CITID Meeting Highlights Key Initiatives for Hong Kong's Innovation and Technology Development

Committee on Innovation, Technology and Industry Development holds fifth meeting

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, chaired the fifth meeting of the Committee on Innovation, Technology and Industry Development (CITID) this afternoon (December 20).

At the meeting, members were briefed on the major initiatives in "The Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address" that were related to the purview of the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, as well as the key features of the Development Outline for the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (the Development Outline). Members then shared their views on the relevant measures as well as the development of the innovation and technology (I&T) industry.

Moreover, representatives from the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau briefed members on the "patent box" tax incentive and listened to their views on the relevant measures.

Professor Sun said, "This year’s Policy Address is entitled 'Reform for Enhancing Development and Building Our Future Together'. The development of I&T as well as new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions are investments for the future and necessary steps to take to facilitate societal progress, which in turn benefit people's livelihood. The Government will strive for an early implementation of the relevant measures announced in the Policy Address. The Development Outline was also recently promulgated on November 20, setting out the important development directions, strategy and target of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (the Hong Kong Park) and leading the development of the Hong Kong Park through top-level design. The Government will join hands with all sectors of the community in promoting the high-quality development of the Hong Kong Park in the Loop."

Established on March 3, 2023, the CITID advises the Government on the directions and strategies as set out in the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint on promoting the development of I&T in Hong Kong, and enhances co-operation among stakeholders.

Committee on Innovation, Technology and Industry Development holds fifth meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Committee on Innovation, Technology and Industry Development holds fifth meeting Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CHP investigates suspected puffer fish poisoning case

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (December 20) investigating a suspected puffer fish poisoning case, and hence reminded members of the public not to consume puffer fish.

The case involves two males aged 44 and 50, who developed perioral and limb weakness and shortness of breath about four hours after consuming cooked puffer fish, whichwas caught by themselves, on December 19. Initial investigations by the CHP revealed that they had also consumed puffer fish caught by themselves before, and the CHP believed that this incident was caused by consuming poisonous puffer fish handled improperly.

They attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital yesterday (December 19) and was admitted for treatment. One patient is now in critical condition, and the other is in stable condition.

A spokesman for the CHP said that consumption of puffer fish is the main cause of food poisoning from tetrodotoxin, whichis a potent water-soluble neurotoxin that can affect the central nervous system.

"Organs such as the liver, gonads and skin of puffer fish have high concentrations of tetrodotoxin. Being heat-stable, the toxin does not decompose upon cooking, boiling, drying or freezing. Tetrodotoxin intoxication can cause problems in respiration and circulation, and is potentially fatal. There is no known antidote or antitoxin that can decompose tetrodotoxin. Members of the public are advised to avoid purchasing and preparing puffer fish or unknown fish for consumption to prevent tetrodotoxin-related food poisoning," the spokesman said.