CE speaks at APEC meetings

17-11-2024

Chief Executive John Lee attended the 31st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Lima, Peru, where he exchanged views with leaders of other economies.
 
This year, APEC adopted the theme “Empower. Include. Grow”. As such, Mr Lee and other participants d...

Peru trip yields fruitful results: CE

17-11-2024

Chief Executive John Lee said his visit to Peru and participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting achieved three results.
 
He made the statement while meeting the media in Peru, telling reporters that the trip demonstrated Hong Kong’s commitment to promoting regional ec...

HK and Peru sign free trade pact

16-11-2024

Hong Kong and Peru signed a free trade agreement (FTA) on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Lima, Peru, on November 15.

In the witness of Chief Executive John Lee and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Developmen...

CE starts Peru visit

15-11-2024

Chief Executive John Lee started his visit programme to Lima, Peru.

Yesterday, he received President Xi Jinping who arrived to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting and visit Peru.

Mr Lee then called on a firm specialising in alpaca fibres to learn about...

Algernon Yau joins APEC meeting

15-11-2024

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau attended the 35th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting in Lima, Peru, to share Hong Kong’s efforts to promote digitalisation, and inclusive and sustainable growth of trade.

At a discussion session titled “In...

Retail infrastructure bond launched

15-11-2024

The Government today announced the launch of a retail infrastructure bond for subscription by Hong Kong residents.

The target issuance size of the bond is $20 billion, with each lot offered at $10,000 and a tenor of three years. Interest will be paid semi-annually at a rate linked to inflation in ...

HK 7th in digital competitiveness

14-11-2024

Hong Kong ranks seventh globally in the latest World Digital Competitiveness Ranking (WDCR) 2024 published by the International Institute for Management Development, up three places from last year, the Government announced today.

Among the three factors in WDCR 2024, Hong Kong continued to perform well i...

Sun Dong chairs tech meeting

12-11-2024

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong and Vice Minister of Science & Technology Lin Xin co-chaired the 18th meeting of the Mainland/Hong Kong Science & Technology Co-operation Committee in Xi'an today.

Prof Sun also called on Xi'an Municipal Government Mayor Ye Niuping...

John Lee thanks Xia Baolong

12-11-2024

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

Chief Executive John Lee today thanked CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong for highlighting what he thinks are t...

CE urges mutual respect relations

12-11-2024

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

Chief Executive John Lee said that all countries and economies should respect the fact that Hong Kong seeks to develop win-win trade relations with the principle of mutual respect.

Mr Lee made the statement whil...

Rosy future for ETF market: FS

12-11-2024

The Tracker Fund’s significance extends well beyond its market size and liquidity. It carries a unique historical weight for the Hong Kong financial industry. The creation of the fund was for the orderly and non-disruptive disposal of a substantial portfolio of shares acquired by the Government in a decis...

Meeting on low-altitude economy held

12-11-2024

The Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy, headed by Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, convened its first meeting today to discuss the overall strategies and work plan for developing a low-altitude economy (LAE).

The working group identified four work directions.

First, starting ...

John Lee to depart for Peru

12-11-2024

Chief Executive John Lee will depart for Peru tomorrow to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting and other related activities in Lima.

This year, APEC has adopted the theme “Empower. Include. Grow”, with discussions focused on three priorities that include...

17 strategic enterprises come to HK

11-11-2024

The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) today hosted the OASES Partnership Signing Ceremony to welcome a new batch of strategic enterprises to set up or expand their operations in Hong Kong.

At the ceremony witnessed by Financial Secretary Paul Chan, 17 strategic enterprises signed...

Sun Dong visits Xi'an

11-11-2024

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong, and a delegation he led, began his visit to Xi’an today.

He exchanged views on the development of innovation and technology (I&T) in Hong Kong and Shaanxi when he called on CPC Shaanxi Provincial Committee Secretary Zhao Yide and...

Sun Dong headed to Xi’an

10-11-2024

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong will lead a Hong Kong delegation to Xi'an tomorrow for the 18th meeting of the Mainland/Hong Kong Science & Technology Co-operation Committee.

The committee is tasked with organising and co-ordinating technological exchange and co-oper...

Meeting on tourist hotspots held

8-11-2024

The Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots, led by Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing, held its first meeting today to discuss how to identify and develop tourist hotspots of high popularity and with strong appeal in various districts.

Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan city endowed with a wealth of ...

SFST concludes Swiss visit

8-11-2024

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui met Swiss financial officials and top management of the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Bern and Lausanne, respectively, on the last day of his visit in Switzerland.

On Thursday morning, Mr Hui met State Secre...

Financial reporting body chair named

8-11-2024

The Government announced today that the Chief Executive has, pursuant to the Accounting & Financial Reporting Council Ordinance, appointed David Sun as Chairman of the Accounting & Financial Reporting Council (AFRC) for two years starting January 1, 2025.

Mr Sun was Director of Audit between 2012...

Base rate lowered to 5%

8-11-2024

The Monetary Authority announced today that it has decreased the base rate to 5% with immediate effect.

The decrease, according to a pre-set formula, follows a 25-basis point downward adjustment in the target range for the US federal funds rate on November 7.

The base rate is the interest rate form...

Sun Dong visits research institution

7-11-2024

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong yesterday visited the University of Waterloo, in Canada, to learn about its work in transforming research outcomes into viable applications.

A research-intensive institution, the University of Waterloo ranked 21st in computer science and i...

SFST attends UN experts’ session

7-11-2024

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui attended the 41st session of the Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting & Reporting (ISAR) organised by the UN Conference on Trade & Development in Geneva yesterday.

At the meeting, Mr...

Silver economy meeting held

7-11-2024

Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing today chaired the first meeting of the “Working Group on Promoting Silver Economy” to commence co-ordination of relevant bureaus’ work plans.

The Chief Executive announced in the 2024 Policy Address that a working group, chaired by the Deputy Chief Se...

HK’s advantages promoted in Ottawa

6-11-2024

Continuing a visit to Canada, Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong delivered a keynote speech at a Seminar on Life Science & Global Health, held at the Parliament Building in Ottawa.

Prof Sun said that while Canada is a long-recognised powerhouse in the field of life and ...

CE meets Shanghai leaders

6-11-2024

Chief Executive John Lee today met Shanghai leaders and exchanged views with representatives from enterprises as well as talent who have newly settled in Hong Kong.

Continuing his visit to Shanghai with a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government delegation, Mr Lee spoke to the enterprises and t...

HK participates in import expo

5-11-2024

The seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) is being held from today to November 10 at the National Exhibition & Convention Center in Shanghai.

Over 300 Hong Kong enterprises are participating in this year's CIIE to promote quality Hong Kong products and services, representing almost one-tenth...

Sun Dong begins Canada visit

5-11-2024

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong began his visit to Toronto, Canada, by touring an innovation hub, the University of Toronto and a startup.

In the morning of November 4, Prof Sun visited MaRS Discovery District and met its Chief Executive Officer Alison Nankivell to recei...

SFST promotes HK in Zurich

5-11-2024

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui yesterday began a visit to Switzerland, where he is promoting Hong Kong's status as an international centre for asset, wealth and risk management.

In Zurich, Mr Hui met Swiss Re Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Solutions I...

Public R&D centres merger proposed

5-11-2024

To implement the development plans set out in the Hong Kong Innovation & Technology Development Blueprint, the Government has proposed to merge the two research and development (R&D) centres - the Hong Kong Applied Science & Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) and the Nano & Advanced Material...

SFST headed to Switzerland

3-11-2024

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui will depart on a visit to Switzerland today, and will return to Hong Kong on Friday.

In Geneva, Mr Hui will attend and speak at the 41st session of the Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting &...

Sun Dong to visit Canada

3-11-2024

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong will depart today on a visit to Canada, where he will stop in Toronto, Ottawa and Waterloo and seek to strengthen co-operation between Hong Kong and Canada in areas such as innovation and technology (I&T).

Prof Sun will meet leaders of...

CS sends off polar expedition team

1-11-2024

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki attended the send-off event of China's 41st Antarctic expedition team at the Guangzhou Nansha International Cruise Home Port this morning.

The expedition team is travelling to Antarctica aboard the icebreakers Xuelong and Xuelong 2, which have visited Hong Kong before.

...

Wealth scheme brokers set

1-11-2024

The China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Securities & Futures Commission of Hong Kong issued announcements respectively today on the first batch of brokers eligible to participate in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect Pilot Scheme.

The Ho...

Talent and migration plans refined

1-11-2024

The Government today launched three measures to enhance the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) and the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), following the announcement of reforms to the talent admission regime in the 2024 Policy Address.

The first measure calls for expanding the list of eligible univers...

HK to host Olympics body meeting

1-11-2024

The 2024 General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) announced yesterday the successful bid of Hong Kong, China to host the 2026 ANOC General Assembly.

The ANOC comprises 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and is responsible for protecting and advancing the interests of ...

GBA data flow measure extended

1-11-2024

The extension of the facilitation measure on the Standard Contract for the Cross-boundary Flow of Personal Information Within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Mainland, Hong Kong) to all sectors started today.

The Digital Policy Office (DPO) made the announcement and explained that the mov...

Sep retail sales drop 6.9%

1-11-2024

The value of total retail sales in September, provisionally estimated at $29.6 billion, decreased 6.9% compared with the same month in 2023, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

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

FS concludes Riyadh trip

1-11-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan completed the final day of his visit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, yesterday by participating in several events at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) with his delegation.

Speaking at a themed session at the conference, Mr Chan highlighted that Hong Kong is actively developing...

FS explores opportunities in Riyadh

31-10-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan, currently leading a delegation on a visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, yesterday attended the listing ceremony for the first Saudi exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks Hong Kong stocks on the Saudi stock exchange.

The fund is the result of collaboration between Albilad Bank o...

Mortgage loans down 20.6%

31-10-2024

The value of residential mortgage loans approved in September was $17.3 billion, a 20.6% drop compared with August, the Monetary Authority announced today.

Mortgage loans financing primary market transactions dropped 27.2% to $5.6 billion, while those financing secondary market transactions decreased 15....

Economy grows 1.8% in Q3

31-10-2024

Hong Kong’s economy grew 1.8% in the third quarter of 2024 over the same period a year earlier, down from a 3.2% increase in the second quarter, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

According to the advance estimates, gross domestic product (GDP) decreased by 1.1% in real terms in...

FS visits Saudi Arabia

30-10-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan led a delegation from the financial and innovation sectors on a visit to Saudi Arabia and attended the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh.

While participating in a panel discussion during the conference, Mr Chan stated that Hong Kong is actively promoting the development...

US tech investment curbs rejected

29-10-2024

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today rejected a US measure restricting investment in China, including the Hong Kong SAR, on semiconductors and microelectronics, quantum information technologies, and artificial intelligence systems.

In a statement this evening, the Hong Kong SAR Go...

Economic, trade policies explained

29-10-2024

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau today briefed members of the Trade & Industry Advisory Board on major initiatives related to economic and trade developments in the 2024 Policy Address.

Mr Yau said that the Policy Address announced a series of initiatives, including a re...

CE to attend Shanghai expo

29-10-2024

Chief Executive John Lee will lead a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government delegation to visit Shanghai on November 4 and attend the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE).
   
Apart from attending the opening ceremony of the CIIE and the Hongqiao International Economic For...

Expo seeks to boost SMEs' growth

29-10-2024

A fair aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to undertake digital transformation is being held today and tomorrow.

Held annually, “SME ReachOut: FUND Fair plus Tech Sourcing 2024” is organised by the Productivity Council’s SME ReachOut and supported by th...

Blockchain, AI shaping fintech: FS

28-10-2024

Hong Kong is emerging fast as one of the most attractive global fintech hubs. In the first half of this year, among the top 10 fintech deals in the Asia-Pacific region, three were in the Mainland and two in Hong Kong. That means, ladies and gentlemen, you are in the right spot to search for the fintech opportu...

FinTech Week starts

28-10-2024

Hong Kong FinTech Week 2024 opened today with its co-organiser, the Monetary Authority (HKMA), outlining a series of initiatives to spearhead fintech development in Hong Kong.

On asset tokenisation, the HKMA has ...

Proper use of AI necessary: Govt

28-10-2024

The Government today issued a policy statement on the responsible application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial market, in which security-related issues will be duly considered in the adoption of AI in the financial services industry.

Noting that the application of AI in the financi...

FS bound for Saudi Arabia

27-10-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan will lead a 110-strong delegation to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, tomorrow to strengthen Hong Kong-Middle East connections in areas such as trade, finance, and innovation and technology (I&T).

The delegation will aim to promote Hong Kong on multiple fronts, tell good stories ab...

Sports chief to visit Portugal

27-10-2024

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung will depart for Portugal tomorrow, along with a delegation from the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, to attend the 2024 General Assembly of the Association of the National Olympic Committees (ANOC).

Mr Yeung will take t...

HK a dynamic fintech hub

25-10-2024

The Government is committed to promoting fintech development in Hong Kong, to enhance the competitiveness of its financial services industry and accelerate digitalisation.

To support the Government’s strategy, Invest Hong Kong actively assists enterprises in the sector in setting up or expanding th...

InnoCarnival 2024 opens

26-10-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today officiated at the opening ceremony of the InnoCarnival 2024, which is being held from now until November 3 at the Hong Kong Science Park.

Organised by the Innovation & Technology Commission (ITC), the event features exhibits showcasing local innovation and t...

Asset management task force set up

25-10-2024

The Task Force on Promoting the Development of Asset & Wealth Management, chaired by Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui, was established and convened its first meeting today.

The 2024 Policy Address has set out the need to further enhance Hong Kong's status as an inte...

FS concludes US visit

25-10-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan wrapped up his visit in New York yesterday by meeting representatives from several family offices and touring a technology accelerator and venture capital platform.

In the morning, Mr Chan held a breakfast meeting with representatives from several family offices, introducing...

Updated IT rules explained

23-10-2024

The latest version of the Government’s IT Security Guidelines aims to strengthen the security barrier of its internal information network system and does not involve a “blanket ban” on the use of relevant communication tools, the Digital Policy Office has said.

The office made a statement ...

FS promotes HK's advantages in US

24-10-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan delivered a speech and held discussions with President of the National Committee on United States-China Relations Steve Orlins as he continued a visit to New York, the US.

Mr Chan gave his speech at a lunch co-hosted by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in New York a...

Passage of rating bill welcomed

23-10-2024

The Government welcomed the passage of the Rating (Amendment) Bill 2024 by the Legislative Council today, which gives effect to the progressive rating system for domestic tenements.

The bill will take effect from the fourth quarter of this financial year, ie January to March 2025, to uphold the “aff...

FS begins New York visit

23-10-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan has begun a visit to New York by delivering a keynote speech at the Bloomberg Global Regulatory Forum on the theme of how to build a future-proof financial system.

Mr Chan outlined that despite facing various challenges in recent years, Hong Kong’s economic and financia...

FS speaks at APEC meeting

22-10-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan spoke on various topics while attending day two of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers' Meeting (FMM) and related activities in Peru yesterday.

The topics included global and regional economic and financial outlooks, sustainable finance, sustainabl...

September sees 2.2% inflation

22-10-2024

Overall consumer prices rose 2.2% year-on-year in September, a smaller rate of increase than the 2.5% seen in August, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, underlying inflation was 0.9%, also smaller than that rec...

SFC report welcomed

22-10-2024

The Government today welcomed the publication of the annual report by the Process Review Panel for the Securities & Futures Commission (SFC), covering the panel’s work in 2023-24.

The Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau said the panel had conducted a thorough review of the SFCâ�...

Silver Bond allocations announced

21-10-2024

The subscription and allocation results for the latest batch of Silver Bonds were released today.

A total of 300,413 valid applications, seeking a total of $69.9 billion in bond principals, were received.

More than half of the applications, 166,177, were for 23 units or fewer. These applicants will...

FS attends APEC meeting in Peru

21-10-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan began his visit in Lima, Peru, to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers' Meeting and related activities.

Yesterday morning, he attended the Finance Ministers' Retreat, a meeting focused on discussing the fiscal policies of economies and severa...

FS to visit Peru and the US

18-10-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart for Peru this evening to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting and other related events in the country's capital Lima, before heading to New York City in the US.

Under the banner “Sustainable + Digital + Resilien...

More measures to support SMEs

18-10-2024

The Monetary Authority (HKMA), together with the banking sector, introduced multiple measures today to further support, through financing as well as banking products and services, the continuous development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The HKMA said around 20,000 SMEs have benefitted fro...

Christopher Hui to visit Beijing

18-10-2024

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui will depart for Beijing tomorrow to attend the Annual Conference of the Financial Street Forum 2024, before returning to Hong Kong the following day.

More than 500 guests from over 30 countries and regions worldwide will take part in the...

Mortgage loan measure explained

17-10-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today said he is confident that the Government’s adjustment of the maximum loan-to-value ratio for all properties to 70% will be conducive to the healthy and stable development of the Hong Kong property market.

Elaborating on the measure, announced in yesterday’s P...

HK hones its financial edge

16-10-2024

Chief Executive John Lee unveiled bold plans in his 2024 Policy Address for consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre.

Upon highlighting the fact that Hong Kong is an international financial centre, ranking third globally and first in investment environment,...

I&T will drive city’s development: CE

16-10-2024

Delivering his 2024 Policy Address, Chief Executive John Lee said today that Hong Kong must harness new quality productive forces and technological innovation as it seeks to achieve high-quality economic development.

Mr Lee outlined that in its efforts to become an international centre for innovation and...

Govt to launch committee for talent

16-10-2024

Chief Executive John Lee today revealed that the Government will set up a Committee on Education, Technology & Talents to promote Hong Kong as an international hub for high-calibre talent.

Unveiling a raft of measures aimed at building the city’s capacity in terms of knowledge, talent and opport...

Metropolis project to be expedited

16-10-2024

Chief Executive John Lee says the Government will expedite the implementation of economic and housing-related projects in the Northern Metropolis while maintaining a prudent fiscal position, highlighting that some 60,000 housing units will be completed in the next five years.

Unveiling his third Pol...

HK ranked world's freest economy

16-10-2024

The Fraser Institute's Economic Freedom of the World 2024 Annual Report published today has ranked Hong Kong as the world's freest economy among 165 economies, up by one place from 2023.

Among the five areas of assessment in the report, the city ranked top in "Freedom to trade internationally" and "Regul...

New SFC chairman appointed

14-10-2024

The Chief Executive has, pursuant to the Securities & Futures Ordinance, appointed Kelvin Wong as Chairman of the Securities & Futures Commission (SFC) for a term of three years from October 20, 2024, to October 19, 2027, the Government today announced.

Mr Wong was a non-executive director of the...

New trade in services pact signed

9-10-2024

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Ministry of Commerce today signed the Second Agreement Concerning Amendment to the Mainland & Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) Agreement on Trade in Services (Amendment Agreement II).

Chief Executive Jo...

Family office collaboration unveiled

9-10-2024

The Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau today announced the establishment of the Hong Kong Family Office Nexus, a strategic collaboration between the bureau and Bloomberg L.P.

The partnership is aimed at attracting family offices from around the world to establish or expand their presence in Hon...

FinTech Week to kick off on Oct 28

8-10-2024

The ninth edition of Hong Kong FinTech Week (HKFW), themed “Illuminating New Pathways in Fintech” will take place from October 28 to November 1, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced today.

HKFW 2024 will place a significant emphasis on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial...

AI subsidy scheme opens

7-10-2024

The Government launched the Artificial Intelligence Subsidy Scheme and began accepting applications today.

Eligible organisations are welcome to submit applications to Cyberport. A hybrid information session will be held on October 10.

To promote the development of an artificial intelligence...

3 pre-sale consents issued in Q3

7-10-2024

The Lands Department announced today that it issued three pre-sale consents for residential developments involving 213 units in the third quarter of this year.

Such pre-sale consents were issued for three residential developments.

Two of the developments are expected to be completed this year. One ...

Telling good stories through stamps

4-10-2024

A rich treasure trove of postal artefacts can be found on the first floor of the Hongkong Post Building in Kowloon Bay.

The new Postal Gallery spans approximately 200 sq m, a quarter larger than the previous 160 sq m gallery at the General Post Office in Central.

“Unlike the open display of t...

InnoCarnival showcase set

4-10-2024

The Innovation & Technology Commission will hold InnoCarnival 2024 from October 26 to November 3 to showcase local innovation and technology (I&T) achievements. A diverse line-up of about 150 workshops and webinars across various subjects will also be available during the carnival.

Themed ...

HK a top place to do business

3-10-2024

Hong Kong is among the top 10 performers of 50 economies covered in the first Business Ready 2024 Report published by the World Bank Group (WBG) today, the Government said today.

In a statement, the Government said the WBG Report has given recognition to Hong Kong as an international trading centr...

August retail sales dip 10.1%

3-10-2024

The value of total retail sales in August, provisionally estimated at $29.2 billion, decreased 10.1% compared with the same month in 2023, 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 ...

Fintech measures discussed

3-10-2024

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui today chaired the fourth meeting of the Coordination Group on Implementation of Fintech Initiatives.

During the meeting, he held discussions with representatives from the financial regulators, the fintech sector, academia and research in...

Performing arts scheme launched

2-10-2024

The Government announced today the launch of the Signature Performing Arts Programme Scheme for selecting performing arts productions with potential and nurturing them to become representative and large-scale local productions for long-running performances.

Each...

Mortgage loans down 12.2%

30-9-2024

The value of residential mortgage loans approved in July was $ 21.8 billion, a 12.2% drop compared with July, the Monetary Authority announced today.

Mortgage loans financing primary market transactions dropped 11.7% to $7.6 billion, while those financing secondary market transactions decreased 13.7% to ...

Financial services growing apace

19-9-2024

Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Charles Ng says Hong Kong’s financial services sector is currently undergoing accelerated growth, thanks to the ongoing recovery seen in the city’s overall economy, as well as favourable government policies.

In the first eight months of this ye...

FS speaks to UK business sector

28-9-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan spoke to the UK’s political and business communities to promote Hong Kong as he attended a roundtable meeting and a luncheon in London on the final leg of his visit.

Mr Chan joined a roundtable meeting organised by The CityUK, an industry-led body representing UK-based ...

SIM card registration enhanced

27-9-2024

The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) today announced that starting October 1, Hong Kong identity (HKID) card holders completing real-name registration for pre-paid SIM (PPS) cards via telecommunications service providers' online registration platforms can by default register and verify their ident...

FS begins UK visit

27-9-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan began his visit to London yesterday where he attended the annual "Hong Kong Dinner" engagement to share the latest developments in Hong Kong with participants.
 
The dinner event, with about 350 leaders from the British political and business sectors and professionals i...

Belt-Road tax forum ends

26-9-2024

The 5th Belt & Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum (BRITACOF) hosted by the Inland Revenue Department concluded successfully today.

This three-day annual mega event in the international tax community attracted about 500 tax officials, tax experts, as well as representatives fr...

Exports up 6.4% in August

26-9-2024

The value of Hong Kong's total exports increased to $381.3 billion in August, up 6.4% on the same month last year, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

The value of the city's imports rose 7.9% to $414.4 billion in the same period.

A trade deficit of $33.1 billion, or 8% of the v...

FS wraps up Spain trip

25-9-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today wrapped up his visit to Spain by attending an exchange session organised by the IESE Business School in Madrid.

Leading a delegation of technology startups, Mr Chan met more than 10 Spanish startup entrepreneurs, representatives of venture capital funds, investors and ...

Sun Dong attends automotive summit

25-9-2024

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong attended automotive supply chain meetings in Wuhan, Hubei Province today.

In the morning, Prof Sun attended the 2024 China Automotive Supply Chain Conference & the Third China Intelligent Networked New Energy Vehicle Ecological Confere...

FS meets Spanish business leaders

25-9-2024

Continuing his visit to Madrid, Spain, Financial Secretary Paul Chan yesterday spoke at a business lunch, met Spanish officials and visited local enterprises.

Delivering a keynote speech at a lunch with about 150 leaders from Spain’s business, financial, and innovation and technology sectors, Mr Cha...

Communication proposals get support

25-9-2024

The Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau today published the consultation conclusions on promoting paperless corporate communication for Hong Kong companies, outlining the views received during the consultation, along with the Government's response and the way forward.

The public consultat...

HK, Türkiye enter into tax pact

24-9-2024

Hong Kong today signed a comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreement (CDTA) with Türkiye.

Signing the agreement on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said the CDTA will further promote ec...

Sun Dong begins Wuhan visit

24-9-2024

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

During a meeting with Hubei Vice Governor Chen Ping on the development of innovation and technology (I&T) and new industries in Hong Kong and Hubei, Prof Sun introduced the Hong Kong Spec...

Belt-Road tax forum held

24-9-2024

The three-day 5th Belt & Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum (BRITACOF) opened today at the AsiaWorld-Expo, marking the first time for Hong Kong to host the forum.

Themed "Deepening Tax Administration Cooperation for High-Quality Belt & Road Development", the forum gathere...

FS promotes HK-Spain ties

24-9-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan, on a visit to Spain, has called on the Plenary of the City Council of Madrid, a local innovation and technology centre, and a Spanish innovation accelerator and venture capital fund.

Mr Chan yesterday met President of Madrid's City Council Plenary Francisco de Borja Fanjul ...

Algernon Yau visits Singapore

24-9-2024

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau met senior officials and business leaders in Singapore to deepen trade and economic ties, and explore collaboration opportunities during his visit from September 22 to 24.

​Mr Yau updated representatives from major business chambers of S...

HK rises to 3rd in finance hub ranking

24-9-2024

Hong Kong has been ranked third in the Global Financial Centres Index 36 Report, published today by the UK’s Z/Yen and the Shenzhen-based China Development Institute, up from fourth place in the March version of the index.
 

The city also ranked first in the Asia-Pacific region. Its overall ...

FS begins Spain visit

23-9-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan arrived in Madrid, Spain yesterday and began his trip by leading a group of Hong Kong tech startups to visit the country's innovation organisation Spain Startup.

Mr Chan met Spain Startup President Maria Benjumea and representatives from its partner IE University of Spain.

Sun Dong to visit Wuhan

23-9-2024

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong will depart for a visit to Wuhan in Hubei Province tomorrow morning to learn more about the province's efforts in promoting the development of innovation and technology, and new industrialisation.

He will tour advanced manufacturing and mi...

FS to visit Spain and UK

21-9-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart tomorrow for Europe, where he will visit Madrid and London before returning to Hong Kong on September 29.

Mr Chan will lead a delegation from the innovation and technology (I&T) sector on the trip. It will comprise senior executives from the Science & Tec...

Golden Week crowd control set

20-9-2024

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung today chaired an interdepartmental meeting to follow up on the preparation work for the arrival of visitors to Hong Kong during the Mainland's National Day Golden Week.

Mr Yeung noted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will ...

CE attends economic symposium

20-9-2024

Chief Executive John Lee, leading a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation, attended the 27th Beijing Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Symposium and the Hong Kong Investment Promotion Conference in Beijing today.

Themed “Leveraging mutual strengths, creating prosperity together”, the ...

Inflation at 2.5% in August

20-9-2024

Overall consumer prices rose 2.5% year-on-year in August, the same as that in July, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, underlying inflation was 1.2%, also unchanged from July.

Compared with August last ye...

Algernon Yau attends ASEAN session

20-9-2024

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau and Minister of Industry & Commerce of Laos Malaithong Kommasith co-chaired the eighth Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers - Hong Kong, China (HKC) Consultation in Vientiane today.

The session discussed issue...

FS calls on Ministry of Finance

19-9-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan, accompanying the Chief Executive on his visit to Beijing, called on Minister of Finance Lan Fo’an today.

Mr Chan thanked the Ministry of Finance for its staunch support to Hong Kong in various areas. He then had in-depth exchanges with Mr Lan on the economic and finan...

New industrialisation pact signed

19-9-2024

Chief Executive John Lee and Minister of Industry & Information Technology Jin Zhuanglong today witnessed the signing of the Co-operation Agreement on the Development of New Quality Productive Forces & the Promotion of New Industrialisation between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government...

HK soars in talent ranking

19-9-2024

The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) today published its World Talent Ranking 2024, with Hong Kong returning to the top 10 for the first time since 2016 as it rose from 16th to ninth.

Hong Kong improved across all three talent competitiveness factors as compared to last year. Its ...

Base rate lowered to 5.25%

19-9-2024

The Monetary Authority today announced that it has decreased the base rate to 5.25% with immediate effect.

The decrease follows a 50-basis point downward shift in the target range for the US federal funds rate on September 18.

The base rate is the interest rate forming the foundation upon which the...

Algernon Yau to depart for Laos

18-9-2024

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau will depart for Vientiane, Laos, tomorrow to attend the eighth Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers - Hong Kong, China (HKC) Consultation meeting to be held on September 20.

Mr Yau and the participating economic m...

CE to visit Beijing

17-9-2024

Chief Executive John Lee will lead a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government delegation on a visit to Beijing from September 19. On September 20, they will attend the opening ceremony of the 27th Beijing-Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Symposium and Beijing-Hong Kong Cooperation Promotion Conference....

US legislation condemned

17-9-2024

Chief Executive John Lee today condemned the US House of Representatives’ passage of the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office Certification Act, which he said will only harm US trade ties with Hong Kong.

Mr Lee made a statement on the matter before attending an Executive Council meeting this mornin...

Investment scheme well received

16-9-2024

Invest Hong Kong today reported a strong response to the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) which has received more than 500 applications and over 5,000 enquiries since its launch on March 1.

Citing the figures as of September 13, InvestHK expects the scheme will bring an invest...

New Industrialisation fund launched

16-9-2024

The Innovation & Technology Commission today launched a $10 billion New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme to provide funding support for enterprises in strategically important industries to set up new smart production facilities in Hong Kong.

The Government will provide funding by suppleme...

New talent embrace HK life

13-9-2024

Cantonese as a tonal language can be difficult to learn. Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) has partnered with Hong Kong Wen Wei Management College to offer a regular Cantonese course to help newly arrived talent integrate into the community.

Through small-group teaching and interactive methods, the instruc...

HK-ASEAN ties hold huge promise

13-9-2024

Hong Kong values its strong relations with the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) region. Trade powers our deep, valued and endlessly expanding, ties. For good reason. ASEAN has been our second-largest merchandise trade partner for more than a decade. Last year, our trade reached US$145 billion. Tha...

CE meets top Vietnamese official

11-9-2024

Chief Executive John Lee today met visiting Permanent Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Hoa Binh at Government House.

Mr Lee welcomed the Vietnamese official’s visit to Hong Kong with his delegation for the Ninth Belt & Road Summit.

The Chief Executive said Hong Kong and Vietnam are ...

HK key to Belt-Road Initiative

11-9-2024

Good morning. And welcome, one and all, to the Ninth Belt & Road Summit, an annual summit held by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

I am pleased to say that this year's summit has attracted around 6,000 high-profile individuals from so...

Algernon Yau condemns US smears

11-9-2024

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau said today that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government strongly condemned the US House of Representatives for slandering the laws on safeguarding national security in Hong Kong.

Speaking to the media after attending the Ninth ...

Opportunities abound in HK: FS

11-9-2024

Since it was first proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013, the Belt & Road Initiative has connected countries, regions and continents through advancing infrastructure development, and strengthening collaboration in trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.

Over the years, the initiative ha...

Tour group food poisoning probed

10-9-2024

The Tourism Commission expressed concern about reports of Mainland inbound tour groups seeking medical attention at hospital owing to suspected food poisoning today and immediately contacted the Travel Industry Authority (TIA) to understand the situation and provide assistance to the visitors concerned.

...

New Silver Bond batch launched

10-9-2024

The Government announced today the launch of a new batch of the Silver Bond offering a minimum interest rate of 4%, and residents who turn 60 in or before 2025 and hold a valid Hong Kong identity card are eligible for subscription.

The target issuance size of the Silver Bond is $50 billion, with e...

Sun Dong attends cybersecurity week

8-9-2024

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong attended the opening ceremony of 2024 China Cybersecurity Week this morning in Nansha, Guangzhou and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cybersecurity collaboration.

The MOU was signed by the Digital Policy Off...

US business advisory misleading

7-9-2024

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today rejected the misleading and untruthful remarks on Hong Kong's legal system and business environment in the so-called updated "business advisory" issued by various departments of the US government which tried to create panic.

It said in a sta...

Cybersecurity campaign launched

7-9-2024

The 2024 Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign organised by the Digital Policy Office (DPO) was officially launched today to support China Cybersecurity Week, the Innovation, Technology & Industry Bureau said.

The campaign kicked off with the 2024 Cybersecurity Awareness Fun Day, jointly organised by the ...

Sun Dong to depart for GZ

6-9-2024

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong will depart tomorrow for Nansha, Guangzhou, where will deliver a speech at the opening ceremony of 2024 China Cybersecurity Week.

Taking as its theme “Cybersecurity for the People, Cybersecurity relies on the People”, this yearâ...

Kevin Yeung meets French creatives

6-9-2024

On the second day of a visit to Paris, France, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung yesterday met representatives of the creative and design industries.

In the morning, Mr Yeung discussed opportunities for stronger collaboration between Hong Kong and Paris in the creative and design in...

FS concludes visit to Australia

5-9-2024

Before wrapping up his visit in Australia today, Financial Secretary Paul Chan promoted Hong Kong's business advantages to local business leaders in Sydney.
 
In the morning, Mr Chan attended a roundtable breakfast meeting organised by HSBC, where he shared updates on Hong Kong’s latest economic s...

GD to issue bonds in HK

5-9-2024

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government welcomed today's announcement by the People's Government of Guangdong Province that it will issue offshore renminbi (RMB) local government bonds in Hong Kong, which will be listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
 
The People's Government of Gua...

FS meets tech firms in Sydney

4-9-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today visited Sydney to meet the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, local fintech companies and members of the Hong Kong community based in the city.

In the morning, Mr Chan met Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Michele Bullock to discuss the current gl...

FS attends Asia Summit

3-9-2024

On the second day of his visit in Melbourne, Financial Secretary Paul Chan attended the Asia Summit, called on Chinese Consul-General in Melbourne Fang Xinwen and met a Hong Kong electric vehicle charging operator and its Australian partner.

Mr Chan delivered a speech that highlighted Hong Kong’s oppor...

FS visits Melbourne

2-9-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today met senior officers of the Australia China Business Council (ACBC) and attended a lunch event as he continued the Melbourne leg of his visit to Australia. 

In the morning, Mr Chan met National Chief Executive Officer of the ACBC Tom Parker and President of the ACB...

B&R Summit adopts green theme

30-8-2024

The 2024 edition of the Belt & Road Summit, co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Trade Development Council (TDC), will be held on September 11 and 12 at the Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Themed “Building a connected, innovative and green Belt & Ro...

FS to visit Australia

31-8-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart for Australia for a duty visit tomorrow, the Government announced today.

In Melbourne and Sydney, Mr Chan will meet members of the local business, finance, and innovation and technology sectors, as well as call on various enterprises.

In addition to attendi...

Govt supports SMEs' transformation

30-8-2024

The Government’s staunch support for local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) has long been a cornerstone of its economic strategy – and no better illustration of this approach is offered by the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme. Launched in late March, the programme has already suppor...

July retail sales dip 11.8%

30-8-2024

The value of total retail sales in July, provisionally estimated at $29.1 billion, decreased 11.8% compared with the same month in 2023, 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 to...

RTHK advisory chief reappointed

30-8-2024

The Government announced today that the Chief Executive has reappointed Lam Tai-fai as Chairman of the Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) Board of Advisors.

The Chief Executive has also reappointed five incumbent members and appointed seven new members to the board.

They will serve for two ye...

Mortgage loans up 1.5%

30-8-2024

The value of residential mortgage loans approved in July was $24.8 billion, a 1.5% increase compared with June, the Monetary Authority announced today.

Mortgage loans financing primary market transactions rose 0.7% to $8.6 billion, while those financing secondary market transactions dipped 1% to $13.7 bi...

FS promotes HK-Jiangsu ties

28-8-2024

Visiting Nanjing today, Financial Secretary Paul Chan attended the “SmartHK” event and met Governor of Jiangsu Province Xu Kunlin, as well as Jiangsu businessmen who are investing in Hong Kong.

In the morning, he delivered opening remarks at “SmartHK”, noting that Jiangsu has been deepening its e...

FS hosts meeting on plenary session

27-8-2024

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today invited members of the publicity delegation for the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC Central Committee) to attend a sharing session at Central Government Offices hosted by Financia...

FS to visit Nanjing

27-8-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart this evening for Nanjing, where he will attend the event “SmartHK” tomorrow.

During his visit, Mr Chan will call on the leadership of Jiangsu and Nanjing. He will also meet representatives of the province’s industrial and commercial sectors, as well as Hong...

Exports up 13.1% in July

27-8-2024

The value of Hong Kong's total exports increased to $390.4 billion in July, up 13.1% on the same month last year, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

The value of the city’s imports increased 9.9% to $412.3 billion in the same period.

A trade deficit of $21.8 billion, or 5.3% ...

Sci-tech cluster ranks 2nd globally

27-8-2024

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government welcomed the World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) ranking of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster as second globally for the fifth consecutive year.

It said that the WIPO’s Global Innovation Index 2024 top 100 science and technolog...

Sun Dong continues Beijing trip

23-8-2024

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong called on Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Zhou Ji on the second day of his trip to Beijing.

Prof Sun first visited the National Development & Reform Commission to update its Se...

Public services kiosk set up in Zhuhai

23-8-2024

The Digital Policy Office announced today the setting up of a Hong Kong Cross-boundary Public Services self-service kiosk in Zhuhai.

It explained that the self-service kiosk gives residents and enterprises in Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area access to public servic...

CE meets Djiboutian Prime Minister

23-8-2024

Chief Executive John Lee met visiting Djiboutian Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed at Government House today to exchange views on issues of mutual interest.

While welcoming the Prime Minister's visit to Hong Kong, apart from telling him that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong...

Report on subdivided units submitted

22-8-2024

The Task Force on Tackling the Issue of Subdivided Units today submitted a report to the Chief Executive, following an in-depth study conducted over the past 10 months.

Along with the study’s findings, the report makes detailed recommendations.

As head of the task force, Deputy Financial Secretar...

UN pre-summit held

22-8-2024

The Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) today co-hosted with the United Nations (UN) in China the United Nations Pre-Summit of the Future Dialogue, in anticipation of the UN Summit of the Future scheduled to be held in New York on September 22 and 23.
 
The pre-summit, the first coll...

Sun Dong visits central ministries

22-8-2024

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong today visited the Ministry of Industry & Information Technology and the National Health Commission, and attended the 2024 World Robot Conference in Beijing.
 
He gave Vice-Minister of Industry & Information Technology Zhang Yu...

Biased Bloomberg report rejected

20-8-2024

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said it opposed Bloomberg’s biased report on the submissions made by some organisations on the proposed legislative framework to enhance protection of computer systems of critical infrastructures, taking the views of the submissions out of context....

July sees 2.5% inflation

20-8-2024

Overall consumer prices rose 2.5% year on year in July, a higher rate of increase than the 1.5% seen in June, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, underlying inflation was 1.2%, also higher than that recorded in Ju...

CE attends Policy Address forum

18-8-2024

Chief Executive John Lee today led his team of principal officials to attend a district forum to listen to the public's views on the upcoming Policy Address.

Held at Tai Po Government Primary School and joined by about 120 people from different backgrounds, the two-hour district forum consisted of two se...

Residents to test driverless buses

16-8-2024

Starting at the end of this month, two autonomous shuttle light buses will begin a trial run at Fairview Garden in Yuen Long for about seven months. Residents will be able to use the driverless vehicles as they shuttle along a 2.5km loop road in the housing estates.

While both light buses have similar sp...

Kevin Yeung visits Sichuan

16-8-2024

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung, while visiting Sichuan today, attended the co-operation agreement signing ceremony on the gift of a pair of giant pandas from the central government to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

At the Dujiangyan Base of the China Conservation &a...

Sharp rise in firms locating in HK

15-8-2024

As Hong Kong’s economic recovery gathers pace, bolstered by support at a national level, data from Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) indicates that companies are accelerating their business expansion in the city.

In the first half of 2024, the department assisted 322 companies in setting up or expanding thei...

AI subsidy committee appointed

12-8-2024

The Government today announced the appointments of members to the Committee of the Artificial Intelligence Subsidy Scheme for a three-year term from August 15.

To promote the development of the local artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem, the Government has allocated $3 billion for the launch of a three...

Scheme boosts new industrialisation

8-8-2024

In July 2020, the Government launched the New Industrialisation Funding Scheme (NIFS) to subsidise local manufacturers in setting up new smart production lines in Hong Kong. The NIFS involves awarding grants, with the Government topping up sums spent by companies on new equipment on a 1:2 basis.

Establis...

I&T grand challenge pitch held

10-8-2024

The second City I&T Grand Challenge concluded its Grand Pitch at the Hong Kong Science Park today where more than 500 guests, as well as an online audience, witnessed the emergence of the next generation of innovators.

Organised by the Innovation & Technology Commission together with the Science ...

Olympic spirit boosts local business

7-8-2024

In an inspiring display of togetherness, local citizens have been cheering the city's athletes to glory in the Olympic Games despite a six-hour time difference between Hong Kong and Paris.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government acquired the television broadcasting rights for the Paris Oly...

ASEAN tour yields fruitful results

2-8-2024

Chief Executive John Lee revealed that Hong Kong signed a total of 55 memoranda of understanding and agreements with Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam during his visit to three Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states aimed at enhancing co-operation and mutual development.

Mr Lee, while lead...

CE visits Ho Chi Minh City

2-8-2024

Chief Executive John Lee toured Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on the final day of his duty visit to three Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states, where he met local government and business leaders and visited a garment manufacturer.
     
In the morning, Mr Lee met Deput...

Shanghai Culture Week opens

2-8-2024

The opening ceremony and reception for Shanghai Culture Week was held today at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC).

Shanghai Culture Week is presented by the Leisure & Cultural Services Department, the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture & Tourism and the Center for China Shanghai Inter...

Expansion to HK drives success

1-8-2024

Johnny Chong is the Chief Executive Officer of a Vietnamese company that provides information and technology (I&T) services. The company expanded to Hong Kong in 2021 given its vision to leverage the city’s unique role as a financial and talent hub and a springboard that would enable it to access more of...

First half of 2024 sees visitor surge

31-7-2024

The Tourism Board has announced that the provisional figure for visitor arrivals in June was 3.13 million, marking a 14% increase year on year.

Cumulatively, about 21 million visitors arrived in Hong Kong in the first half of 2024, representing a 64% increase year on year.

Overnight visitors accou...

Duty-free measures extended

1-8-2024

The central government's new measure of increasing the duty-free allowance for Mainland residents entering the Mainland from Hong Kong has been extended to cover all ports starting from today.

The measure, which raises the duty-free allowance for luggage articles brought into the Mainland from RMB5,000 t...

June retail sales dip 9.7%

1-8-2024

The value of total retail sales in June, provisionally estimated at $29.9 billion, decreased 9.7% compared with the same month last year, 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 t...

CE meets Vietnamese President

1-8-2024

Chief Executive John Lee achieved remarkable results on day two of his visit in Hanoi, Vietnam, where he met Vietnamese President To Lam and the country’s Deputy Prime Minister.

In the morning, Mr Lee, who is leading a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation, had breakfast with staff of the ...

CE promotes HK in Cambodia

31-7-2024

On day two of his visit in Cambodia, Chief Executive John Lee met Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Cambodia Sar Sokha respectively in Phnom Penh.
 
During such meetings, Mr Lee, who is leading Hong Kong Special Administrative Region dele...

CE meets Cambodian PM

31-7-2024

Speaking from Cambodia today, Chief Executive John Lee said his visit to the country has yielded very good results, paving the way for closer collaboration between Cambodia and Hong Kong.

At a media session, Mr Lee said he had met Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and that 13 memoranda of understanding ...

Economy grows 3.3% in Q2

31-7-2024

Hong Kong’s economy grew 3.3% in the second quarter of 2024 over the same period a year earlier, down from a 2.8% increase in the first quarter, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

According to the advance estimates, gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.4% in real terms in th...

Permit boosts super connector role

31-7-2024

From July 10, non-Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents became eligible for Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong & Macao Residents (non-Chinese Citizens).

Successful applicants are already able to collect their permits from the China Travel Service.

Foreign chambers of commerce in Hong Kong we...

Ingrid Yeung visits RTHK

30-7-2024

Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung visited the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (AI Lab) at Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) in Kwun Tong today to learn more about the department's new directions in the use of technology in television production and meet management and staff representatives.
&n...

Visa-free initiative welcomed

30-7-2024

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government welcomed the National Immigration Administration’s announcement on the implementation of Hainan's 144-hour visa-free stay policy for foreign tour groups from Hong Kong and Macau that took effect today.

According to the announcement, citizens of cou...

Kevin Yeung concludes Paris tour

30-7-2024

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung today watched the table tennis mixed doubles bronze and gold medal matches, as well as the badminton women’s doubles matches of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games on the last day of his visit to France.
 
Mr Yeung said: “Wong Chun-ting and Doo Ho...

CE visits Cambodia

30-7-2024

Chief Executive John Lee, leading a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation, arrived in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, as part of a six-day visit to three countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Upon arriving in the country's capital today, Mr Lee attended a luncheon hosted by Ambassad...

CE concludes Laos visit

29-7-2024

Chief Executive John Lee today met leaders of the Lao government, and visited a local school, an enterprise and a railway project before attending a business dinner in Vientiane, the capital of Laos.
 
Mr Lee, while leading a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation to the country, met key...

Promising future for HK, Laos unity

29-7-2024

Chief Executive John Lee said that he believes Hong Kong and Laos will have huge potential and opportunities for co-operation, adding that there is ample room for growth in terms of trade and people-to-people exchanges.
 
Mr Lee, leading a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation for his o...

CE starts ASEAN visit

28-7-2024

Chief Executive John Lee, leading a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation, arrived in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, this afternoon to begin a visit to three Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries - Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Upon arrival in Vientiane, Mr Lee attended a d...

Cultivating the spirit of hospitality

25-7-2024

When it comes to customer service, what kind of an attitude do customers value?

Steven Kwong, who has been in the retail industry for over a decade, was the Gold awardee of the Outstanding Quality Tourism Services Merchant Service Staff Award 2022 (Frontline staff) (Jewellery & Watches).

Peopl...

CE to visit 3 ASEAN states

26-7-2024

Chief Executive John Lee will lead a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation on a visit to three Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states, including Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, starting July 28.

The Chief Executive’s Office made the announcement and pointed out that the d...

Monetary chief reappointed

26-7-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today announced the reappointment of Eddie Yue as Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) Chief Executive for a term of five years, with effect from October 1.

Mr Chan stressed that stability has been maintained in Hong Kong’s money market and banking system throughout ...

ASEAN an ideal production base

25-7-2024

Chief Executive John Lee will lead a delegation to visit three member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN - Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.

As part of the delegation, Federation of Hong Kong Industries Chairman Steve Chuang hopes to take the opportunity to promote Hong Kong’s stre...

'HK can leverage strengths in ASEAN'

25-7-2024

Hong Kong can leverage its unique advantages under “one country, two systems” to grow its business in Southeast Asia. That is the view of Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce Chairman Agnes Chan, who will be among the delegates from Hong Kong as Chief Executive John Lee embarks on a visit to Laos, Cambodi...

June exports value up 10.7%

25-7-2024

The value of Hong Kong’s total exports increased to $373.5 billion in June, up 10.7% on the same month last year, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

The value of imports of goods increased 9% to $429.2 billion in the same period.

A trade deficit of $55.7 billion, or 13% of th...

Digital Policy Office established

25-7-2024

The Digital Policy Office (DPO) has been officially established under the Innovation, Technology & Industry Bureau, the bureau announced today.

Taking the lead in promoting data-driven, people-centric and outcome-based digital policies within the Government and across various sectors for enhancing th...

FS wraps up Beijing visit

24-7-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan concluded his visit to Beijing today by calling on the leadership of various central authorities related to finance and financial services.

Mr Chan met Office of the Central Commission for Financial & Economic Affairs Deputy Director in charge of routine work and Office ...

‘ASEAN states have key advantages’

22-7-2024

President of The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong Wingco Lo, who will travel to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam later this month as part of a delegation led by Chief Executive John Lee, believes opportunities for growth and transformation await Hong Kong businesses in Southeast Asia amid a rapidly ch...

HK can be ASEAN-GBA connector

22-7-2024

A local chamber of commerce believes Hong Kong firms can grow their business in Southeast Asia by leveraging the city’s strengths in integrating various industries in the Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Chief Executive John Lee will visit Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, three members of the Association of Southeas...

June sees 1.5% Inflation

22-7-2024

Overall consumer prices rose 1.5% in June, year on year, higher than the 1.2% increase in May, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, underlying inflation was 1%, the same as in May.

Compared with June last year...

FS bound for Beijing

22-7-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart Hong Kong late this afternoon for Beijing, where he will call on relevant central ministries and institutions to discuss strengthening co-operation and exchange. He will return to Hong Kong on Wednesday evening.

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury...

I&T opportunities abound in ASEAN

19-7-2024

When Chief Executive John Lee visits Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam later this month, Legislative Councillor for the Technology & Innovation Functional Constituency Duncan Chiu will be part of his delegation.

Looking ahead to the visit, Mr Chiu highlighted that the total population of the three countries...

Govt concerned over IT outage

19-7-2024

The Government expressed its concern over the massive outage of Microsoft systems today and assigned Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing to monitor the situation.

The Government said the operation of its systems remains normal and that no incident reports have been received from any departments in rel...

Local firms hit record 1.44m

19-7-2024

The Companies Registry today announced that 66,734 local companies were newly registered during the first half of 2024, bringing the total number of registered local companies to 1,440,935, an all-time high figure.

Meanwhile, 501 non-Hong Kong companies have newly established a place of business in the c...

Institutional green bonds issued

18-7-2024

The Government today announced the successful offering of approximately HK$25 billion worth of green bonds denominated in renminbi (RMB), US dollars and euros under its Sustainable Bond Programme.

The bonds, which have been assigned credit ratings of AA+ by S&P Global Ratings and AA-...

Housing sale permitted in cultural hub

17-7-2024

The Chief Executive-in-Council yesterday conditionally approved the relaxation of the Enhanced Financial Arrangements for the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) to lift the “Build-Operate-Transfer only” restriction for residential developments within Zone 2 of the cultural district and permit the sale o...

Stablecoin views released

17-7-2024

The Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today jointly issued the consultation conclusions on the legislative proposal to implement a regulatory regime for fiat-referenced stablecoin (FRS) issuers in Hong Kong.

During the two-month public consult...