Hong Kong Strengthens Ties with Sicily Through Economic and Cultural Initiatives During Recent Visit to Palermo.

Brussels ETO strengthens economic, academic and cultural ties with Sicily, Italy

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (Brussels ETO) has strengthened economic, academic and cultural ties between Hong Kong and Sicily, Italy, through a series of activities organised during a visit to Palermo from October 14 to 16 (Sicily time).

Led by the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, the visit featured high-level meetings with Sicilian and Palermo government officials, exchanges with representatives of the cultural and academic sectors, a business seminar to promote Hong Kong's role as a strategic gateway to Asian markets, and a university sharing session to introduce Hong Kong's education and career opportunities for Italian students.

Ms Yung met with several senior local officials, including the President of the Regional Assembly of Sicily, Mr Gaetano Galvagno; the Regional Minister of Infrastructure and Mobility of Sicily, Mr Alessandro Aricò; the Mayor of Palermo, Mr Roberto Lagalla; and the Councillor for Culture of the City of Palermo, Mr Antonio Rini. These meetings enabled exchange of views on strengthening Hong Kong–Sicily co-operation and exploring areas of mutual interest.

On October 15, the Brussels ETO conducted a business seminar in collaboration with Invest Hong Kong and the Sicilian regional trade association, Sicindustria, to promote Hong Kong's distinctive business advantages and latest market opportunities to the local business community. Speaking at the seminar, Ms Yung highlighted Hong Kong's economic strengths and international connectivity, emphasising the city's increasingly prominent role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" in the global economy.

"With our unique institutional strengths, extensive global connectivity and unparalleled access to the Chinese Mainland and the wider Asian markets, Hong Kong continues to serve as a trusted partner for international businesses and investors to navigate the increasingly complex international business environment and capture new opportunities for growth," she said. Ms Yung also encouraged Sicilian enterprises and organisations to leverage Hong Kong’s strategic position, robust business ecosystem and extensive international networks to expand their reach across Asia and explore new avenues for collaboration.

In addition, Ms Yung met representatives from the cultural and academic sectors, including the Rector's Delegate for International Cooperation at the University of Palermo, Professor Manfredi Rizzo, as well as the General Manager of Teatro Massimo, Mr Marco Betta. The exchanges facilitated exploration of further academic and cultural collaboration between Hong Kong and Sicily.

The Brussels ETO also gave a talk titled "Hong Kong Study and Career Opportunities" at the University of Palermo to promote Hong Kong as an international higher education hub and career destination for Italian students and young professionals.

Brussels ETO strengthens economic, academic and cultural ties with Sicily, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Brussels ETO strengthens economic, academic and cultural ties with Sicily, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Brussels ETO strengthens economic, academic and cultural ties with Sicily, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Brussels ETO strengthens economic, academic and cultural ties with Sicily, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Brussels ETO strengthens economic, academic and cultural ties with Sicily, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Brussels ETO strengthens economic, academic and cultural ties with Sicily, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Special traffic arrangements for race meeting in Happy Valley

The Police will implement special traffic arrangements in Happy Valley today (October 21). These arrangements will remain in effect until the race meeting has concluded, spectators have dispersed, and traffic conditions return to normal.

A. Traffic arrangements before the commencement of the first race

The following road closure and traffic diversions will be implemented from noon for day meetings or from 6pm onwards for night meetings:

1. Road closure

Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Queen’s Road East and the up-ramp outside the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) will be closed, except for vehicles heading for Aberdeen Tunnel.

2. Traffic diversions

- Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Village Road and the up-ramp outside the HKJC will be rerouted one way northbound;

- Traffic along eastbound Queen's Road East heading for Wan Chai and Happy Valley will be diverted to turn left to Morrison Hill Road;

- Traffic along southbound Morrison Hill Road heading for Happy Valley will be diverted via Sports Road and Wong Nai Chung Road;

- Traffic along Queen's Road East cannot turn right to Wong Nai Chung Road, except for vehicles heading for Aberdeen Tunnel;

- Traffic from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Queen's Road East will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from southbound Canal Road flyover to Morrison Hill Road to turn right at the junction of Wong Nai Chung Road and Queen's Road East; and

- Traffic from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Happy Valley or Racecourse will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from southbound Canal Road flyover to Canal Road East, southbound Morrison Hill Road, Sports Road and Wong Nai Chung Road.

B. Traffic arrangements before the conclusion of race meeting

The following road closure and traffic diversions will be implemented from about 35 minutes before the start of the last race:

1. Road closure

- The up-ramp on Wong Nai Chung Road outside the HKJC leading to Aberdeen Tunnel;

- Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Queen's Road East and the up-ramp leading to Aberdeen Tunnel;

- Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Village Road and the Public Stands of the HKJC; and

- Southbound Morrison Hill Road between Leighton Road and Queen's Road East.

In addition, southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between the up-ramp leading to Aberdeen Tunnel and the Public Stands of the HKJC will be closed from about 10 minutes before the start of the last race.

2. Traffic diversions

- Eastbound Queen's Road East at its junction with Morrison Hill Road will be reduced to one-lane traffic heading for northbound Canal Road flyover;

- Traffic from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Wan Chai will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from southbound Canal Road flyover to Canal Road East, U-turn slip road beneath Canal Road flyover, Canal Road West and Hennessy Road;

- Traffic along southbound Morrison Hill Road heading for Happy Valley will be diverted via Sports Road and Wong Nai Chung Road; and

- Traffic from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Happy Valley or Racecourse will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from southbound Canal Road flyover to Canal Road East, southbound Morrison Hill Road, Sports Road and Wong Nai Chung Road.

C. Prohibition for learner drivers

Learner drivers will be prohibited to turn left from Caroline Hill Road to Leighton Road between one and a half hours before the start of the first race and one hour after the last race. In addition, learner drivers will be prohibited from accessing the following roads within the above period of time:

- Shan Kwong Road between Yik Yam Street and Wong Nai Chung Road;

- Village Road between its upper and lower junctions with Shan Kwong Road;

- Percival Street between Hennessy Road and Leighton Road;

- Canal Road East; and

- The service road leading from Gloucester Road to Canal Road flyover.

D. Suspension of parking spaces

Parking spaces on southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Sports Road and Blue Pool Road will be suspended from 11am to 7pm for day meetings, and from 5pm to 11.59pm for night meetings respectively.

During the implementation of the special traffic arrangements, any vehicles found illegally parked within the precincts of the specified areas will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing.

Depending on the prevailing conditions, other traffic control measures will be implemented. Motorists are advised to exercise patience and tolerance, and take heed of instructions of the police officers on site.

Source: AI-found images