Cybersecurity Collaboration Strengthened in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area During 2024 China Cybersecurity Week

SITI attends opening ceremony of 2024 China Cybersecurity Week

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, attended the opening ceremony of 2024 China Cybersecurity Week this morning (September 8) in the main venue in Nansha, Guangzhou, and witnessed the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cybersecurity collaboration among the Digital Policy Office of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government, the Cyberspace Administration of Guangdong Province (CAGP), and the Comissão para a Cibersegurança of the Macao SAR Government.

During his opening speech, Professor Sun said that the theme of the China Cybersecurity Week, "Cybersecurity for the People, Cybersecurity relies on the People" profoundly interprets the close relationship between cybersecurity and the public. He called on all sectors of society to remain vigilant at all times, enhance public awareness of cybersecurity, and ensure the security of the networks and data against the cybersecurity hazards which are getting more severe in the face of ever-changing technology.

At the ceremony, the Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr Tony Wong, the CAGP and the Comissão para a Cibersegurança of Macao SAR signed a MoU on facilitating cybersecurity exchange and collaboration in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). This MoU aims to adhere to the holistic approach to national security, take effective measures to promote cybersecurity exchange and collaboration among the three regions, and provide robust cybersecurity support for building a digital GBA and the economic and social development of the regions.

Professor Sun said that the MoU will strengthen collaboration on cybersecurity among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, with enhancement on co-operation in the aspects of technological exchange, information sharing, and emergency response measures among the three regions with a view to facilitating the high quality development of the GBA.

Professor Sun said, "During the China Cybersecurity Week, numerous activities will be held in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao to further deepen industry collaboration, cultivate cybersecurity talent and promote cybersecurity awareness in the GBA. The cybersecurity week provides a great opportunity for deepening collaboration among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao in building a defense on cybersecurity together, thereby making greater contribution to the boosting of strength in cyberspace and the advancement of Chinese modernisation."

Professor Sun also visited the Cybersecurity Expo held at the same venue and toured the Hong Kong Pavilion to learn about the achievements of Hong Kong's cybersecurity industry in exchanges and collaboration with mainland counterparts.

Professor Sun concluded his itinerary and returned to Hong Kong in the afternoon today.

SITI attends opening ceremony of 2024 China Cybersecurity Week Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SITI attends opening ceremony of 2024 China Cybersecurity Week Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected counterfeit goods worth over $7.6 million in "Time Shield" operation

Hong Kong Customs conducted a two-week enforcement operation codenamed "Time Shield" from September 28 to yesterday (October 13) to combat counterfeit watches and related products via cross-boundary transshipment cargo. During the operation, Customs detected 16 related cases and seized around 7 000 items of suspected counterfeit goods, including watches, clothing, mobile phones etc with an estimated market value of over $7.6 million. One person was arrested.

Through intelligence analysis and detailed investigations, Customs detected related cases at various local logistics companies and express parcel centres.After follow-up investigations, Customs believed that all of the suspected counterfeit goods would have been exported to overseas destinations. Customs officers therefore organised a controlled delivery operation in respect of one batch of those seized items. On October 7, Customs officers arrested a 65-year-old man in an industrial unit in Kwai Chung, and seized about 600 items of suspected counterfeit goods including watches, mobile phones etc with an estimated market value of about $400,000.

Investigations of the above-mentioned cases are ongoing. The arrested person has been released on bail pending further investigation.

Customs appeals to consumers to purchase goods at reputable shops or websites to avoid buying counterfeit or infringing goods. Practitioners in the logistics industry should also comply with the requirements of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO) and to check with the trademark owners or authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt.

Customs will continue to step up inspections and conduct intelligence-led enforcement to vigorously combat different types of counterfeit and infringing goods activities.

Under the TDO, any person who imports or exports or sells or possesses for sale any goods to which a forged trademark is applied commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting 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 counterfeit goods worth over $7.6 million in "Time Shield" operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected counterfeit goods worth over $7.6 million in "Time Shield" operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected counterfeit goods worth over $7.6 million in "Time Shield" operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases