Speech by FS at Europe Day 2025 reception (with photos/video)
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at Europe Day 2025 reception today (May 9):
Ambassador Harvey Rouse (Head of the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao), Deputy Commissioner Li Yongsheng (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening.
It is a great pleasure to join you this evening to celebrate Europe Day — a day that honours the enduring commitment to unity and shared prosperity on the European continent.
On this very day 75 years ago, French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman delivered a visionary declaration, proposing the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community. It laid the foundation for the European Union (EU).
From the ruins of post-war Europe, nations once divided by conflict came together to build mechanisms of co-operation that would avert future wars and ensure long-term peace. As Schuman memorably said, and I quote: "World peace cannot be safeguarded without the making of creative efforts proportionate to the dangers which threaten it." Those words remain as relevant today as they were in 1950.
Today, we are once again confronted by rising geopolitical tensions and economic fragmentation, now exacerbated by unilateral tariffs unseen for generations.
History teaches us that protectionism and unilateralism were among the factors that led to some of the 20th century's most devastating conflicts. We must never forget those lessons. Collaboration among nations is essential to ensuring lasting peace and prosperity.
As the Confucian saying goes, "和而不同", harmony in diversity. We may differ in our histories, cultures and systems, but we can still work together in pursuit of common goals.
Ladies and gentlemen, the challenges we face today, from protracted conflicts and climate change to widening development gaps, are complex and inter-connected. They cannot be resolved by a divided world. That is why the global community must stand by its commitment to multilateralism, and support the institutions and efforts to address these and many other issues.
These are values that China, our country, firmly embraces. We advocate for an equitable multipolar world and inclusive globalisation, striving to build a community with a shared future for mankind.
At a time of uncertainties in the global economy stemming from escalating tariff measures, our country's message and actions are clear and consistent: China welcomes global business, remains committed to high-level opening-up, and will continue to be a source of stability and growth in the international system.
Hong Kong, under the "one country, two systems" principle, has long served as a "super connector" between China and the rest of the world. This role demands that we remain what we have always been: an open, diverse and vibrant international city, a free port and a staunch supporter of free trade. No less important, we are committed to the rule of law backed by a judiciary exercising powers independently, firmly protecting the rights of our residents and businesses.
I'm pleased to say that the international business community recognises our commitment, as reflected in numerous surveys and the growing number of companies choosing Hong Kong to establish their base.
Allow me to highlight a few key areas where Hong Kong and Europe can work together to seize opportunities in today's evolving global trade and financial landscape.
First, as the Mainland continues to open its economy, Hong Kong serves as a strategic gateway for European companies to access the immense opportunities offered by the Greater Bay Area and the broader Chinese Mainland market. And with supply chains undergoing significant realignment, our deep ties with ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) make Hong Kong an ideal connector to those markets as well.
In the financial sector, there's an increasing demand from global investors to diversify their asset allocation. Hong Kong's capital market provides unparalleled access to investment opportunities in one of the world's fastest-growing regions. Hong Kong is also a global leader in asset and wealth management, providing huge opportunities for European firms in the industry.
Climate action is another area of promising collaboration. Hong Kong is firmly committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. But more than that, we are keen to work with the EU to contribute to global decarbonisation, in such areas as technology partnership, green finance, climate risk disclosures and green taxonomies.
As Ambassador Rouse noted just now, the annual Green Way conference on sustainability, organised by the EU Office in Hong Kong, advances dialogue and co-operation. And we are happy to explore more partnerships with you in this connection.
Beyond business and finance, we continue to treasure and welcome cultural co-operation. This includes longstanding partnerships in cultural exchange, like the annual French May Arts Festival, which is now on. Italy, let me add, is this year's country partner for Business of Design Week.
And, I'm glad to hear more good news: the first Europe Day Festival in Hong Kong will take place this Saturday at PMQ. The family-focused event will feature live performances. Plus plenty of fine food and drinks, dance workshops and all the cultural richness and diversity that the EU's 27 member states offer. For that, and so much more, my thanks to the EU Office and all the EU member state Consulates General.
Ladies and gentlemen, the opportunities for deeper co-operation between Hong Kong and the EU are long-term and far-reaching. Let us work together to seize that promise for our economies and our peoples.
May our longstanding ties continue to flourish. Thank you very much.
Speech by FS at Europe Day 2025 reception (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Speech by FS at Europe Day 2025 reception (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Electors reminded to vote at allocated polling stations and follow proper voting procedures
The 2025 Legislative Council General Election (LCGE) will be held on December 7 (Sunday). A spokesman for the Registration and Electoral Office (REO) said today (December 5) that poll cards have been mailed to about 4.13 million registered electors. Electors should vote at their allocated polling stations and follow proper voting procedures when casting their votes.
Poll cards
In addition to the poll card, the election mail sent to each elector by the REO also includes a map indicating the location of the allocated polling station, a guide on voting procedure, introduction to candidates leaflets in respect of his/her relevant constituency(ies), and a publicity leaflet on clean elections by the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
The REO spokesman said, "In response to the Electoral Affairs Commission's earlier announcement to extend the polling hours for this LCGE, the previous polling hours stated in the poll cards and other relevant documents already sent out by the REO are no longer valid. Electors should note that the REO has sent out another notice to all Hong Kong electors, stating the new polling hours (i.e. from 7.30am to 11.30pm)."
Due to the Tai Po fire, adjustments have been made to three polling stations in the district. Affected electors need to relocate from their original polling stations to the reallocated polling stations for casting their votes. Except for those electors of Wang Fuk Court who are currently residing in other districts, the REO has sent a notice to affected electors in Kwong Fuk Estate, Tai Po Kau area and Tai Po Market to inform them of their reallocated polling stations. The affected electors may also check relevant voting information by logging into the Online Voter Information Enquiry System (www.voterinfo.gov.hk) through "iAM Smart" or the Voter Registration website (vr.gov.hk).
Arrangements of polling stations
The REO spokesman said, "There are over 4.13 million geographical constituency (GC) electors across the territory. The REO will set up 612 Ordinary Polling Stations. GC and functional constituency (FC) electors may go to the Ordinary Polling Station allocated to them and cast their votes for the candidates of their GCs and FCs (if applicable) at the same time. Approximately 1 500 electors of the Election Committee constituency (ECC) can cast their votes for all relevant constituencies at the polling station at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)."
On the polling day, the polling hours for the Ordinary Polling Stations, the ECC polling station, the three Dedicated Polling Stations set up at police stations and the Near Boundary Polling Stations (NBPSs) will be from 7.30am to 11.30pm. For the Dedicated Polling Stations set up at penal institutions, for security reasons, the polling hours will be from 9am to 4pm. For the Designated Polling Stations and Outreach Polling Stations for Residential Care Homes under the pilot arrangements, their polling hours are from 8.30am to 9.30pm, and from 8.30am to 6.30pm respectively.
Two queues will be set up at the polling stations. One queue is for people aged 70 or above, pregnant women and persons who are unable to queue for a long time due to physical conditions, while the other queue is for ordinary electors. Seats will be provided in the polling stations for any electors in need, and to join the queue afterwards for collecting their ballot papers.
To facilitate the voting by electors on the polling day, the Government has identified different premises nearby over 30 polling stations to provide some temporary parking spaces. Those in need may park their vehicles there for a short duration for casting their votes at the polling stations. The opening hours of the parking spaces concerned are in general from 7.30am to 11.30pm on the polling day. Electors should refer to the terms of use and the instructions of the management of the premises for the detailed arrangements that day (including the duration of free parking and the parking fee thereafter (if any)). Details of the temporary parking spaces are at annex.
On the polling day, electors can check the approximate waiting time of Ordinary Polling Stations, the ECC polling station and NBPSs on the election website (www.elections.gov.hk). Depending on the waiting time and their schedule, electors can make their own arrangements on when to vote.
Voting procedures
Most Ordinary Polling Stations will make use of the Electronic Poll Register (EPR) System to issue ballot papers. The polling procedures are very simple. Electors will be instructed by the polling staff to the issuing desks after they enter the polling station. The elector must show the original of his/her valid Hong Kong identity (HKID) card and the polling staff will scan the elector's HKID card with an EPR tablet. The elector may check his/her name, partial HKID card number and the type(s) of ballot paper(s) that he/she is entitled to on an EPR tablet for verification of information. The elector may then enter the voting compartment upon collection of the ballot paper(s).
GC electors must affix the chop provided at the polling station to mark a single 'tick' in the circle opposite the name of the candidate of their choice on the ballot paper by themselves, and then insert the unfolded ballot paper into the blue ballot box with the marked side facing down. As for FCs, electors must mark the ballot paper using the black pen provided at the polling station to fill in the oval on the ballot paper opposite the name(s) of the candidate(s) of their choice by themselves, and then insert the unfolded ballot paper into the red ballot box with the marked side facing down.
ECC electors must vote for 40 candidates, no more and no less. Otherwise, the ballot paper will be considered invalid and will not be counted. Electors must use the black pen provided at the polling station to fill in the oval opposite the names of the candidates of their choice. After marking the ballot paper, electors should use the Ballot Paper Checking Machine to check whether the number of candidates marked on the paper is 40. The machine will not record the choices marked on the ballot paper. Electors should put the ballot paper, unfolded with the marked side facing down, into the white ballot box.
The ballot is autonomous and secret. Electors must mark their ballot papers on their own in the voting compartment. If in need, electors may ask for assistance from the polling staff. Electors must not disturb others during voting, nor use electronic communication devices, take photographs or make audio or video recordings in the polling stations. Canvassing, distribution of election advertisements or displaying propaganda materials are also prohibited inside polling stations.
To ensure that electors understand the polling procedures, the REO has produced a set of TV and radio Announcements in the Public Interest which have been uploaded onto the election websitefor electors' reference.
Counting and result announcement
After the close of poll, a majority of the Ordinary Polling Stations will be changed to counting stations immediately for the counting of GC votes. For small polling stations of which less than 500 electors are assigned to vote, Dedicated Polling Stations, the ECC polling station, NBPSs, Designated Polling Stations and Outreach Polling Stations for Residential Care Homes, the GC ballot papers will be delivered to the ballot paper sorting station cum consolidated main counting stations at Kowloon Park Sports Centre for counting. The ballot boxes of all FCs and the ECC will be delivered to the Central Counting Station at the HKCEC for counting.
For the GCs, upon completion of the count, the Presiding Officer of each counting station will make known the counting results to the candidates or their agents present. Upon verification of the counting results of all counting stations in a GC, the REO will notify the Returning Officer (RO) at the Central Counting Station at HKCEC of the overall counting result for the RO to sign and declare the election results at the Media Centre. As for the FCs and ECC, once the counting of votes is completed and the election results are verified by the Statistical Information Centre, the ROs will notify the present candidates and their agents of the counting results, and sign and declare the election results at the counting zone of the Central Counting Station. The election results will be announced again by the ROs on stage of the Media Centre.
The election results will be published via press releases and the election website, as well as displaying outside the Media Centre.
Clean elections
The REO spokesman reminded that according to the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance (Cap. 554), it is illegal conduct to incite any person not to vote, to cast a blank or invalid vote by any activity in public during an election; and it is corrupt conduct if a person willfully obstructs and prevents another person from voting at an election.
For enquiries, please call the REO's hotline at 2891 1001 or visit the election website for more information on the LCGE.
Source: AI-found images
