Attention TV/radio announcers: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible: Here is an item of interest to swimmers. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (March 20) that due to big w… read more
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, continued his visit with a Hong Kong business and professional delegation to Tbilisi, Georgia, yesterday (March 19, Tbilisi time) to explore investment and business opportunities in the region.
Mr Yau met with the Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia, Mrs Maya Tskitishvili, and the Minister of Finance of Georgia, Mr Ivane Machavariani, in the morning to understand the latest government policies and infrastructure development plans as well as the overall investment and business opportunities in Georgia. Mr Yau also called on the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Georgia, Mr Ji Yanchi.
Mr Yau said Georgia, with its strategic location in the Caucasus region as well as its open and business-friendly economy, is an important gateway for Hong Kong to reach out to the markets in the Caucasus region and Central and Eastern Europe. The Hong Kong-Georgia Free Trade Agreement, being the first such agreement signed between Hong Kong and a country in the Caucasus region, not only enhances trade and investment flows between Hong Kong and Georgia, but also paves the way for Hong Kong business and professional services sectors as well as start-ups to tap into the enormous opportunities in the Caucasus region under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Meanwhile, the delegation visited the Poti Free Industrial Zone Headquarters in Tbilisi in the morning to learn about the development of free industrial zones in the region and the investment opportunities there. The Poti Free Industrial Zone, the first of its kind in the region, became functional in 2010. With its tax-free environment and easy business setup process, the industrial zone accommodates businesses and investors from diverse segments.
In the afternoon, Mr Yau and the delegation visited the Hualing Tbilisi Sea New City, a 420-hectare major comprehensive development project in Georgia. The project developer, Hualing Group, was Georgia’s single largest foreign investor as of 2017. Through the visit, the delegation learnt more about investment in key projects in Georgia.
The delegation then attended a meeting with representatives of the Anaklia Development Consortium on the development of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port and the Special Economic Zone in Anaklia. The first phase of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port is expected to be completed next year. Upon completion of all phases, it will be the first deep sea port in Georgia and a vital part of the Middle Corridor within the Belt and Road Initiative to serve as a logistics and transportation node between China and Europe.
In the evening, the delegation joined a networking dinner with representatives of the Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to better understand the business environment in Georgia.
Mr Yau and the delegation will visit Chateau Mukhrani today (March 20, Tbilisi time) to learn about the latest developments of Georgia’s wine industry and explore opportunities for the wine trade of Hong Kong.
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat: Members of the Legislative Council (LegCo) held separate meetings today (March 19) with members of the Eastern District Council (DC) and the Tai Po DC… read more
Three persons involved in three cases of illegal waste disposal in public places in Yuen Long were fined a total of $14,000 at Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today (March 19) for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO).
A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that in September last year, the department successfully intercepted the person-in-charge of a renovation site on Fuk Hi Street in Yuen Long with information reported by a member of the public. He was suspected of illegally disposing of demolition and construction waste, including rubble and bricks, at the roadside nearby, which caused obstruction on the pavement and adversely affected environmental hygiene. During a series of enforcement actions conducted by the department in the same district in October last year, the EPD also intercepted a lorry driver and a worker on Tai Shu Ha Road East and Fui Sha Wai South Road in Yuen Long respectively as they illegally disposed of waste, such as wood waste and plastic bottles, in public places. The department instigated prosecutions against the persons involved in accordance with the WDO after collecting evidence.
The EPD spokesman reminded all members of the renovation, construction and transportation sectors, including persons-in-charge of construction sites, workers as well as drivers and owners of goods vehicles, that they must properly deliver commercial and industrial waste and construction waste to the government waste management facilities in accordance with the law. It is unlawful to dispose of waste in public places and on the roadside. First-time offenders under the WDO are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months’ imprisonment. A maximum fine of $500,000 and six months’ imprisonment may be imposed on second or subsequent convictions.
The spokesman urged members of the public to make a report to the department if they witness any illegal disposal of waste. They can record videos or take photos and call the EPD hotline at 2838 3111. read more
Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan, at a media session after attending the Board meeting of the MTR Corporation Limited today (March 19): Reporter: Can … read more