Speech by FS at Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao Gala Night 2024
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao Gala Night 2024 today (November 15):
Ambassador Ambrosetti (Ambassador of Italy to China, Mr Massimo Ambrosetti), Consul General Ficarra (Consul General of Italy to Hong Kong and Macao, Mr Carmelo Ficarra), Mr De Rosa (President of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao, Mr Davide De Rosa), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Buona sera. Good evening. It gives me great pleasure to join your gala dinner again this evening.
The exquisite Italian cuisine and wine are truly tempting, so I promise to keep my remarks brief.
Tonight, we gather to celebrate the long-standing and rewarding ties between our two economies. We are close partners on many fronts, and our collaboration continues to flourish.
Last year, Italy was Hong Kong's fourth-largest trading partner among EU (European Union) member states. Our city is home to some 170 Italian companies, spanning banking, communications, logistics, design, and a wide range of other businesses.
The "Made in Italy" label is synonymous with superior design and exceptional taste. From luxury fashion to automobiles, and from Chianti wine to gelato and chocolate, Hong Kong people just love Italian products. Italian brands and designs are literally everywhere in this city – if you also count the bags carried by the ladies – and gentlemen, too.
Speaking of design, I'm pleased to note that Italy will be the partner country for our Business of Design Week 2025. I am sure we have much to work together in the creative and cultural industries.
Looking ahead, our relations are bound to grow even stronger. Commemorating the 700th anniversary of the passing of Macro Polo and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Italy, the recent state visit by President Mattarella to our country was highly successful, marking a renewed commitment to strengthening cultural, commercial and diplomatic ties.
As a "super connector" between the Mainland and the rest of the world, Hong Kong will continue to create ample opportunities for Italian businesses and industries. Beyond our role as an international financial, shipping, and trade centre, we see tremendous potential for mutually rewarding collaboration in innovation and technology.
Hong Kong, together with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), is rapidly emerging as an international innovation and technology centre. We focus on four strategic areas: AI and data analytics, biotech, fintech, and new energy and new materials. We welcome Italian enterprises in these sectors to work with us to reap the tremendous benefits ahead.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Chief Executive's recent Policy Address announced further measures to underline our commitment in this pursuit, including increasing investments in emerging industries, advancing strategic infrastructure such as the Northern Metropolis, and strengthening our collaboration with neighbouring cities in the GBA.
Hong Kong is an ideal platform for Italian technology and manufacturing businesses – be they machinery, pharmaceutical, fintech or green industries – seeking to explore the vast opportunities in this part of the world.
In short, the friendship and partnership that we are building will be highly rewarding long down the road.
Last but not least, may I wish you continued success in your business endeavours in Hong Kong and beyond in the years to come.
Grazie!
Speech by FS at Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao Gala Night 2024 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Speech by FS at Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao Gala Night 2024 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Building Technology Research Institute is spearheading construction industry to strengthen innovative applications
The following is issued on behalf of the Building Technology Research Institute:
The Chairperson of the Board of the Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi), Mr Hon Chi-keung, today (November 15) attended the International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit organised by the Development Bureau (DEVB) to introduce the three major development directions of the BTRi, namely driving applied research and development, reviewing and uplifting standards, providing accreditation, certification and testing. He also shared the initial work plans of the BTRi.
The BTRi was established in August this year as a limited company wholly owned by the Financial Secretary Incorporated to spearhead the construction industry in strengthening innovative applications to enhance productivity, cost-effectiveness and site safety performance in response to Hong Kong's future infrastructure development.
Driving applied research and development
The BTRi will work closely with the DEVB and works departments to implement and establish innovative construction materials, technologies and machineries through pilot projects in public works projects. The BTRi is collaborating with works departments such as the Architectural Services Department and the Civil Engineering and Development Department to promote the application of high-strength steel and ultra-high performance concrete by piloting in public works projects. The BTRi will assist the project team in solving technical issues, collect data and monitor the performance, so as to facilitate the approval of relevant departments, and formulate relevant standards and guidelines for wider adoption by the industry. These construction materials are two to three times stronger than traditional materials, which can reduce the amount of material, structural weight and even the scale of the foundation, and also facilitate the prefabrication of related structural components in the factory, so as to achieve the effect of speed, quantity, efficiency and quality.
Uplifting standards
The BTRi will collaborate with local universities to make reference to overseas building standards and Guobiao (GB). It is expected to effectively improve the efficiency of the project and reduce the construction cost by reviewing and optimising the building standards that have been used in Hong Kong for many years, starting from the design loading requirements of buildings and the design values of the bearing capacity of the foundation, etc. The BTRi will also facilitate the local application of high-quality and cost-effective construction materials from the Mainland and overseas by comparing and complementing the differences in testing and certification requirements between standards in different regions. In addition, the BTRi will work closely with the DEVB and closely liaise with counterparts in the Guangdong Province to take forward the formulation of the Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Construction Standards.
Providing accreditation, certification and testing
The BTRi today launched the Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) Manufacturer Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme) to ensure that accredited MiC manufacturers adhere to strict standards in management, production, transportation and other processes, and strengthen quality control. The details and application method of the Scheme is available on the BTRi’s website (btri.hk). The Scheme will play a key role in further promoting the local application of MiC and the development of MiC technology, which will help consolidate Hong Kong's position as an international leader in MiC. The BTRi will also review the existing testing needs for various construction materials and products in Hong Kong, and strengthen the relevant building testing capabilities of the construction industry.
Collaboration and development
Witnessed by the Secretary for Development, Mr Hon signed Memoranda of Understanding today with the Guangdong Provincial Academy of Building Research, the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore, and three local universities, namely the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, to collaborate and promote innovative applications to address the pressing challenges of the construction industry.
In terms of future development, the BTRi will develop its business in areas such as driving applied research and development, uplifting standards, providing accreditation, certification and testing, etc., and will gradually build a professional team to promote innovation in the construction industry. On the other hand, the BTRi will strengthen co-operation with relevant local and overseas institutions to enhance the applied research capabilities of the BTRi and establish its leading position in the GBA and even internationally.
