AFCD and PolyU Sign MOU to Boost Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries Innovation in Hong Kong

AFCD and PolyU sign MOU to advance sustainable development of Hong Kong's agriculture and fisheries through technological innovation

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today (September 22) to explore collaborative opportunities in the development and application areas of technological innovation for agriculture and fisheries, with both parties working together to promote the sustainable development of the local agriculture and fisheries industries, injecting new impetus into the industries.

Witnessed by the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai, and the Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, Professor Wong Wing-tak, the MOU was signed by the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Patrick Lai, and the Director of the Research Institute for Future Food of PolyU, Professor Wong Ka-hing.

The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration between the AFCD and PolyU over the next five years to jointly advance innovative development initiatives for the agriculture and fisheries industries, enhancing the quantity, quality, and value of local agricultural and fisheries products. This includes stepping up efforts to develop local characteristics of processed agricultural and fisheries products and precise agriculture solutions, thereby improving the industries' overall efficiency and resilience to environmental changes.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Mickey Lai expressed his anticipation for this collaboration to enhance the quality and innovation of local agricultural and fisheries products, promoting an efficient and sustainable development in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. Technology will truly become the core driver for high-quality development of Hong Kong's agriculture and fisheries industries, injecting new momentum into local agriculture and fisheries industries and promoting a healthy and sustainable food culture.

Professor Wong Wing-tak said in his speech that PolyU has been committed to innovation in food science over the years, transforming research outcomes into practical applications. This collaboration will lay a solid foundation for the long-term sustainable development of local agriculture and fisheries industries. With cutting-edge technologies empowerment as the core, the development and application of relevant technologies will help the agriculture and fisheries sectors enhance competitiveness and address various challenges.

AFCD and PolyU sign MOU to advance sustainable development of Hong Kong's agriculture and fisheries through technological innovation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AFCD and PolyU sign MOU to advance sustainable development of Hong Kong's agriculture and fisheries through technological innovation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving incoming passengers at airport

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (September 12) and today (September 13) detected two drug trafficking cases involving incoming air passengers at Hong Kong International Airport, and seized a total of about 9 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds, with an estimated market value of about $1.8 million.

In the first case, a 33-year-old Malaysian female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 8kg of suspected cannabis buds inside her check-in baggage. She was subsequently arrested.

In the second case, a 52-year-old Mainland male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 1kg of suspected cannabis buds inside his check-in baggage. He was subsequently arrested.

Investigations of the two cases are ongoing.

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.

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 drug trafficking cases involving incoming passengers at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving incoming passengers at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases