Month: August 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (August 15) released the fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in August, covering seven survey areas, as follows:
 

Among the fourth batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering two survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering five survey areas in August, all were below 10 per cent, except Tuen Mun West and So Kwun Wat.

The FEHD has so far announced four batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in August, covering 27 survey areas. Among these 27 survey areas, 15 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged in the individual gravidtrap index as compared with the Area Gravidtrap Index last month, i.e. July 2025, representing the areas’ mosquito infestation improved or maintained at a low level. Nine other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent. As for areas with an index over 10 per cent, including Ma On Shan in Sha Tin, and So Kwun Wat and Tuen Mun West in Tuen Mun, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the recent chikungunya fever (CF) situation that strengthens mosquito control work in areas with the gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, which was originally activated when the gravidtrap index reaches 20 per cent or above, the department is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestation and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. In particular, gravidtrap data for Tuen Mun District showed that the areas with more mosquito problems included parks, schools and private housing estates, and the relevant departments and stakeholders are actively following up. Additionally, the FEHD will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify the residential estates subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and join hands in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap indexes in those three areas to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.

Public participation is crucial to effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue joining hands in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:
 

• tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside their premises;
• remove all unnecessary water collection and eliminate the sources;
• check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
• change the water in flower vases and saucers of potted plants at least once every seven days;
• properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water; and
• properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as empty lunch boxes and cans.

Starting in August this year, following the completion of surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest Gravidtrap Index and the Density Index are available, the FEHD will disseminate the relevant information through press releases, its website, and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.

Following the recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools, to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 64 survey areas of the community. During the two weeks of surveillance, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes, to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data of the two weeks’ surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, continued with the last day of his visit to Sydney, Australia, today (August 15).
 
In the morning, Mr Yau paid a courtesy call on the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Sydney, Mr Wang Yu, to update him on Hong Kong’s latest developments and measures to drive sustained economic growth and consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international trade centre.

Mr Yau then visited an enterprise specialising in beauty and wellness products and exchanged views with its senior management on the vast potential of the Asian market. Mr Yau introduced Hong Kong’s distinctive advantage of enjoying the strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, and encouraged Australian enterprises to set up regional headquarters in Hong Kong to seize the opportunities of the Mainland, in particular the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Southeast Asian markets. 

Mr Yau also had a lunch meeting with representatives of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and the local business community to understand the needs and development directions of Australian enterprises and exchange views on fostering closer co-operation in the areas of business and trade between Hong Kong and Australia to achieve mutual benefits.

In the afternoon, Mr Yau met with a representative of the Australian Distillers Association to introduce Hong Kong’s reduction in liquor duty to promote liquor trading and boost the development of high value-added industries including logistics and storage, tourism as well as high-end food and beverage consumption. He noted that the initiative has made reference to the successful experience in 2008 regarding the removal of import duty on wine, adding that he looks forward to seeing more premium liquor from Australia seizing the business opportunities. He also visited a distillery to understand more about the process of distilling and the development of Australian spirits.

    In the evening, Mr Yau attended the Hong Kong Australia Business Association NSW Chapter Business Awards Gala Dinner. Speaking at the event, he shared with the Australian business community the distinctive advantages of Hong Kong under the “one country, two systems” principle and the opportunities ahead for collaboration between Hong Kong and Australia. One of the examples is the recent enhancements to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement. Mr Yau said that provisions such as allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to adopt Hong Kong law and to choose for arbitration to be seated in Hong Kong empower foreign firms including Australian companies to leverage Hong Kong’s legal and financial strengths when tapping into the Mainland market, especially within the GBA.

He added that Hong Kong ranked third globally in terms of foreign direct investment inflows, and with close to 10 000 overseas and Mainland companies as well as 4 700 start-ups present in Hong Kong, the city continues to thrive as a business hub.

Mr Yau said that regionally, Hong Kong is actively seeking to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), adding that Hong Kong will continue to communicate and collaborate with RCEP economies including Australia to advance this important goal.
　
Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (August 16).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Commissioner for Labour, Mr Sam Hui, has paid visits to labour organisations and employer associations since assuming office in July, including visiting the Federation of Hong Kong Industries today (August 15) to understand more about the concerns of employees and employers on various labour matters and to strengthen communication and engagement with both sides.

Mr Hui called on two major labour organisations, namely the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions and the Federation of Hong Kong & Kowloon Labour Unions. The labour organisations shared their views on various issues such as enhancing employment support, promoting occupational safety and health, and labour importation policy, and expressed concerns over the protection of the rights and benefits of digital platform workers.

Mr Hui visited major employer associations, namely the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, the Employers’ Federation of Hong Kong and the Federation of Hong Kong Industries. He exchanged views with the business sector on various subjects such as manpower planning, talent recruitment and importation of workers.

Mr Hui said, “The Labour Department will continue to closely monitor changes in the local labour market and manpower situation in various industries, including the implementation of the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme, with a view to safeguarding employment priority for local workers while allowing employers with genuine needs to appropriately import workers. The Labour Department will also continue to maintain candid communication with employees and employers, foster harmonious labour relations and safeguard occupational safety and health.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

To enhance food safety and hygiene awareness among licensed food factories supplying school lunch boxes, and to prepare for the new school year, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) and the Environmental Hygiene Branch of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) launched a series of operations to inspect licensed food factories supplying school lunch boxes in various districts of Hong Kong with a view to ensuring food safety.

A spokesman for the FEHD said today (August 15), “Starting from July 28, the FEHD has been inspecting food factories supplying school lunch boxes to ensure that the licensing conditions in respect of food handling and processing are observed by the operators, and that hygienic standards stipulated in the laws are met. Food samples will be collected for testing. Meanwhile, FEHD staff will also provide health education to operators and staff of food factories, distributing food safety pamphlets to remind them of the proper way of handling school lunch boxes.”

The CFS hosted an online trade meeting on June 26 to remind lunch box suppliers to adhere to good hygiene practices when preparing food and establish a food safety plan based on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system to lower the risks of food contamination. Lunch box caterers can make use of the guideline “Developing a School Food Safety Plan Based on HACCP system (for School Lunch Box Caterers)” to learn more about how to enhance the safety of lunch box production.

Furthermore, to ensure food safety on campuses, the CFS arranged an online seminar for schools on July 11, highlighting food safety hazards such as choking and food allergies, and emphasising the need for vigilance among teaching staff and food handlers in schools. At the same time, schools are also reminded to order lunch boxes from suppliers that hold a valid Food Factory Licence issued by the FEHD and are endorsed to provide lunch boxes. Before signing contracts with suppliers, schools should visit the premises to ensure that food handlers observe food safety and hygiene practices.

The CFS has published “A Practical Guide for Ensuring Food Safety in Schools and Childcare Facilities”, to which schools and childcare facilities can refer when choosing lunchbox suppliers and ensuring food safety on campus. For further details, please visit the “Safe Food at School” thematic webpage (cfs.gov.hk/school).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department said today (August 15) that the red flag at Golden Beach in Tuen Mun District has been lowered.

     The red flag was hoisted at the beach earlier on after an oil spill.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Committee on Taxi Service Quality (CTSQ) and the Transport Department (TD) today (August 15) jointly held the Taxi Service Commendation Scheme Prize Presentation Ceremony 2024 to compliment quality taxi drivers and taxi service management teams.

     Officiating at the Prize Presentation Ceremony, the Acting Commissioner for Transport, Ms Candy Kwok, said she was glad to note the rising participation of taxi drivers, the trade and members of the public in the Commendation Scheme, which has been held for 22 years since 2002. This showed the public’s support for and recognition of drivers and management teams providing quality services.

     Ms Kwok added that the Government had introduced a series of initiatives to enhance the overall quality of taxi services and promote the healthy development of the taxi industry in the long run. The TD issued official Taxi Fleet Licences to five taxi fleets in July 2025 with a view to offering quality services to the public. All fleet taxis provide multiple electronic payment means, while safety devices and the driver monitoring system have been installed to provide convenience for passengers and ensure driving safety.

     The Government has also submitted to the Legislative Council the legislative amendments on mandatory installation of Journey Recording Systems and provision of electronic payment means on taxis, strengthening the deterrent effect against malpractice by the black sheep in the taxi industry and safeguarding the interests of both drivers and passengers on one hand, while providing convenience for passengers to pay the fare on the other. Ms Kwok encouraged the trade to continue to strive for excellence to provide more quality ride experiences, thereby giving full play to new opportunities for quality service.

     Among 573 nominated taxi drivers, 20 were selected as Quality Taxi Drivers this year by an assessment panel comprising non-trade members of the CTSQ and relevant department representatives. The Most Popular Taxi Driver was presented to the driver with the highest number of votes in the public voting, while Good Driver, Good Service awards were presented to two drivers providing exceptional services during the ride. In addition, the assessment panel selected one Quality Taxi Service Management Team based on management, application of technology and social responsibility of management teams. The list of awardees is set out in the Annex.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced today (August 15) that a tender of 3-year RMB institutional Government Bonds (Bonds) through the re-opening of existing 3-year Government Bond issue 03GB2807001 under the Infrastructure Bond Programme will be held on August 21, 2025 (Thursday), for settlement on August 25, 2025 (Monday).
 
An additional amount of RMB1.25 billion of the outstanding 3-year Bonds (issue no. 03GB2807001) will be on offer. The Bonds will mature on July 28, 2028 and will carry interest at the rate of 1.59 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear. The Indicative Pricings of the Bonds on August 15, 2025 are 100.14 with a semi-annualised yield of 1.540 per cent.
 
Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk. Each tender must be for an amount of RMB50,000 or integral multiples thereof.
 
Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day.

HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Information

Tender information of 3-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority published today (August 15) the credit card lending survey results for the second quarter of 2025.

Total card receivables decreased by 2.5 per cent in the second quarter to HK$149.0 billion at end-June 2025, as compared to a decrease of 5.8 per cent in the previous quarter.
 
The combined delinquent and rescheduled ratio was 0.45 per cent at end-June 2025, compared with 0.42 per cent at the previous quarter-end. The quarterly charge-off ratio was 0.64 per cent, compared with 0.61 per cent in the previous quarter and remained at a low level.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Buildings Department approved six building plans in June, with three in Kowloon and three in the New Territories.
 
     Of the approved plans, two were for apartment and apartment/commercial developments, two were for factory and industrial developments, and two were for community services development.
 
     In the same month, consent was given for works to start on 11 building projects which, when completed, will provide 85 798 square metres of gross floor area for domestic use involving 1 815 units, and 195 981 sq m of gross floor area for non-domestic use. The department has received notification of commencement of superstructure works for three building projects.
 
     The department also issued 18 occupation permits, with three on Hong Kong Island, seven in Kowloon and eight in the New Territories.
 
     Of the buildings certified for occupation, the gross floor area for domestic use was 180 830 sq m involving 2637 units, and 77 803 sq m was for non-domestic use.
 
     The declared cost of new buildings completed in June totalled about $11.4 billion.
 
     In addition, four demolition consents were issued.
 
     The department received 2 913 reports about unauthorised building works (UBWs) in June and issued 787 removal orders on UBWs.
 
     The full version of the Monthly Digest for June can be viewed on the Buildings Department’s homepage (www.bd.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) held the National Ecology Day 2025 Launching Ceremony cum Symposium today (August 15), commencing a series of activities related to environmental protection and ecological conservation with representatives from the Mainland and HKSAR Governments, and non-governmental organisations, scholars and experts to exchange ideas on ecological civilisation concepts and conservation work.
  
The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan; the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr Ye Shuiqiu; and member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress and Member of the Legislative Council, Dr Starry Lee, officiated at the Launching Ceremony.

In his opening speech, Mr Cheuk said that the country had designated August 15 as the National Ecology Day in 2023, aiming to enhance widespread promotion of the country’s ecological civilisation concepts, and public awareness towards ecological civilisation. This year’s National Ecology Day coincided with the 20th anniversary of President Xi Jinping putting forth the concept that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”, making this occasion even more special. He emphasised that the HKSAR Government placed great importance in the country’s ecological civilisation initiatives, and had been promoting green transformation of society, conserving ecology, and strengthening co-operation with the Mainland, thereby building a beautiful China and a beautiful Hong Kong.
 
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Lee stated that the establishment of National Ecological Day was a sign of the country embarking on a new stage of ecological civilisation. The progress of the country on promoting ecological civilisation was evident to all, with a greater emphasis now on harmonious coexistence between development and nature. She also affirmed the work done by the HKSAR Government in moving towards a low-carbon future, which included expanding renewable energy facilities, promoting green transport, and adding green buildings, etc. She called on everyone to integrate conservation into their lives and build a green city together. 

Other guests included the Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment), Mr Eddie Cheung; the Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui; the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai; the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Poon Kwok-ying; the Assistant Director of the Hong Kong Observatory (Radiation Monitoring and Assessment), Mr Lee Lap-shun; member of the Executive Council and Chairman of the Council for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development, Dr Lam Ching-choi; the Chairman of the Environment and Conservation Fund Committee, Dr Eric Cheng; and the Chairman of the Environmental Campaign Committee, Ms Grace Kwok. Members of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Environmental Affairs, including Mr Frankie Yick, Mr Kwok Wai-keung, Dr Lo Wai-kwok, Mr Junius Ho, Mr Tony Tse, Mr Dominic Lee, Mr Chan Siu-hung, and LegCo Member Mr Andrew Lam, also attended.
 
At the launching ceremony, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Joint Rescue Mechanism for Large Aquatic Wild Animals with the Ocean Development Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality to deepen the rescue co-operation of large aquatic wild animals between the two places, and to strengthen the exchange of experience and technology to improve the ecological safety of the adjacent waters of Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
 
Afterwards, the Interim Vice President (Campus Development and Facilities) of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Ling Kar-kan, hosted the symposium. Speakers of the symposium included the President of the China Institute for Rural Studies of Tsinghua University and Tenured Professor of the School of Public Policy and Management of Tsinghua University, Professor Wang Yahua; Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Professor Wang Yuhong; the Director of the Hong Kong Culture and Sustainability Centre, Professor Louis Yu; the Assistant Director (Country Parks) of the AFCD, Dr Jackie Yip; and the Head of the Countryside Conservation Office of the Environment and Ecology Bureau, Professor Stephen Tang. They shared and exchanged views on rural revitalisation, nature conservation and sustainable development.

The HKSAR Government announced earlier that government and non-governmental organisations would provide various special activities and offers from today to September 28 to encourage the public to respond to and participate in the third National Ecology Day this year. Details have been uploaded to the Countryside Conservation Office website (cco.gov.hk/en/event-calendar/ned2025), Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub website of the AFCD (bih.gov.hk/en/education-programmes/programmes/index.html) as well as the websites or social media platforms of the participating organisations.