FS Attends China Development Forum 2026 in Beijing

FS attends China Development Forum 2026

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his visit in Beijing today (March 22).

Mr Chan attended the opening session and a thematic symposium of the China Development Forum 2026 in the morning. He also spoke at the thematic symposium titled "Global Green, Low-carbon Transition and Sustainable Development" in the afternoon.

In his remarks at the symposium, Mr Chan said that, from an economic perspective, estimates project that by 2050 climate change could cause annual losses of up to US$38 trillion to agriculture, infrastructure and productivity. To achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, the world still faces an annual funding gap of more than US$4.4 trillion. While some countries have withdrawn from international co-operation frameworks, the momentum of the green transition continues to advance. Investment in clean energy exceeded US$2.2 trillion by 2025, accounting for about two-thirds of global energy investment, with China contributing about one-third.

Mr Chan stressed that China is not only a participant in global climate governance, but also a steadfast practitioner and leader, making steady progress towards the "3060" dual carbon goals. The country's 15th Five-Year Plan will embed green development deeply into industrial upgrading and infrastructure development, accelerating a comprehensive green transition across economic and social development and setting out a number of binding targets. As a Special Administrative Region of the country, Hong Kong is firmly advancing towards carbon neutrality, with targets of halving carbon emissions by 2035 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. It has been making solid progress. In 2024, Hong Kong's per capita carbon emissions fell to about 4.4 tonnes, roughly one-quarter of that of the United States and 60 per cent of that of the European Union. Looking ahead, Hong Kong will continue to take forward its decarbonisation work along four major directions, namely net-zero electricity generation, energy saving and green buildings, green transport and waste reduction.

He noted that Hong Kong is committed to contributing "Hong Kong's strength" to the regional and global green transition, leveraging two core engines of green finance and green technology. First, Hong Kong will consolidate and enhance its role as a regional green finance hub. This includes maintaining its leading position in green and sustainable debt and integrating blockchain technology with green finance to attract more green capital. At the same time, Hong Kong will continue to align its green finance standards with international best practices. Second, Hong Kong will proactively develop innovative financial instruments to channel greater funding into green projects. Examples include infrastructure securitisation to mobilise global capital for renewable energy and other green infrastructure, as well as the issuance of catastrophe bonds to transfer major natural-disaster risks to the capital market. Third, Hong Kong will further foster a vibrant green technology ecosystem and step up investment in frontier green technologies, including through the deployment of "patient capital". Hong Kong will also support Mainland green technologies in expanding into overseas markets.

In the afternoon, Mr Chan called on the Minister of Finance, Mr Lan Fo'an. They had in-depth exchanges on the 15th Five-Year Plan, the national and global economic outlook and fiscal policies, as well as strengthening co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong. The Secretary for the Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, and the Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission, Dr Kelvin Wong, also attended the meeting.

Mr Chan also attended the Beijing Night of the China Development Forum 2026 in the evening.

Mr Chan will continue his programme in Beijing tomorrow morning (March 23) and will depart for Hong Kong in the afternoon.

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his visit in Beijing today (March 22). Photo shows Mr Chan (right) attending the China Development Forum 2026 and exchanging with guests. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his visit in Beijing today (March 22). Photo shows Mr Chan (left) attending the China Development Forum 2026 and taking a photo with the Founder and the Chief Executive Officer of BrainCo, Dr Han Bicheng (right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his visit in Beijing today (March 22). Photo shows Mr Chan (second left on stage) attending the China Development Forum 2026 and participating in thematic symposium titled "Global Green, Low-carbon Transition and Sustainable Development". Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his visit in Beijing today (March 22). Photo shows Mr Chan (right) attending the China Development Forum 2026 and taking a photo with Professor of Columbia University, Professor Jeffrey Sachs (left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his visit in Beijing today (March 22). Photo shows Mr Chan (second left) attending the China Development Forum 2026 and speaking at the thematic symposium titled "Global Green, Low-carbon Transition and Sustainable Development". Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his visit in Beijing today (March 22). Photo shows Mr Chan (left) calling on the Minister of Finance, Mr Lan Fo'an (right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Drug abuse and drug situation in Hong Kong in first half of 2026

The Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) convened a meeting chaired by the Chairman of ACAN, Dr Donald Li, today (September 15). Members noted the figures of the Central Registry of Drug Abuse (CRDA) and other drug-related figures for the first half of 2026 at the meeting. ACAN noticed that the total number of reported drug abusers in the first half of 2026 was lower than that of 2025.

Figures from the CRDA revealed that the total number of reported drug abusers in the first half of 2026 decreased by 9 per cent (from 2 955 to 2 688) when compared with that of 2025. The most common reported type of drug abused in the first half of 2026 was heroin, followed by methamphetamine (commonly known as "Ice") and cocaine.

The number of reported young drug abusers aged under 21 in the first half of 2026 decreased from 458 to 404 when compared with that of 2026. In this age group, etomidate continues to be the most common type of drugs abused, followed by cannabis and cocaine.

Dr Li, said, "Prevention programmes for communities, schools and families can ensure that the younger generation grow up healthy and remain free from the influence of drugs throughout their lives. ACAN supports the Government's latest strategy to advance preventive education and reach out to children on anti-drug awareness. ACAN will closely monitor the situation in the remaining quarters of 2026 and continue its anti-drug efforts."

A spokesperson for the Narcotics Division (ND) of the Security Bureau said, "The ND has launched a range of community engagement activities targeting kindergarten and primary school students as well as young parents starting this year. Unlike a conventional deterrence approach that explains the severe consequence of abusing dangerous drugs, the relevant community engagement activities help children learn anti-drug knowledge in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.

"In the lead-up to World Drug Day on June 26, the ND organised a two-day pop-up anti-drug game booth on June 26 and 27 at a shopping mall in San Po Kong to promote anti-drug knowledge and the importance of developing healthy lifestyle habits to the public through simple games, attracting nearly 3 000 participants. In addition, the ND publicised a rehabilitee couple interview video 'Making it through to a new life: Walking the Road to Recovery Together' on World Drug Day, generating a viewership of over 512 000 across different social media platforms. A 30-minute TV infotainment programme 'Listen to Me: Let's Stand Firm. Knock Drugs Out!' was also aired on June 27, focusing on the Government's targeted efforts to combat etomidate. The infotainment successfully reached a viewership of nearly 1 million.

"As for the thematic booth called 'Anti-drug Ambassadors Express' set up during the Hong Kong Book Fair this July, it attracted nearly 17 000 visitors. Led by the anti-drug ambassadors Agent Don't and Agent Hope, the booth invited families to complete a series of interactive anti-drug missions - including a 'Drug-taking Facial Filter' which simulates the physical toll of drug abuse, and edutainment games. The public response has been enthusiastic, fully demonstrating that parent-child interactive games are effective in nurturing positive values and establishing a drug-free lifestyle for children from an early age."

According to statistical figures from law enforcement agencies, the number of persons arrested for drug offences in the first half of 2026 decreased by 10 per cent (from 1 938 to 1 749) when compared with that of 2025. The number of young arrestees aged under 21 also decreased by 3 per cent (from 307 to 298). Etomidate, cocaine and cannabis were the main drugs involved in these arrests.

According to court cases concluded in the same period, the conviction rate of persons being prosecuted for drug offences was as high as 87 per cent. As for young offenders aged under 21 who were sentenced to imprisonment for drug trafficking, more than half of them were sentenced to over five years in prison, with the longest imprisonment being 28 years.

The statistical figures of the CRDA for the first half of 2026 are available on the website of the ND (www.nd.gov.hk/en/crda_main_charts_and_tables.html). The ND's website (www.nd.gov.hk) contains detailed information about drugs, including frequently asked questions about etomidate, cocaine and cannabis, for the public's reference. The public can also visit the ND's social media accounts (narcotics.divisionhk) on Facebook and Instagram for more information.

If members of the public encounter any drug problems, they can send messages to 98 186 186 on instant messaging applications WhatsApp and WeChat, or call the 24-hour hotline 186 186 to seek information or assistance from professional social workers. The Police also operates a 24-hour etomidate reporting hotline (number: 6629 2966). Members of the public can also file reports via instant messaging applications WhatsApp (number: 6629 2966) or WeChat (account: eto-report).

Source: AI-found images