Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the 13th Hong Kong Allergy Convention Opening Ceremony today (October 18):
 
Dr Philip Li (President of Hong Kong Institute of Allergy), Professor Gary Wong (President-Elect of World Allergy Organization), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good afternoon. It is a pleasure to join the opening ceremony of the 13th Hong Kong Allergy Convention.
      
     This biennial medical gathering has become a highly anticipated event, locally, regionally and internationally. Since it began over two decades ago, the Convention has brought together world experts in allergy. It helps advance knowledge, share best practices and inspire innovation in allergy and immunology. 
      
     For that, my thanks to the Hong Kong Institute of Allergy, and its invaluable work over these past 29 years, promoting allergy as a specialty, supporting research and organising events like this two-day international gathering.
      
     This year's Convention theme, "Allergy Beyond Borders", reminds us of our shared mission – to cross geographical and institutional barriers for better allergy care worldwide.
      
     Allergic diseases have become among the most common health problems in the world. In Hong Kong, some 400 000 patients are being treated for food allergies alone. 
      
     And, as you are well aware, allergies know no borders. But allow me to touch on a few of the research areas we're working on in Hong Kong.
      
     In 2021, we established the Hong Kong Genome Institute. Its first major project, the Hong Kong Genome Project, has recruited more than 47 000 participants to build a genomic database focused on the South China population, establishing a collaborative platform for researchers, academics and businesses, accelerating clinical trials and drug developments.
      
     We are also speeding up clinical trials and new drug approvals.
      
     The Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, supporting the coordinated I&T development of Hong Kong and Shenzhen, promotes biomedical technology.
      
     It accelerates the evaluation, inspection and clinical trials of drugs and medical devices in alignment with international standards.
      
     We've also established the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute, providing one-stop clinical trial support. 
      
     Before year's end, we will establish a new collaboration platform with Shenzhen to provide consultation, matching and referral services for medical research organisations conducting clinical trials in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. 
      
     We're reforming drug approvals, too. Through the "1+" mechanism, drug companies only need approval from one reference drug authority to apply for registration in Hong Kong. That is, of course, if they are supported by local clinical data and their scope of application is recognised by relevant local experts.
      
     Last month's Policy Address pledged to speed up the "1+" mechanism, piloting priority evaluation of innovative drugs recommended by the Hospital Authority for severe or rare diseases.
      
     Ladies and gentlemen, there's much to look forward to over these next two days. And my thanks, once again, to the Hong Kong Institute of Allergy for organising this year's Allergy Convention. I'm also grateful to various organisations supporting the Convention.
      
     I wish you a rewarding Convention and the best of medical research and health in the coming year. And for those joining us from abroad, enjoy a memorable stay in Hong Kong, Asia's world city.
      
     Thank you.

Ends/Saturday, October 18, 2025
Issued at HKT 13:35

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