The Tourism Strategy Committee (the Committee), chaired by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, held its fourth meeting today (June 23). During the meeting, representative from the Kai Tak Sports Park Limited and the Development Bureau (DEVB) briefed the Committee on the latest circumstances of Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) and the preliminary land use proposal of the sites around Hung Hom Station and its waterfront areas respectively. Members also exchanged views on relevant issues.
      
     Members expressed their recognition to the KTSP since its commissioning, which was well received by both the tourism industry and the visitors. Members put forward suggestions for optimising the transportation and catering arrangements during mega events as well as strengthening cross-sector collaboration with the tourism industry.
      
     Regarding the preliminary land use proposal of the sites around Hung Hom Station and its waterfront areas, members considered that with panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, the waterfront areas were well-positioned to be re-planned and developed into a new harbourfront landmark that would integrate leisure and entertainment, dining and retail, and water-friendly elements. As for the utilisation of water body, members agreed that the water body adjacent to the former Hung Hom Freight Yard site should be put to good use. The proposed world-class yacht berthing facilities to be provided thereat could be integrated with land-based facilities for retail, dining and entertainment so as to promote yacht tourism. Members also recommended the Government to provide space for setting up land-side ancillary facilities to support the operation of the yacht berthing facilities. The DEVB is currently consulting the public and stakeholders on the preliminary land use proposal. The consultation period will end on July 5, 2025. The Government will take into account members' recommendations and the feedback received during the consultation period when refining the development proposal and finalising the detailed development parameters. The target is to commence the relevant statutory procedures in the second half of 2026.
      
     In addition, members also exchanged views with Hong Kong Tourism Board's representatives regarding Hong Kong's latest tourism performance and relevant statistics. For the first five months of 2025, Hong Kong received more than 20 million visitor arrivals, a 12 per cent increase year-on-year. Among the visitors, about 15 million came from the Mainland, a 10 per cent rise year-on-year. Growth momentum is sustained across various non-Mainland markets, with around 5 million visitor arrivals in the first five months, an 18 per cent rise year-on-year. Number of visitor arrivals from Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan and increasing more than 20 per cent year-on-year respectively. For Australia, a significant growth of more than 30 per cent was recorded.
      
     The Committee is tasked to provide the Government with strategic advice and foster collaboration among different stakeholders in tourism and related sectors for further promoting the long-term and sustainable development of Hong Kong's tourism industry. Members include prominent figures and key leaders from the tourism and other related sectors such as culture, sports, retail and catering.

    

     The Working Group on Patriotic Education under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee (CBLPSC) held its third meeting today (June 23) to discuss the overall work plan for activities to commemorate the 80th anniversary of victory in the War of Resistance.
 
     This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression as well as the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War (80A). The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government places great importance on planning 80A commemorative activities. The Chief Executive clearly stated in last year's Policy Address that the Government will host a series of commemorative activities to further enhance the public's spirit of patriotism and sense of national belonging. The Working Group is responsible for co-ordinating the relevant bureaux and departments in organising various commemorative activities.
 
     The Chairman of the CBLPSC and Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, said that over the past few months, various bureaux and departments have been formulating proposals and making preparations for different types of commemorative activities. At today's meeting, the Working Group discussed the content of various commemorative activities and the four core spirits and principles that should be upheld in planning these activities. First, activities should be guided by the core spirit of "remembering history, honouring martyrs, cherishing peace, and creating a great future" and based on correct historical perspectives, so that members of the public can thoroughly understand the history of the War of Resistance and work together to cherish and safeguard peace. Second, Hong Kong's contributions to the victory in the War of Resistance should be highlighted, along with in-depth research into historical materials about Hong Kong's wartime history as well as proper restoration and protection of war-related sites. Third, the activities should have a focus on young people, with a view to helping them learn about the history of the War of Resistance and the arduous journey towards national prosperity and strength, thereby fostering their sense of national identity and spirit. Fourth, people from all walks of life should be engaged, including motivating and supporting different community groups to organise commemorative events, and encouraging the public to actively participate in such events.
 
     The Convenor of the Working Group, Dr Starry Lee, said that the four sub-groups under the Working Group had separately held meetings, focusing on putting forward plans and proposals on related commemorative activities across four aspects, namely education; local community; history, politics, economics and culture; and media publicity. The Working Group will continue to work closely with relevant bureaux and departments of the HKSAR Government, aiming to deepen public understanding of the history of the War of Resistance through commemorative activities that are diverse in type and rich in content, and thus make the patriotic spirit take root in Hong Kong.
 
     Currently, preparations for various activities to commemorate the victory in the War of Resistance are progressing steadily. These include an official ceremony at the Hong Kong City Hall Memorial Garden on September 3, the Victory Day of the War of Resistance, to honour the occasion; thematic exhibitions co-organised by the Hong Kong Museum of History and the National Museum of China, as well as the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence and the Guangdong Museum of Revolutionary History; educational activities for members of the public, young people and students; and screenings of war-related films. In addition, different community groups have been organising commemorative activities in various forms. The HKSAR Government will announce more details in due course and release information on commemorative events, exhibitions and educational activities through a dedicated webpage to facilitate public viewing and participation.

      

     â€‹Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at Greenway 2025 – Accelerating Changes today (June 23):
 
Your Excellency Ambassador Harvey Rouse (Ambassador and Head of Office of the European Union to Hong Kong), Mr Iñaki Amate (Chair of the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong), consuls-general, heads of chambers, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good afternoon. It is a great pleasure to join you, once again, at the Greenway forum, the fourth edition, this year under the theme of "Accelerating Changes". And, as before, it's organised by the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao, and the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong.
 
     The European Union (EU) has long been one of Hong Kong's long-standing business partners. Hong Kong takes pride in being home to 1 640 EU (European Union) companies, which makes the EU the largest foreign business community in Hong Kong. Thank you and welcome indeed.
 
     Alongside business, we come together in so many others areas of mutual interest, from education and cultural exchange to innovation and technology pursuits. And, yes, to the environment – to global warming and all the complexities it entails.
 
     Because climate change affects us all, it must involve us all. Each and every one of us.
 
     The World Meteorological Organization's latest report, published last month, notes that there is a 70 per cent chance that the five-year average warming, for 2025 to 2029, will exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius. That's up significantly from the 47 per cent chance forecast in its report last year. So from a 47 per cent chance the forecast jumped to 70 per cent.
 
     Allow me, for the next few minutes, to tell you what Hong Kong is doing to work against the universal threat of climate change, and to achieve climate neutrality.
 
     Since Hong Kong reached its carbon peak, in 2014, our carbon emissions have dropped by about a quarter. In 2023, our per capita carbon emissions were about 4.58 tonnes. To put that in perspective, it is 60 per cent of the EU's emissions, so we aren't doing too badly, and only one quarter of that of the United States.
 
     Hong Kong is well on its way to cutting its carbon emissions in half by 2035, achieving carbon neutrality before 2050, which is our stated goal.
 
     Last week, we welcomed the news that Hong Kong is once again one of the world's top three most-competitive economies. We are dedicated to decarbonising this international financial, shipping and trade centre while keeping up with our competitiveness. And we do that by engineering green transformation through innovation.
 
     Hong Kong's prowess in financial services places us, favourably, in becoming Asia's premier hub for green and sustainable finance. With our financing platforms, we could help to mobilise the capital for climate solutions, while ensuring robust integrity within our financial markets.
 
     Last year, the total green and sustainable debts issued in Hong Kong exceeded US$84 billion. And the volume of green and sustainable bonds arranged here amounted to US$43 billion. That places us first in the Asian market for seven years in a row, capturing 45 per cent of the region's total.
 
     Our regulatory framework is fundamental to creating a sustainable finance ecosystem. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority published the Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance last year, aligning our taxonomy with the two mainstream taxonomies of the Mainland and the European Union. Encompassing economic activities in power generation, transportation, construction, and water and waste management, it will facilitate green finance flows and promote sustainable development.
 
     Like our economy, Hong Kong's resolve to green transformation goes beyond finance. Consider green transport, a transformation moving into the fast lane on our roads. The adoption of electric vehicles has been remarkable.
 
     Just five years ago, Hong Kong was home to about 14 000 electric vehicles. By the end of last year, that number had surged to about 110 000, that's seven times more.
 
     Today, seven out of every 10 newly registered private cars in our city are electric. That, ladies and gentlemen, is among the highest growth rates in the world.
 
     Vehicles, of course, are only one part of a complex equation. An extensive and convenient charging network is the backbone of any electric vehicle revolution.
 
     Our strategy is people-centric, recognising that the best place to charge is at home or at the workplace. Through our EV-charging at Home Subsidy Scheme, we expect to see charging infrastructure installed in about 140 000 parking spaces in private residential buildings by the 2027-28 financial year. That will enable a smooth and non-disruptive electric vehicle transition for thousands of households.
 
     As for our world-class public transport system, we have unveiled a clear Green Transformation Roadmap for public buses and taxis.
 
     Through targeted subsidy schemes, that will fast-track the introduction of about 600 electric buses and 3 000 electric taxis. We are managing the transition in an orderly manner, using incentives rather than penalties, to ensure that our green ambitions don't translate into additional costs for passengers.
 
     Our vision for green mobility goes well beyond the road. As one of the world's premier aviation hubs, we're looking to the skies, too, to chart the green way to our transport future.
 
     Sustainable Aviation Fuel, or SAF, is critical to the long-term future of air travel. It's also essential to ensuring Hong Kong's continuing leadership in aviation.
 
     SAF has the potential to reduce life-cycle carbon emissions by more than 80 per cent compared to conventional jet fuel. The Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government is working closely with the Airport Authority to set a clear target for SAF consumption.
 
     Globally, SAF supply is limited, and the cost remains high. And we see this as an opportunity for Hong Kong to innovate and lead.
 
     We are exploring a range of supply options, including collaborations with enterprises in the Mainland and internationally. Our goal is to establish a stable and competitive regional supply chain for SAF, taking advantage of our unique position within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It will accelerate the decarbonisation of our aviation industry and provide greener travel options.
 
     Our green ambitions also extend to the iconic Victoria Harbour, a vital artery for our city. Our Pilot Scheme for Electric Ferries will shape the future of maritime transport.
 
     With a commitment of HK$350 million, the Government is subsidising the construction of new electric ferries and their charging infrastructure, allowing operators to test the new green technology in local waters with full support.
 
     The first two of these pioneering vessels are already navigating Victoria Harbour, following rigorous testing.
 
     Beyond the local waters, we are greening the vast shipping lanes that connect Hong Kong to the world. Hong Kong is already a top 10 port for vessel refuelling.
 
     To build on this, we launched an Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering late last year, with the goal of transforming Hong Kong into a leading international centre for green maritime fuel bunkering.
 
     Industry response has been overwhelmingly positive, with key partners worldwide expressing strong interest in developing the services here. Hong Kong will spearhead the global effort in decarbonising shipping and, in doing so, create new economic opportunities. Something my good friend has already said: "Green actually means business."
 
     When it comes to environmental connectivity, I'm pleased to note that EU companies play an important role in Hong Kong’s waste management and recycling facilities.
 
     And I look forward to the expertise and support of EU companies in the Northern Metropolis, our new engine for growth dedicated to green living, and the area's long-term green development.
 
     Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong has an iconic skyline. It also holds a treasure of having some 40 per cent of its land pulsing as the city's green lungs, with country parks breathing life into our metropolis, conservation areas cradling biodiversity little seen in other global financial hubs.
 
     This is Hong Kong's defining paradox: where business and ecology coexist in symphony. For us, economic dynamism and environmental stewardship aren't just compatible – they're dual engines propelling our future. We balance development with sustainability. And we will do all we can to work with other places, the EU very much included, on the green way forward.
 
     I look forward to building strong ties with the EU, to finding solutions to climate change, to creating far-reaching opportunities for us all.
 
     My thanks to the organisers, the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao and the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. I'm grateful, too, to today's supporting organisations – the Business Environment Council, the Consulate General of Sweden and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.
 
     I am certain you will enjoy today's Greenway forum, and I look forward to our continuing, rewarding, co-operation in the years to come. Thank you.

    

     The Transport Department (TD) said today (June 23) that a taxi fleet thematic job fair will be held on June 25 (Wednesday) at the Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices to enable taxi fleet operators to recruit fleet drivers.

     The job fair is jointly organised by the Labour Department (LD) and three of the taxi fleet operators, namely Big Boss Taxi Company Limited (Big Boss Taxi fleet), CMG Fleet Management Limited (Amigo fleet) and Tai Wo Management Limited (Joie fleet). Job seekers can learn more about the details of job vacancies for fleet drivers, submit job applications on-site, and may also have the opportunity to attend on-the-spot interviews.

     According to the operators, taxi fleets will offer various incentives to fleet drivers, such as a referral bonus for new drivers and safe driving bonuses. They will also provide flexible working hour arrangements. In addition, the operators will offer pre-service training to enhance drivers' customer service skills. Online hailing platforms, including mobile applications and websites, will be available for passengers to schedule their trips, thereby increasing drivers' income. Moreover, operators will implement systematic management to support drivers in handling customer enquiries and feedback, creating a better working environment for fleet drivers.

     The TD will continue to introduce different measures to facilitate taxi fleet operations. These include setting up a few dozen designated fleet taxi stopping places at the airport, certain boundary control points such as Heung Yuen Wai Control Point, Shenzhen Bay Port, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port, West Kowloon High Speed Rail Station, certain Airport Express stations, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Hong Kong Disneyland, etc, to provide convenience for fleet drivers in picking up passengers with pre-booked trips.

     Different taxi fleet operators participated in the LD's district job fairs earlier this month and received enthusiastic responses from job seekers. This thematic job fair aims to further enhance job seekers' understanding of the advantages of taxi fleets and their employment modes, providing a one-stop platform for fleet operators to recruit fleet drivers in parallel.

     The job fair will be held from 2.30pm to 5pm at the Kowloon West Job Centre, 9/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Sham Shui Po. Admission is free.

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday (June 25) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Second Reading debate on the Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill 2025 will resume. If the Bill is supported by Members and receives its Second Reading, it will stand committed to the committee of the whole Council. After the committee of the whole Council has completed consideration of the Bill and its report is adopted by the Council, the Bill will be set down for the Third Reading.

     The Second Reading debate on the Post Secondary Colleges (Amendment) Bill 2025 will also resume. If the Bill is supported by Members and receives its Second Reading, it will stand committed to the committee of the whole Council. After the committee of the whole Council has completed consideration of the Bill and its report is adopted by the Council, the Bill will be set down for the Third Reading.

     On Members' motions, Mr Ma Fung-kwok will move a motion on "Keeping pace with the times and updating cultural policy". The motion is set out in Appendix 1. Mr Dennis Leung and Mr Erik Yim will move separate amendments to Mr Ma's motion.

     Mr Holden Chow will move a motion on "Addressing the excessive use of Internet and electronic screen products by children and adolescents". The motion is set out in Appendix 2. Dr Johnny Ng, Mr Luk Chung-hung and Mr Chan Kin-por will move separate amendments to Mr Chow's motion.

     During the meeting, Mr Chan Chun-ying will present the "Finance Committee Report on the examination of the Estimates of Expenditure 2025-2026" and address the Council.

     Members will also ask the Government 22 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.

     The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the LegCo Website (www.legco.gov.hk). Members of the public can watch or listen to the meeting via the "Webcast" system on the LegCo Website. To observe the proceedings of the meeting at the LegCo Complex, members of the public may call 3919 3399 during office hours to reserve seats.