Month: September 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

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

The Hong Kong Institute for Monetary and Financial Research (HKIMR), the research arm of the Hong Kong Academy of Finance (AoF), today (September 22) released a new Applied Research report, titled “Long-term Investing in Hong Kong: Developments and Opportunities in a Digital Economy”.
 
The report, building upon the HKIMR’s prior research on demographic changes and long-term asset markets, provides a comprehensive and updated analysis of Hong Kong’s long-term investing landscape and opportunities within the context of an evolving digital economy. The report covers two surveys that were commissioned by the HKIMR. The first survey, carried out in collaboration with the Investor and Financial Education Council, explored Hong Kong residents’ long-term investment decisions. The second survey, administered in collaboration with a consulting firm, focused on local market participants to gain insight into their perspectives on product development, distribution strategies, and the adoption of technology.  
 
The study highlights that while Hong Kong residents exhibit a strong foundation for basic financial knowledge, there is a need for greater awareness of specific financial products, particularly those related to long-term investing and financial planning. As for products, Hong Kong already possesses a diverse suite of globally competitive accumulation products. However, 67 per cent of the surveyed market participants saw the crucial need to increase the supply of decumulation product options to accommodate their customers’ demand for long-term financial planning.
 
The study also reflects that digital adoption among both survey groups is high. In the study, 72 per cent of surveyed residents reported using digital financial services in the past year, and about 70 per cent of the surveyed market participants reported they are currently adopting or plan to adopt mobile and web platforms to distribute long-term financial products. Based on these survey findings, the study suggests some considerations to foster a healthy long-term investment ecosystem in Hong Kong. Among those, embracing frontier technologies is key to drive innovative product and services, increase cost efficiency, and further enhance product distribution to support more effective long-term investing and financial planning.
 
     “The trend of population ageing continues, making it imperative to prioritise long-term investing. The insights of this report can be helpful for market participants as they navigate existing challenges and foster business opportunities that contribute to developing a more comprehensive and healthy long-term investment ecosystem in Hong Kong,” said the Chief Executive Officer of the AoF and Executive Director of the HKIMR, Mr Enoch Fung.
 
The report is available on the AoF/HKIMR website.
  
About the AoF

The AoF is set up with full collaboration amongst the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Securities and Futures Commission, the Insurance Authority and the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority. By bringing together the strengths of the industry, the regulatory community, professional bodies and the academia, it aims to serve as (i) a centre of excellence for developing financial leadership; and (ii) a repository of knowledge in monetary and financial research, including applied research.
 
About the HKIMR

The HKIMR is the research arm of the AoF. Its main remit is to conduct research in the fields of monetary policy, banking and finance that are of strategic importance to Hong Kong and the Asia region. The Applied Research studies undertaken by the HKIMR are on topics that are highly relevant to the financial industry and regulators in Hong Kong, and they aim to provide insights on the long-term development strategy and direction of Hong Kong’s financial industry.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong Mr Arnold Lau will visit South America from today (September 22) to September 26, covering Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Lima, Peru. During the visit, Mr Lau will meet with representatives of governments, leading enterprises, and industry organisations to promote Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between the Chinese Mainland and Asian markets, and to deepen trade and business ties with the South American region.
      
     “The South America market has strong growth potential, and its local enterprises are actively seeking opportunities to enter the Asian market,” said Mr Lau. “As the freest economy in the world, Hong Kong offers an open and mature market, a highly international talent pool, and a robust legal system – making it an ideal springboard for South American enterprises to expand into Asia, especially the Chinese Mainland and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Through this visit, we aim to foster pragmatic exchanges and collaboration, strengthen bilateral ties with Argentina and Peru, and make use of our business advantages to promote the development of the Global South.”
      
     During his visit to Argentina, Mr Lau will meet with the Argentine Investment and International Trade Agency to gain insights into the local business environment and explore collaboration opportunities. He will promote Hong Kong’s strengths in finance, regulations, innovation and technology, and as being a preferred location for setting up international or regional headquarters. In Peru, Mr Lau will hold discussions with PromPerú (the Commission for the Promotion of Peruvian Exports and Tourism), attend the Expoalimentaria 2025 international food trade fair organised by the Association of Exporters from Peru and participate in a conference. He will meet with local food exporters to introduce Hong Kong’s unique business advantages and the wealth of opportunities available.
      
     Mr Lau will also meet with representatives of a number of South American enterprises interested in establishing a presence in Hong Kong. These enterprises span sectors including food trading, agricultural exports, technology, e-commerce, brand development, and retail, with the aim of exploring potential business opportunities and promoting cross-regional co-operation.
      
     Hong Kong has close economic ties with both Argentina and Peru. In 2024, the total value of bilateral merchandise trade between Hong Kong and Argentina and Peru reached HK$3 billion and HK$6 billion, respectively. Peru is a participating country in the Belt and Road Initiative. Since 2020, bilateral trade between Hong Kong and Peru has grown by nearly 10 per cent annually on average. In 2024, the two sides signed a Free Trade Agreement, further enhancing bilateral investment flows to bring about economic growth in the two sides.

Source:

KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Minister of Finance Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo

Members of the Council of Deputies and o outou Faletua,

Honourable Ministers,

Chief Justice and Members of the Judiciary,

Honourable Speaker, Members of Parliament,

Your Excellency Ambassador Fei Mingxing and Madame Li Wenjun,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Talofa and a very good evening.

On behalf of the Prime Minister, the Government, and the people of Samoa, I extend our warmest congratulations to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China as you celebrate the 76th Anniversary of your National Day.

This day honours the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949 and the extraordinary journey of resilience, growth, and leadership that has followed. It also reminds us of the strength of the friendship Samoa and China have shared for 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1975.

Over these five decades, Samoa and China have nurtured a relationship built on respect and cooperation – from infrastructure and agriculture, to health, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. We remain deeply grateful for China’s

enduring support, which has touched the lives of our families and communities.

As China celebrates 76 years since the founding of the People’s Republic, we are reminded of the wisdoms that guide nations.

In China, there is a saying:

“”- Zhòng rén shí chái huo yàn gão – when everyone adds firewood, the flames rise high.

In Samoa, we say: “E so’o le fau i le fau” – one fiber is bound to another.

Both teach us that when we are joined in respect and love, unity makes our flame burn brighter. This is the spirit of Samoa and China walking together in friendship.

China also teaches:

“+•” – Shí nián shù mù, bải nián shù rén – it takes ten years to grow a tree, but a hundred years to nurture a person. It reminds us that while nature grows quickly, shaping people of wisdom and character is the most important and lasting work of a nation. In Samoa, we affirm the same truth:

“E leai se mea e sili atu i lo le aiga” – there is nothing greater than family. We see these shared values alive in our Su’i Alofa – Stitched with Love Project, where over a thousand Samoans – women and men – are weaving not only garments but also futures, strengthening families and the fabric of our nation.

These wisdoms remind us that women, children, and families are the foundation of our shared future. As China marks 76 years of resilience and progress, and Samoa celebrates 50 years of friendship with China, we look not only to the past we have built together but also to the future we will shape together – one of peace, prosperity, and solidarity for generations to come.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen – before I invite you to raise your glasses, may I express my heartfelt thanks to Your Excellency Ambassador Fei Mingxing, Madame Li Wenjun, and the Embassy of China in Samoa for hosting us so warmly this evening. Your hospitality reflects the spirit of the friendship we celebrate tonight.

Please join me in a toast: To the 76th Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, and to the enduring flame of friendship between Samoa and China – may it continue to burn brightly, guiding us forward in unity and shared hopе.

Soifua.

September 22, 2025

Source:

HON. LA’AULIALEMALIETOA POLĀTA’IVAO LEUATEA FOSI SCHMIDT: PRIME MINISTER OF SAMOA

MINISTER:

• Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Ministry of Police & Prison

• Office of the Attorney General

• Samoa Law Reform Commission

• Office of the Ombudsman

• Public Service Commission

• NEOC

Associate Minister: Vui Iiga Sione Iiga

HON. TOELUPE MAOIAUTELE POUMULINUKU ONESEMO:

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER OF SAMOA

[SEPTEMBER 2025 – MARCH 2028]

Minister:

• Ministry of Works, Transport & Infrastructure

• Land Transport Authority

• Samoa Airport Authority

• Samoa Port Authority

• Samoa Shipping Corporation

Associate Minister: Taitu’ave Lafaitele Valoaga Ta’aititi Iona

HON. MULIPOLA ANAROSA ‘ALE – MOLIO’O: DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER OF SAMOA [COMMENCE APRIL 2028 – SEPTEMBER 2030]

Minister:

• Ministry of Finance

• Ministry for Public Enterprises

• Electric Power Corporation

• Samoa Water Authority

• Deputy Minister for MWCSD

• Central Bank of Samoa

• National Provident Fund

• Samoa International Finance Authority

• Unit Trust of Samoa

Associate Minister: Asiata Tavui Tafu Salevao

HON. AIONO DR. ALEC EKEROMA

Minister

• Ministry of Education and Culture

• National University of Samoa

• Samoa Qualification Authority

Associate Minister: Leatigaga Matāfai Lauina Iiga

HON. FESOLA’I APULU TUSIUPU TUIGAMALA

Minister:

• Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration

• Office of the Electoral Commission

Associate Minister: Salā Paulo Tuala Poto

HON. AGASEATA TANUVASA VALELIO TANUVASA PETO

Minister:

• Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

• Office of the Regulator

• Samoa Post Office

Associate Minister: Leilua Sagato Karene

HON. MASINALUPE LEATUAVAO MAKESI PISI

Minister:

• Ministry of Customs

Associate Minister: Lavea Solomona Paulo

Hon. Seve Tei Fuimaono

Minister:

• Ministry of Environment

• Legislative Assembly Office

• Fire and Emergency Services Authority

Associate Minister: Taufua Edmund Taufua

HON. FUIMAONO MAIAVA TITO ASAFO

Minister:

• Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries

• Scientific Research Organization of Samoa

• Development Bank of Samoa

Associate Minister: Aiolupotea Misa Tony Aiolupo

HON. FOISALA LILO TUU IOANE

Minister:

• Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources

Associate Minister: Tea To’oala Peato

HON. SEUAMULI LETUUGA FASI TOMA

Minister:

• Ministry of Sports and Recreation

• Samoa Shipping Services

Associate Minister: Fiu Fa’aolatane Ponifasio Vasa

HON. MOEFA’AUOUO JULIUS AH KUI TAFUNA’I

Minister:

• Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development

• Samoa Bureau of Statistics

• Samoa Housing Corporation

Associate Minister: Tilafono David Hunter

HON. FATA RYAN SCHUSTER

Minister:

• Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour

• Commerce Commission

• Labour

• Labour Mobility

• Samoa Export Authority

• Samoa Air

Associate Minister: Amituana’i Malolo Tautofi Roma

HON. VA’AAOAO ALOFIPO

Minister:

• Ministry of Health

• Accident Compensation Corporation Samoa

Associate Minister: Ale Vena Ale

HON. PAUGA TEOMATAVUI TALALELEI PAUGA

Minister:

• Ministry of Revenue

• Audit Office

September 22, 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene has ordered a fresh provision shop in Sheung Shui to suspend business for 14 days, as the licensee repeatedly breached the Food Business Regulation (FBR) by extending the business area illegally.

The shop, located at Shop 17 on level one of Lung Fung Garden on 33 Lung Sum Avenue, was ordered to suspend business from today (September 21) to October 4.

     “Two convictions for the above-mentioned breach were recorded against the shop licensee in July this year. A total fine of $3,000 was levied by the court, and 30 demerit points were registered against the licensee under the department’s demerit points system. The contraventions resulted in the 14-day licence suspension,” a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said.

The licensee concerned had a record of two convictions for the same offence in April this year. A total fine of $10,000 was levied, and 30 demerit points were also registered, leading to a seven-day licence suspension between June and July this year.

The spokesman reminded licensees of food premises to comply with the FBR, or their licences could be suspended or cancelled.

Licensed food premises are required to exhibit their licence and a sign at a conspicuous place of the premises, indicating that the premises has been licensed. A list of licensed food premises is available on the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/licence-foodPremises-search.html).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The third Asia+ Festival commenced last Friday (September 19) with the opening programme of the box-office hit “The Cherry Orchard” at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre for three consecutive nights. The Festival, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, is held annually from September to November with an aim to create a sustainable platform for arts and cultural exchanges.
 
     The Korean theatre production of “The Cherry Orchard” by internationally renowned director Simon Stone, starring Cannes Best Actress Jeon Do-yeon and globally recognised actor Park Hae-soo from “Squid Game”, brings striking originality to Russian master dramatist Anton Chekhov’s classic. Stone, Jeon and Park also attended meet-the-artist sessions after the performances and shared their thoughts on their participation in the production.
 
     Stone said that he was very excited as “The Cherry Orchard” marked the first time his work had been physically performed in Hong Kong, serving as the first stop of the play’s world tour. Park, Jeon and actor Son Sang-kyu mentioned that before the show they were concerned that the language barrier would affect the viewing experience, but soon found out onstage that the audience was fully engaged, responding actively to the plot’s developments and enjoying the entire performance. Jeon added that this performance in Hong Kong, bringing together an Australian director, Korean actors, and a Russian classic, was an amazing experience for her.
 
     While focusing on Asia, the Asia+ Festival also connects with Belt and Road countries and regions. This year, the Festival is bringing together outstanding artists from over 30 countries and regions, of which 12 are new participating countries including South Africa, North Macedonia and Argentina, which are presenting respectively the dance performance “We wear our wheels with pride”, the folk concert “Makedonissimo”, “Tango After Dark”, and more. Please visit www.asiaplus.gov.hk for more details on the programme line-ups.
 
     Tickets are now available at URBTIX counters, self-service ticketing kiosks, online (www.urbtix.hk), mobile ticketing app URBTIX, and by telephone booking (hotline: 3166 1288). For programme enquiries and other discount schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit the website.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Education Bureau announced that classes of all schools will be suspended tomorrow and the following day given that the weather is expected to deteriorate rapidly and the Gale or Storm Signal No. 8 may be issued between 1pm and 4pm on Tuesday.

 

The steering committee on handling extreme weather, led by the Chief Secretary, released the relevant information in response to the latest assessment and forecast on Super Typhoon Ragasa by the Hong Kong Observatory.

 

The decision to suspend school classes is to ensure students’ safety. During the class suspension, schools will not accept paper applications for discretionary places under the Primary One Admission (POA) 2026.

 

The deadline for submitting paper applications has been extended to September 30. Parents may also choose to submit e-applications via the POA e-Platform on or before September 26.

 

District Offices will advance the opening of temporary shelters at 8am tomorrow for people in need, and individual temporary shelters will commence operation earlier today if necessary. The Home Affairs Department has activated a round-the-clock hotline 2572 8427 for public enquiries.

 

The Security Bureau’s Emergency Monitoring & Support Centre was fully activated at 10.30am today, more than 24 hours earlier than normal for early planning and early intervention.

 

Various emergency response teams, including the Fire Services Department, Police, the Civil Aid Service and the Auxiliary Medical Service, are on standby.

 

Under the steering committee’s co-ordination, various departments have completed all necessary preparatory work and response plans. They will serve with dedication to duty and combine efforts to safeguard the lives and property of the public as well as public safety to minimise the threats and impact of the storm.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, today (September 22) welcomed the approval by the London Metal Exchange (LME), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), of the applications to designate three warehouses in Yuen Long as approved warehouses. This decision demonstrates the strong industry support for the policy direction to promote commodity trading as announced in “The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address”, further enhancing Hong Kong’s commodity trading ecosystem and consolidating its status as an international financial, shipping and trading centre.
 
     Mr Hui said, “The Chief Executive raised in his 2025 Policy Address to continuously develop Hong Kong’s commodity trading ecosystem, including support for the sector in setting up more approved warehouses. Relevant government bureaux and departments have been maintaining close communication with industry stakeholders and providing appropriate assistance on technical matters. The expansion of the LME’s storage facilities in Hong Kong is a positive response to the policy direction set out in the Policy Address. In less than nine months since Hong Kong’s inclusion in the LME’s global warehousing network, the total number of LME-approved warehouses has now increased to 11, including the eight previously approved. This strengthens Hong Kong’s advantage in infrastructure and reinforces our position as a key LME delivery hub in Asia. The three new warehouses are ready for immediate operation, providing efficient delivery options to market participants in international metal trading, while also driving the development of Hong Kong’s shipping and related services.”
 
     He added, “The Policy Address also proposed other measures to develop commodity trading, including the establishment of the Strategic Committee on Commodities led by the Financial Secretary; deepening of the HKEX’s connections with the Guangzhou Futures Exchange and other commodity markets on the Mainland; and the Government’s plan to amend legislation in the first half of next year to provide half-rate tax concessions for commodity traders to set up businesses in Hong Kong. These initiatives aim to co-ordinate efforts in both hardware and software in order to lay an overall framework for long-term development. The Government will actively collaborate with the trade to expedite the implementation of these measures.”
 
     The LME included Hong Kong as an approved delivery point within its global warehousing network in January this year, and began accepting applications from warehouse operators to become approved warehouses of LME-registered brands of metals.
 
 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs has mounted an operation against the smuggling of animals, codenamed “Pet Guardian”, with the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of Shenzhen Customs since November 2023. The fifth phase of the operation commenced in mid-September this year, and Hong Kong Customs detected two suspected cases of illegally importing animals. Six suspected illegally imported animals with an estimated market value of about $20,000 were seized.
 
On September 15, Hong Kong Customs at Sha Tau Kok spotted a woman pushing a bike and entering Hong Kong through the Chung Ying Street Checkpoint from the Mainland side of Chung Ying Street. Customs officers then took action and found a cat inside a pet cage placed at the front basket of the bike and a dog inside the woman’s bag. The 56-year-old woman was subsequently arrested.
 
In the second case, Hong Kong Customs officers at Sha Tau Kok, acting on intelligence analysis, intercepted a 61-year-old woman pushing a bike to enter Hong Kong from Chung Ying Street on the Mainland side on September 17. Four suspected illegally imported cats were found in a nylon bag placed at the rear basket of the bike, and she was immediately arrested.
 
Investigations into the two cases are ongoing, and the six animals have been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.
 
     As a government department specifically responsible for tackling smuggling, Customs will continue to enhance co-operation and intelligence exchanges with other law enforcement agencies, and carry out targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to disrupt relevant crimes.
 
Customs reminds the public that importing animals into Hong Kong without a valid permit is an offence.
 
Under the Rabies Regulation, any person found guilty of illegally importing animals, carcasses or animal products is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year upon conviction.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Social Welfare Department announced today that nine additional residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) in Guangdong will become Recognised Service Providers under the Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong, from October 1, to provide subsidised residential care places for seniors joining the scheme.

 

These care homes are located in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan and Huizhou.

 

Together with the existing 15 RCHEs, the number of such care homes under the scheme will increase to 24, located in eight Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, offering Hong Kong seniors more choices on cross-boundary elderly care.

 

Click here for details of the Residential Care Services Scheme in Guangdong.