FS meets with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and senior executives of multinational financial institution in Bangkok
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued his visit to Bangkok, Thailand, this morning (October 17).
Mr Chan met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Thailand, Mr Ekniti Nitithanprapas, in the morning to exchange views on further strengthening economic, trade and financial co-operation between Hong Kong and Thailand.
The two sides explored ways to deepen co-operation and connect foreign direct investment in Thailand with Hong Kong's capital market to further support enterprises investing and expanding their businesses in Thailand. Mr Chan said that Hong Kong could leverage its strengths as an international financial centre to provide comprehensive investment and financing support for enterprises in Thailand. Hong Kong also welcomed closer regulatory co-operation between the two securities markets to encourage dual listings by enterprises from both places and strengthen capital market ties. With Mainland enterprises accelerating their international expansion and increasing investment in Thailand and Southeast Asia, Hong Kong could further enhance its bridging role by matching the Mainland's technological strengths with Thailand's industrial development needs, thereby fostering investment and industrial co-operation.
Mr Chan thanked Mr Ekniti for visiting Hong Kong to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers' Meeting, and invited him to attend the Asian Financial Forum in Hong Kong in January next year to further strengthen economic, trade and financial ties between the two places and across the region, and jointly explore new opportunities for co-operation.
Mr Chan also met with the chief executive officer and senior management of a major French bank with extensive operations in Hong Kong this morning. They exchanged views on developments in the fixed income and currency markets in Hong Kong and the region, green and sustainable finance, tokenised financial products, and asset and wealth management. Mr Chan welcomed the group's continued expansion in Hong Kong and its use of the city as a key hub for developing its regional business, tapping into the opportunities offered by Hong Kong as an international financial centre.
Having concluded his morning programme, Mr Chan departed for Hong Kong and returned in the afternoon today.
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan (third right), met with the Chief Executive Officer of Crédit Agricole S.A., Mr Olivier Gavalda (third left), and the bank's senior management in Bangkok, Thailand, today (October 17) to exchange views on financial market developments and opportunities to expand the bank's business in Hong Kong. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan (second left), met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Thailand, Mr Ekniti Nitithanprapas (third right), in Bangkok, Thailand, today (October 17) to exchange views on strengthening economic, trade and financial co-operation between Hong Kong and Thailand. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan (left), met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Thailand, Mr Ekniti Nitithanprapas (right), in Bangkok, Thailand, today (October 17) to exchange views on strengthening economic, trade and financial co-operation between Hong Kong and Thailand. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CHP investigates fatal case of invasive pneumococcal disease
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (October 18) investigating a fatal case of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), and reminded the public to observe hygiene practices against the disease.
The patient was a nine-year-old boy with good past health, who had developed fever, runny nose, cough, and chest pain associated with the coughing since October 10. He was brought to private clinics on October 10 and 13. On October 14, he was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department at Tin Shui Wai Hospital due to persistent symptoms and shortness of breath. He was transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Tuen Mun Hospital for further management. His condition deteriorated and he passed away on October 15.
His pleural fluid specimen tested positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was severe pneumonia complicated with empyema, septic shock and acute renal failure. The CHP will arrange furthertesting and serotype analysis of patient's bacterial samples.
Initial enquiries revealed that the boy had no travel history during the incubation period. His home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far. Investigations are ongoing. The case will be referred to the Coroner for investigation.
Pneumococcal infection is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). It causes a wide range of diseases. More common ones include middle ear infection and chest infection. It may also cause various forms of IPDs, such as infection of the brain membranes and blood stream. The infection can be serious or even life-threatening. Local data showed that about three per cent of the cases of paediatric IPD recorded over the past decade have been fatal.
Pneumococci are commonly found in the nose and throat of healthy people, particularly in children. Occasionally, these bacteria will cause an infection. They mainly spread through droplets via coughing and sneezing, close contact with the patients or contact with materials soiled with the bacteria.
Scientific research data from around the world indicated that the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) canprovide direct protection effectively, and achieve herd immunity by reducing transmission. Receiving PCV can reduce the risk of IPD among children by 60 per cent to 90 per cent, demonstrating the effectiveness of the vaccine. In light of this, the DH has incorporated PCV into the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme (HKCIP) since September 2009, providing free vaccinations for children. Local research data showed a significant decrease in the number of cases of IPD after the HKCIP was launched. The incidence ofchildren aged two years or below, and children aged two to five years dropped by 85 per cent and 35 per cent respectively. Parents should ensure that their children receive PCV according to the schedule of the HKCIP. Elderly and high-risk individuals should also receive pneumococcal vaccine to safeguard their health.
The health condition of children with IPD can deteriorate rapidly. Parents should bring their children to seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop a fever or respiratory symptoms.If the condition persists or deteriorates with symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, blue lips, convulsions, drowsiness,stiff neck, refusal to eat, persistent vomiting or decreased urination, they should attend an accident and emergency department for treatment immediately.
To prevent pneumococcal infection, the CHP appealed to the public for pneumococcal vaccination and hygiene practices. The public may visit the CHP'sinvasive pneumococcal disease pagefor more information.
Source: AI-found images
