CE meets President of AIIB
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Ms Zou Jiayi, at Government House today (October 19) to exchange views on further strengthening regional financial co-operation. The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, also attended the meeting.
Mr Lee welcomed Ms Zou and her delegation to Hong Kong for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026. He said that the AIIB has all along supported developing economies in improving infrastructure and promoting sustainable economic development, and Hong Kong, as a member of the AIIB, has been actively supporting the AIIB's work. With the announcement of Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address last month, Hong Kong will continue to consolidate and enhance its financial strengths, strengthen development in areas including green finance, financial technology and offshore Renminbi business, which will help support the AIIB's project financing, fundraising and financial management to promote the sustainable development of infrastructure in Asia.
Mr Lee said that Hong Kong is one of the world's leading international financial centres. It continues to come first as the world's freest economy and ranks third globally and first in Asia in the Global Financial Centres Index. With its vibrant capital market, world-class professional services and diversified financial products, Hong Kong is well placed to provide flexible capital allocation support for the AIIB's projects such as those relating to carbon neutrality and green economic transformation. Mr Lee added that the AIIB's issuance of Hong Kong dollar bonds in Hong Kong in recent years is a testament to the achievements of financial co-operation between the two sides. He welcomed the AIIB's continued use of Hong Kong's strengths as an international financial hub and its mature and comprehensive bond market to connect with investors around the world and empower projects with added value.
Mr Lee said that he is pleased that the AIIB will soon establish in Hong Kong an office serving both financing and operational functions, demonstrating Hong Kong's role as a gateway connecting the country and the world. He believed that the establishment of the office will create more opportunities for the local financial sector and deepen co-operation and exchanges between the two sides. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will fully support the establishment and operation of the office, giving full play to Hong Kong's role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" to facilitate the AIIB's business expansion. He expressed the hope that both sides will continue to work together to strengthen collaboration in areas such as transition finance, technology and innovation and talent development to jointly promote regional economic prosperity.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (right), meets with the President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Ms Zou Jiayi (left), at Government House today (October 19). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
CHP records case of severe paediatric influenza infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 19) recorded a severe paediatric influenza infection case. The CHP urged the public to receive vaccinations as early as possible to safeguard their own health and that of their families. In addition, the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
The case involves a six-year-old girl with good past health. She developed a fever, runny nose, vomiting and poor appetite on October 15. She was then brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital for medical attention and was admitted for treatment. Her condition deteriorated and was transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of the hospital for further treatment on October 17. Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H1) virus. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with shock. The patient remains hospitalised at the PICU in critical condition.
The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period, and has not received the 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination (SIV). Her household contacts are currently asymptomatic. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.
"Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June this year and the influenza season has lasted for more than three months by now. Currently, the local influenza activity remains at a high level. The predominant influenza virus detected at present is influenza A (H1). The CHP's epidemiological investigation indicated that the characteristics of severe or death cases related to seasonal influenza during this influenza season are similar to those in previous years, affecting primarily the elderly and children. Since the start of the influenza season in late June, a cumulative total of 24 cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded. Among these cases, 20 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital, three patients are in critical condition and one has passed away. Due to widespread influenza transmission in the community in recent months, there has been a significant increase in both the number of infections and severe cases. Since the new school year started in September, nearly 440 influenza-like illness outbreaks have been recorded in schools, affecting a total of approximately 2 700 persons. Schools and parents must remain vigilant and take preventive measures. The CHP anticipates that the influenza activity will continue to fluctuate at high levels in the coming weeks," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
The 2026/27 SIV Programmes, including the SIV School Outreach Programme (SIVSOP), commenced on September 17. The SIVSOP this year has introduced a new Electronic Consent Form (e-consent form) feature via eHealth. This new measure not only facilitates the public to join the SIV Programmes but also streamlines the administrative procedures for healthcare service providers and schools, so that SIV outreach activities can start as early as possible. About 840 schools have organised SIV outreach activities. SIV outreach activities are expected to be completed by mid-December, about two weeks earlier than last year.
Dr Tsui appeals to all schools and parents in Hong Kong to work closely with the CHP and complete the consent process as soon as possible so that students can be arranged to receive SIV earlier.
Dr Tsui reminds parents that the health condition of children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly. Parents must pay close attention to their condition, and visit an accident and emergency department immediately if the child's condition deteriorates with symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions. Members of the public should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop respiratory symptoms. If they live with members of high-risk groups, such as children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses or compromised immune systems, they should wear a surgical mask at home to reduce the risk of infecting them. Other effective ways to reduce the spread of the disease include maintaining household hygiene, frequently cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, practising good hand hygiene, and ensuring proper indoor air circulation.
Members of the public may refer to the CHP'sCOVID-19 & Flu Express,Seasonal Influenza WebpageandVaccination Schemesfor the latest information.
Source: AI-found images
