Hong Kong Promotes Infrastructure Innovations During Middle East Tour to Strengthen Cooperation and Explore Development Opportunities

DEVB strengthens ties with Middle East on infrastructure development

The Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau, visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East from June 15 to 19 to introduce and promote the developments and strengths of Hong Kong's infrastructure development, learn about the development opportunities of the infrastructure and construction market in the Middle East and strengthen mutual ties and co-operation.

In his keynote presentation at the first Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit in Abu Dhabi of the UAE on June 17 (Abu Dhabi time), Mr Lau introduced the latest infrastructure developments in Hong Kong, as well as the experience, opportunities and strengths brought by the adoption of innovative technologies in the implementation of infrastructure projects, including proactively promoting high productivity construction methods such as Modular Integrated Construction, spearheading the digital transformation of the construction industry and adopting innovative procurement approaches to consolidate Hong Kong's position as an international infrastructure centre. During the summit, Mr Lau met with the Director General of the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre of the Government of the UAE, H.E. Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, to share strategies and initiatives for taking forward infrastructure projects in both places. Both parties will also enhance co-operation in infrastructure development in both places.

Mr Lau met with the President of the Public Works Authority of Qatar, H.E. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Meer, in Doha, Qatar, on June 18 (Doha time). They exchanged views on taking forward infrastructure projects and each learned about the challenges and experience of both places. Both parties plan to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, with a view to strengthening the exchange of professional knowledge and experience in taking forward major infrastructure projects and realising complementary advantages in both places. The areas of collaboration may include the promotion of a public-private partnership approach, collaboration with foreign investment, smart construction and innovative technologies, technical capability building and professional knowledge exchanges, thereby enhancing productivity, cost management and project performance of the construction industry in both places, as well as laying a foundation for seeking further collaboration in the future.

On June 19 (Riyadh time), Mr Lau visited two major development projects, Qiddiya and Diriyah Gate, in Riyadh of Saudi Arabia and met with senior members of the projects to learn about the planning and progress of the work. They also shared experiences in taking forward major infrastructure projects.

During his visit to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Riyadh, Mr Lau called on local officials, visited major infrastructure development projects and met with industry representatives to exchange views on issues related to infrastructure development, including the achievements of the introduction of advanced construction materials and technologies from the Mainland to Hong Kong. He said that Hong Kong would serve as a "super connector" between the Mainland and the rest of the world, support and take forward the development of the Belt and Road Initiative with a view to making significant contributions to the high-quality development of the country.

Mr Lau concluded his visit on June 19 (Riyadh time) and returned to Hong Kong today (June 20).

DEVB strengthens ties with Middle East on infrastructure development Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DEVB strengthens ties with Middle East on infrastructure development Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DEVB strengthens ties with Middle East on infrastructure development Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DEVB strengthens ties with Middle East on infrastructure development Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DEVB strengthens ties with Middle East on infrastructure development Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DEVB strengthens ties with Middle East on infrastructure development Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

London ETO showcases Hong Kong cinema in Copenhagen

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London (London ETO) supported the Denmark Asian Cultural Association (DACA) in presenting the "Copenhagen Hong Kong Focus Film Festival", held in Copenhagen, Denmark from January 8 to 10 (Copenhagen time).

An opening reception was held on January 8, prior to the screening of "Four Trails", marking the launch of the film festival. The event was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Kingdom of Denmark, Mr Wang Xuefeng, as along with over 50 guests from the local cultural and business sectors.

The Director-General of the London ETO, Miss Fiona Chau, delivered the opening speech virtually. She congratulated the DACA on bringing the best of Hong Kong cinema to audiences in Copenhagen, and holding the film festival for the second year.

Miss Chau said, "The opening film 'Four Trails' is a documentary that not only captures the breathtaking beauty of Hong Kong's natural landscape, but also the indomitable spirit of those who dare to challenge it. With Hong Kong's vision of becoming an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, the festival showcases the diverse talents of Hong Kong's film industry."

The three-day film festival featured three Hong Kong films: "Four Trails", "My First of May" and "Last Song for You".

London ETO showcases Hong Kong cinema in Copenhagen Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

London ETO showcases Hong Kong cinema in Copenhagen Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

London ETO showcases Hong Kong cinema in Copenhagen Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases