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Policy Address by Hong Kong SAR’s Chief Executive John Lee: Expediting the Northern Metropolis development to expand capacity for growth, innovation and talent

Published

5 months ago

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Hong Kong

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 September 2025 – Speeding up the large-scale Northern Metropolis development was a central theme of the 2025 Policy Address announced by Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, on September 17, including measures to reduce construction costs and time, promote market participation, encourage enterprises to set up and invest in the area, and reduce the cost of land premiums by adopting a “pay for what you build” approach.

“The Northern Metropolis is the new engine for Hong Kong’s economic development and holds immense potential,” Mr Lee said.

To fast-track development and raise the level of decision‑making, the Chief Executive said he would establish the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis under his leadership.

“The committee will be tasked with streamlining administrative workflows and removing unnecessary barriers and restrictions,” Mr Lee said. Under the committee, three working groups will be set up:

– Working Group on Devising Development and Operation Models to formulate development and operation models for industry parks and devise a range of financing schemes
– Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town to study the development mode for the Northern Metropolis University Town
– Working Group on Planning and Development responsible for managing the end‑to‑end process from planning to implementation.

“We very much look forward to public-private partnerships,” said the Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, who will lead the Working Group on Devising Development and Operation Models. “I would say it would be an evolving process depending on the market interest as well as our implementation timetable.”

Dedicated legislation will be introduced to empower the Government to devise simplified statutory procedures for accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis.

Within the Northern Metropolis, the San Tin Technopole, spanning some 210 hectares of land for innovation and technology (I&T), will serve as a strategic base for the I&T industry.

The Chief Executive said the Government will publish the Conceptual Outline of the Development Plan for the I&T Industry in the San Tin Technopole this year. It will cover top‑level planning, industry positioning and layout, the co‑ordinated development of land parcels, and the strategies for channelling market resources to invest in the development.

With the Northern Metropolis bordering the Chinese Mainland, it also fosters cross-boundary collaboration within the Hetao Shenzhen‑Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co‑operation Zone, comprising Shenzhen Park and Hong Kong Park. “Leveraging the advantages of “one zone, two parks”, the Co‑operation Zone will promote collaboration between the two parks in the development of I&T,” Mr Lee said.

 

The Policy Address also outlined plans to build an international education hub by promoting the integrated development of education, technology and talents as a foundational and strategic pillar for progress in the new era.

“We will accelerate construction of the Northern Metropolis University Town, promote the ‘Study in Hong Kong’ brand, develop universities of applied sciences (UASs), and propel our city towards becoming an international hub for post‑secondary education and high‑calibre talents,” Mr Lee said.

With a distinctive competitive edge in post‑secondary education, Hong Kong is the only city worldwide that hosts five universities ranked among the world’s top 100. Universities in Hong Kong are highly popular, with a double‑digit year‑on‑year increase in the number of self‑financing non‑local applicants. As such, the Chief Executive announced that the number of non‑funded places for non‑local students to study in funded post-secondary institutions in Hong Kong on a self‑financing basis will be permitted to increase from the level currently equivalent to 40% of local student places to 50%. The Government will also earmark new sites (zoned as commercial or otherwise) this year for building new hostels, and will invite the market to submit expressions of interest.

The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, said in a press conference today (September 19) that the adjustment in enrolment ceiling for self-financing non-local students supports post-secondary institutions in expanding their scale, enhancing quality, fostering a more international and diverse campus environment, thereby further developing Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education.

Furthermore, the Education Bureau will establish the Task Force on Study in Hong Kong, to step up the promotion of higher education in Hong Kong.

The Government will also forge ahead with building a competitive low‑altitude economy ecosystem, to propel Hong Kong as an Asia‑Pacific hub for innovative low‑altitude applications.

“We will formulate the Action Plan on Developing Low‑altitude Economy to advance Hong Kong as a major hub for low‑altitude applications through institutional innovations and technological breakthroughs,” Mr Lee said.

The Government will regularise the operation of more mature application scenarios, and roll out the advanced low‑altitude economy “Regulatory Sandbox X” pilot projects to cover application scenarios that are technically more complex, such as cross‑boundary routes and passenger‑carrying, low‑altitude aircraft.

“We will also promote the development of new industrialisation, press ahead with the low‑altitude economy, support people‑oriented scientific research, and facilitate leading I&T enterprises to establish a presence in our city,” Mr Lee added.

 

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

Published

2 days ago

on

February 6, 2026

By

Debate

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Business

Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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2 days ago

on

February 6, 2026

By

CLG

After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

Published

2 days ago

on

February 6, 2026

By

ITFC

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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