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Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung called on Department of Culture & Tourism of Guangdong Director General Li Bin in Guangzhou today to explore opportunities for further co-operation between Hong Kong and the province.   Mr Yeung said at their meeting that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches great importance to connections with Guangdong and noted that there is much room for further collaboration on cultural tourism.   As the country's Culture & Tourism Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) clearly supports Hong Kong to develop into an international tourism hub and a core demonstration zone for multi-destination tourism, the city takes up an important role in promoting the high-quality development of GBA tourism, he added.   “With the country's support, I am confident that Hong Kong could bring a positive impact on developing the GBA into a world-class bay area for leisure by util

While the world has largely stepped out of the woods of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery remains fragile, given the numerous challenges we face, from daunting geopolitical tensions, to inflation, high interest rates and more.   But in trying times, it is all the more important that countries and economies work together, and remain committed to diplomacy, discussion and co-operation.   For Hong Kong, we are singularly blessed under “one country, two systems”. We remain the only place in the world where the global advantage and the China advantage come together in a single city. As an international financial centre, we have much to offer for the financial co-operation in the Asia-Pacific region and well beyond.   By serving as the bridge between the Mainland and the rest of the world, connecting the capital markets and investors on both sides, we are bound to create more opportunities and benefits for countries and economies in the region and the world.   Allow me to brie

Following the Hong Kong Flower Show’s conclusion on March 19, some of the flowers on display will be distributed to the public next Monday, the Leisure & Cultural Services Department announced.   Flowers that are still in good condition and suitable for replanting will be given out to citizens at 10am next Monday at Victoria Park's South Pavilion Plaza (near Sugar Street entrance). It is estimated that about 3,000 pots will be distributed, subject to the plants' conditions.   Each person can get one pot on a first-come, first-served basis, while stocks last. People are encouraged to bring their own bags.   To enjoy seeing the beautiful flowers, people should come to the show before it closes at 9pm tomorrow, the department added. http://dlvr.it/Sl71FW

Chief Executive John Lee today expressed resolute support to the central authorities’ plan to form a Hong Kong and Macau work office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).   The work office’s formation is pursuant to a plan on reforming the Party and state institutions, released today by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council.   Rendering his support on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Lee thanked the central authorities for their deepest care for Hong Kong people, and for the great importance they attach to implementing “one country, two systems”.       The CPC Central Committee's Hong Kong and Macau work office will be responsible for the investigation, research, co-ordination and supervision of upholding the principle of “one country, two systems”.   It will exercise the central authorities’ overall jurisdiction over the Hong Kong SAR, governing Hong Kong and Macau in accordance with the law, safeguarding nationa

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

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