HKETO Berlin Promotes Hong Kong's Maritime Strengths in Hamburg

HKETO Berlin promotes Hong Kong's strengths to international maritime community in Hamburg

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) promoted Hong Kong's advantages as a premier international maritime centre in Hamburg, Germany on August 31 and September 1 (Hamburg time). The events are part of the joint business and investment promotion events under the Economic and Trade Express initiative.

The Shipbuilding, Machinery & Marine Technology Hamburg, one of the world's leading trade fairs for the maritime industry, is held in Hamburg this week. On August 31 (Hamburg time), the HKETO Berlin, together with Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council , welcomed more than 50 maritime enterprises, organisations, investors, and technology startups at the networking reception "Maritime Innovation Meetup". The event provided a platform for industry players to exchange on the sector trends and learn about the latest developments in Hong Kong.

Supported by InvestHK and Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board, a startup pitch competition Captain's Table Innovation Demo Day was held on September 1 (Hamburg time). Pitches from a cohort of startups were presented to representatives of shipping and logistics companies and investors, followed by a networking lunch. The winner will join the finale to be held in Hong Kong in November.

The Director of the HKETO Berlin, Mr Indiana Wong, congratulated the winner and shared with guests Hong Kong's favourable business environment and advantages as a prime location for international companies seeking to expand their presence in Asia and Chinese Mainland market. Mr Wong also promoted and invited the participants to join the Hong Kong Maritime Week, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and takes place in Hong Kong from November 17 to 21 (Hong Kong time).

During his stay in Hamburg, Mr Wong also called on the Chinese Consulate General in Hamburg, Mr Lin Dong, to exchange updates on the latest developments in Hong Kong and Germany.

About HKETO Berlin

HKETO Berlin is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Germany as well as Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin, Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council promoted Hong Kong's advantages as a leading international maritime centre at the Captain's Table - Innovation Demo Day in Hamburg, Germany, on September 1 (Hamburg time). Photo shows a startup representative pitching at the event. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin, Mr Indiana Wong, called on the Chinese Consulate General in Hamburg, Mr Lin Dong, in Hamburg, Germany, on September 1 (Hamburg time). Photo shows Mr Indiana Wong (left) and Mr Lin Dong (right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin, Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council promoted Hong Kong's advantages as a premier international maritime centre at the "Maritime Innovation Meetup" in Hamburg, Germany, on August 31 (Hamburg time). Photo shows the networking reception. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin), Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council promoted Hong Kong's advantages as a leading international maritime centre at the Captain's Table - Innovation Demo Day in Hamburg, Germany, on September 1 (Hamburg time). Photo shows the Director of the HKETO Berlin, Mr Indiana Wong (seventh right), and the participants at the event. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin), Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council promoted Hong Kong's advantages as a premier international maritime centre at the "Maritime Innovation Meetup" in Hamburg, Germany, on August 31 (Hamburg time). Photo shows the Director of the HKETO Berlin, Mr Indiana Wong (fourth right), and the participants at the event. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Government launches public consultation on proposed amendments to Sweeteners in Food Regulations

The Government today (September 4) launched a three-month public consultation exercise on the proposed amendments to the Sweeteners in Food Regulations (Cap. 132U) to invite views from the public.

Sweeteners are food additives that impart a sweet taste to food in place of sugars. Like other food additives, sweeteners are permitted for use only after stringent safety evaluations that demonstrate they are fit for consumption. The Regulations stipulate that no person shall sell, consign, deliver or import any food containing sweeteners, except the permitted sweeteners.

The Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department have reviewed the Regulations and proposed amendments to update Hong Kong's food safety standards. The proposed amendments have primarily made reference to the General Standard for Food Additives formulated by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, which was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization. The proposed legislative amendments include bringing polyhydric alcohols under the regulatory scope, expanding the list of permitted sweeteners, setting maximum permitted levels for different "sweetener-food" pairs, as well as making technical amendments, with a view to better protecting public health and harmonising with international standards. The proposed amendments are supported by the Expert Committee on Food Safety, which comprises local, Mainland and overseas experts. The Government also briefed the Legislative Council Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene in June this year on the proposed legislative amendments, which received general support from the Panel.

A Government spokesman said, "Apart from enhancing the protection of food safety, the proposed amendments expand the list of permitted sweeteners to offer more choices for the trade and consumers. At the same time, harmonising local food safety standards for sweeteners with non-local standards helps facilitate the food trade. To allow reasonable preparation time for the trade and other stakeholders, the Government proposes to provide an 18-month transitional period following completion of the legislative procedure for the subsidiary legislation to amend the Regulations."

The consultation document can be downloaded from the CFS website (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/whatsnew_fstr_Proposed_Amendments_Sweeteners_Food_Regulation.html). Members of the public may submit their written views on the proposed amendments by email (sweetener_consultation@fehd.gov.hk), fax (2893 3547) or post (43/F, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong) within the consultation period.

The Government will also conduct consultation forums to collect views from the public. For details, please refer to the CFS website.

Source: AI-found images