The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, and the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, together with the Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Ms Bonnie Chan; the Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Futures Commission, Ms Julia Leung; the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Eddie Yue; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Securities Association, Ms Katerine Kou; and the Chairperson of the Chinese Asset Management Association of Hong Kong, Ms Doris Lian, met the media after attending a seminar on collaborative development of Mainland and Hong Kong financial markets today (May 7). Following is the transcript of remarks:

Reporter: What was the advice that the finance sector has given to you just now in the closed-door meeting? Can you tell us the schedule or the plan of Stock Connect in terms of increasing the collaboration with the Mainland markets? Also, the Mainland has encouraged top enterprises to establish or expand their businesses in Hong Kong. How will that help Hong Kong's market? 

Financial Secretary: In the meeting with the various sectors of the financial community, we had a very in-depth discussion about the recently launched five measures announced by the CSRC (China Securities Regulatory Commission). We also talked about the future directions of work, as well as the focus of lobbying the Central Government for the further measures to support Hong Kong's IFC (international financial centre) development.

Reporter: How to attract overseas capital through the collaboration with the Mainland?

Financial Secretary: Hong Kong, under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, plays a very unique role. On the one hand, we are part of China. Coming to Hong Kong, international investors can have convenient and sometimes even priority access to the Mainland market. On the other hand, Hong Kong is the natural springboard for Mainland capital and investors seeking overseas opportunities. So, facing the international community, it is important for us to demonstrate to them, first, the continued implementation of the “one country, two systems” arrangement, as well as Hong Kong's unique advantages thereunder. Second, Hong Kong’s unique and important role in the Mainland’s orderly opening up of its capital market, thereby providing a convenient and familiar platform for overseas investors to participate in the Mainland equities market through Hong Kong. 

     As to the work of the Government, we have been adopting a multi-pronged approach. I and my colleagues, Chris (Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui) and a few other colleagues, of course, Eddie (Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Eddie Yue), Julia (Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Futures Commission, Ms Julia Leung) and Bonnie (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Ms Bonnie Chan) included, have been taking overseas trips to reach out and tell the good stories of Hong Kong, showcase Hong Kong’s strengths, and invite people to come. And we have started to see our efforts paying off. We will continue to do that. On the other hand, we will organise more mega events, including financial events and others, to encourage more people to come. Third, to continue to enhance the competitiveness and offerings of our fundraising platform. 

     Furthermore, financial services are not just about IPO (initial public offering). To be a leading international financial centre, we have to pay due regard to other aspects of financial services. That is why in the coming years, we will work very hard to build our green and sustainable finance market, further develop our bonds market, press on with financial innovation, just to name a few. It will be a long journey. But with the collective efforts and the dedication of the team, we are very confident that we will be able to scale new heights.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

  

     Police today (May 7) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Hung Hom.
     
     Wan Nang-yip, aged 79, went missing after he was last seen at an elderly home on Ha Heung Road on May 6 night. Staff of the elderly home made a report to Police on the same day.
                       
     He is about 1.65 metres tall, 49 kilograms in weight and of medium build. He has a pointed face with yellow complexion and is bald. He was last seen wearing a black short-sleeved T-shirt, blue vest, grey trousers and blue slippers.
     
     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Person Unit of Kowloon West on 3661 8036 or 9020 6542 or email to rmpu-kw@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.
 

  

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Republic of Poland Constitution Day reception today (May 7):
 
Consul General (Consul General of Poland in Hong Kong, Mr Michal Kolodziejski), Commissioner Pan (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Pan Yundong), ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good evening.
      
     I'm pleased to be here with you tonight, in celebration of the Republic of Poland's Constitution Day. As the Consul General (CG) proudly noted just a few minutes ago, Poland's constitution was the "first national constitution in modern Europe".
      
     I'm pleased as well, to meet the CG this evening. And I look forward to our first formal get-together soon – to follow up on how Hong Kong and Poland can build on our good co-operation.
      
     Hong Kong and Poland have been good trade and investment partners. For instance, Hong Kong is Poland’s fourth-largest Asian investor.
      
     Poland, after all, is the sixth-largest economy in the European Union. It also commands a strategic location along the Silk Road Economic Belt.
      
     I'm hopeful that our two economies, our respective businesses and investors, can expand the long-standing business ties and interests.
      
     In that regard, I'm pleased to hear of the Consulate's efforts to boost economic co-operation, to support Polish companies looking to Hong Kong as a base for the promising markets of the Mainland and Asia in general.
      
     I'm sure quality Polish products, furniture for example, can find their way to this part of the world through Hong Kong.
      
     And the CG is absolutely right that the "one country, two systems" principle has made Hong Kong one of the best places to live and do business. He could take comfort that the arrangement will stay in the long run as a solemn commitment of our country. And so will our unique advantages, including the rule of law, free flow of capital, goods, information and talent, a simple and low tax system, alignment with the best international standards, and much more. 
      
     These advantages underpin Hong Kong's role as the gate opener for Polish businesses to venture into Asia. It helps that we are a core city of the fast-emerging Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a prosperous, cluster-city development with some 87 million consumers.
      
     Hong Kong also holds admirable connectivity with the rest of Asia and the Belt and Road countries. Not only physical connectivity enabled by world-class infrastructure, but also people-to-people bonds and networks.  
      
     Beyond business, there's the boundless pleasure of cultural co-operation between us. Polish films frequently make their way to Hong Kong, and vice-versa. And for music, there is much more than Chopin. I'm told, for example, that Polish jazz will debut next month at the "Make Music, Hong Kong" showcase, one of the special events featured annually at the French May Arts Festival.
        
     I look forward to more fruitful exchanges between our respective artists and troupes, and creative organisations.
      
     Culinary exchanges, too. After all, food is central to both our cultures, our people. Indeed, I understand that the chef of Soho House, tonight's venue, is Polish. I’m told he's been hard at work, preparing Polish delicacies to be served just as soon as I stop talking. Thank you very much.

    

     Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) today (May 7) hosted the two-day Global Talent Summit · Hong Kong as the first talent-themed international forum and exhibition of the current-term Government.

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, officiated at the Summit. In his welcoming remarks, he said, "Talent is the prime resource and driving force that boosts economic development and competitiveness. Strategic professionals generate the innovative ideas that lead to new and improved products, services and technologies. Talent is often driven by a hunger for personal growth, to excel in their fields and push the boundaries of their abilities. These elements are key factors in success, not just for professionals and their industries, but more important, the success of the overall economy. With much of the world working to revive economic growth in the post-pandemic global economy, and amid rising geo-political tensions, the search for talent has become a global phenomenon and a continuous challenge."
 
     Mr Lee pointed out that in Hong Kong, talent gets to thrive and grow in a world-class economy. Under "one country, two systems", Hong Kong is bestowed with institutional strengths including a world-class business environment, a simple and low tax system, a highly open and internationalised market, and the free flow of information, capital, goods and people. Hong Kong is also one of Asia's most liveable cities, with a mix of Eastern and Western cultures, natural beauty such as hiking trails, beaches, a global geopark, and high-quality, efficient and reliable healthcare services. Hong Kong is also among the world's safest cities. All these are key factors that attract talent to get both world-class work opportunities and a satisfying life in Hong Kong.
 
     Mr Lee highlighted the Government's heavy investment in attracting, developing and retaining talent. Hong Kong is the only Asian city with as many as five universities in the world's top 100, and Hong Kong's universities are home to some of the world's top 10 schools covering various disciplines, according to the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings. The launch of a series of talent admission programmes from end-2022 has attracted more than 120 000 talents from around the world to Hong Kong. He underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in attracting talent and strengthening the talent base.

     In her keynote address, the Minister of Human Resources and Social Security, Ms Wang Xiaoping, said, "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government focuses on driving development as the top priority, and has established a dedicated talent service agency to attract talent around the world. A series of high-value talent attraction schemes have been launched consecutively to provide holistic institutional arrangements and policy protection for various kinds of talent to move to Hong Kong, know Hong Kong better and stay in Hong Kong, thereby injecting new impetus and vibrancy into Hong Kong's growth. In the World Talent Report 2023 released by the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland, Hong Kong ranked second in Asia for talent competitiveness, which affirmed Hong Kong's status as an ideal city for global talent to strive for their dreams.

     "We firmly believe that the HKSAR Government will continue to leverage the unique advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, giving full play to its strengths to meet the needs of the country. This will attract more Mainland and overseas top talent to pursue their developments and careers in Hong Kong with prosperity and satisfaction, building its capacity for a better Hong Kong and opening new horizons for high-quality development. We look forward to seeing more talent across sectors as well as friends from the industrial and commercial sectors and academia at home and abroad coming to China and especially Hong Kong. They shall seize and make full use of the opportunities brought about by the high level of opening up of Mainland China and Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and develop their careers, start their businesses and fulfil their dreams, making new contributions for the common development of China and the world as well as a community with a shared future for mankind."

     Under the theme "The Power of Global Talent", the International Talent Forum on the first day aimed to explore major trends of global competition for talent and talent mobility from the macro perspective, and delve into the role of diverse talent to economic and industrial developments. The Summit brought together over 1 200 international and Mainland leaders from political, academic, business and other sectors to exchange trends and experiences in talent development, with a view to promoting Hong Kong's dual role and advantages as an international talent hub and the country's gateway for talent.

     The Chief Executive Officer of the MTR Corporation Limited, Dr Jacob Kam, gave a keynote speech on a proactive approach to attract, nurture and develop talent. He also highlighted the importance of empowering talent to drive business growth and contribute to the sustainable development of Hong Kong and the cities MTR serves.

     Following the keynote speech, a panel discussion was jointly hosted by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Strategy and Planning of the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, Professor David Cardwell; the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences of City University of Hong Kong, Professor Alfred Ho; and the Managing Director of Asia Pacific of LinkedIn, Ms Feon Ang. They examined the factors and strategies necessary for building and maintaining an international talent hub as well as how Hong Kong should leverage the distinctive advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world.

     In addition, the Global Workforce Leader and Partner of PwC United Kingdom, Mr Peter Brown; the Chief Executive Officer of IBT (a business process outsourcing company), Mr Jai Mulani; the Chief Executive Officer and President of BigC Supercenter Public Company Limited (a supermarket brand in Southeast Asia), Mr Aswin Techajareonvikul; and the Deputy Chief Executive of Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, Mr Wang Huabin, chaired another panel discussion. They looked into the cultivation of corporate cultures to attract and retain talent around the world, contributing to Hong Kong's position as a vibrant, diverse and inclusive talent hub.

     In the afternoon, three seminars were respectively held by the Director of Investment and Talent Attraction of the Ministry of Economy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mrs Fatima Al Hajri, on the implementation experience of the UAE's talent attraction and retention strategy; the Co-founder of 10,000 Hours (a professional services firm), Dr Chris Maxwell, on nurturing leadership talent in the new generation; and the Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of Asia of Manulife, Mr Sudesh Thevasenabathy, on how corporate cultures with innovation, diversity and inclusiveness are conducive to recruiting and retaining talent.

     HKTE's latest promotional video was premiered at the Summit's opening. Nine talents across professions with different backgrounds around the world share their experiences in pursuing developments in Hong Kong. The advantages and opportunities of Hong Kong as an international financial centre, an international shipping centre, an international innovation and technology centre, a regional intellectual property trading centre, a core city of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a mega events capital, a liveable city and Asia's world city with a simple tax regime and top education and medical services were featured.

     Prior to the opening, Ms Wang, accompanied by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, visited the exhibition areas of Guangdong Province, HKTE and the Macao Special Administrative Region at the CareerConnect Expo held concurrently. Ms Wang visited the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority and the Construction Industry Recruitment Centre of the Labour Department yesterday (May 6) to get an update of Hong Kong's retirement protection system and employment services.

     The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, hosted a welcome dinner yesterday evening for Ms Wang as well as officials, guests and speakers visiting Hong Kong for the Summit. Visits to the "YUAN MING YUAN – Art and Culture of an Imperial Garden-Palace" and the "From Dawn to Dusk: Life in the Forbidden City" exhibitions at the Hong Kong Palace Museum were arranged before the dinner for participants to experience Hong Kong's charm as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

     The Second Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area High-quality Talent Development Conference will be held at the Summit tomorrow (May 8). The Expo is set to continue to run tomorrow at Hall 3F, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, from 10am to 5.30pm. Talent who are interested in coming to Hong Kong or have recently arrived in the city, stakeholders in various sectors who are concerned about talent development, non-local university students and members of the public are welcome. For details, please refer to the Summit's website (www.hkengage.gov.hk/GlobalTalentSummit) or HKTE's social media.

                                  

     To raise the public's awareness of the importance of water sport safety, the Marine Department (MD), the Hong Kong Police Force, the Hong Kong Observatory, the Government Flying Service and the Hong Kong, China Waterski Association co-organised the 2024 Safety Afloat Educational Seminar at the Hong Kong Science Museum today (May 7). Deputy Director of Marine Mr Shi Qiang spoke at the seminar and reminded the public to be well prepared before participating in water sport activities to ensure safety.
 
     The MD reminded coxswains and vessel operators to make appropriate preparations before setting sail for water sport activities. They should plan their voyages and consider whether the vessel's structure is suitable for the water area and the activity to be conducted. There should be enough experienced crew members on board to guide passengers to follow safety instructions when engaging in water sport activities. Coxswains and vessel operators should also familiarise themselves with all safety precautions and contingency measures, check the vessel's structure and its safety equipment on board before setting sail, and know the location of the equipment and how to use it. They should also collect sufficient weather forecast information for the whole voyage and take heed of weather conditions or warnings.
 
     Pleasure vessel operators should navigate carefully when entering shallow waters, speed-restricted zones or waters with others taking part in water sport activities. Vessel operators should strengthen lookouts and take appropriate safety measures to avoid any possible risk if they see other water sport activities nearby.
 
     The MD also reminds the public that they should only hire pleasure vessels endorsed by the MD to be let for hire or carry passengers for reward and check the endorsed list of vessels by scanning the QR code posters displayed in public piers and popular marine tourism spots. TV and radio announcements in the public interest will be broadcast on various platforms to assist the public in identifying endorsed pleasure vessels.
 
     Meanwhile, swimmers should swim at beaches with lifeguards on duty, stay within the bathing beach area and avoid swimming near anchored vessels. They should understand their physical abilities, take care of their children and avoid swimming alone or away from companions. They should also refrain from swimming right after consumption of food, alcohol or drugs. To prevent accidents, divers shall observe relevant guidelines and maintain safety awareness at all times. In particular, while surfacing, divers should pay special attention to the surrounding environment and the movement of vessels in the vicinity. Proper buoyant signals should be displayed.
 
     As the typhoon season is approaching, the MD urges owners, coxswains and persons-in-charge of local vessels, including pleasure vessels, to remain vigilant against the threat of typhoons. Before the onset of a typhoon, appropriate precautionary measures must be taken to ensure the safety of persons on board and vessels.
 
     In order to remind members of the public of water sport safety, pamphlets on "Observing the safety advice, Enjoying the fun at sea" have been produced and distributed to the public to provide safety advice about various water sport activities to prevent accidents. The MD will continue its promotional and educational efforts to enhance the safety awareness of the public.
 
     Officers of the Marine Police and the MD will step up their patrol operations in speed-restricted zones, waters in the vicinity of popular beaches and water sport sites, and will take action against any illegal or reckless boating activities. The LCSD lifeguards will also keep an eye out for boating activities at beaches and the adjacent waters. They will alert officers of the MD and the Marine Police if law enforcement actions against offenders are required.
 
     The MD hopes that the industry and the public will co-operate in promoting water sport safety, so that everyone can enjoy pleasant leisure water sport activities.