CE: Establishing Hong Kong's Sustainable Aviation Fuel Base in Dongguan to Deepen Hong Kong-Guangdong Collaboration

Speech by CE at Signing Ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding - Establishment of Hong Kong's Sustainable Aviation Fuel Base in Dongguan

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Signing Ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding - Establishment of Hong Kong's Sustainable Aviation Fuel Base in Dongguan today (May 5):

Now I shall talk to our English speaking friends. Good morning, everyone. A warm welcome to our English-speaking guests and friends. I am delighted to witness with you today's MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) signing.

This is a real milestone: Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government and Dongguan Government leading EcoCeres to build in Dongguan a sustainable aviation fuel value chain right here in the Greater Bay Area.

Traditional aviation fuel carries a heavy carbon footprint. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) cuts lifecycle emissions by more than 80 per cent. That is a substantial step toward greener aviation.

The collaboration between Hong Kong and Dongguan is the realisation of Executive-led governance of Hong Kong and also the joint working of effective government and efficient market. It is also an excellent example of synergy of the two places. Hong Kong brings global finance, professional services and research capabilities. Dongguan brings mature chemical industry parks, logistics, and a steady supply of used cooking oil, the essential raw material for SAF. Together, we form a powerful combination.

The company at the heart of this project is EcoCeres. Incubated in Hong Kong, it has developed proprietary technology to turn waste cooking oil into internationally certified sustainable aviation fuel, SAF. That is why it holds a leading position in the global market.

Ladies and gentlemen, the world faces energy disruptions. But Hong Kong, under "one country, two systems", enjoys a unique advantage: strong support from the Motherland and close connection to the world. We can turn green challenges into green opportunities.

Today's MOU means policy alignment, co-ordinated resource mobilisation, and joint action between Hong Kong and Dongguan. We are linking the entire supply chain, from raw materials to production. That will drive investment and support our country's carbon reduction goals.

Looking ahead, we will continue to deepen Hong Kong-Guangdong collaboration. More policy connectivity. More resource sharing. More green projects.

Together, we will build a cleaner, greener future – for Hong Kong, for Dongguan, for the Greater Bay Area, for our country, and for the world. Thank you.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, attended the Signing Ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding - Establishment of Hong Kong's Sustainable Aviation Fuel Base in Dongguan today (May 5). Photo shows (front row, from fourth left) Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Mr Wang Jie; the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan; Co-Chairman of EcoCeres Mr Alan Chan; the Secretary of the CPC Dongguan Municipal Committee, Mr Wei Hao; Mr Lee; the Chairman of Towngas and Founder of Full Vision Capital, Dr Lee Ka-kit, and other guests at the event. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, attended the Signing Ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding - Establishment of Hong Kong's Sustainable Aviation Fuel Base in Dongguan today (May 5). Photo shows (back row, from second left) the Chairman of Towngas and Founder of Full Vision Capital, Dr Lee Ka-kit; Mr Lee; the Secretary of the CPC Dongguan Municipal Committee, Mr Wei Hao; Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Mr Wang Jie and other guests witnessing Co-Chairman of EcoCeres Mr Alan Chan (front row, left) and member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Dongguan Municipal Committee and Executive Vice Mayor of the Dongguan Municipal People's Government Mr Zeng Jianpeng (front row, right) signing a Memorandum of Understanding. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, speaks at the Signing Ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding - Establishment of Hong Kong's Sustainable Aviation Fuel Base in Dongguan today (May 5). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CHP investigates two cases of severe paediatric influenza A infection

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 30) investigating two severe paediatric influenza A infection cases. The CHP urged the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses.

The first case involves a 12-year-old boy with underlying illness. He presented with a fever, cough and shortness of breath on June 27. He was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital for medical attention on the same day and was subsequently admitted to its paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). His respiratory specimen collected on June 29 tested positive for the influenza A virus. His clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with septic shock. He remains hospitalised in serious condition.

Another case involves a 6-year-old boy with good past health. He presented with a fever on June 27, and attended a private hospital the next day (June 28). Due to persistent seizure, he was transferred to the PICU of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospitalfor treatment. His respiratoryspecimen collected on June 29 tested positive for influenza A virus and Haemophilus influenzae. His clinical diagnosis was a co-infection of influenza A and Haemophilus influenzae complicated with severe pneumonia and septic shock. He remains hospitalised in critical condition.

The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that both boys had received the 2025/26 seasonal influenza vaccination. They had no travel history during the incubation period. There have been no recent influenza outbreaks at their schools. One of the household contacts of each boy developed upper respiratory symptoms and fever respectively but their conditions were mild and required no hospitalisation. The CHP will continue to investigate the cases.

According to the surveillance data, seasonal influenza activity has been increasing over the past few weeks. Although it still remains slightly below the baseline levels at present, based on past experience, Hong Kong typically experiences a flu season between July and August. Hence, the CHP anticipates a further rise in influenza activity with arrival of an influenza season shortly.

The CHP reminded members of the public, especially children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, to seek medical advice promptly for early treatment if they present with fever and respiratory symptoms. As the health condition of children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly, parents must pay close attention to their condition, and visit an accident and emergency department immediately if the child's condition deteriorates with symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions.

Separately, the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent contracting influenza and other respiratory illnesses. High-risk individuals should wear surgical masks when staying in crowded places. People with respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly. They should also consider whether to attend work or school.

Members of the public may refer to the CHP'sCOVID-19 & Flu Express,Seasonal Influenza Webpage,COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Webpage, andVaccination Schemes Webpage, for the latest information.

Source: AI-found images