Paul Chan Celebrates Global Wine and Spirits at Hong Kong Fair 2025

Speech by FS at Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair 2025 (with photos/video)

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair 2025 today (November 6):

Jenny (Acting Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Ms Jenny Koo), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It's a pleasure to join you once again at the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair — a gathering where the world's finest wines and liquors come together in celebration and collaboration.

A heartfelt thank you to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) for organising the 17th edition of this iconic event. This Fair continues to be a global stage for the best in the business.

This annual flagship event has long been a highlight of the international wine and spirits calendar. And this year, it's made even more vibrant by the buzz surrounding our policy change last year: reduction in the duty on high-end liquor. Since this spirited shift, the industry has responded with enthusiasm and pleasing results. The volume of duty-paid liquor imports rose by about 5 per cent, and the value surged by nearly 45 per cent.

I'm particularly excited about the debut of the new "World of Spirits" zone this year, as mentioned by Jenny just now. It brings together top-tier distillers from across the globe, including the renowned baijiu of the Mainland and our very own homegrown craft spirits. Hong Kong has always been an international showcase, and I truly believe local and Chinese products have great potential in the global market.

For the wine lovers among us – and I suspect there are quite many – this year's Fair offers a world of discovery. You'll find the rising stars from high-altitude vineyards in Ningxia, sun-soaked terroirs in Xinjiang, bold reds from Spain, and coastal treasures from Portugal. It's a passport-free trip through some of the world's best wine regions.

But don't stop here. Take your taste buds into the city. Hong Kong is home to Bar Leone, which has recently been crowned the best bar in the world, right in the heart of Central. And what's a good drink without great food? With over 200 Michelin-recommended restaurants across the city, you're never far from a perfect pairing.

With this rich blend of global flavours, satisfying experiences, Hong Kong is not just a place to do business – it's the place to be. We are proud to support the global wine and spirits community as you open up new markets, forge new partnerships, and raise the bar.

The Hong Kong Wine and Spirits Fair is more than a showcase. It's a launchpad. Whether you're here to source the next big label, seal a new deal, or simply enjoy a glass or two of something exceptional — you are most welcome, with open arms and full glasses.

Once again, my sincere thanks to the HKTDC for making this Fair a living, breathing brand of Hong Kong's international spirit.

And before I let you go, a gentle reminder for our local friends: mark your calendars for December 7 — the Legislative Council Elections. Your vote matters. Let's raise our voices, and our glasses, for Hong Kong's future.

Thank you, and enjoy the Fair!

Speech by FS at Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by FS at Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by FS at Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by FS at Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by FS at Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Speech by FS at Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair 2025 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Source: AI-found images

Swimming pool complexes to open from April 1 for new swimming season

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (March 31) that for the upcoming swimming season, 44 public swimming pool complexes will open for public use tomorrow (April 1). Individual swimming pools to be temporarily closed in specified periods in 2026 for maintenance works are set out in the Annex. Swimmers should mind their safety, care for themselves and others, and keep the swimming pools clean and hygienic while enjoying the fun of swimming.

From April to October, LCSD swimming pools will open daily from 6.30am to 10pm in three sessions with two one-hour breaks. Mui Wo Swimming Pool will open daily from 8.30am to 6pm in two sessions (and in one session from 7pm to 10pm on Fridays (Note)).

For the 19 pool complexes with both heated and non-heated swimming facilities, the heated facilities will continue to open from April 1 to 15. The non-heated facilities will open for public use from April 16.

The 19 swimming pool complexes are:

Hong Kong Island:

District

Swimming Pool Complex

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Central and Western

Kennedy Town Swimming Pool

Wan Chai

Morrison Hill Swimming Pool

Kowloon:

District

Swimming Pool Complex

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Kowloon City

Ho Man Tin Swimming Pool

Kowloon Tsai Swimming Pool

Wong Tai Sin

Hammer Hill Road Swimming Pool

Morse Park Swimming Pool

Kwun Tong

Kwun Tong Swimming Pool

Sham Shui Po

Lai Chi Kok Park Swimming Pool

Yau Tsim Mong

Kowloon Park Swimming Pool

New Territories:

District

Swimming Pool Complex

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Islands

Tung Chung Swimming Pool

North

Fanling Swimming Pool

Sha Tin

Hin Tin Swimming Pool

Sha Tin Jockey Club Swimming Pool

Tsuen Wan

Shing Mun Valley Swimming Pool

Tuen Mun

Tuen Mun Swimming Pool

Tuen Mun North West Swimming Pool

Yuen Long

Yuen Long Swimming Pool

Tin Sau Road Swimming Pool

Sai Kung

Tseung Kwan O Swimming Pool

To maintain the hygiene of public swimming pools, each pool will be closed for a thorough cleaning once a week, in addition to the regular daily cleaning. The thorough cleaning will be conducted on a designated weekday (Monday to Friday) from 10am to the end of the second session. If the designated day falls on a public holiday, the cleaning will be rescheduled to another weekday in the same week.

To ensure a clean environment for public swimming pools, swimmers should maintain personal hygiene and observe the pool rules, including the following points:

(a) Swimmers should shower before entering the pool deck;

(b) Swimmers should walk through the shower bath and footbath;

(c) Swimmers should not go swimming if they feel unwell and should seek medical consultation early;

(d) Swimmers are advised to use the toilet before swimming and should not urinate or defecate in the pools. They should leave the water immediately and use the toilet if they have to vomit; and

(e) Parents should teach their children about the importance of maintaining personal and public hygiene.

Holders of the public swimming pool monthly ticket are encouraged to apply for monthly ticket smart cards, which are printed with the card holder's photo and preloaded with information on the validity period. The smart cards enable holders to enter the pools easily and conveniently without having to produce documentary proof of identity. Interested monthly ticket holders can apply for smart cards free of charge. For details, please visit the webpage www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/beach/swim-intro/swim-ticket.html.

For details of the opening arrangements and the schedule of the weekly cleaning operations of public swimming pools, please visit the webpagewww.lcsd.gov.hk/en/beach/swim-intro/swimlocation.html.

Note: Mui Wo Swimming Pool will open from 8.30am to 6pm in two sessions on April 3 (public holiday).

Source: AI-found images