Tokyo ETO Promotes Hong Kong's I&T Development under Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan in Korea

Tokyo ETO promotes Hong Kong's I&T development under Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan in Korea

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo (Tokyo ETO), in collaboration with Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), held a networking luncheon for innovation and technology (I&T) companies in Seoul, Korea, today (October 8) through the Economic and Trade Expressplatformto promote Hong Kong's strategic development in innovation technology and provide a platform for Korean companies to share their experiences of establishing and developing their businesses in Hong Kong.

Speaking at the luncheon, the Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Ms Gillian Lam, said that given Hong Kong's unique position under the "one country, two systems" principle, the city offers an ideal platform for Korean companies to develop and scale their I&T businesses, as well as to access the Chinese Mainland and global markets.

Ms Lam said that advancing I&T is one of Hong Kong's highest strategic priorities for future growth, as set out in the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan). In the I&T sector, Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan sets out a clear strategic roadmap to accelerate Hong Kong's development into an international I&T centre, including the development of three major I&T parks and five key research and development institutions.

She added that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is also committing substantial resources to advancing this ambition, including a HK$10 billion I&T Industry-Oriented Fund, which will support the commercialisation and industrialisation of technological achievements. Together with contributions from the market, the fund is expected to leverage at least HK$40 billion.

Participants who joined the three-day mission to Hong Kong in late August and early September also shared their experiences of visiting Hong Kong's flagship I&T hubs and strategic infrastructure during the luncheon. Tokyo ETO encouraged participants who have yet to visit Hong Kong to experience first-hand Hong Kong's development as an international I&T and business hub.

Tokyo ETO will continue to work closely with regional partners, including InvestHK and the HKTDC, to foster I&T partnerships and deepen ties between Korea and Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo, in collaboration with Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, held a networking luncheon for innovation and technology (I&T) companies in Seoul, Korea, today (October 8) through the Economic and Trade Express platform. Photos shows participants who joined the mission to Hong Kong earlier, sharing their experiences of visiting Hong Kong's flagship I&T hubs and strategic infrastructure. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo, in collaboration with Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, held a networking luncheon for innovation and technology (I&T) companies in Seoul, Korea, today (October 8) through the Economic and Trade Express platform. Photos shows participants who joined the mission to Hong Kong earlier, sharing their experiences of visiting Hong Kong's flagship I&T hubs and strategic infrastructure. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo, in collaboration with Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), held a networking luncheon for innovation and technology companies in Seoul, Korea, today (October 8) through the Economic and Trade Express platform. Photo shows the Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Ms Gillian Lam (centre), with representatives of InvestHK, the HKTDC, and other guests. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo, in collaboration with Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, held a networking luncheon for innovation and technology companies in Seoul, Korea, today (October 8) through the Economic and Trade Express platform. Photo shows the Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Ms Gillian Lam, speaking at the luncheon. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Four owners fined over $110,000 in total for not complying with removal orders

Four owners were fined $116,160 in total yesterday (October 7) upon conviction at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts for failing to comply with removal orders issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).

The first case involved an unauthorised structure with area of about 15 square metres on the flat roof of a composite building on Yan Oi Street, Wong Tai Sin. As the unauthorised building works (UBW) was carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), a removal order was served on two co-owners under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, they were prosecuted by the BD, and were fined $53,250 in total yesterday, of which $38,160 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction at the court on May 6.

The second case involved an unauthorised structure with area of about 32 sq m on the flat roof of a residential building on Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po. As the UBW was carried out without prior approval and consent from the BD, a removal order was served on two co-owners under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, they were prosecuted by the BD and were fined $62,910 in total, of which $47,820 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued upon conviction at the court yesterday.

A spokesman for the BD said today (October 8), "UBWs may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take stringent enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with removal orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building and public safety."

Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year's imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.