Latest news with #InformationServicesDepartment
RTHK
4 days ago
- Automotive
- RTHK
HKeToll passes first test in Tai Lam Tunnel takeover
HKeToll passes first test in Tai Lam Tunnel takeover Commissioner for Transport Angela Lee is briefed on work on the transition. Photo courtesy of Information Services Department Transport officials said a switchover to HKeToll at Tai Lam Tunnel in conjunction with a resumption of control over the key New Territories infrastructural connection has been a mostly smooth process. The SAR administration took over the tunnel, which connects Yuen Long and Ting Kau, at midnight on Saturday at the end of a 30-year build-operate-transfer franchise. The tunnel was fully closed for two hours from 3 am on Saturday to facilitate the switchover, allowing the electronic toll collection system to go live at 5 am. A new time-varying toll system has also been implemented, reducing tolls for all vehicle types by 22 to 80 percent when compared to previous rates. Private cars will now be charged HK$45 during peak hours, HK$30 during regular periods and HK$18 during off-peak times from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays and public holidays, a flat toll of HK$18 applies throughout the day. Commissioner for Transport Angela Lee visited the tunnel in the early hours on Saturday and was briefed on the transition. 'Following the substantial reduction of tolls and the rollout of HKeToll, we hope to make optimal use of the Tai Lam Tunnel 's spare capacity effectively to alleviate the busy traffic on alternative routes, ' she said in a statement. The Transport Department said it would closely monitor traffic conditions on Monday, the first working day since the switchovers were implemented.
RTHK
4 days ago
- Automotive
- RTHK
HKeToll passes first test in Tai Lam Tunnel takeover
HKeToll passes first test in Tai Lam Tunnel takeover Commissioner for Transport Angela Lee is briefed on work on the transition. Photo courtesy of Information Services Department Transport officials said a switchover to HKeToll at Tai Lam Tunnel in conjunction with a resumption of control over the key New Territories infrastructural connection has been a mostly smooth process. The SAR administration took over the tunnel, which connects Yuen Long and Ting Kau, at midnight on Saturday at the end of a 30-year build-operate-transfer franchise. The tunnel was fully closed for two hours from 3 am on Saturday to facilitate the switchover, allowing the electronic toll collection system to go live at 5 am. A new time-varying toll system has also been implemented, reducing tolls for all vehicle types by 22 to 80 percent when compared to previous rates. Private cars will now be charged HK$45 during peak hours, HK$30 during regular periods and HK$18 during off-peak times from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays and public holidays, a flat toll of HK$18 applies throughout the day. Commissioner for Transport Angela Lee visited the tunnel in the early hours on Saturday and was briefed on the transition. 'Following the substantial reduction of tolls and the rollout of HKeToll, we hope to make optimal use of the Tai Lam Tunnel 's spare capacity effectively to alleviate the busy traffic on alternative routes, ' she said in a statement. The Transport Department said it would closely monitor traffic conditions on Monday, the first working day since the switchovers were implemented.
RTHK
19-05-2025
- Business
- RTHK
Tap into GBA, Tsang urges Hungarian firms
Tap into GBA, Tsang urges Hungarian firms Erick Tsang, second right, attends an economic and trade conference in Budapest. Photo: Information Services Department Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang has called on Hungarian businesses to set up their Asia-Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong to seize the "boundless opportunities" of the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Speaking at the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area - Europe (Hungary) Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference in Budapest, the minister hailed Hong Kong's position as GBA's international entry point and the role as a "super connector". "Set up your Asia-Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong, before expanding your footprint. And get registered in say Shenzhen, to enjoy the option of using Hong Kong laws as applicable laws on specific civil and commercial contracts and choosing Hong Kong as a seat of arbitration," Tsang said. "Or lease on Hong Kong Stock Exchange to access mainland and global capital. Or, leverage the Hong Kong International Airport and its logistic part in Dongguan, for transshipment of goods into the GBA from abroad, or vice versa." He highlighted the SAR's unique advantages under One Country, Two Systems, with the city integrating into national development and playing an key role in driving high-quality development of the GBA.
RTHK
13-05-2025
- Business
- RTHK
CE courts Kuwait's support for free trade deal
CE courts Kuwait's support for free trade deal Chief Executive John Lee meets the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Photo: Information Services Department Chief executive John Lee on Tuesday highlighted Hong Kong's intent to promote trade ties with its Belt and Road partners on the second leg of his Middle East tour in Kuwait. Lee was hosted by the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, as well as Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah. The CE told the Kuwaiti leaders that the SAR and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries share common visions and goals. He called for closer cooperation between the two sides. Noting that Kuwait is serving as GCC chair this year, Lee called for the Gulf nation's support as Hong Kong aims to strike a free trade agreement with other member states. He also encouraged Kuwait's sovereign wealth fund to look for investment opportunities in Hong Kong. After attending a roundtable conference with other Kuwaiti ministers, the chief executive paid a visit to Bukhamseen Group, a Kuwait-based conglomerate with stakes in hospitality, banking and finance. He also visited a cultural centre fostering exchanges between the two regions.
RTHK
11-05-2025
- Business
- RTHK
John Lee's delegation begins visit to Qatar
John Lee's delegation begins visit to Qatar The delegation led by Chief Executive John Lee starts the day by taking a group picture. Photo: Information Services Department Chief Executive John Lee has kicked off his trip to the Middle East by meeting with the Qatari leader and visiting the country's investment authority. He's leading more than 50 business leaders from Hong Kong and the mainland in search of business opportunities in the region. The delegation took a group photo at a hotel in Doha on Sunday morning, and the CE thanked the group in both Cantonese and Mandarin. "I see that everyone's energetic after a long flight, and we all look forward to our trip in Qatar. Let's work hard," Lee said. "I also see our comrades and representatives from the mainland, you all look energetic. I'm very much encouraged by this." Lee then met with Qatar's Amir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as the country's prime minister and foreign minister. It is understood that the chief executive will take part in a luncheon hosted by a bank and have dinner with China's Ambassador to Qatar, Cao Xiaolin. Earlier, Lee wrote on social media that Hong Kong will sign a series of memoranda of understanding with Qatar and Kuwait, covering areas such as trade, aviation and research.
