Opening address by STL at Hong Kong Global Maritime Trade Summit: Risk & Resilience in an Age of Disruption
Following is the opening address by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, at the Hong Kong Global Maritime Trade Summit: Risk & Resilience in an Age of Disruption today (November 18):
Chairman Grimaldi (Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping, Mr Emanuele Grimaldi), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is my great privilege be in an array of distinguished speakers, opening the Hong Kong Global Maritime Trade Summit. First and foremost, let me congratulate the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) for staging this prestigious global maritime event. It can only be right to choose Hong Kong as the host city for these important dialogues among government ministers and industry leaders of maritime and trade. Thank you to the ICS, and welcome to all of you.
In today's forum, we will witness the passion of the distinguished moderators, panellists and speakers, united under one common goal, in fostering dialogues and collaboration on important issues facing the world. The open and candid sharing of insights is a testament to their dedication to the future of maritime trade. Geopolitical dynamics, trade protectionism and climate change are undoubtedly pressing agendas that demand the international community's urgent action. The discussions today have prompted all of us to ponder upon the challenges and opportunities lying ahead, and better equipped governments and industry leaders to respond.
Hong Kong is committed to the common goals shared by the international community. Our city is proudly named the freest economy in the world by the Fraser Institute, thanks to our simple and attractive tax regime, highly efficient trade infrastructure, free flow of capital, people and information day-to-day. Over 9 000 overseas and Mainland companies have chosen Hong Kong as their base of operations. For long, Hong Kong has fully leveraged the advantages of a free market, and maintained a free, open, effective and fair business environment. As a staunch supporter for free trade, Hong Kong is a founding member of the World Trade Organization and an active participant in regional forums such as the APEC.
In the face of escalating climatic risks and growing needs for energy transition, we are committed to developing Hong Kong into a green shipping centre. Hong Kong is the first flag administration to introduce a green incentive scheme offering cash reward for Hong Kong registered ships attaining rating A or B in IMO (International Maritime Organization)'s carbon intensity indicator. We have promulgated last Friday the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering and will take forward the related infrastructural development such as green maritime fuel bunker terminals, promote port emissions reduction, offer incentives to encourage green maritime fuel usage, co-operate with neighbouring ports and set up green shipping corridors with major partners. All these underscore our strong commitment to supporting the IMO's decarbonisations efforts and joining the global energy transition trend for a greener and more sustainable maritime future.
We also recognise the importance of nurturing maritime talent to support the needs of the industry. We will step up our partnerships with mainland and overseas institutions in grooming maritime manpower and talent through more collaborated training and talent exchange programmes, with a view to nurturing high-quality talent for our global maritime pillar. All in all, Hong Kong welcomes every opportunity to collaborate and work with the international maritime communities.
The fruitful dialogues and discussions today will remind us all about the collective efforts required across governments and industry leaders to address the multifaceted challenges of our sector. Hong Kong's commitment to building a more sustainable, prosperous, and interconnected maritime future is unwavering. As an international maritime centre, we are determined to set an exemplary model and be a "super-connector" that draws important players in the international maritime community together.
Lastly, on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, I would like to thank you all for your participation. There are also a host of other exciting events during the rest of Hong Kong Maritime Week 2024, and we look forward to welcoming you there. I hope you enjoy the momentum and hospitality of our city. Thank you.
Opening address by STL at Hong Kong Global Maritime Trade Summit: Risk & Resilience in an Age of Disruption Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Opening address by STL at Hong Kong Global Maritime Trade Summit: Risk & Resilience in an Age of Disruption Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Opening address by STL at Hong Kong Global Maritime Trade Summit: Risk & Resilience in an Age of Disruption Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Opening address by STL at Hong Kong Global Maritime Trade Summit: Risk & Resilience in an Age of Disruption Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKSAR Government launches the National Security Education District Tutor Training Scheme
The Chief Executive emphasised in this year's Policy Address that it is of utmost importance for Hong Kong citizens to safeguard national security of their own accord. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government aims to strengthen community participation through the launch of the National Security Education District Tutor Training Scheme, actively encouraging all citizens to understand a holistic approach to national security and the significance of safeguarding national security, thereby fostering a collective commitment to uphold it.
Today (November 18), the HKSAR Government held the launching ceremony of the National Security Education District Tutor Training Scheme at the Hong Kong Museum of History. Officiating guests attending the ceremony were the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak Mei-kuen.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Cheuk said, "National security is the fundamental prerequisite for every country's survival and development. The top principle of 'one country, two systems' is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. After experiencing the painful days of the Hong Kong version of 'colour revolution' and the widespread 'black-clad' violence in 2019, citizens deeply understand the importance of national security to Hong Kong's continued prosperity and stability."
"Article 10 of the Hong Kong National Security Law stipulates that the HKSAR shall promote national security education in schools and universities and through social organisations, the media, the internet and other means to raise the awareness of residents of national security and of the obligation to abide by the law.One of the important measures is the opening of the National Security Exhibition Gallery in August this year.As the first national security education base in the HKSAR, it has received over 200 000 visitors and more than 800 groups in just three months since its opening, demonstrating society's emphasis on and support for national security education."
Mr Cheuk added, "The National Education District Tutor Training Scheme that we are participating in today exactly aims to radiate outward national security education widely and effectively by district tutors."
In his speech, Mr Tang said, "In March this year, the HKSAR fulfilled the constitutional responsibility for enacting local legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law. The newly enacted Safeguarding National Security Ordinance achieves convergence, compatibility and complementarity with the Hong Kong National Security Law, creating a legal shield for national security and laying a solid foundation for Hong Kong to boost its economy and pursue development."
Mr Tang added, "I hope that district tutors will leverage your networks to publicise and promote law-abiding awareness, national awareness, sense of national security, and positive thinking in the community. This will enhance citizens' ability to think critically and not be misled by 'soft resistance' rhetoric or behaviour, ultimately fostering a safe and stable social environment."
In her speech, Miss Mak said, "All of you here are key patriots in the districts dedicated to our country and Hong Kong, continuously supporting the work of the Government in strict accordance with the law. You are the most qualified and capable individuals to assist the Government in raising public awareness of national security in the districts, thereby enhancing Hong Kong's capacity to fend off security risks."
Miss Mak stressed, "District tutors can deeply engage with different community groups and convey national security messages in a lively and engaging manner, helping citizens understand the importance of respecting and safeguarding national security, promoting a conscious effort to safeguard it among all citizens, and strengthening public awareness of its significance."
The first batch of around 120 district tutors made a pledge in the presence of distinguished guests to do their utmost to promote national security in the community and fully assist the HKSAR in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security.
District Offices have begun inviting district council members, district organisations, and groups across Hong Kong to enroll in the district tutor training scheme. It is expected that by 2025, at least 2 600 district tutors will be trained. Given that each tutor will disseminate national security messages to at least 30 people within a year, it is anticipated that over 78 000 people will receive messages about safeguarding national security.
The course under the district tutor training scheme, conducted by experienced educators, includes interactive classroom learning and visits to the National Security Exhibition Gallery, totalling approximately four hours. Participants will also receive relevant materials to assist them in promoting national security awareness in the districts.
"The security of Hong Kong is premised on that of our Motherland, and the security of our home is premised on that of our country." Safeguarding national security is everyone's responsibility and a duty to be fulfilled. The district tutor training scheme helps raise awareness of national security among Hong Kong citizens. Everyone should contribute their part to help safeguard it and work together to build a stable and prosperous Hong Kong.
