​The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (March 28) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about outbreaks of highly … read more
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, continued his visit to Beijing today (March 28).
Mr Yau visited a renowned pop cultural entertainment company on the Mainland and toured its thematic park this morning. Specialising in popular intellectual property (IP) artistic toys, the company has successfully commercialised IP in cultural and creative industries, with a number of products gaining popularity both domestically and globally. Mr Yau also met with representatives of the company to learn about its operation and the development of IP products on the Mainland.
Noting that the effective protection and efficient transaction of IP is crucial to promoting the development of cultural and creative industries as well as technological innovation, Mr Yau said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is taking forward a series of initiatives to protect the fruits of innovation and creativity to promote IP trading and strengthen training of IP talent, thereby pressing ahead with the development of Hong Kong into a regional IP trading centre.
In the afternoon, Mr Yau met with representatives of the China Alcoholic Drinks Association to promote Hong Kong’s immense opportunities for wine merchants following the deduction in liquor duty. He said that the two-tier system announced in last October’s Policy Address has effectively promoted high-end liquor trade, with increases recorded in both the quantity and value of liquor imported.
He pointed out that Mainland wine and liquor products, especially Chinese baijiu, are highly regarded in the global market in recent years, showing great market potential and room for growth. He added that Hong Kong could serve as a key hub for trading and distribution of high-end liquor, including Chinese baijiu, and Mainland wine merchants are encouraged to use Hong Kong as a platform for Chinese baijiu to go global.
Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon (March 29).
Police will implement special traffic arrangements in various districts during the Ching Ming Festival period to facilitate grave sweepers, and to ensure smooth vehicular traffic movements and pedestrian safety. Hong Kong Is… read more
​ Hongkong Post announced today (March 28) that, due to the impact of an earthquake, mail delivery services to Myanmar are subject to delay. read more
The Transport Department (TD) today (March 28) announced that the 19th batch of the Smart Traffic Fund, this one involving two projects, has been approved by the Management Committee, with a total grant of around $7.9 million.
The two approved projects in the latest batch cover (1) the development of a system to enhance motorcycle driving safety, and (2) the development of a bus travel time prediction algorithm capable of handling complex road conditions. Details of the projects are available on the Fund’s website (www.stf.hkpc.org).
The Fund accepts applications throughout the year to provide funding support to local organisations and enterprises for conducting research and applying innovation and technology, with the objectives of enhancing commuting convenience, enhancing efficiency of the road network or road space, and improving driving safety. All applications are considered and assessed in batches by the Management Committee, which is chaired by the Deputy Commissioner for Transport/Planning and Technical Services, and comprises representatives from the Government, experts in the industry and relevant stakeholders.
The TD appeals to interested organisations and enterprises for participation to help make the Fund a success and to build Hong Kong into a more liveable and sustainable city by driving Hong Kong toward a new era of transportation.
Application details are available on the Fund’s website. For enquiries, please contact the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the Secretariat of the Fund, on 2788 5536 or stf_sec@hkpc.org. read more