Month: November 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Due to the fire incident at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po, the Tai Po District Office (TPDO) today (November 26) has opened the following additional temporary shelters for people in need:
 

Name	Address
Tai Wo Neighbourhood Community Centre	Tai Wo Estate, Tai Po
Tung Cheong Street Sports Centre	25 Tung Cheong Street, Tai Po
Hong Kong PHAB Association – New Territories PHAB Centre	Unit 110-115, G/F, Kwong Ping House, Kwong Fuk Estate, Tai Po

The TPDO has opened temporary shelters at Kwong Fuk Community Hall (Kwong Fuk Estate, Tai Po), Tung Cheong Street Community Hall (1/F, Tai Po Tung Cheong Street Leisure Building, 25 Tung Cheong Street, Tai Po), Tai Po Community Centre (Heung Sze Wui Street, Tai Po), Fu Shin Community Hall (12 On Po Road, Tai Po) and “Good House” (The Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention) (168 Shuen Wan Chan Uk, Tai Po) earlier today for residents in need. CCC Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School is also open to accommodate residents evacuated.

Due to police operations, the temporary shelter previously opened at Kwong Fuk Community Hall (Kwong Fuk Estate, Tai Po) has now been closed. 

In addition, apart from the interdepartmental help desk at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital (hotline: 2658 4040) set up by the TPDO and the interdepartmental help desk at Prince of Wales Hospital (hotline: 3505 1555) set up by the STDO earlier today, the North District Office has set up an interdepartmental help desk at North District Hospital (hotline: 2683 7567) for assistance and public enquiries.

The TPDO will closely monitor the situation, open additional temporary shelters as needed, and liaise with other government departments to provide residents with appropriate assistance.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Transport Department (TD) said tonight (November 26) that, due to the No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, a number of road sections remained closed. The public should heed the latest traffic and transport arrangements before travelling tomorrow morning (November 27), plan ahead their journeys and reserve sufficient time.

All lanes of the section of Tai Po Road – Yuen Chau Tsai (both bounds) between Nam Wan Road and Tolo Highway; the only lane of the slip roads leading from Tolo Highway (both bounds) to Tai Po Road – Yuen Chau Tsai; all lanes of Kwong Wang Street (both bounds); and all lanes of the section of Yuen Shin Road (Ting Kok Road bound) between Tolo Highway and Tai Po Tai Wo Road were still closed to all traffic. Motorists should opt for other roads.

As for public transport, about 40 daytime and overnight bus routes travelling these road sections were affected and diverted. The public should refer to the bus companies’ website or mobile application for the latest information on the routes, and use railway services as far as possible.

A spokesman for the TD said that, under the co-ordination of the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre, the TD has been working in concert with departments concerned to closely monitor the fire. Subject to the progress of the operation, the road traffic and public transport services, such as franchised buses, in the vicinity may be affected tomorrow. The public should heed the latest traffic and transport arrangements before travelling, plan ahead and reserve sufficient journey time.

The TD has been steering public transport operators to maintain preparedness and response, with a view to minimising the impact to the commute of passengers. The operation of the TD’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre has been escalated and it will continue to operate round the clock to closely monitor the traffic and public transport conditions in the district. The Area Traffic Control Centre will adjust the timing of on-street traffic signals as needed to alleviate traffic congestion. The public should heed the latest traffic news through radio and television broadcasts, and the HKeMobility mobile application.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Education Bureau expressed deep sorrow and concern over the No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po today, noting that it is making all-out efforts to follow up on the needs of various stakeholders and provide appropriate support.

As affected by the fire and obstructed traffic due to road blockages, schools including CCC Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School, Tai Po Baptist Public School, S.K.H. Yuen Chen Maun Chen Primary School, Ling Liang Church M H Lau Secondary School, H.K. & Kowloon Kaifong Women’s Association Sun Fong Chung College and Po Leung Kuk Tin Ka Ping Millennium Primary School will suspend classes tomorrow.

Individual schools that need to suspend classes due to actual circumstances may make such a decision after obtaining consent from the incorporated management committee or the school council according to the established mechanism and notifying the bureau’s Tai Po District School Development Section. The schools should also inform their stakeholders of the decision immediately.

Regarding class suspension arrangements, parents are advised to pay attention to the latest announcements of the bureau and schools.

Tomorrow is the registration date for Primary One Discretionary Places. The bureau will request relevant schools to contact affected parents and make appropriate arrangements on the registration procedures for their children allocated a Primary One Discretionary Place.

Immediately after the incident, the bureau had contacted the school heads association in Tai Po and schools near Wang Fuk Court, and sent educational psychologists and officers from the Tai Po District School Development Section to the temporary shelters at the Fu Shin Community Hall and Good House in Tai Po to offer appropriate support for affected students.

The bureau urges schools and school personnel in the district to pay attention to students’ emotions and provide necessary support for students in need. Educational psychologists and officers of the Tai Po District School Development Section will maintain close contact with the schools and continue to provide them with necessary assistance.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Due to the No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, a number of road sections remain closed, the Transport Department said.

Subject to the progress of the operations by government departments, the road traffic and public transport services in the vicinity may be affected tomorrow. Members of the public are advised to heed the latest traffic and transport arrangements before travelling, and reserve sufficient journey time.

The Transport Department announced tonight that the following road sections are still closed to all traffic:

• all lanes of the section of Tai Po Road – Yuen Chau Tsai (both bounds) between Nam Wan Road and Tolo Highway;
• the only lane of the slip roads leading from Tolo Highway (both bounds) to Tai Po Road – Yuen Chau Tsai;
• all lanes of Kwong Wang Street (both bounds); and
• all lanes of the section of Yuen Shin Road (Ting Kok Road bound) between Tolo Highway and Tai Po Tai Wo Road.

As for public transport, about 40 daytime and overnight bus routes travelling these road sections have been affected and diverted. Citizens should refer to bus companies’ websites or mobile applications for the latest information on the routes, and use railway services as far as possible.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government announced today that to express gratitude for the public’s support in the Legislative Council General Election and for casting their valuable votes on polling day, a thoughtfully designed thank-you card will be produced and presented to voters after they have cast their votes on polling day.

The theme of the thank-you card is “Together We Create a Better Future”, symbolising the collective effort of various sectors of society and the general public to jointly forge a better future for Hong Kong.

The cover of the card features a futuristic design, with the election mascots, the Ballot Box Family, expressing their thanks to citizens. The card was designed by a team at the Hong Kong Generative AI Research & Development Center and produced by the Information Services Department and the Government Logistics Department.

On December 6, the day before the election, the Government will host an Election Fun Day with a series of activities across Hong Kong to welcome the election.

The “Let’s Vote, Together We Create the Future Gala” will be held at Wonderland of the West Kowloon Cultural District that evening, featuring performances by artists, magician and dancers.

The Government will organise carnivals in various locations, such as a civic education carnival at Tai Po Waterfront Park, as well as land and water experience activities along the Wan Chai and North Point waterfronts.

The Leisure & Cultural Services Department will hold “Fun in Sports & LegCo Election” carnival activities at six venues, i.e. Southorn Playground in Wan Chai, Kowloon Park, Kowloon Walled City Park, Hong Kong Velodrome Park, Fanling Playground, and Pak Tai Temple Playground in Cheung Chau.

Various policy bureaus and departments will organise exhibitions and interactive experience activities. The Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau will hold a roving interactive exhibition at Plaza Hollywood in Diamond Hill; while the Environment & Ecology Bureau, in collaboration with Kowloon Motor Bus, will display vintage buses and electric buses at the Yue Lun Street Depot in Lai Chi Kok.

Eight disciplinary forces under the Security Bureau will host activities or open their facilities to the public.

Moreover, various government departments have arranged for various facilities to be open to all citizens for free on December 6 and 7 or to provide souvenirs or special offers, including free admission to the Hong Kong Wetland Park, as well as public swimming pools, and the fee-charging exhibitions of the Science Museum, the Space Museum and the Museum of Art on these two days.

The Environmental Protection Department will offer double GREEN$ Points to the public who recycle at its community recycling network GREEN@COMMUNITY.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Hong Kong Dinner in London, the United Kingdom (UK), yesterday (November 25, London time):

Fred (Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Professor Frederick Ma), Minister Wang (Minister of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Mr Wang Qi), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening. I’m pleased to welcome you to the Hong Kong Dinner in London, a longstanding tradition that celebrates the enduring ties between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.

I’m delighted to be here, once again, for this good dinner and drinks among the best of company – from London and throughout the UK, from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, too. 

Strong relationship with the UK 

Our relationship with the United Kingdom has been growing from strength to strength. And without a whisper of extortionist tariffs to unravel, I’m happy to add.

Bilateral trade continues to flourish. UK exports to Hong Kong in the four quarters preceding June rose by 6.6 per cent, reaching 16.8 billion pounds. Hong Kong exports to the UK rose even higher – up a rousing 14.8 per cent over the same period, reaching 10.5 billion pounds. 

     Investment ties are expanding, too. Next Tuesday, Hong Kong hosts the UK Investment Conference. The UK’s growth priorities resonate strongly with our city’s vision for development and strategic opportunities.

     Cultural exchange is also looking good and sounding great. Earlier this year, Coldplay performed a record number of sold-out shows at Kai Tak Sports Park, our new cultural landmark. And without a kiss-cam scandal.

     Four Premier League teams have also visited Hong Kong this year, each currently up there in the top ten, except Liverpool, which, surprisingly, trails behind Everton. But I have every confidence they’ll bounce back soon. 

     Beyond culture, sports and entertainment, our shared opportunities are sure to expand. And I’m happy to tell you why.

     It’s been a challenging year for the global economy, for all of us. What with tariff numbers seemingly pulled out of a hat, then back in and out again. Despite these, and other bewilderments, I am pleased to report that Hong Kong is not only weathering the furies but has emerged stronger, more confident, more promising than ever.

The enduring strengths of “one country, two systems”

     “One country, two systems” remains the cornerstone of our continuing prosperity. This has been repeatedly reiterated by President Xi Jinping. It’s also reflected in the latest recommendations for the country’s 15th Five-Year plan, which supports Hong Kong’s singular global role. 

     The common law system and rule of law continue to be a defining feature of our city. The latest World Justice Project rankings show Hong Kong maintaining its position. And we’re once again ahead of several advanced economies, the United States (US) among them.

     A good number of Americans agree. In an American Chamber of Commerce survey, earlier this year, 83 per cent of its members expressed confidence in the rule of law in Hong Kong, up 10 per cent over two years ago. 

     The US Congress said that’s because some US companies had left Hong Kong. Well, we say more and more international companies are coming to Hong Kong. Last year, some 1 400 US companies were operating in Hong Kong, up 9 per cent, while 720 companies from the UK called Hong Kong home, a 12 per cent rise. This year, we are optimistic that more foreign companies will look to Hong Kong for their future.

And in the first nine months of 2025, the number of American visitors to our city rose 15 per cent, to more than 710 000. 

     Obviously, American businesses and American people are smarter than their politicians. 

     We continue to keep our tax system simple and low. Last year, we even reduced import duties on high-value spirits. No surprise, we’ve been enjoying more fine single malts lately – some of them even older than I am!

     Beyond the fundamentals, what sets Hong Kong apart is our resilience, agility and flexibility. These qualities are helping us navigate today’s global challenges, including unilateralism, protectionism and tariffs.

     We all know these measures are unfair, unreasonable and unwelcome. But Hong Kong isn’t responding to tariffs with more tariffs. We continue to uphold our status as a free port, with free flow of capital, goods, talent, and information. We stay aligned with international standards and best practices. Because we know that certainty, consistency and credibility are the foundations of long-term economic success.

     And that has proven to be rewarding. Hong Kong has become a destination for international investors seeking diversification with decent returns amid heightened policy uncertainty. 

The financial market

     The facts speak for themselves. The Hang Seng Index has gained more than 30 per cent, year-to-date, following an 18 per cent rise last year. Average daily turnover has more than doubled, year on year. Our IPO fundraising this year is leading the world, reaching 21 billion pounds by October. Currently, 300 companies are waiting to be listed. 

     The asset and wealth management industry is also flourishing. The total assets under management have reached some 3.5 trillion pounds. 

     Bank deposits are up by over 10 per cent – now over 2.4 trillion US dollars. And that, I’m pleased to say, is more than two times Elon Musk’s new pay package. 

     Financial institutions are flocking to Hong Kong. They want to be closer to their investors and to the investment opportunities we’re creating, day after day. Some fintech firms have even acquired entire buildings to house their expanding operations.

     The Financial Times once described Hong Kong’s financial market rebound as a “comeback with Chinese characteristics”. In truth, it is a comeback driven by global participation. 

     Many cornerstone IPO investors for recent listings, for example, were top US and European funds and sovereign wealth funds from the Middle East, as well as institutions across Asia. For the stock market, international institutional investors account for about half the total trading volume.

The economy 

     Our economy is also gaining momentum. We have registered GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth for 11 consecutive quarters. And just two weeks ago, we revised upward our GDP forecast for this year from 2 to 3 per cent to 3.2 per cent. That uptick is driven by robust goods and services exports, as well as rising private investment and consumption. 

     Despite the protectionism, merchandise exports are growing at double-digit rates. Hong Kong has pivoted to new markets, strengthening its role in regional and inter-regional trade, particularly as a conduit between the Mainland and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), the Middle East and Europe.

     Tourism and events are back, and in a big way. Visitors are expected to reach 49 million this year, up more than 10 per cent. And Hong Kong is welcoming more visitors through our MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) events and year-round concerts, festivals and wine-and-dine attractions. 

Finance 

     Looking ahead, Hong Kong is brimming with opportunities. Let me touch on two of our major growth engines, finance, and then innovation and technology, as examples.

     For finance, let me highlight just four points – no spreadsheets, I promise. 

     First, Hong Kong’s super connector role is being enriched into a multidimensional platform. As China continues its high-level two-way opening up, Hong Kong is playing a pivotal role, helping Mainland enterprises go global – to the UK, Europe, and the Global South. A good case in point is CATL (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Limited), the world’s largest IPO (initial public offering) this year, which uses Hong Kong’s fundraising and professional services to support its global expansion. 

     At the same time, we’re forging new partnerships with markets keen to tap into opportunities in the Mainland and across the region. Our ties with the Middle East and Southeast Asia are growing stronger. 

     Over the past two years, we’ve collaborated closely with Saudi Arabia, launching reciprocal ETFs (exchange-traded funds) and enhancing regulatory cooperation. Just two weeks ago, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange welcomed its first-ever Middle Eastern listing – a significant milestone, hopefully the first of many. 

     Central Asia is showing promise, too. The Kazakhstan Development Bank recently issued “dim sum” bonds totalling renminbi 2 billion, while a Kazakhstani company got listed on our exchange. 

     Second, technology is empowering our capital markets. Nearly 60 per cent of our IPO proceeds this year come from new economy companies. This growth reflects the impact of listing reforms we’ve introduced since 2018, the most recent one smoothing the way for pre-commercial, hard-tech companies to get listed. 

     Third, we’re driving financial innovation. Hong Kong is becoming a global leader in digital assets and Web3 development. We’ve made steady progress in areas such as asset tokenisation, recently issuing the world’s largest tranche of tokenised green bonds. It totalled 1 billion pounds. And yes, you may have heard of our licensing regime for digital asset trading and stablecoins. 

     Fourth, we are building new growth sectors. This year, 12 metal warehouses in Hong Kong were approved by the London Metal Exchange, fuelling our vision as the region’s commodity trading hub. And we’re building a gold trading centre as well. 

     At last year’s dinner, I said we were gunning for London. Well, we may not have overtaken the City just yet, but I’d say we’ve moved a few Tube stops closer. And we’re certainly not getting off at Earl’s Court.

Innovation and technology 

     Then there’s innovation and technology. 

     We’re focusing our efforts on sectors where Hong Kong has a clear competitive edge: AI, biotech, fintech, and new energy and new materials. 

     The Northern Metropolis, a strategic development area bordering Shenzhen, will play a critical role in realising this vision. 

     We’re accelerating its development, by easing planning restrictions and allowing for more flexible development models, including large-scale land disposals for high-impact projects. It will be where land use and industry developments are deeply integrated. 

     And we’re backing it with preferential policy packages to attract top-tier enterprises. These packages can include land grants, discounted premiums, tax incentives and other offers – all designed to make the Northern Metropolis internationally appealing. Think of it as the innovation district where your CFO and your CTO are both happy.

     At the heart of the Northern Metropolis lies the Loop Area along the Shenzhen River – a cross-boundary innovation corridor where capital, talent, goods, data – even bio-samples – will flow seamlessly from the Mainland to Hong Kong. For international biotech and AI companies, this will be a genuine game-changer – one of the few places in the world where Mainland and international data sets will meet and mingle.

Enterprises and talent 

     To realise this vision, we need quality enterprises and a continuing flow of world-class talent.

     OASES, our Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, has brought in more than 100 high-impact tech companies over the past three years. Many are global leaders in their respective fields, such as AstraZeneca and GSK. Collectively, the companies will invest about 6 billion pounds in Hong Kong, creating 22 000 quality jobs. 

     Attracting talented professionals is also a priority. Over the past three years, we have received over 550 000 applications and approved some 370 000. More than 250 000 individuals have already arrived, making a decided difference for themselves, their families and Hong Kong. 

     And I invite more UK companies and professionals to join them – to join us – in Hong Kong, where we are building the future.

Hong Kong: seeing is believing

     Ladies and gentlemen, there’s more. A great deal more to tell, but it’s past dinner time. 

     Let me leave you with just one important thought: whatever the headlines say, Hong Kong is best understood through facts and figures. Even the Financial Times last week held its inaugural forum on Hong Kong’s revival.

     So I invite you to come and see for yourselves – today’s Hong Kong. A city alive with arts and culture, sport and entertainment, and yes, fabulous food and drink, too. We are, after all, home to the best hotel and the best bar in the world.

     And if you need fresh air after a night of drinking, venture into our country parks and hiking trails – a dazzling and immersive world that leaves the financial district and city lights behind. 

     Let me show you a little of that world now. 

     Enjoy the Hong Kong Dinner and the great and good company all about you.

     And now, ladies and gentlemen, may I ask you to raise your glasses: let’s drink to the enduring friendship between Hong Kong and Britain, Britain and Hong Kong.

     Cheers!

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Central Kowloon Bypass (Yau Me Tei Section) (CKB (YMT Section)) will be commissioned on December 21 (Sunday).

The CKB (YMT Section) is a dual three-lane carriageway with a total length of 4.7 kilometres (km), including a tunnel of about 3.9 km long. The bypass connects Yau Ma Tei Interchange in West Kowloon to the Kai Tak Development Area and Kowloon Bay in East Kowloon, forming an important trunk road across central Kowloon. The western portal of the bypass connects to the Yau Ma Tei Interchange and provides access to Hong Kong (West), Kwai Chung, Lantau Island, Cheung Sha Wan, Yau Ma Tei and Tsim Sha Tsui via Hoi Po Road, West Kowloon Highway and Lin Cheung Road. The eastern portal connects to the Kai Tak Interchange, and motorists can travel via Shing Kai Road, Kai Cheung Road, Kai Fuk Road and Shing Cheong Road to and from Kai Tak Sports Park, Kowloon Bay, Kwun Tong Bypass and Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, etc.

Upon commissioning of CKB (YMT Section), traffic can bypass the busy central Kowloon area, significantly reducing travel time. During peak hours, the travel time from Yau Ma Tei to Kowloon Bay can be shortened from approximately 30 minutes to just about 5 minutes. CKB (YMT Section) will also alleviate the traffic burden on existing major east-west corridors (such as Lung Cheung Road, Argyle Street, Prince Edward Road West, Chatham Road North, Boundary Street, etc) helping to ease congestion. Neighbouring areas such as Wong Tai Sin, Ho Man Tin and Kowloon City will also benefit from this improvement and the road network efficiency in Kowloon will be significantly enhanced.

The CKB (YMT Section) is a large-scale project involving the construction of flyovers, drill-and-blast tunnel and underwater tunnel, with many challenges. Its alignment traverses bustling urban areas including Yau Ma Tei, Jordan, Kowloon City and Kai Tak, etc. In addition to reprovisioning of public facilities and temporary reclamation works, it also intersects with seven existing MTR Lines, which significantly increased the construction complexity. The project team proactively adopted innovative technologies and fostered the use of digitalisation in overcoming such challenges, while ensuring that the communities operated as usual and that the historic buildings nearby were protected during the construction.

The Highways Department (HyD) and its contractors are now at the final stage of works, including conducting final tests on systems and relevant drills. The HyD is also working with different departments and agencies (including the tunnel management company) to prepare for the commissioning of relevant road sections.

The HyD, together with the Transport Department and the relevant departments, will announce the detailed arrangements for the commissioning in due course.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, arrived in London, the United Kingdom (UK), yesterday (London time, November 25) and commenced his visit.

Upon arrival, Mr Chan met with representatives from family offices across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He highlighted Hong Kong’s investment opportunities in the areas of finance and innovation and technology (I&T), the city’s vibrant ecosystem for philanthropy and impact investing, and its high-quality living environment. He welcomed them to establish a presence in Hong Kong. Mr Chan also held a meeting with a financial institution that is planning to set up operations in the city.

Later, Mr Chan paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the United Kingdom, Mr Zheng Zeguang. They exchanged views on Hong Kong’s future development and China-UK relations.

In the evening, Mr Chan attended the Hong Kong Dinner hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and delivered a keynote speech, during which he briefed political and business leaders in the UK on Hong Kong’s latest developments and emerging opportunities.

Mr Chan pointed out that exchanges between Hong Kong and the UK in the areas of trade, investment and culture have become more frequent over the past year. Bilateral trade continues to grow, and two-way investment is expanding.

He stressed that the “one country, two systems” principle continues to be the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s prosperity. Hong Kong’s rule of law and common law system remain robust and are widely recognised internationally. Over the past year, international capital has continued to flow into Hong Kong, and more multinational enterprises have expanded their presence in the city — a clear reflection of international confidence in Hong Kong’s business environment. For instance, the Hang Seng Index has risen by around 30 per cent this year following an 18 per cent increase last year. Hong Kong also leads the world in initial public offering (IPO) fundraising. Its asset and wealth management business as well as bank deposits have also continued to grow. These positive developments have attracted more international financial institutions to set up operations in the city.

On the economic front, Hong Kong has recorded gross domestic product (GDP) growth for 11 consecutive quarters, with the full-year growth forecast revised upward to 3.2 per cent. Tourism and MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) activities have rebounded strongly, with visitor arrivals expected to reach 49 million this year.

Looking ahead, Mr Chan said that finance and I&T are two major engines driving Hong Kong’s growth. In finance, Hong Kong is further strengthening its role as a “super connector” — helping Mainland enterprises go global while actively fostering closer ties with markets in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Central Asia. Key initiatives include facilitating mutual access through mutual listing of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and strengthening regulatory co-operation. Technology is also empowering Hong Kong’s capital markets. Nearly 60 per cent of IPO fundraising this year came from new economy companies, reflecting the effectiveness of recent listing regime reforms.

At the same time, Hong Kong is becoming a global leader in digital assets and Web3. The city recently issued the world’s largest tranche of tokenised green bond, marking a step forward in asset tokenisation. Regulatory regimes are also in place for digital assets and stablecoins. Meanwhile, Hong Kong is also building new growth sectors. So far this year, 12 metal warehouses in the city have been approved by the London Metal Exchange, supporting Hong Kong’s development into a commodity trading hub. Plans are also underway to develop an international gold trading centre.

In I&T, Mr Chan noted that Hong Kong is focusing on areas where it has a competitive edge — including artificial intelligence, biotech, fintech, and new energy and new materials. As part of its efforts to attract high-quality enterprises, the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises has successfully brought in over 100 high-impact tech companies over the past three years. These include leading global pharmaceutical firms such as AstraZeneca and GSK from the UK.

Mr Chan highlighted that the Northern Metropolis will serve as a key platform for driving I&T development. The Government is accelerating development in the area, including easing planning restrictions and adopting more flexible development models such as large-scale land disposals for high-impact projects, to drive the deep integration of land use and industry development. Preferential policy packages will also be introduced to attract top-tier enterprises. The Lok Ma Chau Loop area will become a cross-boundary innovation corridor, where capital, talent, goods, data and even biosamples will flow seamlessly from the Mainland to Hong Kong. These will be particularly appealing to international firms in the fields of AI and biotech.

In conclusion, Mr Chan said that Hong Kong’s development prospects remain bright. He welcomed more UK enterprises and professionals to invest, do business, and pursue career development in Hong Kong to seize the vast opportunities ahead.

Mr Chan will continue his visit in London today (London time, November 26), before proceeding to Milan, Italy for the next leg of his trip.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Transport Department (TD) today (November 26) said that special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented to facilitate the holding of a ceremony event at Kai Tak Stadium on the evenings of November 28 and 29. As traffic in the vicinity of the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) is expected to be heavy, spectators should opt for public transport and avoid driving or taking private cars (including cross-boundary private cars).

     The TD has co-ordinated with local and cross-boundary public transport operators to strengthen their services during dispersal. The MTR will enhance the frequency of trains of the Tuen Ma Line. The last MTR train to Lo Wu Station via interchanging at Tai Wai Station on the East Rail Line will depart from Sung Wong Toi Station at 10.59pm and Kai Tak Station at 11.01pm. Franchised bus companies will provide 11 special bus routes at the Sung Wong Toi Road Pick-up/Drop-off Area (PUDOA) to Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) Public Transport Interchange (route No. SP12), the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port and Airport (route No. A25S), and major districts across the territory.

     Spectators who plan to return to the Mainland on the same day may also take the KTSP’s cross-boundary coach services during dispersal. Passengers should purchase tickets from the operators’ online platforms in advance. On-site ticket sales will not be available during dispersal.

     The Kai Tak Stadium Taxi PUDOA will be open. The Sung Wong Toi Road PUDOA will be open for taxi drop-off only during admission (4pm to 6.30pm) and suspended for taxi pick-up/drop-off during dispersal. The expected waiting time will be longer amid the outflux of spectators, and passengers’ patience is appreciated.

     Spectators are advised to heed real-time information via the on-site broadcast and the “Easy Leave” platform (easyleave.police.gov.hk) as well as the latest traffic news through the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk), the “HKeMobility” mobile application and radio and television broadcasts.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at International Railway Safety Council 2025 today (November 26):

Honourable Deputy Administrator Wang Qiming (Deputy Administrator of the National Railway Administration of the People’s Republic of China), Dr Rex Auyeung (Chairman of MTR Corporation), Dr Ann Mills (Core Group Secretary of the International Railway Safety Council), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,