FS attends Asian Development Bank Annual Meeting in Milan, Italy (with photos/video)
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, arrived in Milan, Italy, yesterday (May 4, Milan time) to attend the 58th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Mr Chan participated in the ADB's Constituency Meeting, the main discussion topics of which included sharing co-operation experiences between the ADB and member countries, how to navigate the current economic risks and uncertainties in the region, optimising resource utilisation to better assist low- and middle-income countries, and providing technical assistance and capacity building for member countries. Mr Chan stated that Hong Kong, China welcomes the ADB's strengthened support for developing countries in addressing climate change, developing the private sector, promoting regional co-operation and digital transformation, etc. Moreover, Hong Kong, China supports enhancing technical assistance to developing member countries to improve the effectiveness of development projects. Mr Chan noted that, as an international financial centre, Hong Kong is willing to continue sharing knowledge and experiences with other members in areas such as establishing capital markets, promoting green transition and green finance development, and infrastructure financing.
Mr Chan also met with the Director representing Hong Kong, China's constituency in the ADB Board of Directors, Ms Rachel Thompson, to discuss how Hong Kong can better assist the ADB in the issuance of insurance-linked securities, including catastrophe bonds.
In the evening, Mr Chan attended a reception organised by Italy, the host country of the Annual Meeting.
Mr Chan will continue participating in the events related to the ADB Annual Meeting today (May 5, Milan time).
FS attends Asian Development Bank Annual Meeting in Milan, Italy (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS attends Asian Development Bank Annual Meeting in Milan, Italy (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FS attends Asian Development Bank Annual Meeting in Milan, Italy (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport
Hong Kong Customs detected a drug trafficking case involving two incoming air passengers at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (May 1) and seized about 12 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $2.3 million, and nine suspected duty-not-paid cigarettes.
A 37-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found a total of about 6kg of suspected cannabis buds in his carry-on baggage. The man was subsequently arrested. After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers further arrested a 34-year-old male passenger, who also arrived from Bangkok, Thailand, and was suspected to be connected with the case, at the airport on the same day. During baggage examination, Customs officers found a total of about 6kg of suspected cannabis buds and nine duty-not-paid cigarettes in his carry-on baggage.
After an investigation, the two arrested persons involved in the case have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. Moreover, the 34-year-old arrestee has also been charged with 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 be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on May 4.
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 to 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 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
