Hong Kong and Qinghai Strengthen Cooperation on Green Development and Environmental Protection

Environment and Ecology Bureau signs Cooperation Arrangement on Ecology and Environment with Department of Ecology and Environment of Qinghai Province

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, met with Vice-Governor of the People's Government of Qinghai Province Mr Liu Tao today (August 27) and exchanged views on strengthening co-operation between the Hong Kong and Qinghai Governments, as well as promoting green development in both places. They jointly witnessed the signing of the Cooperation Arrangement on Ecology and Environment between the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, and the Communist Party Chief of the Department of Ecology and Environment of Qinghai Province, Mr Dong Yuyi, in Hong Kong. The Cooperation Arrangement seeks to deepen the collaboration and technical exchanges between both sides in areas including ecological and environmental protection and the green industry.

Mr Chan stated that Qinghai has rich experience in ecological conservation and clean energy, while Hong Kong has an internationalised network and advanced management technologies. The Cooperation Arrangement will help promote the establishment of an all-rounded and regular mechanism for ecological and environmental co-operation between the two places, strengthening experience sharing and exchanges in areas such as policy regulation, solid waste management, promotion of environmental protection, scientific research and innovation, as well as talent nurturing. The Cooperation Arrangement will also actively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and promote high-quality green development in the direction of achieving complementary strengths and mutual benefits.

Mr Tse led officials from the Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Environmental Protection Department to exchange views with Mr Liu and the delegation of the People's Government of Qinghai Province before the signing ceremony. The two sides had an in-depth discussion on the environmental and ecological co-operation between the two places.

The Acting Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment), Ms Polly Kwok, and the Acting Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Vanessa Au, also attended the meeting and the Cooperation Arrangement signing ceremony.

Environment and Ecology Bureau signs Cooperation Arrangement on Ecology and Environment with Department of Ecology and Environment of Qinghai Province Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Environment and Ecology Bureau signs Cooperation Arrangement on Ecology and Environment with Department of Ecology and Environment of Qinghai Province Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Environment and Ecology Bureau signs Cooperation Arrangement on Ecology and Environment with Department of Ecology and Environment of Qinghai Province Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Environment and Ecology Bureau signs Cooperation Arrangement on Ecology and Environment with Department of Ecology and Environment of Qinghai Province Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Environment and Ecology Bureau signs Cooperation Arrangement on Ecology and Environment with Department of Ecology and Environment of Qinghai Province Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes

Two incoming Mainland passengers were sentenced to ten months' imprisonment with a fine of $1,000, and eight months' imprisonment with a fine of $2,000, respectively by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today today (August 27) 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 Mainland female passenger, aged 42, at Hong Kong International Airport on August 7 and seized about 130 800 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $588,600 and a duty potential of about $432,400, from her personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested and was sentenced to ten months' imprisonment and fined $1,000 today.

In addition, Customs officers intercepted an incoming Mainland male passenger, aged 41, at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (August 26). About 76 800 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes were seized from his personal baggage. The estimated market value was about $384,000, and the duty potential was about $253,900. He was subsequently arrested and was sentenced to eight months' imprisonment and fined $2,000 today.

Customs welcomes the sentences. The custodial sentences have 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 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).

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases