FS begins visit to Madrid, Spain (with photos/video)

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, arrived in Madrid, Spain, yesterday (September 22, Madrid time) and began his visit.

Mr Chan led a group of local tech startups to visit Spain’s innovation organisation, Spain Startup and meet with its President, Ms Maria Benjumea, and representatives from its partner, IE University of Spain. Spain Startup is the organiser of the renowned innovation and entrepreneurship event South Summit, which has been running since 2012, bringing together startups, tech talents, investors and entrepreneurs from around the world. Through a variety of programmes, including startup competitions, networking events, and workshops, it offers startups opportunities to build global networks, exchange knowledge, and connect with investors. The South Summit event has now expanded to Brazil.

Spain Startup has indicated that it is actively considering organising an Asian version of the South Summit. Mr Chan said Hong Kong welcomes the event to be hosted in Hong Kong to attract startups and investors from the Mainland, particularly the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, as well as the broader Asian region, and he will instruct relevant departments to follow up actively.

Also joining the innovation and technology delegation on the visit to Europe are the Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr Albert Wong, and the Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport, Mr Eric Chan.

Mr Chan will continue his visit in Madrid today (September 23, Madrid time).

Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs attends barracks visit for Hong Kong and Macao youths in Guangzhou

The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, arrived in Guangzhou this afternoon (September 22) to attend a barracks visit for youths from Hong Kong and Macao.

Organised by the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, Guangdong Provincial Corps of the Chinese people’s Armed Police Force, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Education and Youth Development Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government, the event aims to promote national defence education among youths from Hong Kong and Macao, and enhance young people’s understanding of national defence and awareness of national security, thereby strengthening their affection for and sense of belonging to the country.

Speaking at the activity, Miss Mak said that national security is the foundation for prosperity and stability in society, as well as the well-being of the people. Today’s event provided a great opportunity for young people from Hong Kong and Macao to visit the barracks and gain an in-depth understanding of the importance of national defence education and national security.

Miss Mak said, “The HKSAR Government attaches great importance to encouraging Hong Kong youths to inherit and promote patriotism and national pride. The HKSAR Government aims to support young people in pursuing their dreams by taking advantage of the opportunities brought by the country’s key strategies, helping them better integrate into the overall development of the nation.” She encouraged youths from Hong Kong and Macao to equip themselves and contribute to the development of the country, Hong Kong and Macao.

About 500 youths from Hong Kong and Macao joined the event. They visited showcases of military equipment and barracks dormitories, gaining insights into the importance of national defence and national security.

Miss Mak finished the visit in the afternoon and returned to Hong Kong on the same day.