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Chief Executive John Lee on Monday said top Beijing official Xia Baolong values the SAR as an international city and wants to know more about its economic development. On the fifth day of his ongoing visit to the SAR, Xia, who's the director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, led a study team to hold discussions with local and overseas business groups. "The study team attaches great importance to the status of Hong Kong as an international city, and wants to hear the views of local and foreign chambers," Lee told reporters. "Hong Kong, let me be clear, will continue to serve as an international financial centre and global city. We will continue to leverage Hong Kong's One Country, Two Systems framework, enjoy the unwavering support of the motherland, while being closely connected to the world at large." The CE added that a few representatives of chambers expressed their support for planned Basic Law Article 23 national security legislation during the meeting. Wilhelm Brauner, chairman of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong & Macau, expressed confidence in the SAR's rule of law. "Law and order is important for business and we have that today in Hong Kong. Having been here for a long time, I was also witness to times when there were situations on the streets that they don't give confidence, when they are blasted all over the globe," he said. "The Basic Law Article 23 is part of the law. The Basic Law has been around for decades now. So, any implementation will go through its process. And then we will see how it is practically handled. And with the rule of law tradition of Hong Kong, I have confidence that it will be handled accordingly." Chairman of the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Dato' Gan Khai Choo said Southeast Asian businesses are very confident about the city's prospects. "In Malaysia and in Singapore, before independence during colonial days, there were already strict security laws. And we realised that after the recent announcements, our business and our friends from Malaysia and from Southeast Asia are very confident to return to Hong Kong as tourists, as businessmen, and continue to stay here," he said.

The Environmental Protection Department said on Monday that checks on 12,000 restaurants found that more than 10 percent of them had already ditched throwaway plastic products, ahead of a ban that takes effect on April 22. Officials are visiting 20,000 small- and medium-sized businesses to help them prepare for the first phase of the ban on plastic tableware and items such as straws and stirrers. The department’s assistant director Joanne Yung told a Legco panel meeting that some restaurants had already abandoned the use of plastic items. “During the visits, we carefully examined which parts of the restaurant did not comply with the forthcoming regulations and then told them what needed to change. In the process, we found more than 10 percent had already switched to comply with the regulations,” she said. “The main problems for the remaining restaurants are that they hope to use up remaining plastic products, and the question of where to find alternatives. We provided them with relevant information." During the panel meeting, many lawmakers expressed concerns that people still do not know about the ban and more promotion is needed. DAB lawmaker Edward Leung said that some low-income individuals might eat their meals in two separate sittings, and that using takeaway utensils to dine in might be considered illegal under the new legislation. Tse Chin-wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology, clarified that it’s legal to eat in restaurants with takeaway utensils, although not encouraged. He stressed that the ban targets the sellers and suppliers of plastic products, so the public can still freely use any plastic products they already own. “If people accidentally buy these regulated plastic products, they don't need to worry. Purchasing and using them do not violate the law,” he said. “However, if you find any places selling these regulated goods, please report them to the authorities so that we can trace the source of the sale.” Tse also said the administration would consider new regulations in future to address the use of plastic packaging by online shopping and delivery companies, but would take a step-by-step approach on the matter.

Financial services minister Christopher Hui on Monday said top Beijing official Xia Baolong highly values Hong Kong's role as an international financial centre. Xia, the director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, is in the SAR for an inspection visit and has been meeting representatives of the financial sector. Speaking after meeting Xia, Hui said the mainland official encouraged the sector to tell good stories about Hong Kong, adding that the talks focused on three areas. "Number one is about our traditional core areas in terms of stock market. And the other area will be about our connectivity of the mainland, in particular the various Connect programmes," Hui said. "And the third aspect is regarding new finance areas like green and sustainability finance, and also at the same time fintech." Asked whether there were discussions on proposed Basic Law Article 23 national security legislation, Hui said the sector thinks the legislation will help build a stable and predictable environment in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Tourism Association on Monday said people who book trips with travel agencies should not necessarily expect to hear in advance that the company is closing its doors. Its executive director, Timothy Chui, made the comment after New Star Travel abruptly stopped operations last week, citing the pandemic and difficulties with scams. As of Friday, the Travel Industry Authority (TIA) had received 140 inquiries from the public over the closure, involving HK$360,000. The TIA said New Star Travel informed the authorities on February 9 that it hoped to cease operations on February 23. Chui said agencies had to inform the authority 14 days in advance that they intend to close, but don't necessarily have to make a public announcement. "If it is a travel agency with very high sales, informing the public about their plan to shut is reasonable and appropriate... but some agencies have a different business," he told an RTHK radio programme. "Some focusing on retail have connections with consumers, but some may only have to coordinate with wholesalers... so there's still room for discussion, on how to inform the public." The TIA said the travel agency did not accept any new bookings after February 9 and it is currently arranging to refund affected customers. But speaking on the same programme, Roundtable lawmaker Michael Tien said the authorities should have immediately informed the public about the agency's plan to shut. "Some travel agencies with bad intentions may still want to earn more before they close, and they may declare themselves bankrupt later on. The authorities will have to compensate affected customers using their compensation fund, but it's unfair," he said.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan on Monday said Hong Kong will put itself in a position to seize the massive opportunities brought about by the world's transition to environmental sustainability. He made the comment at the opening ceremony of the inaugural Hong Kong Green Week, where more than 5,000 participants are expected to join a series of events themed around green technology and finance. Chan said global investment in clean energy-related industries last year exceeded US$1.7 trillion for the first time, surpassing funding for oil-related upstream industries. "There's huge potential for green development around the world and Hong Kong will not be absent from riding this tide. For that reason, in last year's budget we put forward a vision to develop Hong Kong into a global centre for green tech and green finance,” he said. “We need to become a frontrunner in this sphere, seizing on the opportunities from the green transition and utilising our strengths to contribute to building a sustainable future for our country, region and the world.” The finance chief said that while Hong Kong has advantages in scientific research, internationalisation and raising capital, cooperation is needed with other cities in the Greater Bay Area given their strengths in product transformation, commercialisation, industrialisation and manufacturing. “If we collaborate together, we can form great synergies and create a complete industrial chain,” Chan said. Meanwhile, Hong Kong Monetary Authority Chief Executive Eddie Yue said it is estimated that the Asia-Pacific region will see investments in climate-related industries grow to US$66 trillion over the next 30 years, and it’s imperative to push forward climate-related finance to reach the goal of transitioning to low-carbon economies.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday his country's victory "depends" on Western support and that he was "sure" the United States would approve a critical package of military aid. He also said 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed in two years of war with Russia, in a rare admission of military losses. "Whether Ukraine will lose, whether it will be very difficult for us and whether there will be a large number of casualties depends on you, on our partners, on the Western world," Zelenskyy said. He spoke at a press conference in Kyiv dedicated to the second anniversary of Russia's assault at a time when Ukraine has been weakened by a shortage of ammunition and the blocking of US aid in Congress. "There is hope for Congress, and I am sure that it is going to be positive, otherwise I do not understand the world we will start to live in," Zelenskyy said. The aid has been blocked amid resistance from Republicans. For the first time, Zelenskyy put a number on Ukraine's military losses in two years of brutal fighting with Russia, saying "31,000 Ukrainian soldiers died in this war." "Not 300,000 or 150,000, or whatever (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and his lying circle are saying. But each of these losses is a great loss for us," he added. Both sides are believed to minimise deaths of troops. Asked if he would talk to Putin, Zelenskyy said: "Can you talk to a deaf person? Can you talk to a man who kills his opponents?" Putin's main opponent Alexei Navalny died in an Arctic prison this month. "He sees himself (in power) by 2030, we would like to finish with him sooner," Zelenskyy added, mocking an upcoming presidential election in Russia that is likely to extend Putin's long rule until 2030. (AFP)

Legal sector representatives said they’ve had a candid exchange with the director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Xia Baolong, on Sunday. The chairman of the Bar Association, Victor Dawes, said topics that were discussed included the planned Basic Law Article 23 national security legislation. "During our meeting, we told Director Xia that society might have different views on many of the provisions – and that this shows that Hong Kong is a diverse society, which enjoys freedom of speech," he told reporters. "We mentioned that a good balance should be struck between safeguarding national security and Hong Kong people's rights under the Basic Law." The Law Society's president, CM Chan, said he felt that Xia valued the opinions of the SAR's legal sector. Chan added that Beijing’s top official on Hong Kong affairs is highly supportive of the SAR and wants it to continue thriving as an international city.

The Society for Community Organisation (SoCO) on Sunday called on the government to give out sweeteners to the underprivileged in its upcoming budget, saying many of them are facing financial hardships despite the city's recovery from the pandemic. "Many of them still have to face financial difficulties, because during the period of pandemic, many of them [were in debt] to support their living. They did not apply for CSSA (Comprehensive Social Security Assistance)," SoCO's deputy director Sze Lai-shan explained. "After Covid, some of them resumed their full-time job, but the salary is not as good as they expect. Besides, some of them only found a part-time job." Sze urged the government to dish out a HK$5,000 cash handout for people living under the poverty line. She also urged officials to extend the rental period for transitional housing and provide housing allowance to those who are waiting in line for a public housing flat. Financial Secretary Paul Chan is due to unveil his financial blueprint on Wednesday. He's expected to cut down on relief measures as the government faces a budget deficit.

Hong Kong’s first double-decker hydrogen bus made its debut on Sunday, on Citybus’s route 20 between Kai Tak and Cheung Sha Wan. The first bus left Kai Tak’s Muk An Street at 11am, carrying some 100 passengers. Among those on board was 15-year-old Ian, a dedicated bus enthusiast, who arrived at the bus station at 6:30am. He said he even wrote a song to express his excitement. “The first sentence of the lyrics means I am very excited and happy to be travelling on this hydrogen-powered bus. And the second sentence means I didn’t sleep… I couldn’t sleep,” he said. The bus arrived at its Cheung Sha Wan destination 40 minutes after its departure – similar to the time a regular bus takes to complete the journey. Another bus fan, Rheneas, described it as a five-star travelling experience. “[It is] much quieter than normal buses, the engine is different. It uses hydrogen instead of fuel. The air conditioning is quiet enough. And the speed is also quite fast,” the 26-years-old said. Citybus presented a certificate and a water bottle made of recycled plastic to every passenger on the maiden trip – to drive home the message that the only emission from the bus was water vapour. Roger Ma, Citybus’s general manager of operations, said the company plans to purchase five more hydrogen buses by the end of this year. He added that some of the hydrogen buses may take up routes on Hong Kong Island in the future - once a fuel station there is up and running. “The next hydrogen refill station will probably be completed by the end of this year so [by then] we hope to deploy hydrogen buses to serve Hong Kong Island,” he said. “Why we currently only deploy hydrogen buses to routes serving Kowloon side, it’s because our existing hydrogen refill station is only located on the Kowloon side and one of the main limitations is that according to regulation, the hydrogen buses cannot go through tunnels,” he said. Ma noted that going forward, Citybus will also acquire five electric buses to compare their performance with the hydrogen-powered ones.

Starry Lee on Sunday left for Beijing to join a meeting of the country's top legislature as Hong Kong's sole delegate in the body. She told reporters at the airport that the National People's Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC) will examine an amendment bill to the national law on guarding state secrets. At the two-day meeting starting Monday, Lee said members will also consider the draft of the NPCSC's work report, as well as the motions and attendance list for the plenary meeting next month. Meanwhile, she thanked Beijing for allowing people in two more mainland cities, Xi'an and Qingdao, to come to Hong Kong without joining a tour group. "I'd like to once again thank the central government for supporting and caring about Hong Kong, especially for expanding the individual visit scheme to cover two more cities, and for giving various businesses in Hong Kong a confidence boost," she said. "I hope people can portray Hong Kong as a city of hospitality and vitality, and ensure visitors from all over have a positive experience."

The director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Xia Baolong, visited the Sham Shui Po “community living room” on the fourth day of his visit here. He was accompanied by Chief Executive John Lee and labour minister Chris Sun. Sun said Xia was given a tour around the facility where tenants of subdivided flats could cook, do laundry and socialise. The welfare chief said Xia spoke to children who were doing their homework there. "He is encouraged by what we do to help those in need because what is available here at the community living room is exactly what those living in poor conditions need," Sun said. "Director Xia fully agrees with what we do and he encourages us to push ahead with the effort and do more to help those in need." Sun added that three more such living rooms will be set up in Sham Shui Po and Kowloon City over the next six months. Earlier on Sunday, Xia had dim sum with the Chief Executive at a restaurant in Wong Tai Sin. _____________________________ Last updated: 2024-02-25 HKT 12:50

Beijing's top official overseeing Hong Kong affairs affirmed the city's district-level work as he continued his week-long inspection visit, the government said on Saturday. The director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Xia Baolong, started his third day in the city by having dim sum at a restaurant in Tseung Kwan O, along with officials including Chief Executive John Lee and home and youth affairs minister Alice Mak. District representatives, such as members of three local bodies – the area, fire safety and fight crime committees – and those from care teams, were also present. A diner, who saw Xia at the restaurant, recalled the Beijing official saying "Kung Hei Fat Choi" to her – a common greeting during the Lunar New Year period. Xia later met with all 32 Sai Kung district councillors, during which he was briefed on their work. Home and youth affairs chief Alice Mak said those in attendance had pledged to serve as a bridge between the government and residents. "During the meeting, a lot of district councillors reported on their work. Director Xia listened to our reports and recognised the work of each district councillor," she said. "With the encouragement from the director, we hope to continue working hard with district councillors." Christine Fong, a Sai Kung district councillor, told reporters that Basic Law Article 23 national security legislation was brought up at the meeting. She said Xia hoped district councils would inform the public of the government's policies and assist in its governance. Xia then headed to Sai Kung for a seafood lunch with district officers, who chair the city's district councils, before spending the afternoon at Lion Rock Park in Wong Tai Sin. Xia is in town for seven days to gain a better understanding of Hong Kong, saying his mission is to work with the administration and all sectors of society to plan a "new stage of development" for the city. _____________________________ Last updated: 2024-02-24 HKT 15:27