Delegation of 13 Officials Visits Hong Kong to Explore Development Opportunities under One Country, Two Systems

Delegation of overseas government officials visits Hong Kong to learn about its strengths and developments

A delegation of 13 overseas government officials completed its visit to Hong Kong today (May 29), deepening its understanding of the city's advantages and development opportunities under the "one country, two systems" arrangement.

The visit was arranged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which invited government officials from 13 countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, namely Bolivia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Guyana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Peru, Republic of the Congo, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Suriname.

The visit aims at enhancing exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and these countries, as well as expanding the "circle of friends" of Hong Kong.

During the delegation's stay in Hong Kong, it met with the Acting Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing;the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC; and the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, to exchange views and learn more about Hong Kong's unique advantages of enjoying strong support of the country while maintaining unparalleled international connectivity under "one country, two systems", as well as its dual gateway role between the Chinese Mainland market and the global market.

It also met with the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai; the Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan; the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan; and the Deputy Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Philip Har, as well as representatives of a number of relevant institutions. The delegation also visited the International Organization for Mediation, the Hong Kong Science Park and the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Through these meetings and visits, the delegation learned about the city's latest developments and opportunities in education, finance, trade, legal services, innovation and technology, as well as arts and culture.

The delegation also visited Shenzhen to learn more about the integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Delegation of overseas government officials visits Hong Kong to learn about its strengths and developments Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Delegation of overseas government officials visits Hong Kong to learn about its strengths and developments Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Delegation of overseas government officials visits Hong Kong to learn about its strengths and developments Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Delegation of overseas government officials visits Hong Kong to learn about its strengths and developments Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Delegation of overseas government officials visits Hong Kong to learn about its strengths and developments Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Delegation of overseas government officials visits Hong Kong to learn about its strengths and developments Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Delegation of overseas government officials visits Hong Kong to learn about its strengths and developments Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Delegation of overseas government officials visits Hong Kong to learn about its strengths and developments Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Delegation of overseas government officials visits Hong Kong to learn about its strengths and developments Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species

Hong Kong Customs today (May 29) seized 153 turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point, with a total estimated market value of about $1.58 million.

Through risk assessment, Customs today intercepted an incoming lorry at the control point. After inspection, Customs officers found the batch of turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species concealed in the socks inside the paper boxes.

The batch of turtles was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.

Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.

Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling 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 seizes turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes turtles of suspected scheduled endangered species Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases