Hong Kong Pavilion Shines at Bologna Children's Book Fair, Showcasing Innovation and Cultural Diversity

Brussels ETO promotes Hong Kong culture and technology at Bologna Children's Book Fair 2026

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) has once again supported the Hong Kong Pavilion at the 63rd Bologna Children's Book Fair (BCBF) held in Bologna, Italy from April 13 to 16 (Bologna time).

Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Hong Kong Pavilion was co-organised by the Hong Kong Publishing Federation and the Hong Kong Printers Association, with the theme "Hong Kong: Our Narrative" and sub-theme "STEAM: Words Spark Worlds". It offers a creative, technology-driven STEAM experience for the global publishing and printing community, showcasing tech-enabled publications and creative paper art that highlight Hong Kong's innovation and vibrant cultural landscape.

Speaking at the launch cocktail reception of the Hong Kong Pavilion at the BCBF on April 13 (Bologna time) in Bologna, the Deputy Representative of Brussels ETO, Miss Fiona Li, said, "Hong Kong's creative industries are thriving, driven by a vibrant mix of imagination, talent and international exchange. From design and illustration to digital media and publishing, our city continues to be a dynamic cultural hub where ideas flourish."

Miss Li highlighted the important role of publishing, noting that it was "a field that not only shapes our cultural identity, but also carries it forward to future generations and connects people across borders." She encouraged guests to connect and collaborate with Hong Kong's creative communities through Brussels ETO's cultural promotion activities, and reaffirmed Brussels ETO's commitment to bringing the richness and diversity of Hong Kong's culture to Europe.

The BCBF is one of the world's most established professional fairs for children's books. Brussels ETO has been supporting the Hong Kong Pavilion at BCBF since 2014.

Brussels ETO promotes Hong Kong culture and technology at Bologna Children's Book Fair 2026 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Brussels ETO promotes Hong Kong culture and technology at Bologna Children's Book Fair 2026 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Chief Executive in Council approves transfer of $150 billion from Exchange Fund to Capital Works Reserve Fund

The Government announced today (April 14) that the Chief Executive in Council has approved, in accordance with Section 8 of the Exchange Fund Ordinance (EFO), that $150 billion will be transferred from the Exchange Fund to the Capital Works Reserve Fund (CWRF) of the Government. This transfer will be made through a designated account under The Financial Secretary Incorporated, with $75 billion per annum credited to the account of the CWRF in 2026-27 and 2027-28 respectively. The Government will implement the relevant arrangement after the passage of the Appropriation Bill 2026 by the Legislative Council.

A Government spokesman said that Section 8 of the EFO sets out the mechanism that empowers the Financial Secretary (FS) to transfer from the Exchange Fund, with the principal condition that the FS is satisfied that such a transfer would not adversely affect the Exchange Fund's main function to maintain the stability of the exchange value of the Hong Kong dollar, as well as the stability and integrity of the local monetary and financial systems.

The Exchange Fund achieved a recordbreaking performance last year, delivering an investment income of $330billion. As at the end of last year, the total value of assets under the Exchange Fund exceeded $4.1trillion, which would suffice to maintain monetary and financial stability in Hong Kong. As such, in the 2026-27 Budget, on the premise that the Exchange Fund's function to maintain the stability and integrity of the local monetary and financial systems will not be compromised, the FS proposed transferring $150 billion from the Exchange Fund to the CWRF of the Government over two years in support of the Northern Metropolis and other infrastructure projects.

The Government spokesman emphasised that the transfer is an exceptional arrangement and not a recurring measure, and all funds will be used for infrastructure projects for long-term investment with a view to accelerating and increasing development capacity rather than for the Government's operating expenditure. The Government has consulted the Exchange Fund Advisory Committee earlier on the proposed transfer and secured its support.

Source: AI-found images