Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected illegally imported live birds
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 18) detected two cases of suspected illegally imported live birds at the Lo Wu Control Point. Two hundred suspected illegally imported live birds with an estimated market value of about $20,000 were seized.
Customs officers yesterday intercepted a 33-year-old incoming Mainland female passenger and a 51-year-old incoming local male passenger at the Arrival Hall of the said Control Point. Upon examination, one batch of suspected illegally imported live birds contained in bird cages was seized from each of their personal baggage. The two passengers were subsequently arrested. The cases were handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for a follow-up investigation.
Under the Public Health (Animals and Birds) Regulations, it is an offence to import any bird unless it is accompanied by a valid health certificate. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $25,000.
Members of the public may report any suspected activities of illegally importing live birds 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 illegally imported live birds Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
AAHK and Qatar Airways Cargo sign MOU to strengthen co-operation on air connectivity and aviation development
Qatar Airways Cargo today (August 19) opened its air cargo regional office in Hong Kong and signed with the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) theMemorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Airport Authority Hong Kong and Qatar Airways Cargo on Strengthening Cooperation on Air Connectivity and Aviation Development to enhance co-operation on air connectivity and aviation development.
The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, attended the opening ceremony and witnessed the signing of the MOU. She said, "I am delighted to welcome Qatar Airways Cargo's setting up of a regional office in Hong Kong, which fully reflects the airline's confidence in and recognition of Hong Kong as an international aviation hub. Hong Kong and Qatar have long enjoyed a profound foundation of collaboration in aviation. The MOU signed today is of great strategic significance and will bring the partnership between the two places to new heights."
Ms Chan added that this powerful alliance with Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), the world's busiest cargo airport, and Qatar Airways Cargo, a leading global carrier, will foster greater synergies in promoting seamless global cargo flows. She also revealed at the ceremony that a local airline will announce tomorrow (August 20) details of its newly launched flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan, further expanding Hong Kong's global air network. She noted that the capacity of HKIA has substantially increased following the commissioning of the Three-Runway System (3RS). Capitalising on the opportunities brought by the 3RS and the country's support for the "Air Silk Road", the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will continue to forge closer ties in air services with global aviation partners, with priority focus on regions with further development potential and new growth areas, such as South America, Central Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Senior Vice President Cargo Sales of Qatar Airways Cargo, Mr Eric Wilson, commended HKIA as Asia's premier air cargo hub with world-class infrastructure, exceptional handling efficiency and a strategic location. "By establishing our regional office in Hong Kong and deepening our partnership with the AAHK, the group is perfectly positioned to leverage Hong Kong's strengths to further connect the global network with the vibrant markets of Asia and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area," he said.
The MOU will enable HKIA to capture greater cargo flow tonnage, while leveraging the capacity of Qatar Airways Cargo to enhance connectivity with markets with development potential, such as destinations in South America, thereby further expanding HKIA's global aviation network. The MOU also covers co-operation in advancing operational excellence and service enhancement, as well as supporting sustainability and talent development.
The HKSAR Government has been committed to promoting the long-term development of the aviation industry. To further consolidate Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub, the Civil Aviation Department has announced the extension of exemption measures related to non-scheduled cargo flights, and has been encouraging airlines to increase the flight frequency of scheduled cargo services and open up new cargo routes. Meanwhile, the Government will continue to work closely with the AAHK to expand the aviation network to seize growth opportunities in the markets.
AAHK and Qatar Airways Cargo sign MOU to strengthen co-operation on air connectivity and aviation development Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
AAHK and Qatar Airways Cargo sign MOU to strengthen co-operation on air connectivity and aviation development Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
