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Energy efficiency meeting held

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Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan today attended the 60th Meeting of the Expert Group on Energy Efficiency & Conservation of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) held in Hong Kong.   In his welcome speech, Mr Tse said that Hong Kong was honoured to host the meeting again after 2019 and 2020 to provide a platform for direct dialogue among APEC partners.   “It is encouraging to see over 50 experts and delegates from 11 APEC member economies as well as four international organisations gather again to share insights and exchange experiences with their counterparts after the stabilisation of the epidemic.”   As the Asia-Pacific region develops, its energy demand and consumption would continue to increase, which may lead to an increase in emissions of greenhouse gases, he pointed out.   To achieve carbon neutrality before 2050, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government published Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050 in 2021, outlining the st

Ballot system for vacant test slots set

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The Transport Department today said a computer ballot will be introduced starting March 28 to replace the current first come, first served arrangement for allocation of the vacant test slots in the Repeater Early Test Appointment Booking Services (RETAS).   The aim of the new arrangement is to combat profiteering activities by intermediaries or agents making use of the repeater early test slots.   Currently, a repeater may consider applying for an end-of-list driving test appointment, or a repeater early test appointment for the failed parts.   The availability of repeater early test appointments is subject to the vacant test slots released by candidates subsequent to their application of test postponement or temporary cancellation, which is very limited in number.   Given the limited supply, candidates should consider applying for an end-of-list appointment or a repeater early test appointment in accordance with their individual need.   Under the new balloting mechanism, eli

Beijing meeting concludes

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Chief Executive John Lee today extended his warmest congratulations to President Xi Jinping on his unanimous election as President of the People’s Republic of China and Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the country.   As the first session of the 14th National People’s Congress concluded this morning, with all agenda items successfully completed and key officials of state institutions endorsed, Mr Lee gave his congratulations on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and Hong Kong people, saying the session demonstrated people’s aspiration, support, trust and reliance.   He also congratulated all elected and endorsed national leaders, and commended their profound knowledge, rich experience and visionary leadership with a people-oriented approach.   Addressing the closing meeting, President Xi said the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has embarked on an irreversible and historic journey, and that China must firmly promote high quality

Govt rejects EU official’s remarks

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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said it strongly disapproved of and firmly rejected the scandalising of the Hong Kong SAR’s criminal justice process concerning National Security Law cases by a spokesperson for the European Union Foreign Affairs & Security Policy.   In a statement this evening, the Hong Kong SAR Government strongly urged the relevant EU official to immediately stop acting against international law and the basic norms of international relations, and interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs at large.   It said that as guaranteed by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights, all defendants charged with a criminal offence have the right to and will undergo a fair trial by the Judiciary.   The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the profession, political beliefs or background of the people involved.   It als

Attracting businesses discussed

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Financial Secretary Paul Chan today chaired the first meeting of the Advisory Committee on Attracting Strategic Enterprises where members discussed the upcoming work plan and priorities in attracting strategic enterprises.   The scope of discussions covered strategic areas, scale of enterprises, talent and other policy support as well as promotion strategies.   Members emphasised the need to leverage on the many opportunities of the Mainland, especially the market size and other advantages of the Greater Bay Area, during investment promotion.   Mr Chan said the current-term Government has a new mindset to proactively reach out and established the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises as well as the dedicated teams for attracting businesses and talent.   Its aim is to attract representative and high potential strategic enterprises from around the globe, thereby enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness and accelerating the development of industries, he added.   The finance c

Surgical light safety review urged

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Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau said he instructed the Hospital Authority (HA) to investigate an incident involving surgical lights with the vendor in a serious manner.   Prof Lo issued the statement today regarding the incident in which a surgical light in United Christian Hospital fell off and injured a staff on February 18.   In the statement, he said: “Safety of patients and staff is of our prime concern. This is an extremely serious incident involving high-standard medical equipment for use in operation rooms and it is absolutely unacceptable. I convened a meeting with the management of the HA this morning to discuss the incident.   “I have instructed the HA to investigate and look into this incident with the vendor in a serious manner by reviewing aspects such as the design, material and maintenance of the relevant equipment.   “They are also tasked to take prompt follow-up actions properly, including immediate inspection of all hoist installations in its facilitie

Law underpins HK's attractiveness

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As a leading global financial centre, Hong Kong offers a full range of investment choices and financing solutions. Be it traditional investments, alternative assets (such as private equity, hedge funds), green and sustainable financing, or virtual assets. You name it, we have it. Such an important and competitive edge of Hong Kong is underpinned by its robust and internationally regarded common law legal system, which connects and bridges Mainland China to the global market. Hong Kong therefore plays an important role of "super-connector" by facilitating Chinese enterprises to "go global" in doing business overseas on the one hand, and bringing in capital, skills and talent to China on the other. We are in a unique position for everyone who wishes to seize the investment and business opportunities brought by our national strategies.   The Belt & Road Initiative is an important national development strategy which promotes co-operation, furthers market integrati