STL welcomes collaboration with International Chamber of Shipping to co-host second Global Maritime Trade Summit in Hong Kong
The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, met with the Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Mr Guy Platten, and his designated successor, Mr Thomas Kazakos, today (May 12) to solidify plans for theHong Kong Special Administrative Region(HKSAR) Government and the ICS to co-host the secondGlobal Maritime Trade Summit (the Summit)during Hong Kong Maritime Week in November this year.
"The HKSAR Government treasures our close partnership with the ICS and the global maritime industry. Being a staunch advocate of free trade with zero tariffs and a level-playing field for businesses, we hope that our co-hosting of the upcoming Summit with the ICS will reinforce our shared vision of a connected, efficient, and resilient maritime ecosystem for the common interest of the global maritime community. The Transport and Logistics Bureau will spare no effort to leverage on Hong Kong's status as an international maritime centre to ensure the event's success," said Ms Chan.
"Geopolitical tensions are on the rise and fragmentation is disrupting global trade patterns. This creates significant challenges for our sector and for economies. The ability to hold this forum again in Hong Kong, one of the world's key trade hubs, with both industry leaders and policymakers, creates an ideal opportunity to develop a clearer understanding of the benefits and opportunities of global trade. We look forward to working with the HKSAR Government in making this second Summit a valuable addition to advance global understanding," said Mr Platten.
The inaugural Summit held in the Hong Kong Maritime Week in November 2024 was attended by ministers of foreign governments, leaders of international organisations and industry luminaries from around the world. The two-day Summit set a high benchmark for fostering international dialogue on critical issues facing global trade and shipping and exploring innovative solution to address pressing challenges facing the industry. The Transport and Logistics Bureau will work closely with the ICS in the coming months to bring the second Summit into fruition. Further details will be announced in due course.
STL welcomes collaboration with International Chamber of Shipping to co-host second Global Maritime Trade Summit in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
STL welcomes collaboration with International Chamber of Shipping to co-host second Global Maritime Trade Summit in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
STL welcomes collaboration with International Chamber of Shipping to co-host second Global Maritime Trade Summit in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drugs cases and seizes suspected drugs worth about $7.95 million
Hong Kong Customs detected two dangerous drugs cases in Tseung Kwan O and Hong Kong International Airport respectively yesterday (May 21) and today (May 22), and seized a total of about 21.8 kilograms of assorted drugs with a total estimated market value of about $7.95 million. Two men and one woman, aged between 38 and 49, were arrested.
In the first case, Customs officers intercepted a 48-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman in Tseung Kwan O during an anti-narcotics operation yesterday afternoon. About 3.8kg of suspected drugs, including ketamine, methamphetamine, etomidate capsules, psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA and a batch of suspected drug packaging paraphernalia were found in their residence in the same district. They were then arrested.
In the second case, a 38-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 18kg of suspected ketamine inside his check-in suitcase and 33 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarette inside his carry-on baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.
The arrested man and woman in the first case have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and one count of possession of apparatus fit and intended for the inhalation of a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (May 23), while an investigation is ongoing for the second case.
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 Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven 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 two dangerous drugs cases and seizes suspected drugs worth about $7.95 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drugs cases and seizes suspected drugs worth about $7.95 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
