The following is issued on behalf of the Advisory Committee on Water Supplies:
 
     The Advisory Committee on Water Supplies (ACWS) discussed at its meeting today (October 9) the major policy strategies and initiatives relating to water development set out in the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan) and the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address. Members unanimously expressed support for the relevant strategies and initiatives.
      
     The ACWS is pleased to note the Government's commitment to developing Hong Kong into an international hub for high-quality development of the country's water sector, developing advanced standards for water-related affairs applicable to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and capitalising on Hong Kong as an international demonstration platform for Mainland water-related technologies, where pilot testing, transformation and application can be conducted. These initiatives will assist technologies and enterprises of the Mainland and Hong Kong in going global and provide the international water sector with high-quality and cost-effective water solutions. At the meeting, members offered suggestions to the Government on the relevant strategies and initiatives.
      
     The Chairman of the ACWS, Mr Edmund Leung, said, "The Water Supplies Department (WSD) and the Drainage Services Department will jointly organise the inaugural Hong Kong Water Expo in April next year. The event will provide a new high-level platform for exchanges among water professionals around the world, promoting the close integration of strategic thinking, research and development achievements, and practical applications. It will also facilitate water-related technologies and enterprises of the Mainland and Hong Kong in expanding into international markets. We look forward to the WSD continuing its proactive efforts in taking forward the water-related directions set out in Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan and in developing Hong Kong into an international hub for high-quality development of the country's water sector."
      
     Mr Leung added that the ACWS will continue to provide professional advice to the Government on matters relating to water supplies and promote the continuous enhancement of Hong Kong's water supply services. The ACWS will fully support and align with Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan, actively contributing to the future development of both the nation and Hong Kong.

Ends/Friday, October 9, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:00

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