HK to foster green finance growth

18-3-2023

While the world has largely stepped out of the woods of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery remains fragile, given the numerous challenges we face, from daunting geopolitical tensions, to inflation, high interest rates and more.

But in trying times, it is all the more important that countries and ec...

CE meets finance chiefs, youths

17-3-2023

Chief Executive John Lee called on more central ministries and met Hong Kong youths in Beijing today.

Early this morning, Mr Lee, together with Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui, Secretary for Security Tang...

HK set to become green tech leader

16-3-2023

The Green Way Forward recommendations

First of all, my thanks to the European Chamber and the EU Office to Hong Kong & Macao as well as Invest Hong Kong, the Business Environment Council, ReThink and the many others involved in producing the recommendations, which I am pleased to receive today.

Paul Chan meets Guangdong officials

15-3-2023

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today visited Guangzhou to meet Guangdong and Guangzhou leaders and discuss the deepening of co-operation to speed up the high-quality development and economic integration of the Greater Bay Area.

During the meetings, Mr Chan said that this year’s “two sessions” were i...

Fake press release debunked

15-3-2023

The Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau announced today that it received reports from the public about a fraudulent congratulatory press release purportedly issued in the name of the Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism.

The bureau sternly clarified that the fake press release was not issued thro...

Wealth summit presents opportunities

15-3-2023

As announced by the Financial Secretary in his recent Budget speech, the Government will host the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit (WGHK) as a key initiative to promote Hong Kong’s asset and wealth management industry and encourage more family offices to establish a presence in our market. In this blog, I...

FS to visit Guangzhou

14-3-2023

Financial Secretary Paul Chan will visit Guangzhou tomorrow to meet with leaders of Guangdong and Guangzhou.

Mr Chan will discuss the deepening of mutual co-operation to speed up high-quality development as well as the economic integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area with the leader...

$3k voucher available in April

10-3-2023

(To watch the full press conference with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Eligible citizens who successfully registered for the Consumption Voucher Scheme last year will receive the first $3,000 voucher through their stored value facility accounts on April 16 under the latest voucher ...

HK set to boost future of fintech

9-3-2023

Let us take a moment to understand where we stand. I am pleased to report that Hong Kong has made significant progress in the development and application of fintech. We need not look far to see the vibrancy of our sector. The Faster Payment System (FPS), electronic wallets, mobile payment platforms are all ver...

Alert issued on fraudulent emails

7-3-2023

The Inland Revenue Department today issued an alert concerning fraudulent emails purportedly issued by the department which invite recipients to claim tax refunds.

Each fraudulent email provides a hyperlink to a website that seeks to obtain the recipient's personal particulars and credit card information...

Govt officers finish training course

6-3-2023

The Development Bureau’s Centre of Excellence for Major Project Leaders (CoE) today held a convocation ceremony and welcome session for Project Delivery Capability Programme participants.

Officiating at the event, Financial Secretary and CoE Honorary President Paul Chan congratulated the first four coh...

Wealth summit to be held

6-3-2023

The Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit (WGHK) will take place on March 24 at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, the Government announced today.

Organised by the Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau and Invest Hong Kong, the summit is an international top-level exclusive event for global family offices...

Jan retail sales up 7%

2-3-2023

The value of total retail sales in January, provisionally estimated at $36.2 billion, rose 7% compared with the same month in 2022, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total r...

Rates concessions set

1-3-2023

The Rating (Exemption) Order 2023 will be gazetted on March 3 to implement the one-off rates concessions proposed in the Budget.

The Budget proposed to waive rates for the first two quarters of 2023-24, with a concession ceiling of $1,000 per tenement per quarter.

About 3.46 million properties stan...

Tax concession bill to be gazetted

1-3-2023

The Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Child Allowance & Tax Concessions) Bill 2023 will be gazetted on March 3 to implement the tax concessions and child allowance increase proposed in the Budget.

The Budget proposed to reduce salaries tax, tax under personal assessment and profits tax for the 2022-23 asse...

Professional services fund opens

1-3-2023

The Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme today began inviting a new round of applications from non-profit-distributing organisations until May 31, the Government announced.

These organisations include professional bodies, trade and industrial organisations as well as research institute...

Mong Kok site sold

1-3-2023

The tender for a non-industrial site in Mong Kok has been awarded on a 50-year land grant at a premium of $4.729 billion, the Lands Department announced today.

Inland Lot No. 11273 at the junction of Sai Yee Street and Argyle Street was awarded to East Classic Development, a subsidiary of Sun Hung Kai Pr...

Virtual asset sector to thrive in HK

1-3-2023

While we have now fully returned to normalcy and resumed full connectivity with the Mainland and the world, we must realise that the recovery is still at an early stage. There is still much to be done. And the external environment remains challenging, the reality of which is aptly captured by the line of today...

Investment body's directors meet

28-2-2023

The Hong Kong Investment Corporation's (HKIC) board of directors carried out an in-depth discussion on a number of issues at its first meeting today, covering the HKIC's corporate structure, governance, personnel arrangement as well as administration and management.

In the 2022 Policy Address, the Chief ...

Attracting businesses discussed

28-2-2023

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today chaired the first meeting of the Advisory Committee on Attracting Strategic Enterprises where members discussed the upcoming work plan and priorities in attracting strategic enterprises.

The scope of discussions covered strategic areas, scale of enterprises, talent and...

$77b deficit recorded

28-2-2023

The Government today announced that it recorded a $77 billion deficit for the first 10 months of the current financial year.

Expenditure for the period was $643.5 billion and revenue was $501.3 billion. A deficit was recorded after taking into account the proceeds of $65.2 billion received from the issua...

Mortgage loans up 3.6%

28-2-2023

Residential mortgage loans approved in January increased 3.6% compared with December 2022 to $26.5 billion, the Monetary Authority announced today.

Mortgage loans financing primary market transactions dropped 7.6% to $6.5 billion, while those financing secondary market transactions rose 17.2% to $14.7 bi...

HK, SZ hold task force meeting

27-2-2023

Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong held the first meeting of the Task Force for Collaboration on the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy with Shenzhen Vice Mayor Huang Min in Shenzhen today.

Mr Wong and Mr Huang led delegations of the governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region a...

Jan exports value down 36.7%

27-2-2023

The value of Hong Kong's exports fell to $290.9 billion in January, down 36.7% compared with the same month in 2022, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

The value of imports dropped 30.2% to $316.3 billion for the same period.

A visible trade deficit of $25.4 billion, or 8% of t...

HK, SZ to hold task force meeting

26-2-2023

Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong will depart for Shenzhen tomorrow to hold the first meeting of the Task Force for Collaboration on the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy with representatives of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government.

The two sides will exchange views on matters relating...

Alert issued on fraudulent calls

24-2-2023

The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) today reminded the public to be on the alert for fraudulent calls purportedly made by the Communications Authority or OFCA in relation to real-name registration for SIM cards.

It issued the warning after receiving reports from the public regarding the fra...

Digital economy key to growth: FS

24-2-2023

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the digital economy would be a key driver of growth and development for Hong Kong in the coming years.

Speaking on a public radio broadcast this morning, Mr Chan reiterated that digitalisation is one of the key elements to the city’s future development.

“I thi...

Tech measures financially feasible

24-2-2023

(To watch the full press conference with sign language interpretation, click here.)

The Government conducted a very serious investigation to make sure all proposed innovation and technology (I&T) related measures were financially feasible before the Budget rolled out, Secretary for Innovation,...

12m SIM cards finish registration

24-2-2023

The Government said that about 12 million SIM cards have completed real-name registration as at yesterday, the deadline of the one-year transitional period for pre-paid SIM (PPS) card users to complete registration with telecommunications service providers.

Noting the registration figure is in line with ...

Land sale plan announced

23-2-2023

(To watch the full press conference with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn announced the Government's 2023-24 Land Sale Programme that covers 12 residential sites, providing about 9,120 flats.

Among those sites, two are on Hong Kong Island, ...

AI centre proposals invited

23-2-2023

The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) today invited consultancy proposals for a feasibility study on the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) Supercomputing Centre in Hong Kong.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan announced in the 2023-24 Budget that a feasibility study would...

Jan inflation up 2.4%

23-2-2023

Overall consumer prices rose 2.4% in January year-on-year, a larger increase than 2% in December 2022, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation rate was 2.4%, also larger than December’s 2%.

FS delivers new fiscal vision

22-2-2023

Financial Secretary Paul Chan delivered the 2023-24 Budget at the Legislative Council today, with “Leaping Forward Steadily, Together We Bolster Prosperity under Our New Vision” as its theme.

It is the first Budget presented since Hong Kong’s emergence from the COVID-19 epidemic and the resumption ...

More support for businesses, people

22-2-2023

Bold measures to support businesses and individuals are a priority in the 2023-24 Budget that includes the disbursement of a $5,000 electronic consumption voucher, Financial Secretary Paul Chan announced while unveiling his Budget today.

When it comes to assisting enterprises, Mr Chan said he proposes a ...

Promoting high-quality development

22-2-2023

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said Hong Kong will pursue high-quality development by growing its digital economy and ensuring the city is at the forefront of the third generation Internet (Web3) development.

As Hong Kong advances towards a new stage of stability, Mr Chan said the city must think about ho...

A greener financial system

22-2-2023

Promoting a green economy is an important issue for the world, Financial Secretary Paul Chan says, adding that harnessing technological innovation, finance, commerce and manpower, could drive economic transformation and sustainable development, generate demand and create strong impetus for growth.

The wh...

Consolidating HK’s global hub status

22-2-2023

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today announced a series of measures in the 2023-24 Budget with a view to consolidating Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre.

Delivering the Budget at the Legislative Council this morning, Mr Chan said the Government will continue to adopt a multipronged...

I&T crucial to national development

22-2-2023

In striving to integrate into the national development, Hong Kong must seize the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area opportunities and capitalise on its advantages as an international innovation and technology centre.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan made the statement this morning when delivering th...

More funds for cultural, arts exchange

22-2-2023

Financial Secretary Paul Chan proposed to allocate $135 million to support Hong Kong artists taking part in performances and productions in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Mr Chan noted that Hong Kong’s position as an East‑meets‑West centre for international cultural ...

Attracting enterprises and talent

22-2-2023

The Government will introduce a new mechanism and new scheme to entice enterprises and talent from around the world to set up in Hong Kong.

As he delivered his 2023-2024 Budget, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the city has been a hub for multinational enterprises for a long time. To explore more marke...

Cigarette tax increase proposed

22-2-2023

Financial Secretary Paul Chan proposed in the 2023-24 Budget that the duty on cigarettes be increased by 60 cents per stick, and the duties on other tobacco products also be increased by the same proportion.

While raising tobacco duty is internationally recognised as the most effective means to reduce to...

Airport City growth plan accelerated

22-2-2023

To cement Hong Kong’s role as an international aviation hub, the Government is pressing ahead with the “Airport City” development strategy that promotes various economic activities with aviation as Hong Kong International Airport’s (HKIA) core business.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan made that cle...

Youth urban sports venue set

22-2-2023

The Government will promote urban sports that are popular among the youth, Financial Secretary Paul Chan announced in his 2023-24 Budget today.

Mr Chan noted that the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau is examining the conversion of some underutilised floors of the Kwun Chung Municipal Services Buildin...

Green city strategies proposed

22-2-2023

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today proposed various green initiatives in his 2023-24 Budget to build Hong Kong into a liveable city.

In his Budget speech, Mr Chan noted that Hong Kong is making vigorous efforts to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050.

Green city

The Government will earmark ...

Govt forecasts $54.4b deficit

22-2-2023

The Government will commit resources as and when justified and needed, while strictly containing the growth of government expenditure and exploring ways to increase revenue. 

Financial Secretary Paul Chan made the statement when delivering the Budget today, noting that 2023-24 will see a $54.4 billi...

Stamp duty value bands adjusted

22-2-2023

Financial Secretary Paul Chan announced in his Budget adjustments to the computation of the ad valorem stamp duty payable for the sale and purchase or transfer of residential and non-residential properties with effect from today.

In his speech, Mr Chan pointed out that more than 90% of residential proper...

Consumption voucher backed

22-2-2023

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said today the disbursement of a $5,000 electronic consumption voucher takes into account of both the economic and fiscal situation.

At a press conference after the Budget delivery, he said: “On the Consumption Voucher Scheme, we are in the process of economic recovery, al...

Govt to help open up markets

22-2-2023

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today said the Government will provide additional funding to further assist Hong Kong enterprises and investors in opening up markets.

Delivering his Budget, Mr Chan stressed that in support of the Belt & Road Initiative, Hong Kong will explore and tap emerging markets s...

HK’s economy set for strong rebound

22-2-2023

While delivering his Budget speech today, Financial Secretary Paul Chan announced that Hong Kong’s economy will rebound via abundant opportunities as the city capitalises on its distinct advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle.

In his speech, he first addressed the matter of Hong ...

Mega events set to bolster tourism

22-2-2023

Hundreds of millions of dollars will be set aside to attract tourists and enliven Hong Kong's image, Financial Secretary Paul Chan announced in his 2023-24 Budget.

Mr Chan stressed that Hong Kong has long been a world-renowned events capital and the organising of mega events, international conferences an...

Budget available online tomorrow

21-2-2023

Financial Secretary Paul Chan will deliver the 2023-24 Budget at the Legislative Council at 11am tomorrow.

The full text of the Budget Speech and other related materials will be released simultaneously on the Budget website.

The public can also watch the live broadcast of the Budget speech, ...

Act now for SIM card registration

16-2-2023

Have you completed real-name registration for your pre-paid SIM card yet? If not, do it no later than February 23 to avoid any impact. The quickest way to complete the process is on mobile apps or via the websites of telecommunications service providers.

Individual users are required to provide th...

Anti-money laundering report adopted

17-2-2023

The Government today welcomed the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) adoption of the follow-up report on Hong Kong's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CTF) system.

Hong Kong completed the fourth round of the FATF mutual evaluation between 2018 and 2019. Its system has been asse...

Updated copyright law to take effect

17-2-2023

The Copyright (Amendment) Ordinance 2022 (Commencement) Notice was gazetted today and the amended ordinance will come into operation on May 1.

The Copyright Ordinance was updated to strengthen copyright protection in the digital environment, including the introduction of an exclusive technology-neutral c...

Tokenised green bonds issued

16-2-2023

The Government today announced the successful offering of $800 million worth of tokenised green bonds under the Government Green Bond Programme, which is the first such bond issued by a government globally.

The bond was priced at 4.05% with a tenor of one year. It was distributed by four banks and...

Jobless rate drops to 3.4%

16-2-2023

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell 0.1 percentage points to 3.4% for the period between November 2022 and January 2023 compared with October to December 2022, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

The underemployment rate also dropped 0.1 percentage points to 1.4%....

More help for SIM card registration

16-2-2023

Support services will be further strengthened and telecommunications service providers are required to dedicate extra resources to assist users’ real-name registration for pre-paid SIM cards (PPS cards) by February 23, the Government announced today.

Real-name registration for PPS cards will be fully i...

Govt optimises tax regime

15-2-2023

The Government today welcomed the European Union's (EU) positive feedback on the efforts made by Hong Kong in putting in place a new foreign-sourced income exemption (FSIE) regime.

In response to the EU’s inclusion of Hong Kong on its watchlist on tax co-operation in 2021, the Government enacted the In...

HK Investment Corp board formed

15-2-2023

The Government today announced the members of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation’s board of directors.

With the Financial Secretary as chairman, the board's members include relevant government officials and leaders from the community and business sectors.

The board is responsible for for...

Advisers for attracting firms appointed

15-2-2023

The Government announced the appointment of members to the Advisory Committee on Attracting Strategic Enterprises for two years from today.

The members were appointed by Financial Secretary Paul Chan who chairs the advisory committee, comprising representatives from the business sector and communi...

Tax consultation to be launched

13-2-2023

The Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau announced today that the Government will launch a consultation in mid-March on an initiative to enhance the tax certainty of onshore gains on the disposal of equity interests.

To increase the attractiveness of Hong Kong as an international investment and b...

Exchange Fund foreign assets surge

14-2-2023

The Exchange Fund’s foreign assets increased $115.2 billion to $3.6177 trillion in January, the Monetary Authority announced today.

The monetary base amounted to $1.9272 trillion, while claims on the private sector in Hong Kong amounted to $303.4 billion, it said.

Cable TV licence surrender approved

14-2-2023

The Government announced today that the Chief Executive-in-Council has approved the termination of Hong Kong Cable Television's (HKCTV) domestic pay television programme service (pay TV) licence from June 1.

HKCTV’s pay TV licence was renewed for 12 years by the Chief Executive-in Council in December 2...

Officials meet Shenzhen vice mayor

10-2-2023

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung and Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan today met Vice Mayor of Shenzhen Municipal People's Government Zhang Hua separately to discuss issues of mutual concern.

Mr Yeung exchanged views with Ms Zhang on Hong Kong-Shenzhen co-operati...

Middle East visit fruitful: CE

10-2-2023

Chief Executive John Lee said his visit to the Middle East was fruitful.

At a media session in the United Arab Emirates today, he described the trip as a visit of strengthening friendship with the Middle East, further promoting the strengths and advantages of Hong Kong and enhancing the potential for oth...

Northern Metropolis advisers named

10-2-2023

The Government announced the appointment of non-official members to the Advisory Committee on the Northern Metropolis for two years from today.

Chief Executive John Lee stated in his 2022 Policy Address that the Government would establish the Steering Committee on the Northern Metropolis and the A...

CE meets UAE officials

10-2-2023

Chief Executive John Lee met Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during his visit to the Middle East.

Mr Lee said the UAE is a key partner in the Belt & Road Initiative, which has developed several major proje...

Law underpins HK's attractiveness

9-2-2023

As a leading global financial centre, Hong Kong offers a full range of investment choices and financing solutions. Be it traditional investments, alternative assets (such as private equity, hedge funds), green and sustainable financing, or virtual assets. You name it, we have it. Such an important and competit...

CE continues UAE visit

9-2-2023

Chief Executive John Lee continued his visit in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he toured local industrial facilities and a logistics group before starting his visit programme in Dubai.

In the morning, Mr Lee led the Hong Kong delegation to visit the China-UAE Industrial Capacity Coopera...

CE begins Abu Dhabi visit

8-2-2023

Chief Executive John Lee started his visit to Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 7 by attending a business forum and visiting enterprises there.

The delegation led by Mr Lee attended the Abu Dhabi-Hong Kong Business Forum and networking luncheon hosted by the Abu Dhabi Chambe...

Stance on relief measures explained

8-2-2023

Acting Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Joseph Chan said the Government will consider a host of factors, such as the prevailing economic situation, its financial position and the needs of people, in a holistic manner when it comes to formulating effective relief measures to assist the public...

HK a key Middle East connector

7-2-2023

It is business and friendship that brought me here, on one of my first overseas visits as the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. And with me today are some 30 high-level Hong Kong leaders from a great variety of sectors and industries.

We are...

CE boosts ties in Saudi Arabia

7-2-2023

Chief Executive John Lee continued his visit to Saudi Arabia on February 6 by attending a technology conference and exchanging views on fostering co-operation on innovation and technology (I&T) between the two places.

In the morning, Mr Lee met Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Ara...

John Lee shares technology vision

6-2-2023

It gives me great pleasure to be here, in Riyadh, for this year's LEAP Tech Conference, one of the world's leading technology gatherings. I am here, let me add, with a high-profile Hong Kong delegation, and we look forward to talking to as many of you as we can today.

This inspired, and inspiring, confer...

CE begins visit in Saudi Arabia

6-2-2023

Chief Executive John Lee started his visit to Riyadh by meeting with the Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia Khalid Al-Falih, where they exchanged views on establishing closer economic and trade ties between the two sides.

Mr Lee said that Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia have always maintained close bilate...

Dec retail sales rise 1.1%

3-2-2023

The value of total retail sales in December 2022, provisionally estimated at $33.7 billion, rose 1.1% compared with the same month in 2021, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of...

Dec retail sales rose 1.1%

3-2-2023

The value of total retail sales in December 2022, provisionally estimated at $33.7 billion, rose 1.1% compared with the same month in 2021, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of...

Economy shrinks 3.5% in 2022

1-2-2023

Hong Kong’s economy in the fourth quarter of 2022 decreased 4.2% year-on-year, and shrank 3.5% for 2022 as a whole.

The Census & Statistics Department announced the figures today as it released its advance estimates on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the fourth quarter and the whole of 2022.<...

Branding HK meeting held

31-1-2023

The Task Force on Promoting & Branding Hong Kong, led by Financial Secretary Paul Chan, held its first meeting today.

During the meeting, members of the task force deliberated on ways to step up the promotion of new potential and opportunities in Hong Kong under the new development stage.

They ...

CE to visit Middle East

31-1-2023

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive John Lee announced today that he will pay a duty visit to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates this Saturday.

He made the statement before attending the Executive Council meeting and told re...

$183.2 deficit recorded

31-1-2023

The Government today announced that it recorded a $183.2 billion deficit for the nine months of the current financial year.

Expenditure for the period was $593.3 billion and revenue was $390.1 billion. A deficit was recorded after taking into account the proceeds of $20 billion received from the issuance...

Mortgage loans down 9.4%

31-1-2023

Residential mortgage loans approved in December decreased 9.4% compared with November to $25.6 billion, the Monetary Authority announced today.

Mortgage loans financing primary market transactions dropped 14.3% to $7 billion, while those financing secondary market transactions increased 0.4% to $12.5 bil...

Exchange fund loses $202.4b

30-1-2023

The Exchange Fund recorded an investment loss of $202.4 billion in 2022, with a negative investment return of 4.4%, the Monetary Authority announced today.

Reporting the fund’s investment results, Monetary Authority Chief Executive Eddie Yue said the financial markets experienced an exceptionall...

Task force on branding HK formed

27-1-2023

The Task Force on Promoting & Branding Hong Kong led by Financial Secretary Paul Chan has been set up, the Government announced today.

It will advise the Government on the overall strategy of promoting Hong Kong’s advantages, and on the promotional plans and activities that will take pl...

Dec exports value down 28.9%

26-1-2023

The value of Hong Kong's exports fell to $348.1 billion in December, down 28.9% compared with the same month in 2021, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

The value of imports dropped 23.5% to $399.7 billion for the same period.

A visible trade deficit of $51.6 billion, or 12.9% ...

Govt shares festive joy with citizens

22-1-2023

The Chinese New Year Home Visit Programme co-ordinated by the Home Affairs Department continued today with principal officials paying visits to grassroots families in Tuen Mun and distributing blessing bags in celebration of the Chinese New Year.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan, together with Secretary for...

Principal officials send blessings

21-1-2023

Principal officials of the Government will pay visits to grassroots families in different districts for three consecutive days and distribute blessing bags in celebration of the Chinese New Year.

The Home Affairs Department made the announcement and explained that it co-ordinated the Chinese New Year Hom...

HK sees 2% inflation in Dec

20-1-2023

Overall consumer prices rose 2% in December 2022 year-on-year, a larger increase than 1.8% in November 2022, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government's one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation rate was 2%, larger than November's 1.7%.

FS concludes trip in Davos

20-1-2023

Financial Secretary Paul Chan entered the last day of his visit to Davos in Switzerland yesterday for the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting.

Mr Chan participated in a session titled “Next-Generation Industrial Strategies” and spoke as a guest on policies in promoting industrial...

HK welcomes overseas people: FS

19-1-2023

Financial Secretary Paul Chan seized the opportunity during a breakfast meeting at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Switzerland yesterday to welcome people from all over the world to come to Hong Kong to explore development opportunities.

With the theme of "Hong Kong Perspectives: Connectivity ...

Sun Dong views national space tech

18-1-2023

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong continued his Beijing visit today, with a tour of the China Science & Technology Museum.

Prof Sun viewed exhibitions on the structural component of the China Space Station's Tianhe core module, 5G connection application, robot arm and ...

Mega events set to boost tourism

18-1-2023

Promotions in various visitor source markets have been launched to spread the positive message of welcoming visitors, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung said today.

Addressing lawmaker Elizabeth Quat’s questions at the Legislative Council, he said the Tourism Board will organise mo...

International cruise ship berths

18-1-2023

Hong Kong welcomed the arrival of its first international cruise ship today after the adjustment of the city’s anti-epidemic measures.

Carrying more than 300 passengers, the Silver Spirit reached Victoria Harbour via Lei Yue Mun and berthed at Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Secretary for Cultur...

LegCo’s passage of 2 bills welcomed

18-1-2023

The Government welcomed the passage of the Stamp Duty (Amendment) Bill 2022 and the Companies (Amendment) Bill 2022 by the Legislative Council today.

The amendment to the Stamp Duty Ordinance gives effect to the proposed exemption of stamp duty payable for certain transactions relating to dual-counter st...

Economy will pick up growth: FS

18-1-2023

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said that the economy would pick up growth this year during a luncheon at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

At the WEF Annual Meeting yesterday, Mr Chan participated in the Special Address delivered by State Council Vice Premier Liu He.

Sun Dong meets tech minister

17-1-2023

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong today met Vice Minister of Science & Technology Prof Zhang Guangjun in Beijing and visited two centres at Zhongguancun.

Prof Sun briefed Prof Zhang on key elements in the Hong Kong Innovation & Technology (I&T) Development Blue...

FS attends World Economic Forum

17-1-2023

Financial Secretary Paul Chan described the latest state of Hong Kong’s return to normalcy and development opportunities while meeting a number of political and business leaders as the World Economic Forum (WEF) opened yesterday in Davos, Switzerland.

Using the annual meeting to his advantage, Mr Chan ...

Sun Dong starts Beijing trip

16-1-2023

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong began his visit to Beijing today.

He paid a courtesy call on Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Vice President Zhang Yaping, briefing him on the Hong Kong Innovation & Technology (I&T) Development Bluep...

104k companies newly registered

16-1-2023

The total number of local companies registered was 1,391,678 at the end of 2022, while 104,120 were newly registered in the year, the Companies Registry announced today.

In 2022, 874 non-Hong Kong companies that have newly established a place of business in Hong Kong were registered under the Companies O...

Sun Dong to visit Beijing

14-1-2023

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong will depart for a visit to Beijing tomorrow to strengthen ties with relevant authorities and organisations.

Prof Sun will visit the Ministry of Science & Technology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the China Association for Science &a...

Officials mourn Uncle Ray

14-1-2023

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau and Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung today expressed deep sorrow over the passing of radio programme host Reinaldo Maria Cordeiro, also known as Uncle Ray.

Mr Yau sincerely thanked Mr Cordeiro for his lifelong contribut...

HK offers boundless opportunities

13-1-2023

Indeed, I have had the pleasure of welcoming many people back to Hong Kong in recent months. As Hong Kong lifts travel restrictions and social distancing measures, many large-scale events have been held, including the first Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit and the famous Hong Kong Sevens. I am pleas...

CE meets UGC members

13-1-2023

Chief Executive John Lee met the University Grants Committee (UGC) members today to exchange views on the latest development of higher education in Hong Kong.

UGC Chairman Tim Lui briefed Mr Lee on the committee’s strategies and initiatives in nurturing talent and integrating into the national developm...

FS to depart for Switzerland

13-1-2023

Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart for Davos in Switzerland tomorrow night to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting from January 16 to 20.

The theme of the WEF Annual Meeting this year is Cooperation in a Fragmented World.

Mr Chan said that many uncertainties still prevail for...

Private equity central to success: FS

13-1-2023

With significant relaxation of anti-epidemic measures, and more importantly the reopening of our boundary with the Mainland and the world, Hong Kong is fully open for business.

This is a golden opportunity for speedily gearing up ourselves to maximise the opportunities ahead. We are determined, let me ad...

Family offices supported in HK

12-1-2023

It is my great pleasure to join you all today at the Family Office Symposium of the Asian Financial Forum, a flagship event demonstrating Hong Kong's leadership as an international financial centre and a family office hub. I am delighted to see many renowned speakers and veterans of the industry joining togeth...

Renowned composer mourned

12-1-2023

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung today expressed sorrow and sadness over the passing of renowned composer Doming Lam.

Mr Lam was one of the founders of the Composers & Authors Society of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Composers' Guild. He was also appointed as the guild's honorary...

Projects leadership training extended

12-1-2023

The Centre of Excellence for Major Project Leaders (CoE) under the Development Bureau today launched the 2023 Major Projects Leadership Programme (MPLP), extending the training to stakeholders outside the Government.

The Government noted that overwhelming responses from top management of various internat...

Asian Financial Forum opens

11-1-2023

The 16th Asian Financial Forum opened today, providing a platform for international heavyweights to examine ways to formulate better business strategies and develop a blueprint for sustainable growth after the past turbulent years.

Under the theme of "Accelerating Transformation: Impact ∙ Inclusio...

Govt creating economic impetus

11-1-2023

Sustainable development is the focus of today's luncheon. In one way or another, it is an overarching theme that the world needs to address. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 sustainable development goals adopted by all United Nations (UN) member states in 2015 call on us to build an inclu...

No change to housing measures

11-1-2023

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho today said the Government considers that the current development of the local property market is an orderly adjustment and it does not see the need to adjust the relevant management measures at the moment.

Answering lawmakers’ questions, Ms Ho said the prevailing de...

Financial stability a priority: FS

11-1-2023

Financial Secretary Paul Chan said the Government places high priority on financial stability so that Hong Kong can stay strong amid external uncertainties.

At the Asian Financial Forum today, he told reporters that external demand is weak and the financial market is volatile due to factors such as inter...

Christopher Hui meets foreign envoys

11-1-2023

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui today met overseas delegations from the World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC) and the Singapore business sector.

Held on the sidelines of the Asian Financial Forum (AFF) 2023, the meetings involved exchanges and discu...

Michelle Yeoh wins best actress prize

11-1-2023

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung today congratulated Michelle Yeoh on winning Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) at the 80th Golden Globe Awards.

"Michelle Yeoh first made a name in the Hong Kong film sector, then moved on to the international st...

HK accelerating change: CE

11-1-2023

Welcome to the 2023 Asian Financial Forum (AFF). After two years of virtual AFF, this year’s forum is taking place in person and online.

I am delighted to be here, among the more than 2,000 of you taking in this 16th edition, live, from the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. Another 3,000 or...

HK fosters trade ties with Vietnam

10-1-2023

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau today continued to meet the Vietnamese political and business community to promote Hong Kong's vast business opportunities during his trip in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Noting that Hong Kong and Vietnam have enjoyed cordial relations over many years, Mr...

Govt follows up on flight restriction

10-1-2023

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said it is highly concerned about the restriction imposed by the Korean authority that requires passenger flights from Hong Kong to only land at Incheon International Airport. It is following up on the restriction with a view to minimising the impact...

Govt monitoring travel resumption

10-1-2023

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and Mainland authorities will closely monitor the operation of the resumption of normal travel between the two places and see whether there is room to adjust rele...

Algernon Yau promotes HK in Hanoi

9-1-2023

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau today met senior government officials and business leaders in Hanoi, Vietnam to promote Hong Kong’s business advantages and opportunities.

He updated them on Hong Kong’s latest trade and economic development and explored collaboration opp...

CE inspects control point

8-1-2023

Chief Executive John Lee visited the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line (Futian) Control Point today, the first day of the resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland, to view the arrangements for people crossing the boundary.

Mr Lee was briefed on the arrangements and spoke to members of...

LeaveHomeSafe system ends

8-1-2023

The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) today announced that the LeaveHomeSafe system has ceased operation and the app will not be updated.

The move follows the relaxation of various anti-epidemic measures, the progressive resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the ...

Aid for SIM card registration boosted

7-1-2023

The Government today announced that support service for the real-name registration for SIM cards at 25 MTR stations will be enhanced starting tomorrow to February 23 to assist users of pre-paid SIM cards (PPS cards) to complete real-name registration.

The support stations will open between 9am and...

Algernon Yau to visit Vietnam

6-1-2023

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau will depart for a visit to Hanoi tomorrow to forge closer economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and Vietnam.

His trip also aims to give the Vietnamese business sector an update on Hong Kong's new initiatives to attract enterprises an...

Public reminded of IRD relocation

5-1-2023

The Inland Revenue Department today said most of its Wan Chai offices will be relocated to the newly built centre at Kai Tak by January 9, and citizens should note the office locations of its units and sections before visiting.

The business hours and contact telephone numbers of the respective offices wi...

Nov retail sales dip 4.2%

4-1-2023

The value of total retail sales in November 2022, provisionally estimated at $29.5 billion, fell 4.2% compared with the same month in 2021, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of...

Prevention is better than cure

30-12-2022

According to Government data, Hong Kong people have a very long life expectancy. The life expectancies at birth for both sexes have steadily increased to 83 years and 88 years for males and females respectively in 2021.

It is generally recognised that the prevalence of chronic disease increases with age,...

CE welcomes NSL interpretation

30-12-2022

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive John Lee today issued a statement on the interpretation of the National Security Law (NSL) by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPCSC) in accordance with Article 65 of th...

Policy holders' scheme mooted

30-12-2022

The Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau today proposed to establish a policy holders' protection scheme (PPS) and launched a three-month consultation exercise to collect public views.

The proposals sets out key features of the PPS including coverage, level of compensation, a funding mecha...

Nov exports value down 24.1%

29-12-2022

The value of Hong Kong's total goods exports fell to $360 billion in November, down 24.1% compared with the same month last year, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

The value of goods imports dropped 20.3% to $387.1 billion for the same period.

A trade deficit of $27.1 billion,...

Demographic report released

29-12-2022

The Census & Statistics Department published its Demographic Trends in Hong Kong 1991-2021 report today, showing the city’s population increased at an average annual growth rate of 0.8% from 5.75 million to 7.41 million.

It describes the growth, the age-sex structure and the patterns of...

FS welcomes SFC report

29-12-2022

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today welcomed the publication of the annual report of the Process Review Panel for the Securities & Futures Commission (SFC), which covers the panel’s work in 2021-22.

Mr Chan said the panel has conducted a comprehensive review of the SFC’s internal proc...

Japan flight restrictions followed up

28-12-2022

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said it is highly concerned about the Japanese authority’s restrictions that require passenger flights from Hong Kong to only land at four designated airports in Japan starting December 30, and is following up on the incident on multiple fronts.

FS welcomes insurance review

28-12-2022

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today welcomed the publication of the 2022 Annual Report of the Process Review Panel for the Insurance Authority.

Mr Chan said the review panel plays an important role in maintaining the procedural propriety of the insurance regulatory regime.

The panel selected and re...

Govt boosts I&T talent scheme

28-12-2022

The Government has enhanced the Technology Talent Admission Scheme by lifting the local employment requirement, extending the quota validity period to two years as well as expanding the coverage to more emerging technology areas.

New technology areas can also be added into the scheme as and w...

Office for attracting enterprises opens

23-12-2022

The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) commenced full operation today. It is one of the new initiatives announced in the 2022 Policy Address to attract enterprises and investments more proactively and aggressively with a view to enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness and speeding up indust...

I&T development blueprint unveiled

22-12-2022

(To watch the full press conference with sign language interpretation, click here.)

The Government promulgated the Hong Kong Innovation & Technology (I&T) Development Blueprint today to establish a clear development path and formulate systematic strategic planning for I&T development o...

Paul Chan visits HK brands expo

22-12-2022

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today invited consuls general from five countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Hong Kong to visit the 56th Hong Kong Brands & Products Expo at Victoria Park.

Mr Chan toured the expo with consul generals from the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam...

US urged to respect WTO ruling

22-12-2022

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau today said he has written to the US Trade Representative to urge the US to withdraw the origin marking requirement imposed on Hong Kong products following...

Govt welcomes WTO ruling

21-12-2022

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today welcomed the ruling made by the panel established under the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) that the origin marking requirement imposed on Hong Kong products by the US is inconsistent with WTO rules.

Since Novembe...

Nov inflation up 1.8%

20-12-2022

Overall consumer prices rose 1.8% in November year-on-year, the same as that in October, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government's one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation rate was 1.7%, also the same as that in October.

Compared wi...

Stamps to mark Year of the Rabbit

19-12-2022

Lunar New Year special stamps will be issued on January 10, 2023, to ring in the Year of the Rabbit, Hongkong Post announced today.

The upcoming Lunar New Year special stamp series consists of four stamps and a stamp sheetlet featuring the propitious rabbit in different traditional handicrafts, heralding...

View sought on crowdfunding rules

19-12-2022

The Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau today published a consultation paper on the proposal to enhance regulation of crowdfunding activities and launched a three-month public consultation exercise.

The consultation paper sets out various recommendations on enhancing the transparency...

Stock Connect expansion welcomed

19-12-2022

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today warmly welcomed the expansion of the scope of eligible stocks under Stock Connect.

The China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Securities & Futures Commission issued a joint announcement today on the in-principle approval for th...

Budget consultation begins

18-12-2022

The Government today launched the public consultation exercise for the 2023-24 Budget.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan explained that the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical situation have led to global supply chain disruptions, high inflation, interest rate hikes and tightened monetary conditions.

As...

Cultural forum successfully concludes

16-12-2022

The Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum 2022 successfully concluded today with 21 countries and 14 overseas delegations taking part, the largest number of participants since the forum's establishment in 2003.

The participating delegations attended the "Revitalisation & Conservation of Historical Heritag...

Copyright law amendment gazetted

16-12-2022

The Copyright (Amendment) Ordinance 2022 was gazetted today to update Hong Kong's copyright regime to strengthen copyright protection in the digital environment.

The Commerce & Economic Development Bureau said the copyright system is an essential component of the intellectual property (IP) regime, of...

SIM card registration reminder issued

16-12-2022

The Government today reminded the public that pre-paid SIM (PPS) cards which have not completed real-name registration before February 23, 2023 cannot be used after that date.

Card users who have not completed real-name registration should register as soon as possible to avoid disruption of their te...

Mainland, HK boost I&T co-operation

16-12-2022

The 16th meeting of the Mainland/Hong Kong Science & Technology Co-operation Committee was held via video conferencing today.

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong and Vice Minister of Science & Technology Prof Zhang Guangjun co-chaired the meeting.

Prof Sun said...

Base rate raised to 4.75%

15-12-2022

The Monetary Authority has increased the base rate to 4.75% with immediate effect.

The increase followed the 50-basis point upward shift in the target range for the US federal funds rate on December 14.

The base rate is the interest rate forming the foundation upon which the Discount Rates for repu...

I&T blueprint to be unveiled soon

15-12-2022

Welcome to the inaugural Global Innovation & Technology Summit organised by the Innovation & Technology Commission of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Today's summit features some 30 world-class scientists, academics and researchers from Asia, Europe and North America.

This...

IRD to move to Kai Tak

15-12-2022

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) announced that it will relocate its offices currently located at the Revenue Tower in Wan Chai to the newly built Inland Revenue Centre at 5 Concorde Road, Kai Tak in Kowloon, by phases from December 19 to May 2023.

Those planning to visit the department’s offices du...

Lai-see advisory issued

15-12-2022

The three note-issuing banks will start exchanging new and good-as-new notes from January 5 to 21 next year, the Monetary Authority announced today. It also encourages the public to use electronic lai-see for Chinese New Year.

The authority said as Chinese New Year draws near, the note-issuing banks will...

New SFC chief appointed

15-12-2022

The Chief Executive today appointed Julia Leung as Securities & Futures Commission Chief Executive Officer for three years starting January 1, 2023, succeeding Ashley Alder upon his coming departure.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan lauded Ms Leung for having a profound knowledge of and extensive e...

Passage of taxation bill welcomed

14-12-2022

The Government welcomed the Legislative Council’s passage of a bill today that strengthens Hong Kong’s tax regime for better combatting cross-border tax avoidance arising from double non-taxation.

The Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Taxation on Specified Foreign-sourced Income) Bill 2022 introduces a new...

Pop culture centre in the works

14-12-2022

Our country has indicated clear support for Hong Kong to develop into an East‑meets‑West centre for international cultural exchange. This is not only a clear recognition of Hong Kong's unique position as a cultural crossroad cosmopolitan city and the vibrant arts and cultural development over the years, bu...

CE chairs development meetings

14-12-2022

Chief Executive John Lee chaired on two consecutive days the first meetings of the Steering Group on Integration into National Development and the Steering Committee on the Northern Metropolis.

At the Steering Committee on the Northern Metropolis’ first meeting held today, Mr Lee said the Northern Metr...

HK resilient amid uncertainties

13-12-2022

Over the past 20 years, the Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies has made immense contributions to enhancing Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre. By strengthening collaboration and communication between listed companies and financial regulators as well as the Government, the chamber ha...

New building automation encouraged

13-12-2022

Indeed, infrastructure and construction have long been indispensable to the sustainable economic development of Hong Kong.

Last year, counting both public and private sectors, our construction output totalled some HK$240 billion – that is nearly US$31 billion. That, ladies and gentlemen, accounted for ...

Green finance training supported

13-12-2022

(To watch the full press conference with sign language interpretation, click here.)

The Government today launched the Pilot Green & Sustainable Finance Capacity Building Support Scheme to encourage local practitioners and prospective practitioners to receive training related to green an...

HK welcomes WTO rulings

10-12-2022

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today welcomed the rulings made yesterday by the panels established under the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) that the US' imposition of global tariffs on steel and aluminium imports is inconsistent with WTO rules.

The ...

FS meets WTO Director-General

10-12-2022

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today had a breakfast meeting with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, where he introduced Hong Kong's latest economic and trade developments.

Noting that Hong Kong is stepping towards normalcy, Mr Chan said the Hong Kong Special Administrati...

Tan Dun named cultural ambassador

8-12-2022

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung has appointed Chinese composer, musician and conductor Tan Dun as Ambassador for Cultural Promotion for five years starting January 1, 2023.  　

As Ambassador for Cultural Promotion, Mr Tan will initiate large-sc...

Foreign currency reserves up

7-12-2022

Hong Kong's foreign currency reserve assets rose to US$423.2 billion in November from October's US$417.2 billion, the Monetary Authority announced today.

The reserve assets represent over five times the currency in circulation or about 42% of Hong Kong dollar M3.

There were no unsettled foreign exc...

Anti-money laundering bill passed

7-12-2022

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui welcomed the Legislative Council's passage of the Anti-Money Laundering & Counter-Terrorist Financing (Amendment) Bill 2022 today.

The bill reinforces Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre by enhancing the city’...

Insurance development roadmap set

5-12-2022

The Government today issued a development roadmap for the insurance sector in Hong Kong, outlining its visions and missions as well as targeted policy measures to consolidate the city's status as a global risk management centre and sophisticated insurance hub.

It will work closely with the Insurance...

HK back stronger than ever: CE

5-12-2022

This is the fifth consecutive year that the Insurance Authority has hosted the Asian Insurance Forum. A warm welcome to the industry leaders, experts and guests from near and far joining us here in person as well as online. We are all here to share insights into development prospects and opportunities for the ...

Embracing change for growth

5-12-2022

It has been five years since I last spoke at this yearly gathering of the Institute. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be with you again.

In fact, being among you is always a homecoming of some sort, bringing back a lot of fond memories. It is an opportunity to look back. So much to look back to...

Devoting efforts on trade partnership

3-12-2022

At the heart of the Belt & Road Initiative lies the five co-operation priorities that we all know: enhancing policy co-ordination, strengthening infrastructural facilities connectivity, facilitating unimpeded trade, deepening financial integration and building people-to-people bonds.

Hong Kong, with ...

Property sales down 16.4%

2-12-2022

The Land Registry recorded 3,713 sale and purchase agreements for all building units received for registration in November, down 16.4% compared with October and 48.7% lower year-on-year.

The total consideration for such agreements fell 7.7% from October to $30.2 billion in November while a 52% year-on-ye...

Charting the insurance sector's future

2-12-2022

Life is as unpredictable as weather. My infection with COVID-19 last week had instantly overturned my life and work schedules. It also drove me to reflect on the importance of risk management, which is essential to people, the economy and the society. One of the key functions of the financial market is to...

Govt to step up IP rights protection

1-12-2022

Good morning from Hong Kong, and good day from wherever in the wide world of intellectual property (IP) you are joining us, for the 12th Business of Intellectual Property Asia Forum.

For the first time in three years, day one of the forum takes place in person. And, of course, you can take it all in...

Views invited on product safety

1-12-2022

The Government is inviting citizens to submit their views on its proposed updates to Schedule 2 to the Toys & Children’s Products Safety Ordinance in order to implement up-to-date safety standards promulgated by the relevant standards institutions for four classes of children’s ...

Oct retail sales up 3.9%

1-12-2022

The value of total retail sales in September, provisionally estimated at $31.9 billion, edged up by 3.9% compared with the same month in 2021, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume...

Tech chief visits manufacturing centre

1-12-2022

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong today visited the Advanced Manufacturing Centre (AMC) and toured two enterprises there as well as a financial data centre nearby.

Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Lillian Cheong and Commissioner for Innovation &...

CE meets world IP chief

30-11-2022

Chief Executive John Lee today met World Intellectual Property Organization Director General Daren Tang who is visiting Hong Kong to attend the upcoming Business of Intellectual Property (IP) Asia Forum.

The forum, to be held on December 1 and 2, is one of the signature events celebrating the 25th annive...

Mortgage loans down 4.7%

30-11-2022

Residential mortgage loans approved in October decreased 4.7% compared with September to $32.5 billion, the Monetary Authority announced today.

Mortgage loans financing primary market transactions rose 14.6% to $7.8 billion, while those financing secondary market transactions dropped 3% to $15.5 billion....

$275.7b deficit recorded

30-11-2022

The Government today announced that it recorded a $275.7 billion deficit for the first seven months of the current financial year.

Expenditure for the period was $467.6 billion and revenue was $171.9 billion. A deficit was recorded after taking into account the proceeds of $20 billion received from the i...

Seminar held for HK enterprises

30-11-2022

The Commerce & Economic Development Bureau today held a seminar to raise Hong Kong enterprises' understanding of the latest developments of the Mainland's Economic & Trade Co-operation Zones (ETCZs) in Vietnam, Indonesia and Laos.

The event was jointly organised with the Commercial Offi...

Govt organises finance talk

29-11-2022

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President Jin Liqun delivered a talk jointly organised by the Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau and the Civil Service College today.

Some 100 senior civil servants and staff from the bureau's Working Group on Integration into National Development par...

Customs promotes trade facilitation

29-11-2022

The Customs & Excise Department held the Hong Kong Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme 10th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony today and presented certificates to 29 new members of the programme and presented Hong Kong AEO Programme Partnership Scheme Awards.

With "Bringing In & Going Glob...

Oct exports down 10.4%

28-11-2022

The value of Hong Kong’s total goods exports fell to $374.7 billion in October, down 10.4% compared with the same month last year, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

The value of goods imports dropped 11.9% to $395.5 billion for the same period.

A trade deficit of $20.9 billi...

GD, HK boost IP co-operation

28-11-2022

Guangdong and Hong Kong today endorsed the co-operation projects on intellectual property (IP) rights protection from mid-2022 to the end of 2023.

The Guangdong/Hong Kong Expert Group on the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights agreed to continue to strengthen the mutual collaboration and developme...

83 companies commended

28-11-2022

Eighty-three local companies were commended at the 2021-22 Hong Kong Awards for Industries presentation ceremony today.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki said the Government will strengthen efforts to foster re-industrialisation and support Hong Kong's industries to develop advanced ...

Song mix-up unlikely a political move

26-11-2022

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung today said there is no evidence to suggest at this stage, that the wrong song being played at a rugby tournament was politically motivated.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Yeung explained his statement which was made during a radio programme: “What...

Christopher Hui contracts COVID-19

26-11-2022

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui has tested positive for COVID-19 through a polymerase chain reaction-based nucleic acid test.

He is undergoing isolation in accordance with the Centre for Health Protection's guidelines.

The Financial Services & the Treasury Bu...

HK set for virtual assets

25-11-2022

Our banking sector is clearly our pride and a gem in contributing to Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre (IFC). We are, after all, one of the world’s largest international banking centres. By our latest count, 77 of the top 100 global banks are operating in Hong Kong. At the end of Augu...

Survey on non-HK firms released

24-11-2022

The number of businesses in Hong Kong with parent companies located outside the city stands at 8,978 in 2022, according to an annual survey released by Invest Hong Kong and the Census & Statistics Department today.

Of the 8,978 companies, 1,411 operate as regional headquarters, 2,397 as r...

Views invited on trade pact

24-11-2022

The Government is inviting citizens to offer their views after it launched a one-month public consultation today on the negotiation of a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) with Peru.

It explained that the aim of the consultation is to solicit views on areas of interest to the Hong Kong business communi...

Help for tourism industry expanded

23-11-2022

The Government has been committed to expanding, as far as practicable, room for businesses to operate within the travel trade on the premise that it can contain and combat the COVID-19 epidemic, thereby facilitating the gradual resumption of the inbound travel market in an orderly manner.

Secretary for C...

Michael Wong tests positive

23-11-2022

Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong tested positive for COVID-19 through a polymerase chain reaction-based nucleic acid test, his office announced today.

He is undergoing isolation in accordance with the Centre for Health Protection’s guidelines.

Mr Wong, who has no recent travel history, las...

HK an East-West gateway

22-11-2022

I am pleased to welcome you to the 12th Asian Logistics, Maritime & Aviation Conference, the largest annual event of its kind in Asia, this year featuring some 90 high-profile speakers from all over the world.

That demands logistics of a superlative order, especially given that this year’s two-day ...

HK promoted in Thailand

21-11-2022

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau and a Hong Kong business delegation in Bangkok, Thailand, shared with Thai business sectors Hong Kong's favourable business environment and immense opportunities.

At a business seminar and lunch, Mr Yau pointed out that Hong Kong's continued ...

1.8% inflation in October

21-11-2022

Overall consumer prices rose 1.8% in October year-on-year, smaller than the 4.4% increase in September, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government's one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation rate was 1.7%, slightly less than September's 1.8%....

Extending HK’s global reach

21-11-2022

Following my visit to Manila, the Philippines at the end of September to attend the Asian Development Bank Annual Meeting and another trip to Bangkok, Thailand in mid-October to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers’ Meeting, Permanent Secretary for Financial Services & the Treas...

John Lee tells HK's good stories

19-11-2022

Chief Executive John Lee today said he has taken the opportunity during his visit to Thailand to tell the good stories of Hong Kong, including highlighting the city's advantages and opportunities.

Mr Lee made the remarks at a media session where he is attending the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation ...

Group tour agents’ requirements set

18-11-2022

Licensed travel agents are required to undertake strict compliance with certain anti-epidemic measures in order to arrange for inbound tour group travellers holding the Amber Code to enter specific catering premises to have meals.

The specific arrangements for inbound tour groups was implemented today.

Algernon Yau attends APEC meeting

17-11-2022

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau today attended one of the plenary sessions of the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand.

During the session themed Open & Sustainable Trade & Investment, Mr Yau and ministers of 20 other membe...

HK, Peru start trade pact talks

16-11-2022

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau arrived in Bangkok today to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministerial Meeting.

Upon his arrival, Mr Yau met Peru's Vice Minister of Foreign Trade Miguel Palomino and the two sides announced the launch of negotiations for a free...

ICT Awards winners announced

16-11-2022

The Hong Kong Information & Communications Technology (ICT) Awards 2022 presentation ceremony was held today, during which Acting Financial Secretary Michael Wong presented the Award of the Year to the Airport Authority

Apart from winning the Smart Mobility Grand Award, the authority exce...

LeaveHomeSafe app awarded

16-11-2022

The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer announced today that the LeaveHomeSafe mobile app was awarded the Best Public Health Partner 2022 at Huawei Developer Day APAC.

Government Chief Information Officer Victor Lam pointed out that the LeaveHomeSafe mobile app, with the number of download...