CE Leads Hong Kong Delegation to Yield Fruitful Results in Strengthening Ties between Hong Kong and Central Asia

CE: Central Asia visit yields fruitful results and opens up new opportunities for co-operation between Hong Kong and Central Asia

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, led a business delegation comprising representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises to continue its visit programme to Uzbekistan today (June 5). He met with local officials and business leaders, and visited innovation and technology (I&T) and cultural institutions to learn about the latest developments in areas such as the digital economy and cultural preservation.

In the morning, Mr Lee visited IT Park Uzbekistan, an innovation technology park in Uzbekistan, and met with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov, to exchange views on strengthening co-operation between the two places in I&T and the digital economy. Uzbekistan has been actively promoting digital transformation through its "Digital Uzbekistan 2030" Strategy. IT Park Uzbekistan has now become a leading I&T hub in Central Asia, bringing together over 1 000 I&T enterprises and start-up teams covering areas such as software development, AI and digital trade. During the meeting, Mr Lee witnessed the exchange of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or the confirmation of intention to co-operate between IT Park Uzbekistan and Hong Kong Cyberport, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, and Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park to promote closer co-operation between the two places on various fronts, including start-up incubation, talent exchanges and joint research and development (R&D).

Mr Lee said that Hong Kong ranks fourth globally in digital competitiveness, and is home to five universities among the world's top 100 with world-class R&D capabilities. Hong Kong is pressing ahead with the development of the Northern Metropolis and its associated projects, including the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster, for developing into an international I&T centre. He expressed confidence that Hong Kong will become a strategic gateway for Uzbek enterprises seeking to tap into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and international markets, while Hong Kong enterprises can also leverage Uzbekistan's vast talent pool and industrial strengths. He said he believes the MOUs will help establish closer and longer-term partnership between the two places in areas such as the digital economy and I&T development.

At noon, Mr Lee attended a luncheon hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr Yu Jun. He thanked the Embassy for its continued support to the work of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and for making meticulous arrangements for the visit.

In the afternoon, Mr Lee visited the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. The Center is the largest cultural, scientific and educational complex in Uzbekistan, showcasing the country's profound historical and cultural heritage. Mr Lee said that Hong Kong is actively developing into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, with world-class museums, rich and diverse arts and cultural activities, and a vibrant network for people-to-people exchanges. He expressed hope that Hong Kong and Uzbekistan will further strengthen co-operation in arts and culture, people-to-people exchanges and museum collaboration, and deepen friendship between the two places.

Mr Lee then attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan, where he met again with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov. Mr Lee said at the event that Uzbekistan has actively promoted economic reforms and continuously improved its business environment in recent years, demonstrating enormous development potential. He said that Hong Kong, as an international financial centre, is equipped with a sound and well-regulated rule of law environment, a robust and transparent regulatory regime, and a highly open and internationalised business environment. Hong Kong can provide professional support for Uzbekistan's economic development needs and serves as an ideal platform to assist Uzbek enterprises in expanding their business. He said he looked forward to strengthening co-operation between the two places and laying a solid foundation in areas including capital markets connectivity, infrastructure financing and green finance, with complementary advantages and mutual benefit.

Mr Lee will later attend a dinner hosted by Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov. Mr Lee thanked the Government of Uzbekistan for making thoughtful arrangements for the visit and expressed confidence that the two places will open up a new chapter of mutual benefits and win-win co-operation.

Concluding the visit, Mr Lee said that the Central Asia visit has yielded fruitful results. During the delegation's visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, achievements have been secured in eight areas:

(1) establishing high-level contacts and ties between the HKSAR Government and the Governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and reaching consensus on co-operation in multiple areas;

(2) the HKSAR Government and the two governments signed a total of 15 MOUs and agreements covering areas such as commerce, education and development projects. Beyond the government level, a total of 81 MOUs and agreements were concluded, covering such areas as trade and economic co-operation, investment, finance, technology and aviation. A total of 96 co-operation agreements and MOUs were reached during the visit, involving specific amounts exceeding US$1.65 billion in total;

(3) the governments agreed to commence bilateral discussions on agreements in various areas, including discussions with the Governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreements, negotiations on a bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement, and co-operation with the Government of Uzbekistan on customs clearance facilitation;

(4) deepening project matching and research collaboration between Hong Kong and Central Asian region in areas including finance, I&T, and aviation;

(5) demonstrating Hong Kong's effective role as a platform for going global and achieving substantial results, with Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises joining forces in tapping new markets and bringing synergistic advantages into full play;

(6) facilitating more convenient people-to-people exchanges by promoting direct flights, aviation and transport co-operation, and extensions to the mutual visa-free period;

(7) promoting exchanges in education, talent and culture to further deepen people-to-people bonds; and

(8) advancing a hub-to-hub co-operation model to open up broader room for co-operation between Hong Kong and the Central Asian region.

Mr Lee and the delegation will depart from Uzbekistan tonight and return to Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon (June 6).

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Photo shows Mr Lee (first row, tenth right), the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (first row, ninth right) and other participants. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (third left), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (third left), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (second right), witnessing the exchange of bilateral co-operation documents between government departments, enterprises and organisations. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (left), today (June 5) attends a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (left), today (June 5) attends a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where he met again with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (sixth left), today (June 5) attends a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where he met again with the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Mr Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov (eighth right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (second right), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (front row, centre), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Photo shows Mr Lee signing a commemorative album. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (right), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (second right), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (front row, first left), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (front row, first left), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (second left), today (June 5) visits the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, attended a luncheon hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr Yu Jun, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, today (June 5). Photo shows Mr Lee (left) meeting with Mr Yu (right) before the luncheon. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (first row, centre); the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (first row, fifth left); the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan (first row, fourth left); the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui (first row, fourth right); the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau (first row, third left); the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip (first row, third right); the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong (second row, fifth left); the Commissioner for Belt and Road, Mr Nicholas Ho (second row, fourth left); the Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Ms Alpha Lau (second row, fifth right); and the Director of Information Services, Mr John Tse (second row, fourth right) and the delegation at the IT Park. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (third left) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (third right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (third left). Looking on is the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan (first left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (centre) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (right). Looking on is the the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan (left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (second right). Looking on is the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan (first left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (second left) touring a showroom. Looking on is the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (third left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (first right) touring a showroom. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (third right) touring a showroom. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (June 5) visited the IT Park Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Photo shows Mr Lee (left) meeting with the First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan, Mr Ayubkhon Sultonov (right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CHP continues to follow up confirmed Mpox case epidemiologically linked to "Hutong"

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (June 9) that one more confirmed local Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) case has been recorded, which is epidemiologically linked to thecases involving "Hutong"as announced in the past two weeks. Through the CHP's active case finding, five cases with epidemiological links to "Hutong" have been identified so far (including the first two cases notified by the authorities in Chinese Mainland). The individuals do not know each another and all have engaged in high-risk activities with strangers at the premises. The premises remains closed at present. The CHP will continue to closely follow up individuals who visited the premises on or after May 1 and provide them with health education and continue to conduct medical surveillance.The CHP once again urged the high-risk target groups to receive Mpox vaccination as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the public is advised to avoid close physical contact with persons suspected of contracting Mpox.

Case information

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The case involves a 58-year-old man, who learned about confirmed Mpox cases at a premises called "Hutong" on Shanghai Street in Mong Kok last month from the CHP's earlierpress release. He also visited "Hutong" on May 23 and had high-risk contact there. He subsequently developed rash at his lower body on June 3. He sought medical treatment at the Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre (YMTITC) on June 5, and reported relevant high-risk contact history to the healthcare workers, who then arranged specimen collection from him for testing. His specimentested positive for monkeypox virus upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch. The CHP has arranged for him to receive isolation treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital. The patient is currently in stable condition.

The CHP is conducting an epidemiological investigation, and will endeavour to contact individuals who had high-risk contact with him. The CHP will notify World Health Organization of this case.

Follow-up on the "Hutong" cases

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The CHP endeavours to contact individuals who visited "Hutong" on or after May 1 to provide them with health education and conduct medical surveillance. To date, over 300 individuals who have visited the premises on or after May 1 have been successfully contacted. Two confirmed cases, who had high-risk contact at the premises during the incubation period, have been identified previously. The CHP again urges anyone who have visited the premises on or after May 1 to call the CHP's designated Mpox telephone hotline (2125 2373), so that the CHP can provide health assessments and advice. The hotline operates daily from 9am to 6pm. As investigations are still ongoing, the premises has been closed temporarily starting from May 26.

Furthermore, the CHP has collaborated with Hong Kong AIDS Foundation to launch an outreach Mpox vaccination activity at the organisation's service centre in Mong Kok since last Saturday (June 6) until next Wednesday (June 17). Eligible high-risk groups (especially men who have sex with men) can make an appointment on the organisation'swebsite.

Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 90 Mpox cases (73 local cases and 17 imported cases), including the above-mentioned case. All patients were males. Epidemiological investigations revealed that most cases had high-risk sexual behaviour, including having sex with strangers or having sex without wearing condoms.

Mpox vaccine

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Mpox vaccine can prevent infection and severe disease. The DH provides Mpox vaccination services for highrisk groups. The following high-risk target groups are eligible for Mpox vaccinations on a voluntary basis:

individuals with high-risk sexual practices, e.g. having multiple sexual partners, sex workers, or having a history of sexually transmitted infection within the past 12 months;

healthcare workersresponsible forcaring forpatients with confirmed Mpox;

laboratory personnel working with zoonotic pox viruses; and

animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in caseof Mpox occurrences in animals in Hong Kong.

High-risk target groups can receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at any of the DH's SocHS (namely Chai Wan SocHS, Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Female SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS) and the DH's YMTITC, without prior appointments.

Meanwhile, the DH's Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre and the Hospital Authority's Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital also provide Mpox vaccination services for their clients.

Mpox is not transmitted through respiratory droplets or aerosols in general, and transmission would not occur through social contact. The CHP reminds the public, especially those at higher risks of exposure, to take precautions and avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of being infected. They should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they experience relevant symptoms, including rash, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle pain, and severe headaches. They should not engage in activities with others that may involve contact with skin rash or body fluids.

For more details, please visit the CHP's page onMpoxandMpox Vaccination Programme.

Source: AI-found images