Paul Chan Concludes New York Visit, Promotes Hong Kong as Global Wealth Management Hub and Startup Ecosystem.

FS completes visit to New York (with photos/video)

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, completed his final day of visit in New York, the US, yesterday (October 24, New York time).

In the morning, Mr Chan held a breakfast meeting with representatives from several family offices, introducing Hong Kong's unique advantages as a global leading hub for asset and wealth management, as well as the latest developments in this field. He welcomed them to leverage Hong Kong's efficient and diverse capital markets, robust family office service network and ecosystem, and global business connections for wealth succession and developing family philanthropies, while exploring more investment opportunities in the Mainland and Asia.

Following that, Mr Chan visited the technology accelerator and venture capital platform Newlab, where he toured the startups they nurture and support. He also met with their staff in charge. Newlab focuses on incubating and accelerating deep tech and climate tech startups, facilitating their growth through public-private partnerships, investment matching, and promoting the commercialisation of research and development. The platform is considering expanding its business overseas and establishing more locations. Mr Chan mentioned that the Chief Executive recently announced the "Innovation and Technology Accelerator Pilot Scheme" in his Policy Address, aiming at attracting experienced professional startup service organisations, both local and overseas, to establish accelerator bases in Hong Kong to support the growth of startups. Currently, Hong Kong has over 4,200 startups, with a vibrant and active startup ecosystem, a full-chain fundraising market, and a listing system tailored for specialised tech companies. Furthermore, with ongoing deepening cooperation with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area cities in innovation and technology, he welcomed the platform to set up a base in Hong Kong and explore collaboration opportunities.

Mr Chan departed from New York in the afternoon, heading back to Hong Kong, and is expected to arrive tonight (October 25, Hong Kong time).

FS completes visit to New York (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FS completes visit to New York (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FS completes visit to New York (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FS completes visit to New York (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

FS completes visit to New York (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Extension of e-Appointment services to applications for warrants of distress in District Court Registry

The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:

The Judiciary today (December 23) announced that the e-Appointment services will be extended to applications for warrants of distress in the District Court Registry as from next Tuesday (December30).

Applicants can make online appointments via www.judiciary.hk/en/court_services_facilities/dtci_index.html for attending the District Court Registry to file new applications for warrants of distress. Registered users of "iAM Smart" may use the auto form-filling function of "iAM Smart" to provide relevant personal data for making online appointments. Guidance Notes with details are available on the above dedicated webpage.

With the above extension, the e-Appointment services will be available for a wide range of services in different court registries and offices, including the Apostille Service Office of the High Court Registry, the Probate Registry, the High Court Registry, the Appeals Registry at the Clerk of Court's Office of the High Court, the Family Court Registry, the Integrated Mediation Office, the Labour Tribunal Registry, and the Lands Tribunal Registry.

E-appointment services aim at saving court users' time and costs. To provide greater convenience for court users, with effect from next Tuesday, the auto form-filling function of "iAM Smart" will be extended to cover the majority of e-Appointment services of the court registries and offices (Note). Details are available atwww.judiciary.hk/en/court_services_facilities/es_index.html.

Note: This is not yet available for the Probate Registry (submitting applications for grant with a will) and the Labour Tribunal Registry (filing of claims).

The Judiciary, Photo source: reference image