Month: June 2025

HyD signs investigation, design and construction consultancy agreement for Hong Kong section of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu-Qianhai) (with photo) 
​     A spokesman for the HyD said, “Construction of the HSWRL is a crucial initiative in support of thorough implementation of the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). It enhances the infrastructure connectivity in the GBA and facilitates Hong Kong’s better integration into national development. The HSWRL will connect the metro networks in the western regions of Hong Kong and Shenzhen. A trip from Hung Shui Kiu to Qianhai will only take approximately 15 minutes, which will help to foster the ‘one-hour living circle’ in the GBA and facilitate convenient cross-boundary commerce, work, living, study and travelling activities of the residents of the two places. The HSWRL is also an important transport infrastructure promoting the development of the Northern Metropolis, catering to the local travelling demand in the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area as well as Lau Fau Shan, Tsim Bei Tsui and Pak Nai areas. We aim to have the project ready for tendering in 2027, so that the detailed design and construction works can commence promptly, striving to achieve completion of construction works in 2034, followed by integrated testing and commissioning to realise the common goal of the governments of Hong Kong and Shenzhen to commission the HSWRL in 2035.”
 
​     The HSWRL is approximately 18.1 kilometres long (with the Hong Kong section and the Shenzhen section being about 7.3 km long and 10.8 km long respectively). The alignment will start from the west of Hung Shui Kiu Station under construction on the Tuen Ma Line, passing through Ha Tsuen and Lau Fau Shan, crossing Deep Bay and connecting to Qianhai via Shenzhen Bay Port. It is an underground railway line comprising a total of five stations, with three stations in Hong Kong (located in Hung Shui Kiu, Ha Tsuen and Lau Fau Shan respectively) and two stations in Shenzhen (located in Shenzhen Bay Port and Qianhaiwan respectively). Hong Kong and Shenzhen have agreed to establish the co-location of the immigration and customs facilities in Shenzhen and the depot will be located at Ha Tsuen.
 
​     The project provides opportunities for Hong Kong and Shenzhen to draw on each other’s strengths and experiences in taking forward railway projects, so as to further enhance the efficiency and quality of railway development and strive for excellence. The HyD endeavours to explore ways to combine Hong Kong’s flexibility and versatility with the Mainland’s strengths in infrastructure development. Through “dual-innovation” in policy and technology, the HyD will explore different implementation approaches with the goal to reduce construction cost and compress construction time.
Issued at HKT 15:58

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HA appeals to public for two patients requiring urgent liver transplants 
     The spokesperson for the Hospital Authority (HA) today (June 30) made the following appeal regarding two patients whose condition requires urgent liver transplants:
 
     Two patients who require urgent liver transplants are currently hospitalised at Queen Mary Hospital and are in critical condition. One of the patients has been experiencing severe hepatic and renal failure, entering the state of hepatic coma. He has developed hepatorenal syndrome and severe complications due to hepatic encephalopathy. The patient is currently in the Adult Intensive Care Unit due to his critical condition. He is intubated and requires mechanical ventilation to maintain life. The other patient has been experiencing severe liver failure and severe damage to his kidney function. He has developed severe complications due to hepatorenal syndrome. Both patients are clinically assessed as requiring urgent liver transplants and are listed at the top of the liver transplant waiting list, according to the blood groups.
 
     In response to the urgent appeal from the patients’ families, the HA appeals to members of the public to proactively support organ donation and consider donating the organ of a deceased relative to rekindle the lives of others.
    
     In view of the critical condition of the patients, in addition to proactively searching for suitable livers locally, the HA will also seek assistance from the Mainland through the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government as soon as possible. When a patient who is willing to donate an organ passes away and no suitable patient is identified to receive the organ on the Mainland, the cross-boundary organ donation and matching mechanism will facilitate a transplant in Hong Kong to bring hope to a critically ill patient.
    
     The spokesperson emphasised that when a suitable liver is found, the HA will strictly follow the relevant organ transplant regulations and make an application with the authorities to ensure that all procedures comply with relevant standards and regulatory requirements. The HA will arrange transplant operations that aim to save the patient’s life as soon as possible.
 
     For critically ill patients with organ failure, an organ transplant is often the only hope to extend their lives. When the families of deceased patients show a selfless act of love and donate the deceased person’s organs to save dying patients, it not only gives critically ill patients the hope of life, but also eases the hardship of their families. The HA appeals to the public to pass on their great love, blessing and care to those who are still fighting for their well-deserved lives. 
Issued at HKT 15:56

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New requirement for application for or revalidation of local certificates of competency fully implemented today 
     The Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (Certification and Licensing) Regulation (Cap. 548D) stipulates that all local vessel operators must hold a valid local CoC.
 
     To enhance marine safety, the MD has revised the eligibility criteria for applying for or revalidating local CoCs by introducing a medical fitness certificate requirement to ensure that holders of local CoCs are physically fit to operate vessels. The medical fitness requirement involves two categories of persons: Category I covers all applicants for the initial issuance or revalidation of any grade of local CoCs; Category II only covers coxswains and engine operators in charge of passenger vessels (i.e. Class I vessels) and vessels carrying gases, noxious liquid substances, oil, etc (i.e. Class II vessels with designated types) (collectively referred to as “high-risk vessels”).
 
     All applicants for issuance and revalidation of local CoCs are required to submit to the MD a medical fitness certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner recognised by the MD together with the application form. Once issued, a local CoC will remain valid until the holder reaches the age of 65. Holders of local CoCs who wish to revalidate their CoCs after reaching the age of 65 will have to undergo and pass a medical assessment every three years. After reaching the age of 71, a holder must pass a medical assessment every year in order to revalidate the CoC.
 
     Considering the relatively higher marine safety risks associated with operating high-risk vessels, all coxswains and engine operators of high-risk vessels are required to undergo a medical assessment every five years to ensure that they are physically fit to operate the relevant vessels. Operators of high-risk vessels must submit a copy of the medical fitness certificate to the MD for record after obtaining the certificate. This requirement will be implemented by the MD through adding a new licensing condition to the Operating Licences of relevant high-risk vessels.
 
     The MD has already conducted extensive consultations with the industry regarding the new arrangements and detailed requirements, and has received support from various stakeholders, including the Legislative Council Panel on Economic Development, the Local Vessels Advisory Committee, trade associations, trade unions, and fishermen’s associations. The MD will continue to promote the new requirements to local CoC holders through various means.
 
     For details about the latest requirements for application for or revalidation of local CoC, including the list of recognised medical practitioners, the medical assessment form, the examination rules for local CoCs and the relevant MD Notice, please visit the MD’s websiteIssued at HKT 15:05

Marine Department launches Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering Incentive Scheme to encourage relevant development 
     The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set an ambitious target to reach net-zero carbon emissions from international shipping by or around 2025. Under the key policy drive of the IMO, the international maritime industry is now undergoing an irreversible green transformation, and the use of low- or even zero-carbon fuels is quickly gaining popularity. 
 
     To complement and encourage the green transformation of the shipping industry, the Government promulgated the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering on November 15, 2024, setting out clear targets, five green-centric strategies and 10 actions to support the development of green maritime fuel bunkering and trading in Hong Kong. One of the actions proposed in the Action Plan is to set up a Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering Incentive Scheme, which serves to encourage pioneer companies to develop green maritime fuel bunkering business in Hong Kong. 
 
     Considering that certain investments in preparatory work, including risk assessments by companies, are required before carrying out green maritime fuel bunkering, and the pioneer companies will help kick-start the industry development by paving the way and accumulating invaluable experience, incentives will be granted to these companies. Under the current tranche of the Scheme, which targets liquefied natural gas (LNG) and green methanol, an incentive of $500,000 will be granted to each pioneer company for each of its first two LNG or green methanol bunkering operations completed within one year from the MD’s acceptance of its risk assessment. Pioneer companies that have already completed the relevant assessments and/or bunkering operations before the Scheme launch are also eligible to receive incentives under the Scheme. The maximum amount of incentive for each type of recognised green maritime fuel is $2,000,000, and incentives will be disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis. Details are set out in the Introduction of the Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering Incentive Scheme in the Annex.
 
     A spokesperson for the MD said, “Hong Kong, China, as an associate member of the IMO, has long been committed to supporting the IMO’s emission reduction target. At the same time, the development of green maritime fuel bunkering capabilities in Hong Kong will allow us to capitalise on the existing unique advantages of our port, including our location at the southernmost tip of China next to the international fairway, to maintain our positioning as a major bunkering port and international maritime centre. The Scheme will help encourage pioneer enterprises to start green maritime fuel bunkering businesses in Hong Kong early, as well as help level the playing field between pioneers and late joiners.”
 
     “The MD has established a dedicated team that provides one-stop services to companies interested in setting up green shipping-related businesses in Hong Kong. At the same time, we also provide clear guidelines and support to companies interested in conducting green maritime fuel bunkering operations in Hong Kong, to facilitate their smooth completion of the relevant assessments and pre-bunkering procedures,” the spokesperson continued.
 
     The application form of the Scheme has been uploaded onto the MD’s websiteIssued at HKT 15:00

Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to visit Portugal to promote development opportunities in GBA 
     On July 3, Ms Chan will attend a business luncheon titled “Unlocking New Horizons: Affordable Housing and Opportunities in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area”, co-organised by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels. She will deliver a keynote speech to promote the enormous business opportunities brought about by the GBA to the Portuguese business community and how Hong Kong can play its important function as a “super-connector” and “super value-adder” between the two places.
 
     During her stay in Lisbon, Ms Chan will call on the Chinese Embassy in the Portuguese Republic to learn about the latest developments in Portugal and Sino-Portuguese culture, and will also attend the International Forum on Urbanism there.
 
     Ms Chan will return to Hong Kong on July 4.
Issued at HKT 14:29

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Seventh batch of Arts Development Fund for Persons with Disabilities open for applications today 
     The Government has endeavoured to promote the participation of PWDs in recreational, sports and cultural arts activities and provide them with appropriate activities and facilities. This aims to create opportunities for PWDs to develop their potential, enhance their quality of life and encourage their participation in group activities, promoting their full integration into the community.
 
     The Arts Fund provides funding support for two tiers of arts projects. Tier One projects focus on providing elementary and ongoing arts programmes that enhance the arts knowledge of PWDs, foster their interest in the arts, and develop their potential. Tier Two projects are large-scale, impactful and sustainable projects which assist individual PWDs with significant artistic potential in pursuing careers in performing, visual or creative arts, enabling them to strive for excellence.
 
     The seventh batch of the Arts Fund is open for applications starting today until September 1. Interested organisations may visit the SWD website (www.swd.gov.hk/en/pubsvc/rehab/cat_fundtrustfinaid/adfpdIssued at HKT 11:00

Ensuring high-quality development with high-level security: Hong Kong National Security Law heralds fifth anniversary 
The spokesman said, “National security is a top priority as it forms the basis for a country’s existence and development. After reunification, Hong Kong had long been ‘undefended’ in terms of safeguarding national security. Anti-China elements and external forces continuously challenged the bottom line of the principle of ‘one country, two systems’, and even attempted to seize the power of governance. Unprecedented crises have been brought to Hong Kong by the ‘anti-national education’ incident in 2012, the illegal ‘Occupy Central’ movement in 2014, the Mong Kok riot in 2016, the ‘black-clad violence’ and Hong Kong version of the ‘colour revolution’ which lasted for more than ten months since June 2019, severely damaging Hong Kong’s societal, economic and business environment and caused the public to live in fear.”
 
      “The Central Authorities acted decisively at a critical moment for Hong Kong. On May 28, 2020, the National People’s Congress (NPC) made a relevant decision on the basis of which, the NPC Standing Committee enacted, on June 30, 2020, the HKNSL which was then listed under Annex III to the Basic Law for local promulgation and implementation in the HKSAR. The HKNSL has addressed the shortcomings and plugged the loopholes in the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security of the HKSAR, playing the role of a stabilising force that immediately stopped violence and curbed disorder. The implementation of HKNSL was a ‘watershed moment’ in Hong Kong’s transition from chaos to order, as stability and safety of the city have been restored by the law.”
 
      “Thereafter, with the concerted efforts of the HKSAR Government, the Legislative Council and all sectors of the community, the HKSAR fulfilled its constitutional duty last year by completing the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law. The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) took effect upon gazettal on March 23, 2024, improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms of the HKSAR for safeguarding national security. The HKNSL and the SNSO are compatible and complementary, building a strong line of defence to safeguard national security in Hong Kong.”
 
The spokesman emphasised, “The implementation of the HKNSL over the past five years has proven the law to be a ‘guardian’ in upholding the principle of ‘one country, two systems’ and in safeguarding the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. It is an important and timely piece of legislation with profound historical significance. The HKNSL and other laws in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR firmly adhere to the principle of the rule of law while protecting the rights and freedoms in accordance with the law. At present, the business environment has continuously improved. Hong Kong ranks first as the world’s freest economy and third among global financial centres, and has returned to the top three in the world in terms of competitiveness, demonstrating that Hong Kong is moving full steam ahead along the path of ‘advancing from stability to prosperity’.”
 
      “The laws for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR protect human rights. The principles of respecting and protecting human rights, as clearly and comprehensively set out, are embodied in the provisions of the HKNSL and the SNSO as well as in the manner in which they are implemented. Both Article 4 of the HKNSL and section 2 of the SNSO clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, and that the rights and freedoms, including the freedoms of speech, of the press, of publication, of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration, that Hong Kong residents enjoy under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong, shall be protected in accordance with the law. The various provisions of the laws for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR are in line with international standards, striking a reasonable balance between safeguarding national security and protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.”
 
      “In fact, the HKSAR has a solid, resilient foundation of the rule of law that is well-recognised by the international community. The law enforcement agencies of the HKSAR have been strictly taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and in accordance with the law. The Department of Justice of the HKSAR, by virtue of Article 63 of the Basic Law, controls criminal prosecutions, free from any interference. Independent prosecutorial decisions for each case are made in a rigorous and objective manner, strictly based on evidence and applicable laws and are in accordance with the Prosecution Code. Articles 2, 19 and 85 of the Basic Law specifically provide that the HKSAR enjoys independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication, and the courts of the HKSAR shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the occupation, political stance or background of the persons involved. In addition, Article 5 of the HKNSL and section 2 of the SNSO clearly stipulate that the principle of the rule of law shall be adhered to in preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for offences endangering national security, including the principles of conviction and punishment only by the application of the law, the presumption of innocence, the prohibition of double jeopardy, and the right to defend oneself and other rights in judicial proceedings that a criminal suspect, defendant and other parties in judicial proceedings are entitled to under the law.”
 
      “It is each and every sovereign state’s inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and it is also an international practice. The HKNSL and the SNSO clearly define the elements and penalties of the related offences endangering national security, precisely targeting an extremely small minority of people and organisations committing in acts and activities that endanger national security, while protecting the lives and property of the general public. Law abiding persons will not engage in acts and activities that endanger national security and will not unwittingly violate the law, and therefore have no reason to be concerned. As a matter of fact, since the promulgation and implementation of the HKNSL, stability has been quickly restored in society. With the SNSO in effect, the rights and freedoms of the HKSAR residents and of other persons in Hong Kong are even better protected while the economy of Hong Kong is picking up.”
 
The spokesman reiterated, “Safeguarding national security is an ongoing and endless commitment. As mentioned in the ‘White Paper on China’s National Security in the New Era’ published by the Central Authorities on May 12, 2025, external forces have meddled more in China’s affairs, with an attempt to blockade, suppress and contain China through the so-called ‘Hong Kong issues’. Today, as geopolitical risks continue to escalate, the HKSAR Government will strive steadfastly to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and improve the relevant legal system and enforcement mechanisms under the robust protection of the HKNSL and the SNSO, so as to address the evolving national security risks and challenges more effectively. We will also ramp up our efforts in publicity and education to arouse public awareness in safeguarding national security, thereby forming a societal shield to fend off external intervention, ensuring high-quality development with high-level security, continuously composing a new chapter in the practice of ‘one country, two systems’.”
 
Issued at HKT 10:30

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43rd batch of applications approved for trials of green transport technologies under New Energy Transport Fund 
The Steering Committee of the Fund has adopted a merit-based approach to assess applications for funding with a view to making the best use of the Fund and taking into account factors including the latest technology developments. One application has been approved in this batch (Note) for the trial of an electric heavy goods vehicle as an aircraft tractor, involving a total subsidy of $1.5 million.
 
The latest approval brings the total number of trials approved under the Fund to 296, with a total subsidy of about $242 million. As at end-May 2025, a total of 239 approved trials under the Fund have been completed. Trial reports have been uploaded to the Fund’s website (www.eeb.gov.hk/en/new-energy-transport-fund/AT.html#Trial_Reports 
     As the technology of electric vehicles and batteries is becoming more mature, to allow the Fund to focus on subsidising new energy technologies with a more pressing need for trials in the local context in future, the Fund has only accepted applications for trials of new energy transport commercial tools other than electric commercial vehicles from April 1, 2025, with a view to expediting the green transformation of the transport trade.

     The Government put in place the Fund in March 2011 to subsidise the testing and encourage wider use of green transport technologies for a variety of commercial transport tools, such as goods vehicles (including special-purpose vehicles), taxis, light buses, buses, vessels, motorcycles, non-road vehicles (applicable to vehicle models approved by the Transport Department or the Airport Authority Hong Kong), or the aforesaid transport tools of charitable/non-profit making organisations providing services to their clients. The technologies to be subsidised include new energy vehicles or vessels, conversion of in-use conventional vehicles or vessels to new energy vehicles or vessels, and after-treatment emission reduction devices or fuel-saving devices applicable to vehicles and vessels. Transport operators and charitable/non-profit making organisations may apply for trying out different green technology products subject to a maximum subsidy of $10 million for each application and a total of $12 million for each applicant.
 
For more information on the Fund and the approved applications, please visit the website of the Fund (www.eeb.gov.hk/en/new-energy-transport-fund/new-energy-transport-fund.html 
Note: An electric heavy goods vehicle as an aircraft tractor by China Aircraft Services Limited.
Issued at HKT 10:00

Residential Mortgage Survey Results for May 2025Issued at HKT 17:40

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