Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Officials vowed on Tuesday to deepen collaboration between Shanghai and Hong Kong to further unleash the two economic engines’ potential in the nation’s further opening-up, emphasizing the special administrative region’s springboard role for mainland enterprises to go global.
They made the pledge at a high-level conference promoting Hong Kong’s investment opportunities in Shanghai, a significant event during the seventh China International Import Expo.
Addressing the 2024 Hong Kong Investment Promotion Conference-Shanghai Forum, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu stressed that Hong Kong possesses the capacity to serve as an investment and financing hub for the development of Shanghai and related mainland businesses, welcoming more enterprises to leverage Hong Kong for global expansion.
He said Hong Kong is home to over 1,400 mainland companies listed on the city’s stock exchange, with close to 200 originating from Shanghai alone — boasting a total market value exceeding HK$2 trillion ($260 billion).
“Leveraging each other’s strengths, Hong Kong and Shanghai can sail together toward new horizons,” Lee said.
He believes that the two cities can further strengthen cooperation in areas such as global talent attraction, services and employment so as to advance the development of talent hubs in both locations.
At the same event, Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po extended an invitation to mainland enterprises to establish headquarters in Hong Kong, highlighting the city’s status as a premier treasury center with unrestricted capital movement and tax incentives offered by the SAR government.
Zhou Ji, executive deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, highlighted that both Shanghai and Hong Kong serve as vital gateways in China, connecting international and domestic markets.
Zhou pledged that his office will continue to support Hong Kong’s unique role in Shanghai-Hong Kong cooperation and the country’s external opening, as well as to back ongoing research and implementation of favorable policies to facilitate Hong Kong’s development.
Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng stated that Shanghai will further encourage its enterprises to invest in Hong Kong, while particularly strengthening cooperation between the two cities in emerging industries such as artificial intelligence and biomedicine. Furthermore, Gong mentioned that Shanghai will support more qualified enterprises to list on the stock exchange in Hong Kong.
He also pledged that the two cities will work together to jointly explore overseas markets. Shanghai will fully leverage Hong Kong’s advantages as a super-connector, assisting businesses in establishing a presence in international markets and participating in international cooperation as well as competition, he said.
This year, more than 300 Hong Kong enterprises are participating in the import expo to promote Hong Kong’s quality goods and services, accounting for one-tenth of the total number of exhibitors.
During the promotion conference, Invest Hong Kong under the Hong Kong government signed agreements with numerous Shanghai enterprises to deepen cooperation.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting on organizing the fifth forum “Travel!”
November 6, 2024
Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting on organizing the fifth forum “Travel!”
November 6, 2024
Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting on organizing the fifth forum “Travel!”
November 6, 2024
Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting on organizing the fifth forum “Travel!”
November 6, 2024
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Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting on organizing the fifth forum “Travel!”
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting on organizing the fifth Travel! forum, which will take place on June 10–15 at VDNKh. The Roscongress Foundation will act as the event operator. In 2025, the business program events will be united under the general theme of Discover Russia, which implies both familiarizing Russians with the potential and opportunities of their country, and cooperation in the field of inbound tourism.
Opening the meeting, Dmitry Chernyshenko noted the high level of organization of the IV Russian Tourism Forum “Travel!” and the relevance of such events in modern conditions. “After the forum “Travel!” in June this year, many positive reviews were received, which indicates the relevance and significance of the event. The site was successfully chosen: the territory of VDNKh and the exhibition “Russia” created good conditions for guests and organizers. Today, interest in the forum is growing on the part of both Russian and foreign participants. An important theme of the upcoming fifth forum “Travel!” in the year of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War will be patriotic routes that will present the regions of our country,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that federal and regional authorities, tour operators and companies working in the tourism sector should be widely represented in the exhibition part of the forum. In particular, Dmitry Chernyshenko proposed holding an exhibition of domestic equipment manufacturers for the tourism industry as part of the forum, as well as organizing a platform for the presentation of investment projects by representatives of various industries, including those planned to be implemented with support under the national project “Tourism and Hospitality Industry”. In this way, business representatives will be able to find potential partners.
Adviser to the President of Russia, Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee for the Preparation and Holding of the Russian Tourism Forum “Travel!” Anton Kobyakov noted that in 2024 the forum confirmed its social significance and high status as an anchor industry event, becoming a global discussion platform for discussing modern trends in the development of the tourism and hospitality industry. He spoke about the new concept of the event. “A new comprehensive approach to creating the concept and space of the forum for its guests will demonstrate the tourism potential of all 89 constituent entities of the Russian Federation and increase the international part of the exposition. Visitors will see the full diversity of travel in Russia and learn information about new resorts, tourism sites and travel formats. Traveling around the country, getting to know the sights and cultural features of a particular region contribute to the study of the culture and history of the country. Therefore, the national goal “Opportunities for Self-Realization and Talent Development” formed the basis of the national project “Tourism and Hospitality Industry”. I am sure that in order for more Russians to have the opportunity to study the cultures of peoples and the history of Russia, it is important to make travel around the country convenient, safe and interesting. This is one of the priority tasks of the entire tourism industry,” added Anton Kobyakov.
Next year, the Travel! forum will discuss medical tourism, which is in demand within the country and is also a tool for attracting foreign guests. A large block of the program will be devoted to inbound tourism. In 2025, it is planned to expand the geography of foreign participants from friendly countries; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Development have been instructed to work on this issue.
“The goals of any tourism forum are to promote the tourism product and attract investment. We are preparing in this philosophy to give regions the opportunity to show themselves and present their achievements and products to foreign guests, and for foreign participants to demonstrate the tourism potential of their countries. This is why we now go to international exhibitions. People should come to us for this too. The festival program of the regions will take an important place this year. In addition, we have preliminarily formulated six tracks of the business program architecture. These are “digital”, transport, government regulation, personnel, development of tourist areas and a comprehensive tourist product,” said Deputy Minister of Economic Development Dmitry Vakhrukov.
Deputy Director of the Roscongress Foundation, Director of the Russian Tourism Forum “Travel!” Vladimir Zatynaiko spoke about the year-round ecosystem of projects, which includes network events on tourism in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. “Congress, exhibition and business events dedicated to tourism are actively developing. Examples of such events include the Sustainable Tourism Development Forum “Travel!” in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, “Discover the Far East” in Khabarovsk and the St. Petersburg International Tourism Forum “Travel Hub. Travel!”, which will be held in the Northern capital from December 4 to 6, where the results of the tourism sector in 2024 will be summarized. In this regard, the Russian Tourism Forum “Travel!” is the key, central event of the year, where the main areas of development of the industry are outlined,” Vladimir Zatynaiko noted.
This year, a program to promote Russia abroad under the Discover Russia brand was launched at the national level for the first time. The priority countries in 2024 were China, India, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Next year, it is planned to promote Russia’s tourism potential in Southeast Asia and expand its presence in the Persian Gulf countries.
As part of the event, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov will hold an all-Russian meeting with the regions, as well as a meeting with the industry community in the format of a business dialogue.
The Roscongress Foundation is a socially oriented non-financial development institution and a major organizer of national and international congress, exhibition, business, public, youth, sporting, and cultural events, created in accordance with the decision of the President of Russia.
The Fund was established in 2007 with the aim of promoting the development of economic potential, advancing national interests and strengthening the image of Russia. The Fund comprehensively studies, analyzes, forms and covers issues of the Russian and global economic agenda. Provides administration and facilitates the promotion of business projects and attracting investments, promotes the development of social entrepreneurship and charitable projects.
The Foundation’s events bring together participants from 209 countries and territories, more than 15,000 media representatives work annually at Roscongress venues, and more than 5,000 experts in Russia and abroad are involved in analytical and expert work.
The Foundation interacts with UN structures and other international organizations. It develops multi-format cooperation with 212 foreign economic partners, associations of industrialists and entrepreneurs, financial, trade and business associations in 86 countries of the world, with 293 Russian public organizations, federal and regional executive and legislative bodies of the Russian Federation.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Continuing a visit to Canada, Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong delivered a keynote speech at a Seminar on Life Science & Global Health, held at the Parliament Building in Ottawa.
Prof Sun said that while Canada is a long-recognised powerhouse in the field of life and health science, Hong Kong is emerging as an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre.
He then outlined a number of advantages that Hong Kong enjoys in relation to the development of life and health technologies.
Hong Kong’s flagship research and development initiative, InnoHK, has established collaborations with more than 30 world-renowned universities and research institutes in 12 economies, including Canada. It has set up 29 research laboratories,16 of them focused on healthcare-related technologies. Also in place are a $6 billion subsidy programme supporting local universities to set up life and health technology research institutes, and a $3 billion Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme to accelerate cross-disciplinary research.
He said: “We will set up the InnoLife Healthtech Hub in the Hetao Hong Kong Park (the Loop) to attract top-notch research teams and talent from around the world. We will allocate another $2 billion to support the InnoHK research clusters to establish (a) presence in the Loop, and $200 million to support startups in the Loop engaging in life and health technology in the form of incubation and acceleration programmes.”
New land will be made available in San Tin Technopole to support I&T industry development, creating synergy with the nearby Shenzhen I&T Zone, he added.
He also outlined that Hong Kong is the best platform for connecting Mainland I&T talent and companies with those from around the world, as the city possesses the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong national support and being closely connected to the world under “one country, two systems”.
Prof Sun also met a Canadian senator and a member of the country’s parliament to discuss ways of enhancing collaboration on science, innovation and research between Hong Kong and Canada, as well as fostering people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
Separately, Prof Sun called on Chinese Ambassador to Canada Wang Di to brief him on the progress of developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre, as well as the city’s efforts to integrate into the nation’s I&T development. The tech chief said that Hong Kong spares no effort in developing new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions, including in its pursuit of new industrialisation, and its increased investment for I&T industries.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ12: Sealing up corridor-facing louvres of public rental housing flats LCQ12: Sealing up corridor-facing louvres of public rental housing flats ************************************************************************
Following is a question by the Hon Yang Wing-kit and a written reply by the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, in the Legislative Council today (November 6): Question: It has been reported that in recent months, the Housing Department (HD) has posted notices in some public rental housing (PRH) estates, stating that the HD must undertake fire safety improvement works pursuant to the requirements of the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance (Cap. 572), including sealing up all domestic flat louvres facing common exit corridors with fire-resisting boards in phases starting from next year. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) of the numbers of PRH estates and domestic flats involved in the aforesaid works, as well as the implementation schedules; (2) as some PRH tenants are worried that their flats will become poorly-lit due to the lack of lighting penetration from the corridors after the relevant works, whether the HD has studied the alternative options, including allocating resources to seal up the louvres with fire-resisting glasses instead of fire-resisting boards, so as to retain the effect of light penetration; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; (3) whether it will assist PRH tenants who have modified their louvres on their own to remove externally-attached objects and carry out reinstatement works, with a waiver of the relevant expenses; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and (4) whether it will step up publicity and explanation efforts, so that the affected PRH tenants can gain an understanding of the procedures and implementation progress of the relevant works; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that? Reply: President, In consultation with the Buildings Department (BD) and Hong Kong Fire Services Department (FSD), the consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Yang Wing-kit is set out below: According to the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance (Cap. 572) (the Ordinance), composite and domestic buildings constructed on or before March 1, 1987, or with the plans of the buildings works first submitted to the Building Authority for approval on or before that day (the target buildings) are required to upgrade the fire safety standards to meet modern fire protection requirements. Currently, under the Housing Authority, there are 477 public rental housing (PRH) blocks in 64 estates regulated by the Ordinance. Since the Ordinance came into effect on July 1, 2007, the Housing Department (HD) has been in close liaison with the BD and FSD to formulate feasible fire safety improvement proposals and implementation details for the target buildings, including conducting assessments of the target buildings; appointing fire engineering consultants to study the works details; as well as liaising with the BD and FSD on the vetting and acceptance processes, etc. The HD has been implementing the improvement works taking into account the difficulty and priority of the projects and basing on the acceptance progress of improvement proposals, scope of works, and co-ordination with other maintenance programmes of the target buildings concerned. In fact, shortly after the Ordinance took effect, some improvement works which are comparatively easy to implement, such as replacement of fire doors and installation of emergency lighting systems, have commenced by phase. Considering the large number of target buildings with varying architectural layout and designs, the HD, BD and FSD have been in close liaison in conducting joint inspections to each target building by phase to determine the required scope of fire safety improvement works for each building. The HD also submitted fire safety improvement proposals based on the requirements and subsequently arranged the necessary improvement works at once upon receipt of the acceptance from the BD and FSD. With regard to the louver enclosure works at the older PRH blocks, the fire engineering consultant pointed out that the domestic flats concerned are with louvers facing the internal corridor, which is not separated from the escape staircases. Therefore, in the event of fire accidents, the louvers of these flats could not resist fire and smoke, leading to proliferation of fire and smoke through the louvers to the internal corridor or other flats. Notwithstanding that some tenants had adopted different materials and methods to enclose the louvers on their own in the past years for privacy, sound insulation or security concerns, these materials or methods might not render effective fire resistance. The HD is aware that tenants may have different views on the louver enclosure works. Therefore, upon confirmation of the necessity of the enclosure works to enhance fire protection in 2018, the HD requested fire engineering consultants to conduct an in-depth investigation to explore the feasibility of using various materials or methods to formulate the most suitable approach. Our reply to various parts of the question is as follows: (1) The enclosure works involved around 240 PRH blocks in 53 estates of around 136 000 domestic flats. The HD first commenced the enclosure works in Fu Shan Estate in late October 2024, and the enclosure works will be progressively arranged in other estates concerned. (2) After a thorough study on the feasibility and safety of the enclosure works, upon on-site inspections and multiple discussions with the BD and FSD, the HD has decided to enclose the louver windows facing internal corridors with fire-resisting boards to enhance fire protection. In selection of enclosure materials, the HD has taken into account a wide range of criteria including the impact on the width of internal corridor as the means of escape, the specifications, supply of materials, cost, fire resistance, installation procedures, future maintenance, impact on tenants, etc. In fact, sufficient natural lighting and ventilation has been provided for all relevant domestic flats through balconies and windows. (3) The HD has deliberated on the specification details and work procedures of the enclosure works. Generally, works could be carried out outside domestic flats. Tenants are not required to attend or bear any cost. If tenants have enclosed the louvers on their own, no reinstatement by tenants is required. The HD will provide necessary assistance to residents for removal of their belongings hung on louvers. (4) In order to familiarise tenants with the arrangement details of the louver enclosure works, before the commencement of works in Fu Shan Estate, the HD posted notices and photos at the lift lobby on the ground floor and at the lobby on all floors in the PRH blocks concerned, displayed the mock-up of the enclosed louver in the estates, issued letters to affected households, and briefly introduced the progress of the works in Estate Newsletter. During the period of late September to early October 2024, the HD met with a number of Wong Tai Sin District Council members respectively to introduce and answer the enquiries about the relevant fire safety improvement works. In early October 2024, the HD also convened a briefing session on fire safety improvement works with the BD and FSD for tenants of Fu Shan Estate to introduce the Ordinance and the relevant works arrangement. Through the aforesaid publicity and explanatory work, the louver enclosure works in Fu Shan Estate has been implemented smoothly and no complaint related to the relevant works was received during the works period. The HD will make reference to the practice of Fu Shan Estate in conducting the publicity and explanatory work to PRH tenants in proceeding relevant improvement works in other PRH estates in future.
Ends/Wednesday, November 6, 2024Issued at HKT 15:05
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Lee Chun-keung and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, in the Legislative Council today (November 6):
Question:
It is learnt that while the brilliant results of the national team and the Hong Kong, China delegation in the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympic Games are heartening and have roused an instant craze for sports in Hong Kong, the shortage of sports venues in Hong Kong has all along been subjected to criticism. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) in respect of the Five-Year Plan for Sports and Recreation Facilities (Five-Year Plan) and the 10-year Development Blueprint for Sports and Recreation Facilities (10-year Blueprint) put forth in the 2017 Policy Address and the 2022 Policy Address respectively, of the Government’s concrete plans to expedite the construction progress of the uncompleted projects therein;
(2) apart from the projects covered by the Five-Year Plan and the 10-year Blueprint, of the Government’s other plans to increase the provision of district sports facilities; and
(3) whether it will consider converting some vacant markets into multi-purpose government buildings for the provision of facilities such as sports complexes; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
My consolidated reply to the questions raised by the Hon Lee Chun-keung is as follows:
(1) The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) strive to secure resources for implementing various projects for sports and recreation facilities as announced in the Five-Year Plan for Sports and Recreation Facilities (Five-Year Plan) and 10-Year Development Blueprint for Sports and Recreation Facilities (10-Year Blueprint). The projects are planned in accordance with public works procedures, including conducting technical feasibility studies (TFS), undertaking design, consulting District Councils and relevant stakeholders, tendering and seeking funding approval.
Out of the 26 projects under the Five-Year Plan, 21 projects have obtained funding approval. Among which, 13 projects have been opened or partially opened for public use and eight projects have their pre-construction activities/construction works commenced. Four projects are in the early stage of planning and one project has been incorporated in a redevelopment project in the district concerned. The 10-Year Blueprint involves 31 projects. For the 16 projects for implementation under Phase 1, two projects have obtained funding approval with related works in progress, 11 projects have completed the TFS and are pending funding application. The remaining three projects are in the planning stage prior to the TFS. As for the 15 projects recommended for conducting the TFS, one has been completed and is pending funding application. The Government will advance the progress of various projects subject to allocation of financial resources.
(2) The Government endeavours to provide quality and diversified sports and recreation facilities to the public for meeting their needs. Other than the Five-Year Plan and the 10-Year Blueprint, the Government will continue to plan for new sports facilities and improve existing facilities, taking into account various factors including the current provision of sports facilities across Hong Kong and at the district level, policy objectives of sports development, utilisation of existing facilities, demographic changes, views of the District Councils and relevant stakeholders, site availability, technical feasibility and allocation of financial resources. The LCSD also collaborates with other policy bureaux (such as the Harbour Office and the Invigorating Island South Office under the Development Bureau) and government departments (such as the Civil Engineering and Development Department) to jointly plan and implement sports and recreation facilities under other works projects (such as Public Open Space at East Coast Park Precinct at North Point) to cater for public needs.
(3) The Government is planning to convert some floors of the Kwun Chung Municipal Services Building into an Urban Sports Centre with a view to providing venues suitable for activities such as sport climbing, breakdancing, and skateboarding. Upon completion of the TFS of the project, the Architectural Services Department has commenced the design preparatory work since July this year. In addition to the plan for the conversion of some floors of the Kwun Chung Municipal Services Building, the Government will also review other existing facilities of relatively low utilisation (such as vacant markets) and explore the possibility of using those sites to provide appropriate sports facilities for promoting sports.
Chinese experts at a special forum in Beijing have pointed out that the root causes of the instability in the South China Sea are the United States picking sides on the South China Sea issue, certain claimants in relevant disputes attempting to enforce their illegal interests, and the illegal award of the arbitration tribunal in 2016. The experts from various research centers and universities discussed the issues at an event on Tuesday organized by the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (SCSPI). Responding to claims by some Western countries that China’s construction on some islands and reefs in Nansha Qundao had changed the “status quo” in the area, Wu Shicun, chairman of the Huayang Research Center for Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, explained that related moves by China are measures aimed at countering the Philippines’ arbitration claim and improving China’s unfavorable position on relevant islands and reefs under its jurisdiction. Such measures are both reasonable and lawful, Wu said. Hu Bo, director of the Center for Maritime Strategy Studies of Peking University, said that China’s claims to sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea have remained consistent and continuous. Hu said the main sources of the current instability and turbulence in the South China Sea can be attributed to two factors. Firstly, some claimant countries, such as the Philippines, have attempted to alter the status quo and even undermine the commitment made by all parties in the “Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea” not to occupy new uninhabited islands or reefs. Secondly, the involvement of the United States in the South China Sea disputes and its intensified military deterrence measures. Hu pointed to the fact that the situation in the South China Sea was generally more stable during the period from the end of the Cold War to 2009, when the United States paid less attention to the area and the Southeast Asian region. Some other experts, including Lei Xiaolu, a professor at the China Institute of Boundary and Ocean Studies of Wuhan University, and Zheng Zhihua, an associate professor at the Center for Japanese Studies under the Shanghai Jiao Tong University, criticized the illegal “arbitral award” in 2016. They stressed that it was made by a tribunal that had no jurisdiction, and that the award, in breach of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and of China’s rights as a State Party under the UNCLOS, is null and void and has no binding force. The experts also warned that the United States is attempting to draw forces outside the region into the South China Sea issue by hyping up fake narratives regarding freedom of navigation and overflight in the region, making the situation more complicated. However, the experts also said they believe the situation in the South China Sea is far less tense than claimed by some countries and portrayed by some media organizations. “It is the United States that poses the greatest threat to the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea,” said Yan Yan, director of the Research Center for Oceans Law and Policy, National Institute for South China Sea Studies. The United States interprets international maritime law navigation rules in a manner that aligns with its own national interests and imposes them as standards to compel regional countries to accept, a typical manifestation of American maritime hegemony, Yan added.
Cai Wenjia, a professor at Tsinghua University’s Department of Earth System Science and director of the Lancet Countdown Asia Center, speaks during the launch of the 2024 China Lancet Countdown report at Tsinghua University in Beijing, Nov. 5, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Lancet Countdown Asia Center] The worsening climate is increasingly endangering public health and threatening economic and social systems that underpin people’s well-being, according to a report released Tuesday. The 2024 China report of the Lancet Countdown on health and climate change, published by the Lancet Countdown Asia Center in Beijing, marks the fifth such assessment. The study monitors climate change health risks in China through 2023, along with the country’s adaptation and mitigation efforts. The report found that the health impacts of rising temperatures have been substantial. China faced extreme hot and dry weather conditions in 2023, with record-high temperatures and the second-lowest precipitation since 2012. These conditions led to a 309% surge in heatwave-related deaths, a 24% rise in lost work hours and diminished opportunities for outdoor activities. “The health risks of climate change are not in the far future. They’re imminent threats in front of us,” said Cai Wenjia, professor at Tsinghua University’s Department of Earth System Science and director of Lancet Countdown Asia Center. “Although already dangerous, recent health risks might be just a glimpse of even worse ones to come,” Cai said. The report projects that by the 2060s, annual average heatwave-related mortality, heat-related labor productivity losses and wildfire-related deaths will increase 183%-275% and 28%-37%, respectively, compared with 1986-2005 averages. Additionally, the annual excess risk of dengue fever incidence is expected to rise by 15.3%-15.5% from 2013-2019 levels. “It is another wake-up call that the climate crisis is the health crisis,” said Martin Taylor, WHO representative to China. He noted that dealing with climate-related health risks may become the new normal. Given unprecedented climate challenges, the report pointed out that China had taken considerable steps by 2023 to integrate health concerns into climate change discourse, particularly emphasizing the need for renewable energy in promoting a fair transition. “This shift promises not only environmental and economic benefits, but also public health benefits,” the report stated. The report outlined China’s specific initiatives in addressing climate change. The country established the “1+N policy framework” to realize its goals of peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality before 2060. Moreover, it has released the National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2035 and the National Climate Change Health Adaptation Action Plan (2024-2030) to combat climate-related health risks and enhance public health protection. Regarding carbon emission reduction, China represented more than half of the global increase in renewable energy capacity in 2023. This increase pushed the country’s total renewable capacity to surpass coal power installations for the first time. “This effort has significantly accelerated global initiatives made at the Conference of the Parties 28 (COP 28), which is to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 and reduce fossil fuel dependence,” Cai said.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Twelve teams from China and Singapore recently participated in an eco-city competition to explore innovation and implement green technologies in Tianjin municipality.
The teams were chosen from a pool of 147 for the 2024 “Eco-Innovation, Green Action” International Young Talents Innovation Competition & Eco-City Innovation Star Competition Finals held at the China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City on Oct 22.
Their aim was to adapt their green technologies to the eco-city, a pioneering green area being developed by China and Singapore.
The winning projects are poised to build upon previous successes in this area, part of Tianjin’s Binhai New Area.
One of China’s premier hubs for green development, the eco-city spans 30 square kilometers with a population of 160,000, and has been thriving on saline-alkali soil since its inception in 2008.
This year, the projects are expected to garner heightened attention from the local government, as a blueprint to transform the eco-city into a national model zone for green development received approval from the State Council in August.
The plan outlines standards and steps to elevate the eco-city to an internationally pioneering level in green development.
China and Singapore are joining forces to enhance green technologies, equipment, services, infrastructure and green financing initiatives.
“The new plan is set to propel the eco-city toward becoming a global exemplar in green and low-carbon development,” said Teo Eng Cheong, CEO of Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Investment and Development Co.
Since 2008, the builders of the eco-city have been exploring new technologies and approaches for environmental restoration, using scientific innovation to transform the area into a verdant oasis.
Fu Peng, deputy director of the Construction Bureau of China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City, said that to address the severe saline-alkali land, they employed techniques such as subsurface drainage for salt removal, leaching layers for salt isolation and using imported topsoil for planting.
“We prioritized the use of locally improved mildly saline-alkali soil to minimize ecological disruption in other areas,” Fu said.
“For moderate to mild saline-alkali land, we implemented measures including desalination, salt isolation, salt blocking, fertilization, and planting salt-tolerant vegetation to establish native plant communities. Also, we utilized key technologies for rainwater collection and salt leaching to improve the saline-alkali land,” he added.
To transform bodies of water, local authorities utilized the natural advantages of Tianjin being a coastal city to expand the water bodies within the area, enhancing circulation and improving aquatic ecosystems.
Designated as one of the “most beautiful rivers and lakes” in Tianjin, Jinghu Lake is the largest scenic lake within the eco-city, merging with the nearby Jiyun River before the river flows into the sea.
The lake was once a 2.56-sq-km sewage reservoir that had accumulated wastewater for 40 years.
Zhang Xinyu, an inspector from the local eco-environment bureau, said, “We treat the soil under the water and will never cease in our efforts in eco-rehabilitation.”
Furthermore, to maintain a healthy and stable ecosystem, the eco-city has established a target to grow at least 70 percent of indigenous plant species in the area.
The main tree species in the eco-city include winter gold trees (Sophora japonica), ash and black locust trees, which not only adapt well to the local climate but also reflect the regional style.
Species such as Platanus orientalis, ginkgo trees and begonias have been introduced to the area.
The city has incorporated ornamental plants to create a diverse and vibrant ecological landscape with distinct layers and notable seasonal changes.
In spring, the bright and beautiful weigela flowers bloom; summer sees the energetic sage in full swing; autumn showcases the exuberant display of seepweed; and in winter, the resilient lonicera maackii thrives.
Currently, greenery in the eco-city has exceeded 50 percent of its area, with 137 plant species.
The excellent ecological environment has attracted numerous wild animals to breed and thrive here, according to the administrative committee.
Surveys indicate that there are 332 animal species in the area, with endangered relict gulls — accounting for about 80 percent of its global population — choosing this area as their wintering and breeding grounds, the administrative committee said.
In addition to natural rehabilitation, the area has seen the country’s first zero-carbon building. It has widespread applications in solar energy, geothermal energy and wind power, according to the committee.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
HONG KONG — The three-runway system at the Hong Kong International Airport will go into service on Nov. 28, boosting the city’s aviation industry, a local official said Tuesday.
The new system will enable the airport to handle 120 million passenger trips and 10 million tons of cargo annually, said Michael Wong, deputy financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, at the opening ceremony of the Super Terminal Expo.
The airport handled 45 million passenger trips and 4.5 million tons of cargo during the previous financial year.
Wong expects the new system to generate considerable returns and make Hong Kong a stronger aviation hub.
Construction of the system began in August 2016. It is complete with a 3,800-meter runway, a new concourse, an automated people mover system, and a baggage handling system.
The three-day Super Terminal Expo started on Tuesday will showcase the latest developments in the aviation and transportation industries worldwide. It brings together around 2,000 participants and 100 exhibitors, as well as over 60 buyers including Singapore’s Changi Airport, Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, and the Incheon International Airport in Seoul.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Gary Zhang and a reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, in the Legislative Council today (November 6):
Question:
The Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) puts forward consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub, pursuing the development and positive interaction of airports in GBA, and developing a world-class airport cluster in GBA. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) whether it will study constructing certain sections of the Hong Kong Island West-Hung Shui Kiu Rail Link in parallel with the construction of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link, so as to facilitate direct passenger access to the MTR Sunny Bay Station when the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link is commissioned and to connect with Qianhai and Shenzhen Bay as well as the airports of Hong Kong and Shenzhen, thereby creating a Hong Kong-Shenzhen super aviation hub; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) as the Government has indicated earlier in its reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council that the implementation of the immigration arrangement of the co-location arrangement at Hong Kong International Airport, which involves legal and implementation issues, has to be carefully considered, whether the co-location arrangement will, according to the findings of the Government’s latest study, affect the transfer time of transit passengers and the mode of passenger transport for transit passengers to the Mainland; and
(3) whether it will consider expanding the mode of HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park to other GBA cities, so as to meet the demand of the manufacturing industries in GBA for international air transport; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
Hong Kong is an international aviation hub. This positioning is recognised in the National 14th Five-Year Plan and the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). To implement this national strategy and to enhance the long-term competitiveness of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and Hong Kong’s aviation industry, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) have launched a series of measures, including enhancing the connection between HKIA and the Mainland, to proactively contribute to the development of a world-class airport cluster in the GBA.
On the other hand, the HKSAR Government promulgated the Hong Kong Major Transport Infrastructure Development Blueprint at the end of last year. The Blueprint consolidates all major transport infrastructure currently under planning, design and construction in a forward-looking manner, and holistically outlines and plans for the development of strategic transport infrastructure, including the recommendation to take forward the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu-Qianhai) (HSWRL) and Hong Kong Island West-Hung Shui Kiu Rail Link, with a view to meeting the transport and logistics demand up to 2046 and beyond.
My reply to the three parts of the question is as follows:
(1) The Governments of HKSAR and Shenzhen are taking forward the HSWRL project through the Task Force for Hong Kong-Shenzhen Co-operation on Cross-Boundary Railway Infrastructure jointly established by the two governments. Currently, the first stage and second stage studies of the HSWRL project undertaken by the Task Force have been completed, which confirmed the strategic value and necessity of the project. The studies also initially assessed the planning, engineering feasibility, benefits, environmental impact, construction and operation arrangements of the railway scheme. The Governments of HKSAR and Shenzhen are now working together to commence the next stage of preparatory work. The current proposed alignment of the HSWRL should be able to meet the demand arising from the planned developments of the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area and Qianhai Co-operation Zone in Shenzhen, as well as the need for closer social, economic and personnel exchanges of the two places. In the long run, flexibility could be allowed for the Shenzhen and Hong Kong sections of HSWRL to extend northwards and southwards respectively.
Meanwhile, the HKSAR Government is planning for the transport infrastructure for the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands (KYCAI), amongst which the preliminary alignment of Hong Kong Island West-Hung Shui Kiu Rail Link will pass through the KYCAI, Sunny Bay, Tuen Mun East and Hung Shui Kiu for connection with the planned HSWRL. We will study the implementation programme and interchange arrangement at Sunny Bay Station, with a view to maximising the cost benefits of the related railway network.
(2) With regard to the proposal of enhancing the connection between Hong Kong and the Mainland via implementing “co-location arrangement” at HKIA, while there are precedents of the implementation of “co-location arrangement” at the road-based and rail-based boundary control points between the HKSAR and the Mainland, adopting such arrangement at HKIA will involve different legal and implementation issues and thus overall benefits, taking into account its mode of operation as an international aviation hub in connecting different destinations. As such, this has to be carefully considered.
One of the considerations under study is the transit time for passengers as mentioned by the Member. Currently, transit passengers can proceed to their boarding gates after security check without going through any clearance procedures at HKIA. If “co-location arrangement” is implemented at HKIA, transit passengers travelling to/from the Mainland must complete immigration and customs clearance procedures of the Mainland at HKIA, which may increase the transit time for these passengers depending on the specific arrangements. We will continue our study on the benefits and implications of the proposed implementation of “co-location arrangement” at the airport from various perspectives, including its potential impact on transit time.
Meanwhile, we will work with the AAHK to continue our efforts in putting forward measures to enhance clearance efficiency and connectivity with the Mainland, which includes developing the intermodal transport connection between HKIA and other cities in the GBA. In this regard, we will continue to pursue co-operation with Zhuhai Airport, including enhancing the Fly-Via-Zhuhai-HK service by promoting the service to more cities in the Mainland with which Hong Kong does not have direct flights. By integrating the international aviation network of HKIA and the domestic aviation network of Zhuhai Airport, we can achieve greater synergy and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub.
(3) Dongguan is the manufacturing centre in the GBA with large quantities of goods to be exported. With no airport in Dongguan, many goods manufactured in Dongguan and its neighboring regions are being transported to HKIA by land for exporting to the overseas every day. To fully capitalise on HKIA’s advantages in air cargo and to meet the demand for international aviation transport from the manufacturing sector in the GBA, the AAHK is taking forward the sea-air intermodal cargo transshipment mode in collaboration with Dongguan. Under this mode, export cargo from the Mainland can go through security screening, palletisation and cargo acceptance in advance in the upstream HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park set up in Dongguan. It will then be transported seamlessly by sea to the cargo pier on the airside of HKIA for direct transshipment to overseas destinations via Hong Kong’s international aviation network. International cargo may also be imported into the Mainland vice versa. This mode will provide a more seamless and convenient international air network for the cargo in the GBA, improve the efficiency of cross-border air cargo transshipment, and further leverage Hong Kong’s function as an air cargo transshipment hub.
The AAHK expects to complete the first-phase construction of the permanent facility of the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park Phase 1 by the end of next year in Dongguan and to commence the preliminary study of the development plan for Phase 2 development next year. In light of the fact that Dongguan is the manufacturing centre in the GBA, the AAHK will focus resources to press ahead with the development of the sea-air intermodal cargo transshipment mode and construction of the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park with Dongguan to maximise the benefits of the sea-air intermodal cargo transshipment mode.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ7: New Industrialisation and Technology Training Programme LCQ7: New Industrialisation and Technology Training Programme *************************************************************
Following is a question by the Hon Shang Hailong and a written reply by the Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, in the Legislative Council today (November 6): Question: It has been reported that between August 2022 and August 2024, a course provider, after successfully registering a number of courses supported by the New Industrialisation and Technology Training Programme (NITTP), allegedly obtained by fraud training grants using false trainee information, and was eventually granted a total of $1.89 million under NITTP. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) of the respective numbers of cases of fraud or abuse of training grants reported by members of the public and organisations, and those discovered through investigations initiated by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) and the Vocational Training Council (VTC), the Secretariat of NITTP, in each year since the launch of NITTP in 2018; (2) whether ITC and VTC currently have any task force or department responsible for preventing and investigating cases of fraud and abuse of training grants; if so, of the relevant staffing establishment, and the measures in place to prevent the recurrence of fraud and abuse; and (3) as the Government has earlier indicated that its target is to roll out the business version of “iAM Smart” progressively from the end of 2026 onwards, whether it will, on the premise that personal privacy is protected, verify the information (e.g. tax returns) of NITTP applicants or organisations in the system, so as to assist the relevant departments in vetting and approving NITTP applications as well as eradicating fraud or abuse? Reply: President, To nurture local innovation and technology talents, the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) launched the New Industrialisation and Technology Training Programme (NITTP) under the Innovation and Technology Fund in August 2018, which subsidises, on a 2 (Government):1 (enterprise) matching basis, local enterprises for training their staff in advanced technologies, especially those related to “new industrialisation”. Since the launch of the NITTP, the ITC has all along appointed the Vocational Training Council (VTC) as the Secretariat. Currently, the Secretariat has an establishment of 14 staff. My reply to the various parts of the question is as follows: (1) According to the information provided by the VTC, a total of 15 complaints related to the NITTP have been received in the past five years (i.e. from August 2018 to October 2024), covering issues on the quality of course providers/training courses, the administrative arrangements of the NITTP, as well as cases involving unscrupulous practices and false information. The VTC has referred eight cases with initial evidence suggesting of suspected illegal activities (including unscrupulous practices, identity thefts or submission of false information) to law enforcement agencies for follow-up. The VTC has immediately suspended the processing of these cases and stopped all relevant disbursements of training grants. (2) According to the latest Guidance Notes for Training Grant Applications (Training Grant Guide), employees nominated by companies applying for training grants must be under full-time employment of the company with the necessary background/experience relevant to the advanced technology concerned. The nominated trainee should hold a bachelor degree/higher diploma/diploma or above qualification (Qualification Framework level 3 or above) with at least one year of work experience relevant to the advanced technology of the subject nominated course. The NITTP also requires the applicant company to provide, among other things, a copy of the Hong Kong Identity Card of the relevant employees, records of Mandatory Provident Fund contribution of past three months, documentary proof of academic qualifications and proof of full-time work experience to the NITTP Secretariat before the commencement of training course. After completion of training course, the company should submit to the VTC all supporting documents required for disbursement of training grant, including confirmation of training completion and payment, as well as trainees’ survey. The VTC will verify the relevant supporting documents submitted by the company after completion of training course, and will only disburse training grant upon confirming that the documents submitted by the company are complete and the trainees have met the attendance requirement of the relevant courses. Separately, according to the Guidance Notes for Public Course and Tailor-made Course Applications and Training Grant Guide of the NITTP, the VTC may conduct surprise visits on any registered training courses without prior notice to the course providers to ensure that the training courses are conducted in compliance with the requirements of the relevant guidelines. In accordance with established procedures, the VTC will conduct independent surprise class visits on training courses organised by different course providers under the NITTP every month according to the relevant mechanisms. The surprise class inspection aims to assist in verifying that the registered courses are conducted in accordance with the approved course proposals. In this regard, surprise inspection personnel will confirm the identity of the trainer, check the course content and monitor the course duration. The manpower establishment provided by the VTC includes surprise inspection personnel. Since the VTC personnel involved are also responsible for other administrative duties, there is no breakdown on the number of personnel dedicated to carrying out surprise inspections. At the same time, the ITC and the VTC have formulated guidelines for on-site visits to companies applying training grant under the NITTP, covering the circumstances under which on-site visits shall be conducted, the criteria for inspections during on-site visits, the points-to-note for inclusion in the visit reports, as well as follow-up actions required in case of non-compliances found during the visit. The VTC will identify applicant companies of which on-site visits would be conducted on a risk-based approach. The ITC, together with the VTC, will continue to closely monitor the operation and effectiveness of the NITTP, review the application, registration and approval mechanisms of the NITTP in a timely manner and make amendments as and when necessary. (3) The Digital Corporate Identity (CorpID) Platform provides various functions, including corporate identity authentication, digital signing, pre-filling of forms and storage of digital licences and permits. Same as the personal digital identity authentication application “iAM Smart”, the CorpID Platform itself does not store data of other government systems (such as tax returns). When a corporation applies for or uses the CorpID for online services, the Platform will verify the information provided by the corporation (such as the name of the organisation, owners and directors, and the Unique Business Identifier) against the information registered with the relevant departments and check its status. If a department wishes to access the applicant corporation’s data stored in other government systems, it may do so through the Consented Data Exchange Gateway in compliance with existing laws and regulations.
Ends/Wednesday, November 6, 2024Issued at HKT 15:58
Following is a question by the Hon Dominic Lee and a written reply by the Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, in the Legislative Council today (November 6):Question: In September this year, members of the Panel on Transport of this Council conducted a duty visit to Shanghai and Hangzhou. During the duty visit, I have learnt that the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government accepts the presentation of electronic versions of identity cards on mobile phones by members of the public as legal identity documents. On implementing e-Government services, will the Government inform this Council:(1) whether it will, by drawing reference from the experiences of some Mainland cities, consider amending the legislation to accept Hong Kong identity cards presented by members of the public on designated mobile applications (e.g. “iAM Smart”) as legal identity documents, so that members of the public do not need to carry physical Hong Kong identity cards when they go out, thus making their daily lives more convenient; and (2) as the authorities indicated in January this year that they planned to introduce electronic driving licenses between the middle of this year and early next year, of the specific implementation date for the measure, and how the authorities plan to promote it to motorists?Reply: President, Having consulted the Security Bureau and the Transport and Logistics Bureau, a consolidated reply in response to the questions raised by the Hon Dominic Lee is as follows: (1) Hong Kong Identity Card (HKIC) is a document widely accepted for proving the identity of the cardholder in Hong Kong. Section 17C of the Immigration Ordinance (Cap. 115) stipulates that every person who has attained the age of 15 years and is the holder of an identity card or is required to apply to be registered under the Registration of Persons Ordinance (Cap. 177) shall have with him at all times proof of his identity. According to Section 17B(1) of the Immigration Ordinance, proof of identity includes, but is not limited to, his valid HKIC. Besides, citizens may need to produce ones’ proof of identity for identity verification based on individual circumstances (such as assisting public officers to enforce the laws or accessing Government-related services). As for the implementation of electronic HKIC, due to the need to consider many complicated factors, relevant government departments will study the feasibility to explore the way forward.(2) Relevant departments, including the Transport Department (TD) and the Department of Justice, etc. are carrying out the law drafting work for implementing electronic driving licence (DL), and will strive to introduce the bill to the Legislative Council as soon as possible, with a view to launching electronic DL within 2025. DL holders can then choose to carry either a physical DL or log in to a dedicated mobile application through “iAM Smart” or e-licensing portal to be launched by the TD to display the electronic DL on their smartphones. Upon the passage of the legislative amendments, the TD will promote the electronic DL to the public, in particular the DL holders, which include providing tutorial video on the website of the TD and relevant departments, producing promotional banners and leaflets, etc.
Ends/Wednesday, November 6, 2024Issued at HKT 16:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CE meets leaders of Shanghai (with photos/video) CE meets leaders of Shanghai (with photos/video) ************************************************
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (November 6) led a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government delegation to continue his visit in Shanghai. He met with leaders of Shanghai and exchanged views with representatives from enterprises and talent who have recently arrived to develop in Hong Kong. In the morning, Mr Lee met with enterprises and talent newly settled in Hong Kong to understand how their development is progressing and learn about their daily lives. Mr Lee welcomed them to the Hong Kong family and encouraged them to make good use of Hong Kong’s business and investment platforms, as well as its unique position and advantages in international finance, innovation and technology, and professional services, to expand their business and careers. Mr Lee stated that the HKSAR Government will continue to work diligently to attract enterprises and talent, assisting them in achieving successful development in Hong Kong while creating new impetus for the city’s growth. At noon, Mr Lee met with the Secretary of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Mr Chen Jining, and the Mayor of Shanghai, Mr Gong Zheng. The Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Zhou Ji, also attended the meeting. Mr Lee extended his congratulations on the successful opening of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) and expressed his hopes for fruitful outcomes. He thanked Mr Chen for his ongoing support of Hong Kong, and expressed his appreciation for the importance the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee and the Shanghai Municipal Government have attached to the HKSAR delegation, as well as their thoughtful arrangements. Mr Lee expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Central Government and the Shanghai Municipal Government for their strong support of the HKSAR Government in holding the Hong Kong Investment Promotion Conference – Shanghai Forum during this year’s CIIE, highlighting Hong Kong’s latest advantages and business environment to Mainland enterprises. Mr Lee also thanked the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee and the Shanghai Municipal Government for their emphasis on Shanghai-Hong Kong co-operation over the years. He noted that Shanghai and Hong Kong have maintained deep co-operation and close relations in various areas such as the economy and trade, finance, innovation and technology, education, culture, and youth exchanges. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, and the Sixth Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Conference was held in April, demonstrating that co-operation between the two places has reached new levels. Mr Lee is confident that the two places will continue to achieve complementarity and mutual benefits, fostering synergistic developments in different areas and contributing to the country’s high-quality development. Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong this afternoon.
Ends/Wednesday, November 6, 2024Issued at HKT 16:00
Hapag-Lloyd has equipped over 1.5 million containers with advanced tracking devices, integrating HERE Tracking into their real-time tracking solution to enhance inland Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) calculations across global transportation networks.
HERE Tracking delivers precise, AI-powered ETAs, providing Hapag-Lloyd with critical data for better operational planning, control and customer satisfaction.
Hamburg, Germany and Amsterdam, Netherlands — Hapag-Lloyd, a global leader in container shipping, and HERE Technologies, the leading location data and technology company, today announced a strategic partnership focused on significantly improving visibility in global supply chains. HERE Tracking enhances Hapag-Lloyd’s existing real-time smart container tracking solution Live Position with predictive ETAs for inland transportation, driving operational efficiency and improving customer satisfaction.
As supply chain disruptions continue to impact industries worldwide, the need for real-time visibility has never been greater. With the deployment of over 1.5 million container tracking devices to 90% of Hapag Lloyd’s total fleet, utilizing the HERE Tracking solution, Hapag-Lloyd can now accurately predict arrival of these containers across their rail, barge and truck transportation networks. The tracking devices will extend to Hapag-Lloyd’s entire fleet and include ETA prediction early next year.
By leveraging AI-powered, predictive ETAs from HERE, businesses and operations managers can rely on continuously updated data throughout the entire transport journey. This accuracy empowers more effective planning and decision-making, ultimately improving operational efficiency.
HERE Tracking, a versatile location service, offers customers the ability to monitor transportation in real time, both outdoors and indoors, and across multiple transportation modes. Along with predictive ETAs, the service also provides customizable geofencing for smart, event-based alerts and notifications and advanced post-trip analytics.
HERE Tracking is delivered via an application programming interface (API), offering seamless integration with existing enterprise software, and allowing customers to maintain full control of their data.
Jason Jameson, Chief Customer Officer at HERE Technologies, said: “We are excited to redefine the future of supply chain visibility together with Hapag-Lloyd and to provide their customers with the precise ETAs they need to stay competitive in a constantly evolving marketplace. We are looking forward to extending our partnership with Hapag-Lloyd to further enhance their service offerings for even greater operational efficiency and end-customer satisfaction.”
“As the first carrier to offer real-time visibility of our container locations through our Live Position product, Hapag-Lloyd is taking the next step with HERE to enhance inland ETA predictions,” said Patrick Briest, Head of Network & Operations IT Products at Hapag-Lloyd. “While we already know where each container is at any moment, our collaboration with HERE allows us to predict where it will be across any transport mode, in any country. This capability significantly boosts our operational planning and supports our customers with unparalleled precision in shipment timing.”
About HERE Technologies HERE has been a pioneer in mapping and location technology for almost 40 years. Today, the HERE location platform is recognized as the most complete in the industry, powering location-based products, services and custom maps for organizations and enterprises across the globe. From autonomous driving and seamless logistics to new mobility experiences, HERE allows its partners and customers to innovate while retaining control over their data and safeguarding privacy. Find out how HERE is moving the world forward at here.com.
About Hapag-Lloyd With a fleet of 287 modern container ships and a total transport capacity of 2.2 million TEU, Hapag-Lloyd is one of the world’s leading liner shipping companies. In the Liner Shipping segment, the Company has around 13,700 employees and 400 offices in 140 countries. Hapag-Lloyd has a container capacity of 3.2 million TEU – including one of the largest and most modern fleets of reefer containers. A total of 114 liner services worldwide ensure fast and reliable connections between more than 600 ports on all the continents. In the Terminal & Infrastructure segment, Hapag-Lloyd has equity stakes in 20 terminals in Europe, Latin America, the United States, India and North Africa. Around 2,900 employees are assigned to the Terminal & Infrastructure segment and provide complementary logistics services at selected locations in addition to the terminal activities.
The mysterious black balls that washed up on Sydney’s beaches in mid-October were likely lumps of “fatberg” containing traces of human faeces, methamphetamine and PFAS, according to a new detailed analysis of their composition.
Initial reports suggested the ominous lumps were probably tar balls from an oil spill. However, analysis with a barrage of scientific tests has revealed a more complicated picture.
The mysterious black balls
On October 16, the first reports emerged from Coogee Beach in Sydney’s east. Lifeguards reported numerous black spheres on the sand that appeared at first glance to be tar-like.
Similar sightings were soon reported at nearby Bondi, Bronte, Tamarama and Maroubra beaches, prompting immediate closures and cleanup efforts. Authorities initially feared these could be toxic “tar balls”, leading to health advisories and public warnings.
Preliminary testing by Randwick Council was consistent with tar balls made up of oil and debris.
Oil – or something more disgusting?
We set out to find out exactly what the black balls were made of and where they came from. We ran a wide range of tests and analyses with colleagues from UNSW in collaboration with the Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre and the the environmental forensics arm of the federal Department of Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water (DCCEEW). We also collaborated with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), and Randwick Council.
Initial testing, based primarily on results from a technique called solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, suggested the material resembled unrefined oil. However, further testing indicated a different, more disgusting, composition.
A cross section of one of the balls, showing its sandy coating and surface, some fibres, and the core. Jake Ireland, CC BY
Analysing the elements involved revealed the black goop was mostly carbon. Radiocarbon dating then showed only about 30% of the carbon had a fossil origin, suggesting fossil fuels were not the major component of the balls.
We also identified significant levels of calcium, and much smaller amounts of various metals. Spectroscopic tests showed signatures in the black balls matching fats, oils and greasy molecules often found in soap scum, cooking oil and food sources. This pointed to human waste.
PFAS, drugs and signs of faeces
The next step was to see if we could dissolve the substance in organic solvents. Only about one-third to one-half of the mass dissolved this way.
We were able to take a closer look at the dissolved part using a technique called mass spectrometry, which identifies molecules by their weight and electric charge. This revealed molecules found in vehicle-grade fuels as well as organic molecules such as fatty acids and glycerides.
We also identified industrial perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS or “forever chemicals”), steroidal compounds such as norgestrel, antihypertensive medications such as losartan, pesticides, and veterinary drugs. This is consistent with contamination from sewage and industrial runoff.
The crushed up interior of one ball, ready for testing. Jon Beves, CC BY
There were also signs of human faecal waste, including a cholesterol byproduct called epicoprostanol and residues of recreational drugs including tetrahydrocannabinol (also known as THC, a compound found in the cannabis plant) and methamphetamine. This is consistent with contributions from domestic waste.
Analysing the part of the mass that we couldn’t dissolve proved more challenging. Here we tried solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and a method called Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which uses infrared light to detect chemicals. The results suggested the presence of fats, but they were not definitive.
Were the blobs lumps of fatberg?
So what does all this mean? The high levels of fats, oils, greasy molecules and calcium, along with the low solubility, are consistent with a “fatberg”: a congealed mass of fats, oils and greasy molecules that can accumulate in sewage.
The detection of markers of human fecal matter, medication and recreational drugs suggest the origin may be sewage or other urban effluent. However, while the composition of these black balls suggests they may be similar to fatbergs, we cannot definitively confirm their exact origin.
The black ball incident does highlight the broader issue of pollution along Sydney’s coastline.
Recent reports indicate about 28% of monitored swimming sites in New South Wales are prone to pollution. Many receive poor water quality ratings, especially after rain. Beaches such as Gymea Bay, Coogee Beach, Malabar Beach, and Frenchmans Bay have been identified as areas of concern, with advisories against swimming due to contamination from human faecal matter.
Urban waste pollution
Analysing and understanding urban waste pollution is not an easy task. It requires a multi-disciplinary approach.
To unravel the complex composition of the blobs, we used carbon-14 dating, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and microscopy techniques.
Even after all we did, we cannot yet draw definitive conclusions regarding the primary source of the blobs. This uncertainty reflects the broader challenges faced by scientists and environmental agencies in tracking and addressing pollution in coastal areas.
This incident underscores the importance of thorough scientific analysis in understanding environmental issues. By continuing to investigate the sources and composition of such pollutants, we can learn more about how urban waste management affects the health of our coasts.
This research was led by UNSW researchers, including Associate Professor Jon Beves, Dr Tim Barrows, Dr Martin Bucknall, Professor William Alexander Donald, Dr Albert Fahrenbach, Dr Sarah Hancock, Dr Christopher Hansen, Ms Lisa Hua, Dr Martina Lessio, Dr Chris Marjo, Associate Professor Vinh Nguyen, Dr Martin Peeks, Dr Aditya Rawal, Dr Chowdhury Sarowar, Professor Timothy Schmidt, Dr Jake Violi and Dr Helen Wang.
Jon Beves receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. He is affiliated with The Greens.
William Alexander Donald receives funding from the Australian Research Council, the US National Institutes of Health, iCare Dust Diseases Care, Coal Services NSW Health and Safety Trust, as well as industry-funded research contracts.
This is a rolling guide to articles and audio published by The Conversation in the immediate run-up to and aftermath of the election, with some explainers about the process. This page is updated from the top, so older references are moved down the page.
The United States has made its choice. At just before 8am GMT (3am Florida time) Donald Trump took to the stage at the West Palm Beach convention center and claimed victory for the Republican Party. His declaration came minutes after it was announced he was going to win in the key state of Pennsylvania with its 19 electoral college votes.
He thanked a large crowd of his adoring supporters, saying: “This was a movement like nobody’s ever seen before, and frankly, this was, I believe, the greatest political movement of all time. There’s never been anything like this in this country, and maybe beyond.”
It’s been a turbulent four months since outgoing president Joe Biden announced he was terminating his bid for a second term and the battlelines between the two candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris were drawn. Soon we will know who will lead the US for the next four years.
From here, with the help of some of the sharpest analysts of US politics, we’ll keep you updated and informed as the situation develops.
Dafydd Townley, teaching fellow in international security at University of Portsmouth, has written an overview of how the election went down, with turnout looking high and no major incidents of violence, despite what look like numerous bomb hoaxes with possible Russian origins.
Turnout has been impressive and initial speculation is that Trump has surpassed his rural support from 2020 while Democrat Kamala Harris only matched the suburban numbers that Biden achieved four years ago. NBC exit polls also showed Trump had more support from voters under 30 than any Republican candidate since 2008.
Natasha Lindstaedt says that academics and pundits got the polls badly wrong in 2024.
The polls were right – he had a lot more strength [than we all thought]. We thought the polls were seriously underestimating Kamala Harris and that she was doing far better than they were predicting, when they said it was a knife edge. But it turns out they were underestimating Trump.
The US has moved to the right. The abortion bill wasn’t overturned in Florida, Ted Cruz won by ten points in Texas, a state that we thought might be competitive. We thought with this Iowa poll that Harris might be more competitive with white voters. It’s been a great night for Trump and an absolute disaster for the Democrats.
She said that many people following the campaign thought that women were going to turn out and that would make the difference. But in fact it didn’t.
Trump gained a lot more than he had in 2020 – probably due to nostalgia of what his administration was like, looking at it through rose-coloured glasses, forgetting the chaos and all the upheaval he created himself. Now he’s going to inherit a great economy – and he’s going to take credit for it.
Trump wins Pennsylvania, declares victory
Donald Trump claimed victory in the 2024 presidential election. It followed hot on the heels of the networks announcing he had won the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Richard Hargy says the state has played an important part in the whole campaign, he says.
It was in Butler, Pennsylvania, last July, where Trump survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally after a gunman opened fire from a nearby rooftop.
The Trump victory in Pennsylvania was greatly helped by the world’s richest man, Elon Musk’s intercession into the presidential election. He financed a multi-billion dollar door-knocking operation across the state and held events in support of Donald Trump.
On Monday a Pennsylvania judge had ruled that a $1-million-a-day voter sweepstake organised by Musk was legal and could continue into Tuesday’s election.
When will we know the result?
To get an idea of the scale of the task of counting votes, take a look at the below map of the US colour-coded by poll closing times. How long the count could take is anyone’s guess at this stage. Each state has its own rules.
Ahead of the polls closing Richard Hargy, an expert in US politics from Queen’s University Belfast, wrote a guide to the process, when the votes are counted and when we might start to see results.
Delays are baked into the process, such as Pennsylvania, which doesn’t allow votes cast before election day or ballots posted in to be counted until polls close, which was at 8pm (1am GMT).
So we’ll just have to be patient. In the mean time, you can also read Hargy’s explainer on the “electoral college” system, which can mean that the candidate with the most votes may not win the presidency.
Scott Lucas, professor of international politics at University College Dublin, believes that in a cliffhanger election, a clue to the outcome may be in the size of turnout. More than 80 million Americans voted early – around half of the total turnout in 2020 and around one-third of the eligible electorate.
The 80 million figure takes on added significance with the recognition that it is not that distant from the 104 million who participated early in the “pandemic” election four years ago. And that 2020 ballot, with 158.4 million votes and almost 67% participation, was the largest turnout since 1900.
Who does that favour? Probably Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Trumpists will turn out for their man come hell or high water. The large question mark has been whether potential Harris voters would sit on their hands, whether from lack of enthusiasm or dissatisfaction on issues such as Israel’s open-ended war on Gaza.
Any prediction in this election is a risk. But it might be worth setting a marker: if turnout matches or exceeds the record set in 2020, Kamala Harris could be on the way to the White House.
Tense moment for the US
During the campaign there have been two assassination attempts on former president Trump as well as arson attacks on ballot boxes and ballots damaged. In Arizona the Democratic party was forced to close one of its offices after it had been shot at three times.
Dafydd Townley, a fellow in international security at Portsmouth University, believes that there could be a reluctance to accept the result and that this could result in further disturbances. He has written about how much violence there has been during this campaign.
Dafyyd Townley comments on post-election violence.
How race has played into the campaign
Rhianna Garrett, PhD researcher and global coordinator of the critical mixed race studies executive board at Loughborough University, says that Trump’s campaign has been “littered with attempts to weaponise” the multiracial heritage of his Democrat opponent Kamala Harris.
Much of this has been a dog-whistle attempt to stir up his own base, partly with fairly blatant appeals to latent feelings of racism, but also as a tool to position Harris as deceiving and untrustworthy by apparently blurring and shifting her own background.
In August, not long after Harris took over the Democrat ticket from Biden, Trump appeared at the National Association of Black Journalists conference when he wrongfully claimed that Harris was changing her identity, stating: “I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black, So I don’t know. Is she Indian or is she Black?”.
For her part, Harris’s campaign has also used her multiracial heritage to further their political agendas. On the White House website, she is described as “the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American” to hold a vice-presidential position, which has effectively attempted to position her as a winner. Harris herself has also foregrounded “race” on her campaign website. In attempt to attack Trump’s campaign, she strategically aims to promote Black and Latino men specifically, as well as women’s rights. These are key voter groups she has aimed to mobilise through identity politics.
Trump and winning male voters
Donald Trump widened his appeal to male voters in this election, with polling indicating that he was picking up more support from Black and Latino men, as well as more young men more widely.
One reason for this may be that in 2024 young men are more conservative than any other group in the US. Another reason why gender has become a divisive issue is the overturning of Roe v Wade, the legal case that gave American women abortion rights.
Read more on the gender divide in this article from Natasha Lindstaedt, a professor of government at Essex University.
Julie Posetti, professor of journalism at City St George’s, University of London, and global director of research at the International Center for Journalists, recently conducted a survey of more than 1,000 Americans on their attitudes to the press.
Breaking down the results, they were able to build a picture of what people in the US think of targeting journalists for criticism and even abuse. You can read all about the study here.
When Trump speaks – his supporters hear him loud and clear
Channel 4 is showing pictures of the Trump party at the Palm Beach Convention Center, where the Maga faithful are celebrating the news that it appears that Trump has retaken Georgia in his second swing-state victory. Their idol is expected to join them soon.
While we wait for him to speak, here’s a fascinating piece on Trump’s rhetorical style by Loren D. Marsh of the Humboldt University of Berlin. His speeches have been ridiculed by his opponents during the campaign. They say he’s unfocused, rambling and at times nonsensical. He calls it the “weave” and says it’s genius. Marsh says that whatever you may think, it seems to work for his supporters.
Far from being a liability or an indication he is incapable of staying on message, Trump’s “weave” may well be his intuitive rhetorical strategy, a way of taking control of the media narrative.
I congratulate Donald Trump on his election as President of the United States.
I look forward to working with him again to advance peace through strength through NATO.
Through NATO, the US has 31 friends and Allies who help to advance US interests, multiply American power and keep Americans safe.
Together, NATO Allies represent half of the world’s economic might and half of the world’s military might.
We face a growing number of challenges globally, from a more aggressive Russia, to terrorism, to strategic competition with China, as well the increasing
alignment of China, Russia, North Korea and Iran.
Working together through NATO helps to deter aggression, protect our collective security, and support our economies.
President-elect Trump demonstrated strong U.S. leadership throughout his first term in office – a term that turned the tide on European defence spending, improved transatlantic burden sharing, and strengthened Alliance capabilities.
When President-elect Trump takes office again on January 20, he will be welcomed by a stronger, larger, and more united Alliance.
Two-thirds of Allies now spend at least 2% of their GDP on defence, and defence spending and production are on an onward trajectory across the Alliance.
We must continue these efforts in order to preserve peace and prosperity across North America and Europe.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by Professor the Hon Priscilla Leung and a reply by the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, in the Legislative Council today (November 6):
Question:
There are views pointing out that, given the nascent recovery from the epidemic and current volatility in international politics, many enterprises in Hong Kong are still facing huge survival pressure. Results of a survey on the business index for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) published by a statutory body in August this year have indicated that Hong Kong’s overall business index for the third quarter retreated by 4.8 to 42.5, reaching the lowest level since the third quarter of 2022. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) as it has been reported that, as pointed out in the survey findings published by a trade association in August this year, nearly half of the SME respondents indicated their difficulty in financing due to the long processing time and cumbersome procedures for the Government’s handling of applications lodged under various funding schemes, how the Government will enhance efficiency in vetting and approving applications under the funding schemes, so as to assist enterprises in financing;
(2) whether it has reviewed if various financial regulators and statutory bodies (e.g. the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Insurance Authority) have aligned with the Government’s general direction of providing assistance and room for survival for those enterprises at risk of closure but with a chance to survive, thereby ensuring their survival; if it has reviewed and the outcome is in the affirmative, of the details; if the outcome is in the negative, the reasons for that; and
(3) whether the Government and the statutory bodies concerned will review the existing disciplinary policies for certain industries in response to prevailing trends and circumstances, e.g. deferring the takeover of insolvent enterprises; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
The Government is dedicated to providing a reliable and business-friendly environment and support for enterprises to grow healthily. Having regard to the economic situation and needs of the trade, the Government has also from time to time enhanced various measures to assist enterprises (especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs)) in developing markets and addressing various challenges.
Stepping into 2024, the global market situation remains unstable. Alongside the strength of the Hong Kong dollar and change in consumption patterns of visitors and the local public, the pace of recovery is uneven across different sectors. To this end, the Chief Executive announced in the 2024 Policy Address eight measures to assist SMEs in addressing the challenges often encountered during economic restructuring, including, under the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme, launching again the principal moratorium, extending the maximum loan guarantee periods of the 80% and 90% guarantee products to 10 years and eight years respectively, and offering partial principal repayment options to new loans under the two guarantee products, so as to alleviate the repayment burden on SMEs; injecting $1 billion into the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund) to assist SMEs in upgrading their business operations and developing new markets; expanding the scope of Cyberport’s Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme (DTSPP); strengthening brand development of SMEs; and enhancing the services of the Hong Kong Design Centre and incentives for recurrent exhibitions, with a view to alleviating the operating pressure of SMEs and helping them further expand businesses.
Besides, the Policy Address has emphasised the promotion of the development of new quality productive forces, including encouraging enterprises to grasp the opportunities brought about by electronic commerce, developing the low-altitude economy, expanding the silver market, as well as fostering trading of liquor, thereby creating more business opportunities for SMEs.
Having consulted the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Insurance Authority (IA), the consolidated reply to the various parts of the question is as follows:
Regarding the Government’s funding schemes, bureaux have been reviewing and enhancing their operations, including expediting the application process. Taking the BUD Fund as an example, to facilitate enterprises’ application submission, we have simplified the application form, redesigned the webpage to provide graphic illustration of the application process, application tips and success stories, etc. We have also allowed online submission of applications and project reports by applicant enterprises. The “Easy BUD” launched in June 2023 further assists applicants in preparing applications and implementing projects with a funding amount of $100,000 or below, and shortened the target processing time by half to within 30 working days, thereby helping SMEs expand their businesses swiftly.
Besides, since this year we have included new functions and information on the webpage of the SME Export Marketing Fund to facilitate online submission of supporting documents and information by applicant enterprises and expedite the application process.
As regards the DTSPP, Cyberport has set up a dedicated website to assist SMEs in selecting off-the-shelf basic digital solutions, and is continuously enhancing the efficiency for processing applications, thereby expediting approval procedures.
On the issue of financing, the Government has been paying close attention to SME lending. Among others, since the establishment of the Banking Sector SME Lending Coordination Mechanism (Mechanism) by the HKMA and the banking sector in 2019, several rounds of measures have been introduced to support SMEs, including the Pre-approved Principal Payment Holiday Scheme, deferment of repayment period and conversion of trade financing lines into temporary overdraft facilities. Noting that some SMEs are still facing challenges in their business operations, the HKMA together with the Mechanism introduced nine SME support measures in March 2024. These include banks’ undertaking to follow the HKMA guidance not to demand early repayments from borrowers who continue to make mortgage payments on schedule; banks will take into account a range of factors such as the borrowing enterprise’s credit position and repayment ability when performing periodic credit reviews. In the first six months since the launch of the nine support measures, a total of around 20 000 SMEs had benefitted, involving an aggregate credit limit of over $44 billion.
In August 2024, the HKMA and the Hong Kong Association of Banks jointly established the Taskforce on SME Lending to further strengthen the work for supporting SMEs’ access to bank financing at both the individual case and the sector levels. The HKMA and the banking sector introduced five new measures in October 2024, including the release of bank capital to facilitate the financing needs of SMEs and setting aside a total of over $370 billion of dedicated funds to support SMEs.
The HKMA has also required banks to be sympathetic and offer suitable credit relief to borrowing enterprises which face genuine repayment difficulties under the overarching principle of prudent risk-management principles.
Since banks must maintain effective risk management to safeguard depositors’ interest, for certain loan cases where there are no improvements despite relief or restructuring arrangements, while banks will inevitably have to manage these cases as appropriate, they should ensure that communication with customers be conducted in an accommodative manner.
As for the insurance sector, the principal statutory functions of the IA are to protect existing and potential policyholders, maintain the overall market stability, and promote the global competitiveness of Hong Kong’s insurance industry. In the daily work of the IA, if an authorised insurer faces short term operational challenges, the IA would seek ways to help it overcome the difficulties in a pragmatic manner. If there is severe contravention of legal requirements, the IA will take decisive interventions to prevent policyholders’ interests from being jeopardised.
The Government and the financial regulators will continue to maintain communication with the banking industry and the commercial sector so as to understand the financing needs of SMEs, and to work in concerted efforts to support their continuous development, upgrading and transformation.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Carmen Kan and a written reply by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, in the Legislative Council today (November 6):
Question:
Regarding the monitoring of charitable institutions, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the following information of charitable institutions as at September 30 of each of the past three years (set out in a table):
(i) the respective numbers of tax-exempt charitable institutions recognised by the Inland Revenue Department under section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) whose tax exemption status was approved and withdrawn, as well as the percentages of such numbers in the total number of institutions for that year and the year-on-year rates of change; (ii) the number of charitable institutions (set out by type) as well as the amounts of donations exempted from tax and the year-on-year rates of change; and (iii) a list of the 50 charitable institutions being granted the highest amounts of government funding, the amounts of funding granted to them, as well as the percentages of such amounts in the total amount of funding for that year and the year-on-year rates of change;
(2) whether it will, on the basis of its experience in making reference to common law precedents over the years, study the formulation of a legal definition of “a charitable institution or charitable trust of a public character” under section 88 of Cap. 112 applicable to the situation in Hong Kong; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(3) as the newly amended Charity Law of the People’s Republic of China has been formally implemented on the Mainland since September 5 this year to regulate charitable organisations, whether the authorities will enact a Charity Ordinance; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(4) given that in reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on February 21 this year, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau indicated that the Bureau would, in the light of the relevant circumstances, consider setting up a dedicated department or organisation as the regulator of charitable institutions, of the factors considered by the authorities in the light of the current situation, and whether they will set up the relevant organisation as soon as possible; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that, as well as the measures in place to monitor the operation of charitable institutions; and
(5) given that pursuant to a recommendation in Report No. 68 of the Public Accounts Committee, the authorities have drawn up a new “Good Practice Guide on Charitable Fund-raising” (the Guide), of the effectiveness of the Guide; whether they will consider making it mandatory for charitable institutions to comply with the Guide; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
In consultation with the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB), the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), the Home Affairs Department (HAD) and the Social Welfare Department (SWD), my reply, on behalf of the Government, to the various parts of the question raised by the the Hon Carmen Kan is as follows:
(1) (i) Charities are exempted from tax if they meet the conditions stipulated in section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) (IRO), i.e. (a) the profits are applied solely for charitable purposes; (b) the profits are not expended substantially outside Hong Kong; and (c) either the trade or business is exercised in the course of the actual carrying out of the expressed objects of the charity, or the work in connection with the trade or business is mainly carried on by persons for whose benefit the charity is established.
As at September 30 of the past three years, the total number of tax-exempt charities, charities newly exempted from paying tax and charities with tax exemption status withdrawn by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD); and their year-on-year rates of change and percentages in the total number of tax-exempt charities are set out below:
Year Total number of tax-exempt charities Charities newly exempted from paying tax Charities with tax exemption status withdrawn
Number (Note) and year-on-year change Percentage in total number of tax-exempt charities Number and year-on-year change Percentage in total number of tax-exempt charities
2022 9 856 449 4.6% 211 2.1%
2023 10 347 655 (+45.9%) 6.3% 208 (-1.4%) 2%
2024 10 699 578 (-11.8%) 5.4% 267 (+28.4%) 2.5%
Note: The figures do not include charities tax exemption status of which had been withdrawn and later reinstated.
(ii) As at September 30 of the past three years, the numbers of tax-exempt charities (categorised by legal structure) are as follow:
Year Number of tax-exempt charities Total
Incorporated under the Companies Ordinance Registered under the Societies Ordinance Trusts Others (Note)
2022 7 586 743 432 1 095 9 856
2023 8 071 742 438 1 096 10 347
2024 8 419 743 441 1 096 10 699
Note: “Others” comprises mostly incorporated management committees established under the Education Ordinance, statutory bodies, ad hoc special committees and overseas companies registered under the Companies Ordinance.
Donations made by taxpayers to charities exempted from paying tax under section 88 of the IRO are tax deductible. In the past three financial years, the amounts of approved charitable donations allowed and the year-on-year rates of change are set out below. However, as there is a cap on the amount of tax-deductible donations to charities, the following figures do not represent the amount of tax-exempt donations received by charities each year:
Year of assessment Approved charitable donations allowed under profits tax Approved charitable donations allowed under salaries tax Total and year-on-year rate of change ($ billion)
Amount and year-on-year rate of change ($ billion) Amount and year-on-year rate of change ($ billion)
2020/21 4.35 7.45 11.8
2021/22 6.9 (+58.6%) 7.4 (-0.7%) 14.3 (+21.2%)
2022/23 5.16 (-25.2%) 7.27 (-1.8%) 12.43 (-13.1%)
The tax returns for the year of assessment 2023/24 are being processed. Hence, IRD is unable to provide the statistics for that financial year at the moment.
(iii) At present, the monitoring of different charitable organisations currently involves various policy bureaux/departments. The Government does not centrally maintain and consolidate the relevant data.
(2) to (4) In processing applications for tax exemption under section 88 of the IRO, IRD has been making reference to the relevant common law cases to determine whether an organisation’s object is a charitable purpose at law, and whether the organisation is established for public benefit. IRD regularly reviews the tax-exempt charities to ascertain whether their objects are still of charitable nature and whether the activities are compatible with their stated objects. The existing mechanism has been effective in handling tax matters under section 88 of the IRO.
In addition to the abovementioned tax arrangement for charitable organisations, charitable organisations which wish to conduct fund-raising activities in public places shall apply for the relevant permits or licences from the FEHD, HAD or SWD.
With reference to the recommendations in the Law Reform Commission Report on Charities published in December 2013 (LRC Report), relevant Audit Report and the Public Accounts Committee Report (PAC Report), the Government has introduced a series of administrative measures in phase since 2018 with a view to further enhancing the transparency and accountability of charitable fund-raising activities. For example, uploading all audited accounts submitted by organisations which obtained approval to organise charitable fund-raising activities to the fund-raising activities page of GovHK for reference by the public; issuing the “Good Practice Guide on Charitable Fund-raising” (Good Practice Guide) and encourage adoption by charitable organisations; and setting up a dedicated hotline for handling enquiries or complaints in relation to charitable fund-raising activities held by organisations in public places, etc.
Since the legislation and monitoring in relation to charitable organisations involve different bureaux / departments, and that the recommendation of setting up a dedicated department or organisation as the regulator of charitable organisations carries significant implications on the definition and operation of charitable organisations in Hong Kong, it takes time for the Government to study and consider the recommendations thoroughly and carefully.
(5) As mentioned above, with reference to the LRC Report, relevant Audit Report and the PAC Report, the HAD, SWD and FEHD issued the Good Practice Guide to provide the best practices for organising charitable fund-raising activities. Relevant departments have been encouraging the adoption of the Good Practice Guide by charitable organisations to ensure the accountability and transparency of charitable fund-raising activities and the use of donations so received.
In respect of the HAD, under the Gambling Ordinance (Cap. 148), anyone who wishes to conduct a lottery event in Hong Kong has to apply for a licence. The Office of the Licensing Authority (OLA) under the HAD is responsible for processing applications for lottery licences. Lottery licences are issued to bona fide organisations to conduct lottery ticket sales for the purpose of fund-raising, and funds so raised are to be used to meet the organisations’ operating expenses or for donations to local registered charities, or both. In fact, the conditions stated in the lottery licences issued have already covered some of the suggested good practices, including the preparation of income and expenditure statement regarding the sales of lottery tickets. The OLA will continue to promote the voluntary adoption of the Good Practice Guide.
Besides, the FEHD also encourages charitable organisations which applied for a Temporary Hawker Licence for setting up any booth in public places to sell goods for raising funds, to adopt the Good Practice Guide on a voluntary basis. The FEHD has provided a link for downloading the Guidelines on its website.
In respect of the SWD, since the publication of the Good Practice Guide, all organisations that have applied for a Public Subscription Permit (PSP) from the SWD have committed to observing the Guide (except for one organisation that had adopted another set of guidelines which also complies with the standards of good practice). The major arrangements contained in the Good Practice Guide, including the rights of donors, fund-raising practices and financial accountability, etc., have been incorporated into the permit conditions of the PSP for organisations issued with the PSP to comply with.
As some or the major arrangements contained in the Good Practice Guide have already been incorporated into the conditions stated in different permits or licences for conducting charitable fund-raising activities, the Government has no plan to further mandate the charitable organisations to adopt the Good Practice Guide at this stage. The Government will continue to encourage charitable organisations to adopt the Good Practice Guide.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Chan Yuet-ming and a reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, in the Legislative Council today (November 6):
Question:
It has been reported that the numbers of inbound and outbound passenger trips at the Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point (HYW BCP) have continued to hit record highs, resulting in snaking queues during both weekends and holidays. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) whether it has examined the reasons for the occurrence of snaking queues at HYW BCP; whether it will consider upgrading HYW BCP to increase its clearance capacity and discuss with the Office of Port of Entry and Exit of the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government short and medium-term improvement measures, including increasing the number of entry/exit gates and X-ray machines, as well as implementing the various enhancement measures under the Special Action Plan for Improving the Efficiency of Shenzhen Ports; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) as it has been reported that Macao introduced iris self-service channels at the Border Gate Port last year, whether the authorities have plans to introduce the relevant technology or upgrade the Automated Passenger Clearance System to tie in with the future implementation of the “collaborative inspection and joint clearance” mode at HYW BCP; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(3) as it has been reported that the public car park at HYW BCP is often full during weekends, and that the use of the nearby private car park by members of the public has also caused traffic chaos, whether the authorities will review the user-friendliness and intelligence of the booking system of the car park so as to increase the efficiency of its use, and introduce measures or consider widening the roads around HYW BCP to improve traffic conditions?
Reply:
President,
The Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point (HYW BCP) is the first BCP which adopts the design of “direct access to people and vehicles”, with a designed handling capacity of about 30 000 passenger trips daily. The HYW BCP has been well-received by the public since the commissioning of passenger clearance service in February 2023. As at September 2024, the HYW BCP recorded a daily average of about 70 000 cross-boundary passenger trips, and during weekends and public holidays, a daily average of over 80 000 cross-boundary passenger trips. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will continue to enhance the handling capacity of BCPs and apply innovative technology to provide more efficient clearance services.
Having consulted the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and the Transport and Logistics Bureau, a reply to the questions raised by Hon Chan Yuet-ming is as follows:
(1) The relevant departments have been taking various measures, including flexible deployment of manpower, optimisation of workflow, and effective use of information technology, etc., to enhance the handling capacity and efficiency of the HYW BCP.
To further increase the overall handling capacity, the Immigration Department (ImmD) has set up 10 additional mobile counters in the passenger arrival hall of the HYW BCP, and completed the enhancement works in early June this year to replace certain traditional counters with e-Channels, thereby increasing the total number of e-Channels in the passenger arrival hall from 14 to 18. The Customs and Excise Department has also been adopting a risk management approach to select passengers for examination to avoid inconvenience caused to other cross-boundary passengers. During festive periods or long holidays, relevant government departments will minimise leave for frontline officers, operate additional counters and channels, and deploy more security guards to assist in crowd management to ensure smooth passenger flow at the BCP.
In the light of the above measures, citizens can complete immigration clearance in a few minutes during non-peak periods of ordinary days at HYW BCP; whereas for weekends and festive peak periods, citizens can complete immigration clearance within 15 minutes most of the time. Since the commissioning of passenger clearance service in February 2023, there were only four occasions during long holidays on which citizens’ average waiting time was recorded to exceed 15 minutes. The average waiting time did not however exceed 30 minutes on such occasions.
In view of the considerable number of tour groups choosing to enter and exit Hong Kong through the HYW BCP, the Tourism Commission has been maintaining close liaison with the tourism industry for making necessary arrangement for clearance of the tour groups. Relevant departments have also maintained close liaison with the Mainland port authorities through the established port hotlines and real-time notification mechanism, to closely monitor the passenger traffic at the BCP and to take diversion measures when necessary to ensure smooth operation of the BCP.
The HKSAR Government has also maintained close liaison with relevant Mainland authorities to discuss and take forward various BCP enhancement measures. It is understood that to take forward items related to clearance in the “Special Action Plan for Improving the Efficiency of Shenzhen Ports”, relevant Mainland authorities have implemented various enhancement arrangements, including introducing diversion measures at the port building and setting up waiting area for tour groups near the control point, etc, while exploring other enhancement measures.
(2) Apart from the common fingerprint and facial recognition, biometric authentication also includes other technologies such as iris and palm print recognition, etc. Every technology has its own advantages and limitations. Taking iris recognition as an example, its accuracy is higher as iris features of each individual are different. However, iris recognition may not be applicable to people with eye diseases (such as cataract) due to damaged iris features.
It is understood that the “iris recognition self-service channels” implemented in Macao at present allow registered Macao residents, under the “separate-location arrangement” mode, i.e. clearance procedures are conducted at the places of departure and arrival in each jurisdiction, to use the iris recognition technology to undergo clearance at Macao side. This mode does not apply to the “collaborative inspection and joint clearance” mode at the moment.
As visitors will only need to have their identities verified once to complete the respective clearance procedures of both sides under the “collaborative inspection and joint clearance” mode, the detailed operation would need to be agreed by the Shenzhen and HKSAR Governments before confirmation. The two Governments are discussing the operational details in depth regarding the “collaborative inspection and joint clearance” mode at the new Huanggang Port, and the current plan is to use facial and fingerprint information for identification of cross-boundary passengers.
(3) There are two fee-paying public car parks in the non-closed areas of the HYW BCP, which have been leased out to car park contractors for operation by the Government Property Agency (GPA), providing a total of 415 private car, 36 motorcycle and 15 light goods vehicle parking spaces. Since its operation in February 2023, the GPA has been reviewing the parking need and the operation of the online pre-booking system, and had rolled out two enhancement measures last year including, accepting on-site booking of parking spaces for private cars and motorcycles during non-peak periods, i.e. except for weekends, public holidays and their preceding working day, since July, and releasing the parking spaces of cars leaving early for public use since October.
The GPA is also currently enhancing the online pre-booking system. At present, the online pre-booking system only allows the public to reserve parking spaces from two hours prior to entry. The GPA is planning to shorten it to half an hour with the implementation expected to take place in end-2024 or early 2025.
In addition, the Transport Department will maintain an effective communication with the operators of the car parks in the vicinity of the HYW BCP and request them to properly manage the car parks to avoid congestion. The Police will also assist in traffic management and diversion when necessary.
Lastly, I appeal to members of the public to check the website and the mini programme of the ImmD and Shenzhen authorities to understand the clearance status and choose the appropriate BCP before travelling to the Mainland; and to avoid making their journeys during peak periods to prevent congestion.
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Clare E. Connors announced that Confluence Corp. d/b/a Regal Service Company (“Regal”), a Hawaii corporation and Department of the Navy contractor, has agreed to pay $300,000 to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting false claims for payment for work performed by unqualified welders on the USS Chung Hoon, USS John Paul Jones, and USS William P. Lawrence at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility between January 2020 and October 2021.
The United States alleged that after an initial review of Regal’s contract work, the Navy determined Regal had used welders lacking required certifications to perform the identified tasks. During a full-scale review of Regal’s work, the Navy confirmed the welders were unqualified and also determined that the welds were deficient. The United States further alleged that Regal provided the Navy falsified documents to make it appear as though its welders had obtained the required certifications when in fact they had not.
The $300,000 payment from Regal includes $150,000 in restitution to cover costs incurred by the Navy to address the faulty welds.
“When anyone – an individual or corporation – does business with the United States of America, the falsification of documents and other false representations will not be tolerated,” said Clare E. Connors, the United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii. “The failure to perform the terms of a government contract risks harming our servicemembers, and our office will continue to hold companies accountable for such misconduct.”
“Submitting false claims for work performed by unqualified welders harms operational readiness and endangers warfighter safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Economic Crimes Field Office. “NCIS appreciates our investigative partners for their continued efforts to help protect the Department of the Navy from threats posed by such fraud.”
“Department of Defense (DoD) contractors bear a solemn trust to earnestly fulfill their contractual terms. Our military readiness, as well as the health and safety of our brave men and women in uniform, depend upon it,” said Stanley A. Newell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the DoD, Office of Inspector General’s, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Transnational Operations Field Office. “The dedicated professionals of DCIS and our partner agencies will work tirelessly to hold those who violate the public trust accountable.”
The False Claims Act allows for treble damages, and civil penalties of up to $27,894 per violation. DCIS’s Transnational Operations Field Office and NCIS’s Economic Crimes Field Office West investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Sydney Spector handled the matter.
The claims against Regal resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Headline: The Philippines launches safeguard investigation on cement
In a document submitted together with the notification (see footnote of the notification) the Philippines indicated, among other things, as follows:
“[I]nterested parties are invited to submit their comments and position on the matter including their views on whether the imposition of a safeguard measure is in the public interest. Submissions may be made to the Bureau of lmport Services (BlS), Department of Trade and lndustry, 3rd Floor, Tara Building, #389 Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, within five (5) days from the date of publication of this notice. The non-confidential report of the study containing evidence of the DTI’S findings can be accessed at this link: www.dti.gov.ph/advisories/sg_notice-of-initiation_cement/ ”
The notification is available in G/SG/N/6/PHL/21.
What is a safeguard investigation?
A safeguard investigation seeks to determine whether increased imports of a product are causing, or is threatening to cause, serious injury to a domestic industry.
During a safeguard investigation, importers, exporters and other interested parties may present evidence and views and respond to the presentations of other parties.
A WTO member may take a safeguard action (i.e. restrict imports of a product temporarily) only if the increased imports of the product are found to be causing, or threatening to cause, serious injury.
Headline: Plastics Pollution Dialogue advances discussion on key focus areas towards MC14 outcome
The three issues discussed at the meeting are critical in tackling the challenges of plastics pollution while ensuring trade remains a solution to this global issue. Two other key areas – capacity building for developing members and the potential creation of domestic inventories of trade-related plastic measures – were addressed by participating delegations on 18 September.
Transparency
Delegations examined how to enhance transparency of plastics trade flows, including by supporting the work at the World Customs Organization (WCO), the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and other relevant institutions. UNITAR updated members on its work to develop statistical guidelines for measuring flows of plastics throughout their life cycle, including estimates for plastics embedded in goods.
A discussion among participants focused on how domestic efforts can contribute to better identifying flows of plastics entering and exiting members’ economies and to what degree they rely on specific breakdowns of Harmonized System (HS) codes. Delegations were asked to provide examples of estimates, data or labelling requirements of average plastics content or plastic material composition in goods used in their respective economies, including for statistical purposes or to support the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which makes producers responsible for the entire life cycle of their products.
Delegations shared insights on how to improve transparency, monitoring and understanding of trade flows throughout the value chain of plastics, including flows of single-use plastics, plastic film and hard-to-recycle plastics.
Potential best practices
The WTO Secretariat delivered a presentation on technical discussions held at DPP meetings on the efficiency of measures to address plastics pollution, as well as information available in the DPP survey on trade-related plastics measures (TrPMs) regarding existing mechanisms.
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) presented its paper “Avoiding Trade Concerns in the Design of Plastic Pollution Measures”, which provides insights into aspects of WTO members’ plastics measures that have created friction with trading partners. The paper suggests recommendations for the adoption of suitable policies in the future.
Delegations discussed guidelines and criteria that should be taken into consideration when identifying potential best practices for TrPMs and were asked to provide concrete examples. They also explored whether the voluntary development of domestic inventories of TrPMs could be useful to increase internal coordination, help improve transparency and coherence, and facilitate implementation and trade. Such inventories could also support cooperative and effective trade policies, aligning with actions outlined in the statement adopted at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi in February 2024.
Access to technologies and services
The discussion on access to technologies and services started with a presentation by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on challenges and opportunities for trade in services for the prevention and mitigation of plastics pollution. This was followed by a presentation by the Forum on Trade, Environment and the SDGs (TESS) on challenges and opportunities for trade in technologies related to plastics pollution. Delegations also benefited from a presentation by the Council on Economic Policies on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Non-Binding Guidelines on Services that Support the Clean-up of Marine Debris.
Several key questions were discussed – for example, the specific technologies and services, including for environmentally sound waste management, which would be particularly useful for addressing plastics pollution from a trade perspective.
Members also discussed the relevant trade policy tools, main trade barriers and challenges for accessing such technologies and services, including for developing members and least developed countries (LDCs). Additionally, delegations addressed what could be done under the DPP to help facilitate access to such technologies and services and to promote cooperation on trade that contributes to ending plastics pollution.
Participants acknowledged that extensive technical work has been done on the three key areas under discussion and considered potential proposals that could be incorporated into the DPP to further these objectives, aiming at producing concrete MC14 outcomes.
Participating delegations agreed that these discussions are pivotal in shaping the agenda for the next Ministerial Conference and ensuring that trade contributes meaningfully to addressing one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Next meeting
The next DPP meeting will address the following areas: how to support the work at the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastics pollution; how to identify opportunities for greater harmonization, alignment, or interoperability of TrPMs; and how to identify opportunities for enhanced trade cooperation on non-plastic substitutes and alternatives, starting with standards.
Headline: WTO members review latest notifications of anti-dumping actions
The Committee reviewed new notifications of legislation submitted by Brazil, Cabo Verde, Solomon Islands and the United States. It continued its review of the legislative notifications of the European Union, Ghana, Liberia, and Saint Kitts and Nevis.
In reviewing semi-annual notifications on anti-dumping actions, delegations questioned and discussed the practices of other members including in relation to the initiation of investigations, the imposition of provisional and final anti-dumping measures, and the review of existing anti-dumping measures. Delegations questioned and discussed actions contained in the semi-annual reports submitted by Brazil, China, the European Union, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Africa, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States. In presenting its semi-annual report, Ukraine expressed concerns over the war in Ukraine and the effects on its domestic industry.
In respect of the semi-annual reports covering the period 1 January – 30 June 2024, 45 members notified the Committee of anti-dumping actions taken in this period, while 15 reported no new anti-dumping actions in the same period. In addition, 51 members submitted one-time notifications indicating they have not established an authority competent to initiate and conduct an investigation and have not, to date, taken any anti-dumping actions.
In addition to the semi-annual reports, the WTO’s Anti-Dumping Agreement requires members to submit without delay – on an ad hoc basis – notifications of all preliminary and final anti-dumping actions taken. Ad hoc notifications reviewed during the meeting were received from Argentina; Armenia; Australia; Brazil; Canada; Chile; China; the European Union; Georgia; India; Israel; Japan; Kazakhstan; the Republic of Korea; the Kyrgyz Republic; Mexico; Morocco; Pakistan; the Russian Federation; South Africa; Chinese Taipei; Türkiye; Ukraine; the United Kingdom; and the United States. Members raised questions and discussed actions taken by Australia, China and Morocco. Canada encouraged members to submit timely ad hoc notifications and raised concerns about the conduct of investigations it considered to be politically motivated which are not based on sufficient evidence or justification.
In the absence of the Chair of the Committee Mr Mohamed Zuhair Taous (Tunisia), the interim Chair Mr Wolfram Spelten (Germany), who was elected to preside over the October 2024 meetings of the Committee and of its subsidiary bodies, urged members that had not submitted semi-annual reports and ad hoc notifications of actions taken to do so promptly. The interim Chair welcomed members’ continued extensive use of the anti-dumping portal to submit their semi-annual reports.
The Committee adopted its 2024 annual report to the Council for Trade in Goods.
Next meetings
The Committee decided that its spring and autumn meetings for 2025 would be held in the weeks of 28 April and 27 October 2025, respectively.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
GREENVILLE, Miss. – Dennis Vernandale Phillips, 42, was sentenced today to over 15 years in prison for his possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute the controlled substance.
The investigation began when law enforcement purchased over 30 grams of methamphetamine from Phillips using a confidential informant. During a subsequent search of Phillips’ residence in Preston, Mississippi, officers located methamphetamine, two firearms, and other narcotics. In total, Phillips’ conduct involved over a kilogram of methamphetamine that impacted the Choctaw Indian Reservation in Winston, Kemper, and Neshoba counties.
On October 30, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Phillips to 188 months imprisonment followed by a 48-month term of supervised release for possessing the methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
“Meth indiscriminately kills children, men and women and it ravages our communities, including the Choctaw Indian Reservation,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “This prosecution and sentence are the result of outstanding cooperation between our federal law enforcement partners and the tribal police to achieve a straightforward goal – to reduce the supply of illicit drugs while seeing to it that those who poison communities with narcotics are held to account.”
Phillips’ drug distribution was a threat to the community,” said Whitney Woodruff, Regional Agent in Charge of the Southeast Region for the Division of Drug Enforcement with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. “He was poisoning Indian Country for his personal gain and now he will pay the price. I am proud of our partnerships with the other law enforcement agencies involved.”
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case in partnership with the Choctaw Police Criminal Investigations Division, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Howell Addison prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Auckland Police investigating the 1980 homicide of Simon Buis are encouraging people to come forward with information, after revealing new details on last night’s Cold Case TV episode.
In the early hours of Friday 4 April 1980, 54-year-old Simon Buis was found dead in Auckland’s Gribllehirst Park outside the rugby club. He suffered horrific injuries to his face and head after being violently assaulted.
Later that morning, two 15-year-olds were arrested for being in a stolen car, and indicated they were involved in a fight at a park. The pair were charged with Simon’s murder, however due to further review of evidence, they were released six days later.
Over 40 years later, the investigation into Simon’s murder, named Operation Intrigue, remains open. And Police are determined to find the person or persons responsible for killing the 54-year-old father.
Detective Inspector Scott Beard of Auckland City CIB has been in charge of Operation Intrigue since 2006 and believes the key to this case relies on knowing Simon’s movements in the last hour of his life.
“We know Simon started his evening at the Leopard Tavern in Freeman’s Bay, where he then made his way to La Cava Lounge on Customs Street East. Here, he interacted with at least three different groups of people.
“Simon then called a taxi from La Cava and was dropped off on Symonds Street around 2.25am on the Friday morning.”
Around 30 minutes later, a couple heard screaming followed by the sound of a noisy car coming from Gribblehirst Park in Sandringham and called 111.
“The key pieces of information we are missing is why Simon went to Gribblehirst Park, how he got there, and who he was with. We believe it is unlikely that Simon walked the distance in the timeframe between the taxi dropping him off on Symonds Street and Police arriving to find his body in the park.”
Police have spoken to a number of witnesses who were in Gribblehirst Park earlier in the evening, including the couple who called 111.
The husband described seeing a light coloured Mark 1 Ford Zephyr, or possibly a large 1950’s American car, with a noisy exhaust and rounded body leave the park at speed.
Two to three minutes later, a second vehicle, possibly a yellow FJ Holden, left the park in the same direction.
“These cars remain critical to our investigation, and we know there are people who have not yet spoken to Police who may have seen what happened or have information about the events around Simon’s death. These details and fresh information will help us get the answers we need to provide some closure for Simon’s family.
“This was a serious and horrific assault which led to a man’s death, and Simon’s family continue to grieve for their loving father and friend.”
If you have any information that could help Police’s investigation into Simon Buis’ death, please contact Police.
“Now is the time to come forward, it is not too late to provide Simon’s family with answers.”
Information can be provided to the Operation Intrigue Investigation team on 0800 COLD CASE or 0800 2653 2273.
Namaste. Namaskar. Namaskaram. Vanakkam. Sat Sri Akal. Kem chho.
Greetings to you all.
It is my great privilege, as Minister for Ethnic Communities, to host this year’s Diwali Celebration at Parliament. I am truly excited to be with you all for Diwali as your Minister, and I warmly welcome each and every one of you to this special occasion.
I would first like to welcome and acknowledge:
The Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, who will join us shortly.
The Rt Hon Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, who will also join us shortly.
Her Excellency, Ms Neeta Bhushan, Indian High Commissioner to New Zealand.
Other members of the diplomatic corps.
Mr Mervin Singham, Chief Executive of the Ministry for Ethnic Communities.
Mr Narendra Bhana, President of New Zealand Indian Central Association.
My parliamentary colleagues.
Our talented performers.
And all of you who have travelled from far and wide to be with us tonight.
It is a true delight to celebrate the vibrant Festival of Lights, Diwali, both here in New Zealand and across the globe.
Just as diyas, or lamps, shine during the festival, I wish for the light within each of us to remain radiant and full of hope.
I hope this Diwali brings forth a year of peace, prosperity, health, and joy to you and your families.
As we gather to celebrate Diwali, we also honour the rich history and vibrant contributions of New Zealand’s Indian communities.
You have been an integral part of our society since the late 1800s.
The 2023 Census showed that our Indian population has become the third-largest ethnic group in New Zealand.
Indian New Zealanders have made significant contributions in various sectors, including health, manufacturing, education, and more.
I’m proud that Diwali at Parliament is celebrated in such an inclusive, multi-cultural way.
Our government’s and my vision is for all communities to not only feel that they belong and can participate, but also thrive, in society.
We are committed to ensuring that everyone in New Zealand feels safe, valued, and empowered to flourish in this country we all call home.
Our Indian community adds so much colourful vibrancy to our country, from their sarees to their spices.
It’s fantastic to have Indian culture such a normalised, ingrained part of our national identity.
But it’s not just about culture. Their contribution to our economy makes a huge impact.
In 2020, the Waitakere Indian Association estimated that the Indian community contributed around $10 billion to the New Zealand economy.
As Minister for both Ethnic Communities and Economic Development, another of my priorities is to unlock the full potential of ethnic businesses for the benefit of all New Zealanders.
At last month’s inaugural Ethnic Xchange Symposium, it was truly inspiring to witness the collective energy and the tremendous economic potential within our ethnic communities. When fully unleashed, this potential can help grow New Zealand’s shared prosperity.
Once again, it is a true pleasure to welcome you all this evening.
I want to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank-you to our Indian communities, for your warm congratulatory messages since my appointment as Minister for Ethnic Communities. Your support means a lot to me.
It is my hope that the values of Diwali – peace, prosperity, justice, and respect – extend to communities throughout New Zealand, as we work towards a stronger, more harmonious, and peaceful future together.
South Korean local government cancels international event with 30,000 participants from 78 countries, causing international damage.
On October 29th, an administrative decision by the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, a South Korean government agency sparked international controversy, raising concerns about religious freedom and causing substantial financial loss.
The “Religious Leaders Forum and 110,000 Graduation Ceremony,” a joint initiative by two prominent religious organizations, was set to take place in Paju, South Korea. The event, hosted by the Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus, was expected to draw over 30,000 participants from 57 countries, including 1,000 religious leaders representing Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism.
However, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, a public entity under the Gyeonggi Province, abruptly cancelled the venue rental without prior notice.
The Shincheonji Church of Jesus states: “This last-minute decision has resulted in significant financial damage to the event, as well as all organizers and parties involved.”
Organizers of this event stated that the cancellation commits an unconstitutional act of discrimination against a specific religion, violating religious freedom, human rights, and due process of law.
The hosting organizations, the Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus, reported that they had received official confirmation on October 23rd and 28th that there was no plan of cancellation. They also report that the unilateral cancellation was an unreasonable administrative action targeting a specific religious group – other events scheduled for the same day were not affected, and that the cancellation was an “administrative decision caused by opposition from a specific religious group,” which “violates the principle of separation of church and state guaranteed by the [South Korean] Constitution.”
The Gyeonggi Tourism Organization cited security concerns related to recent North Korean actions, and the planned activities of a North Korean defector group as reasons for the cancellation. However, it was pointed out that other events, such as civilian bike rides and foreign tourist visits to the DMZ, were still permitted within the same designated area.
The incident has reignited international debate about religious freedom and tolerance in South Korea. The U.S. State Department’s International Religious Freedom Report has previously highlighted concerns such as the prosecution of Shincheonji Church of Jesus and the government’s refusal to approve mosque construction.
The Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and Shincheonji Church of Jesus have expressed frustrations and call upon the South Korean government to respect religious freedom, uphold human rights, and to rectify this decision. They also urge international organizations to monitor this situation and take appropriate action to protect religious freedom.
