AFCD investigates two Mainlanders suspected of illegal fishing
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) is investigating two Mainlanders for suspected illegal hookah fishing in the waters off Lung Kwu Chau.
At about 12.30am today (April 22), AFCD officers spotted a vessel in the waters off Lung Kwu Chau equipped with an air compressor, pipes connected to the sea and a spear gun. It is suspected that the unregistered vessel was being used for illegal hookah fishing involving with a spear gun. AFCD officers intercepted the said vessel for investigation, and subsequently seized some fishing gear found on board.
The AFCD is currently investigating two Mainlanders on board for suspected contravention of the Fisheries Protection Ordinance (Cap. 171).
Only a vessel registered under the Ordinance can be used for fishing in Hong Kong waters and only the fishing methods listed on its Certificate of Registration of Local Fishing Vessel can be employed for fishing by the vessel. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and six months' imprisonment upon conviction.
An AFCD spokesman said, "The Government is committed to cracking down on illegal fishing activities in Hong Kong waters. The AFCD will maintain close contact with relevant law enforcement departments and step up patrols and stringently enforce the law."
AFCD investigates two Mainlanders suspected of illegal fishing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seminar on Belt and Road Capacity Building Platforms promotes knowledge exchanges and collaboration
The Seminar on Belt and Road Capacity Building Platforms was held today (April 22) to introduce capacity-building opportunities, including those by public organisations and institutions in Hong Kong, with a view to exchanging knowledge for promoting development, deepening soft connectivity of rules and standards, exploring collaboration opportunities and enhancing people-to people bonds with Belt and Road (B&R) countries.
Organised by the Belt and Road Office with the theme of "Connecting Knowledge for Shared Prosperity: Advancing Belt and Road Soft Connectivity in Alignment with the 15th Five-Year Plan", the seminar aimed to promote the Belt and Road Capacity Building Platforms (Platforms). It featured some 20 public organisations and institutions, covering areas such as transport and logistics, financial services, legal services, development and construction, environment and ecology, innovation and technology, health, and integrity.
The Commissioner for Belt and Road, Mr Nicholas Ho, said that the initiative of the Platforms is designed to serve as a two-way springboard for Hong Kong and its partners to learn and lead. "By sharing governance experience and professional expertise, we work alongside officials and professionals from B&R countries to build the skills, standards, and networks required to turn development goals into delivery - strengthening resilient economies, effective institutions, and sustainable development," he said.
Representatives from about 30 consulates-general, honorary consulates and chambers of commerce of B&R countries in Hong Kong, etc, attended the seminar to know more about the Platforms and capacity-building programmes. They also exchanged views and explored collaboration opportunities. Representatives from the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy, the Hong Kong Productivity Council and the new Belt and Road Sustainable Green Development Training Centre gave briefings on their capacity-building programmes and collaboration with B&R partners. A representative from the International Organization for Mediation also introduced its work on promoting dispute resolution through mediation and other means.
Seminar on Belt and Road Capacity Building Platforms promotes knowledge exchanges and collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seminar on Belt and Road Capacity Building Platforms promotes knowledge exchanges and collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seminar on Belt and Road Capacity Building Platforms promotes knowledge exchanges and collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Seminar on Belt and Road Capacity Building Platforms promotes knowledge exchanges and collaboration Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
