Information Services Department and Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Sign MOU to Enhance Media Collaboration

Information Services Department signs MOU with Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union

The Information Services Department (ISD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation (MOU) today (August 22) to strengthen collaboration and exchanges on matters related to media and communication, and to bring the good stories of Hong Kong to the global stage.

The MOU was signed by the Director of Information Services, Mr John Tse, and ABU Secretary-General Mr Ahmed Nadeem. Under the agreement, both parties will seek to establish a dedicated communication mechanism for the exchange of views on media and communication co-operation; collaborate on hosting and supporting joint events in Hong Kong; leverage ABU platforms to present compelling stories of Hong Kong to global audiences; and facilitate and support visits by media professionals from ABU member organisations to Hong Kong to promote reciprocal dialogue and mutual understanding.

This is the first such MOU that the ISD has signed with a regional broadcasting union.

Mr Tse said that the expansive global footprint of the ABU aligns closely with the ISD's objective of engaging regional and international media, and the ISD can support the reporting of ABU members by sharing Hong Kong's accurate and up-to-date news stories and materials, paving the way for a long-term and mutually beneficial partnership.

"Upon signing the MOU, the ISD will immediately initiate discussions on the arrangements for inviting senior and mid-level editorial staff from ABU member organisations to visit Hong Kong at the end of this year to learn about the city's latest developments. We will also support the ABU in hosting media events in Hong Kong next year," Mr Tse said.

"As we prepare to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region next year, we will also make good use of the ABU's international network and platforms to share information on Hong Kong's celebratory activities and achievements over the past three decades with wide audiences around the world. It will also help global audiences to keep abreast of the latest developments in Hong Kong, and learn about the emerging opportunities in areas ranging from business and investment, to education, arts, culture and much more."

Established in 1964, the ABU is a not-for-profit, non-governmental professional association dedicated to advancing broadcasting in the Asia-Pacific, promoting the collective interests of television and radio broadcasters, and facilitating regional and international media co-operation. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, it is demographically and geographically the world's largest broadcasting union, encompassing more than 220 member organisations across 66 countries and serving more than half the world's population.

The Information Services Department and the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation today (August 22) to strengthen collaboration and exchanges on matters related to media and communication. Photo shows the Director of Information Services, Mr John Tse (right), and ABU Secretary-General Mr Ahmed Nadeem (left) at the ceremony. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Information Services Department and the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation today (August 22) to strengthen collaboration and exchanges on matters related to media and communication. Photo shows the Director of Information Services, Mr John Tse (right), and ABU Secretary-General Mr Ahmed Nadeem (left) signing the agreement. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes

An incoming male passenger was sentenced to six months' imprisonment and fined $1,000 by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (November 12) for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted an incoming 29-year-old Mainland male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport on September 16 who arrived in Hong Kong from Tokyo, Japan, and seized 30 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes from his personal baggage, with an estimated market value of about $123,000 and a duty potential of about $99,000. The passenger was subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys duty-not-paid 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).

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases