The Government today published in the Gazette three pieces of subsidiary legislation to take forward a new phase of the ten measures for tobacco control, including establishing specific statutory requirements for the plain packaging of conventional smoking products and updating the health warnings on the packaging in tandem.

They will be tabled at the Legislative Council for the negative vetting procedure on October 7, and the measures prescribed will take effect on March 1, 2027, with a nine-month transitional period before full implementation on December 1, 2027. 

Plain packaging will remove brand logos, various colours and decorative elements – including slogans and signs on the packaging – fundamentally undermining the brand effect. This has already been implemented in 27 countries and regions and experience has proven that it effectively reduces smoking prevalence.

The Government will also update the content of the 12 health warnings that have been in use for eight years to further strengthen their deterrent effect, highlighting disabilities, disfigurement and a significant decrease in the quality of life caused by relevant diseases.

Additionally, as some tobacco companies use so-called "light" and "low tar" descriptions to lure consumers, the requirement to print tar and nicotine yields on the packaging has been removed to avoid misunderstanding.

The Government stated that plain packaging and duty stamps complement each other. The former reduces the attractiveness of tobacco products on the demand front, while the latter combats illicit cigarettes on the supply front.

The Department of Health (DH) clarified today that no currently serving full-time government Dental Officers are engaged in outside work at private dental clinics, urging the public not to trust false information online.

The department recently received a complaint regarding several government Dental Officers working at a private dental clinic.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a private dental online platform listed a dental clinic located in Mong Kok, where there are over 340 practicing dentists, including information on more than 200 serving full-time government Dental Officers.

The DH stressed that all the practice information of the listed government officers on the online platform is entirely false and misrepresented. The department has reported the incident to the Police.

The DH also appealed to members of the public to verify the names, professional qualifications and practice addresses of registered dentists through the List of Registered Dentists published by the Dental Council of Hong Kong.

The Court of First Instance today handed down its sentences against the now-defunct Hong Kong Alliance and related figures, with Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung stating that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government considers the ruling manifests that justice is done and safeguards the city's core values.

Meeting the media today, Mr Tang said that the Alliance's objective was to overthrow the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the fundamental system of the People's Republic of China under the Constitution.

He noted that the group conducted public activities over a long period with the intent to sow hatred against the CPC and the central government in Hong Kong society, while inciting others to subvert state power. Such acts, he stressed, must be deterred in accordance with the law.

Mr Tang said the court reiterated that the defendants were not tried for their political ideology, words or deeds prior to the enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), but were convicted solely for unlawful acts committed during the charge period.

He highlighted that the sentence also explicitly set out six reasons why the case was of a serious nature.

First, at the material time of the case, some individuals were still unwilling to accept the exercise of sovereignty by the state over the Hong Kong SAR, nor were they willing to accept the constitutional order established by the Constitution and the Basic Law. The defendants engaged in inciting words and deeds amid a turbulent and unsettled social atmosphere, placing national security and public order at greater risk.

Second, the defendants' criminal conduct was not an isolated incident, persisting for a period as long as 14 months. They committed the offence through various activities and on various social media platforms.

Additionally, the defendants possessed mobilising power and influence, with the impact of their words and deeds on the general public far exceeding that of lesser-known individuals. Their activities were city-wide with an extensive reach, influencing people of different age groups, and their potential harm must not be underestimated.

Lastly, despite the defendants' belief that their agenda might be in breach of the Constitution and the HKNSL, they still persistently pursued their course of conduct, which was premeditated.

Mr Tang stressed that safeguarding national security is an obligation of all Hong Kong citizens and the constitutional responsibility of the Hong Kong SAR.

“The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to effectively prevent, suppress and punish acts endangering national security in accordance with the law, ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of the 'one country, two systems'," he said.

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law today chaired a meeting to co-ordinate preparations for visitor arrivals to Hong Kong during the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week from October 1 to 7. 

At the session, Miss Law noted that this holiday period is a peak travel season for Hong Kong, with a substantial surge in incoming traffic anticipated.

“Government departments and relevant organisations are working closely together, making early preparations for deployment of resources, as well as stepping up co-ordination and communication with relevant Mainland counterparts to provide a high-quality travel experiences for visitors coming to Hong Kong during the Golden Week,” she added.

Regarding law enforcement, the Travel Industry Authority stripped the licences of two travel agencies and a tour guide on September 7 due to their involvement in forced shopping. This follows similar disciplinary measures earlier this year, including the revocation of three operator licences between April and June, and the 30-day suspension of a registered shop in August.

Anticipating the upcoming holiday influx, relevant government departments and organisations will maintain strict enforcement actions to safeguard visitors' rights and reinforce traveller confidence.

The subscription and allocation results for the latest batch of Silver Bonds were released today, with 476,703 valid applications seeking a total of $119.3 billion in bond principals.

Of the applications received, 88,422 were for 12 units or fewer. These applicants will be allocated the full amounts they applied for.

The remaining 388,281 applications were for more than 12 units. These applicants will be allocated 12 units each, with 97,396 being allocated one additional unit following a ballot.

The bonds will be issued next Tuesday and the final issuance amount will be $55 billion.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan highlighted that both the number of applicants and the subscription amount for this round of bonds have reached new record highs, demonstrating that Silver Bond continues to be widely welcomed by senior citizens as a safe and steady investment option. 

The proceeds from this batch of bonds will be used on capital works projects for pushing ahead Hong Kong's infrastructure and urban development, as well as enhancing people's quality of life.

The Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) today announced the Guidelines on Election-related Activities relating to the Election Committee Subsector (ECSS) polls.

These rules apply to the 2026 ECSS Ordinary Elections on November 22, as well as subsequent by-elections. Following a public consultation held from June 11 to July 10, the commission incorporated valuable public feedback regarding the application of artificial intelligence and innovative technology in electoral arrangements.

Prospective candidates and stakeholders are advised to review the guidelines and relevant legislation thoroughly to ensure strict compliance.

The guidelines are available for download on the EAC website. Members of the public can also view them at the Registration and Electoral Office, the Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of all District Offices, and major or district public libraries.

Chief Executive John Lee said today that the law never allows anyone to openly harm their own country and compatriots by employing confounding tactics under the pretext of human rights, democracy and freedom.

Mr Lee made his remarks following the sentencing of the now-defunct Hong Kong Alliance and related figures Lee Cheuk-yan, Ho Chun-yan and Chow Hang-tung, who were charged with incitement to subversion under Article 23 of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL).

The Court of First Instance handed down its sentences today. Chow Hang-tung received seven years and three months in prison, while Lee Cheuk-yan was sentenced to seven years. Ho Chun-yan, who had previously pleaded guilty, was given five years and two months. Additionally, the Hong Kong Alliance was fined $1,500,000.

The court ruled that the present case was of a serious nature, pointing out that although the HKNSL had been implemented at the material time, some individuals were still unwilling to accept the exercise of sovereignty by the state over the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, nor were they willing to accept the constitutional order established by the Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the Basic Law.

The court noted that the defendants engaged in criminal acts of incitement amid a turbulent and unsettled social atmosphere, putting national security and public order at greater risk. The defendants possessed mobilising power and influence in Hong Kong. Their criminal activities persisted for as long as 14 months and were committed through various activities and online platforms. The relevant activities were citywide with an extensive reach, influencing people of different age groups, and their potential harm must not be underestimated.

Despite the defendants' knowledge that their agenda might be in breach of the Constitution and the HKNSL, they recalcitrantly pursued their course of conduct after the HKNSL came into effect, vigorously advocating and promoting their premeditated agenda.

The court reiterated in its reasons for sentencing that the HKNSL had no retrospective effect and that the defendants were put on trial not because of their political ideology or their conduct before the HKNSL. They were convicted solely on the basis that they had committed acts prohibited under the HKNSL after the HKNSL came into effect.

Mr Lee said that the court pointed out clearly in its reasons for the verdict of conviction handed down earlier that the very aim of the alliance's agendas was to overthrow and undermine the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) under the Constitution. The defendants intended to cause others to lose confidence in the CPC by stirring up hostility and causing division, so as to achieve the objective of undermining the fundamental system of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

He said that after the implementation of the HKNSL, the defendants refused to pull back from the brink and were bent on acting wilfully, attempting to make use of the alliance to subvert state power.

“This case shows that anyone who intends to incite subversion and endanger national security will ultimately be punished in accordance with the law, and such acts will absolutely not be tolerated," Mr Lee said.

“As pointed out by the court in the reasons for verdict, what the defendants did in this case had already gone beyond the scope of lawful freedom of expression, and constituted acts of inciting others to subvert state power by unlawful means.

“The sentences today demonstrate the court's confirmation that the offences committed by the defendants were extremely serious and warrant severe punishment to uphold the rule of law,” he added.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said that Article 1 of the Constitution expressly prohibits any organisation or individual from damaging the socialist system.

Article 22 of the HKNSL explicitly prohibits anyone from organising, planning, committing or participating in acts by force, threat of force or other unlawful means with a view to subverting state power, such as overthrowing or undermining the fundamental system of the PRC established by the Constitution, or overthrowing the body of central power of the PRC.

Under the Constitution, overthrowing or undermining the leadership status of the CPC is tantamount to overthrowing or undermining the fundamental system of the PRC established by the Constitution to which Article 22 of the HKNSL refers.

The Hong Kong SAR Government also pointed out that it has taken note that various western countries, anti-China organisations, politicians and foreign media have recently launched malicious attacks and smears on various cases including this case.

It has reiterated on multiple occasions, just as the court has stated clearly, that the defendants in this case were put on trial not because of their political views or beliefs. The court will only consider the laws and evidence relevant to the case to decide whether the prosecution is able to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. All defendants received a fair trial strictly in accordance with laws applicable to Hong Kong, as guaranteed by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights, free from any interference.

The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that it has the responsibility to safeguard national security, and will resolutely combat acts and activities endangering national security.

In this regard, it will ensure that laws are observed and strictly enforced to bring offenders to account, and to prevent, suppress and punish acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law.

Chief Executive John Lee met Secretary of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee Jin Lei at Government House today to exchange views on deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and several agreements between the two places.

Mr Lee highlighted that Hong Kong and Shenzhen have long maintained close ties in areas such as economic, trade and people-to-people exchanges. Under the Hong Kong and Shenzhen co-operation mechanism, the two places have established various task forces to continuously enhance collaboration in different key areas.

The agreements signed today cover multiple sectors, including finance, innovation and technology (I&T) and support services for enterprises going global, further advancing broader, deeper and higher-level co-operation between the two cities. They will continue to work together to inject stronger impetus into the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

He said that, under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantage of connecting the Mainland and the world. Hong Kong will continue to leverage its strengths as an international financial centre and its roles as a "super connector" and a "super value-adder".

Through the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, Hong Kong will continue helping Shenzhen and other Mainland enterprises expand into international markets, he added. 

China is hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in 2026, and the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will be held in Shenzhen. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will spare no effort in ensuring the success of the APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting to be held in Hong Kong, further deepening international exchanges and co-operation, while better integrating into and serving the overall national development.

Mr Lee added that Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan, which will be announced soon, will set out a blueprint for the city's future development and enable it to seize the enormous opportunities brought by the National 15th Five-Year Plan. Hong Kong is pressing ahead at full speed with the development of the Northern Metropolis.

According to the Global Innovation Index 2026, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster ranked first globally once again, fully demonstrating the strong capabilities and broad prospects of Hong Kong and Shenzhen in I&T development.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to promote the collaborative development of the "one zone, two parks" concept within the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, jointly contributing to the country's development as a technology powerhouse.

At the same time, the Government is making every effort to prepare for the smooth commissioning of the Huanggang Port. More than 100 system tests and drills of varying scales have been conducted, and port operation arrangements are being continuously optimised, aiming to boost cross-boundary clearance efficiency, service capacity and cross-city synergy.

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau, Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Janice Tse Siu-wa, Acting Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk, and Director of the Chief Executive's Office Carol Yip also attended the meeting.

The 11th Belt & Road Summit entered its second day at the Convention & Exhibition Centre, featuring a newly introduced “Go Global Chapter” and a dedicated GoGlobal Connect Zone designed to assist Mainland enterprises in expanding their international footprint. 

Speaking at a thematic breakout session today, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau highlighted Hong Kong's role as the ideal platform for Mainland businesses venturing overseas. He noted that the Government’s GoGlobal Task Force has achieved substantial progress since its establishment last October.

“We have assisted over 300 Chinese Mainland enterprises in setting up or expanding business in Hong Kong; organised more than 20 promotional events; and engaged over 5,000 representatives of Chinese Mainland enterprises,” Mr Yau said.

He added that the Northern Metropolis development will unlock new land and prospects for Mainland companies to explore global opportunities. 

Business leaders attending the forum echoed these sentiments, pointing to Hong Kong's unique strategic advantages. Based at the Science and Technology Park since 2023, 3D mapping technology firm Chief Executive Officer Chen Li shared that operating in the city has accelerated her company's internationalisation by offering crucial expertise to navigate global market standards, including Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks.

Recalling her participation in a Chief Executive-led delegation to Central Asia in June, Ms Chen emphasised Hong Kong's influence, credibility and ability to build direct bridges with international stakeholders.

Similarly, Ren Junfei, founder and Chief Executive Officer of a financial services company, hailed the summit as an invaluable platform for gaining market insights across Belt & Road economies, noting that direct exchanges with consulates, embassies, government agencies and businesses pave a pathway for collaboration and opportunities.

The Government today announced that a joint recruitment exercise for graduate grade civil servants will be held from September 12 to October 2.

The exercise aims to fill various positions across six grades, comprising 40 Administrative Officers (AOs), 100 Executive Officers II, 10 Assistant Information Officers (General), four Assistant Trade Officers II, 14 Management Services Officers II and 11 Transport Officers II.

Permanent residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region who meet the entry requirements are eligible to apply. The recruitment is also open to university students who are pursuing a bachelor's degree or equivalent and are graduating in either the 2026-27 or 2027-28 academic year.

Further details regarding the joint recruitment exercise, alongside the online application system, will be accessible on the Civil Service Bureau's (CSB) website from this Saturday. Information specifically concerning the AO vacancies will also be provided on a dedicated website.

Applicants seeking appointment to any of the six posts must take the Basic Law & National Security Law Test and secure a pass result in order to be considered for appointment.

All applications must be submitted online via the CSB website. Candidates are advised to check the webpage regularly for the latest updates on examination arrangements.

The Government today announced the establishment of the "Steering Committee on the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Academy Pilot Programme", along with the appointments of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman and members to the committee.

The appointments, on two-year terms, will take effect on October 1.

As outlined in the 2026-27 Budget, the Intellectual Property Department and the Vocational Training Council are collaborating to establish the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Academy. The academy is scheduled to officially open in the fourth quarter of this year.

By providing more systematic and recognised on-the-job intellectual property (IP) training programmes for a wider workforce, the Academy aims to expand Hong Kong's IP talent pool and accelerate its development as a regional IP trading centre.

The Commerce & Economic Development Bureau highlighted that talent is crucial to the sustained growth of Hong Kong's IP ecosystem. By bringing together the expertise of government representatives, industry stakeholders and cross-sector professionals, the newly formed committee will advise on the pilot programme's development and implementation, ensuring that its training directly addresses industry needs.

The 11th Belt & Road Summit opened today, bringing together over 6,000 participants, including over 100 government and business speakers, as well as over 100 delegations. More than 60 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) will be witnessed during the Summit.

Under the theme "Advancing High-quality Development • Embarking on a New Journey", the Summit aims to foster high-quality, sustainable and innovative development.

Speaking at the opening session, Chief Executive John Lee said, in addition to strengthening the city's relations with traditional partners, Hong Kong continues to expand its network of friends along the Belt and Road.

"I have led high-level business delegations to explore opportunities in 13 Belt and Road countries across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Middle East and Central Asia, focusing on specific areas to explore new markets," Mr Lee said.

"These missions delivered over 250 MOUs and other agreements, from policy co-ordination and trade and investment, to expanded connectivity and support for companies. They underline Hong Kong's long-standing focus on opening new markets, forming new partnerships and advancing regional co-operation."

Mr Lee said these achievements demonstrate the value of a hub-to-hub co-operation model, where Hong Kong can serve as Belt and Road economies' gateway to the Chinese Mainland and global markets and the economies can connect Hong Kong with relevant regions. This interconnected network of hubs will amplify regional strengths through enhanced connectivity and unleash fresh opportunities.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said ASEAN has consistently outpaced the global economy and is becoming an increasingly important partner in technological advancement and industrial upgrading. Two-way trade between China and ASEAN surpassed US$1 trillion last year, reflecting the reshaping of industrial chains across the region.

He stated that ASEAN's demographic, market and technology dividends offer growth opportunities through its young population, expanding middle class, trade agreements and AI. Turning these advantages into sustained growth requires patient capital, open, well-regulated testing grounds and a strong talent base. Hong Kong can connect global investors with innovative companies, drawing on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's frontier research, advanced manufacturing and substantial consumer market. The Northern Metropolis will facilitate the flow of technology, talent and capital, strengthening connections between research, commercial application and production to foster shared prosperity across the region.

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam noted that the arbitration ecosystem in Hong Kong is equally world-renowned, the city is the second most preferred arbitral seat in the world, and the most preferred arbitral seat in Asia Pacific. Together with the headquarters of the International Organization for Mediation established in Hong Kong, which is dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation, all these reinforce the city's status as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre.

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau highlighted that Hong Kong is steadfast in promoting trade for the benefit of all, through upholding a rules-based multilateral trading system, implementing transparent and non-discriminatory regulations, and facilitating customs and digital interoperability.

The Summit witnessed seven MOUs between the HKSAR Government and their overseas counterparts to promote bilateral co-operation and exchanges, covering the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy, the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Belt and Road Office, Invest Hong Kong and the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, with Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Thailand, Turkey, Zimbabwe, and Uzbekistan.

The Summit also witnessed around 55 other MOUs in various areas. The total value of these MOUs, together with new projects and deals finalised before and during the Summit, is over US$3.1 billion.

Hong Kong and Macau youth joined a "Tiangong Class" today to engage with space experts and the Shenzhou-23 crew currently carrying out a manned space mission on the Chinese Space Station.

Mission commander Zhu Yangzhu, astronaut Zhang Zhiyuan and Hong Kong's first payload expert Lai Ka-ying served as "space teachers" to deliver expert lectures to students, conduct real-time science experiments, and engage in an interactive "dialogue between space and Earth".

Organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Macao SAR Government, and the China Manned Space Agency, the "Tiangong Class" Hong Kong and Macao Designated Session was held at Ms Lai's alma mater, Tsuen Wan Public Ho Chuen Yiu Memorial College.

Over 200 participants attended the session, which featured in-orbit demonstrations, expert lectures and a question-and-answer session. The participants included primary and secondary school teachers and pupils from Hong Kong and Macao, alongside tertiary students, researchers, technology professionals, and youth organisation representatives.

The session lasted approximately 1.5 hours, during which Ms Lai introduced the operational process of the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO). Developed by the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, MUSICO undertakes the important task of monitoring global greenhouse gases, contributing to national aerospace programmes and global sustainable development.

The astronauts also introduced the Tiangong Space Station’s facilities, including the core module instruments and experimental facilities, the space vegetable garden, the space kitchen and space food, and shared their daily lives and scientific research work on the space station.

Speaking at the event, Chief Executive John Lee thanked the China Manned Space Agency for its support, as well as the various organisations and departments for their joint efforts, which have enabled students from Hong Kong and Macao to learn from the astronauts aboard the Tiangong Space Station.

Mr Lee noted that, over the more than 30 years of the development of China's manned space programme, every step has embodied the Chinese nation's indomitable spirit of self-improvement and courage in exploration.

He added that when the delegation from China's manned space programme visited Hong Kong in 2023, it sowed three important seeds for the city: a seed to foster national pride, a seed to explore science and technology, and a seed to encourage the pursuit of dreams. As Hong Kong's aerospace research and development has progressed from ground-based support to in-orbit operations in space, enabling Hong Kong people to explore the cosmos, it demonstrates that these seeds have not only taken root and sprouted, but are also thriving.

Mr Lee also encouraged all sectors of society, particularly young people, to actively participate in the science popularisation and awareness-raising activities currently organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government under the theme "A Shared Cosmic Vision for National Rejuvenation".

He expressed the hope that the younger generation would look to astronauts as role models, serving the nation in building a strong aerospace country, thereby writing a brilliant chapter for the Chinese nation.

The Buildings Department (BD) and the Labour Department (LD) have filed a total of 284 prosecutions over the Wang Fuk Court fire incident in Tai Po, comprising 259 repair work-related offences and 25 occupational safety charges.

The BD today laid charges for a total of 259 offences against four persons and two companies in connection with the major building repair works at Wang Fuk Court, where a fire broke out on November 26 last year. 

The two companies charged are the works consultancy firm, Will Power Architects Company Limited (Will Power), and the main contractor, Prestige Construction & Engineering Company, Limited (Prestige).

The four individuals charged include Will Power director Wong Hap-yin and registered inspector Ng Yeuk, alongside Prestige directors Hau Wa-kin and Ho Kin-yip.

Following the incident, the BD and the Independent Checking Unit (ICU) of the Housing Bureau investigated the major repair works at the estate. Based on the ICU’s findings of irregularities and after seeking legal advice from the Department of Justice, the BD laid the charges under the Buildings Ordinance (BO).

The charges include allegedly permitting or authorising the use of materials in building works that are defective or do not comply with the provisions of the BO; permitting or authorising building works and inspections to be carried out in a manner causing injury to any person or damage to property; and failing to properly supervise repair works, among other contraventions.

The BD once again reminded contractors and relevant building works practitioners to properly supervise inspections and building works in accordance with the BO and its subsidiary regulations and the relevant Codes of Practice to ensure suitable materials are used and works are carried out safely.                                                          

Meanwhile, the LD has initiated at this stage a total of 25 prosecutions regarding the fire incident which caused the death of five construction contractor employees, following consultation with the Department of Justice.

The prosecutions were brought against a contractor, a project consultant and an individual, by way of indictment under the Factories & Industrial Undertakings Ordinance for general duty contraventions.

The LD emphasised that it does not tolerate contraventions of occupational safety and health legislation, and will strictly enforce the law.

The 11th Belt & Road Summit, currently being held at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, has brought together government and business representatives from various Belt & Road economies. Speaking in an interview today, the Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Kao Kim Hourn, said Hong Kong is an important partner and reiterated the bloc's support for the city joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Dr Kao said Hong Kong is a very important gateway on its own, as well as for the Chinese Mainland, adding that ASEAN has been co-operating with Hong Kong in different areas including tourism, trade and investment. He noted that the bloc believes including Hong Kong as part of this broader regional economic framework is important for all member states.

Another summit participant, Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence & Digital Development Bakhtiyar Mukhametkaliyev, expressed confidence that collaboration with Hong Kong can produce win-win outcomes.

Highlighting Hong Kong’s robust financial infrastructure and deep market experience, Mr Mukhametkaliyev said that companies can come to Hong Kong to structure deals, and then expand their operations to Kazakhstan with local government support regarding land acquisition and a special tax regime, which will enhance co-operation to a new level and benefit the entire Central Asia market.