Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong once again ranks as the world’s freest economy
A spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government said, “The Fraser Institute’s report has reaffirmed Hong Kong’s strengths as a free-market economy, as well as its open and efficient business environment with a level-playing field. Amid the intensifying geopolitical tensions, and rising unilateralism and protectionism that disrupt the international trade system and global economic order, Hong Kong will, as always, continue to steadfastly uphold its status as a free port. We will maintain free trade policies and a simple, low tax regime, while ensuring the free flow of capital, information, goods and talent – fully leveraging our role as a ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’. We warmly welcome local and overseas enterprises and talent to invest in Hong Kong and pursue business and career opportunities here.”
“Since the beginning of this year, the global economy has been facing significant uncertainties stemming from unilateral tariffs. Nevertheless, our country’s commitment to high-level two-way opening up, along with continuous breakthroughs in technological innovation, has injected stability and growth momentum into the regional and global economies. Under the ‘one country, two systems’ framework, Hong Kong retains its unique advantages in connectivity, internationalisation, diversity and inclusiveness. These strengths, combined with stable and predictable economic and financial policies, as well as an open, efficient and fair market environment, continue to attract global investors, enterprises and talent. The strong performance of Hong Kong’s stock market, the sustained growth in bank deposits, and the expanding asset and wealth management sectors, are clear indicators of international investors’ confidence in Hong Kong. Furthermore, the city continues to achieve outstanding results in various global competitiveness rankings across finance, innovation and technology, education and talent. These all underscore the international recognition of Hong Kong’s core strengths and the HKSAR Government’s efforts to promote economic and social development.”
“The current-term HKSAR Government has been proactively attracting enterprises, capital and talent to Hong Kong, with remarkable results. As of last year, nearly 10 000 companies with overseas and Mainland parent companies have established a presence in Hong Kong, marking a historic high. Since the end of 2022, the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises has successfully brought in over 80 strategic enterprises to set up or expand their operations in the city, many of which are global leaders in cutting-edge technologies. In the first eight months of this year, Invest Hong Kong supported more than 440 enterprises in establishing or expanding their businesses in Hong Kong, representing a 14 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Overseas and Mainland enterprises each accounted for about half of these projects. These figures demonstrate the strong appeal of Hong Kong’s world-class business environment. On talent attraction, since the end of 2022 to August this year, various talent admission schemes received nearly 530 000 applications, with over 350 000 approvals. More than 230,000 individuals have arrived in Hong Kong.”
“Looking ahead, we will continue to proactively integrate into the overall national development plan and align with national development strategies, while maintaining a free, open and fair business environment. We will capitalise on our core advantages, and strengthen connectivity with both the Mainland and the world, to create greater value and opportunities for global investors. In addition to consolidating our strengths in the traditional sectors, we are committed to nurturing emerging industries and expanding into new sectors. While deepening ties with established markets, we are also making great strides in enhancing our engagement with the Global South. The Policy Address delivered by the Chief Executive last week has set out clear goals and concrete measures to further advance Hong Kong’s economic development – including fast-tracking the development of the Northern Metropolis, promoting the development of industries through reforms, accelerating the growth of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and consolidating Hong Kong’s status as an international hub. With the staunch support of our country, and the concerted efforts of the HKSAR Government and the community at large, Hong Kong’s path from stability to prosperity is set to shine even brighter.”
As to references on Hong Kong’s national security laws in the 2025 Report, the spokesman said, “The HKSAR Government protects the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents in strict accordance with the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the Basic Law. The interests of enterprises and investors are also fully safeguarded in accordance with the law. In recent years, the implementation of national security laws has restored a safe and stable environment in Hong Kong. This has not only ensured the rights and freedoms of the general public, but also strengthened Hong Kong’s position as a secure and attractive destination for international capital and investment. Under the “one country, two systems” framework, the HKSAR continues to practise the common law and uphold the rule of law, and maintain a judiciary that exercises powers independently. Various surveys indicate that foreign businesses operating in Hong Kong generally express strong confidence in the city’s rule of law. Hong Kong’s remarkable performance in various international rankings further affirms its globally attractive business environment. The HKSAR Government hopes that, in conducting future assessments for the Economic Freedom of the World, the relevant parties will fully understand and accurately reflect the facts.”
Issued at HKT 21:00
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Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital announces incident involving patient under police arrest
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital made the following announcement today (September 25) regarding a patient who was under police arrest:
At around 3am today a staff member in a medical ward discovered that a haemodialysis catheter over the neck of an 83-year-old male patient was dislodged. A male patient was observed standing beside the patient’s bed. The staff immediately reported the incident to the clinical team.
The clinical team performed immediate examinations and treatment for the patient with the dislodged haemodialysis catheter. The patient is currently in stable condition. The patient’s family was informed.
The hospital is very concerned about the incident and has interviewed with the patient’s family. The case was reported to the Police for further investigation. After a preliminary investigation, the Police arrested a male patient in the same ward.
The hospital will fully co-operate with the police investigation. The incident has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System.
Govt welcomes PBoC measures
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region welcomed a series of measures announced by the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) today to deepen mutual access between Mainland and Hong Kong financial markets.
The measures include supporting various types of offshore institutional investors to conduct repurchase (repo) business in the Mainland bond market, expanding the list of Swap Connect dealers and enhancing relevant management mechanisms, increasing the daily quota of Northbound trading of Swap Connect by more than double to RMB45 billion.
The PBoC will also work with relevant authorities to provide more renminbi assets in the Hong Kong market including treasury bonds, and will continue to co-operate closely with different parties to accelerate the launch of RMB treasury bond futures in the city.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan said that as global investors’ demand for RMB-denominated products grows, Hong Kong’s role as a global offshore RMB business hub and risk management centre becomes increasingly important.
“With the strong support from our country, the Hong Kong SAR Government is committed to deepening and expanding mutual access between the Mainland and Hong Kong financial markets, continuously enriching RMB-denominated investment products and risk management tools to meet the needs of investors both domestically and internationally.”
He said that the series of measures announced today by the PBoC provide strong support for the Hong Kong SAR Government’s efforts and further promote the co-ordinated development of the fixed income markets in both places.
“We sincerely thank the central government and relevant authorities for the care and support for Hong Kong, and will continue to do our utmost to contribute greater efforts to our country’s development into a financial powerhouse.”
Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hu said that the issuance of RMB bonds in Hong Kong has increased year by year, exceeding RMB1 trillion in 2024.
Since the implementation of Swap Connect in 2023, it has operated smoothly with steadily increasing business volume. The average daily notional principal amount traded in August 2025 reached RMB20 billion, an over five-fold increase from the first month of its launch in 2023.
With increasing participation by offshore investors in the Mainland’s bond market, demand for related risk management tools is growing, Mr Hu said, noting that enhancing the Swap Connect mechanism will further facilitate overseas investors in hedging risks in Mainland assets, thereby helping them better manage their portfolios.
“We will also work closely with relevant Mainland institutions to enrich the options of RMB products in Hong Kong and implement the launch of offshore treasury bond futures expeditiously.”
Market institutions in both places will finalise the implementation details and announce the launch dates.
Hong Kong ranks third globally in Global Financial Centres Index, closing rating gaps with first and second places
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Z/Yen from the United Kingdom and the China Development Institute from Shenzhen published the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) 38 Report today (September 25). Hong Kong’s overall rating increased by four points to 764, maintaining third place globally and first place in Asia Pacific. The rating gaps with first place (New York) and second place (London) narrowed to two points and one point respectively.
In the report, Hong Kong’s ranking in fintech offerings leapt from fourth place to first in the world, and those in the areas of “business environment”, “infrastructure”, and “reputational and general” also rose further to first globally, while ranking second and third globally in “human capital” and “financial sector development” respectively. In addition, Hong Kong ranked among the top in the assessments by practitioners in various financial industry sectors, among which it maintained the top three positions globally in the “banking”, “investment management”, “insurance” and “finance” sectors.
Emergency relief fund for farmers, fish farmers and fishermen affected by Super Typhoon Ragasa
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Local farmers, fish farmers and fishermen who suffered serious losses caused by the recent Super Typhoon Ragasa can register with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) from tomorrow (September 26) for assistance from an emergency relief fund. According to the application guideline of the emergency relief fund, the application deadline for affected farmers and fish farmers is October 8, and the application deadline for affected fishermen is November 11.
An AFCD spokesman said today (September 25) that an appropriate amount of the relief funding would be released to affected eligible farmers, fish farmers and fishermen according to established criteria.
“After each typhoon or natural disaster, AFCD staff will contact farmers, fish farmers and fishermen to assess the resultant damage to their farmland areas, fish rafts, fish ponds and fishing vessels. Depending on the extent of the damage, the department may launch an operation to provide some relief to affected persons,” the spokesman said.
The department’s preliminary investigation has revealed that about 300 hectares of farmland in the New Territories, some fish rafts in certain fish culture zones and some fishing vessels were affected by Super Typhoon Ragasa.
Affected farmers who need to apply for the fund can submit their applications in person at the Agricultural Extension Office of the AFCD at 5/F, Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long, or submit their applications online (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/agriculture/agr_loan/agr_loan_erf/agr_loan_erf.html). For enquiries, please contact the hotline at 2476 2424 during office hours.
Affected fish farmers can submit their applications in person at the following AFCD offices:
1) Fisheries Licensing Section Office, 8/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon;
2) Aberdeen Fisheries Office, 100A Shek Pai Wan Road, Aberdeen;
3) Tai Po Fisheries Office, 3 Yu On Street, Sam Mun Tsai, Tai Po, New Territories; or
4) Sai Kung Fisheries Office, 5/F, Sai Kung Government Offices, 34 Chan Man Street, Sai Kung, New Territories.
Affected fishermen can submit their applications at the Liaison and Market Section Office of the AFCD, 8/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon.
Affected fish farmers and fishermen can also submit their applications online (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/fish_cap/fish_cap_techsup/fish_cap_erf.html). For enquiries, please contact the hotline at 2150 7109 (fish farmers) or 2150 7099 (fishermen) during office hours.
Some LCSD gazetted beaches under its management to open tomorrow
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (September 25) that some gazetted beaches under LCSD management, temporarily closed earlier due to inspection and clearance works of damage and miscellaneous articles caused by Super Typhoon Ragasa, will reopen tomorrow (September 26).
These beaches include:
- Hong Kong Island:
� South Bay Beach
- New Territories:
� Lido Beach
� Approach Beach
� Butterfly Beach
� Golden Beach
� Kadoorie Beach
SCED visits Malaysia to strengthen economic and trade collaboration (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, today (September 25) promoted Hong Kong’s premier business environment and fostered further collaboration between Hong Kong and Malaysia to achieve mutual benefits on his visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Hong Kong has long been maintaining a close bilateral relationship with Malaysia. Malaysia is Hong Kong’s eighth-largest trading partner and the third-largest among the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). As announced in the 2025 Policy Address, Hong Kong will set up an economic and trade office (ETO) in Kuala Lumpur by the end of this year to deepen ties and co-operation with the country.
In the morning, Mr Yau first met with representatives of eBusiness Association Malaysia to exchange views on the rapid development of global e-commerce and explore collaboration to assist Hong Kong businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, in tapping into the vast ASEAN market. Mr Yau also visited Lazada Malaysia, one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the country, to learn about its operation and business model. He also had a good exchange with its senior management on the ASEAN e-commerce market landscape and opportunities brought about by cross-boundary e-commerce for Hong Kong enterprises and brands.
Mr Yau then attended a luncheon with representatives of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia to share with them Hong Kong’s latest economic and trade developments, such as the Northern Metropolis development, and new measures announced in the recent Policy Address to attract enterprises and investment. He also encouraged Malaysian enterprises to set up or expand businesses in Hong Kong to explore the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area market.
Mr Yau also took the opportunity to visit a major Malaysian conglomerate, Berjaya Corporation Berhad, to learn more about its latest developments and the business environment of Malaysia. The group operates across several key industries, including retail, property, hospitality, and services. Mr Yau met with the founder of the group, Mr Vincent Tan, to exchange views on deepening Hong Kong’s partnership with the Malaysian business sector, leveraging the city’s unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle.
In addition, Mr Yau paid a courtesy call on the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, Mr Zheng Xuefang, to brief him on Hong Kong’s latest developments and new measures to drive economic growth.
Mr Yau yesterday (September 24) was briefed by the Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta, Miss Libera Cheng, on the progress of the establishment of the ETO in Kuala Lumpur. He also had a lunch meeting with Miss Cheng and a representative of the local office of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to get a deeper understanding of their promotion work in Malaysia and preparedness for taking forward a new initiative announced in the Policy Address to support Mainland enterprises in going global via Hong Kong. Mr Yau also took the opportunity to visit an event sponsored by the Jakarta ETO to promote Hong Kong movies.
​Meanwhile, Mr Yau attended the gala dinner of the ASEAN Economic Ministers meeting and related meetings last evening. The ninth ASEAN Economic Ministers – Hong Kong, China Consultation meeting will be held tomorrow (September 26).
More HZMB private car quotas set
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
An additional 600 regular quotas for Hong Kong cross-boundary non-commercial private cars using the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge to Macau will be open for application from September 29, the Transport Department announced today.
The department said the additional quotas will be allocated in accordance with the arrangement agreed upon between the governments of Hong Kong and Macau.
Half of the additional 600 quota allocations are for company applicants and the other half are for individual applicants.
The quotas are valid for no more than three years until November 23, 2028.
Private cars holding Hong Kong quotas will be permitted to access the city of Macau multiple times using the bridge.
The Hong Kong quotas will be reallocated upon expiry through open application.
The application period starts from 9am on September 29 to 5.15pm on October 10.
Click here for more details.
𝗦𝗔𝗠𝗢𝗔 𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗧𝗦 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗬 𝗗𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 (𝗡𝗗𝗖) 𝟯.𝟬 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗧𝗦 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗦 𝗔𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧
Source:
[PRESS RELEASE – 24th September 2025] – The Government of Samoa, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has successfully hosted the validation workshop of Samoa’s Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), marking a defining moment in Samoa’s climate leadership on a global scale. Building on Samoa’s First NDC in 2015 and the Second NDC submitted in 2021, the NDC 3.0 process strengthens national ambition under the Paris Agreement, aligning climate action with Samoa’s sectoral plans, development priorities, and the urgent need to safeguard communities against climate risks.
Speaking at the opening, Chief Executive Officer of MNRE, Ms. Lealaisalanoa Frances Brown-Reupena, emphasized that NDC 3.0 is not just a policy exercise but “a shared vision for a resilient, low-carbon Samoa.” She added: “Samoa’s emissions are small – less than 0.01% of global totals. But our leadership is significant. By advancing a credible, inclusive, and ambitious NDC 3.0, Samoa strengthens its moral authority in the international climate negotiations. Our actions here in Apia ripple out to the Pacific and beyond, amplifying the message that climate ambition must be universal.”
The validation builds on lessons learned from Samoa’s Second NDC. A national stocktake exercise highlighted progress across multiple sectors, including advances in renewable energy where Samoa is on track to reach 70% renewable use by 2031 through initiatives such as home biogas, solar installations, energy audits, new PV and battery storage, and the Alaoa Multipurpose Dam already underway. In transport, Samoa has taken its first steps towards decarbonization by introducing electric vehicles, piloting charging infrastructure, and developing a national clean mobility strategy. In the AFOLU sector, Samoa’s forest cover has increased by 1.63% since 2013, supported by the 3 million trees campaign and community agroforestry programs, while adaptation measures in agriculture, fisheries, health, and infrastructure are strengthening resilience and sustainable livelihoods.
At the same time, the stocktake revealed persistent challenges, including data gaps that limit the precision of emissions tracking and financing shortfalls, particularly in energy and transport transitions. These lessons have directly shaped Samoa’s NDC 3.0, which prioritises scaling renewable energy and resilient grids, accelerating sustainable transport, expanding nature-based solutions to protect mangroves, forests, and marine ecosystems, improving waste management through circular economy approaches, and strengthening systems to measure, report, and verify progress with transparency. Above all, Samoa’s Third NDC seeks to ensure that climate finance flows to where it is most needed – communities on the frontlines of climate impacts.
The validation also launched Samoa’s national consultations for COP30, which will continue in the coming weeks with government institutions, communities, youth, and the private sector. These consultations will help shape Samoa’s position for the global negotiations in Brazil while reinforcing pathways for climate resilience and sustainable development at home.
Despite contributing less than 0.01% of global emissions, Samoa continues to demonstrate global leadership in climate action. As CEO reminded participants, “Equity and climate justice demand more decisive action from major emitters. The survival of small island states depends on keeping global temperature rise below 1.5°C.” By validating an ambitious, inclusive, and credible NDC 3.0, Samoa once again demonstrates its commitment to climate ambition, resilience, and justice, reaffirming its role as a Pacific leader and a global voice for urgent, collective action.
The Ministry extends its deep appreciation to the UNDP Climate Promise, the NDC Partnership, and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) for their technical and financial support, and to Grant Thornton Bharat, the lead consultancy team leading the delivery of Samoa’s NDC 3.0.
ENDS
Renewable Energy in Samoa
Labour Department to use small unmanned aircraft to assist in law enforcement (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Labour Department (LD) will start using small unmanned aircraft (SUA) from October to assist Occupational Safety Officers (OSOs) in conducting inspections and enforcement actions. A special inspection exercise using SUA will also be launched to combat unsafe work activities.
The Commissioner for Labour, Mr Sam Hui, and the Deputy Commissioner (Occupational Safety and Health), Mr Vincent Fung, attended an SUA drill earlier to understand the operation of SUA by OSOs and its effectiveness in application.
Mr Hui said, “OSOs can utilise SUA to conduct aerial remote site surveillance in the future. Upon detecting unsafe work practices, OSOs will be able to take photos and videos immediately for evidence collection before deploying staff to enter the sites for law enforcement. In addition, SUA will also facilitate the inspection of remote or inaccessible workplaces, thereby significantly enhancing inspection efficiency.”
The SUA adopted by the LD is equipped with superzoom and high-resolution cameras capable of shooting remote aerial photography and videography, assisting OSOs in collecting evidence during inspections and accident investigations.
The LD will launch a special inspection exercise using SUA in October, focusing on construction sites with working-at-height activities to curb unsafe work practices. If any violation of the occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation is detected, the LD will take stringent enforcement actions immediately, including issuing suspension notices and improvement notices as well as initiating prosecutions without prior warning.
The LD will continue to keep in view the application of technological products, including the latest technological developments of AI systems, and keep using technology to assist in law enforcement, with a view to enhancing the deterrent effect of the legislation and further safeguarding the OSH of workers.