Following is the speech by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, at the Opening Ceremony of the International Aquatic Rescue Technical Exchange 2025 today (November 25):

     Deputy Director Xu Zhongshun (Deputy Director General of the National Fire and Rescue Administration), distinguished guests, respected colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. On behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), it is my great pleasure to welcome you all to Hong Kong and to the opening ceremony of the International Aquatic Rescue Technical Exchange (IARTX) 2025.

     I extend a particularly warm welcome to delegation members from our national rescue teams, the Macao SAR (Special Administrative Region) rescue team, and distinguished experts from our neighbouring countries and regions across Asia Pacific. Your presence today exemplifies a shared commitment to advancing regional collaboration in disaster prevention, response and rescue.

     In recent years, the realities of climate change have become ever more apparent, with extreme weather events occurring more frequently and with greater intensity, including here in Hong Kong. Against this backdrop, the HKSAR Government remains unwavering in its dedication to enhancing disaster preparedness, strengthening emergency response capabilities, and safeguarding public safety.

     Aquatic rescue is among the most challenging and high-risk domains of emergency operations. Through the technical exchange platform provided by the IARTX, experts and frontline practitioners from across our region will come together for practical training, live demonstrations, thematic presentations and site visits. These valuable interactions are essential for deepening mutual understanding, sharing best practices and fostering robust operational co-ordination.

     Such collaboration does more than enhance our technical capabilities, it forges the spirit of solidarity so vital in times of crisis. The knowledge and experience gained through this exchange will further empower the Hong Kong Fire Services Department to contribute effectively to our national strategies on disaster management, and will help us deepen international partnerships to better protect lives in our region.

     The HKSAR Government is also steadfast in developing Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub. In the field of aquatic rescue, we actively promote the integration of advanced technologies, such as underwater remotely operated vehicles and side-scan sonar rescue tools, so as to enable our rescuers to work more safely, efficiently, and precisely.

     Today's gathering vividly demonstrates that disaster risk knows no boundaries, and neither should our efforts to address it. Co-operation, co-ordination and cohesion are the pillars of collective resilience. I am confident that, through the collaborative spirit of the IARTX, we will forge even stronger partnerships, further strengthen our capabilities, and secure a safer future for our communities.

     In closing, I wish the IARTX 2025 every success, and hope that all participants find the coming days to be both fruitful and inspiring. Thank you.

Ends/Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Issued at HKT 10:55

NNNN