

CE meets Hainan official

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today met Secretary of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee Feng Fei at Government House to exchange views on deepening Hong Kong’s co-operation with Hainan.

Welcoming Mr Feng, who is leading a delegation to the city to attend the 10th Belt & Road Summit, Mr Lee noted that the signing of the “Hainan Provincial People’s Government and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Memorandum of Cooperation” in March further strengthened co-operation between the two places.

The memorandum covers five areas of in-depth collaboration, namely trade and investment, finance, safe and orderly flow of data, tourism, and talent exchanges.

Mr Lee also said Hainan and Hong Kong are both key links under the Belt & Road Initiative. This year marks the customs closure operation and further opening of the Hainan Free Trade Port, actively achieving a high level of opening up and high-quality development, and the two places can fully leverage their collaborative potential, jointly serving as a functional platform and contributing to the Belt & Road Initiative.

The Chief Executive welcomed and thanked the Hainan Provincial People’s Government for leveraging Hong Kong’s advantages as an international financial centre and a platform for offshore renminbi debt products, jointly contributing to the Belt-Road initiative.

He also highlighted that the Hainan Provincial People’s Government is the first provincial government of the Mainland to utilise Hong Kong’s financing platform and professional services to issue bonds.

Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to actively play its bridging role, deepening exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and Hainan in various areas such as economy and trade, tourism, and talent, achieving complementarities and mutual benefits, and contributing to the country’s high-quality development.

Director of the Chief Executive’s Office Carol Yip also attended the meeting.

LegCo Secretariat releases Policy Pulse on “Expanding global economic and trade network”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LegCo Secretariat releases Policy Pulse on “Expanding global economic and trade network” 
     The Policy Pulse provides an overview of Hong Kong’s latest developments as an international trade centre under the support of the National 14th Five-Year Plan. It highlights Hong Kong’s unique advantages in economic and trade, demonstrating how the city leverages its roles as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” to continuously expand the economic and trade network, while also summarising relevant discussions in LegCo.
 
     The Policy Pulse points out that, with its four “success factors”, namely free trade policies, world-class infrastructure, the common law system and sound rule of law, as well as the institutional strengths of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong becomes one of the world’s most competitive trading hubs. The SAR Government has also been adopting a multipronged approach to expand Hong Kong’s global economic and trade network.
 
     The publication highlights Hong Kong’s active expansion of trade and investment agreements network, having signed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with 21 economies and Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (IPPAs) with 33 economies, with negotiations on an IPPA with Qatar largely concluded. LegCo Members urge the Government to strive to forge FTAs and IPPAs with more economies, with particular focus on emerging markets in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Middle East, while supporting Hong Kong enterprises in market expansion to Latin America.
 
     The Policy Pulse also introduces the SAR Government’s proactive efforts to join the world’s largest FTA – the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) – with the goal of reducing international trade costs and barriers. It points out that Hong Kong’s accession to RCEP will help deepen trade ties among RCEP members, assisting them in participating in the B&R Initiative and facilitating their access to the Mainland market. LegCo has been actively rallying support from various parties for Hong Kong’s early accession to RCEP. For instance, the President of LegCo led duty visits to three ASEAN countries (Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore) and Japan respectively, and met with Consuls-General in Hong Kong and parliamentarians from various countries to explain how Hong Kong’s accession to RCEP would be conducive to achieving mutual benefits and win-win outcomes. Members also suggest that the Government should focus on promoting related supporting industries that can benefit from RCEP when planning the Northern Metropolis.
 
     Furthermore, the Policy Pulse details multiple initiatives by the SAR Government to attract enterprises and investment, including the development of a multinational supply chain management centre, attracting Mainland enterprises to set up international or regional headquarters in Hong Kong to manage offshore trade and supply chains, and supporting Mainland enterprises in “going global”. Through the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), Hong Kong’s access to the Mainland’s goods and services markets has further opened up, enhancing the attractiveness of Hong Kong to overseas investors, and positioning Hong Kong as a perfect springboard for Mainland enterprises to “go global”. The Second Agreement Concerning Amendment to CEPA Agreement on Trade in Services signed last year further facilitates Hong Kong service suppliers in establishing and developing businesses on the Mainland.
 
     The Policy Pulse notes that the B&R Initiative is a far-reaching national development strategy. Leveraging Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages, the city has become the prime functional platform for the B&R Initiative. The SAR Government has been proactively expanding presence in emerging markets, with recent key initiatives including the Chief Executive’s visit to the Middle East to strengthen economic and trade ties, the expansion of Hong Kong’s global office network particularly in emerging markets, and the enhancement of the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales to assist enterprises in developing non-local markets.
 
     The Policy Pulse summarises various recommendations made by Members for expanding Hong Kong’s global economic and trade network. These include comprehensively co-ordinating and strengthening efforts in attracting enterprises and investment; reviewing and enhancing the division of responsibilities and functions among relevant government departments and public organisations to avoid duplication of resources; establishing sound industry and supply chains to assist enterprises in “going global and attracting foreign investment”; formulating and promoting the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area standards in more different areas, with a view to assisting Hong Kong businesses in utilising the preferential measures under CEPA to tap into the Mainland market; encouraging local airlines to operate more international flights between Hong Kong and Middle East cities in order to facilitate business and tourism; and attracting enterprises and family offices from B&R countries to set up or expand their businesses in Hong Kong.
 
     The detailed content of “Expanding global economic and trade network” is available on the LegCo website. The Policy PulseIssued at HKT 20:08

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Chinese med hospital pact signed

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau today attended the signing ceremony of collaboration agreements between The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK) and three local universities with Chinese medicine schools, witnessing CMHHK as the Chinese medicine teaching hospital for these universities to promote the quality development of Chinese medicine (CM) in Hong Kong.

The three universities are: Baptist University, Chinese University of Hong Kong and the University of Hong Kong.

CMHHK will commence services in phases from December. Its clinical services cover six specialised CM services of Internal Medicine, External Medicine, Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Orthopaedics & Traumatology, and Acupuncture & Moxibustion.

Chinese medicine experts from the three universities will participate in these services and jointly formulate clinical standards and guidelines, enabling CMHHK to provide quality and safe services for the public.

As the teaching hospital for the three universities, CMHHK will provide local clinical placements and advanced training opportunities for undergraduates and postgraduates, serving as an important base for nurturing CM talent.

Additionally, the hospital’s diverse clinical cases, coupled with the top-tier research capabilities of the universities, will foster Chinese medicine scientific research development, including proprietary Chinese medicines development and clinical research.

CMHHK will also strengthen co-operation with counterparts on the Mainland and overseas through the international academic networks of the three universities to facilitate Chinese medicine going global.

Prof Lo said that he expects CMHHK and the three universities to create synergy in providing better Chinese medicine services for the public, as well as fostering training and education, and scientific research and innovation.

The Government will fully support CMHHK in collaborating with stakeholders to make use of the development platform of the Greater Bay Area and fully leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantage of its strong support from the motherland and being closely connected to the world to contribute to the national development of Chinese medicine, he added.

Located at Pak Shing Kok Road in Tseung Kwan O, CMHHK adopts a public-private partnership model with its construction fully funded by the Government. Baptist University, commissioned as the contractor through tendering procedures, incorporated a company limited in accordance with the service deed to manage, operate and maintain the hospital.