The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, continued his visit to Bordeaux, France, to promote the advantages of Hong Kong as a wine and liquor trading hub to the local trade.
      
     On June 20 (France time), Mr Yau held a business roundtable and met with representatives of the trade of Bordeaux wine, Cognac and Armagnac to exchange views on the latest developments of the trade and enhance co-operation on promoting wine and liquor trading.
      
     Mr Yau first shared with the trade the business opportunities brought about by the strong growth in the demand of wine in the vast market of Asia Pacific. He said market research revealed that China's wine market generated approximately US$31 billion in revenue in 2024 and is projected to reach US$54 billion in 2030, reflecting an annual growth rate of almost 10 per cent. He added that with Hong Kong's wine duty abolished in 2008, the city is now an international wine trading hub and one of the world's top three wine auction centres.
      
     Turning to liquor, Mr Yau said that France remains one of Hong Kong's top liquor trading partners, In 2024, Hong Kong imported US$831 million worth of liquor, and France was Hong Kong's second-largest import market, accounting for 30 per cent of the total. Brandy continued to be a leading category, particularly through high-end retail channels catering to the Mainland market.
      
     Mr Yau added that last October, Hong Kong took another step by introducing a two-tier liquor duty system under which the duty rate was reduced from 100 per cent to 10 per cent for the portion above HK$200. As a "super connector" linking the East and West, Hong Kong with its strategic location and unique advantages plays a pivotal role in the global liquor trade as a gateway to the fast-growing Asia and Mainland markets. Between 2013 and 2023, imports of spirits in Asia grew 79.3 per cent, a significantly faster rate than the global increase of 42 per cent in the same period. The Mainland is now the third-largest importer of Cognac.
      
     Mr Yau added that Hong Kong's signature events, such as the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair and the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, along with biennial events such as ProWine Hong Kong and Vinexpo Asia, provide French producers with unparalleled platforms to promote their brands to international buyers, distributors and liquor enthusiasts.
      
     Mr Yau said that coupled with its premier location, free flow of capital and free port status, Hong Kong, as the world's freest economy and the third-most competitive economy globally, is the best partner for the Bordeaux wine and liquor sector to tap into the tremendous opportunities in the Asia market, notably the Mainland.
      
     On June 21 (France time), Mr Yau took the opportunity to visit vineyards in Bordeaux to learn about their operations and promote Hong Kong's position as Asia's wine and liquor trading hub.

          

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (June 22) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.
     
     "The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     "Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system," the spokesman explained.

     "Infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, outdoor/manual workers, and individuals who are overweight are more vulnerable to heat stroke. They should pay special attention," the spokesman added.

     The public should adopt the following precautions:
 

• Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;
• Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion can place additional demands on the physique;
• Perform outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible;
• For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation;
• Do not stay inside a parked vehicle; and
• Reschedule work to cooler times of the day if feasible. If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

     
     â€‹The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index is high (6 or above):
 

• Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
• Apply a broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 or higher when participating in outdoor activities. Reapply every two hours if you need to stay outdoors for a prolonged period, or after swimming, sweating or towelling off;
• While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;
• Seek shade;
• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses;
• Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes; and
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella.

    
     â€‹If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
     
     â€‹The public may obtain more information from the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111), heat stroke page and UV radiation page; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), latest weather report and forecast, UV Index and weather information for hiking and mountaineering; and press releases of the Labour Department on precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     The Hong Kong Observatory has issued the Very Hot Weather Warning.

     To prevent heat stroke, avoid prolonged activities outdoors.

     If engaged in outdoor work or activities, wear a wide-brimmed hat and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes. Stay in shaded areas as much as possible.

     Drink plenty of water, and avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol.

     If you feel sick, consult a doctor right away.

     This year marks the 5th anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL). The law complements and integrates seamlessly with the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance which was enacted last year, collectively forming a legal great wall to safeguard national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). At this significant moment in time, the HKSAR Government has organised the 5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Forum to look back and ahead to the development of the HKSAR's legal system in safeguarding national security, with a view to enhancing the understanding of the laws on safeguarding national security among various sectors and raising public awareness on national security. 
 
     The Opening Ceremony of the Forum was held this morning. ​The Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, was invited to officiate at the ceremony and deliver a keynote speech. The Chief Executive of the HKSAR and the Chairman of the Hong Kong National Security Committee, Mr John Lee, also delivered a keynote speech at the ceremony.
 
     The Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR and National Security Adviser to the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR, Mr Zhou Ji; Vice-Chairperson of the HKSAR Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and Deputy Director of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Mr Zhang Yong; the Head of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr Dong Jingwei; the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR, Mr Cui Jianchun; and the Commander-in-Chief of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, Major General Peng Jingtang, also delivered speeches at the ceremony.
 
     Mr Xia said in his speech that the implementation of the HKNSL over the past five years has proven the law to be a "guardian" in defending the "one country, two systems" principle and in safeguarding the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. It is a good law of great historical significance and immediate importance, he said, stressing that the situation facing Hong Kong in safeguarding national security is still complex and grave, and that it is necessary to grasp the requirements of safeguarding national security under the "one country, two systems" principle to maintain and consolidate the hard-won situation that Hong Kong is now enjoying. Profound changes are taking place in the internal and external environments of Hong Kong. Hong Kong must safeguard national security in the full process of implementing the "one country, two systems" principle; ensure that the governance of the HKSAR is firmly in the hands of the patriots; be steadfast in safeguarding security and promoting development; effectively protect the human rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people, and maintain Hong Kong's unique position and advantages.
 
     Mr Xia said that the HKSAR Government and all sectors of society must unite and take responsibility to give full play to the institutional advantages of the "one country, two systems" principle, and grasp four key points: first, fully implement a holistic approach to national security to safeguard high-quality development with high-level security; second, leverage Hong Kong's unique advantages in connecting the Mainland and the world to promote high-quality development through openness; third, utilise Hong Kong's "golden reputation" vis-à-vis the rule of law to safeguard high-quality development; and fourth, uphold Hong Kong's executive-led system to improve governance of the SAR and promote high-quality development through reform.

     Mr Xia concluded by saying that the enactment and implementation of the HKNSL is a major event in the implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle and has already made its mark in history. Looking to the future, the HKNSL will surely safeguard the steady and far-reaching journey of the "one country, two systems" principle, enabling Hong Kong to achieve new and greater accomplishments in the grand endeavor of building a strong nation and realising national rejuvenation.
 
     In his speech, Mr Lee thanked Mr Xia for his heartfelt review of the positive significance of the HKNSL in restoring Hong Kong's stability and implementing the "one country, two systems" principle in the past five years, and for providing direction for Hong Kong's future security and development. Mr Lee put forward four main points, stressing that the HKSAR must fully and accurately implement the "one country, two systems" principle and thoroughly adopt a holistic approach to national security; adhere to the solid foundation of the rule of law and leverage Hong Kong's international advantages; cherish the stable situation and seize development opportunities; and enhance traditional advantages, focusing on reform and innovation. He said that the HKSAR should continue to safeguard national security and make good use of the stable situation to focus its efforts on developing a vibrant economy, achieving prosperous development and improving people's livelihoods to realise people-centered development.
 
     Mr Lee said that under the institutional protection of the "one country, two systems" principle and the safeguarding of the HKNSL, which complements and integrates seamlessly with the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, Hong Kong's development and reform will surely continue to advance steadily, thereby making greater contributions to the nation in the building of a great country and advancing toward national rejuvenation.
 
     The young generation plays an important role in passing down the sense of mission and self-awareness on safeguarding national security for it to be deeply rooted and realised. One of the sessions of the forum was a performance with the theme of "Five Years of a New Horizon – Our Commitment to Safeguarding National Security", which was performed by more than 180 students of different ages. The HKSAR Government has been committed to promoting national security education. The Department of Justice, the Security Bureau and the Education Bureau have organised various activities to raise awareness of national security among the young generation. The awards presentation ceremonies for the Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Groups National Security Quiz Competition, the Territory-wide Inter-school National Security Knowledge Challenge 2024/25, and the "Hong Kong National Security Law – Safeguards and Hopes" Social Media Post Competition were held at the forum to commend the young awardees.
 
     After the award presentation ceremonies, Mr Xia, together with Mr Lee, Mr Zhou, Mr Zhang, Mr Dong, Mr Cui, Major General Peng, and the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, officiated at the Hong Kong National Security Law – Guarding Every Voyage and Forging a Brighter Future Kick-off Ceremony, symbolising that Hong Kong has embarked on a new journey of advancement from stability to prosperity under the protection of the HKNSL.

                

     â€‹The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government held the 5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Forum today (June 21), inviting renowned legal experts and academics to review the legislative intent and background of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), and discuss the fruitful achievements since the implementation of the HKNSL, in the afternoon session of the Forum. The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, also engaged with young leaders from various sectors to convey the message that national security is closely related to citizens, enabling members of the public to understand the importance of uniting everyone's strength in building a great wall for safeguarding national security.
      
     In the afternoon session of the Forum, Mr Lam said in his welcome remarks that the most important direction for safeguarding national security in the future is to balance the relation between security and development, strictly adhering to the principle of rule of law and the requirements of respecting and protecting human rights and freedoms set out in Articles 4 and 5 of the HKNSL. This, he said, would enable members of the public to study, work and live with peace of mind and unite to seek breakthroughs and changes, overcoming various challenges to consolidate Hong Kong's status as an international centre in several areas and encouraging people from abroad to be willing and eager to come to Hong Kong for their development.
      
     The Director of the Research Office of the HKSAR Basic Law Committee and Macao Special Administrative Region Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Mr Yang Zhaoye, delivered a keynote speech in which he examined the significance and remarkable achievements of the implementation of the HKNSL over the past five years, as well as its key role in safeguarding Hong Kong's prosperity, stability and people's livelihood.
      
     There were two panel sessions in the Forum. With the theme of "The legal great wall for refining and safeguarding national security", legal experts and academics reviewed in the first session the legislative intent and background of the HKNSL. They also had an in-depth discussion on how national security is effectively safeguarded under the compatibility and complementary of the laws including the HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, and looked ahead to the future development of the HKSAR's legal system for safeguarding national security.
      
     In the second session, titled "An arduous and important journey – our youth sharing the mission to safeguard national security", Mr Lam engaged with young leaders from various sectors to explore the vital role of young people in safeguarding national security, and envisage further joint endeavours between the Government and the community in enhancing legal literacy. This, he said, would better jointly promote the concepts of "security brings prosperity" and "respecting and observing the law", and have them rooted in the community, enabling members of the public to identify themselves closely with the harmony and stability brought about by national security, making "being patriotic and loving Hong Kong" a mainstream value among the city's younger generation.
      
     Concluding the Forum, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, said that today's Forum aimed to provide an in-depth and broad discussion loaded with insights and humour. He added that the number of young attendees of the Forum was believed to be the highest in the history of national security legal forums held by the Department of Justice. He said that safeguarding national security is the responsibility of every generation and must be passed from generation to generation. Dr Cheung also emphasised that Hong Kong has built legal protection measures for safeguarding national security, and that Hong Kong's future will be bright as long as the city remains vigilant at all times, seizing the opportunity to integrate into the national development and deepening international exchanges and co-operation.