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
CE attends opening meeting of NPC annual session in Beijing
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (March 5) attended the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC).
The fourth session of the 14th NPC commenced in Beijing this morning, during which Premier Li Qiang delivered the government work report. Mr Lee attended the opening meeting in his capacity as the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
In the government work report, Premier Li reviewed the work of 2025. He elaborated on the economic and social achievements of the 14th Five-Year Plan period and outlined the main goals and major tasks for the period of the 15th Five-Year Plan. He also stated the overall requirements and policy directions for economic and social development this year, as well as the key tasks of the work of the government.
The government work report pointed out that the 14th Five-Year Plan has been successfully concluded with major achievements. It noted that this year marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan, and that the draft outline of the National 15th Five-Year Plan has set out 20 major indicators and elaborates on key strategic missions for development across various sectors during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, with a focus on four key aspects, namely striving for high-quality development, strengthening domestic circulation, promoting common prosperity for all people, and co-ordinating development and security.
The government work report pointed out that the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy should be implemented with unwavering commitment; the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" should be put into practice;and the efficacy of governance in accordance with the law should be ensured to promote Hong Kong's economic and social development, supporting Hong Kong in better integrating into and serving the overall national development and giving full play to Hong Kong's unique advantages and important role of maintaining close connections with both the Mainland and the world, thereby promoting the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. The government work report also noted the importance of promoting the deeper integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation, building an international technological innovation centre in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and creating a world-class hub for technological innovation, as well as supporting the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into a world-class city cluster.
Mr Lee said he was most encouraged and inspired. Noting that this year is the opening year of the National 15th Five-Year Plan and a crucial year for further deepening reform comprehensively, Mr Lee remarked that the year is of great significance to the implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle. The HKSAR Government will earnestly fulfil its role in bearing the primary responsibility for the governance of Hong Kong, steadfastly implement the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, unite different sectors of the community to further deepen reform comprehensively, better leverage the institutional strengths of the "one country, two systems" principle and Hong Kong's unique international advantages, open up new horizons for development, and strive wholeheartedly to boost the economy, improve people's livelihood and explore new growth areas.
Mr Lee said he will lead the HKSAR Government in formulating a systematic policy framework to proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The HKSAR Government will map out strategic initiatives of greater comprehensiveness, higher precision and in finer detail for key development areas, and draw up a macroscopic, strategic and forward-looking five-year plan for the first time for Hong Kong. Mr Lee said that on his earlier instruction, all bureaux of the HKSAR Government had set up preparatory groups and commenced preparation work. These preparatory groups will be converted into formulation teams for the alignment with the 15th Five-Year Plan and work at full speed to complete the Hong Kong five-year plan within this year. The plan will outline Hong Kong's development vision, core objectives, key areas and major initiatives for the coming five years, providing a clear roadmap and timetable for Hong Kong's social, economic and livelihood development, and facilitating Hong Kong's better integration into and service of the overall national development.
Mr Lee pointed out that the HKSAR Government will continue to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, strive with dedication to develop Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology centre and an international hub for high-calibre talent, and promote the establishment of more high value-added enterprises in the Northern Metropolis. While continuing to consolidate its ties with traditional economies, Hong Kong will also proactively explore emerging markets. The HKSAR Government has established the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global to connect the robust productivity of the Mainland, Hong Kong's world-renowned professional services and the keen demand of global buyers. TheHKSAR Government will facilitate the efforts of quality enterprises in going global and bringing in international capital, steadfastly advancing high-quality development of the economy. The HKSAR Government will also redouble its efforts to protect and improve people's livelihoods, and open up a broader arena for the upward mobility of Hong Kong's youth. Mr Lee said that Hong Kong will continue to enhance its international competitiveness, deepen international exchanges and co-operation, strengthen its bridging role between the Mainland and the world, achieve better development for Hong Kong, and make stronger contributions to the great causes of building a great country and national rejuvenation.
Mr Lee extended his best wishes for the success of the fourth session of the 14th NPC and the fourth session of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee.
Mr Lee concluded his visit to Beijing and will return to Hong Kong this afternoon.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (second row, centre), attends the opening meeting of the fourth annual session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing today (March 5). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (second row, centre), attends the opening meeting of the fourth annual session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing today (March 5). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (second row, centre), attends the opening meeting of the fourth annual session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing today (March 5). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
