IDBF Opens Global Headquarters in Hong Kong, Strengthening City's Sports Economy and Heritage

International Dragon Boat Federation makes homecoming to Hong Kong and sets up new global headquarters

Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced today (July 8) that the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) officially opened its new global headquarters in Hong Kong, marking a significant milestone for the city's sports economy. This also represents a homecoming for the IDBF, returning to the city where it was first established 35 years ago.

Having relocated its headquarters from London, the IDBF has established its global operations in Hong Kong under the Government's initiative introduced in the 2025 Policy Address to position the city as a world-class sports hub. The IDBF's decision to choose Hong Kong as its global home was driven by a combination of strategic heritage and tangible business advantages. The city offers an exceptional environment for international governance, characterised by a straightforward incorporation process, competitive operational costs, a simple and low tax system, a robust legal framework, comprehensive government support measures, and recognition as the birthplace of the modern dragon boat movement.

Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion of InvestHK Mr Arnold Lau said, "The IDBF's decision to anchor its global operations in Hong Kong strengthens the city's reputation as an international sports hub. Our thriving sports economy, world-class infrastructure, and unparalleled connectivity to both the Chinese Mainland and international markets create an ecosystem where global federations can pursue new growth opportunities while benefitting from Hong Kong's business-friendly environment and institutional stability."

The President of the IDBF, Mr Claudio Schermi, described the move as both a homecoming and a new beginning. He said, "Dragon boat is back home. The IDBF has returned to Hong Kong, where it was founded 35 years ago. To demonstrate our long-term commitment to the city, we will recruit dedicated full-time staff locally, leveraging Hong Kong's specialised talent pool to expand the sport's global reach and attract a broader demographic of participants worldwide." He emphasised that while the sport is rooted in ancient Chinese tradition, the IDBF is committed to its role as an open, inclusive, and truly international governing body.

The IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships are set to return to Hong Kong next year for the first time since 1997, and are expected to attract over 5 000 athletes from across the globe and generate notable economic, tourism, and sporting benefits for the city. With around 80 member federations worldwide, the IDBF's return reinforces Hong Kong's position as the global hub of this time-honoured sport, and marks an important step in IDBF's long-term pursuit of Olympic recognition.

Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced today (July 8) that the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) officially opened its new global headquarters in Hong Kong, marking a significant milestone for the city's sports economy. Photo shows (from left) the Head of Creative Industries, Sports and Entertainment of InvestHK, Ms Doris Fong; the Founder and Honorary President of the IDBF, Mr Mike MacKeddie-Haslam; the President of the IDBF, Mr Claudio Schermi; the President of Italy Alliance, Mr Riccardo Fuochi; and the President of the International Ice Dragon Boat Federation, Mr Luo Zhongyi, at the opening ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected illicit cigarettes worth about $1.8 million

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 17) seized about 400 000 suspected illicit cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $1.8 million and a duty potential of about $1.3 million, at the Customs Tsing Yi Cargo Examination Compound.

Through risk assessment, Customs officers yesterday inspected a 20-foot seaborn consolidated container, declared as aluminum sheet, arriving in Hong Kong from Vietnam. Officers seized 400 000 suspected illicit cigarettes inside one of the consignments. The criminals had modified hollowed-out aluminum sheets as a container to conceal the illicit cigarettes in an attempt to deter detection by Customs.

Customs stresses that smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. Moreover, under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), any person who deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette 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 suspected illicit cigarettes worth about $1.8 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected illicit cigarettes worth about $1.8 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected illicit cigarettes worth about $1.8 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases