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

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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.”

 

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

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February 6, 2026

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

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February 6, 2026

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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

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February 6, 2026

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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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