Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the World Snooker Grand Prix 2025 opening ceremony today (March 4):
      
Mr Ferguson (Chairman of World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, Mr Jason Ferguson), Mr Mok (Director of F-Sports Promotion Limited, Mr Tony Mok), Mr Law (Chairman of Billiard Sports Council of Hong Kong China Limited, Mr Vincent Law), esteemed guests, fellow players, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening, what an exciting day it is as we gather here for the World Snooker Grand Prix 2025 at the stunning Kai Tak Arena. Today marks a historic moment for Hong Kong, as we welcome this prestigious snooker tournament to our vibrant city.

     This event is not just a competition; it is a celebration of excellence in sports. As a recognised "M" Mark event, the Grand Prix guarantees an exceptional standard of play. We are thrilled to witness the world's best snooker players showcasing their extraordinary talent and creating unforgettable memories right here at the state-of-the-art Kai Tak Sports Park.

     I want to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to the organisers, F-Sports Promotion Limited, the World Snooker Tour, and the Billiard Sports Council of Hong Kong China Limited. Your hard work and dedication have brought this significant event to life, enhancing Hong Kong's position as a prime destination for international sports events.

     We also extend our heartfelt thanks to all our generous sponsors and supporting units. Your vital support is instrumental in making this event a spectacular success.

     As we kick off this remarkable journey, I wish the World Snooker Grand Prix 2025 tremendous success. May all players and visitors have an unforgettable experience here in Hong Kong.

     Thank you.

     Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced that a renowned Japanese technology service provider with a presence in Hong Kong for over 60 years, Ricoh Hong Kong, organised a launching ceremony of its new Ricoh InnoAI Center as well as the Ricoh InnoAI Program in Cyberport today (March 4). These initiatives aim to provide technical support to local companies as well as empower start-ups by providing them with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) resources and support, enhancing Hong Kong's status as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub.
      
     Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion for InvestHK Mr Charles Ng, said at the launch ceremony, "We congratulate Ricoh on this significant milestone. The establishment of the Ricoh InnoAI Center is a testament to Hong Kong's thriving start-up ecosystem and its confidence in the city's status as an international I&T hub. We are excited to support initiatives that enhance Hong Kong's reputation as a leader in technology and innovation."
      
     The Managing Director of Ricoh Hong Kong Limited, Mr Ricky Chong, said, "Hong Kong is a multicultural and vibrant city with a mature business environment and a deep talent pool. Aligning with the objectives outlined in the National 14th Five-Year Plan, which supports Hong Kong's development as an international centre in eight key areas, including as an international I&T centre, Hong Kong plays a vital role in helping enterprises 'come in' and 'go global'. These present favourable conditions for Ricoh Asia Pacific to choose Hong Kong as its operational base, attracting talent from the Greater Bay Area and around the world."
      
     He added, "With the rapid development of AI technology, businesses really need more innovative and forward-looking solutions to adapt to the ever-changing market demands and consumer behaviors. Therefore, we launched our Ricoh InnoAI Program with HK$50 million as the estimated capital in the first year for office set up, staff recruitment, and infrastructure configuration. The Program aims to provide comprehensive support to local start-ups, helping them stand out in a highly competitive business environment."
      
     As a global leader in technology, Ricoh is committed to enhancing companies' business efficiency and operational effectiveness through digital transformation. The new Ricoh InnoAI Program will bring new business opportunities to Ricoh Asia Pacific, enhance its product diversification, and serve as a hub for collaboration, offering start-ups access to advanced AI tools, expert guidance, and a vibrant workspace designed to nurture creativity and innovation.
      
     For more information about Ricoh Hong Kong, please visit www.ricoh.com.hk.  
      
     To obtain a copy of the photo, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720324130898.

  

     Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced that a renowned Japanese technology service provider with a presence in Hong Kong for over 60 years, Ricoh Hong Kong, organised a launching ceremony of its new Ricoh InnoAI Center as well as the Ricoh InnoAI Program in Cyberport today (March 4). These initiatives aim to provide technical support to local companies as well as empower start-ups by providing them with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) resources and support, enhancing Hong Kong's status as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub.
      
     Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion for InvestHK Mr Charles Ng, said at the launch ceremony, "We congratulate Ricoh on this significant milestone. The establishment of the Ricoh InnoAI Center is a testament to Hong Kong's thriving start-up ecosystem and its confidence in the city's status as an international I&T hub. We are excited to support initiatives that enhance Hong Kong's reputation as a leader in technology and innovation."
      
     The Managing Director of Ricoh Hong Kong Limited, Mr Ricky Chong, said, "Hong Kong is a multicultural and vibrant city with a mature business environment and a deep talent pool. Aligning with the objectives outlined in the National 14th Five-Year Plan, which supports Hong Kong's development as an international centre in eight key areas, including as an international I&T centre, Hong Kong plays a vital role in helping enterprises 'come in' and 'go global'. These present favourable conditions for Ricoh Asia Pacific to choose Hong Kong as its operational base, attracting talent from the Greater Bay Area and around the world."
      
     He added, "With the rapid development of AI technology, businesses really need more innovative and forward-looking solutions to adapt to the ever-changing market demands and consumer behaviors. Therefore, we launched our Ricoh InnoAI Program with HK$50 million as the estimated capital in the first year for office set up, staff recruitment, and infrastructure configuration. The Program aims to provide comprehensive support to local start-ups, helping them stand out in a highly competitive business environment."
      
     As a global leader in technology, Ricoh is committed to enhancing companies' business efficiency and operational effectiveness through digital transformation. The new Ricoh InnoAI Program will bring new business opportunities to Ricoh Asia Pacific, enhance its product diversification, and serve as a hub for collaboration, offering start-ups access to advanced AI tools, expert guidance, and a vibrant workspace designed to nurture creativity and innovation.
      
     For more information about Ricoh Hong Kong, please visit www.ricoh.com.hk.  
      
     To obtain a copy of the photo, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720324130898.

  

     â€‹â€‹The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (March 4) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in areas in the United States (US), the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the relevant areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

     The relevant areas are as follows:

State of New York
(1) Kings County
(2) Queens County

State of Maryland
(3) Worcester County

State of Colorado
(4) Weld County

State of Pennsylvania
(5) Dauphin County
(6) Cumberland County
(7) Lebanon County
(8) Lancaster County
(9) Lehigh County

State of Missouri
(10) Barry County

State of Indiana
(11) LaGrange County
(12) Elkhart County

State of North Carolina
(13) Sampson County

     A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 79 630 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 19.6 million poultry eggs from the US last year.

     "The CFS has contacted the American authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation," the spokesman said.

     â€‹â€‹The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (March 4) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in areas in the United States (US), the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the relevant areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

     The relevant areas are as follows:

State of New York
(1) Kings County
(2) Queens County

State of Maryland
(3) Worcester County

State of Colorado
(4) Weld County

State of Pennsylvania
(5) Dauphin County
(6) Cumberland County
(7) Lebanon County
(8) Lancaster County
(9) Lehigh County

State of Missouri
(10) Barry County

State of Indiana
(11) LaGrange County
(12) Elkhart County

State of North Carolina
(13) Sampson County

     A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 79 630 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 19.6 million poultry eggs from the US last year.

     "The CFS has contacted the American authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation," the spokesman said.