Invest Hong Kong Signs MOU with Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce for Mutual Investment Promotion and Support Cooperation Deal

Hong Kong signs MOU with Abu Dhabi on investment promotion

​Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced today (July 16) that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), pledging mutual co-operation on investment promotion exchanges and support.

The MOU was signed online by the Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau, and the Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Ahmed Khalifa Al Qubaisi to foster a closer relationship for the mutual benefit of Hong Kong and the UAE in terms of investment promotion exchanges, and their co-operation with each other in promoting both inward and outward investments in both Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong.

Ms Lau said, "This MOU marks a new milestone between Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi in terms of investment promotion exchanges. Hong Kong offers an efficient, reliable business platform bringing Mainland China and the rest of the world together. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi is a leading economy in the Gulf region and an important source of foreign direct investment in the world. By leveraging Hong Kong's status as the world's 'super connector', companies from Abu Dhabi and the UAE, and those from Asia can strengthen collaboration, tapping into the growing business opportunities across our two regions."

Mr Al Qubaisi said, "This partnership between the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and InvestHK aligns with our strategic goals to leverage the diverse and promising investment opportunities in both markets as it promotes collaborative efforts and trade exchanges, thereby bolstering our joint economic interests.

"Our partnership adds additional and necessary support to the objectives of the 'Gateway to the World' initiative, recently launched by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to expand our international business network, attract multinational corporations, SMEs, investors, and talent to Abu Dhabi, underscoring our commitment to fostering local and global economic growth, ensuring the contribution of the private sector to sustainable development, and facilitating global trade," he added.

The MOU focuses on sharing information on business environments and investment opportunities with a view to promoting investment between the two sides and sharing experiences in attracting foreign investment as well as best practices regarding investment promotion. It also encourages interested local companies in setting up or expanding their businesses within the area of the other jurisdiction and provides support to facilitate inward investment between both Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong.

Hong Kong signs MOU with Abu Dhabi on investment promotion Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Government announces immediate enforcement against illegal feeding of wild animals or feral pigeons starts tomorrow

Regarding the Wild Animals Protection (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 (Amendment Ordinance) which came into effect on August 1, 2024, a spokesperson for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) said today (August 31), "The Amendment Ordinance has already been in effect for a month. Starting from tomorrow (September 1), enforcement officers will take immediate enforcement action without prior verbal warnings upon discovering any person who is found to be illegally feeding wild animals or feral pigeons."

The Amendment Ordinance expands the territory-wide prohibition on feeding wild animals to cover feral pigeons, increases the maximum penalty for illegal feeding to a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year, and introduces a fixed penalty of $5,000 for illegal feeding, with a view to further curbing illegal feeding activities.

The AFCD, in collaboration with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Housing Department, has stepped up patrols throughout Hong Kong, especially at locations with previous records of illegal feeding activities, and takes appropriate enforcement action as necessary based on intelligence and reports.

Furthermore, the AFCD has established an inter-departmental working group on feeding ban enforcement with relevant departments. The working group regularly reviews and discusses enforcement action against illegal feeding and arranges joint enforcement operations when necessary. Members of the public may call 1823 to report any suspected illegal feeding of wild animals or feral pigeons.

Concurrently, the AFCD has launched a series of publicity and education activities with the theme of "All For No Feeding", which includes setting up educational booths in various districts, distributing leaflets, and collaborating with Legislative Council Members, District Council members, and local communities to promote the message. These efforts aim to bring home to the public the negative impact of feeding wild animals and feral pigeons, while publicising the latest feeding ban and penalties. Relevant information has also been uploaded to the AFCD webpage (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/conservation/con_fau/con_fau_wild_the.html).

Government announces immediate enforcement against illegal feeding of wild animals or feral pigeons starts tomorrow Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases