Speech by DCS at National Day of Nepal Reception
Following is the speech by the Deputy Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, at the National Day of Nepal Reception today (September 20):
Consul General Ranamagar (Consul General of Nepal in Hong Kong, Mr Udaya Bahadur Ranamagar), Deputy Commissioner Fang Jianming (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), representatives of consulates in Hong Kong, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. It is great pleasure to be here tonight in celebration of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal's National Day.
More than 31 million people of Nepal and its capital Kathmandu, as well as Nepalese communities in different parts of the world, join hands today in the celebration.
Home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kathmandu is surely among the world’s most stunning cities. Nepal is also home to eight of the planet's highest 10 mountains. It may be a little bit late for me to contemplate conquering the eight summits now, but I do hope to see more Hong Kong mountain climbers going up these magnificent Himalayan peaks some day.
With her spectacular natural beauty, Nepal is a popular tourist destination, with tourism being a strong pillar of the country's economic development. I am delightful to note from the International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s recent report in July 2024that Nepal’s economic activity is expected to pick up with growth reaching 4.9 per cent in financial year 2024/25, with "continued increase in tourist arrivals" being one of the factors to boost domestic demand and growth.
This is good news not only for Nepal and Nepalese businesses, but also for investors internationally, including Hong Kong. In this regard, I am pleased to know that the Consulate hosted a well-attended Nepal Investment Seminar in Hong Kong earlier this year to promote investment opportunities in Nepal among the local business community.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government treasures the longstanding ties between Hong Kong and Nepal. Indeed, we are home to nearly 26 000 Nepalese nationals who form one of the largest expat communities in Hong Kong. I also take heart in our country's deep ties with Nepal. Next year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Nepal and China. Special programmes and activities are planned, highlighted by the designation of 2025 as "Visit Nepal Year in China".
In addition to tourism and trade, culture and arts is also a promising growth area for Hong Kong and Nepal. Last November, the people of Hong Kong were treated to traditional Nepalese dance and arts and crafts at Hong Kong's annual Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances which were supported by Nepal's Consulate-General and the Hong Kong Nepalese Federation.
I take pleasure to add that Nepalese dance and handicrafts, as well as traditional wedding gowns, will be in the spotlight at the Asia+ Festival's "Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances" in November this year. This year's Asia+ Festival, which will commence later this month, features more than 100 performances and activities from nearly 30 countries and regions in Asia, the Middle East and the wide-ranging regions of the Belt and Road. I invite you all to enjoy Nepal's creative arts, as well as therich and diverse spectrum of culture and entertainment at the Asia+ Festival. Thank you very much.
Speech by DCS at National Day of Nepal Reception Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Speech by DCS at National Day of Nepal Reception Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CHP investigates case of severe paediatric influenza A infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 20) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection and reminded the community to heighten vigilance against influenza. The 2024/25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programmes will begin on September 26 and the CHP urged the public to receive the seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) to better protect themselves during the coming influenza season.
The case involves a 9-year-old boy with good past health. He developed a sore throat since September 17 and sought medical attention froma private doctor on the same day. He developed a fever, cough and shortness of breath on September 18 and was brought to Kwong Wah Hospital and was admitted on the same day. He is now at the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of the hospital for treatment and is now in serious condition. His nasopharyngeal swab specimen was positive for influenza A (H1) virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with severe pneumonia.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. One of his home contacts is currently symptomatic. The CHP's investigations are ongoing.
A spokesman for the CHP said, "Influenza can cause serious illnesses in high-risk individuals and even healthy persons. SIV is one of the most effective means to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications, as well as reducing influenza-related hospitalisation and death. SIV is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above except those with known contraindications. Persons at higher risk of getting influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive SIV early. The 2024/25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programmes will begin on September 26. As it takes about two weeks to develop antibodies, members of the public are advised to receive SIV early for protection against seasonal influenza. Please see details of the vaccination schemes on theCHP's website.
A person who gets influenza and COVID-19 at the same time may be more seriously ill and would have a higher risk of death. It is important to receive both SIV and COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible, in particular for children and elderly persons residing in the community or residential care homes. The public should also maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza and other respiratory illnesses, and note the following:
Surgical masks can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
For high-risk persons (e.g. persons with underlying medical conditions or persons who are immunocompromised), wear a surgical mask when visiting public places. The public should also wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
Avoid touching one's eyes, mouth and nose;
Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
Maintain good indoor ventilation;
When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending classes at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
Maintain a balanced diet, perform physical activity regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.
The public may visit the CHP'sinfluenza pageand weeklyCOVID-19 & Flu Expressfor more information.
