InvestHK and HKCEA Celebrate Chinese New Year with Spring Reception for Mainland Enterprises' Contributions to Hong Kong

InvestHK and HKCEA collaborated spring reception for Mainland enterprises in Hong Kong

​Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association (HKCEA) collaborated a spring reception today (February 14) receiving over 1 000 guests in recognition of Mainland enterprises' lasting commitment and contributions to the city, while celebrating the Chinese New Year.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee; the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LOCPG), Mr Zheng Yanxiong; the Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Ms Alpha Lau; and the Chairman of the HKCEA, Mr Wang Haimin, attended the event.

Addressing the guests, Mr Lee thanked the HKCEA for consistently uniting Mainland enterprises to contribute to Hong Kong's economy, and serving the society in various fields. In the new year, theHong Kong Special Administrative Region Governmentwill continue to embrace change and strive for innovation, fostering Hong Kong's stable development with positive momentum, while also driving the development of the Greater Bay Area and the Northern Metropolis for economic growth.

Mr Zheng said 2025 marks the closing year of the 14th Five-Year Plan and is a pivotal year for Hong Kong to accelerate its transition from governance to prosperity. The HKCEA, as an important platform for uniting Mainland enterprises in Hong Kong, will leverage Hong Kong's unique advantages of enjoying strong support of the Central Government and being closely connected to the world, to drive the prosperity and stability for Hong Kong.

Mr Wang stated that over the past year, the country's economy has continued to recover, and Hong Kong has made significant progress in governance and development, further strengthening its status as an international financial center. The HKCEA will actively support Hong Kong and strengthen trade co-operation between the two regions. It will take concrete actions to boost the "mega event economy" while supporting grassroots citizens and youth to grow.

The annual spring reception marks an important occasion for InvestHK and the HKCEA. The number of Mainland enterprise in Hong Kong has been on the rise. In 2024, InvestHK assisted 273 Mainland enterprises setting up or expanding in the city, which represents the largest source market in the department's portfolio.

InvestHK and HKCEA collaborated spring reception for Mainland enterprises in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

InvestHK and HKCEA collaborated spring reception for Mainland enterprises in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

InvestHK and HKCEA collaborated spring reception for Mainland enterprises in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

InvestHK and HKCEA collaborated spring reception for Mainland enterprises in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 9) detected a drug trafficking case involving passenger at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 2.25 kilograms of suspected heroin, four tablets of suspected Viagra and 26 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarette, with a total estimated market value of about $1.4 million. A man was arrested.

A 61-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found a total of about 2.25 kg of suspected heroin in his check-in suitcase, and four tablets of suspected Viagra and 26 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarette in his carry-on backpack. The man was subsequently arrested.

The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug, one count of possession of Part 1 poison, one count of possession of dutiable goods and one count of failing to declare to a member of the Customs and Excise Service the possession of dutiable goods. The case will bebrought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (May 11).

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any person who possesses any poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, any person who imports, possesses, sells or buys dutiable commodities without a valid licence commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking 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 detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases