Emergency relief fund for farmers and fishermen affected by rainstorm disaster
Local farmers and fishermen who suffered serious losses caused by the recent rainstorm disaster can register with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) from tomorrow (August 7) for assistance from an emergency relief fund. According to the application guideline of the emergency relief fund, the application deadlines for affected farmers and fishermen are August 15 and September 17 respectively.
An AFCD spokesman said today (August 6) that an appropriate amount of the relief funding would be released to affected eligible farmers and fishermen according to established criteria.
"After each typhoon or natural disaster, AFCD staff will contact farmers, fishermen and fish farmers to assess the resultant damage to their farmland areas, fishing vessels, fish rafts and fish ponds. Depending on the extent of the damage, the department may launch an operation to provide some relief to affected persons." the spokesman said.
The department's preliminary investigation has revealed that about 300 hectares of farmland in the New Territories and some fishing vessels were affected by the rainstorm disaster.
Affected farmers who need to apply for the fund can submit their applications in person at the Agricultural Extension Office of the AFCD at 5/F, Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long, or submit their applications online (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/agriculture/agr_loan/agr_loan_erf/agr_loan_erf.html). Enquiries can be made to 2476 2424 during office hours. Local farmers who have already submitted applications due to the impact of Typhoon Wipha earlier do not need to apply again for this rainstorm disaster. The department will evaluate the damage situation altogether.
Affected fishermen can submit their applications at the Liaison and Market Section of the AFCD at Room 825, 8/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon, or submit their applications online (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/fish_cap/fish_cap_techsup/fish_cap_erf.html). Enquiries can be made to 2150 7099 during office hours.
Source: AI-found images
ExCo Non-official Members congratulate successful launch of manned Shenzhou-23 spacecraft
The following is issued on behalf of the Executive Council Secretariat:
Non-official Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) today (May 24) warmly congratulate the successful launch of the Shenzhou-23 manned spaceship. They extend their highest respect to all crew members, including Dr Lai Ka-ying, the first payload expert from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
The Convenor of ExCo Non-official Members, Mrs Regina Ip, said, "This year marks the beginning of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This mission is the first manned spaceflight during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and the first time a Hong Kong expert has participated, which is a truly momentous occasion. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the country for providing Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent with this invaluable opportunity to take part in the country's aerospace endeavours. Dr Lai has successfully undergone the rigorous selection and training process to become one of the country's fourth batch of astronauts, and China's fourth female astronaut to reach space, contributing Hong Kong's strength to the national aerospace endeavours. She has exemplified the Lion Rock spirit of rising to challenges with resilience and perseverance. Her courage and determination are truly admirable, and all Hong Kong citizens are immensely inspired and proud of her. The understanding and support of her family are also essential for her to participate in this mission with resolution. I am deeply grateful for their support and commitment.
"The HKSAR Government is actively developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre and supporting promising research projects through various funding schemes. As an example, the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) camera, developed under a project led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and funded by the Government's Innovation and Technology Support Programme Special Call on Aerospace Technology, has successfully arrived at China's Tiangong Space Station, becoming Hong Kong's first scientific payload aboard the station. This fully demonstrates Hong Kong's innovation and technology edge and talent advantages."
Non-official Members of the Executive Council expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the country for its high recognition of Hong Kong's innovation and technology talent, development and achievements, as well as its profound emphasis, care and support for Hong Kong's scientific and technological development. They firmly believe that the HKSAR Government will seize this historic moment to nurture more outstanding innovation and technology talent for the country and Hong Kong, and better integrate into and serve the country's overall development.
Source: AI-found images
