London ETO Celebrates Hong Kong's Cultural Ties and Business Advantages at Inaugural Chinese Shakespeare Supper

London ETO supports inaugural Chinese Shakespeare Supper and promotes Hong Kong's business advantages

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London (London ETO), together with Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, under the Economic and Trade Express platform, supported the inaugural "Chinese Shakespeare Supper and UK-China Business Awards" organised by the China-Britain Business Council in London on May 21 (London time).

Speaking at the pre-dinner reception, the Director-General of the London ETO, Miss Fiona Chau, highlighted Hong Kong's enduring strengths as a bridge between the East and the West, and as an open, trusted, outward-looking premier international business hub. She also spoke about Hong Kong's latest developments as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre, including the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation in Hong Kong. Miss Chau said Hong Kong's distinctive advantages, including its common law system, independent judiciary, and stable, predictable and business-friendly policies, make the city a safe harbour for businesses and an ideal destination for growth.

The inaugural Chinese Shakespeare Supper celebrated the enduring legacy of William Shakespeare and showcased how his works have been translated, interpreted and shared in China, fostering greater cultural understanding between China and the United Kingdom (UK). The inaugural UK-China Business Awards were also presented during the event, recognising businesses from the UK and China for their outstanding achievements in promoting bilateral trade and investment.

The event was attended by about 250 guests from the business, political, education and cultural sectors, including the Chinese Ambassador to the UK, Mr Zheng Zeguang.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London supported the inaugural "Chinese Shakespeare Supper and UK-China Business Awards" organised by the China-Britain Business Council in London on May 21 (London time). The event was attended by about 250 guests from the business, political, education and cultural sectors. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London supported the inaugural "Chinese Shakespeare Supper and UK-China Business Awards" organised by the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) in London on May 21 (London time). Photo shows the Chinese Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Mr Zheng Zeguang, giving a speech at the event. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London supported the inaugural "Chinese Shakespeare Supper and UK-China Business Awards" organised by the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) in London on May 21 (London time). Photo shows the President of CBBC, Lord James Sassoon (left), and the Chinese Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Mr Zheng Zeguang (right), reciting the work of Shakespeare at the event. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London supported the inaugural "Chinese Shakespeare Supper and UK-China Business Awards" organised by the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) in London on May 21 (London time). Photo shows the Chair of CBBC, Sir Sebastian Wood delivering the welcome speech at the event. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London (London ETO) supported the inaugural "Chinese Shakespeare Supper and UK-China Business Awards" organised by the China-Britain Business Council in London on May 21 (London time). Photo shows the Director-General of the London ETO, Miss Fiona Chau, delivering a speech at the pre-dinner reception. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at airport

Hong Kong Customs today (May 26) detected two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 11 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds and 18kg of suspected ketamine, with a total estimated market value of about $8.85 million. Two men were arrested.

The first case involved a 62-year-old male passenger arriving in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 11kg of suspected cannabis buds, with an estimated market of about $2 million, inside his check-in baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.

The second case involved a 58-year-old male passenger arriving in Hong Kong from Paris, France, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 18kg of suspected ketamine, with an estimated market of about $6.85 million, inside his check-in baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.

The arrested person in the first case has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and the case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (May 27). For the second case, an investigation is ongoing.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account(crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two drug trafficking cases involving passengers at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases