Posts

Posted on

SITI officiates at Opening Ceremony of InnoEX

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The fourth InnoEX officially opened today (April 14) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, officiated at the Opening Ceremony and welcomed more than 550 exhibitors and delegations from 21 countries and regions, as well as 17 Mainland provinces and cities.

     In his speech at the Opening Ceremony, Professor Sun highlighted that this year’s InnoEX fully demonstrates the key elements of “T-E-C-H” – Thriving Participation, Elevation, Connection and Collaboration, and Hong Kong. He emphasised that InnoEX is more than an annual exhibition showcasing Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) strengths; it serves as an international platform connecting start-ups with investors, research and industry, and local enterprises with global markets.

     The Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Dr Gerd Müller, attended the Opening Ceremony as the Guest of Honour. He said, “InnoEX invites us to ‘Innovate’, ‘Automate’ and ‘Elevate’ to advance inclusive and sustainable industrial transformation for the benefit of all. In today’s interconnected world, we share a common global responsibility; China, as a role model for sustainable industrialisation and a leading country in the field of artificial intelligence, possesses valuable knowledge, experience and innovation that should be scaled up worldwide to achieve lasting industrial transformation and prosperity.”

     The four-day InnoEX is being held from April 13 to 16 under the theme “Innovate • Automate • Elevate”. It covers five key I&T areas: AI+, robotics, low-altitude economy, property technology, and retail technology. Both the number of exhibitors and the geographical coverage have grown significantly this year. New participants include exhibitors from Austria, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, the Philippines and the United States. Mainland delegations are also highly active, with 18 pavilions from more than 10 provinces and cities. Larger delegations came from Liaoning, Chongqing and Shanghai compared with previous years, while Xi’an and Inner Mongolia are participating for the first time.

     A major highlight this year is the RoboPark zone, which brings together over 100 robots from more than 50 technology companies in Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas. The zone covers three application themes – “Commercial & Industrial”, “Health & Living”, and “Entertainment & Social” – and features around 40 robot demonstrations and thematic seminars. Participating companies include four of the world’s top five best-selling humanoid robot manufacturers last year (AgiBot, EngineAI, UBTECH and Unitree Robotics), representatives from Hangzhou’s “Six Little Dragons” and Shenzhen’s “Eight Great Guardians”, as well as Hong Kong start-ups such as Rice Robotics and SOTA Robotics, showcasing practical applications of robots in various scenarios.

     In addition, themed “AI+ Hong Kong”, the Smart Hong Kong Pavilion set up by the Digital Policy Office (DPO) showcases over 100 I&T solutions developed by the Government that benefit the public and businesses, as well as award-winning I&T projects by local industry and students, fully demonstrating Hong Kong’s achievements in I&T and smart city development. Major enterprises, including China Mobile Hong Kong, Hong Kong Telecom, Huawei International, iFLYTEK, Lenovo (Hong Kong) and Tencent Cloud International, are also presenting their latest I&T solutions at the exhibition.

     This morning, Professor Sun visited InnoEX, touring the Smart Hong Kong Pavilion set up by the DPO as well as various Mainland and overseas pavilions. He expressed gratitude to exhibitors from different regions for choosing and supporting InnoEX to explore business opportunities and promote global I&T collaboration.

  

Posted on

Steel procurement opinions sought

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The market is invited to submit expressions of interest (EOI) and provide suggestions for the Central Procurement Scheme for Steel Reinforcement, the Development Bureau (DEVB) said today.

The deadline is noon on May 12.

As announced in the 2025 Policy Address, the bureau will conduct central procurement on a trial basis this year, piloting the procurement of commonly used materials including steel reinforcement and Modular Integrated Construction modules, with a view to saving costs.

Following a preliminary market sounding, the Government plans to adopt a framework contract and enter into three-year agreements with multiple qualified steel reinforcement suppliers. The engaged suppliers will be eligible to bid for the orders under the framework contract.

The supplier qualifications and requirements for the framework contract are set out in the EOI document.

The total procurement quantity for the scheme is approximately 300,000 tonnes, mainly for public works projects. The Government said this quantity is expected to meet the demand for steel reinforcement of about 20 projects scheduled to commence within the next two years.

To cover the expenditure of this central procurement exercise, the Government will, based on the required quantity of steel reinforcement for individual projects, set aside funds within the Approved Project Estimate for each participating project.

The Civil Engineering & Development Department has been commissioned to implement the scheme for steel reinforcement. It plans to commence preparations for an open tender, aiming to launch the tender around mid-2026 and commence the scheme by the third quarter.

Interested parties must submit their EOIs by placing them in the DEVB’s drop-in box located at 2/F Entrance, East Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong, no later than noon on May 12.

The DEVB will hold a briefing session on the EOI invitation on April 22.

Posted on

Results of monthly survey on business situation of small and medium-sized enterprises for March 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (April 14) the results of the Monthly Survey on Business Situation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) for March 2026.

The current diffusion index (DI) on business receipts amongst SMEs decreased from 45.3 in February 2026 in the contractionary zone to 44.3 in March 2026, whereas the one-month’s ahead (i.e. April 2026) outlook DI on business receipts was 46.9. Analysed by sector, the current DIs on business receipts for majority of the surveyed sectors dropped in March 2026 as compared with previous month, particularly for the logistics (from 42.9 to 35.7) and import and export trades (from 47.4 to 46.3).

The current DI on new orders for the import and export trades decreased from 47.1 in February 2026 to 46.8 in March 2026, whereas the outlook DI on new orders in one month’s time (i.e. April 2026) was 47.6.

Commentary

A Government spokesman said that business sentiment amongst SMEs eased somewhat in March, reflecting the heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The current and outlook diffusion indices on business receipts for SMEs showed some declines from the near two-year highs in the preceding month. Nevertheless, the overall employment situation still performed steadily, with the corresponding index improving slightly over the preceding month.

Looking ahead, the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East will likely continue to influence local business sentiment, though the sustained expansion of the economy will provide support. The Government has introduced short-term targeted measures to address the recent increase in fuel prices, and will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation.

Further information

The Monthly Survey on Business Situation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises aims to provide a quick reference, with minimum time lag, for assessing the short-term business situation faced by SMEs. SMEs covered in this survey refer to companies with fewer than 50 persons engaged. Respondents were asked to exclude seasonal fluctuations in reporting their views. Based on the views collected from the survey, a set of diffusion indices (including current and outlook diffusion indices) is compiled. A reading above 50 indicates that the business condition is generally favourable, whereas that below 50 indicates otherwise. As for statistics on the business prospects of prominent companies in Hong Kong, users may refer to the publication entitled “Report on Quarterly Business Tendency Survey” released by the C&SD.

The results of the survey should be interpreted with care. The survey solicits feedback from a panel sample of about 600 SMEs each month and the survey findings are thus subject to sample size constraint. Views collected from the survey refer only to those of respondents on their own companies rather than those on the respective sectors they are engaged in. Besides, in this type of opinion survey on expected business situation, the views collected in the survey are affected by the events in the community occurring around the time of enumeration, and it is difficult to establish precisely the extent to which respondents’ perception of the business situation accords with the underlying trends. For this survey, main bulk of the data were collected around the last week of the reference month.

More detailed statistics are given in the “Report on Monthly Survey on the Business Situation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises”. Users can browse and download the publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1080015&scode=300).

Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact Industrial Production Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7246; email: sme-survey@censtatd.gov.hk).

Posted on

Opening remarks by SITI at InnoEX Opening Ceremony cum Luncheon (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following are the opening remarks by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, at the InnoEX Opening Ceremony cum Luncheon today (April 14): 

Dr Gerd Müller (Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization), Sophia (Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Ms Sophia Chong), Secretary-General Ren Xianliang (Secretary-General of the World Internet Conference), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon. It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to InnoEX 2026. A special warm welcome to our Guest of Honour, Dr Gerd Müller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, for joining us today.

Today, we celebrate the opening of the fourth edition of InnoEX. This year’s theme – “Innovate • Automate • Elevate” – is all about technology. The four letters “T-E-C-H” aptly describe why we host the annual exhibition, what we strive to achieve, and how we make the best out of this international forum.

“T” stands for Thriving Participation. This year’s InnoEX is buzzing with energy – we have over 550 exhibitors coming from 21 countries and regions, seeing a continuous growth in both number and diversity. As we welcome patrons from Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, we greet new friends from Austria, Germany, Hungary, Israel, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and the United States. Our motherland also continues to show a strong presence, with 18 pavilions from 17 provinces and cities from the Chinese Mainland, and they are coming with larger delegations.

“E” stands for Elevation. At the core of InnoEX 2026 is AI+, empowering innovations with AI. The AI force spurs possibilities and elevates the potentials of robotics, smart living, low-altitude economy, property technology and retail applications. Highlights this year include the “RoboPark” zone showcasing over 100 robots from up-and-coming and heavyweight companies, as well as the Smart Hong Kong Pavilion, staged by our Digital Policy Office to demonstrate Hong Kong’s unwavering commitment to not only having AI for entertainment but also bringing real improvements to people’s lives with AI. 

“C” stands for Connection and Collaboration. InnoEX is more than an exhibition – it is a vibrant nexus where start-ups meet investors, researchers meet industry, and local enterprises meet global markets. InnoEX 2026 hosts more than 80 exchange and networking sessions. The collaborative spirit of InnoEX is further bolstered by myriad events of the “Business of Innovation and Technology Week (BIT Week)”.

Last but not least, “H” stands for Hong Kong. We take pride in hosting InnoEX and the BIT Week events as an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre. Hong Kong enjoys the staunch support from our country. With our unique advantages under “one country two systems”, Hong Kong is the best place to link businesses and opportunities between the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world.

Hong Kong’s leading role as a global I&T hub is cemented by two important events this week. The World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit that opened yesterday here in Hong Kong speaks volume of our role as a “super connector”. Later today, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau will sign a joint statement on collaboration to advance industrial development, innovation and digital transformation.

On this note, I express gratitude to Dr Müller for your visit to Hong Kong, which will lay a solid foundation for international partnerships to help foster inclusive and sustainable industrial solutions to the world.

Ladies and gentlemen, T-E-C-H is not just an acronym – it is our promise for the future. My sincere thanks to you all for being part of this exciting journey, and also to our long-standing partner, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, under the leadership of Sophia, for bringing InnoEX to the next higher level.

May I wish you all a fruitful “InnoEx-perience”, and an enjoyable stay in Hong Kong. Thank you.

  

Posted on

DEVB invites market to submit expressions of interest for Central Procurement Scheme for Steel Reinforcement

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

DEVB invites market to submit expressions of interest for Central Procurement Scheme for Steel Reinforcement 
     As the Chief Executive announced in the 2025 Policy Address, the DEVB will conduct central procurement on a trial basis this year, piloting the procurement of commonly used materials including steel reinforcement and Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) modules, with a view to saving cost.
 
     A DEVB spokesman said that the Government commissioned a consultancy study on the central procurement arrangements, with the section on steel reinforcement already completed. Following a preliminary market sounding, the Government plans to adopt a framework contract and enter into three-year agreements with multiple qualified steel reinforcement suppliers. The engaged suppliers will be eligible to bid for the orders under the framework contract under the three-year contract period.
 
     Under the current plan, the total procurement quantity for the Scheme is approximately 300 000 tonnes, mainly for public works projects under various works departments. According to the current estimates, this quantity is expected to meet the demand for steel reinforcement of about 20 projects scheduled to commence within the next two years. To cover the expenditure of this central procurement exercise, the Government will set aside funds within the Approved Project Estimate for each participating project, based on the required quantity of steel reinforcement for individual projects.
 
     The spokesman said, “Individual works departments have adopted direct procurement for commonly used materials under their projects, achieving cost savings. Building on this successful experience, the Government aims to go a step further by implementing a central procurement scheme for steel reinforcement. This marks the first time the Government will consolidate the total demand across multiple projects from various user departments, leveraging the advantages of central procurement and a more cost-effective strategy for procuring major construction materials. The Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) has been commissioned to implement the Scheme for steel reinforcement.”
 
     The spokesman added that adopting a framework procurement model and signing framework contracts with multiple eligible suppliers will allow these suppliers to prepare for future biddings on individual procurement batches, while providing sufficient flexibility. In cases where supply from an individual supplier becomes unstable, other contracted suppliers can supply the materials directly under the mechanism. This obviates the need for re-tendering, thereby reducing the risk of project delays.
 
     The supplier qualifications and specific requirements for the framework contract are set out in the EOI document. The Government welcomes the industry to submit EOIs and provide suggestions for the Scheme. The feedback collected will assist the Government in refining the details of the tender documents, including the total quantity and the number of suppliers to be engaged under the Scheme. The DEVB has commissioned the CEDD to commence preparations for an open tender, aiming to launch the tender around mid-2026 and commence the Scheme by the third quarter. 
 
     The EOI document has been uploaded to the DEVB website (www.devb.gov.hk/en/issues_in_focus/index.html 
     The DEVB will hold a briefing session on the EOI invitation on April 22 (Wednesday). For details of the briefing, please refer to the EOI invitation brochure.
 
     Furthermore, the relevant consultancy study on the central procurement scheme for MiC modules is almost completed, with an invitation for EOI expected by mid-year.
Issued at HKT 15:00

NNNN

Posted on

Recruitment begins for Music Office’s Instrumental Music Training Scheme intermediate and advanced year-one courses

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Recruitment begins for Music Office’s Instrumental Music Training Scheme intermediate and advanced year-one courses 
     The IMTS provides training in a wide variety of Chinese, string and wind musical instruments including dizi, sheng, suona, liuqin, yangqin, pipa, zhongruan, zheng, sanxian, erhu, cello, double bass, percussion, violin, viola, harp, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, alto saxophone, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium and tuba. Courses on musicianship and music theory are also included.
 
     One-hour group lessons, conducted in Cantonese, will be held once a week at the Music Office’s five music centres in Wan Chai, Kwun Tong, Mong Kok, Sha Tin and Tsuen Wan. Annual tuition fees of $4,620 for the intermediate level and $5,885 for the advanced level are payable in four instalments.
 
     Interested persons who have attained the required music qualifications can visit the Music Office website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/mo/training/instrumentalmusictrainingscheme.html 
     For enquiries, please call the Music Office’s music centres at 2802 0657 (Wan Chai), 2796 2893 (Kwun Tong), 2399 2200 (Mong Kok), 2158 6462 (Sha Tin) and 2417 6429 (Tsuen Wan).
Issued at HKT 15:00

NNNN

Posted on

Director Xia Baolong to attend opening ceremony of National Security Education Day on April 15 organised by Committee for Safeguarding National Security of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region via video link

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Director Xia Baolong to attend opening ceremony of National Security Education Day on April 15 organised by Committee for Safeguarding National Security of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region via video link 
     April 15, 2026 (Wednesday) is National Security Education Day. The Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) (the Hong Kong National Security Committee) will hold the opening ceremony and seminar of National Security Education Day at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre that morning.
      
    The Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, will attend the opening ceremony and deliver a keynote speech via video link. The Chief Executive of the HKSAR and Chairman of the Hong Kong National Security Committee, Mr John Lee, extends his very warm welcome and expresses sincere gratitude to Director Xia Baolong for his ongoing guidance, care and support for Hong Kong.
 
     Mr Lee said, “This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan and represents a critical year for Hong Kong as it advances from stability towards prosperity. The fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress approved the ‘Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan’, making top-level design and strategic plans for our country’s economic and social development for the next five years. Hong Kong will proactively align with the 15th Five-Year Plan. We are formulating at full steam Hong Kong’s first five-year plan to provide clear guidance for Hong Kong’s future economic, social and livelihood development, and drive Hong Kong’s better integration into and service of the overall national development.
      
     “On February 10 this year, the State Council Information Office released the white paper on ‘Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems’, which comprehensively reviews Hong Kong’s endeavours in safeguarding national security and the experience and insights gained in the process. The white paper states clearly that the Central Government bears the fundamental responsibility for affairs concerning national security in Hong Kong, while the HKSAR shoulders the constitutional responsibility for safeguarding national security. We must adhere to a holistic approach to national security as its guiding principle, grasp the practical requirements of safeguarding national security under the framework of ‘one country, two systems’, and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.
      
     “The Hong Kong National Security Committee organises the opening ceremony and seminar for National Security Education Day, and co-ordinates a series of school and community activities that help to enhance the whole community’s awareness of and sense of responsibility in safeguarding national security, and to encourage all citizens to do the same on their own accord.”
Issued at HKT 14:00

NNNN

Posted on

La STEP de Tontouta : stocker les énergies renouvelables et sécuriser l’alimentation électrique des Calédoniens

Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie

Christopher Gygès, membre du gouvernement chargé de l’économie et des sujets liés à la politique énergétique et Jean-Gabriel Faget, directeur général d’Enercal, ont présenté l’avancement du chantier de construction de la station de transfert d’énergie par pompage (STEP) de Tontouta. Cet outil, qui s’inscrit dans la continuité des initiatives photovoltaïques déployées ces dernières années, représente une avancée déterminante vers l’autonomie énergétique de la Nouvelle-Calédonie. Il permettra de soutenir le développement des énergies renouvelables, tout en garantissant la fiabilité de l’alimentation électrique des Calédoniens.

La STEP : un outil de stockage pour les énergies renouvelables

La STEP est un moyen de stocker l’excédent d’énergie renouvelable produit en journée pour la livrer aux foyers calédoniens ou à la métallurgie au moment où il n’y pas plus de production renouvelable (notamment la nuit) ou lors des pics de consommation.

Il s’agit d’un circuit d’eau fermé entre deux bassins artificiels situés à des altitudes différentes :

  • Durant la phase de stockage : l’eau d’un bassin inférieur est pompée vers un bassin supérieur grâce à l’énergie solaire excédentaire produite en journée. Stockée dans le bassin supérieur, elle constitue une réserve d’énergie hydraulique.
  • Durant la phase de déstockage : aux heures de forte consommation ou en l’absence de production renouvelable, l’eau du bassin supérieur est libérée vers le bassin inférieur où elle entraine des turbines couplées à des alternateurs qui produisent de l’énergie électrique.

La STEP en quelques chiffres

  • 900 MWh de capacité de stockage soit 35 % de la consommation annuelle des Calédoniens (hors métallurgie) ou encore ¼ de la consommation annuelle de la SLN ;
  • 225 000 tonnes de CO2 évitées par an, soit l’équivalent des émissions de 100 000 voitures ;
  • 65 000 tonnes de fuel évitées par an ;
  • 4 ans te travaux ;
  • Plus de 60 ans d’exploitation ;
  • 130 emplois en moyenne pour la construction ;
  • 15 emplois pour l’exploitation du site.

Pour une optimisation de la consommation d’électricité de source renouvelable

Les énergies renouvelables comme le solaire ou l’éolien sont considérées comme :

  • fatales, puisqu’elles sont produites dès qu’il y a du soleil ou du vent. Si elles ne sont pas consommées ou stockées au moment de la production, elles sont perdues ;
  • intermittentes, puisqu’elles ne produisent pas de façon régulière toute la journée.

Aujourd’hui, une partie de l’excédent de production solaire est vendue à la SLN. Le reste est non consommé, non stocké, mais rémunéré aux producteurs donc intégré aux coûts de l’électricité.

« Grâce à la STEP, nous serons en capacité de consommer cet excédent d’énergie. L’électricité produite par le photovoltaïque pourra être utilisée le soir et la nuit alors qu’aujourd’hui, nous la consommons uniquement en journée », a indiqué Jean-Gabriel Faget.

Participer à la relance économique et accompagner la transition énergétique de la métallurgie

Dans le cadre de ce projet, un appel à manifestation d’intérêt (AMI) et d’ores et déjà lancé afin de permettre aux entreprises calédoniennes d’y participer. « Tous types de travaux seront concernés allant de l’ingénierie au terrassement. On parle de 22 milliards de francs qui seront réinjectés directement dans l’économie calédonienne », a assuré Christopher Gygès.

« À plus long terme, la mise en service de la STEP permettra d’accompagner la transition énergétique du secteur de la métallurgie, avec une énergie décarbonnée et moins chère », a ajouté le membre du gouvernement.

La STEP constitue également un outil stratégique pour la Nouvelle-Calédonie, lui offrant une plus grande indépendance énergétique. « Elle permettra en effet au territoire d’être moins vulnérable aux crises énergétiques mondiales. Les crises se sont succédées durant les 30 dernières années et ont rendu à chaque fois plus incertaine la rentabilité des métallurgistes et ont pesé sur le budget des Calédoniens », a rappelé le directeur général d’Enercal.

Le calendrier

  • Avril 2026 : lancement de l’AMI
  • 2026 – 2027 : avant-projet détaillé : conception et réalisation du projet et études de financement
  • 2028 : début des travaux
  • 2032 : mise en service de la STEP
Posted on

Asia-Pacific Internet summit opens

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The World Internet Conference Asia‑Pacific Summit opened today at the Convention & Exhibition Centre, where Chief Executive John Lee delivered remarks.

Building on its successful debut last year, Hong Kong is once again organising the summit which Mr Lee noted underscores Hong Kong’s growing prominence as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub. 

“No less important, it reinforces our deep integration into national development strategies. The country’s National 15th Five-Year Plan, approved last month, continues to champion Hong Kong’s development as an international I&T hub, let me add. That includes supporting the development of I&T in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.”

He added that the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen‑Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, which officially opened in December 2025, has attracted more than 70 tenants from key technology sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, life and health technology, and new energy. 

“We are also working with Mainland authorities on implementing facilitating policies at the Co-operation Zone. They include enabling the cross-boundary flow of bio-samples and other innovation elements.”

Mr Lee highlighted that AI is central to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s accelerating I&T development. 

“We are putting together a comprehensive strategy combining world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge research and development (R&D) and a culture of responsible innovation. The upcoming data facility cluster at Sandy Ridge will further expand Hong Kong’s overall computing power. By 2032, this cluster alone will provide 180,000 petaFLOPS. That is 36 times Hong Kong’s current computing power.

“As for R&D, the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research & Development Institute’s opening, later this year, will help drive breakthroughs from upstream AI R&D. It will also transform midstream and downstream R&D outcomes and expand use cases.”

Themed “Digital and Intelligent Empowerment for Innovative Development – Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace”, the two-day summit is expected to gather around 1,000 government and business leaders, representatives of international organisations, experts and scholars from over 50 countries and regions to jointly deepen regional digital collaboration, and create new momentum and advantages towards the development of the Asia-Pacific region.

Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China and World Internet Conference (WIC) Chairman Zhuang Rongwen also delivered remarks at the opening ceremony. 

After the opening ceremony, Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong and WIC Secretary-General Ren Xianliang co-hosted the Government-Enterprise Dialogue, engaging in a comprehensive exchange on government-enterprise collaboration to empower business development. 

Financial Secretary Paul Chan and Prof Sun delivered their remarks at the Main Forum and Distinguished Contributors Gala in the afternoon, outlining Hong Kong’s advantages for digital economy and I&T development. 

A Hong Kong Dialogue was also staged to feature emerging technology enterprises to engage in an extensive exchange on frontier I&T trends, jointly envisioning the future directions and opportunities for I&T developments.

A first-ever ministerial meeting was convened and co-hosted by Prof Sun and Mr Ren, providing a premier platform for ministerial officials and representatives of international organisations from across the globe to facilitate high-level exchanges and dialogue. I&T ministers from Samoa, Madagascar, Turkmenistan, Burundi and others conducted rigorous discussions on topics such as how AI promotes high-quality economic growth.

The summit is hosted by the WIC, organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government and co-organised by the Innovation, Technology & Industry Bureau.

Posted on

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

An incoming passenger was sentenced to a total of six months’ imprisonment with a fine of $6,000 by the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today (April 13) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
 
Customs officers intercepted the incoming 52-year-old female passenger at the Lo Wu Control Point on March 9 and seized 981 duty-not-paid cigarettes from her, with an estimated market value of about $4,000 and a duty potential of about $3,200. She was subsequently arrested and granted bail pending her court appearance.
 
Customs officers yesterday (April 12) seized a total of 5 381 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $22,000 and a duty potential of about $17,700, from the same female passenger and her personal baggage at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. She was arrested again.
 
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.
 
Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
 
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).