MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong Gala Dinner this evening (June 5):

Consul General Christile Drulhe (Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macao, Mrs Christile Drulhe), Rebecca (Honorary President of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong, Mrs Rebecca Silli), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Bonsoir. Good evening, everyone.
      
     Two weeks ago, I was in Paris. I wandered into a bistro, and the owner – upon knowing that I was from Hong Kong – broke into a smile and said, “I heard Hong Kong is a major buyer of French fine wine. Now that you’re in Paris, you should have a few more glasses to pair with our delicacies.” The place was gloriously noisy, full of laughter and warmth.        
     We see that ambition at work: in seeking new trading partners and growth opportunities; in channelling savings into technology, innovation, digital transformation and green transition; and in deepening collaboration with China and the broader Asian region.       
     I thank the French Chamber for 40 years of deep engagement with and support to Hong Kong. I wish the Chamber continued success, and French wine and style as excellent as ever. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 5) investigating a severe paediatric influenza B infection case. The CHP urged the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
 
     The case involves a 17-year-old boy with underlying illnesses. He was admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital on May 27 due to a fever, vomiting and seizure. His condition gradually improved following treatment. He remained hospitalised and developed a fever again on June 3, accompanied by a cough with blood-stained sputum. He was transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit of United Christian Hospital yesterday (June 4) due to a drop in blood oxygen levels. His respiratory specimen collected on June 4 tested positive for the influenza B virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza B infection complicated with severe pneumonia and shock. He remains hospitalised and is in critical condition.
 
     The CHP’s preliminary investigation revealed that the boy has not received the 2025/26 seasonal influenza vaccination. He had no travel history and did not attend school during the incubation period. His close contacts remain asymptomatic. No influenza outbreaks have been reported recently at his boarding school. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.
 
     Influenza activity in Hong Kong has increased in recent weeks but remains below the baseline level. Based on past experience, Hong Kong may experience two influenza seasons each year. Last year’s summer influenza season began later than usual and lasted longer than normal, extending from early September last year to early January this year, resulting in the absence of the winter influenza season that traditionally occurs in the first quarter of each year. Nearly six months have passed now since the last influenza season. Given that many members of the public have not been infected with the seasonal influenza virus in recent months, it cannot be ruled out that influenza activity may further increase.
 
     The CHP also reminded members of the public that, especially for children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, they should seek medical advice promptly for early treatment if they present with fever and respiratory symptoms. As children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly, parents must pay close attention to their children’s condition. They should go to an Accident and Emergency Department immediately if the child’s condition deteriorates, for example, if they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions.
 
     Separately, the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent contracting influenza and other respiratory illnesses. High-risk individuals should wear surgical masks when staying in crowded places. People with respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly. They should also consider whether to attend work or school.
 
     Members of the public may refer to the CHP’s COVID-19 & Flu Express, Seasonal Influenza Webpage, COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Webpage, and Vaccination Schemes Webpage, for the latest information.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee concluded his trip to Uzbekistan today by meeting local officials and business leaders, and visiting innovation and technology (I&T) and cultural institutions.

In the morning, he toured IT Park Uzbekistan, an innovation technology park, and met First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan Ayubkhon Sultonov to exchange views on strengthening co-operation between the two places in I&T and the digital economy. 

Mr Lee said: “Our visit to the IT Park is for many purposes, so we come here for building co-operation, cross-fertilising and see what other things that you are doing and what other things we are doing so that we can mutually benefit.”

Welcoming the Chief Executive, Mr Sultonov said: “We highly value your visit, we see today’s meeting as an important step to develop practical co-operation between Uzbekistan and Hong Kong.”

During the meeting, Mr Lee also witnessed the exchange of memorandum of understanding (MoU) or the confirmation of intention to co-operate between IT Park Uzbekistan and Hong Kong’s three major I&T parks – Cyberport, the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation & Technology Park – to promote closer co-operation between the two places on various fronts, including startup incubation, talent exchanges and joint research and development.

In the afternoon, the Chief Executive visited the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion.

He expressed hope that Hong Kong and Uzbekistan will further strengthen co-operation in arts and culture, people-to-people exchanges and museum collaboration, and deepen friendship between the two places.

Mr Lee then attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan, where he again met Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov.

He noted that Hong Kong can provide professional support for Uzbekistan’s economic development needs and serves as an ideal platform to assist Uzbek enterprises in expanding their business.

Mr Lee also attended a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan where he expressed confidence that the two places will open up a new chapter of mutual benefits and win-win co-operation.

Concluding his trip, Mr Lee said that the Central Asia visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan has yielded fruitful results, with achievements secured in eight areas.

They include establishing high-level contacts and ties between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and reaching consensus on co-operation in multiple areas.

The Hong Kong SAR Government and the two governments signed a total of 15 MOUs and agreements covering areas such as commerce, education and development projects. 

Beyond the government level, a total of 81 MOUs and agreements were concluded, covering such areas as trade and economic co-operation, investment, finance, technology and aviation. 

A total of 96 co-operation agreements and MOUs were reached during the visit, involving specific amounts exceeding US$1.65 billion in total.

The governments agreed to commence bilateral discussions on agreements in various areas, including discussions with the Governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreements, negotiations on a bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement, and co-operation with the Government of Uzbekistan on customs clearance facilitation.

Another achievement involved deepening project matching and research collaboration between Hong Kong and the Central Asian region in areas including finance, I&T and aviation.

It has also demonstrated Hong Kong’s effective role as a platform for going global and achieving substantial results.

The trip has facilitated more convenient people-to-people exchanges by promoting direct flights, aviation and transport co-operation, and extensions to the mutual visa-free period.

In addition, it has promoted exchanges in education, talent and culture to further deepen people-to-people bonds.

Mr Lee also noted that the trip has advanced a hub-to-hub co-operation model to open up broader room for co-operation between Hong Kong and the Central Asian region.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA welcomes public comments from Philippine Secretary of National Defense Teodoro on deepening Taiwan-Philippines cooperation

Date：2026-06-01
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

June 1, 2026  No. 246  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely welcomes and highly commends comments made by Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro while he attended the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 30.

Secretary Teodoro said that in the face of China’s continued expansion of military influence and coercive actions in the region, and in addition to his country’s current efforts to strengthen security relations with the United States, the Philippines was seeking exchanges and cooperation with such defense partners as Japan, Vietnam, and Taiwan so as to jointly respond to regional challenges.

MOFA emphasizes that Taiwan and the Philippines continue to strengthen their substantive partnership under the integrated diplomacy and three-chain strategy advanced by President Lai Ching-te and MOFA. This has included bolstering both nations’ supply chain resilience through the promotion of the Taiwan-Philippines Economic Corridor. Taiwan has also been pleased to see the Philippines launch supply chain cooperation with the United States under the Pax Silica initiative. It looks forward to developing a comprehensive partnership with the Philippines in economic, security, technological, and people-to-people exchanges, and aspires to work with the Philippines and like-minded nations to enhance democracy, peace, and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On the evening of June 5, President Lai Ching-te attended the first Pacific Cultural Gala. In remarks, President Lai stated that beyond cultural roots, Taiwan and its Pacific allies also share the values of freedom and democracy. For many years, the president said, we have supported one another, together contributing to the peace, stability, and prosperity of the region. President Lai expressed hope that Taiwan will continue to advance cooperation across all areas with its friends and allies in the Pacific, deepening friendships and working together to preserve the Austronesian heritage and build a brighter future for the next generation.
A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows:
In 2024, the year I took office, I embarked on state visits to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau. That journey truly showed me that we are one family. I was also moved by the courage of the Austronesian ancestors who sailed the vast ocean despite hardships. Braving wind and waves, they built brilliant and diverse maritime civilizations.
Tonight, I especially want to thank the embassies of the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau. Thank you for your efforts organizing the first Pacific Cultural Gala. This evening brings us together to celebrate the deep friendships between Taiwan and our Pacific allies.
We are all maritime nations; the ocean defines our heritage. Beyond cultural roots, we also share the values of freedom and democracy. For many years, we have supported one another, and walked side by side. Together, we contribute to the peace, stability, and prosperity of our region.
I saw our partnerships in action during my visits in 2024. In the Marshall Islands, I marked our concrete achievements in advancing smart medicine. In Tuvalu, I witnessed the signing of a letter of intent for an undersea cable. In Palau, I observed a joint maritime rescue drill. Tomorrow, Vice President [Bi-khim] Hsiao departs for Palau, where she will see firsthand how we are deepening our alliance.
To me, the Pacific has never been a barrier. It has always been the great road that connects us. Going forward, Taiwan will continue to advance cooperation across all areas with our friends and allies in the Pacific. We will drive prosperity and growth for all our peoples. And we will ensure that the Pacific remains true to its name – an ocean of peace, of cooperation, and of hope.
With tonight’s gala, let’s keep deepening our friendships and working together to preserve the Austronesian heritage. Let’s build a brighter future for the next generation.
I wish tonight’s gala great success. And may Taiwan’s friendships with the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau deepen and grow stronger each year. Thank you.
Also in attendance at the event were Marshall Islands Ambassador Anjanette Kattil, Tuvalu Ambassador Lily Tangisia Faavae, Palau Chargé d’Affaires David Adams Orrukem, and other members of the foreign diplomatic corps stationed in Taiwan.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Residential Care Homes (Elderly Persons) (Amendment) Regulation 2026 and the Residential Care Homes (Persons with Disabilities) (Amendment) Regulation 2026 were gazetted today to establish the new professional rank of health and care practitioners (HCPs).

The Government proposes to amend the Residential Care Homes (Elderly Persons) Regulation and the Residential Care Homes (Persons with Disabilities) Regulation to establish a registration system for HCPs and incorporate HCPs into the staffing requirements for residential care homes (RCHs) whilst maintaining the existing statutory staffing requirements unchanged.

The amendment allows RCH operators to employ either enrolled nurses or HCPs to meet the relevant statutory requirements.

The Labour & Welfare Bureau said the establishment of the HCP rank will attract people who aspire to pursue a career in the social welfare sector, providing health workers with promotion and career development prospects, thereby assisting the sector in retaining talent.

The bureau noted that the new initiative will enable RCHs to utilise their manpower resources more flexibly as well as establish a dedicated pool of care talent for the social welfare sector, and reduce competition for nursing talent with the healthcare sector.

The Social Welfare Department (SWD) will implement a three-year subsidy scheme to support eligible serving registered health workers with potential to undergo the HCP professional diploma programme recognised by the department.

As residential care homes for the elderly and residential care homes for persons with disabilities often encounter difficulties in recruiting or retaining staff, the SWD had engaged a consultant earlier to conduct a holistic review of the skill and qualification requirements of RCH staff, with a view to establishing professional standards and a career progression path for them.

The Consultancy Study report showed that in terms of the nursing care work in RCHs, the duties of enrolled nurses and health workers were similar. Health workers could further take up more care responsibilities with appropriate training and assessment.

The report recommended establishing a new professional rank of HCP for the social welfare sector. The rank will specialise in providing nursing care as well as health and care services in elderly and rehabilitation social welfare service units, and undertake duties equivalent to those of enrolled nurses in the welfare service units concerned.

Moreover, the amendment exercise also changes the basis of calculating the staffing requirements for nursing homes from the total number of beds as currently adopted to the total number of residents aligning with the international practice and the relevant requirements for RCHs of other care levels in Hong Kong.

The Amendment Regulations will be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting on June 10 and come into effect on October 14 after completion of the legislative procedures.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Department of Health (DH) today (June 5) invited senior reviewers from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Inspection of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to attend a forum called “New Chapter in Pharmaceutical Regulation: 2026 Drug Regulation and Review Trends Forum” to provide the local pharmaceutical industry with a detailed overview of the latest developments and relevant regulatory requirements regarding drug regulation and registration evaluation in the Chinese Mainland. The forum aimed to help the local industry seize opportunities to expand into the Mainland market, while fostering drug innovation and collaboration within the GBA.

The forum was co-organised by the Hong Kong Institute of Biotechnology Limited and the Hong Kong Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association Limited, with the DH as the supporting organsiation. The forum featured a comprehensive programme, covering key drug regulatory legislation in the Chinese Mainland, drug registration procedures and application requirements, as well as quality and specification requirements. It helped local pharmaceutical manufacturers and agents to better understand the preparatory work required for drug registration in the Chinese Mainland, including the documents and information that need to be submitted.

The forum attracted over 100 representatives from the local pharmaceutical sector, including manufacturers and wholesalers. Participants generally considered that the content was practical and highly valuable. Not only did it provide a clear roadmap and timeline for drug registration in the Chinese Mainland, it also significantly reduced the time and effort required for information collection and document preparation.

Prior to the forum, a delegation from the GBA Center for Drug Evaluation and Inspection met with the staff of the DH’s Drug Office yesterday (June 4) to exchange views on practical experiences in drug evaluation and inspection in the Chinese Mainland. DH staff also briefed the delegation on the initiatives of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to develop Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub; enhance the evaluation, approval and registration mechanism for drugs; implement a “primary evaluation” mechanism for new drugs; and prepare for the establishment of the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation within this year.

The DH has been actively promoting and enhancing Hong Kong’s drug regulatory standards. The NMPA and its GBA Center for Drug Evaluation and Inspection have been providing staunch support for the HKSAR’s pharmaceutical regulatory efforts. The DH expressed its sincere gratitude to the delegation. Looking ahead, the DH will continue to deepen cooperation and exchanges with the drug regulatory authorities in the Chinese Mainland, support the development of Hong Kong’s pharmaceutical industry, and actively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan to better integrate into and serve overall national development. At the same time, the HKSAR will leverage Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world, to fulfil its role as a “super connector”.