Tag Archives: China

     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continues his visit in Beijing today (March 23).

     In the morning, Mr Chan attended the opening ceremony of the China Development Forum. In the afternoon, he delivered a keynote speech at the afternoon session on the Symposium on Igniting Growth Momentum through Reform”. In the speech, he pointed out three major trends that are profoundly impacting the global political landscape and economic development. They include: (1) the rise of protectionism and unilateralism is bringing uncertainty and instability to the global economy, while the trend of regionalisation is reshaping international economic and trade relations and the global trading system; (2) the emergence of economies in the Global South is becoming a new engine and driving force for economic growth; and (3) technological innovation, particularly the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), is triggering changes in production models, business models and consumption patterns.

     Mr Chan emphasised that in the face of a complex and changing global situation, the country remains steadfast in embracing true multilateralism, and works with countries to promote inclusive economic globalisation. The country has also stressed the need to expand high-level opening-up and advance institutional innovation, deepen reforms in the technology sector, and nurture new quality productive forces in accordance with local conditions.

     Mr Chan also mentioned that Hong Kong, under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, has unique advantages and can play a special role in deepening international exchanges and co-operation, contributing to the country’s high-level opening-up and quality development while creating greater business opportunities for global economies and enterprises. First, Hong Kong will leverage its advantage of connecting with both the Mainland and the world. It will strengthen ties with traditional markets in Europe and the Americas, while exploring new markets, and developing high-value multinational supply chain management and trade financing services to support Mainland enterprises in going global. Second, Hong Kong is actively supporting the financing needs of enterprises and projects in areas such as tech development and climate change through financial empowerment. It will continue to enhance the breadth, depth and efficiency of its financial markets to promote mutual benefit between finance and the real economy. Third, Hong Kong will drive technological innovation with a particular focus on AI. Leveraging its strengths in innovation and technology, international capital, data and talent, along with the innovative capabilities, depth of industries and wide scope of application scenarios of sister cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong is committed to becoming a hub for international exchange and co-operation in the AI industry. At the same time, it aims to support the growth of technological innovation and future industries by building an ecosystem of “patient capital”.

     Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong tomorrow morning (March 24). read more

     â€‹In response to media enquiries about water seepage from the ceiling of an operating theatre at CUHK Medical Centre (CUHKMC) during an operation, the Department of Health (DH) today (March 23) gave the following reply:

     The DH received a media enquiry on March 21 about water seepage from the ceiling of an operating theatre at CUHKMC and immediately contacted CUHKMC to investigate and follow up on the incident.

     It was noted that the hospital had conducted an eye surgery on a patient on March 10 and, towards the end of the surgery, water started dripping from the ceiling towards the end of the operating table. The hospital staff immediately used a cloth to stop the dripping and at the same time covered the patient’s head and surgical instruments with a sterile surgical drape. The surgery was completed uneventfully. So far, the patient’s condition has been stable and no complications have been reported.

     The hospital has immediately suspended the use of the operating theatre in question and has identified the source of the water seepage. Repair work has been conducted.

     The DH regulates licensed private hospitals in accordance with the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance (Cap.633) (the Ordinance), and monitors their compliance with the Ordinance, conditions of licence and the Code of Practice for Private Hospitals (CoP), which sets out licensing standards related to the operation of private hospitals, including relevant requirements for facilities, equipment and arrangements for responding to emergencies. Private hospitals are required to notify the DH on reportable events in accordance with the CoP, namely sentinel events, serious untoward events and other reportable events (such as events of public health significance, serious incidents affecting the operation of the hospital, and unusual clustering of communicable diseases etc).

     While the water seepage incident is not a reportable event under the CoP, for the sake of prudence, the DH has requested the hospital concerned to submit an investigation report. The DH will assess the findings of the investigation and the actions taken by the hospital, and take appropriate follow-up actions to prevent recurrence of similar incidents and enhance protection of patient safety. read more

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 22) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 10 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $2.2 million.

     A male passenger, aged 47, arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds inside his check-in suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.

     An investigation is ongoing.

     Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

     Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en).

  

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 toda… read more

     The Transport Department today (March 23) reminded members of the public that the 49th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (the scheme) will be open from 10a… read more