Hong Kong Hosts International Infrastructure Leaders Summit to Enhance Global Project Collaboration and Innovation

DEVB hosts International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit

The Development Bureau (DEVB) today (November 15) hosted the International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit, bringing together more than 500 major infrastructure project leaders and experts in infrastructure from over 20 countries and economies around the globe, including senior government officials from Mainland and overseas countries, and representatives of renowned international organisations such as the World Economic Forum and International Institute for Management Development, to delve into the strategies and policies of infrastructure delivery plans, and addressed the challenges and opportunities in implementing mega infrastructure projects under the theme of Strategic Leadership in Managing Complexity and Uncertainty in Infrastructure Delivery.

Addressing the Summit, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said that the Hong Kong Special Adminstrative Region Government is committed to investing in infrastructure and advancing land development projects to promote social and economic development. Despite many challenges, Hong Kong's infrastructure development has remained robust with world-class infrastructure recognised internationally. The Government has taken proactive stances to spearhead the transformation of the construction industry over the past few years, promoting advanced construction methods and materials, integrated digital technologies, as well as adopting new project delivery model. Through exchanges that transcend geographical and sectoral boundaries at the Summit, the Government hopes to pool wisdom on the delivery of projects with enhanced efficiency and quality. She also mentioned that under the unique advantages of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong would continue to capitalise on the privilege of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, and consolidate its position as an international infrastructure centre, uniting the world's best talent, knowledge and investment to address upcoming challenges and promote quality infrastructure development.

Speaking at the Summit, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Water Resources of the People's Republic of China, Mr Li Liangsheng, said that the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China stressed the need to establish a system for the planning and standardisation of new infrastructure facilities, optimise the mechanism for the integration and utilisation of new infrastructure facilities, promote the digital transformation of conventional infrastructure, expand the diversity of investment and financing channels, and enhance the co-ordination mechanism for major infrastructure development. The Summit will inject impetus generated in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into the national development of new quality productive forces. It will further promote international infrastructural co-operation and bring far-reaching significance.

In his keynote presentation, the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau, said that the Government is taking forward the Northern Metropolis, the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands project as well as a number of major transport infrastructure projects. He stressed the Government's commitment to be an "enabler" fostering innovation and industrialisation to drive industry enhancement, and added that Hong Kong's diverse talent pool is also one of its most significant advantages, allowing the city to play a leading role in the construction industry.

The presentation and plenary sessions of the Summit gathered prominent infrastructure leaders and experts from various sectors worldwide, including government, academia, construction and finance, to share the latest initiatives and challenges facing infrastructure development. The first plenary session "The Next Growth Curve" highlighted the critical role of infrastructure in driving the city development and the next wave of global economic growth. The second session "Powerful Partnerships" explored effective financing and procurement strategies essential for advancing infrastructure projects within a culture of collaboration. The last session "Building Tomorrow" focused on how innovation and digital technologies are reshaping infrastructure development, promoting greater efficiency and sustainability.

At the Summit, the Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi) which was established by the DEVB in August this year to drive innovative applications in the construction industry, signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) with Mainland and overseas organisations, namely Guangdong Provincial Academy of Building Research and the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore, as well as three local universities, namely the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. These MoU would expand the collaboration network of the BTRi for the promotion of innovative application in the construction industry. The major development directions of the BTRi are to promote applied research and development (R&D), review and uplift standards ,as well as to provide accreditation, certification and testing.

DEVB hosts International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DEVB hosts International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DEVB hosts International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DEVB hosts International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DEVB hosts International Infrastructure and Projects Leaders Summit Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Toronto ETO celebrates dragon boat racing festivals in Toronto and Ottawa

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO) joined community leaders, athletes, and thousands of spectators at the 38th Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival (Festival) held on the Centre Island in Toronto, Canada, celebrating the global appeal of dragon boat racing and the strong cultural ties between Hong Kong and Canada.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Festival on June 13 (Toronto Time), the Director of the Toronto ETO, Mr Bill Wong, congratulated the Toronto Chinese Business Association on hosting another successful edition of one of the most anticipated summer events in Ontario.

"Exactly 50 years ago, the first international dragon boat race took place in Hong Kong, transforming a traditional Chinese cultural activity into a modern international sport," Mr Wong said. "Ten years later, dragon boat racing arrived in Canada during Expo 86 in Vancouver before expanding to other major cities across the country, including Toronto."

He added that the annual Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival, one of the city's signature mega events, will take place in two weeks. The event will feature teams from 16 countries and regions, including Canada.

Mr Wong invited friends in Canada to visit Hong Kong this summer to experience in person the energy of dragon boat racing at the world-renowned Victoria Harbour, as well as the rich culture and vibrancy of the city.

On both days of the Festival, the Toronto ETO set up a Hong Kong Pavilion with a mini-exhibition to showcase the history of dragon boats. Gifts were also distributed to the race spectators.

As one of the highlights of the Festival, the commemorative Hong Kong Cup, sponsored by the Toronto ETO, was presented to a winning teams on June 14.

The Toronto ETO will also support the Dragon Boat Festival in Ottawa from June 19 to 21 (Ottawa Time), to continue promoting dragon boating and fostering cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Canada.

Supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO), the 38th Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival was held on the Centre Island in Toronto, Canada on June 13 and 14 (Toronto time). Photo shows the Director of Toronto ETO, Mr Wong (front row, fifth left), presenting awards to the winning team of the Hong Kong Cup. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto), the 38th Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival was held on the Centre Island in Toronto, Canada, on June 13 and 14 (Toronto time). Photo shows dragon boats racing at the Festival. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto), the 38th Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival was held on the Centre Island in Toronto, Canada, on June 13 and 14 (Toronto time). A Hong Kong Pavilion was set up at the venue with a mini-exhibition showcasing the history of dragon boats. Gifts were distributed to race spectators. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto), Mr Bill Wong (back row, fourth right), officiates at the opening ceremony of the 38th Toronto International Dragon Boat Festival with guests from three levels of government, business sectors and communities on the Centre Island in Toronto, Canada, on June 13 (Toronto time). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto), Mr Bill Wong, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the 38th Toronto International Dragon Boat Festival on the Centre Island in Toronto, Canada, on June 13 (Toronto time). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases