Hong Kong – CE begins visit programme to Beijing (with photos/video)
CE begins visit programme to Beijing (with photos/video)
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The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, arrived in Beijing this afternoon (March 4) and began his visit programme.
Mr Lee and the accompanying officials first called on the Ministry of Finance and met with the Minister of Finance, Mr Lan Fo’an, to exchange views on various issues, including enhancing financial co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong, and consolidating Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre.
Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Finance for its continued support for the financial policies of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. Noting that the Ministry of Finance has issued Renminbi (RMB) sovereign bonds in Hong Kong for 15 consecutive years, Mr Lee said that it clearly demonstrates the sustained support from the country for Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre and a global offshore RMB business hub, and is conducive to promoting the development of Hong Kong’s bond market and attracting more international capital.
Mr Lee said that the HKSAR Government will continue to encourage local governments on the Mainland to issue offshore RMB bonds and green bonds in Hong Kong, and to utilise Hong Kong’s financial system and professional services that are in line with international standards to promote the internationalisation of RMB and the green transition of economies, with a view to promoting high-quality national development.
Afterwards, Mr Lee attended a ceremony on the signing of co-operation documents by the National Health Commission (NHC), the Health Bureau and the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). He witnessed the signing of two co-operation documents between the HKJC and the NHC, namely the Memorandum of Understanding Between the National Health Commission and The Hong Kong Jockey Club on a National Capacity Building Programme for Human Resources for Health, and the Collaboration Agreement Between the National Health Commission and The Hong Kong Jockey Club on a Scholarship-cum-fellowship for Top Talent in the Mainland. He also witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding Between the Health Bureau of the Government of the HKSAR and The Hong Kong Jockey Club on a Local Programme for Infectious Disease Prevention and Preparedness.
As announced in “The Chief Executive’s 2023 Policy Address”, the HKJC would provide a funding of $3 billion to support the enhancement of local capacity in surveillance, early warning and prevention and control of emerging communicable diseases; to strengthen the joint disease prevention and control as well as manpower training with the Mainland authorities; and to promote, through a local university, international co-operation in scientific research in areas such as vaccines.
“The signing ceremony held today marks an important milestone for medical collaboration among the NHC, the Health Bureau of the HKSAR Government and the HKJC. I believe that with concerted efforts, the collaborative projects will greatly contribute to the country and Hong Kong, promoting stronger, more comprehensive, and more consolidated developments in healthcare and the prevention and control of emerging communicable diseases in both places,” Mr Lee said.
Mr Lee added that the HKSAR Government will continue to strengthen the two-way training and exchange of healthcare talent between the Mainland and Hong Kong. Stressing the high importance of cross-boundary medical collaboration in the work of the HKSAR Government, Mr Lee said that various initiatives will be taken forward in the future, including the establishment of the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute, participating in and supporting the internationalisation of national hospital accreditation standards, the launch of the Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme and so on.
Mr Lee will attend the opening meeting of the second annual session of the 14th National People’s Congress tomorrow (March 5).
Honda Begins Production of All-new BF350 Large-size Outboard Motor Equipped with V8 350-Horsepower Engine
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has begun production of the all-new BF350 outboard motor with a maximum output of 350 horsepower. The BF350 is the most powerful model in the BF Series, the Honda 4-stroke outboard motor series that has been popular for its high dynamic performance and outstanding cost-effectiveness. Equipped with a newly developed dedicated V8 engine with displacement of 4,952 cm3 (302 in3), the BF350 is the flagship model of Honda marine outboards, providing powerful propulsion with maximum output of 350 horsepower. In addition to high performance and seaworthiness achieved by the abundant torque, the BF350 realizes a high level of quiet operation and low vibration through the adoption of a newly designed crankshaft. Moreover, the BF350 was developed with the goal to offer an environmentally-responsible and cost-effective outboard, realizing top-level fuel economy in its class(1). The BF350 also features enhanced support features to ensure a smoother and more comfortable boating experience for customers, including the cruise control function which makes it possible to cruise at a set boat speed or engine speed (rpm), as well as the trim support function, a new function to automatically control the outboard motor to maintain a pre-set trim angle(2). Furthermore, the BF350 features a new automatic tilt function, which enables customers to fully tilt(3) the BF350 up or down automatically, improving the customer convenience even when the boat is docked or stored. Moreover, including the high-power tilt motor that prevents a decline in the tilt speed in cold weather and the antifreeze drainage structure, the BF350 features a number of ingenious features that enable customers to use the BF350 with peace of mind even in harsh environments. Furthermore, to reduce the customer burden and ensure that customers can enjoy a fun boating experience with the BF350 for a long time, the ease of maintenance was enhanced. As for styling, a “Noble Motion Form” design was adopted to express a sense of luxury appropriate for a flagship model. While inheriting a sense of unity with nature as well as a simple and clean image, which Honda has been expressing with all of its outboards, BF350 styling was perfected with a form that conveys a sense of high quality. The DBW remote controller(4) was newly designed in pursuit of functional beauty while enhancing functionality and operability, enabling the users to feel the “Noble Motion Form” while operating their boat. Key features of the BF350 High-power and fuel-efficient engine developed exclusively for the BF350 – A V8 engine with displacement of 4,952 cm3 and maximum output of 350 horsepower was newly designed exclusively for the BF350, which features both high power achieved by abundant torque generated by its dedicated engine and low-vibration/low-noise operation realized by the adoption of a newly-designed crankshaft. The newly-designed crankshaft eliminated the need for a balancer to reduce vibration, realizing a simple outboard structure with enhanced durability and reliability. Enhanced support functions for boat operation – Trim support function (a first for Honda outboards)With customer operation of buttons on the remote control, the system automatically controls the outboard based on the engine rpm and boat speed to maintain a pre-set trim angle (boat attitude), enabling easier and more comfortable boat operation. – Cruise control functionWith customer operation of buttons on the remote control, the system maintains a constant engine rpm or boat speed while cruising. Compared to other BF Series models, the cruise control function of the BF350 controls engine speed for a broader range, supporting customer operation of the board with greater comfort and in a more relaxed manner. – Automatic tilt functionThis function to automatically tilt up/down the FB350 while the engine is off automates operations when the boat is docked or stored and is expected to significantly reduce the customer burden. Adoption of a large-capacity alternator By adopting a large-capacity (12V-93A) alternator, battery charging power of 70A was secured. This reduces the risk and concern for running out of battery power, even for boats without an auxiliary generator. In addition, the BF350 features an adjustable idling-charge system that automatically raises, even at idle speeds, the engine rpm to the maximum of 43A to enhance charging performance when the electric load on the BF350 increases. Enhanced ease of maintenance Ease of maintenance was further enhanced with various measures including the addition of an anode to prevent corrosion, the adoption of an engine cover with a new structure that makes attaching/detaching easier and a change in the installation angle of the oil filter to prevent from oil spilling when changing the oil filter. Design concept While inheriting the simple, clean styling of the BF series that creates a sense of unity with people and nature and matches the design of any boat, the BF350 adopted a “Noble Motion Form” design appropriate for a flagship model. With the use of three-dimensional logos and chrome-plated parts, styling with a sense of high quality was perfected. (1) Based on Honda internal research as of January 2024.
Copyright ©2024 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Japan Corporate News Network. DCS begins visit programme in Guangzhou (with photos/videos)
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SEE begins visit to three cities in Greater Bay Area (with photos)
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The delegation first visited the Department of Ecology and Environment of Guangdong Province and met with representatives on work related to ecological conservation, environmental pollution prevention, combating climate change, etc, with a view to deepening the exchanges and co-operation between the two places on environmental issues.
In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Yanling new energy eco-industrial park and Guangzhou public transport command center of the Guangzhou Public Transport Group. They received a briefing from a representative on the operation of electric public transport and electric taxis, as well as their charging facilities, and thus learned about Guangzhou’s experiences and practices for the purpose of promoting the development of green public transport in Hong Kong.
Mr Tse pointed out that transportation accounts for about 20 per cent of Hong Kong’s total carbon emissions, and the development of green and low-carbon transport is crucial to achieving carbon neutrality. The Government has announced the Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles, the Clean Air Plan for Hong Kong 2035, and Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050 successively. These initiatives cover policy directions and future targets in various areas promoting the adoption of new energy transport technologies so as to guide Hong Kong towards zero vehicular emissions before 2050.
Mr Tse and the delegation will continue their visit to the Greater Bay Area tomorrow (August 8), including visits to the Nanhai Hydrogen Center and hydrogen fuel cell tram in Gaoming district in Foshan, and the exhibition hall of Huawei Digital Power AntoHill Headquarters in Shenzhen.
DENSO Corporation today announced that it has concluded a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) on starting negotiations for the transfer of selected internal combustion engine parts operations to Niterra Co., Ltd. The two parties reached a decision to sign the MOU during a board of directors meeting on July 10, 2023. In the process of achieving carbon neutrality, electrification is picking up pace throughout the auto industry. At the same time, the auto industry is working to further evolve internal combustion engines, taking into account differences in energy situations and fuels used in each region and country. Under these circumstances, the automotive parts industry is expected to work to develop products for electric vehicles, while at the same time maintaining the competitiveness of the industry as a whole through various means including promoting business integration for products for internal combustion whose market is expected to shrink in the future. We will continue to meet the needs and expectations of our customers around the world and also we are expected to contribute to the realization of carbon neutrality. In view of all these factors, DENSO has concluded MOU to transfer business operations for its Spark Plug and Exhaust Gas Sensor products (Oxygen Sensor and Air-Fuel Ratio Sensor) to Niterra Co., Ltd. Niterra Co., Ltd. boasts some of the world’s leading technologies in its field, and by transferring operations related to these core internal-combustion-engine products to them, DENSO aims to enhance the product appeal of internal combustion engines parts by combing technologies and manufacturing capabilities. In addition, DENSO will accelerate the development of products for electric vehicles in preparation for the full-scale of electrification, and will also work on the development of energy management systems which will become increasingly important for electric vehicles. Through these efforts, DENSO will be able to offer products that are appealing to customers in terms of both performance and price in the entire automotive market, including internal combustion engines and electric vehicles, and contribute to the early realization of a carbon-neutral society. Overview of the MOU: DENSO and Niterra Co., Ltd. will begin deliberations aimed at a business transfer of domestic and international development, manufacturing, and sales functions for Spark Plug and Exhaust Gas Sensor products (Oxygen Sensor and Air-Fuel Ratio Sensor), which are part of DENSO’s internal combustion engines parts, to Niterra Co., Ltd. Based on this MOU, both parties will proceed with discussions and negotiations toward finalizing the business transfer contract. The transfer will take place only after official approval has been obtained from competition law authorities in all countries and regions concerned, and after fulfilling all other requirements.
Japan – Honda Begins Production of All-new BF350 Large-size Outboard Motor Equipped with V8 350-Horsepower Engine
– The BF350 adopts VTEC, which has long been a popular feature of Honda automobiles and outboard motors as well, realizing both high power and excellent environmental performance. Moreover, fuel economy was further improved through the application of air-fuel ratio feedback control using an O2 sensor and optimization of the shape of the gear case. Through these measures, the BF350 realizes top-level fuel economy in its class despite the fact that it is an outboard powered by regular gasoline.
(2) The angle of the outboard motor can be adjusted while boating to adjust boat trim (boat attitude).
(3) Operation to lift the outboard motor from the water surface or tilt it to the angle at which the boat can be operable.
(4) Electronic remote-control system.Hong Kong – DCS begins visit programme in Guangzhou (with photos/videos)
The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, arrived in Guangzhou this afternoon (September 12) to start his visit programme.
Mr Cheuk first met with Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO) of the State Council Mr Wang Linggui and Vice-Governor of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province Ms Feng Ling to exchange views on deepening the co-operation between Guangdong and Hong Kong, and promoting the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
Witnessed by Mr Wang, Ms Feng and Mr Cheuk, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, and the Director General of the HKMAO of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, Ms Li Huanchun, signed the Agreement on Civil Service Staff Exchange and Collaboration Programme with the Mainland Municipalities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to deepen exchanges between civil servants of both places in different fields and support the high-quality development of the GBA. Mr Cheuk said that this Civil Service Staff Exchange Programme, jointly-organised with Mainland cities of the GBA, is the first civil servant exchange programme since the full resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland. The programme provides in-depth exchange opportunities for civil servants from both places to broaden their horizons and promote mutual understanding between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the governments of GBA Mainland cities.
In the evening, Mr Cheuk attended the opening ceremony of the third GBA Culture and Arts Festival at Guangdong Friendship Theatre. In his speech, Mr Cheuk said that this year’s GBA Culture and Arts Festival is significant as it is the first large-scale cultural event jointly organised by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao after the full resumption of normal travel between the Mainland and Hong Kong. Since the organisation of the festival in 2019, the cultural departments of the GBA have been promoting arts and culture exchanges and collaborations through a wide range of exhibitions and performances, advocating Lingnan culture and Chinese culture.
Mr Cheuk added that the HKSAR Government is formulating at full speed a Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development to enhance the ecosystem for the industries, and that the Government is fully committed to developing Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange with support from the National 14th Five-Year Plan. He stressed that the HKSAR Government attaches great importance to arts and cultural exchanges and interaction with cities in the GBA. The HKSAR Government will host the fourth GBA Culture and Arts Festival next year and is eagerly looking forward to working with cities in the GBA to present a rich array of cultural and artistic projects, enhance the cultural soft power of the GBA and achieve the goal of jointly developing a cultured bay area.
Mr Cheuk will continue his visit to Guangzhou tomorrow (September 13) and head to Macao in the afternoon to attend the Welcome Banquet of the Business Conference on GBA Development before returning to Hong Kong.Hong Kong – SEE begins visit to three cities in Greater Bay Area (with photos)
The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, together with the Legislative Council Panel on Environmental Affairs, today (August 7) began a duty visit to three cities in the Greater Bay Area.DENSO Begins Business Transfer Negotiations for Selected Product Operations
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