Environmental Committee for San Tin Technopole convenes first meeting
The Environmental Committee (EC) for the San Tin Technopole set up by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) held its first meeting today (November 15) to give advice and views on the plans for ecological mitigation/enhancement measures for the project.
The Director of Environmental Protection approved the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for San Tin Technopole on May 17. The conditions attached to the approval of the EIA report by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) include the establishment of the EC with a wide representation of stakeholders, members of which comprise relevant government departments, green groups and academics, to provide advice on the preparation of the plans for ecological mitigation/enhancement measures, and monitor the effectiveness of those the measures.
The EC was established on September 27. At today's meeting, members discussed the various proposed ecological mitigation/enhancement measures for San Tin Technopole, including wetland enhancement measures at Mai Po, Habitat Creation and Management Plan, as well as the design of Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park.
The membership of the EC is as follows:
Chairperson
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Project Manager (North), CEDD
Non-official members
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Dr Gary W J Ades
Dr Bosco Chan
Ms Kami Hui Shuk-kwan
Professor Qiu Jianwen
Mr Matthew Sin Kar-wah
Professor Nora Tam Fung-yee
Professor Wong Sze-chun
Mr Yu Yat-tung
Official members
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Representative of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department
Representative of CEDD
Representative of EPD
Environmental Committee for San Tin Technopole convenes first meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
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 are focusing on four strategic industries: 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
