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上星期我在曼谷出席國際貨幣基金組織（基金組織）和世界銀行（世行）集團年會。會內外就環球經濟走向的討論，幾乎都圍繞着兩股力量——因戰事導致能源價格持續高企的衝擊，以及正在席捲全球的人工智能熱潮。兩股力量正在同時重塑世界經濟的格局。

Having served for more than three decades, the Lok Ma Chau Control Point completes its historic mission today. Tomorrow, the new Huanggang Port will continue to serve this Hong Kong–Shenzhen corridor with upgraded facilities. With a total gross floor area of approximately 690,000 square metres, the new port's joint inspection building is the world's largest single-building land boundary control facility. It is designed to handle 200,000 passenger trips daily—five times the design capacity of the old port. Under the "collaborative inspection and joint clearance" arrangement, travellers will be able to complete immigration procedures for both sides in approximately five minutes, down significantly from around 30 minutes at the old port. Round-the-clock clearance will be maintained. For residents, business travellers and visitors who regularly travel between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, this will make their journeys much more convenient.

The National Day Golden Week has brought a vibrant festive atmosphere to Hong Kong. In its first three days, the city recorded more than 732,000 visitor arrivals from the Mainland, up about 8.4% year-on-year. Many restaurants and shops, particularly those in the tourist areas, have enjoyed a boost in business. On National Day, I visited a Hong Kong-style café in Central, where I met local residents and visitors alike amid a lively and welcoming atmosphere. The Immigration Department expects around 1.29 million Mainland visitor arrivals during the Golden Week, with average daily arrivals increasing by more than 5% year-on-year. Beyond the Mainland, arrivals from Europe, the United States (US) and some emerging markets have also recorded considerable growth since the start of the year.