Month: October 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

      The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, continued his visit to Korea today (October 31) to participate in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) activities and meet with leaders from Singapore, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In the morning, Mr Lee participated in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Informal Dialogue with Guests to exchange views with leaders of other economies on issues that included promoting trade and investment and fostering public-private collaboration to respond to global challenges. In his remarks, he stated that in the face of global economic uncertainties, enhancing trade and investment co-operation is a critical driver of economic growth and development. Highlighting Hong Kong’s position as the world’s freest economy and its internationalised and market-oriented business environment, Mr Lee said that the city will continue to actively uphold the rules-based multilateral trading system and promote regional economic co-operation in developing an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community.

Afterwards, Mr Lee met with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the UAE, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Noting that the UAE and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states are Hong Kong’s important partners in the Middle East and key links in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Mr Lee said that Hong Kong attaches importance to forging closer economic and trade relations with the GCC member states. He said that he was pleased to see the continued increase in economic and trade collaboration between the two places since his visit to the UAE in 2023, adding that the two governments are actively promoting co-operation in such key domains as investment, finance and technology. With the resumption of direct flights between Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi in November, he expected the two places to further strengthen their economic and trade co-operation, people-to-people exchanges and diversified development. Mr Lee said that Hong Kong’s simple and low tax regime provides an excellent business environment and encouraged more talent, businesses and capital from the UAE and the Middle East to establish a presence in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, seizing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s development potential in innovation and technology.

In the afternoon, Mr Lee attended the APEC Business Advisory Council Dialogue with APEC Economic Leaders. Hong Kong, China’s representatives to the APEC Business Advisory Council, Ms Mary Huen and Mr Geoffrey Kao, were also present.

Mr Lee also met with the Managing Director of the IMF, Ms Kristalina Georgieva. Mr Lee thanked the IMF for consistently reaffirming Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre and recognising Hong Kong’s robust institutional framework, ample policy buffers, and the smooth functioning of the Linked Exchange Rate System. He said that as one of the world’s three major financial centres, Hong Kong will harness the asset-reallocation wave of global investors to continuously reform its capital markets, facilitate corporate fundraising, enhance market liquidity and promote financial innovation prudently, thereby fostering the sustainable development of the financial services industry.

Afterwards, Mr Lee met with the Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lawrence Wong. Mr Lee noted that Singapore is Hong Kong’s fourth-largest trading partner and its largest merchandise trading partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, reflecting the close economic and trade ties between the two places. He emphasised that Hong Kong enjoys the dual advantage of having national and global opportunities under the “one country, two systems” principle and is fully committed to deepening international exchanges and co-operation. He welcomed Singaporean enterprises to leverage Hong Kong’s roles as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” by investing in the city’s Northern Metropolis, thereby strengthening co-operation in frontier technology fields and tapping into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s vast market potential. He also thanked Singapore for its consistent support for Hong Kong’s early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

In the evening, Mr Lee will attend a Gala Dinner hosted by the organiser for participating leaders and enjoy cultural performances.

Mr Lee will attend the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting Retreat tomorrow (November 1).

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today launched an open tender for the Smart & Green Mass Transit System (SGMTS) in Kai Tak, the first of its kind to be introduced in Hong Kong.

The closing time for tenders to be received is noon on July 3, 2026. The mass transit system is targeted to be commissioned in 2031.

The Kai Tak SGMTS is approximately 3.5km long, with six stations. With its termini connected to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and MTR Kai Tak Station respectively, the system will provide a convenient feeder transport service linking the former runway area of Kai Tak to MTR Kai Tak Station, in order to strengthen connectivity among residential and commercial developments, tourism, culture and recreation, sports and community facilities within the area.

To encourage participation of local, Mainland and overseas investors and operators, a Build-Operate-Transfer model is adopted for selecting a franchisee to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the Kai Tak SGMTS through an open tender, the Transport & Logistics Bureau explained.

It further noted that since the estimated profit from the operation of the SGMTS would not be able to cover the capital investment for construction and subsequent asset replacement, funding support will be provided through a transit-oriented development approach, where property development rights of three sites in the vicinity of the SGMTS would be granted to the future franchisee for holistic planning and development. Tenderers will be required to propose a fixed sum payable to the Government for the grant of the franchise and property development rights of the sites.

A two-envelope approach will be adopted in the tender assessment, with the non-price proposal carrying 60% and the price proposal carrying 40%. The Government will consider both the non-price and price proposals comprehensively, with a view to selecting the proposal which best fits the project intent.

Interested parties with the capability of delivering the project can make a request for obtaining the tender documents through the project website. Call 3842 7087 for enquiries.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan concluded the final day of his visit to Saudi Arabia.

In the morning, Mr Chan met Governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) Yasir Al-Rumayyan to exchange views on deepening ties in investment and innovation and technology development. Mr Chan noted that over the past few years, Hong Kong and the PIF have built a solid foundation for co-operation across various sectors. He expressed hope that future collaboration can be further strengthened to contribute to the Belt & Road Initiative and support the development goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Mr Chan also led the Hong Kong delegation on a visit to New Murabba, a flagship urban development project in Riyadh. During the visit, Mr Chan met New Murabba Development Company Chief Executive Officer Michael Dyke, and attended a business exchange session.

Remarking that Hong Kong possesses internationally recognised strengths in urban planning, architectural design, engineering consultancy, construction technology innovation, as well as project management and financing, Mr Chan noted the keen interest of Hong Kong professionals in participating in large-scale urban development projects abroad. He invited New Murabba Development Company to conduct a roadshow in Hong Kong to identify partners and explore financing opportunities.

The finance chief also attended two networking events, including a high-level luncheon hosted by local bank SAB, and the Hong Kong – Saudi Business Dinner co-organised by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Dubai and Invest Hong Kong, where he delivered keynote speeches.

Mr Chan emphasised that with the unique advantages of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong serves as a two-way platform connecting the Chinese Mainland with the rest of the world. He added that Hong Kong’s strengths in finance, commerce, logistics, and innovation and technology, together with its integration with the Greater Bay Area, offer significant potential for broader collaboration with Saudi Arabia. He welcomed members of the Saudi business community to come and explore co-operation opportunities and expand their business.

The visit to Saudi Arabia yielded fruitful outcomes, including the signing of five agreements or memoranda of understanding between members of the Hong Kong delegation and local partners. Mr Chan witnessed several of the signing ceremonies.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (October 31) announced that the West New Territories (WENT) Landfill at Nim Wan in Tuen Mun has temporarily suspended waste reception due to soil displacement on a slope.

     At about 9am today, there was soil displacement on a slope near the main access road within the landfill area. No injuries were reported. The contractor immediately arranged for geotechnical engineers to conduct an on-site inspection and assessment, and reported the incident to the Civil Engineering and Development Department. The EPD has requested the contractor to submit a report within seven days.

     The landfill contractor is carrying out emergency repairs with a view to resuming the normal services of the landfill as soon as possible. The EPD has currently suspended waste reception at the WENT Landfill to facilitate the contractor’s assessment and repair works. During the suspension, affected users may use other refuse transfer stations or deliver waste to the North East New Territories Landfill direct for disposal. The EPD has notified the industry about the suspension and will maintain close contact with them.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (October 31) reminded interested parties to join auctions that will start next Friday (November 7) for stalls at the 2026 Lunar New Year (LNY) fairs in the New Territories.
 
The eight fairs, with a total of 533 wet goods stalls, 226 dry goods stalls and six fast food stalls will be held at Sha Tsui Road Playground in Tsuen Wan, Tin Hau Temple Fung Shui Square in Tai Po, Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground in Yuen Long, Shek Wu Hui Playground in North District, Tin Hau Temple Plaza in Tuen Mun, Po Hong Park in Tseung Kwan O, Kwai Chung Sports Ground in Kwai Tsing and Yuen Wo Playground in Sha Tin.
 
The auctions for stalls of the LNY fairs in Tsuen Wan and Yuen Long will be held at the Assembly Hall, 2/F, Lai Chi Kok Government Offices, on November 7 and 11. The auction sessions are scheduled from 9am to 12.30pm (AM session) and 2pm until completion of the auction (PM session).
 
The auctions for stalls of the LNY fairs in Tai Po, North District, Tseung Kwan O, Kwai Tsing and Sha Tin will be held at the above-mentioned venue on November 10, 12, 14, 17 and 18. The auction session is scheduled from 9am until completion of the auction.
 
The auction for stalls of Tin Hau Temple Plaza LNY fair in Tuen Mun will be held at Tseng Choi Street Community Hall, 27 Tseng Choi Street, Tuen Mun, on November 13. The auction session is scheduled from 9am until completion of the auction.
 
Details of the auctions are as follows:
 
Sha Tsui Road Playground (Tsuen Wan)
——————————————–
Auction date: November 7 (Friday)
Number of stalls: 126
AM session: Wet goods (Stall Nos. 1 to 64)
PM session: Wet goods (Stall Nos. 65 to 96) and dry goods
Opening prices:
Wet goods: $1,770
Dry goods (regular size): $8,480
Dry goods (large size): $12,720
 
Tin Hau Temple Fung Shui Square (Tai Po)
——————————————–
Auction date: November 10 (Monday)
Number of stalls: 61
Stall types: Dry goods, wet goods and fast food
Opening prices:
Dry goods: $1,450
Wet goods: $2,270
Fast food: $5,480
 
Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground (Yuen Long)
——————————————–
Auction date: November 11 (Tuesday)
Number of stalls: 158
AM session: Dry goods and wet goods (Stall Nos. 57 to 72)
PM session: Wet goods (Stall Nos. 77 to 156) and fast food
Opening prices:
Dry goods (regular size): $1,350
Dry goods (large size): $2,030
Wet goods: $700
Fast food: $5,480
 
Shek Wu Hui Playground (North District)
——————————————–
Auction date: November 12 (Wednesday)
Number of stalls: 92
Stall types: Wet goods and dry goods
Opening prices:
Wet goods: $710
Dry goods (regular size): $1,540
Dry goods (large size): $2,310
 
Tin Hau Temple Plaza (Tuen Mun)
——————————————–
Auction date: November 13 (Thursday)
Number of stalls: 62
Stall types: Wet goods, dry goods and fast food
Opening prices:
Wet goods: $1,490
Dry goods: $2,140
Fast food: $2,740
 
Po Hong Park (Tseung Kwan O)
——————————————–
Auction date: November 14 (Friday)
Number of stalls: 93
Stall types: Dry goods, wet goods and fast food
Opening prices:
Dry goods (regular size): $1,540
Dry goods (large size): $2,310
Wet goods: $830
Fast food: $4,570
 
Kwai Chung Sports Ground (Kwai Tsing)
——————————————–
Auction date: November 17 (Monday)
Number of stalls: 98
Stall types: Wet goods and dry goods
Opening prices:
Wet goods: $490
Dry goods (regular size): $2,250
Dry goods (large size): $3,380
 
Yuen Wo Playground (Sha Tin)
——————————————–
Auction date: November 18 (Tuesday)
Number of stalls: 75
Stall types: Dry goods and wet goods
Opening prices:
Dry goods (regular size): $4,570
Dry goods (large size): $6,860
Wet goods: $3,580
 
Bidders for LNY fair stalls must be at least 18 years old and ordinarily reside in Hong Kong.
 
Anyone can bid for more than one stall. A bidder must pay the bid price and register in person with his or her own name as the licensee of the stall immediately after successfully bidding for a stall. The bidder is also required to sign at once a licence agreement with the FEHD, or he/she will forfeit the rights to operate the stall.
 
All fair sites will be made available to the licensees three days in advance of the fairs (from February 8 to 10, 2026) for the setting up of stalls. In the event of any unforeseeable incident that will cause reduction of the whole licence period (including the duration for setting up stalls and the business period of the fair), the Government has the right to postpone the commencement date and shorten the duration of the period. The bidding price (licence fee) paid will be refunded to the successful bidder on a pro-rata basis without interest.
 
Stall licensees must completely remove the stall structure and all paraphernalia, together with all refuse, debris and unsold commodities (whether damaged or otherwise) from the licensed area before 7am on February 17, 2026.
 
The FEHD reminded licensees that the stalls are solely for the purpose of selling and promoting the sale of the permitted commodities, and no other activities are allowed in the licensed area. If the FEHD considers that any activity conducted by the licensee to publicise, promote, display, show or sell any permitted commodities in the venue is unlawful, contrary to the interest of national security, immoral or incompatible with the object of the LNY fair, the FEHD is entitled to direct the licensee to stop conducting such activity and the licensee must immediately comply with such direction.
 
Stall licensees should not destroy, damage or abandon any unsold commodities at or in the vicinity of the stall. They may surrender unsold flowers and plants left behind at the stall to the FEHD at no charge, cost or compensation whatsoever, before 7am on February 17, 2026.
 
According to the licence agreement, except inside designated stalls, licensees must not keep, store or use any compressed helium cylinder in the licensed area. Whereas licensees of the designated stalls may keep, store or use helium cylinders in the licenced area, the quantity of helium should be such that a licence is not required pursuant to the Dangerous Goods (Application and Exemption) Regulation 2012 (Cap. 295E), i.e. equivalent to 150 litres of helium. Sales of floating LED glowing balloons and aquarium fish by stall licensees are prohibited at the LNY fairs.
 
In addition, as stated in the licence agreement, the height of dry goods stalls must not exceed 3 metres from ground level. The height of wet goods stalls and fast food stalls must not exceed 4.5m from ground level. For wet goods stalls and fast food stalls with a height of more than 3m from ground level, the licensee must, at his own costs, provide the FEHD with the original certificate issued by an authorised person, a registered structural engineer, or a competent person under the Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations (Cap. 59I) to certify the structural safety of the structure in the licensed area before the fair is opened to the public. The licensee must also affix a copy of the aforesaid certificate on the structure of the stall. Also, each corner and anchor point of the marquee (if any) shall be securely fastened using appropriate ballast weights, such as sandbags or purpose-designed marquee water weights. During the period when the Strong Monsoon Signal is in force or to be issued, the licensee shall immediately inspect the stall and adopt reinforcement measures as necessary.
 
Successful bidders shall comply with all the stipulations and provisions as set out in the licence agreement. Otherwise, the FEHD is entitled to terminate the agreement and the licensee shall immediately vacate the stall.
 
Details of the 2026 LNY fairs such as the public notice, the locations and layouts of the fair venues, commodities allowed for sale at the fair stalls, open auction arrangements and related rules, and a sample of the licence agreement are available on the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk). For enquiries, please call the FEHD hotline 2868 0000.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Attention TV and radio duty announcers:

Please broadcast the following special announcement as soon as possible, and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     The Fire Services Department received reports at 1.18pm today (October 31) that a fire broke out at a warehouse near Ki Lun Tsuen in Sheung Shui, and upgraded the fire to a No. 3 alarm at 2.03pm. A firefighting operation is under way.

     Members of the public who are being affected by the smoke and an unusual odour carried by the wind are advised to stay indoors, close their doors and windows, and stay calm.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The 23rd ROC (Taiwan)-Paraguay Economic Cooperation Conference was held on Oct. 14, 2025, and was co-chaired by Minister of Economic Affairs Ming-Hsin Kung and Paraguayan Minister of Industry and Commerce Javier Gimenez.

The two sides discussed a range of topics such as cooperation on business investment promotion, market access, infrastructure and innovation technology, science parks, as well as energy and sustainable development, achieving fruitful outcomes in various areas.

After the meeting, the two ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote future cooperation between Taiwan and Paraguay on renewable energy industry development.

Furthermore, Paraguay committed to providing greater support and assistance to the Taiwan-Paraguay Smart Technology Park. The government of Taiwan will continue to promote investment opportunities in Paraguay to Taiwanese enterprises, aiming to help make Paraguay into a thriving business gateway into the wider South American market.

For the first eight months of 2025, bilateral trade between Taiwan and Paraguay registered a year-on-year increase of over 100% in value. Paraguayan beef and pork products have enjoyed widespread and growing popularity among Taiwanese consumers.

Paraguay is a key partner of Taiwan in South America, with the two sides sharing similar values and a close friendship spanning 68 years. The governments of both sides will continue actively working together to create an even stronger and more sustainable economic and trade partnership moving forward.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Government announced today (October 31) that the Financial Secretary, under the authority delegated by the Chief Executive, has appointed Ms Sabrina Ho Shuk-ying as the new Chairman of the Process Review Panel for the Insurance Authority (PRP-IA), and also appointed three new members and reappointed six incumbent members, for a term of two years from November 1, 2025, to October 31, 2027.
 
     The newly appointed members are Ms Charity Au Chi-san, Ms Zabrina Lau Shing-yan, and Mr Patrick Siu Tsz-him, while Mr Paul Cheung Lap, Mr Mike Lee Siu-chuen, Mr Martin Tam Chi-wai, Professor Raymond Wong Man-kong, Ms Alice Yip Ka-ming and Ms Fion Yip Yan-ting have been reappointed as members of the PRP-IA.
 
     Welcoming the above appointments, a spokesperson for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said, “Valuable recommendations on the internal procedures and operational guidelines of the Insurance Authority (IA) have been provided by the Chairman and members of the PRP-IA across various aspects of the IA’s regulatory functions. We appreciate the PRP-IA for the commitment devoted to comprehensive review, and are confident that under Ms Ho’s leadership, the PRP-IA will continue to operate effectively and play an essential part in ensuring that the IA exercises its regulatory responsibilities with fairness and consistency. 
 
     “We extend our sincere appreciation to Mr Eugene Fung Ting-sek, SC for his distinguished leadership as Chairman over the past six years. We also wish to express our gratitude to Miss Grace Chan Man-yee, Mr Wilson Chow Wai-shun, Mrs Agnes Koon Woo Kam-oi, Dr James C Lin and Mr Jeff Wong Kwan-kit for their dedicated service and significant contributions as their tenures draw to a close.”
 
     The PRP-IA is an independent panel established with the approval of the Chief Executive on November 1, 2019, to review and advise the IA on the adequacy of the IA’s internal procedures and operational guidelines governing the actions taken and operational decisions made by the IA and its staff in the performance of the IA’s regulatory functions.
 
     The membership of the PRP-IA with effect from November 1, 2025, is as follows:
 
Chairman
———-
Ms Sabrina Ho Shuk-ying
 
Members
———-
Ms Charity Au Chi-san
Mr Paul Cheung Lap
Ms Zabrina Lau Shing-yan
Mr Mike Lee Siu-chuen
Mr Patrick Siu Tsz-him
Mr Martin Tam Chi-wai
Professor Raymond Wong Man-kong
Ms Alice Yip Ka-ming
Ms Fion Yip Yan-ting
 
Ex-Officio Members
———————-
Chairman of the IA
Secretary for Justice (or his representative)