Brussels ETO Promotes Hong Kong’s Wine, Academic, and Cultural Exchange in Sicily

Brussels ETO promotes Hong Kong's wine industry, academic exchange and music talent in Sicily, Italy

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels (Brussels ETO), continued its efforts to promote Hong Kong's wine and spirits industry as well as cultural and academic exchanges in Europe.

A trade and cultural promotion programme was conducted in Sicily, Italy, featuring meetings with institutional and industry representatives, including the President of Associazione Sicilia, board members of wine associations and representatives of wine consortiums, to explore collaboration opportunities in the wine and spirits sector. Brussels ETO representatives also met the Rector of the University of Palermo to promote academic and student exchanges with universities in Hong Kong.

On August 26 (Sicily time), Brussels ETO supported a performance by acclaimed Hong Kong pianist Rachel Cheung at the Palermo Classica International Festival 2026. Her programme featured works by Beethoven, Schumann, Tan Dun and Chopin. Around 200 people attended the concert and applauded her outstanding performance.

Speaking at a networking dinner on August 27 (Sicily time), the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, described Cheung's performance at the festival as a fine example of how music can transcend geographical and cultural boundaries and bring people together. Ms Yung said Hong Kong and Italy shared a deep appreciation of arts and culture, and highlighted Hong Kong's commitment to promoting cultural exchange and strengthening its position as an international cultural hub where East meets West.

The Palermo Classica International Festival is a renowned summer music festival in Sicily. This year, it features more than 60 international musicians and 40 events, spanning classical music, jazz, film scores, tango, opera and symphonic rock.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels promotes Hong Kong's wine industry, academic exchange and music talent in Sicily, Italy. Photo shows Hong Kong pianist Rachel Cheung, performing in the prestigious Palermo Classica International Festival 2026. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels promotes Hong Kong's wine industry, academic exchange and music talent in Sicily, Italy. Photo shows a group photo of the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung (third left), with local wine industry representatives. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels (Brussels ETO) promotes Hong Kong's wine industry, academic exchange and music talent in Sicily, Italy. Photo shows a networking dinner with local institutional and industry representatives, board members of wine associations as well as representatives of wine consortiums and wineries on August 27 (Sicily time). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels promotes Hong Kong's wine industry, academic exchange and music talent in Sicily, Italy. Photo shows (from first left) Hong Kong pianist Rachel Cheung, the Rector of the University of Palermo, Mr Massimo Midiri, the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung and Palermo's Councillor for Culture, Mr Antonio Rini. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport

Hong Kong Customs today (November 4) detected a drug trafficking case involving a passenger at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about one kilogram of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $600,000. A man was arrested.

A 36-year-old local male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cocaine in the shoes worn by him. He was subsequently arrested.

An investigation of the case is ongoing.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking 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 detects drug trafficking case involving incoming passenger at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases