Hong Kong – Sixth Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Conference held in Hong Kong (with photos/video)
Sixth Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Conference held in Hong Kong (with photos/video)
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The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Mayor of Shanghai, Mr Gong Zheng, leading the delegations of the governments of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Shanghai respectively, held the Sixth Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Conference (the plenary) in Hong Kong today (April 26).
Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr Yin Zonghua; the Director of Bureau III 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 Zou Jinsong; and the Vice Mayor of Shanghai, Mr Hua Yuan also attended the plenary. Officials of the HKSAR Government that attended the plenary include the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam; the Secretary for the Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau; the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn; the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip; and the Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Clement Woo, etc.
Mr Lee said that the Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Conference has always received great attention and strong support from the central government and the Shanghai Municipal Government. Since the First Plenary Session in 2003, exchanges between the two places have become increasingly frequent. Hong Kong has become one of Shanghai’s major export markets and Shanghai’s largest source of foreign investment. Shanghai is the leading city in the Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration, while Hong Kong is the core city in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Mr Lee added that the plenary held today is another important milestone of the Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation, establishing a clear direction for future co-operation between the two places and further expanding co-operation between the two places in different fields. Looking forward, Hong Kong will continue to utilise its unique advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world being under “one country, two systems” principle, deepen sustained co-operation with Shanghai, jointly develop new quality productive forces of both sides, and jointly contribute to the country’s high-quality development.
Hong Kong and Shanghai reached consensus on the following 15 co-operation areas at the meeting:
Joint Pursuit of the Belt and Road Development and Business Investment
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To support Hong Kong enterprises to participate in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) to engage in trade networking with Shanghai enterprises. To leverage Hong Kong’s role as a platform for international business and trade for promoting market development of the enterprises of the two places.
Facilitate bilateral high-level visits and increase the rate of exchanges and visits of trade and economic delegations. Encourage enterprises from Shanghai to seek business opportunities overseas through Hong Kong under the RCEP framework, and facilitate more Hong Kong enterprises to develop the Shanghai market and integrate into the nation’s supply and innovation chains.
Strengthen the work of the two places on promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, encourage Shanghai enterprises to actively participate in the Belt and Road Summit held in Hong Kong; and encourage Shanghai enterprises to actively participate in the Mainland Enterprises Partnership Exchange and Interface Session held by the HKSAR Government for direct matching with professional service sectors in Hong Kong.
Innovation and Technology
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Further encourage and support co-operation between higher education institutions, institutes, research and development organisations and enterprises in the two places in basic research, frontier technologies, key industries, etc.
Accelerate the two-way transformation of outstanding technological achievements in Shanghai and Hong Kong, encourage the jointly cultivated high-quality technology companies to list in Hong Kong for financing. Strengthen co-operation in technology, talents and capital to promote the transfer and transformation of more technological achievements.
Actively create a Shanghai-Hong Kong artificial intelligence base to accelerate the development of new quality productive forces through in-depth co-operation of industrial sectors, social organisations, higher education institutions and sectoral enterprises of Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Digital Economy
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Promote the synergy of digital economy in Shanghai and Hong Kong. Facilitate the development of digital industries, co-operation in infrastructure and cross-boundary application of digital infrastructural facilities, nurturing of digital talents and enhancement of digital literacy, as well as collaboration in industrial spaces and communication platform.
Promote data co-operation between Shanghai and Hong Kong. Facilitate mutual recognition of electronic authentication, development of data element market and co-operation in the field of financial payment, as well as sharing of open data.
Finance
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To encourage Hong Kong financial institutions to seize the opportunities brought by the financial opening up of our country to establish or invest in banking, insurance, securities and fund institutions in Shanghai, and to expand the scope of business of their subsidiary institutions in Shanghai in accordance with the law.
To orderly promote mutual access between the financial markets and financial infrastructure of the two places, explore expanding the scope of mutual access between stock markets, promote the enhancement of the mutual access mechanism between the bond markets of the Mainland and Hong Kong, deepen the development of Northbound and Southbound channels, and enrich product suite and mechanisms.
To support the financial markets and financial institutions of the two places to strengthen co-operation on product development, services and innovation relating to green finance. To strengthen research collaboration and mutual recognition of standards between the two places in respect of green finance standards.
Civil Aviation, Maritime Transport and Logistics
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The Shanghai Shipping Exchange will enhance interaction and connection with the panelists of the Shanghai Shipping Index in Hong Kong; and strengthen co-operation between Hong Kong and Shanghai in ship financing promotion services.
Continue to take forward pilot projects of the two airports in such areas as the development of “flight shuttle services”, speedy customs clearance, streamlining of procedures, application of new technologies and innovations.
Cultural and Creative Industries
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To further promote exchanges and co-operation of licensed Hong Kong broadcasters and Radio Television Hong Kong with Shanghai broadcasters in the fields of documentaries, television dramas, animations and broadcasting programmes.
To support collaborations of the advertising industries and organisation of competitions on creative advertising in Shanghai and Hong Kong. To encourage advertising enterprises in both places to develop cross-border trading services.
To promote the co-operation of the cultural and creative parks in Shanghai and Hong Kong; facilitate the collaboration and exchange between Shanghai and Hong Kong enterprises and outstanding designers; and establish the ecosystem for integration and co-existence of Shanghai and Hong Kong fashion products industry.
Education and Talent Development
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To support the development of the Shanghai-Hong Kong University Alliance, and more primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong and Shanghai to form sister school pairs.
Continue to promote and deepen exchanges between civil servants of both places. Explore formulation of the plan for the next round of the staff exchange programme and the specific arrangements under the guidance of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee.
Forge a comprehensive partnership between the Shanghai Talent Bureau and the Hong Kong Talent Engage, as well as a mechanism for regular communication and exchange, so as to promote collaboration on nurturing talents and talent services.
Youth Development
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Strengthen exchanges between youths of the two places on urban development and youth innovation and entrepreneurship. Support the organisation of short-term experiential programmes at innovation and entrepreneurial bases.
Continue to enhance various Hong Kong youth exchange and internship programmes in the Mainland; Shanghai would proactively provide better exchange and internship opportunities for Hong Kong young people.
Legal Services
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Support and facilitate greater business collaboration between the legal services sectors of the two places, and continue to give active support for law firms in Hong Kong and the Mainland to set up partnership associations in Shanghai, Hong Kong legal practitioners to be employed as legal consultants of Shanghai’s law firms, and law firms in both places to set up branches at the other side, etc.
Support and facilitate the legal, arbitration, mediation and other related services sectors of the two places to develop exchange platforms and engage in co-operation, training and exchange of talents.
Environmental Governance
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Strengthen the scientific research co-operation between the two places on comprehensive atmospheric environment management and health impact assessment.
Enhance the technical exchanges and co-operation between the two places on urban noise pollution prevention works and management.
Strengthen the co-operation between the two places on ecological and environmental industries, and promote the market matching and collaboration of ecological and environmental enterprises between the two places.
City Planning and Management
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Strengthen exchange and co-operation between the two places comprehensively in respect of urban construction and management. Establish a normalised co-operation mechanism in urban renewal, high productivity construction, sponge city development, flood protection and disaster management.
Promote and support co-operation between the two places in conservation, revitalisation and utilisation of built heritage, sharing of archaeological research findings, exchange on exhibitions as well as nurturing of talents.
Healthcare
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To promote exchanges of Chinese medicine academics, talents and experts between the two places, to take forward the implementation of the Training Programme of Advanced Clinical Talents in Chinese Medicine and related programmes co-organised by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Health Bureau, and to strengthen the co-operation between the two places in the area of internationalisation and standardisation of Chinese medicine.
To actively promote co-operation between the two places in the high quality development of public hospitals.
To strengthen collaboration and exchanges between the two sides in the areas of prevention and control of infectious diseases, health emergency response, and health promotion and the safety of blood transfusion.
To deepen co-operation between the two places in the areas of regulatory regime and measures and safety of pharmaceutical products.
Sports
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Promote the cultivation of high quality sports talents through co-operation among sports associations and with elite sports institutes, and jointly enhance the level of specialised training, sports rehabilitation and administration.
Social Welfare Services
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Facilitate social organisations in Shanghai which are interested in strengthening exchanges and co-operation with Hong Kong by promoting liaison and co-operation between welfare organisations, social organisations or charities of the two places.
Facilitation Measures for Hong Kong People in the Mainland
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Further expand the scope of application of the Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao Residents in various government and public services in Shanghai; offer Hong Kong talents working in Shanghai with overseas talent residence permits, public employment services, social security, and labour rights, etc., to facilitate Hong Kong people to work and set up business in Shanghai.
Co-operation Memorandum Signing Ceremony
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At the meeting, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Mayor of Shanghai, Mr Gong Zheng, signed the “Co-operation Memorandum of the Sixth Plenary Session Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Conference”. The document (Chinese only) is at Annex 1.
In addition, twenty co-operation agreements were signed by government departments, statutory bodies and relevant organisations of the two places:
(i) Arrangement on Legal Exchange and Co-operation between the Department of Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the East China University of Political Science and Law;
(ii) Agreement on Enhancing Hong Kong-Shanghai Financial Co-operation;
(iii) Memorandum of Understanding on Healthcare Co-operation between the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission and the Health Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region;
(iv) Letter of Intent to strengthen co-operation in urban planning and construction management between Shanghai and Hong Kong;
(v) Letter of Intent to strengthen co-operation in total water management between Shanghai and Hong Kong;
(vi) Memorandum of Understanding on the Organising of the “Shanghai Culture Week” series during the “Chinese Culture Festival” in Hong Kong in 2024;
(vii) Memorandum of Understanding between the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality and the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Enhancing Shanghai/Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Co-operation;
(viii) Letter of Intent to deepen exchange and co-operation on archaeology and built heritage between the Development Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism (Shanghai Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage);
(ix) Memorandum of Understanding between Shanghai Media Group and Radio Television Hong Kong;
(x) Co-operation Agreement between the Orient International (Holding) Co. Ltd. and the Create Hong Kong under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region;
(xi) Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation between Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality and Hong Kong Trade Development Council on Promoting Innovation and Development of Hong Kong and Shanghai Enterprises;
(xii) Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation between Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce and Hong Kong Trade Development Council on Promoting High-quality Economic and Trade Co-operation;
(xiii) Memorandum of Understanding in Relation to Strategic Co-operation Framework between Power Station of Art and M+ at the West Kowloon Cultural District in Hong Kong;
(xiv) Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation between Shanghai and Hong Kong on High-Quality Industrial Development by Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization and Hong Kong Productivity Council;
(xv) Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Collaboration among Shanghai Huangpu District People’s Government, Shanghai Lingang Economic Development (Group) Co., Ltd. and the University of Hong Kong;
(xvi) Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Collaboration among Shanghai Minhang District People’s Government, Shanghai Lingang Economic Development (Group) Co., Ltd. and the University of Hong Kong;
(xvii) Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Collaboration between Shanghai Huangpu District People’s Government and the University of Hong Kong;
(xviii) Memorandum of Understanding between Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanghai (Shanghai Chamber of International Commerce) and the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong;
(xix) Memorandum of Understanding for Collaboration among the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone Lingang Special Area Administration Committee, Shanghai Lingang Economic Development Group Co., Ltd. and Hong Kong Quantum AI Lab Ltd.; and
(xx) Memorandum of Co-operation between Shanghai History Museum and Hong Kong Maritime Museum.
The co-operation agreements (ii) to (viii) signed by the government departments of the two places (Chinese only) are at Annexes 2 to 8.
Hong Kong celebrates World Intellectual Property Day 2024 (with photos)
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Speech by FS at World Intellectual Property Day Reception (English only) (with photos)
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Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $4.7 million at airport (with photo)
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HKSAR Government strongly opposes resolution of European Parliament
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A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, “It is the constitutional duty of the HKSAR to safeguard national security. In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, safeguarding national security is an inherent right of all sovereign states. Many common law jurisdictions, including western countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, as well as Singapore, have enacted multiple pieces of legislation to safeguard national security. Turning a blind eye to the fact and making exaggerated remarks, the Parliament has demonstrated typical political hegemony and hypocrisy with double standards.”
“The NSL and the Ordinance clearly specify that the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Basic Law, as well as the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong, are to be protected in accordance with the law. The European Parliament neglected the relevant provisions and lashed out wantonly, fully exposing its malicious intentions.”
“The offences endangering national security stipulated by the Ordinance target acts endangering national security with precision, and define the elements and penalties of the offences with clarity. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant had the actus reus and mens rea of an offence before the defendant may be convicted by the court. The Ordinance will not affect normal business operations and normal worldwide exchanges of local institutions, organisations and individuals. Law-abiding persons (including personnel, organisations and enterprises from the European Union and its member states) will not engage in acts and activities endangering our national security and will not unwittingly violate the law.”
“Extraterritorial effect for the offences endangering national security under the NSL and the Ordinance fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world. It can be seen that the national security laws of various countries, including the member states of the European Union, also have extraterritorial effect under the ‘personality principle’ and the ‘protective principle’. In formulating the extraterritorial effect under the Ordinance, we have already taken into account the principles of international law and international practice of state jurisdiction, as well as the nature of the offences,” the spokesman emphasised.
“It is clear that safeguarding national security falls within the internal affairs of a sovereign jurisdiction, so the implementation of the NSL and the Ordinance should be free from any form of intervention. As a matter of fact, during the public consultation of the Basic Law Article 23 legislation, 98.6 per cent of the submissions of opinions showed support and gave positive comments, reflecting a strong consensus in society for the legislation, and it is also the aspiration of the people. The European Parliament blatantly clamoured for so-called ‘sanctions’ against HKSAR personnel who dutifully safeguard national security. The HKSAR Government strongly condemns its political grandstanding rife with ill intentions, which have been seen through by all.”
“As the legal proceedings involving Lai Chee-ying are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the details of the case. We emphasised that all cases (including the relevant case) are handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law. All defendants will receive fair trial strictly in accordance with laws applicable to Hong Kong (including the NSL) and as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights,” the spokesman also pointed out.
“Any attempt by any country, organisation, or individual to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the HKSAR by means of political power or media or any other means, thereby resulting in a defendant not being able to have a fair trial that one should receive, is a reprehensible act undermining the rule of law of the HKSAR.”
“Following the successful enactment of the Ordinance, the shortcomings in the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security are addressed. We must once again emphasise that the Ordinance is a piece of legislation to defend against external forces that endanger our national security, acting like a sturdier door and a more effective door lock to defend our home. The HKSAR Government strongly urges the European Parliament to stop smearing and interfering in Hong Kong affairs which are internal affairs of China and ensure that their remarks concerning the NSL and the Ordinance are fair and just, and stop making scaremongering remarks,” the spokesman reiterated.
Appeal for information on missing woman in Tuen Mun (with photos)
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Tang Oi-yee, aged 57, went missing after she left her residence in Tsz Tin Tsuen yesterday afternoon (April 24). Her family made a report to Police on the same day.
She is about 1.5 metres tall, 41 kilograms in weight and of thin build. She has a pointed face with yellow complexion and short straight black hair. She was last seen wearing black glasses, a black mask, a black jacket, blue jeans, black sports shoes and carrying a black bag.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories North on 3661 3113 or email to rmpu-ntn-1@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.
Hong Kong – Hong Kong celebrates World Intellectual Property Day 2024 (with photos)
The Intellectual Property Department (IPD) today (April 26) hosted a reception to celebrate the World Intellectual Property (IP) Day 2024. The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, and the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, attended the reception and officiated at the toasting ceremony.
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) set the theme of this year’s World IP Day as “IP and the Sustainable Development Goals: Building our common future with innovation and creativity”. At the reception, Mr Chan said that the Government will work with the industry and the community to promote the development of Hong Kong into a regional IP trading centre, so that Hong Kong will maintain its competitive edge in the global market and embrace a more flourishing future.
Mr Chan also elaborated on a number of initiatives pursued by the Government in this regard. They include grooming a talent pool of patent examiners equipped with technological and professional knowledge; planning for regulatory arrangements on local patent agent services; setting up a WIPO Technology and Innovation Support Centre; implementing the “patent box” tax incentive to encourage commercialisation of research and development outcomes, etc.
In his welcoming remarks, the Director of Intellectual Property, Mr David Wong, said that the measures to develop Hong Kong into a regional IP trading centre, as outlined in the Policy Addresses and Budgets of the current-term Government, required the support and co-operation of the IP industries and various stakeholders. The first trade mark was registered in Hong Kong 150 years ago to cater for commercial needs at the time, leading to the beginning of the local IP system. “We have come a long way, and the best is yet to come,” he said.
About 150 guests including stakeholders from the legal community and IP-related associations, academics, consulate representatives, government officials and representatives from the public and business sectors attended the reception. Displays at the venue highlighted notable features and achievements in different categories of IP, viz. patents, trade marks, copyright and registered designs.
Celebrated annually on April 26, the World IP Day aims to increase general understanding of IP, pay tributes to inventors and creators, and explore how IP helps shape the world. The IPD promoted the World IP Day and related activities through various channels, including sponsoring the “Licensing Academy”, a programme of the Asian Licensing Conference to offer industry players insights into new developments in IP licensing.Hong Kong – Speech by FS at World Intellectual Property Day Reception (English only) (with photos)
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the World Intellectual Property (IP) Day Reception today (April 26):
Algernon (Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau), David (Director of Intellectual Property, Mr David Wong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. I’m pleased to join you today in celebration of World Intellectual Property Day.
This annual gathering brings together IP principals and stakeholders, academia, the creative and innovation and technology sectors, government officials, consular representatives, business leaders and more. All of us, I’m pleased to say, share a passion for encouraging creativity, innovation and technology, for making the most of our intellectual creations for the good of the Hong Kong economy and community.
As you know, this Government is determined to develop Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre. We are also fast-tracking the growth of the creative and cultural industries to fuel our ambition of becoming an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
For these industries to thrive, a robust system of IP registration and protection is a must. More than playing an indispensable role in the commercialisation of R&D (research and development) outcomes and creative works, they help creativity and innovation flourish.
And, no less important, with proper legal protection, IP can become valuable assets for trading.
Hong Kong, with all the advantages of the “one country, two systems ” principle, has been entrusted by the country to become a regional IP trading centre under the 14th National Five-Year Plan.
We are rapidly moving towards this goal. That includes building our own patent regime to enrich the innovation and technology ecosystem. In 2019, we implemented the Original Grant Patent System, allowing our Patent Registry to examine scientific inventions and grant standard patents locally.
The results of this patent reform are encouraging. We’ve now received more than 860 original grant patent applications, and have approved more than 110 applications. About half of them are from Hong Kong inventors, I’m pleased to note.
The system is still at a relatively early stage of development. Creating a pool of patent examiners proficient in technology and IP law and practice is key to its long-term success.
In that regard, the Government has been recruiting and training patent examiners with wide-ranging backgrounds, from fresh science and engineering graduates to patent and industry practitioners. Our goal is to build a team of about 100 strong by 2030. That will help us achieve institutional autonomy in handling substantive patent examinations.
It is important to develop patent talent in the private sector as well.
Working in consultation with stakeholders, we plan to introduce regulatory arrangements for local patent practitioners. In the Budget this year, I set aside $12 million to support the process over the next three years.
The proposed regulatory arrangements will, of course, be proportionate and sustainable, balancing diverse interests, patent users included.
The global IP system features a wealth of systematic technology and patent information in the public domain. We should help enterprises navigate this landscape, so that they can better grasp industry trends and market opportunities. That can only help them better direct resources to the right R&D projects, identify possible partners and competitors, and exploit the commercialisation potential of technological breakthroughs.
The World Intellectual Property Organization runs a dedicated programme to help members set up Technology and Innovation Support Centres, or TISCs, which provide relevant IP information services. The Mainland has established more than 100 such centres, with another 100 in the making.
In the recent Budget, I set aside $45 million to help the Hong Kong Productivity Council host a TISC in Hong Kong, one that will offer patent search and analysis, consultation services regarding IP management and commercialisation, and much more.
No less important, the Centre can also help nurture local professionals to become well-versed in patent knowledge and broader IP development landscape.
My Budget also includes a “patent box” initiative, reducing the tax on profits derived from qualifying IP from the existing 16.5 per cent to 5 per cent. The relevant bill to amend the Inland Revenue Ordinance is now being scrutinised by the Legislative Council. This is a significant tax concession, but I am confident it will bring in much more return for Hong Kong as a whole.
Ladies and gentlemen, working together, we can accelerate Hong Kong’s development as a regional IP trading centre, ensuring that Hong Kong maintains its competitive edge, and flourishing future, in the global market.
My thanks to the Intellectual Property Department for organising today’s reception.
I wish you all a rewarding day, and the best of health and IP business in the coming year. Thank you.Hong Kong – Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $4.7 million at airport (with photo)
Hong Kong Customs today (April 26) detected two drug trafficking cases involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport. About 22.3 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds and about 25 grams of suspected THC gummies with an estimated market value of about $4.7 million were seized.
A 33-year-old female passenger and a 25-year-old male passenger today arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand, respectively. During Customs clearance, Customs officers found 24 bags of suspected cannabis buds, with a total weight of about 12.9kg, and 23 bags of suspected cannabis buds, with a total weight of about 9.4kg, inside their check-in suitcases respectively. About 25g of suspected THC gummies were also seized from the suitcase of the male passenger. The passengers were subsequently arrested.
An investigation is ongoing.
Following the resumption of normal travel and exchanges with the Mainland and other parts of the world, the number of visitors to Hong Kong has also been increasing steadily. 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 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).Hong Kong – HKSAR Government strongly opposes resolution of European Parliament
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (April 25) strongly opposed the so-called resolution adopted by the European Parliament against Hong Kong, and strongly condemned the Parliament for making baseless allegations about Hong Kong and smearing the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (the Ordinance), so as to set the record straight.Hong Kong – Appeal for information on missing woman in Tuen Mun (with photos)
Police today (April 25) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Tuen Mun.Ads
