Qatar Airways Cargo and AAHK Sign MOU to Boost Air Connectivity and Cooperation

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.

Qatar Airways Cargo today (August 19) opened its air cargo regional office in Hong Kong and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) to strengthen co-operation on air connectivity and aviation development. Photo shows the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan (second right); the Senior Vice President Cargo Sales of Qatar Airways Cargo, Mr Eric Wilson (second left); the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Miss Clara Wong (first right); and the Chief Executive Officer of the AAHK, Mrs Vivian Cheung (first left), officiating at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Qatar Airways Cargo today (August 19) opened its air cargo regional office in Hong Kong and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Airport Authority Hong Kong to strengthen co-operation on air connectivity and aviation development. Photo shows the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, delivering a speech at the signing ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Qatar Airways Cargo today (August 19) opened its air cargo regional office in Hong Kong and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airport Authority Hong Kong to strengthen co-operation on air connectivity and aviation development. Photo shows the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan (second right), being briefed by the Senior Vice President Cargo Sales of Qatar Airways Cargo, Mr Eric Wilson (first right), on the operation of cargo services. Looking on are the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Miss Clara Wong (second left), and the Chief Executive Officer of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mrs Vivian Cheung (first left). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Qatar Airways Cargo today (August 19) opened its air cargo regional office in Hong Kong and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airport Authority Hong Kong to strengthen co-operation on air connectivity and aviation development. Photo shows the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan (right), speaking with other guests and inspecting the handling of the airline's arriving freighter aircraft. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Qatar Airways Cargo today (August 19) opened its air cargo regional office in Hong Kong and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Airport Authority Hong Kong to strengthen co-operation on air connectivity and aviation development. Photo shows the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan (back row, centre), and other guests witnessing the signing of the MOU. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Qatar Airways Cargo today (August 19) opened its air cargo regional office in Hong Kong and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airport Authority Hong Kong to strengthen co-operation on air connectivity and aviation development. Photo shows the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan (fourth right); the Senior Vice President Cargo Sales of Qatar Airways Cargo, Mr Eric Wilson (third right); the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Miss Clara Wong (fourth left); the Chief Executive Officer of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mrs Vivian Cheung (third left); the Consul-General of the State of Qatar in Hong Kong, Ms Noora Khalifa Al-Thani (centre), and other guests. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs arrests financial manager and administrative manager of beauty company

Hong Kong Customs conducted an enforcement operation today (August 19) to combat unfair trade practices by beauty companies. An investigation was launched into a retailer suspected of engaging in aggressive commercial practices when selling skincare products and beauty devices. During the operation, a financial manager and an administrative manager of the company involved were arrested for suspected violations of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (the Ordinance). The investigation is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.

Hong Kong Customs, Photo source: reference image

Customs once again appeals to customers who suspect they have been subjected to such unfair trade practices to contact Customs as soon as possible.

Customs reminds traders that they must comply with the requirements of the Ordinance, and advises consumers to patronize reputable merchants. Consumers should remain calm before purchasing services or products. If they do not fully understand the product details and prices, or do not wish to make a purchase, they should firmly refuse to sign any sales documents or make any payments.

The beauty company implicated in the case, Photo source: threads image

Under the Ordinance, any trader who uses harassment, coercion, or undue influence to restrict or impair a consumer's freedom of choice or conduct, thereby causing the consumer to make a transactional decision, commits the offense of aggressive commercial practices. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

Customs has always attached great importance to consumer rights protection and has zero tolerance for unfair trade practices, pledging to continue its stringent enforcement action against unscrupulous traders.

Members of the public who encounter unfair trade practices or suspect a trader has violated the Ordinance should report it as soon as possible by calling the Customs' 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, or via the crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or the online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

The beauty company implicated in the case, Photo source: threads image