HKETO Berlin Promotes Hong Kong's Advantages at Economic Forum in Karpacz

HKETO Berlin promotes Hong Kong as premier gateway for international co-operation at Economic Forum in Karpacz

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) promoted Hong Kong's unique advantages and business opportunities at the 35th Economic Forum in Karpacz, Poland, from September 8 to 10 (Karpacz time).

The Economic Forum held annually in Karpacz is one of the largest conferences in Central and Eastern Europe, attracting over 6 000 leaders, experts, and decision-makers. The theme of the Forum this year is "Architecture of the New Order - Stability in Times of Change", and there is a dedicated Chinese-Polish Forum. The HKETO Berlin promoted Hong Kong's unique roles and advantages in facilitating investment as well as promoting the Belt and Road Initiative.

Speaking at the panel session of the Forum, the Director of the HKETO Berlin, Mr Indiana Wong, outlined Hong Kong's crucial position as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" between the Chinese Mainland and the world. Hong Kong serves as a vital bridge by connecting the Chinese Mainland with global markets through its common law system, free flow of capital, and world-class professional services.

"Global business turns to Hong Kong for wide-ranging, long-term opportunities. Hong Kong is the ideal place for international fundraising, and enterprises can scale up through our financing and professional services. Last year, Hong Kong topped the world in both initial public offering volume and funds raised. Investors and businesses can leverage on Hong Kong's strengths as one of the major hubs for initial public offerings."

Mr Wong added that with significant resources devoted to innovation and technology development over the years, Hong Kong has emerged as an international innovation and technology centre, and a regional powerhouse supporting the development of financial technology, AI, life and health sciences, and advanced manufacturing. He also highlighted Hong Kong's significant role in promoting the Belt and Road Initiative through its extensive network of trade and investment promotion partners.

"Hong Kong is a key node and premier international platform for Belt and Road co-operation between China and Central and Eastern Europe. For Central and Eastern European technology firms, start-ups, and research institutions, Hong Kong offers a dynamic environment for piloting products, raising capital, and forging strategic partnerships that extend across the Chinese Mainland and Asia markets," he said.

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 (HKETO Berlin) participated in the 35th Economic Forum held in Karpacz, Poland, from September 8 to 10 (Karpacz time). Photo shows the Director of the HKETO Berlin, Mr Indiana Wong (second left), discussing issues with other speakers at the panel of the forum. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) participated in the 35th Economic Forum held in Karpacz, Poland, from September 8 to 10 (Karpacz time). Photo shows the Director of the HKETO Berlin, Mr Indiana Wong (second left), speaking at the panel discussion of the forum. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AFCD conducts unattended dog capture operation on Cheung Chau

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) conducted a special dog capture operation in the vicinity of Tung Tai San Tsuen and Cheung Kwai Estate on Cheung Chau yesterday afternoon (November 9). During the operation, two unattended mongrel dogs were captured and transferred to the Animal Management Centre for detention and observation. The captured dogs were not microchipped.

The AFCD will check and verify lost-and-found records to determine whether the dogs have owners. If the keeper cannot be traced, staff and veterinary officers at the Animal Management Centres will patiently observe the dogs. Generally speaking, dogs that are confirmed to be in good health and of a gentle temperament will be transferred to partner animal welfare organisations for sterilisation and arrangement for adoption by the public.

An AFCD spokesman stated that in a high-density urban environment, unowned and uncontrolled dogs may pose risks to public safety. Once dogs are allowed to roam unattended in public places, they may cause harm to members of the public or other animals. Furthermore, dogs that are not vaccinated against rabies pose a threat to public health and animal health. The AFCD will not release dogs without keepers back into the community to avoid posing public safety risks. In this regard, the AFCD adopts a risk-based strategy and conducts special operations to capture unattended dogs at high-risk locations. The AFCD will also conduct special enforcement operations when necessary, requiring dog keepers to fulfil their responsibilities to safeguard the safety of the community.

Under the Rabies Ordinance (Cap. 421) and the Rabies Regulation (Cap. 421A), all dogs over five months of age must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and licensed. Dogs must thereafter be re-vaccinated and have their licences renewed at intervals of not more than three years. In addition, dogs in public places must be held on a leash or otherwise kept under effective control. Dogs must not be left unattended in public places, nor abandoned. Offenders are liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $10,000 for each offence, and a keeper who abandons a dog is liable to imprisonment for six months.

The AFCD reminds members of the public that, if they encounter an unattended dog in a public place, they should remain calm and keep a safe distance from the dog. They should report the case by calling 1823. In case of an emergency - for example, if the dog is displaying aggressive behaviour or poses an immediate danger - members of the public should call the Police for assistance immediately. Members of the public who wish to learn more about proper dog control measures and the responsibilities of keepers may visit the AFCD website (www.pets.gov.hk).

Source: AI-found images