Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Hong Kong Fire Services Department (FSD), the Fire and Rescue Corps of Guangdong Province, and the Macao Fire Services Bureau held a 48-hour Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) joint emergency response and rescue exercise, “Liancheng-2025”, in Hong Kong from March 25 to today (March 27). The exercise aimed to gauge the effectiveness of the emergency mobilisation and co-ordination mechanism under the GBA Emergency Response and Rescue Operational Plan.
The exercise simulated Hong Kong experiencing extreme weather conditions, including a super typhoon and torrential rain, leading to severe incidents such as building collapses, large-scale landslides, extensive flooding and paralysed transport systems in various districts. Due to the strain on local rescue resources, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government requested assistance from the People’s Government of Guangdong Province and the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, according to the mechanism under the Operational Plan.
The Fire and Rescue Corps of Guangdong Province promptly deployed 60 members, 13 fire appliances and over 900 items of rescue equipment, while the Macao Fire Services Bureau deployed 15 members, five fire appliances, and over 300 items of rescue equipment to render assistance to Hong Kong. The two teams respectively entered Hong Kong through the Shenzhen Bay Port and the Hong Kong Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge via the cross-boundary Green Channel to participate in the exercise.
The exercise, mainly taking place at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy, was conducted under the joint emergency command mechanism led by the FSD to co-ordinate personnel and resources allocation. The three rescue teams jointly participated in operations such as a rescue in a flooded basement, a search and rescue operation in a collapsed structure, as well as handling mass casualty and hazardous chemical leakage situations. They also took part in a rescue operation in Lei Yue Mun, where a severe flooding scenario in the low-lying coastal area of Sam Ka Tsuen was simulated. The rescue teams worked together to build a floating bridge and assist the trapped villagers in an emergency evacuation.
The Deputy Director of Fire Services (Operations), Mr Angus Wong, who acted as the commander of the Hong Kong cross-border rescue team, stated that by simulating real disasters, the three rescue teams enhanced synergy in rescue strategy and equipment deployment, laying a solid foundation for establishing a GBA rescue network.
“Liancheng-2025”, hosted by the FSD, had participation from the fire and rescue departments of the three places, as well as the Hospital Authority and the Civil Aid Service. The exercise was funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. It effectively put cross-departmental and cross-disciplinary disaster response capabilities to test, with substantial progress demonstrated in strengthening consolidated rescue efforts of the GBA in response to major disasters.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​Hongkong Post announced today (March 27) that, with the provision of transit assistance by other postal administrations, postal services to the following destinations will resume from March 28. Details are given below:
Service to resume
Destinations
Air letter and packet
Andorra, Ascension, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Central African Rep., Chad, Comoros, Congo (Rep.), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, Guatemala, Honduras (Rep.), Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda (Rep.), Seychelles, Sierra Leone, St. Helena, Tanzania (United Rep.), Tristan da Cunha, Uganda, Uruguay, Zimbabwe
Surface letter and packet
Moldova
Additional conveyance time may be required for mail items destined for these destinations, as mail items to these destinations have to be transited via other postal administrations.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (March 27) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Ostrzeszów District of Wielkopolskie Region in Poland, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.
A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 6 600 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Poland last year.
“The CFS has contacted the Polish authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreak. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Academy of Finance (AoF) announced the admission of 23 senior executives for the Financial Leaders Programme (FLP) 2025 today (March 27). The 23 participants come from a diverse spectrum of financial sub-sectors including banking, insurance, investment banking and asset management, professional services, fintech and financial regulatory bodies.
The AoF launched the FLP in 2022, with the aim to inspire and nurture the next generation of senior financial leaders for Hong Kong, equipping them with a mindset to lead, enhancing their understanding of financial issues from macro and systemic perspectives, and expanding their professional network.
The FLP offers a unique opportunity for participants to engage in dialogue with top leaders in financial services and other sectors. Each year, the FLP admits around 20 promising financial talents from a diverse background at around two levels below the chief executive officer position. The programme is conducted on a part-time basis. A total of 63 participants have graduated since the launch of the programme.
The 2025 Programme was open for application from November 5 to December 15, 2024, receiving enthusiastic response and many high-quality applications. Following a competitive selection process, the Membership Committee of the AoF approved the admission of 23 applicants.
Further information about the FLP and the 2025 cohort are available on the AoF website.
India’s bioeconomy has grown from $10 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion in 2024, with a target of $300 billion by 2030.
The sector contributes 4.25% to GDP with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.9% over the past four years.
The government aims to make India a global bio-manufacturing hub driven by innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development.
BioE3 promotes regenerative biomanufacturing and supports a circular bioeconomy aligned with India’s net-zero goals.
The National Biopharma Mission, co-funded with the World Bank ($250 million), supports over 100 projects and 30 MSMEs.
India is among the top producers of vaccines globally and developed the world’s first DNA COVID-19 vaccine.
Ethanol blending increased from 1.53% in 2014 to 15% in 2024, with a target of 20% by 2025.
Introduction
India’s bioeconomy has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, growing sixteen-fold from $10 billion in 2014 to an impressive $165.7 billion in 2024. This exceptional expansion reflects the nation’s focused efforts to position biotechnology as a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth and innovation. Contributing 4.25% to the national GDP, the sector has demonstrated a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.9% over the past four years, reinforcing India’s emergence as a rising global force in biotechnology. With an ambitious target of $300 billion by 2030, the bioeconomy is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s future as a knowledge-driven, bio-enabled economy.
The bioeconomy is the use of renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods, which supports sustainability and economic growth. Innovations like gene editing and bioprinting are driving progress, while integration across sectors strengthens long-term impact. By aligning biotechnology with digital tools and circular economy principles, the bioeconomy offers sustainable solutions to environmental challenges and promotes overall societal well-being.
India’s Vision for a Thriving Bioeconomy
India’s vision for the bioeconomy is rooted in innovation-led growth, sustainable development, and inclusive economic progress. The country aims to become a global hub for bio-manufacturing, backed by strong R&D infrastructure, cutting-edge technologies, and a skilled scientific workforce. The focus is on creating a resilient industrial ecosystem that promotes the development and commercialization of new biotech products, while unlocking opportunities in both urban and rural regions. With an ambitious target of achieving a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030, India also seeks to lead globally in bio-pharma, including vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics. This strategy directly contributes to the broader goals of India@2047, emphasizing sustainability, economic self-reliance, and green growth.
Government Initiatives and Key Programmes
BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment)
BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy marks a significant leap in India’s biotechnology sector. Approved by the Union Cabinet on 24th August 2024, the policy aims to transform India into a global biotech powerhouse by fostering high-performance biomanufacturing and addressing key pillars of the economy, environment, and employment.
It aligns with the vision of a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future by promoting regenerative biomanufacturing and a shift from chemical-based industries to sustainable bio-based models. This supports a circular bioeconomy and aligns with the goal of net-zero carbon emissions. This approach supports environmental sustainability and contributes significantly to the ‘Make in India’ initiative by fostering the development of biobased products with minimal carbon footprints.
Strategic Sectors and Key Initiatives
The BioE3 Policy introduces key initiatives such as advanced biomanufacturing facilities, bio-foundry clusters, and bio-AI hubs to support bio-based product development and commercialization. These centers will bridge lab-to-market gaps and foster collaboration across startups, SMEs, and industry. With a strong focus on employment, the policy aims to generate jobs in tier-IIand tier-III cities by leveraging local biomass. It also emphasizes ethical biosafety and alignment with global regulatory standards to boost India’s global biotech competitiveness.
Key Features
Innovation-driven support for R&D and entrepreneurship
Establishment of Biomanufacturing & Bio-AI hubs and Biofoundry
Focus on regenerative bioeconomy models for green growth
Expansion of India’s skilled workforce
Alignment with ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy and ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ (LiFE) initiatives
National Biopharma Mission
The National Biopharma Mission (NBM)-Innovate in India (i3), is a government-approved initiative led by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and implemented by BIRAC. It aims to boost India’s capabilities in biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, biosimilars, medical devices, and diagnostics by fostering collaboration between industry and academia. With a budget of $250 million, co-funded 50% by the World Bank, the mission supports 101 projects, involving over 150 organisations and 30 MSMEs. It has helped set up 11 shared facilities for testing, validation, and manufacturing—benefiting start-ups and MSMEs. These include GCLP labs for vaccine testing, GLP labs for biosimilar analysis, and cGMP facilities for manufacturing. The mission has also generated over 1,000 jobs, including 304 scientists and researchers. Additionally, the Genome India Programme, which involves sequencing 10,000 genomes, is expected to shape future global healthcare strategies, both in treatment and prevention.
Key Achievements in India’s Pharma Sector:
India has emerged as a global hubfor affordable, high-quality medicines, ranking 3rdin pharmaceutical production by volume and 14th by value.
Developed the world’s first DNA vaccinefor COVID-19, showcasing innovation in global health.
Produces 65% of the world’s vaccines, significantly benefiting low- and middle-income countries.
The “Make in India”initiative is reducing dependency on imported Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) through strengthened domestic manufacturing.
Pharma industry has transitioned from a generic-focused model to developing biopharmaceuticals and biosimilars.
India is working on thefirst indigenous HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer in adolescent girls.
Every third tabletconsumed globally is manufactured in India, demonstrating global trust in Indian pharma.
Bio-agriculture
Agricultural biotechnology in India is advancing rapidly through innovations in genomics, transgenics, and gene editing under the Department of Biotechnology’s Agriculture Biotechnology programme.
Climate-Smart Crops: A drought-tolerant, high-yielding chickpea variety SAATVIK (NC 9) has been approved for cultivation.
Genome-Edited Rice: Loss-of-function mutations in yield-limiting genes have led to improved rice lines like DEP1-edited MTU-1010, showing higher yields.
Genotyping Arrays: India’s first 90K SNP arrays—IndRA for rice and IndCA for chickpea—enable DNA fingerprinting and variety identification.
Amaranth Resources: A genomic database, NIRS techniques, and a 64K SNP chip aid nutritional screening and development of anti-obesity amaranth varieties.
Biocontrol: A nano-formulation from Myrothecium verrucaria offers eco-friendly control of powdery mildew in tomato and grape.
Kisan-Kavach: An anti-pesticide protective suit enhances farmer safety from toxic exposure.
Biotech-KISAN is a scientist-farmer partnership programme launched to empower farmers, especially women and those in rural and tribal areas, through agricultural innovation and scientific interventions. It follows a hub-and-spoke model and is active across 115 Aspirational Districts in India.
State-wise Impact:
Chhattisgarh (Bastar region): Income rose by 40–50% through improved bio-fortified rice; 2173 farmers benefitted.
West Bengal:37,552 farmers (including 28,756 women) trained with 14 scientific farming practices; 14 FPOs and 134 FIGs formed.
Madhya Pradesh:67,630 farmers benefitted via technology adoption across 8 Aspirational Districts.
Jharkhand (Deoghar):69–100% increase in cocoon and compost production; 2100 families covered.
Meghalaya & Sikkim:18–20% yield increase in maize, turmeric, tomato; pest reduction by 50%.
Bioenergy
India’s bioenergy sector is playing a transformative role in strengthening the country’s bioeconomy. Ethanol blending has seen a significant rise—from 1.53% in 2014 to 15% in 2024, with a target of 20% blending by 2025. This shift has not only reduced crude oil imports by 173 lakh metric tons but also saved Rs. 99,014 crores in foreign exchange and cut 519 lakh metric tons of CO₂ emissions.
The economic ripple effect is substantial, with Rs. 1,45,930 crores disbursed to distillers and Rs. 87,558 crores to farmers, reinforcing rural incomes and agro-industry linkages. Fuel diversification is gaining momentum through the launch of E100 fuel at over 400 outlets and the availability of E20 fuel at over 15,600 retail stations.
Bioenergy is a form of renewable energy that is derived from recently living organic materials known as biomass, which can be used to produce transportation fuels, heat, electricity, and products.
Supportive policies have encouraged the use of varied feedstocks, including maize, damaged rice, and sugarcane byproducts, backed by structured incentives. Second-generation ethanol refineries are converting agricultural residues like Parali and bamboo into fuel, strengthening the circular economy and reducing pollution. These developments highlight how bioenergy contributes to energy security, sustainability, and rural development—key pillars of India’s expanding bioeconomy.
Boosting Biotech Innovation Through BIRAC Initiatives
The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), established by the Department of Biotechnology in 2012, plays a pivotal role in nurturing India’s biotech startup ecosystem. With 95 bio-incubation centres set up nationwide, BIRAC supports startups through funding, infrastructure, and mentorship.
Key schemes include:
Biotechnology Ignition Grant (BIG): Up to ₹50 lakh for 18 months to support early-stage startups; nearly 1,000 innovators supported.
SEED Fund: ₹30 lakh equity support for proof-of-concept stage startups.
LEAP Fund: ₹100 lakh equity support for commercialisation-ready innovations.
जनCARE – Amrit Grand Challenge: Supported 89 digital health tech innovations in AI, ML, telemedicine, and blockchain, with a focus on tier-II, tier-III cities and rural areas.
Towards a Bio-Enabled Future
India’s bioeconomy stands at a defining moment, with its integrated approach to innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development setting a global benchmark. Through robust policy frameworks, cutting-edge research, and a strong emphasis on collaboration across sectors, the nation is well on track to redefine its industrial and environmental landscape. The convergence of bio-manufacturing, bio-agriculture, and bioenergy not only strengthens national resilience but also signals India’s strategic intent to lead in the emerging global bioeconomy. As India moves forward, this cohesive and future-oriented vision lays the foundation for a more sustainable, self-reliant, and bio-enabled economy, firmly aligned with the aspirations of India@2047.
The Government of India, in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India, has finalised its borrowing programme for the first half (H1) of FY 2025-26.
Out of Gross Market borrowing of₹14.82 lakh crore budgeted for FY 2025-26,₹8.00 lakh crore (54.0%) is planned to be borrowed in H1through issuance of dated securities, including ₹10,000 crore of Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs).
The gross market borrowing of ₹8.00 lakh crore shall be completed through 26 weekly auctions.The market borrowing will be spread over 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 30, 40 and 50 year securities. The share of borrowing(including SGrBs)under different maturities will be: 3-year (5.3%), 5-year (11.3%), 7-year (8.2%), 10-year (26.2%), 15-year (14.0%), 30-year (10.5%), 40-year (14.0%) and 50-year (10.5%).
The Government will carry out switching/buyback of securities to smoothen the redemption profile.
The Government will continue to reserve the right to exercise greenshoe option to retain an additional subscription of up to ₹2,000 crore against each of the securities indicated in the auction notifications.
Weekly borrowing through issuance of Treasury Bills in the first quarter (Q1) of FY 2025-26 is expected to be ₹19,000 crore for 13 weeks with issuance of ₹9,000 crore under 91 day T-bill, ₹5,000 crore under 182 day T-bill and ₹5,000 crore under 364-day T-bill.
To take care of temporary mismatches in Government accounts, the Reserve Bank of India has fixed the Ways and Mean Advances (WMA) limit for H1 of FY 2025-26 at ₹1.50 lakh crore.
More details may be seen in the detailed Press Releases available on the websites of the Finance Ministry and the Reserve Bank of India.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) strongly disapproved of and must resolutely refute the untruthful remarks, slanders and smears against various aspects of the HKSAR in the so-called six-monthly report on Hong Kong: July to December 2024 of the United Kingdom (UK) today (March 27).
A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, “The HKSAR Government strongly condemns and rejects the UK’s attempt through a so-called six-monthly report to make misleading and irresponsible remarks about Hong Kong matters, wantonly put politics above the rule of law and attempt to interfere in Hong Kong’s law-based governance by despicable political manoeuvres. The HKSAR is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China, and as a local administrative region that enjoys a high degree of autonomy under the principle of ‘one country, two systems’, comes directly under the jurisdiction of the Central People’s Government. The core essence of the Sino-British Joint Declaration is about China’s resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong. It did not authorise the UK to interfere in Hong Kong’s affairs after its return to the motherland. The UK has no sovereignty, jurisdiction or right of supervision over Hong Kong after its return to the motherland. The HKSAR Government strongly urges the UK again to discern facts from fallacies, respect the international law and basic norms governing international relations, and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China’s internal affairs.”
Laws safeguarding national security
The HKSAR Government spokesman said, “The HKSAR Government strongly opposes the absurd and false contents in the UK’s so-called six-monthly report with regard to the laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR. While the ‘black-clad violence’ and the Hong Kong version of ‘colour revolution’ back in 2019 have severely damaged the social stability of Hong Kong, with the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), its effect in stopping violence and curbing disorder as well as quickly restoring social stability in the Hong Kong community was immediate. With the concerted efforts of the HKSAR Government, the Legislative Council and all sectors of the community, the HKSAR fulfilled its constitutional duty by enacting the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) last year to improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security, enabling Hong Kong’s transition from chaos to order and its advancement from stability to prosperity.” However, the UK Government vilified the HKSAR law enforcement, prosecutorial and judicial authorities’ performance of their duties in accordance with the law as an ‘erosion of rights and freedoms’, and continued to unscrupulously distort the facts to criticise, which just shows its bullying act are utterly ugly and despicable.
“In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, it is each and every sovereign state’s inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and it is also an international practice. With at least 14 pieces of laws safeguarding national security in the UK, those remarks by the UK are not only totally distorting and confounding right and wrong, but they also entirely disregard the constitutional duty and practical needs of the HKSAR to legislate, and the positive effects brought by the enactment of the relevant national security legislation on economic development and protection of human rights.” “The offences endangering national security stipulated by HKNSL and SNSO target acts endangering national security with precision, and define the elements and penalties of the offences with clarity. The HKSAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, which have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation. Any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts is no different from advocating a special privilege to break the law, and this totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law.” Improved electoral system
The HKSAR Government spokesman pointed out, “The improved electoral system of the HKSAR puts in place legal safeguards to ensure the full implementation of ‘patriots administering Hong Kong’. Keeping political power in the hands of patriots is a political rule commonly adopted around the world. No one in any country or region in the world will ever allow political power to fall into the hands of forces or individuals who do not love, or even sell out or betray, their own country. In Hong Kong, regardless of one’s background, whoever meets the requirements and criteria of patriots can participate in elections in accordance with the law and serve the Hong Kong public by entering into the governance structure of the HKSAR after getting successfully elected.” “The Department of Justice, by virtue of Article 63 of the Basic Law, controls criminal prosecutions, makes independent prosecutorial decisions in accordance with the law, free from any interference. Prosecutions would be instituted by the Department of Justice only if there is sufficient admissible evidence to support a reasonable prospect of conviction, and if it is in the public interest to do so.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, attended the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) 2025 Conference and Exhibition in Delhi, India, on March 27 (Delhi time) and received the APAIE flag from the President of the APAIE, Professor Venky Shankararaman, officially announcing that the next APAIE Conference and Exhibition will be held in Hong Kong.
In her speech at the closing ceremony of the Conference, Dr Choi said that Hong Kong, as Asia’s world city, offers a unique confluence of global connectivity, world-class infrastructure and rich cultural experiences for all APAIE Conference participants. Dr Choi also noted that the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) forms a world-class innovation hub, providing vast opportunities for academic collaborations. She sincerely invited overseas partners to attend the APAIE Conference next year in Hong Kong to build connections in teaching and research collaboration with representatives from the city and around the globe.
The APAIE Conference and Exhibition is the largest education conference in Asia-Pacific region. The conference in 2026 will be held from February 23 to 27 by the Chinese University of Hong Kong with support from the other University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities. The conference will gather leaders and representatives from the higher education sector worldwide in Hong Kong and offer local post-secondary institutions an opportunity to further enhance co-operation and exchanges with their counterparts around the world. Coinciding with the 2025 ranking of the world’s most international universities published by the Times Higher Education last week, in which four UGC-funded universities claimed all top four spots, the holding of the next APAIE Conference and Exhibition in Hong Kong highlights the city’s image as an international hub for post-secondary education.
At the Conference this year, Dr Choi also delivered a speech under the theme “Study in Hong Kong”. She said that Hong Kong is renowned for its vibrancy, high quality of life and safety, making it an exceptional study destination. With Hong Kong’s aspirations to become an international hub for post-secondary education, as well as its pursuit of excellence in teaching and research, five publicly funded universities of Hong Kong rank among the world’s top 100.
The Secretary-General of the UGC, Professor James Tang, also spoke at a seminar of the Conference to elaborate on Hong Kong’s edges in higher education, among which, around one in every four students and around 70 per cent of academic staff of UGC-funded universities come from outside Hong Kong. The institutions have also signed over 2 600 student exchange agreements with their counterparts worldwide, underscoring their achievement in enhancing diversity in higher education and strengthening collaboration with institutions from other places.
Dr Choi visited the Hong Kong Pavilion, which was set up by the Heads of Universities Committee Standing Committee on Internationalisation and funded by the UGC, to learn about the proactive work of the UGC-funded universities in expanding their international network as well as their promotion for recruiting students from more places to undertake further studies and exchanges in Hong Kong. In addition, she toured various booths at the Exhibition and exchanged views with representatives from different countries and regions on the development and promotion of post-secondary education.
On March 28 (Delhi time), Dr Choi will pay a courtesy call on the Chinese Ambassador to India, Mr Xu Feihong, to introduce Hong Kong’s latest education policy. She will then conclude the visit and return to Hong Kong.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The third session of the 14th National People’s Congress and the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) (“two sessions”) were successfully held in March this year. The Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (CEPU) and the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies (CAHKMS) today (March 27) co-organised a seminar titled “The Spirit of ‘Two Sessions’ and Hong Kong’s Integration into National Development in the New Era”. The event facilitated in-depth exchanges and interactive discussions on the key takeaways of this year’s “two sessions” and their implications for Hong Kong’s future development.
The President of the CAHKMS, Dr Deng Zhonghua, delivered the opening address, while Vice Chairman of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges Dr Wang Yiming and Deputy Director of the CPPCC Economic Affairs Committee Dr Yin Yanlin served as keynote speakers. The Head of the CEPU, Dr Stephen Wong, gave the closing remarks. Nearly 120 representatives from various sectors attended the seminar, including members of local think tanks, research institutes of universities, professional organisations, chambers of commerce, CEPU Expert Group, as well as vice presidents, council members and advisors of the CAHKMS. During the Q&A session, participants actively engaged with the speakers, and they had in-depth and lively exchanges and discussions.
Dr Wong said, “I am very grateful to the CAHKMS, especially President Deng Zhonghua, for facilitating this collaboration between the CEPU and the Association, allowing us to collectively study the spirit of the ‘two sessions’ from a research and think-tank perspective. I also extend my sincere gratitude to Dr Wang Yiming and Dr Yin Yanlin for their insightful presentations on macroeconomics and industrial development respectively.”
“This year marks the conclusion of the national 14th Five-Year Plan and the commencement of preparation for the 15th Five-Year Plan. The CEPU will continue to strengthen our research efforts, incorporating the spirit of the ‘two sessions’ into our work to support the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in leveraging the institutional advantages of ‘one country, two systems’, enhancing Hong Kong’s role as a bridge connecting domestic and global markets, and uniting society to further deepen reforms comprehensively,” he added.
Established in December 2022, the CEPU serves as an in-house research unit of the HKSAR Government, tasked with enhancing the Government’s capabilities in research and advocacy on long-term and strategic issues, thereby providing the Chief Executive with multifaceted perspectives and basis for research. The CAHKMS, established in December 2013, is a national civil academic organisation under the administration of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. It aims to organise and co-ordinate research on the theory and practice of “one country, two systems”, strengthen academic exchanges and co-operation among Hong Kong, Macao, and the Mainland in relevant fields, and perform the functions as a civil think tank.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Department of Health (DH) today (March 27) is investigating a case of illegal sale of slimming products containing undeclared controlled drug ingredients on the Internet and urged the public not to buy or consume the products concerned (see photo).
Acting upon intelligence, the DH purchased on a social media platform some slimming products, reportedly obtained from overseas, for analysis. The laboratory test results revealed that the samples of some products contained frusemide, metformin and thyroxine. All of them are Part 1 poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) (PPO).
The packages of the products concerned have Thai, Chinese and English characters, and are suspected to be unregistered pharmaceutical products. The DH will continue to follow up and investigate the case.
Frusemide is used for the treatment of heart diseases and its side effects include low blood pressure and electrolyte imbalance. Metformin is used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and its side effects include nausea and diarrhoea. Thyroxine is used for the treatment of hypothyroidism and its side effects include arrhythmia and hypertension. Medicines containing these ingredients should be used under a doctor’s directions and be supplied on the premises of an Authorized Seller of Poisons (i.e. pharmacy) under the supervision of a registered pharmacist upon a doctor’s prescription.
According to the PPO, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be sold in the market. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and two years’ imprisonment.
The DH strongly urged members of the public not to buy or consume products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources. All registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of “HK-XXXXX”. The safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed.
People who have purchased the products concerned should stop consuming them immediately and consult healthcare professionals if in doubt or if they feel unwell after consumption. They may submit the products to the Drug Office of the DH at Room 1804-06, 18/F, Wing On Kowloon Centre, 345 Nathan Road, Kowloon, during office hours for disposal.