John Lee Advocates Innovation and Sustainability at APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima, Peru.

CE attends APEC meetings in Peru

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, continued his visit in Lima, Peru, on November 16 (Lima time). He attended the 31st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting to exchange views with leaders of other economies on issues including trade and investment for inclusive and interconnected growth, innovation and digitalisation to promote transition to the formal and global economy, and sustainable growth for resilient development.

This year, APEC has adopted the theme "Empower. Include. Grow". Speaking at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting Retreat in the morning, Mr Lee pointed out that innovation and digitalisation are key drivers in propelling prosperity and inclusive growth. Noting that Hong Kong is proactively applying innovation and technology to develop new quality productive forces, Mr Lee stated that Hong Kong has directed efforts and resources to boost new industrialisation, advance the development of artificial intelligence, encourage cross-disciplinary research and development, and promote the integration of the real economy and the digital economy. On sustainability, Mr Lee mentioned that Hong Kong launched the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong in June this year, not only to seize opportunities brought about by the development of hydrogen energy, but also to facilitate matching between capital and quality green projects, in order to promote the green transformation of economies.

Mr Lee noted that Hong Kong has put forward a series of measures to deepen reforms, exploring new growth areas and addressing public needs to create a better and more inclusive society. He expressed his hope to work with APEC member economies to contribute to the promotion of regional economic integration and development.

In the afternoon, Mr Lee met with members of Hong Kong, China's delegates to APEC Voices of the Future (VOF) to learn about their experiences in joining the event. The VOF is an official youth exchange programme of APEC aiming at nurturing the next generation of leaders of the Asia-Pacific region. It provides a platform for the youth from different economies to interact and learn. Young delegates from different economies will jointly draft a Youth Declaration during APEC meetings, allowing leaders from different economies to understand the issues and visions that concern young people. Mr Lee said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches great importance to youth development, striving to nurture a new generation of young people with an affection for the country and Hong Kong and equipped with global perspectives, an aspiring mindset and positive thinking. Noting that this year's Policy Address strengthens the support for youth development, Mr Lee encouraged young people to leverage the opportunities brought by the relevant measures to make plans for the future of Hong Kong.

In the evening, Mr Lee had a dinner with local business leaders in Peru. Speaking at the dinner, Mr Lee said that the Free Trade Agreement signed between Hong Kong and Peru signifies a stronger partnership and facilitates commercial exchanges between the two economies, bringing more business opportunities to Hong Kong and Peruvian enterprises.

Mr Lee concluded his visit to Peru and will return to Hong Kong on November 19 (Hong Kong time).

CE attends APEC meetings in Peru Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE attends APEC meetings in Peru Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE attends APEC meetings in Peru Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE attends APEC meetings in Peru Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CE attends APEC meetings in Peru Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $3.1 million at airport

​Hong Kong Customs yesterday (November 16) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 14 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $3.1 million.

A 29-year-old male passenger and a 24-year-old female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During Customs clearance, Customs officers found a total of about 14kg of suspected cannabis buds inside their check-in suitcases. They were subsequently arrested.

The two arrested persons have each been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (November 18).

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $3.1 million at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases