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     The Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) signed between Hong Kong and Bahrain in March last year will enter into force on March 21, following the completion of the two sides’ respective internal procedures required.

     Under the IPPA, the two governments undertake to provide investors of the other side with fair, equitable and non-discriminatory treatment of their investments, compensation in the event of expropriation of investments, and the right to free transfers abroad of investments and returns. The IPPA also provides for settlement of investment disputes under internationally accepted rules, including arbitration.

     The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said, “By enabling investors of Hong Kong and Bahrain to enjoy corresponding protection of their investments in the host economies, the IPPA will enhance confidence of investors, expand investment flows and further strengthen the economic and trade ties between the two places.

     “The Government has been actively seeking to expand Hong Kong’s global economic and trade networks with a view to assisting enterprises and investors in opening up markets. We are exploring the signing of IPPAs with Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Egypt and Peru, as well as exploring IPPAs or free trade agreements with emerging markets including potential partners in the Middle East and other regions along the Belt and Road,” he added.

     The IPPA with Bahrain is the second of its kind signed by the current-term Government, following the IPPA signed with Türkiye. It is also the 24th investment agreement that Hong Kong has signed with a foreign economy.

     The other foreign economies that have signed IPPAs with Hong Kong are the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Australia, Austria, the Belgo-Luxembourg Economic Union, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. read more

     The Registered Contractors’ Disciplinary Board (the Board) has completed a disciplinary inquiry under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) and decided that a registered minor works contractor (RMWC) should be disciplined under sections 13(2)(b), 13(2)(i) and 13(2)(j) of the BO for having carried out and certified building works as if it were minor works carried out under the simplified requirements of the Minor Works Control System (MWCS), and having been negligent or misconducted itself in the building works.

     The Board ordered the RMWC to be prohibited from certifying or carrying out any minor works under the simplified requirements of the MWCS for six months with effect from the date of the Gazette and be fined $20,000. Also, the RMWC was ordered to pay $50,100 in total, being the costs of the Board and the Buildings Department (BD) for conducting the inquiry.

     The Board’s written decision and order issued on February 26 was published in the Gazette today (March 14). Details are available at the following link: www.gld.gov.hk/egazette/pdf/20252911/egn202529111497.pdf.

     The RMWC submitted a certificate to the Independent Checking Unit (ICU) under the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Housing in March 2022, notifying the commencement of minor works, i.e. alteration of external non-load bearing reinforced concrete walls, at a shopping centre at Tsui Lam Road, Tseung Kwan O. The RMWC subsequently submitted a completion certificate to the ICU certifying the completion of the alteration works. After an investigation by the ICU, it was revealed that the alteration works involved external walls, including external load bearing reinforced concrete walls, which were over 3.5 metres high, and do not comply with the Building (Minor Works) Regulation. Such works do not belong to any minor works items and should only be carried out after obtaining prior approval and consent from the ICU. All of the above showed that the RMWC had carried out and certified such works as if it were minor works commenced under the simplified requirements of the MWCS, and that the RMWC had been negligent or had misconducted itself in the building works.

     A spokesperson for the BD reiterated that any registered contractor who contravenes the relevant provisions of the BO in carrying out building works will be subject to enforcement action including criminal prosecution and disciplinary action under the BO. read more

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 14) that du… read more

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) supported the participation of three Hong Kong films at the CinemAsia Film Festival which took place in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, from March 6 to 11 (Amsterdam time).

    This year, CinemAsia concluded with the Hong Kong Film Evening supported by HKETO, Brussels which featured the Dutch premiere of “Fly Me to the Moon”, a poignant drama directed and written by Hong Kong filmmaker Ms Sasha Chuk, produced by the renowned Hong Kong New Wave filmmaker Stanley Kwan on March 11 (Amsterdam time). A networking reception was organised at the same evening.

    Celebrating Hong Kong’s dynamic cinema, the Hong Kong networking reception brought together 300 Dutch and international filmmakers, industry professionals and film enthusiasts to an engaging exchange with renowned and emerging filmmakers from Hong Kong. The event also recognised the successful participation of two other Hong Kong films in the festival’s programme: “Love Lies” by Ms Ho Miu Ki and “My First of May” by Mr James Hung.

    The Deputy Representative of HKETO, Brussels, Miss Fiona Li was delighted that the film “Fly to the Moon” was selected as the festival’s closing film. She expressed that participation in the CinemAsia Film Festival is an important opportunity to enhance the visibility of Hong Kong and its unique film industry among Dutch audiences and film admirors. “The three Hong Kong films screening during CinemAsia, each unique in storytelling and vision, represents the richness and dynamism of our film industry,” said Miss Li.

   During the Hong Kong reception, Miss Li reaffirmed the supportive role of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in promoting the cultural and creative industries, noting that significant funding has been approved for film projects. “Over €160 million has been approved via the Hong Kong Film Development Fund to support more than 120 film projects,” she highlighted.

    The CinemAsia Film Festival celebrated its 17th edition from March 6 to 11 (Amsterdam time), in Amsterdam. It is one of the largest Asian film festivals in Europe and serves as a creative platform for Asian representation and filmmaking, presenting a diverse selection of blockbusters, inspiring documentaries, and independent productions.

      

     â€‹With support from Cathay Pacific, a carrier of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco (HKETO San Francisco) hosted a series of spring receptions in San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington; Los Angeles, California; and Dallas, Texas, between February 19 and 26 (local time), ringing in the Year of the Snake with festivities including lion dances and Guzheng performances. Nearly 700 local officials, dignitaries, academics, business representatives and community leaders attended the events. 
      
     The Acting Director of HKETO San Francisco, Ms Iris Wong, delivered remarks on Hong Kong’s latest developments. “Hong Kong’s economy grew at an accelerated pace in the fourth quarter of 2024, and we anticipate further progress in 2025 – a trend we are excited to build on. This growth is made possible not only by local resilience but also by the strong international partnerships that sustain the city’s economy,” she said.
      
     Reflecting on the decades-long partnership between the US and Hong Kong, she pointed out that Hong Kong and the US enjoy a mutually beneficial trade relationship. “US goods exports to Hong Kong last year totalled nearly US$26 billion, with the US enjoying one of its highest trade surpluses at over US$21 billion,” she said.
      
     An overview of Hong Kong business innovation was also introduced. “With supportive government policies, the number of start-ups has reached a record high of over 4 700. Over 50 strategic enterprises are set to establish their foothold or expand their operations in Hong Kong. In the coming years, they will invest a total of US$5.38 billion in total, creating over 17 000 jobs,” she noted.
      
     She also introduced a number of highly anticipated events in Hong Kong that cement its status as a must-visit global city, including Art Basel, the Coldplay concert, the French May Arts Festival, and Rugby Sevens. With world-class arts, culture and sports competitions and shows scheduled to take place throughout the year, Hong Kong provides unforgettable experiences for visitors, she concluded.
      
     Also highlighted was Hong Kong’s position as an international aviation hub. She said, “With its strategic location and world-class infrastructure, Hong Kong is connected to nearly 200 destinations worldwide. The completion of the Three-Runway System is expected to further boost the city’s interconnectivity with the world, including the US.”
      
     Representatives from Cathay Pacific also spoke at the receptions, sharing news of the upcoming airline’s first nonstop service between Hong Kong and Dallas-Fort Worth set to launch on April 24. In line with the anticipation that the Year of the Snake will be a year of evolution and new beginnings, the route will be Cathay Pacific’s entrance to the southern region of the United States and the only nonstop route to Hong Kong available in Texas. At the reception in Dallas on February 26 (local time), Cathay Pacific Head of Corporate Sales, Americas, Mr Sebastien Granier, conducted a lucky draw to award a pair of round-trip business-class tickets between Hong Kong and the new destination. 
      
     The receptions concluded on a high note following a Guzheng performance by celebrated musician Melody Ho from Hong Kong. Featuring a Chinese New Year medley and her interpretation of classic melodies, the lively performance received enthusiastic applause from the audience.