Speech by SCED at sub-forum of eighth China International Import Expo – Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Speech by SCED at sub-forum of eighth China International Import Expo – Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai (English only) 
Honourable Vice Minister Sheng Qiuping (Vice Minister of Commerce), Executive Vice Mayor Wu Wei (Member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China Shanghai Municipal Committee and Executive Vice Mayor of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government), Chairman and Executive Director Ren Deqi (Chairman and Executive Director of the Bank of Communications), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good afternoon. It gives me great pleasure to attend today’s session on “Facilitating Cross-Border Trade’s Resilience through Maritime Trade Finance” and, on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, speak about Hong Kong’s role on this important topic.
 
     Hong Kong is modest in size as compared with many megacities, with about 7.5 million people in terms of population and 1 100 square kilometres in area. Yet our significance on the global stage far outweighs our modest size. Rarely can you find a city that can excel on multiple fronts at the same time, but because of our convenient geographical location in Asia, world-class port and infrastructure, an extensive international trade network, presence of all major financial institutions from around the world, convergence of professional talents, and decades of tireless efforts in improving our regimes, Hong Kong has successfully achieved the status of being simultaneously an international trade centre, an international maritime centre and an international financial centre. The development of these three centres is not only closely intertwined, but in fact creates huge synergy and can reinforce one another. Our achievements are globally recognised, as Hong Kong is ranked the world’s freest economy, the third largest financial centre, seventh in merchandise trade and fourth in the Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index.
 
     So, apart from the strengths I mentioned at the outset, what are the other ingredients of our formula for success? Hong Kong is part of China and enjoys the distinctive advantage of having the strong support of our motherland, the Chinese Mainland, which is the second-largest economy in the world. At the same time, under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong is a separate customs territory, adopts a free trade regime, has a simple and low tax system, applies common law, has a stable financial system and currency, and is well connected to the world. The convergence of all these advantages has placed Hong Kong in a unique position to talk about the topic today.
 
Maritime heritage
 
     Let me begin with our maritime heritage. Hong Kong’s maritime story stretches back more than one and a half centuries, and over that span, the city has evolved from a modest trading port into a leading international maritime centre. There are currently over 1 200 port and maritime companies in Hong Kong, representing an increase of about 10 per cent over the past five years, despite the impact of the pandemic on international trade during that period. Our port is known for its high efficiency, with a container vessel handling time of about one day, roughly half the world average, which underpins our reputation as a “catch-up port” that helps vessels make up for delays encountered elsewhere.
 
     The quality of Hong Kong’s maritime services is top-notch in the world. Three out of the world’s top 10 ship management companies are headquartered in Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, one can also enjoy the services of 11 out of the 12 member associations of the International Group of Protection and Indemnity Clubs and eight of the world’s top 10 bookrunners of ship finance. Hong Kong is designated as one of the four arbitration venues of the Baltic and International Maritime Council, and is also the sole Asian base for many of the world’s leading shipping organisations, including the International Union of Marine Insurance of Germany and the International Chamber of Shipping of the United Kingdom. To foster a favourable business environment for the maritime industry, the Government has launched a series of tax concessions including tax exemptions for ship leasing business and half-rate tax concessions for marine insurance, ship management, ship agency and ship broking since 2020. We plan to enhance the existing tax concessions with a view to further driving up demand for professional shipping and maritime services. Hong Kong provides an unrivalled ecosystem for maritime services companies to grow their business, which in turn allows shipping companies to easily enjoy first class maritime services. We believe that Shanghai shipping enterprises may capitalise on Hong Kong’s comprehensive high-value-added maritime services package for entering into the international market.
 
Digitalisation and green transformation of Hong Kong Port
 
     As a constructive member of the international shipping community, the quality of the Hong Kong Port is closely aligned with international shipping trends, particularly digitalisation, smart transition, and green transformation. On digitalisation and smart transition, we will soon complete installation of a port community system to facilitate the flow and sharing of cargo data among stakeholders in the maritime, port and logistics industries for enabling real time cargo track-and-trace for goods routing through the Hong Kong Port. The system also has the potential to facilitate trade finance due to the use of blockchain technology to compile and store trusted data on cargo flows. We are also collaborating with the banking industry to explore leveraging blockchain-recorded cargo flow data in the system to enhance trade financing services.
 
     Promoting green and sustainable maritime development is another strategic priority. To meet the International Maritime Organization’s net-zero emission target for international shipping by or around 2050, we promulgated the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering in 2024, setting out clear targets, strategies and measures to develop green maritime fuel bunkering and trading in Hong Kong. In particular, we target to develop Hong Kong into a green maritime fuel trading centre, and a key channel selling and exporting Mainland-produced green maritime fuels to worldwide user companies.
 
Commodity trading ecosystem
 
     Notwithstanding our success in shipping, trade and finance, we have never stopped identifying new growth areas. The expansion of the commodity trading ecosystem serves as a new step to leverage our strengths to further promote the development of the Hong Kong economy.
 
     Commodities, including metals and minerals, account for more than half of the global shipping trade volume, while shipowners and commodity traders are the key users of shipping routes and maritime services. Their presence and operation in Hong Kong can drive the maritime services industry, and boost demand for related financial and professional services such as hedging activities of related futures products. Creating a commodity trading ecosystem in Hong Kong will catalyse growth across related sectors. A landmark achievement in this regard is that the London Metal Exchange (LME), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), has included Hong Kong as an approved delivery point within its global warehousing network since January this year, and 11 LME-licenced warehouses in Hong Kong have been approved. The establishment of such warehouses in Hong Kong not only will provide convenient, cost-effective and safe delivery channels for related metals trading in the region, but also increase the demand for Hong Kong’s trade, shipping, warehousing and transportation industries, strengthen Hong Kong’s commodities ecosystem, and lay a foundation for future expansion of related financial transactions such as futures.
 
     At the same time, collaboration across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, which covers Guangdong Province on the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, further amplifies Hong Kong’s role as a trade hub. Take the Qianhai Mercantile Exchange (QME) as an example. The QME, a subsidiary of the HKEX with turnover of RMB100 billion over the past year, operates our country’s only offshore spot trading platform for soybeans. The HKEX continues to explore the feasibility of co-operation between the QME and Mainland commodities and futures exchanges to strengthen the two-way connectivity between domestic and overseas commodities market participants and attract more foreign enterprises to participate in trading at the platform, thereby contributing to the internationalisation of our country’s commodity market.
 
Maritime trade finance innovation
 
     At the heart of Hong Kong’s vision for resilient cross-border trade lies maritime trade-finance innovation. In today’s evolving global landscape where trade conflicts and supply chain disruptions are reshaping established trade patterns, a more digitalised and streamlined trade finance ecosystem can greatly benefit businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular, as they transform their business model and supply chains. In this context, I am pleased to introduce Hong Kong’s latest initiative to address these challenges and unlock new opportunities, i.e. Project CargoX.
 
     Project CargoX is a public-private collaboration launched by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Hong Kong’s central banking institution. Project CargoX aims to build a more inclusive and efficient digital ecosystem for trade finance infrastructure, leveraging cargo and trade data to streamline and enhance trade finance processes; developing digital solutions to improve accessibility to trade finance for SMEs; and exploring connections with international data partners to facilitate trade financing. One of the financing challenges in the logistics industry is the handling of extensive paperwork across different regions, which burdens banks and creates hurdles for SMEs seeking loan approvals. Banks can now obtain reliable and secured data through Project CargoX, significantly saving time and labour costs for both banks and businesses.
 
     By aligning maritime infrastructure, green ambitions and digital trade-finance platforms, we are confident that Hong Kong will construct a resilient ecosystem capable of absorbing shocks, adapting to shifting geopolitical currents, and sustaining growth for the next generation of traders and shippers.
 
     Hong Kong now stands at a pivotal crossroads where a storied maritime legacy meets cutting-edge technology and sustainability, but you can tell by my introduction that Hong Kong is ready to advance to a new stage. We invite shipping enterprises, financial institutions, commodity traders and technology partners from Shanghai, the Mainland and beyond to seize the opportunities that Hong Kong offers: a digitally empowered hub where maritime trade finance can thrive, underpinning a prosperous global supply chain. Thank you.
Issued at HKT 16:33

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The Taiwan Select Global Procurement Summit Kicks Off in Taichung

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

In response to U.S. reciprocal tariffs and global supply chain restructuring, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) continues to leverage overseas networks to draw international buyers to Taiwan. The 2025 Taiwan Select Global Sourcing Event was held in Taichung from October 1 to 2. It attracted 200 buyers from 35 countries and nearly 600 Taiwanese companies that created potential business opportunities worth US$280 million.

Matchmaking sessions focused on various key industries, such as machinery, auto parts, hand tools, hardware, medical devices, green energy, and ICT, to highlight Central Taiwan’s comprehensive industrial supply chains. Buyers expressed strong interest in automotive electronics, medical devices, robotics, building materials, and sustainable energy. Notable cases included a Japanese buyer seeking cooperation in automotive electronics and sensors, a Saudi firm sourcing building materials for the 2030 World Expo, and a Brazilian company exploring opportunities for partnerships in robotics technology.

The event also promoted ESG and sustainability by offering a briefing on global sustainability trends and advisory services for digital marketing. Post-event visits to Taichung and Changhua industrial clusters enabled buyers to gain deeper insights into Taiwan’s strengths in precision machining, smart manufacturing, and green energy solutions.

To help companies diversify beyond the U.S. market, the MOEA continues to expand business ties with Latin America. This year, 17 buyers from Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and other markets joined the event, showing strong interest in purchasing. In August this year, the MOEA organized The Latin America Trade Promotion Delegation, leading Taiwanese enterprises to Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Chile to secure new orders. The initiative combined on-site visits with AI-assisted video matchmaking, creating integrated online and offline business opportunities and further strengthening cooperation with Latin American markets.

As a key initiative to help Taiwanese enterprises expand globally, the next “Taiwan Select Global Sourcing Event” will be held in Kaohsiung on November 4 in order to further connect international buyers with Taiwanese suppliers.

Inauguration of Taiwan Trade and Investment Service Center in Dallas Marks a New Milestone in Taiwan-U.S. Economic and Trade Cooperation

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) officially inaugurated the “Taiwan Trade and Investment Service Center in Dallas” on August 14, marking a new milestone in Taiwan-U.S. economic and trade cooperation. The center will serve as a bridge for Taiwanese enterprises expanding into the U.S. market and promote collaboration between the two sides’ technology industries.

The establishment follows the “Statement of Intent on Taiwan-Texas Economic Development” signed in July 2024 and the MOEA Minister’s visit to Texas in May 2025. The center was launched during the Taiwan Expo in the U.S., with the opening ceremony co-hosted by the Director General of the International Trade Administration (TITA) and the Executive Director of Taiwan’s Economic Development Office in Texas, attended by the Chairman of TAITRA and the Secretary of State of Texas.

The Director General of TITA noted that the center will leverage MOEA resources to assist Taiwanese companies in overcoming challenges when investing in Texas and collaborate closely with local government agencies, industries, and academic institutions to advance industrial and technological cooperation. It will also provide market insights, legal and tax guidance, and investment support to further strengthen Taiwan-U.S. business ties.

Following the establishment of Taiwan Trade and Investment Service Centers in Prague, the Czech Republic, and Fukuoka, Japan, the center in Dallas will play a key role in the MOEA’s “Connecting Taiwan to the World” strategy, supporting Taiwan’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in entering international markets and strengthening supply chain partnerships with countries worldwide.

For more detailed information about the Taiwan Trade and Investment Service Center in Dallas, please visit the official website: https://dallas.taiwantrade.com/ or contact the center at dallas@taitra.org.tw

Speech by FS at PWMA Wealth Management Summit 2025 (English only) (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the keynote speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the PWMA Wealth Management Summit 2025 today (November 6):

Amy (Chairman, Executive Committee, Private Wealth Management Association (PWMA), Ms Amy Lo), Vivien (Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Private Wealth Management Association, Ms Vivien Khoo), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 
     And when it comes to expanding those horizons, I can confidently say: there is no better place than Hong Kong. 

Clearance and public transport arrangements for 15th National Games road cycling (men’s individual) event

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The men’s individual competition of the 15th National Games (NG) China Mobile Cup road cycling event will be staged at 9am on November 8 and is expected to conclude at 2.30pm. It is the sole event of the 15th NG that will span across Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao.

     The race covers a total distance of 231.8 kilometres, comprising a 55.8km section in Hong Kong. The race convoy will travel through the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) and go through the Hong Kong Port, North Lantau Highway and Penny’s Bay Highway. The athletes will return after passing by the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and head back to Zhuhai via the HZMB and Hengqin. It is anticipated that the race convoy will enter the Hong Kong section around 10.20am and spend about one and a half hours in the Hong Kong section.

     To facilitate the holding of the race, temporary control measures will be implemented on the HZMB Hong Kong Port, the HZMB and some roads on that day. Members of the public and visitors should pay attention to the following key points:
 

  • Temporary control measures will be implemented on the HZMB westbound from Hong Kong towards Zhuhai/Macao from 7.30am to 12.30pm. The Departure Hall of Passenger Clearance Building and Outbound Vehicle Clearance Plaza of the HZMB Hong Kong Port will close at 6.30am. Travellers or vehicles wishing to leave Hong Kong for Zhuhai or Macao before the implementation of the temporary control measures are required to arrive at the Departure Hall of Passenger Clearance Building or Outbound Vehicle Clearance Plaza of the HZMB Hong Kong Port before 6.30am on the event day in order to undergo departure and clearance procedures.
     
  • Cross-boundary (CB) public transport services travelling on the HZMB between Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macao, including the HZMB shuttle bus (Gold Bus), CB coach and bus services of SkyPier Terminal Transfer Coach of Hong Kong International Airport, will be suspended during the implementation of the temporary control.
     
  • Temporary traffic control measures will be implemented on the North Lantau Highway and roads near the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort during the race. Travel time to and from the airport via the North Lantau Highway is expected to increase by about 30 minutes. Travel time to and from the park, hotels and the Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre via Penny’s Bay Highway, Sunny Bay Road, Magic Road and Fantasy Road may be also increased by about 30 minutes. Members of the public and travellers should plan their trips in advance and allow sufficient travel time. They are advised to use railway services, including the Airport Express, the Tung Chung line and the Disneyland Resort line, and avoid driving to the above road sections. Drivers who need to drive to the airport can also consider using the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Tunnel.
     
  • The departure and clearance services at the HZMB Hong Kong Port will resume after 12.30pm on that day. It is expected that traffic will be busy. Members of the public should note that as the roads within Zhuhai are still closed for the race until about 2.30pm, the Gold Bus from Hong Kong to Zhuhai is expected to provide limited service from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. Members of the public are advised to avoid heading to the Hong Kong Port in haste. The Gold Bus from Zhuhai to Hong Kong will resume service at 2.30pm. Meanwhile, the Gold Bus services to/from Macao will resume at 12.30pm. The Transport Department (TD) has instructed the Gold Bus operator to draw up manpower arrangements in advance and reserve sufficient backup vehicles to meet passenger demand upon the resumption of normal boundary-crossing services. Members of the public and travellers who need to travel between Zhuhai and Macao on that day are advised to plan their journeys early and use other land Boundary Control Points (BCPs) as far as possible and pay attention to the traffic control arrangements within Zhuhai.
     
  • The Police will set up a temporary restricted flying zone (RFZ), extending 2km outwards from the race track from 9am to 1.30pm on November 8. No small unmanned aircraft, except those authorised, will be permitted to enter the zone. Details of the temporary RFZ will be shown on the electronic portal for small unmanned aircraft “eSUA”.
     
  • For details of the special traffic and transport arrangements for the race, please refer to the TD Notice: www.td.gov.hk/en/traffic_notices/index_id_83562.html.
     
  • The National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) (NGCO) has liaised with relevant government departments and organisations to disseminate information on the relevant BCPs clearance services and transportation arrangements to be implemented for the event to the public, travellers and stakeholders through various channels, including:
     
  • The Airport Authority of Hong Kong (AAHK) has reminded airlines to notify members of the public and travellers taking flights on that day to allow sufficient time to travel to the airport and has also issued a circular to inform travellers that CB coach services via the HZMB will be affected. Meanwhile, the AAHK will also issue relevant notices through its website and social media platform.
     
  • The Tourism Commission (TC) has informed the hotel sector through their trade associations to remind their guests of the special transportation arrangements. The TC has also informed licensed travel agents through the Travel Industry Authority and the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong to avoid bringing tour groups across the HZMB on the event day. The Hong Kong Tourism Board has also notified its trade partners and disseminated the relevant information on its website (www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/index.html) to facilitate visitors’ itinerary planning.
     
  • The TD has informed trades including CB goods vehicles, public transport operators (PTOs) such as Gold Bus, CB coach, local non-franchised bus, franchised bus, taxi operators and MTR of the arrangements on that day. The PTOs have been issuing notices gradually to inform passengers. Alert messages were also issued to applicants of Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles and the HZMB closed road permit holders on the temporary control measures of the HZMB and the Hong Kong Port on that day. In addition, the TD will alert motorists to the latest traffic information through Full Variable Message Signs in tunnels and control areas concerned. Meanwhile, MTR Corporation Limited will assist to step up public broadcast in all heavy railway stations. The TD will also urge CB and local travellers and members of the public to take heed of various public transport arrangements in CB traffic, travelling to and from the airport and Tung Chung as well as the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and plan their journeys early, via the HKeMobility mobile application, radio, TV and Agent T Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AgentT.hk).
     
  • The Islands District Office has disseminated the relevant message to residents in the district through the district network (including District Councils, Area Committees and District Committees, Youth Committees, as well as District Services and Community Care Teams). Some Care Teams in the district have set up street stalls and distributed leaflets at various locations in the area for several days before the event day and posted relevant information on social media, so that residents could be informed of the special transportation arrangements on the day of the event and thus plan and adjust their travel accordingly. The Care Teams have also assisted in contacting property management companies and village representatives in the district and requested them to post the above TD notice at conspicuous places for residents’ information. On the day of the event, the Care Teams will deploy staff to inspect the district and provide appropriate assistance to members of the public in need.
     
  • The Marine Department has contacted CB ferry operators to increase the frequency of ferry services to Macao according to operational situation on the morning of the event day.
     
  • The Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has also reminded visitors planning to visit the resort via its official website (www.hongkongdisneyland.com/hkdl/special-notice) and mobile application about the special traffic arrangements on the event day. There may be a possible increase in travel time to and from the resort and the Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre via Magic Road and Fantasy Road due to traffic control measures.
     
  • Hong Kong Customs has informed the transport trades of the traffic arrangements on that day and to use other land BCPs as far as possible for entry and exit. Customs has also posted notices at the clearance facilities of the Hong Kong Port and informed the public through its website (www.customs.gov.hk/en/home/index.html) and social media platform.
     
  • The Centre for Food Safety of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has informed food traders of the arrangements and posted relevant information on the Food Trader Portal and its official website.
     
  • The Immigration Department (ImmD) will update the situation of the Hong Kong Port in real time through its mobile application on the event day. Tourists can check the queuing situation of the HZMB Hong Kong Port through the ImmD’s mobile application before travelling, to better plan their itineraries and minimise queuing time.
     
  • The Police will also remind the public of the temporary traffic control arrangements through its social media platform (www.facebook.com/HongKongPoliceForce).

     In addition, the 15th NG road cycling (women’s individual) event will be held on November 9. Though the race course will mainly be located in Zhuhai and will not affect the HZMB and clearance services at the port, some of the roads in Zhuhai will be closed due to the event. No regular public transport services will be provided for the artificial island of Zhuhai. From 7.30am to 11.30am that day, only limited services for routes departing for Zhuhai will be provided by Gold Bus. Members of the public are advised to avoid taking Gold Bus to Zhuhai during the abovementioned periods. Moreover, some of the ferry services between Hong Kong and Zhuhai Jiuzhou Port will also be suspended on November 8 and 9.

     To facilitate a better viewing experience, a public viewing zone will be set up on the footpath of Fantasy Road located outside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, which can accommodate a few hundred spectators. Members of the public may come to cheer the athletes and enjoy the race there. The Police will implement crowd management measures subject to area conditions. Members of the public are advised to follow instructions of the Police and staff on site. As temporary traffic control measures will be implemented on the race route at the North Lantau Highway, members of the public should take the MTR to the Disneyland Resort station as far as possible to reach the designated viewing zone. The Guangdong competition region has commissioned the China Central Television as the host broadcaster to provide live webcast of the event. All rights-holding broadcasters, including the three local free television broadcasters and Radio Television Hong Kong, will be conferred the live signal.
    
​A spokesperson for the NGCO said that as the NG is the country’s highest-level event, this event has to meet stringent requirements regarding race course selection and organisational arrangements to ensure athletes’ safety. Relevant departments will work together to facilitate the special traffic and transportation arrangements to minimise the impact on the public and travellers who usually use the HZMB and other related road sections. Members of the public and travellers who need to travel to and from Zhuhai or Macao are urged to plan their itineraries in advance and use other control points and public transport as far as possible. The spokesperson thanked the public and travellers for their understanding, as well as the contributions of various organisations and departments implementing the relevant arrangements.

Games cycling race set for Nov 8

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The men’s individual competition of the 15th National Games (NG) China Mobile Cup road cycling event will be held on November 8, starting at 9am and expected to conclude at 2.30pm. To facilitate the holding of the race, temporary control measures will be implemented on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port, the HZMB and nearby roads.

Such measures will be imposed on the HZMB westbound from Hong Kong towards Zhuhai/Macau from 7.30am to 12.30pm. The HZMB Hong Kong Port’s Passenger Clearance Building Departure Hall and Outbound Vehicle Clearance Plaza will close at 6.30am.

Cross-boundary public transport services on the HZMB between Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macau, including the HZMB shuttle bus (Gold Bus), cross-boundary coach and bus services of the SkyPier Terminal Transfer Coach of Hong Kong International Airport, will be suspended.

Traffic control measures will be implemented on the North Lantau Highway and roads near the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort during the race. As such, travel time to and from the airport via the North Lantau Highway is expected to increase by about 30 minutes. Travel time to and from the park, hotels and the Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre via Penny’s Bay Highway, Sunny Bay Road, Magic Road and Fantasy Road may be also increased by about 30 minutes. Drivers who need to drive to the airport may consider using the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Tunnel.

The departure and clearance services at the HZMB Hong Kong Port will resume after 12.30pm on November 8.

As the roads within Zhuhai are still closed for the race until about 2.30pm, the Gold Bus from Hong Kong to Zhuhai is expected to provide limited service from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. The Gold Bus from Zhuhai to Hong Kong will resume service at 2.30pm.

Meanwhile, the Gold Bus services to and from Macau will resume at 12.30pm.

Separately, the 15th NG road cycling (women’s individual) event will be held on November 9. Though the race course will mainly be located in Zhuhai and will not affect the HZMB and clearance services at the port, no regular public transport services will be provided for the artificial island of Zhuhai. From 7.30am to 11.30am that day, only limited services for routes departing for Zhuhai will be provided by Gold Bus.

Click here for the latest traffic notices.

FEHD releases ninth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in October

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (November 5) released the ninth batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in October, covering six survey areas, as follows:

District Survey Area October 2025
Area Gravidtrap Index Area Density Index
Kowloon City Hung Hom 11.5% 1.3
Kai Tak North 15.0% 1.3
North Fanling 0.0% N/A
Yuen Long Tin Shui Wai 0.8% 1.0
Tsuen Wan Tsuen Wan Town 0.0% N/A
Ma Wan 2.1% N/A

Among the ninth batch of Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering six survey areas in October, all were below 10 per cent, except two survey areas, Hung Hom and Kai Tak North in Kowloon City District.

For the two survey areas in Kowloon City District that recorded an index over 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the recent chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. In particular, the gravidtrap data for Hung Hom and Kai Tak North showed that areas with more mosquito problems included parks, public housing estates and construction sites. The relevant departments and stakeholders are actively following up on the mosquito control work. The FEHD will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify the residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together on mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD continues to strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap indexes in these two areas to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.

The FEHD has so far released nine batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in October 2025, covering 64 survey areas. Among these 64 survey areas, 43 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged in the individual gravidtrap index as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index the previous month, i.e. September 2025, representing that the areas’ mosquito infestation improved or maintained a low level. Nineteen other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent.

Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:

  • tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside their premises;
  • remove all unnecessary water collections and eliminate the sources;
  • check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
  • change the water in flower vases and saucers of potted plants at least once every seven days;
  • properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water; and
  • properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as empty lunch boxes and cans.

Starting in August this year, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD is disseminating the relevant information through press releases, its website, and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.

​​Following the recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 64 survey areas of the community. During the two weeks of surveillance, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).