CEDB Promotes New Mega Exhibition "The Festival of Connoisseurs" at Monaco Yacht Show

CEDB promotes new mega exhibition "The Festival of Connoisseurs" at Monaco Yacht Show

The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) promoted "The Festival of Connoisseurs" (TFOC) at the Monaco Yacht Show 2026 held in Monaco on September 23 (Monaco time). The TFOC is the first exhibition supported by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's $100 million funding initiative and will be held for the first time in Hong Kong from November 4 to 6 this year.

Representing the HKSAR Government at the Monaco Yacht Show and speaking at the Hong Kong Reception held on September 23 (Monaco time), the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO), Ms Shirley Yung, introduced to the audience theTFOC, a new international flagship exhibition showcasing superyachts and premium lifestyles, and invited them to come to the inaugural edition in Hong Kong this November to discover the exceptional products and Hong Kong's unique strengths and charm as a global city.

"The TFOC marks a significant milestone not only for Hong Kong's convention and exhibition industry but also for the city's emergence as a premier destination for celebrating the art of fine living." Ms Yung said. "It will bring together some of the world's most prestigious brands and experiences, spanning superyachts, supercars, fine jewellery and watches, private aviation, fine art and other exquisite lifestyle offerings, all of which will be meticulously curated to create an unparalleled experiential journey for visitors."

Organised by Informa Markets, the TFOC is the first exhibition to receive support from the new funding of $100 million earmarked for the CEDB by the Government to attract large-scale international exhibitions featuring new and distinctive elements to Hong Kong. Adopting an innovative "city-as-your-showroom" concept, the TFOC will unfold across multiple iconic locations in Hong Kong, transforming the city's landmarks into immersive backdrops for luxury and lifestyle.

Ms Yung also took the opportunity to update the audience on Hong Kong's efforts to promote the development of the yacht economy and its strategic position as a leading yacht hub in Asia. She highlighted a series of initiatives rolled out by the HKSAR Government to attract yachts from around the world to choose Hong Kong as their destination, including the implementation of cross-boundary facilitation measures to streamline the procedures for yachts visiting Hong Kong.

Hosted by the Hong Kong delegation which comprised Brussels ETO, Invest Hong Kong, the Airport Authority Hong Kong, AsiaWorld-Expo, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and organised by Informa Markets, the organiser of TFOC, the Hong Kong Reception was well attended by key stakeholders in the maritime and yacht sectors in Europe and other parts of the world. Established in 1991, the Monaco Yacht Show is a world-renowned annual exhibition dedicated to the superyacht industry which brings together exhibitors as well as highly qualified professionals and companies specialising in luxury products and services for yachting.

The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau promoted "The Festival of Connoisseurs" (TFOC) at the Monaco Yacht Show 2026 held in Monaco on September 23 (Monaco time). Photo shows the Deputy Representative of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, Mr Kasper Ng (front row, first left); the Chief Strategy Officer of AsiaWorld-Expo, Ms Enid Low (front row, second left); the General Manager, Mega Events, MICE & Cruise at the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Ms Marilyn Tham (front row, fourth left); the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Mr Anthony Lau (front row, fifth left); the Chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mr Fred Lam (front row, sixth left); the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung (front row, seventh left); the Executive Chair of Informa Prestige, Mr John Paton (front row, eighth left); the Chief Executive Officer of AsiaWorld-Expo, Ms Irene Chan (front row, ninth left); the Chief Financial Officer of Informa Markets Asia, Ms Suzanne Wang (front row, tenth left); the Executive Director, Commercial of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Ms Cissy Chan (front row, eleventh left); and the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives of Informa Markets Asia, Mr Dan Ye (front row, twelfth left) at the Hong Kong booth at the Monaco Yacht Show on September 23 (Monaco time). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau promoted "The Festival of Connoisseurs" (TFOC) at the Monaco Yacht Show 2026 held in Monaco on September 23 (Monaco time). Photo shows (from left) the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives of Informa Markets Asia, Mr Dan Ye; the Chief Strategy Officer of AsiaWorld-Expo, Ms Enid Low; the Executive Director, Commercial of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Ms Cissy Chan; the Chief Executive Officer of AsiaWorld-Expo, Ms Irene Chan; the Chief Executive Officer of Informa PLC, Mr Stephen Carter; the Chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mr Fred Lam; the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung; the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Mr Anthony Lau; the Consultant (Milan), Invest Hong Kong, Mr Stefano De Paoli; the General Manager, Mega Events, MICE & Cruise at the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Ms Marilyn Tham; the Chief Financial Officer of Informa Markets Asia, Ms Suzanne Wang; and the Deputy Representative of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels, Mr Kasper Ng, at the reception. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Conclusion of joint dog capture operation in Yuen Long

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced today (September 24) that, in response to the suspected fatal dog attack incident on Pok Wai South Road, Yuen Long on September 19, the joint dog capture operation conducted with the Police in the vicinity has been completed at this stage.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Photo source: reference image

During the five-day operation, the AFCD captured a total of eight unattended dogs, which were immediately transferred to the AFCD's Animal Management Centre for detention and observation. Three of the dogs were implanted with microchips, but their licences had expired. Following investigation, the AFCD has instituted prosecution against the registered keeper of one of the dogs for suspected contravention of Section 20 of the Rabies Regulation (Cap. 421A) (failure to hold a valid dog licence) and Section 23 of the Rabies Ordinance (Cap. 421) (failure to keep the dog under proper control in a public place). The AFCD is making every effort to investigate the remaining cases and is co-operating with the Police in their investigation to help establish the facts of the incident.

A frontline staff member of the AFCD sustained a dog bite to the hand while performing related duties on September 23. His condition is stable after treatment and he is currently under observation in hospital.

Regarding the handling of unattended dogs, the AFCD makes the following supplementary remarks:

Necessity of capturing unattended dogs

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Dog capture operations are necessary in order to eliminate community safety risks as soon as possible and safeguard the lives of members of the public.

The AFCD will continue to arrange capture and enforcement operations at locations with more serious problems on a risk-based principle to control the number of unattended dogs.

Handling of unattended dogs after capture

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There have been rumours circulating in the community alleging that the AFCD engages in "convenience culling" and that animals will be euthanised four days after intake. The AFCD solemnly clarifies that these claims are untrue.

The AFCD handles unclaimed dogs in accordance with the Rabies Ordinance and related legislation. The four-day period stipulated by law is simply the statutory timeframe required for the AFCD to make enquiries and locate the keepers. After capturing dogs, the AFCD will check whether the dogs have been microchipped and licensed, and will contact the keepers and verify lost-and-found records based on the registration information. If the keepers cannot ultimately be traced, staff and veterinary officers at the Animal Management Centres will patiently observe the animals received. Dogs that are in good health and have a gentle temperament will be transferred to the AFCD's partner animal welfare organisations for sterilisation and rehoming. The AFCD will not release dogs without keepers back into the community so as to avoid posing public safety risks.

The time from intake to transfer to partner organisations depends on the animals' health condition, temperament and the receiving capacity of the relevant organisations, and generally takes several weeks to several months. The AFCD has all along been committed to balancing animal welfare and public safety, and will continue to co-operate with partner animal welfare organisations to promote sterilisation and adoption.

Responsibilities of dog keepers

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As a registered dog owner, one must assume the responsibilities of a keeper, properly control the dog, and fulfil the commitment of caring for it throughout its life. Allowing a dog to roam unattended in public places may cause harm to other persons or animals, and abandoning a dog is an offence.

The AFCD reminds dog keepers that, in addition to licensing their dogs, they must also regularly vaccinate their dogs against rabies and renew the licences. The Department has stepped up dog licence inspections and will strictly enforce the law against violations.

Sterilisation cannot eliminate risks

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In a high-density urban environment, unowned and uncontrolled dogs may pose risks to public safety, and such risks cannot be eliminated by sterilisation alone.

Therefore, the AFCD will continue to manage stray animals using a multi-pronged approach in line with the international standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health. This includes promoting responsible pet ownership and proper animal care through publicity and education, as well as collaborating with animal welfare organisations to promote sterilisation and adoption.

Measures to take upon encountering unattended dogs

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If members of the public encounter suspected unattended dogs, they should not attempt to catch or provoke the animals themselves. Instead, they should report the matter by calling 1823 so that the AFCD can follow up. In case of emergency (for example, if the dog displays aggressive behaviour or poses an immediate danger), please call the Police for assistance immediately.

The joint dog capture operation conducted with the Police in the vicinity has been completed at this stage. Photo source: reference image