Month: October 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs today (October 14) held the inaugural ceremony of the second term of the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Sector Advisory Group at the Customs Headquarters Building. The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, officiated at the ceremony and presented appointment certificates to 17 non-official members from the precious metals and stone industry.

The Advisory Group is a non-statutory body comprising official members from Customs and non-official members from the industry, with a view to providing both sides with a platform for exchanging views on the registration regime for precious metals and stone dealers. Customs can also keep better tabs on the industry to push ahead with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing work.

Mr Chan expressed gratitude to members of the Advisory Group for their continuous support, saying that the regulatory regime for dealers in precious metals and stones has been widely accepted by the industry since its implementation, indicating a mutual commitment to compliance within the industry. Customs will continue to collaborate with the new-term Advisory Group in strengthening the compliance awareness of the industry, combating anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing, and propelling Hong Kong into an international gold trading market by establishing a transparent, robust and internationally aligned regulatory system, thereby strengthening Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre.

According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), unless exempted, any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in Hong Kong is required to register with Hong Kong Customs. For details on the registration regime, please visit the website (www.drs.customs.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The 15th National Games (NG) road cycling men’s individual event will be held on November 8, when temporary traffic control measures will be implemented on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port, the HZMB and some roads to facilitate the holding of the race.

At a press conference today, National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) Head Yeung Tak-keung said the upcoming road cycling (men’s individual) event is the only event that spans over Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau in the 15th NG, and outlined the various arrangements for the race.

Among others, temporary traffic control measures will be implemented on the HZMB eastbound from Zhuhai/Macau towards Hong Kong from 9am to 12.30pm, and on the HZMB westbound from Hong Kong towards Zhuhai/Macau from 7.30am to 12.30pm.

During the temporary control period, all vehicles are prohibited from using the HZMB.

The HZMB Hong Kong Port’s Departure Hall of Passenger Clearance Building and Outbound Vehicle Clearance Plaza will be closed at 6.30am.

The departure and clearance services at the HZMB Hong Kong Port will resume after 12.30pm that day.

It is expected that traffic will be busy. Travellers and drivers who plan to use the bridge on that day are advised to plan their trips in advance and pay attention to the traffic control arrangements within Zhuhai.

Additionally, temporary traffic control measures will be implemented on the North Lantau Highway and roads near the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort during the Hong Kong section race period.

The travel time to and from the airport via the North Lantau Highway is expected to increase by about 30 minutes.

Members of the public and travellers who need to travel to and from Zhuhai or Macau are urged to plan their itineraries in advance, and use other control points and public transport as far as possible.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA solemnly refutes inappropriate comments by China’s Foreign Ministry concerning President Lai’s National Day address

Date：2025-10-10
Data Source：Department of Policy Planning

October 10, 2025  

Regarding comments made by China’s Foreign Ministry after President Lai Ching-te’s National Day address, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) solemnly reiterates that the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) stand on equal footing, with neither being subordinate to the other. This is the objective status quo. It is also a reality that is recognized by the international community and a strong consensus held by the people of Taiwan.
 
MOFA emphasizes that following the conclusion of World War II, the Treaty of San Francisco—which has the force of international law—replaced such political statements as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. The treaty did not cede Taiwan to the PRC. The PRC has never governed Taiwan even for a single day and has no right to represent Taiwan in the international community. MOFA urges the Beijing authorities to recognize historical facts instead of distorting them. In particular, MOFA calls on China to refrain from using various anniversary celebrations to engage in united front and lawfare activities with the aim of denying Taiwan’s sovereign status and misleading international public opinion.
 
MOFA firmly opposes China’s persistent and deliberate misrepresentation of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758. Despite China’s efforts to force the international community to accept its fallacies and exclude Taiwan from the UN system, it is widely acknowledged that UNGA Resolution 2758 only addresses China’s representation in the United Nations. The resolution makes no mention of Taiwan throughout its entire text, does not touch upon Taiwan’s status, and certainly does not authorize China to represent Taiwan. MOFA urges the international community to stand up to China’s coercion and reject its intentional and malicious distortion of UNGA Resolution 2758. It calls for support of Taiwan’s rightful status in the international community and for recognition of Taiwan’s contributions to the world.
 
President Lai reiterated today that democratic Taiwan was a crucial link for the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific and a responsible member of the international community. As such, he said that Taiwan would work to uphold the status quo, ensure peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and promote the prosperous development of the region.
 
MOFA echoes President Lai’s call for China to take responsibility as a major power, soberly recognize the devastation that would be visited on the international community with a launch of an invasion of Taiwan, and cease its distortion of UNGA Resolution 2758 and historical World War II documents. It also urges China to end harmful rhetoric that could escalate tensions across the Taiwan Strait, renounce the use of force or coercion to change the cross-strait status quo, jointly contribute to maintaining the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific, and work together to improve people’s well-being.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta (HKETO Jakarta) today (October 14) hosted a thematic seminar and invited local experts to brief two visiting Hong Kong business delegations on Indonesia’s tax regime, legal environment and business culture, with a view to helping Hong Kong enterprises gain a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities in the Indonesian market. About 50 business people from both delegations attended the seminar.

     In her welcome remarks, the Director-General of the HKETO Jakarta, Miss Libera Cheng, said that “The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address” proposed supporting Hong Kong small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups in exploring overseas markets. It also proposed to establish the “Economic and Trade Express” by joining forces of ETOs, the overseas offices of Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to form a functional platform to enhance synergy and capitalise on their complementary advantages to help Hong Kong enterprises to “go global”. She encouraged Hong Kong enterprises to leverage the visit to actively explore Indonesia’s market potential and identify business opportunities.

     On the same day, the HKETO Jakarta also co-organised with the Indonesia Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (InachamHK) a networking dinner that brought together around 80 guests from the two delegations and several major Indonesian business chambers. The event provided an important platform for the Hong Kong and Indonesian business communities to exchange views, thereby helping Hong Kong enterprises to expand their networks, and helping business people of both sides to understand each other’s markets.

     The two visiting delegations were the Indonesia: Forging New Opportunities Together delegation co-organised by the Y. Elites Association and the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce; and the Garuda Meets Bauhinia Business Delegation co-organised by InachamHK, the Hong Kong Productivity Council’s The Cradle – Go Global Service Centre and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Small and Medium Business, comprising representatives from the aforesaid chambers and organisations, covering sectors including finance, technology, tourism, retail and investment.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Swordfish”, for three consecutive days from October 12 to 14, targeting foreign domestic helpers who breached their conditions of stay. A total of 16 persons, including ten suspected illegal workers and six suspected employers, were arrested.

During the operation, ImmD investigators raided 26 target locations including restaurants, guesthouses, retail stores and commercial buildings. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised ten women, aged 26 to 43. Among them, five persons were current helpers, three persons were overstaying ex-helpers, one person was visitor and one person was found to be an imported worker. ImmD investigators found most of the suspected illegal workers at restaurants or guesthouses performing dishwashing, cleaning, etc. Meanwhile, six suspected employers, comprising five men and one woman, aged 41 to 63. 
For reporting illegal employment activities, please call the dedicated hotline 3861 5000, by fax at 2824 1166, email to anti_crime@immd.gov.hk

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today met Supreme People’s Court President Zhang Jun and welcomed him and his delegation to Hong Kong for an exchange event involving the judicial and legal sectors.

Mr Lee expressed gratitude to the Supreme People’s Court for rendering support to the Department of Justice through establishing extensive mutual legal assistance in civil and commercial matters, setting up a standing interface platform on judicial and legal co-operation in the Greater Bay Area, and helping Hong Kong to develop as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services.

He highlighted that measures allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to adopt Hong Kong law and to choose the city as a seat of arbitration have been incorporated into the Mainland & Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, reflecting the central government’s support for Hong Kong’s legal system.

Mr Lee added that Hong Kong will continue to leverage the unique advantages of its internationalised common law system and dispute resolution services to function as a two-way platform for enterprises to go global and attract external investment, serving the bay area in building an international business environment.

The Chief Executive stressed that Hong Kong boasts world-class legal and dispute resolution professionals, and is also the most preferred seat of arbitration in the Asia-Pacific region.

With the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) being headquartered in Hong Kong, Mr Lee said the city can deepen international co-operation and support the IOMed’s provision of friendly, flexible, economical and efficient mediation services to consolidate its status as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services and as a mediation capital. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today announced the appointments of three senior officials.

Permanent Secretary for Transport & Logistics Kevin Choi will take up the post of Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry on October 27. He will succeed Eddie Mak, who is on pre-retirement leave.

Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office Director Vic Yau will take up the post of Permanent Secretary for Transport & Logistics on November 17.

For her part, Private Secretary to the Chief Executive Vicki Kwok will take up the post of Director of Government Logistics on October 27. She will succeed Carlson Chan, who is on pre-retirement leave.

Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung said the appointees are all seasoned administrative officers with proven leadership and management skills.

“I have every confidence that they will continue to serve the community with professionalism in their new posts.”

Regarding the retirements of the two senior officials, Mrs Yeung thanked them for each rendering over 30 years of loyal and dedicated service to the community and making significant contributions to the Government. She also wished them a fulfilling and happy retirement.

“During Mr Mak’s tenure as Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry, he played a pivotal role in driving the development of Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub. He spearheaded an array of key policy initiatives, including diversifying funding avenues for innovation and technology initiatives, attracting talent with research expertise and outcomes, deepening collaboration with the Mainland, and promoting digital government services.

“Mr Mak twice served in Hong Kong’s overseas Economic & Trade Offices to advance Hong Kong’s economic and trade interests, while supporting overseas enterprises to expand business in Hong Kong.”

The civil service chief added that during his tenure as Director of Government Logistics, Mr Chan made sterling efforts to provide quality services to government departments in terms of procurement and supplies, transport operations and management, and printing services.

Moreover, during Mr Chan’s tenure as Director (Special Duties) of the Housing Bureau, he spearheaded the amendment of the Landlord and Tenant (Consolidation) Ordinance to implement tenancy regulation on subdivided units.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today announced that in accordance with the Articles of Association of the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) and as its majority shareholder, the Financial Secretary Incorporated has appointed Jacob Kam to succeed Rex Auyeung as Chairman of the board of directors.

The appointment is for three years effective January 1, 2026. Earlier today, Mr Kam was appointed as a non-executive director of the corporation by the MTRCL, taking effect on the same date.

Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan thanked Mr Auyeung for his contributions since taking up the MTRCL chairmanship in July 2019, noting that under his leadership, the corporation completed the full commissioning of Tuen Ma Line and East Rail Line Cross-harbour Extension projects, enhancing the railway network’s connectivity.

The MTRCL also proactively advanced a series of strategic railway projects including Tung Chung Line Extension, Oyster Bay Station, Kwu Tung Station, Tuen Mun South Extension, Hung Shui Kiu Station, and Northern Link which commenced works recently, contributing to Hong Kong’s socio-economic development, she added.

Ms Chan said that the MTRCL, carrying over five million passengers daily, is the backbone of Hong Kong’s public transport system and that she expects the new chairman to draw on his extensive experience in railway operations to lead it in applying innovative technologies to continuously enhance the safety, efficiency and reliability of Hong Kong’s railways.

The transport chief also hopes the new chairman can uphold the MTRCL’s mission of “Keep Cities Moving”, such that railway infrastructure can be leveraged to add momentum to the city’s development and cross-boundary integration with the Mainland.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Regarding the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)’s prosecution of an Assistant Taxation Officer today (October 14), the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) stressed that it attaches great importance to the honesty and conduct of its staff and does not tolerate any illegal or non-compliant acts.

     The IRD referred the case to the ICAC for investigation, and has fully co-operated with the ICAC in the investigation and provided full assistance.

     The Assistant Taxation Officer concerned has been interdicted from duty since September 2023. In view of the ongoing legal proceedings, the IRD will not comment on the specifics of the case.

     The IRD attaches utmost importance to the protection of taxpayers’ information. All staff are bound by the official secrecy provisions of the Inland Revenue Ordinance and the Business Registration Ordinance. They are prohibited from communicating taxpayers’ information to any person except in the performance of their duties. The IRD’s internal guidelines also clearly set out how the staff should comply with the official secrecy provisions. A mechanism has been put in place to monitor whether the staff access taxpayers’ information in the IRD’s computer system only when performing duties, including keeping records of staff’s access to the computer system and conducting surprise checks and reviews from time to time.

     To further enhance the protection of taxpayers’ information and the handling of public enquiries, the IRD has conducted a thorough review of the relevant work procedures and invited the ICAC’s Corruption Prevention Department to provide suggestions. The IRD is implementing the enhancement measures progressively, which include conducting random checks on staff’s access to information in the computer system more frequently, reviewing staff’s access right to the information in the computer system, arranging supervisory staff to conduct inspections at enquiry counters, and installing closed-circuit television systems at the enquiry counters concerned to enhance surveillance.