Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan today launched the Packaging Reduction Charter to encourage businesses to reduce their packaging usage and foster a waste reduction culture in commercial activities.
Speaking at the charter’s launch ceremony, Mr Tse said that most packaging materials are discarded after single or limited use, placing a significant burden on the environment.
“The launch of the Packaging Reduction Charter aims to encourage businesses to adopt sustainable practices, including reviewing packaging designs to minimise unnecessary material usage, enhancing the recyclability and reusability of packaging as well as exploring innovative solutions.
“These efforts not only alleviate the pressure on landfills, but also help businesses fulfil their social responsibilities, contributing to Hong Kong’s long-term goals of ‘zero landfill’ and carbon neutrality.”
The signatory companies undertake to submit to the Environmental Protection Department their annual total packaging material usage, implement measures to reduce packaging or adopt sustainable packaging solutions as well as encourage upstream and downstream suppliers, business partners and customers to reduce packaging materials and enhance packaging management.
So far, 102 local and multinational companies have undertaken the initiative. The department has published practical guides for specific sectors, covering supermarkets and grocery stores, logistics, e-commerce, hotel and hospitality, electronics and electrical appliances, beverage manufacturing, food manufacturing, and importers.
For enquiries, contact the charter’s secretariat at 5279 1936 or by email.
The value of total retail sales for February, provisionally estimated at $29.4 billion, decreased 13% compared with the same month a year earlier, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.
After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate represents a 15% year-on-year decrease.
Of the total retail sales value in February, online sales accounted for 7.8%. Provisionally estimated at $2.3 billion, the value of this segment dropped 7.3% from the same month a year earlier.
Noting that retail sales tend to show greater volatility in the first two months of a year due to the timing of the Lunar New Year, the department said consumer spending in the local market normally attains a seasonal high before the festival.
It added that as the Lunar New Year fell on January 29 this year but on February 10 last year, it is more appropriate to analyse the retail sales figures for January and February taken together in making a year-on-year comparison.
For the first two months of 2025 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales decreased 7.8% year-on-year, while the value of online retail sales dropped 2.4% compared with the same period in 2024.
The value of sales of other consumer goods not elsewhere classified dropped by 2% in the first two months of 2025 compared with a year earlier.
This was followed by sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts (down 15.8%); commodities in supermarkets ( down 4.4%); wearing apparel (down 5.4%); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (down 5.3%); commodities in department stores (down 9.9%); fuels (down 8.5%); motor vehicles and parts (down 49.9%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (down 12.3%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (down 10.9%); furniture and fixtures (down 25.6%); Chinese drugs and herbs (down 9.1%); and optical shops (down 7.6%).
On the other hand, the value of sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco increased by 0.7% in the first two months of 2025 over the same period a year earlier. This was followed by sales of medicines and cosmetics (up 0.6%).
The Government commented that the year-on-year decline in the value of total retail sales in February widened, partly due to the earlier arrival of Lunar New Year in late January this year as compared to mid-February last year.
Taking the first two months of 2025 together to remove this effect, the value of total retail sales saw a narrower decline on a year-on-year basis than December 2024.
Looking ahead, the Government said the various measures by the central government to boost the Mainland economy and benefit Hong Kong, together with the Special Administrative Region Government’s efforts to promote tourism and mega events and the sustained increases in employment earnings in local labour market, would benefit the retail sector.
This is despite the continued challenge from the change in consumption patterns of visitors and residents, it added.
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi greeted the nation, emphasizing the divine blessings of Goddess Durga. He highlighted how the grace of the Goddess brings peace, happiness, and renewed energy to devotees. He also shared a prayer by Smt Rajlakshmee Sanjay.
Governor of Chhattisgarh, Shri Ramen Deka ji; the popular and dynamic Chief Minister of the state, Shri Vishnudeo Sai ji; my esteemed colleague in the Union Cabinet, Manohar Lal ji; the Member of Parliament from this region and Union Minister, Tokhan Sahu ji; Speaker of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly and my dear friend, Raman Singh ji; Deputy Chief Minister, Vijay Sharma ji; Arun Sahu ji; all the ministers, MPs, and MLAs of the Chhattisgarh Government; and my brothers and sisters who have gathered here from far and wide!
Today marks the beginning of the New Year. It is also the first day of Navratri, and this land is blessed as the abode of Mata Mahamaya. Chhattisgarh is the paternal home of Mata Kaushalya. In this sacred context, these nine days, dedicated to divine feminine energy, hold special significance for Chhattisgarh. I consider myself truly fortunate to be here on the very first day of Navratri. Only a few days ago, a postage stamp was issued in honour of Bhakta Shiromani Mata Karma, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you on this occasion.
Friends,
The festival of Navratri will culminate with the grand celebration of Ram Navami, and Chhattisgarh’s devotion to Lord Ram is truly remarkable. Our Ramnami Samaj (a sect) has devoted itself entirely to the divine name of Lord Ram. I extend my warmest wishes to the people of Lord Ram’s maternal land and to all of you, my friends. Jai Shri Ram!
Friends,
On this auspicious day, with the blessings of Mohbhatta Swayambhu Shivling Mahadev, I have been given the opportunity to further accelerate the development of Chhattisgarh. Just a short while ago, we laid the foundation stone and inaugurated projects worth more than Rs 33,700 crore. These projects encompass housing for the underprivileged, schools, roads, railways, electricity, and gas pipelines—initiatives that will significantly enhance the quality of life for the people of Chhattisgarh. They will also generate new employment opportunities for the youth. My heartfelt congratulations to all of you on these important developmental projects.
Friends,
In our tradition, providing shelter to someone is considered a great virtue. But what could bring greater joy than the fulfilment of a person’s dream of owning a home? Today, on this auspicious occasion of Navratri and the New Year, three lakh underprivileged families in Chhattisgarh are moving into their new homes. A short while ago, I had the opportunity to meet three beneficiaries, and I could see the immense joy on their faces. One of the women was so overwhelmed with happiness that she could hardly contain her emotions. I extend my heartfelt best wishes to all these families—three lakh families—on this new chapter of their lives. The possibility of a secure roof over the heads of these poor families has become a reality only because of all of you. I say this because you placed your trust in Modi’s guarantee. Under the previous government, the dream of a pucca house for lakhs of families in Chhattisgarh remained buried in files. We had assured you that our government would turn this dream into reality. That is why, as soon as Vishnudeo ji’s government was formed, the very first cabinet decision was to construct 18 lakh houses. Today, three lakh of those homes have been completed. I am particularly pleased that many of these houses have been built in tribal regions. Numerous families from Bastar and Surguja now have pucca houses. One can truly appreciate the significance of this for families whose generations have endured hardship in makeshift huts. For those who may not fully grasp the magnitude of this change, let me put it into perspective. Imagine you are on a long journey by train or bus, standing the entire way because you cannot find a seat. The moment you secure a seat, the relief and joy you feel are immense, aren’t they? Now, imagine families who have spent their entire lives in slums or huts. Today, as they move into pucca houses, their joy knows no bounds. When I see this transformation, it fills me with new energy and strengthens my resolve to work tirelessly for my fellow countrymen.
Friends,
While the government has provided assistance in constructing these homes, the decision on how each house is built rests with the beneficiaries themselves—not the government. These are the homes of your dreams, and our government does not just build houses; it strives to enrich the lives of those who live in them. Efforts have been made to equip these homes with essential amenities, including toilets, electricity, Ujjwala gas connections, and tap water. I can see that a large number of mothers and sisters are present here today. Most of these pucca houses have been registered in the names of our women. Thousands of sisters have, for the first time, had a property legally registered in their name. My dear mothers and sisters, the happiness on your faces and your heartfelt blessings are my greatest asset.
Friends,
When such a vast number of houses are built—lakhs of them—it leads to another significant development. Consider this: who constructs these houses? Where do the materials used in their construction come from? These materials are not sourced from Delhi or Mumbai; rather, they come from local markets. The large-scale construction of houses provides employment to our masons, skilled workers such as Rani Mistris (queen/head masons), and labourers in villages. It also benefits local small shopkeepers who supply construction materials. Additionally, those who transport these goods in trucks and other vehicles gain employment opportunities. In this way, the construction of lakhs of homes has not only provided shelter but also generated widespread employment across Chhattisgarh.
Friends,
The BJP government is steadfastly fulfilling every promise made to the people of Chhattisgarh. The Chief Minister just mentioned that elections for local self-governance institutions were recently held—the three-tier elections—and the overwhelming support you have shown is truly commendable. As I stand before you today, I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for your trust and blessings.
Friends,
A large number of beneficiaries of various government schemes have gathered here today. You have personally witnessed how swiftly our government is honouring its commitments. We have fulfilled our promise to the women of Chhattisgarh. Paddy farmers have received the bonuses due for two years, and paddy has been procured at an increased Minimum Support Price (MSP). As a result, lakhs of farming families have collectively received thousands of crores of rupees. Under the previous Congress government, recruitment examinations were plagued by widespread corruption. The BJP government has ordered a thorough investigation into these examination scams. Moreover, we are now ensuring that recruitment exams are conducted with complete transparency. These honest efforts have strengthened public confidence in the BJP. Following the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has now triumphed in the civic elections as well, with its flag flying high across Chhattisgarh. The people of this state are wholeheartedly supporting the BJP government’s vision and initiatives.
Friends,
Chhattisgarh has now completed 25 years as a state, marking its silver jubilee year. Coincidentally, this year also commemorates the centenary of Atal Ji. In honour of his legacy, the Chhattisgarh government is celebrating 2025 as Atal Nirman Varsh. Our commitment is clear—we have built it, and we will make it even better. Every infrastructure project inaugurated or initiated today is a testament to this resolution.
Friends,
Chhattisgarh was created as a separate state to ensure that the benefits of development reached its people. However, under Congress rule, development remained stagnant, and wherever work was undertaken, corruption followed. The Congress party has never truly cared for your well-being. But we have. We have prioritised your lives, your comfort, and your children’s future. Our government is taking development initiatives to every village in Chhattisgarh. I have noticed a young girl here holding up a painting for quite some time. I request the security personnel to take note of her name and address. Daughter, I will send you a letter. Someone please collect it and ensure it reaches me. Thank you, dear child. Thank you very much. Today, you can see the transformation taking place—good roads are now reaching even the most remote tribal areas. For the first time, trains are connecting new regions, and I have just flagged off a new service here. Electricity is reaching these places for the first time, piped water supply is becoming a reality, and mobile towers are being installed in areas that never had connectivity before. New schools, colleges, and hospitals are being built. Chhattisgarh’s landscape is changing, and with it, its destiny is being rewritten.
Friends,
Chhattisgarh has now joined the ranks of states where 100% of the railway network operates on electricity—a remarkable achievement. Currently, railway projects worth approximately Rs 40,000 crore are underway in Chhattisgarh. Additionally, this year’s budget has allocated Rs 7,000 crore specifically for the state’s railway infrastructure. These developments will significantly enhance rail connectivity across various regions of Chhattisgarh while also improving links with neighbouring states.
Friends,
Along with financial resources, good intentions are essential for development. If there is dishonesty in both thought and action—like we witnessed under Congress rule—then even the largest treasury will be drained. We have seen this happen during Congress’s tenure, where corruption and mismanagement prevented development from reaching tribal areas. Take coal as an example—Chhattisgarh is rich in coal reserves, yet the state struggled to get enough electricity to meet its needs. Under Congress rule, the power sector remained neglected, and little effort was made to develop power plants. In contrast, our government is now actively setting up new power plants to ensure a reliable energy supply.
Friends,
We are also making significant efforts to generate electricity from solar energy. Let me introduce you to a remarkable scheme initiated by Modi—a scheme that will eliminate your electricity bill and even allow you to earn money by generating electricity at home. This initiative is called the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Under this scheme, our government is providing financial assistance of Rs 70,000–80,000 per household for installing solar panels. Here in Chhattisgarh, more than two lakh families have already registered for this scheme. I encourage you all to join as well and reap its benefits.
Friends,
Another example of good governance and vision is the development of gas pipelines. Chhattisgarh, being a landlocked state, is far from the sea, making gas supply a significant challenge. The previous government failed to invest adequately in gas infrastructure, leaving the state dependent on costly transportation methods. We are now addressing this issue head-on. Our government is actively laying gas pipelines in Chhattisgarh, reducing the reliance on transporting petroleum products by trucks. This will lead to lower prices for fuel and energy-related products. Additionally, the introduction of gas pipelines will enable vehicles to run on CNG, providing a cleaner and more affordable alternative. Moreover, this initiative will bring piped cooking gas directly to homes. Just as water flows to the kitchen through pipes, gas will now be supplied in the same way. We are currently working towards connecting over two lakh homes with direct piped gas supply. Beyond household benefits, the availability of gas will pave the way for new industries in Chhattisgarh. This, in turn, will create thousands of new job opportunities.
Friends,
In past decades, Congress’s policies fuelled the spread of Naxalism across several states, including Chhattisgarh. Wherever there was scarcity and lack of development, Naxalism took root and flourished. But what did the party that ruled for 60 years do? Instead of addressing the challenges, it simply declared such districts as backward and turned away from its responsibilities. As a result, entire generations of our youth were lost. Many mothers had to endure the heart-wrenching loss of their sons, and countless sisters were left grieving for their brothers.
Friends,
The indifference shown by those past governments only aggravated the crisis. You have witnessed first-hand how some of the most underprivileged tribal families were left struggling in various districts of Chhattisgarh. The Congress government never cared for them. We did. We ensured that poor tribal families had proper sanitation by launching the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. We prioritised their healthcare needs by introducing Ayushman Bharat Yojana, providing free treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh. We made essential medicines affordable through PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras, where medicines are available at an 80% discount.
Friends,
Those who claim to be the champions of social justice were the very ones who ignored the tribal community for decades. This is why I say: Modi stands for those whom no one else cares for. We are actively working towards the upliftment of the tribal society through special initiatives. One such programme is the Dharti Aaba Janjati Utkarsh Abhiyan, under which Rs 80,000 crore is being invested in tribal development. This initiative is benefiting nearly 7,000 tribal villages in Chhattisgarh alone. Additionally, we recognise that within the tribal community, there exist extremely backward groups that need special attention. For the first time ever, our government has introduced the PM Janman Yojana, specifically designed for these communities. Under this scheme, development work is underway in more than 2,000 settlements across 18 districts of Chhattisgarh. Nationwide, 5,000 kilometres of roads have been approved in tribal settlements—half of these, approximately 2,500 kilometres, will be constructed in Chhattisgarh itself under the PM Janman Yojana. Moreover, many families present here today have received pucca houses through this scheme. This is the transformation we are bringing—development that reaches every doorstep.
Friends,
Today, under the double-engine government, Chhattisgarh is witnessing rapid transformation. When a health centre in Sukma district receives a national quality certificate, it instils a sense of confidence. When a health centre in Dantewada resumes operations after years of inactivity, it brings renewed optimism. These efforts are paving the way for a new era of lasting peace in Naxal-affected areas. In December’s Mann Ki Baat broadcast, I spoke about the Bastar Olympics. You may have heard how thousands of young people enthusiastically took part in the event. Their participation is clear proof of the positive change unfolding in Chhattisgarh.
Friends,
I can see a bright future for the youth of Chhattisgarh. The state’s implementation of the New Education Policy is commendable. Across the country, more than 12,000 modern PM Shri Schools have been established, with approximately 350 located in Chhattisgarh. These institutions will serve as model schools, elevating the entire education system of the state. Additionally, Eklavya Model Schools are already making remarkable progress in Chhattisgarh. Many schools in Naxal-affected areas have also been reopened, providing children with new opportunities for learning. Today, the Vidya Samiksha Kendra has also been launched in Chhattisgarh, marking another significant milestone in the state’s education sector. This initiative will enhance the quality of education, enabling real-time assistance for both teachers and students in classrooms.
Friends,
We have honoured yet another promise made to you. Under the new National Education Policy, medical and engineering studies have now commenced
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appointments of Hong Kong Housing Authority members The new HA members are:
Mr Leung Man-kwong Ms Eviana Leung Bon-yuen Mr Jason Chiu Tsz-kiu Mr Philip Lo Kai-wah Professor Stephen Cheung Yan-leung Mr Michael Luk Chung-hung
“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the six retiring HA members, who are Ms Melissa Pang, Mr Shiu Ka-fai, Mr Anthony Chiu Kwok-wai, Mr Lau Chun-kong, Ms Clara Chan Yuen-shan and Mr Tang Ka-piu, for their invaluable contributions to the HA’s governance, estate management and construction programme over the years. I also welcome the new HA members and look forward to working closely with them in taking forward public housing developments,” said the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho.
The membership of the HA as at April 1, 2025, is as follows:
Chairman ———— Secretary for Housing
Vice-chairman —————— Director of Housing————————— Dr Johnnie Chan Chi-kau Ms Cleresa Wong Pie-yue Dr Billy Mak Sui-choi Ms Serena Lau Sze-wan Mr Alan Man Hoi-leung Ms Ann Au Chor-kwan Mr Chris Ip Ngo-tung Dr Lo Wai-kwok Ms Judy Chan Kapui Ms Carmen Kan Wai-mun Ms Jeny Yeung Mei-chun Mr Rex Wong Siu-han Professor Francis Chan Ka-leung Ms Kelly Chan Yuen-sau Mr Leung Man-kwong Ms Eviana Leung Bon-yuen Mr Jason Chiu Tsz-kiu Mr Philip Lo Kai-wah Professor Stephen Cheung Yan-leung Mr Michael Luk Chung-hung
Official members ——————— Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Treasury) Director of Lands Issued at HKT 16:45
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​Hong Kong Customs detected two drug trafficking cases involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport over the past two days (March 29 and 30) and seized a total of about 102 kilograms of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of about $50 million.
The first case involved two female passengers, both aged 23, who arrived in Hong Kong from Frankfurt, Germany, on March 29. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 81kg of suspected ketamine inside their check-in suitcases. They were subsequently arrested. The arrested persons have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug.
In the second case, a 27-year-old female passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, yesterday (March 30). Customs officers seized about 21kg of suspected ketamine from her checked-in suitcase during customs clearance. The woman was subsequently arrested.
The two cases will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (April 1).
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Monetary statistics for February 2025 Total loans and advances decreased by 0.2 per cent in February, and decreased by 0.5 per cent in the first two months of 2025. Among the total, loans for use in Hong Kong (including trade finance) and loans for use outside Hong Kong decreased by 0.2 per cent and 0.4 per cent respectively in February. The Hong Kong dollar loan-to-deposit ratio decreased to 73.5 per cent at the end of February from 75.7 per cent at the end of January, as Hong Kong dollar deposits increased while Hong Kong dollar loans decreased.
Hong Kong dollar M2 and M3 both increased by 1.8 per cent in February, and both increased by 6.8 per cent when compared to a year ago. The seasonally-adjusted Hong Kong dollar M1 increased by 4.4 per cent in February and increased by 5.3 per cent compared to a year ago, reflecting in part investment-related activities. Total M2 and total M3 both increased by 0.9 per cent in February. Compared to a year earlier, total M2 and total M3 both increased by 10.4 per cent.
As monthly monetary statistics are subject to volatilities due to a wide range of transient factors, such as seasonal and IPO-related funding demand as well as business and investment-related activities, caution is required when interpreting the statistics. Issued at HKT 16:31
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Residential mortgage survey results for February 2025 The number of mortgage applications in February increased month-on-month by 0.4 per cent to 6 542.
Mortgage loans approved in February increased by 4.3 per cent compared with January to HK$26.1 billion. Among these, mortgage loans financing primary market transactions increased by 21.6 per cent to HK$12.1 billion and those financing secondary market transactions decreased by 9.9 per cent to HK$11 billion. Mortgage loans for refinancing increased by 4.4 per cent to HK$3 billion.
Mortgage loans drawn down during February increased by 12.8 per cent compared with January to HK$17.6 billion.
The ratio of new mortgage loans priced with reference to HIBOR increased from 93 per cent in January to 94 per cent in February. The ratio of new mortgage loans priced with reference to best lending rates decreased from 3.4 per cent in January to 2.4 per cent in February.
The outstanding value of mortgage loans increased month-on-month by 0.2 per cent to HK$1,876.7 billion at end-February.
The mortgage delinquency ratio stood at a low level of 0.12 per cent and the rescheduled loan ratio was unchanged at nearly 0 per cent. Issued at HKT 16:31
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Exchange Fund Abridged Balance Sheet and Currency Board Account ****
At present, four press releases relating to the Exchange Fund’s data are issued by the HKMA each month. Three of these releases are issued to disseminate monetary data in accordance with the International Monetary Fund’s Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS). The fourth press release, on the Exchange Fund’s Abridged Balance Sheet and Currency Board Account, is made in accordance with the HKMA’s policy of maintaining a high level of transparency. For the month of March 2025, the scheduled dates for issuing the press releases are as follows:
March 7 (Issued)(Hong Kong’s Latest Foreign Currency Reserve Assets Figures) (Issued)(Analytical Accounts of the Exchange Fund)Foreign Currency LiquidityCurrency Board AccountIssued at HKT 16:31