Connect with us
Anglostratits

Business

Policy Address by Hong Kong SAR’s Chief Executive John Lee: Creating a vibrant cultural, sports and tourism hub with global appeal

Published

on

Policy Address

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 September 2025 – In his fourth Policy Address (September 17), John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), set out strategies to advance the integrated development of culture, sports and tourism, creating a robust self-reinforcing cycle to generate fresh economic momentum and raise Hong Kong’s global appeal.

The Government will consolidate Hong Kong’s position as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. Under the theme of “Tourism is Everywhere” the Government will also enhance the development of tourism products and initiatives with local and international characteristics. “We will actively explore new visitor sources, improve visitor arrival arrangements, enhance immigration experience, and develop the yacht economy,” Mr Lee said.

Strategies include attracting high-end tourists, developing a premium arts trading hub and promoting local cultural and creative industries.

With Hong Kong being among the world’s top three arts trading centres, the Government will step up efforts to build a global premium arts trading hub, attracting more international auction houses, galleries, and professionals to establish a presence in the city.

Measures include developing an arts ecosystem at the Airport City to host arts studios, galleries, and dealers under one roof, supported by large‑scale arts storage and related facilities.

The West Kowloon Cultural District will also take forward the development of the arts trading ecosystem, including initiatives to attract more arts trading enterprises, including galleries, insurance companies, and family offices, and lease space in the Artist Square Towers, scheduled for completion in 2026‑27.

For premium visitors, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will collaborate with the travel trade to offer tailor‑made luxury tours targeted at high‑spending visitors, and work with the industry to offer sophisticated itinerary planning, concierge services, and premium experience.

Speaking at a press conference (September 21), the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Rosanna Law, said high-spending visitors are often looking for “private, tailor-made experiences”, including their method of travel, which could be by private jet or yacht. The Government is co-ordinating with the HKTB, the Airport Authority and other operators to ensure seamless facilitation.

“With 1,180 kilometres of shoreline and 263 islands, Hong Kong is well‑positioned to become a yacht hub in Asia,” Mr Lee said. “We will enhance amenities for the yacht industry and promote prime yacht tourism.”

Mr Lee said the Government would provide approximately 600 additional yacht berths at different locations and promote the development of the yacht bay at the Airport City, providing more than 500 additional berths, including berths for superyachts over 80 metres in length. The Government would also promote the systemic development of the Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macao individual travel scheme for yachts, and co‑operate with the Guangdong Provincial Government on facilitation measures for the northbound travel of yachts from Hong Kong and southbound travel for yachts from the Mainland.

Regarding Middle East and ASEAN tourism source markets, Mr Lee said: “To further promote Muslim tourism, we will strengthen our strategy of ‘accreditation, education, and promotion’, encouraging the industry to provide more Muslim‑friendly facilities and food options.”

The HKTB launched a funding scheme (September 17) through the end of 2026, by providing a half‑rate certification fee subsidy, capped at HK$5,000 (US$643), for restaurants that have acquired Halal certification.

Miss Law said the number of certified Halal restaurants in the city has almost doubled since early 2024, rising from about 100 to more than 190 by end August this year.

With the opening of the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) in March this year, the Government has announced the enhancement of the positioning of various performance venues.

“The KTSP plays a pivotal role in promoting sports mega events and developing sports as an industry. We will leverage its strengths to drive ‘sports + mega events’ development,” Mr Lee said, adding that the Government would review the positioning of the Hong Kong Stadium to complement the KTSP and support sports development.

The KTSP will stage several events of the 15th National Games (NG) in November as well as the National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the National Special Olympic Games (NGDSO) in December, to be co-hosted for the first time by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.

“We will spare no effort in staging the competitions to be held in Hong Kong, and work with Guangdong and Macao to make the 15th NG and NGDSO a success,” Mr Lee said. “We have collaborated with the industry to roll out various tourism products related to the Games, and have also arranged for local free television broadcasts to relay the competitions, allowing the public to cheer on the athletes.”

To attract more world‑class players to compete in Hong Kong, the Government has agreed on a multi‑year partnership arrangement with LIV Golf, one of the most important golf tours in the world.

And, with next year being the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac, the Hong Kong Jockey Club will organise celebrations and performances under the equestrian theme to promote horse‑racing tourism.

Mr Lee said the Government would “press ahead with the integrated development of culture, sports and tourism, enabling the people of Hong Kong to live in a community with thriving economy and vibrant culture.”

 

Home  Facebook

Business

Aurionpro expands its multi-country transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB)

Published

on

Aurionpro

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers

MUMBAI, India, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –Aurionpro Solutions Limited (www.AurionPro.com) (BSE: 532668 | NSE: AURIONPRO)a global leader in banking technology, announced the expansion and upgrade of its transaction banking engagement with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), to modernize and enhance the bank’s corporate transaction banking capabilities across multiple countries.

Download Document: https://apo-opa.co/4edHUaC

This multi-country transaction banking upgrade covering Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania aligns with DTB’s intent to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and support growing transaction volumes as it expands its regional corporate banking footprint. DTB continues to focus on building a more agile, ‘digital-first’ banking experience, particularly around payments for its corporate customers across Africa, and is now well positioned to scale these capabilities. As part of its broader transformation agenda, the bank has been steadily investing in platforms that enhance scale, reliability, and service consistency across markets.

Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility

Aurionpro’s upgraded iCashpro platform for DTB delivers a unified digital experience across payments, trade, virtual accounts, and real-time reporting, enhancing straight-through processing, visibility, and control for both the bank and its corporate customers. By enabling DTB to standardize and scale its transaction banking operations across countries, the platform ensures consistent service levels, stronger control, and improved efficiency. It also supports enhanced user experience, advanced security, and the flexibility to introduce new features as DTB expands its regional transaction banking footprint.

Murali Natarajan (https://apo-opa.co/48trPdk), Managing Director & CEO, DTB Kenya   commented: “We are delighted to strengthen and broaden our partnership with Aurionpro Solutions as part of DTB’s ongoing digital transformation journey across multiple markets. Our focus on innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centricity continues to guide our technology investments. This upgrade strengthens our transaction banking capabilities, enabling us to deliver greater value to our customers through robust digital channels and seamlessly integrated experiences.”

Ashish Rai, Group CEO, Aurionpro Solutions, commented: “We are pleased to deepen our multi-country engagement with Diamond Trust Bank and support the next phase of its transaction banking modernization. As DTB continues to scale across markets, platform resilience and consistency become paramount. Through this partnership, we are proud to lead the next era of transformation in transaction banking, helping DTB enhance operational agility, deliver superior experiences to corporate customers, and create long-term value across geographies.”

He added, “Aurionpro’s iCashpro lays a strong digital foundation for transaction & wholesale banks across the globe to grow their corporate and SME client portfolio today, while creating a clear roadmap for next- generation capabilities in AI-driven insights, advanced automation and API-led connectivity for businesses in Kenya and across Africa.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Aurionpro Solutions Ltd.

 

Continue Reading

Business

Minerals Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Mining Week (AMW) as South Africa Improves Sectorial Investment Climate

Published

on

Energy Capital

Minerals Council CEO to share insights on policy, infrastructure and investment trends shaping South Africa’s mining industry

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 30, 2026/APO Group/ –The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference will feature Mzila Mthenjane, CEO of the Minerals Council of South Africa, as a speaker. Scheduled for October 14 – 16, 2026 in Cape Town, the event will bring together global investors, policymakers and industry leaders, with Mthenjane’s participation highlighting the council’s commitment to engaging international stakeholders and promoting investment across South Africa’s mining sector.

His participation comes at a critical moment as the Minerals Council works closely with government on finalizing the Mineral Resources Development Bill 2025, a policy framework aimed at strengthening the country’s mining investment climate and the sector’s contribution to GDP. According to the council, the revised legislation will support new investment across the value chain as South Africa seeks to mobilize R2 trillion over the next five years to unlock its critical minerals potential.

The policy reforms come amid shifting production trends in the sector. In 2025, South Africa recorded declines in gold and platinum group metals output of 1.9% and 4.1%, respectively. The new regulatory framework is expected to strengthen public-private partnerships and stimulate investment, enabling South Africa to increase production and capitalize on strong global commodity prices. Increased private sector investments is crucial with South Africa seeking targeting to unlock an estimated R40 trillion in untapped iron ore potential as well as maintain its position as the world’s leading producer of chrome and manganese.

At AMW 2026, Mthenjane is expected to outline these trends, providing insights into how the council is contributing to addressing challenges disrupting the sector. Infrastructure and energy costs remain key concerns for industry players. To support the energy-intensive sector, South Africa approved a 35% reduction in electricity tariffs for major ferrochrome producers, helping stabilize an industry that has faced significant cost pressures after electricity prices surged by roughly 900% since 2008.

Logistics constraints are also a priority area for reform. South Africa’s economy is losing an estimated R1 billion per day due to inefficiencies across rail and port infrastructure. As a result, the government is considering measures supported by the Minerals Council to increase private sector participation in logistics. Planned reforms include rail modernization initiatives targeting 250 million tons of freight capacity by 2029, alongside port upgrades and private operator participation aimed at strengthening mineral exports and improving supply chain efficiency.

Beyond infrastructure and policy reforms, the Minerals Council is advocating for stronger exploration investment to support long-term industry growth.

At AMW, Mthenjane is expected to highlight these developments and outline the steps required to reinforce South Africa’s position in the global minerals supply chain. His insights will offer investors and stakeholders a timely perspective on opportunities within the country’s mining sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Continue Reading

Energy

Seychelles Targets Energy Investment Push as Minister Jérémie Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2026 as a Speaker

Published

on

African Energy Chamber

Seychelles energy minister will speak at AEW 2026, positioning her to highlight reforms, renewable projects and investment opportunities as the island nation advances its transition toward a diversified energy system

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, April 29, 2026/APO Group/ –Marie-May Jérémie, Minister of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources for Seychelles will participate as a speaker at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) 2026, taking place from October 12–16 in Cape Town. Her participation underscores the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s small-island energy transition agenda.

Minister Jérémie’s presence at AEW 2026 comes at a critical time as Seychelles accelerates efforts to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels. The event provides a platform to attract investment, strengthen policy alignment and showcase bankable projects, positioning the country as a viable destination for private-sector participation in island energy systems.

Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments

In May last year, international finance institution the World Bank approved the Renewable Energy Acceleration Program, a seven-year initiative aimed at modernizing the grid and increasing renewable energy penetration to 15% by 2030. The program focuses on unlocking private capital while strengthening transmission infrastructure to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.

Project development is gaining traction in the country, particularly in innovative technologies suited to Seychelles’ land constraints. The 5.8 MW Seysun Lagoon floating solar PV project, developed by independent renewable power producer Qair, is under construction and expected online in 2026.

Alongside renewables, Seychelles continues to pursue upstream opportunities to diversify its economy. The government approved new exploration entrants in 2025 and extended exiting petroleum agreements, while securing an infrastructure partnership with China. Multilateral estimates suggest over $800 million in investment will be required over the next 25 years.

Regulatory reform is central to this transition, with Seychelles introducing an independent power producer framework to open the market to private developers. Standardized power purchase agreements, grid access reforms and strengthened public-private partnership structures are being implemented to improve transparency, reduce risk and accelerate project bankability across solar, storage and emerging wind opportunities.

“Minister Jérémie’s participation highlights the strategic importance of island nations in Africa’s broader energy transition,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber. “Seychelles is demonstrating how policy reform and innovation can unlock investment in constrained environments. Her insights will be critical to advancing dialogue on resilient, low-carbon energy systems across the continent.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Continue Reading

Trending