International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services concluded
The Government Flying Service (GFS) today (June 18) conducted an interdepartmental counter-terrorism drill and exchange session at the International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services (ISERAS) at the GFS Kai Tak Division, with the participation of the GFS, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Hong Kong Fire Services Department (FSD), showcasing Hong Kong's professional capabilities in responding to terrorist attacks and concluding the three-day symposium.
The Controller of the GFS, Mr Eddie Liu, said that the GFS has always played an important role in emergency response and rescue. In addition to assisting in search and rescue, providing air ambulance and other emergency aeromedical services, the GFS also shoulders the responsibility of maintaining the internal security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). In emergencies such as terrorist attacks, the GFS would make rapid deployments to assist the disciplined services in conducting air assaults, offering all-round support to the HKSAR Government's overall counter-terrorism efforts.
The drill simulated a scenario in which terrorists attempted to launch multiple bomb attacks on critical infrastructures and tourist attractions, while their accomplices hijacked a passenger vessel and engaged in a gunfight with the Police on board. The GFS deployed helicopters to support the Police's assault operation, while GFS personnel carried out the rescue and evacuation of gunshot victims, demonstrating the GFS' roles in emergency rescue operations. After the Police had safely disposed of the improvised explosive device, the FSD dispatched personnel to prevent the spread of hazardous materials and set up "decontamination facilities" to cleanse those who had been contaminated. There were also panel displays and demonstrations on site to showcase the latest technological advancements in the aeromedicine industry in various places around the world.
ISERAS was held from June 16 to 18, bringing together more than 230 government officials, policymakers, experts and academics as well as representatives from institutions to jointly explore the latest developments and future directions in aeromedical services and emergency response, thereby underscoring Hong Kong's status as an aviation hub for emergency response in Asia.
Source: AI-found images
Hong Kong rises to rank second globally in World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026
In the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) 2026 published by the International Institute for Management Development, Hong Kong's global competitiveness has risen for the third consecutive year, up one place to second globally this year, the highest since 2019.
Among the four competitiveness factors in the WCY 2026, Hong Kong ranks second globally in "Government efficiency" and third in "Business efficiency". Hong Kong ranks eighth and 11th globally in "Infrastructure" and "Economic performance" respectively. As regards the various competitiveness sub-factors, Hong Kong tops the rankings in "Tax policy" and "Business legislation"; ranks second globally in "Finance"; third globally in "International trade", "International investment", "Management practices" and "Education"; and fourth globally in "Public finance" and "Basic infrastructure".
A Government spokesperson said today (June 18), "The WCY 2026 reaffirms Hong Kong as one of the most competitive economies in the world, and notes that Hong Kong's rise to second globally sustains the strong upward trajectory from 2024 and 2025. In the competitiveness factor 'Government efficiency' Hong Kong continues to rank second globally, reflecting the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's ongoing efforts to promote free and open, stable, predictable and business-friendly economic policies, as well as the international community's trust in Hong Kong's legal and regulatory environment. Hong Kong's 'Business efficiency' is ranked third globally, reflecting the strong support for industry development rendered by our robust financial ecosystem, as well as the seamless alignment of the city's business practices and environment with international best standards."
Photo source: Shutterstock
The spokesperson added, "Amid rapidly evolving geopolitical dynamics, Hong Kong, with its close connectivity to both the Chinese Mainland and the world under the 'one country, two systems' principle, and its sound institutions, open markets and sustained investments in innovation, has become a 'value hub' that offers both security and growth opportunities. In fact, Hong Kong continues to excel in various international rankings including those for economy, finance, and talent. The International Monetary Fund has also given positive recognition to Hong Kong in recent months, and major credit rating agencies have successively reaffirmed Hong Kong's credit ratings and 'stable' outlook. All these echo the WCY 2026 results.
"Currently, Hong Kong is formulating at full speed its first Five-Year Plan to proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. With the staunch support of our country, the HKSAR Government will work together with all sectors of society to strengthen our role and function as a 'super connector' and 'super value-adder', with a view to better integrating into and serving the overall national development, achieving our own high-quality development, creating more new room for development for our people and businesses, as well as opening up new opportunities for global investors and enterprises."
Photo source: reference image
