Month: December 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Tse Chin-wan, and the Director-General of the Department of Ecology and Environment of Guangdong Province (GDDEE), Ms Xu Xiaoxia, today (December 17) co-chaired the seventh meeting of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Joint Working Group on Environmental Protection and Combating Climate Change via video conferencing. The meeting reviewed their work progress in 2025 and agreed on the collaboration work plan for 2026.

     Governments of both Hong Kong and Guangdong agreed that the two places have continued to maintain close co-operation on various fronts in the past year, including improvement of air quality in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, protection of the water environment, strengthening forestry and marine resources conservation, and combating climate change, as well as the development of a “Zero Waste Bay Area”. The two sides will continue to promote and deepen exchanges, co-operation and scientific research relating to climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience.

     On improving air quality, Hong Kong and Guangdong implemented the PRD Regional Air Quality Management Plan and monitored the progress and effectiveness of various improvement measures. The annual average concentrations of various air pollutants in 2024 have declined between 18 per cent and 86 per cent from their peak levels. Representatives of the Hong Kong side highlighted that promoting green transportation helps improve air quality. The number of electric private cars in Hong Kong has been growing rapidly. Currently, more than seven out of every 10 newly registered private cars are electric, with a growth rate among the top globally. The HKSAR Government will continue to actively promote the use of electric vehicles and expand the charging network in the future. In the coming years, Hong Kong and Guangdong will continue to work together on the demonstration projects of cross-boundary goods vehicles transitioning into new energy vehicles and the construction of the Greater Bay Area Air Quality Health Index. 

     On marine environment management, Governments of both Hong Kong and Guangdong agreed that the Notification and Alert System on Marine Refuse has been functioning well since its commencement in 2017. To further enhance the effectiveness of the system, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has used the latest wind forecast and relevant data, together with a new generation of regional hydrodynamic model, to more accurately predict areas that may potentially be affected by marine refuse. As of mid-November this year, the system has issued 65 notifications in response to heavy rainfall or major marine environmental incidents, which effectively enabled relevant government departments to take timely clean-up actions. Both sides will continue to explore technologies and measures to monitor marine refuse and tackle marine environmental incidents, as well as further extending co-operation in the management of the marine environment with cities in the region. 

     As regards ecological conservation, Hong Kong and Guangdong will continue to foster in-depth exchanges and enhance collaboration on the establishment, management, conservation, staff training, publicity and education, etc, in relation to forestry, ecological corridors across the boundary and wetland reserve projects, as well as to take forward the sustainable development of marine resources and the conservation of marine environment, including projects for the conservation of rare marine animals, ecological and environmental monitoring, restoration and enhancement of fisheries resources, sustainable development of mariculture, and joint enforcement operations between Hong Kong and Guangdong. 

     Hong Kong and Guangdong will also take forward the development of a “Zero Waste Bay Area”, jointly promoting regional resources circulation in both places, exploring the feasibility of cross-regional co-operation in handling recyclable materials and co-ordinating collaborative initiatives of the two places.

     Representatives of the Hong Kong side attended the meeting today were from the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Development Bureau, the Buildings Department, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the Civil Engineering and Development Department, the Drainage Services Department, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Department of Health, the EPD, the Hong Kong Observatory, and the Water Supplies Department. Representatives of the Guangdong side were from the GDDEE, the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Guangdong Province, the Forestry Administration of Guangdong Province, the Guangdong Provincial Development and Reform Commission, the Guangdong Meteorological Service, the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Guangdong Province, and the Shenzhen Municipal Ecological Environment Bureau.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Countryside Conservation Office (CCO) of the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) today (December 17) announced the publication of guides to guesthouse and food business licence applications in countryside areas, which provides guidance for individuals interested in operating guesthouses or food business premises in countryside areas to apply for relevant licences.

     A spokesperson for the CCO said, “Many countryside villages in the New Territories offer both natural scenery and rich cultural heritage, and many members of the public pay visits to these areas during weekends and holidays. However, the number of guesthouses and food business premises currently operating in countryside areas is limited, as the process of licence applications can be challenging, given matters such as land and planning are involved. To assist individuals who are interested in operating guesthouses or food business premises in the countryside areas, the Government has set up an interdepartmental Task Force on Guesthouse and Food Business Licences in Countryside Areas. The Task Force has enhanced and rationalised the implementation details and steps of the relevant processes and formulated a series of streamlined measures covering planning, land, and licensing matters, taking into account the uniqueness of the rural settings. The CCO has compiled these measures into the guides, listing out key points-to-note in the process of licence applications, and providing contact information of the relevant departments.”
     
     The streamlined measures put forward by the Government include:
 

• Based on the requirements of the relevant statutory Outline Zoning Plans (OZPs), for New Territories Exempted Houses (NTEHs) constructed by virtue of the Buildings Ordinance (Application to the New Territories) Ordinance within the land use zone of “Village Type Development”, including those NTEHs built after 1961, operating a food business on their ground floor is always permitted, without the need to apply for planning permission. Villagers may commence business upon obtaining a valid licence;

 

• For existing Old Village Houses (OVHs) eligible for guesthouse/food business licence applications, Short Term Tenancy (STT) rental and Short Term Waiver (STW) fees arising from encroachment on government land or breach of lease conditions will only begin to accrue from the date when the business licence is issued, and the payment of a one-off administrative fee for applying STT and STW is waived;

 

• A series of templates and checklists for tackling town planning and land matters have been prepared to help villagers and operators better understand the licensing requirements and procedures, thereby saving costs and time;

 

• A “Third party certification” template and prescribed form for certifying OVHs’ structural stability have been prepared; and

 

• A new mechanism has been established to assess existing septic tanks systems of relevant premises through “third party certification”, obviating the need to construct new ones.

     Since the formulation of the above streamlined measures, there have been guesthouses, a takeaway shop and a restaurant located in Lai Chi Wo, Yim Tin Tsai and Kuk Po respectively, having been granted relevant business licences. The Government will continue to facilitate the trade by further simplifying the food business licensing regime and expediting the approval process for applications for outdoor seating areas of restaurants, with a view to implementing the measures stipulated in the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address. 

     The guides have been uploaded to the CCO website (cco.gov.hk/en/licensing).

Guide to Guesthouse Licence Application in Countryside Areas
www.eeb.gov.hk/sites/default/files/conservation/files/Full_GH_licensing_guide_en.pdf.

Guide to Food Business Licence Application in Countryside Areas
www.eeb.gov.hk/sites/default/files/conservation/files/Full_FB_licensing_guide_en.pdf.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Department of Health (DH) today (December 17) reminded the public that, as announced on August 15, the Community Dental Support Programme (CDSP) will expand its scope of services starting from January 1 next year, adding new services, namely dental scaling, root canal treatment, removal of bridges and crowns, and fitting of removable dentures. The CDSP will also extend coverage to homeless individuals, further focusing on providing more subsidised preventive and curative dental services to the underprivileged in need. At the same time, the CDSP will also supplant the Community Care Fund Elderly Dental Assistance Programme (EDAP) that will cease to accept applications from January 1 next year.
 
With the expansion of the beneficiaries list of the CDSP to cover the homeless, social workers, through the service networks of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), will identify and assist eligible homeless individuals with the application documents and co-ordinate appointments with dental clinics. Eligible homeless individuals must be a holder of a Hong Kong identity card, be enrolled in the Electronic Health System (eHealth), and be a service user of any of the following services provided by the Social Welfare Department to street sleepers:
 

• Temporary Shelters;
• Urban Hostels for Single Persons;
• Integrated Services Teams for Street Sleepers; or
• Care and Support Networking Team (street sleepers only).

 
Additionally, each eligible service user may apply for subsidised dental services once every 180 days currently, the scope of which includes preventive and curative oral health and dental care services. Subject to the assessment by the attending registered dentist, each participant will be provided with specified subsidised dental services, including oral health assessment, medication for dental pain relief (when necessary), X-ray examinations, dental fillings or extractions. With the expansion of the scope of services effective from January 1 next year, each participant can receive dental scaling services and root canal treatment for one tooth every 365 days, and removal of one bridge or two crowns every 180 days. Regarding the fitting of removable dentures, each participant can receive the service up to two times, with an interval of at least five years in between. To ensure the proper use of limited resources to achieve greater cost-effectiveness and to allow the underprivileged to receive the most effective treatment services, removable dentures fitting service will only be available to eligible persons with fewer than 20 remaining teeth, who must first be assessed by a dentist as having difficulties in eating or chewing and whose eating ability could be effectively restored by the fitting of removable dentures.
 
The expanded CDSP will supplant the EDAP, which will cease to accept applications from January 1 next year. For details of the CDSP (including the administration fee and co-payment fee of services), please visit the designated website (www.communitydental.gov.hk). 
 
In March 2025, the DH launched the Primary Dental Co-care Pilot Scheme for Adolescents (PDCC), which serves as an interface with the School Dental Care Service by providing partial subsidies for dental check-up services for adolescents aged 13 to 17. It helps adolescents foster a long-term partnership with registered dentists in the private sector and enables them to build a lifelong habit of regular dental check-ups. Eligible adolescents can receive subsidised services once every calendar year. Currently, 572 private dentists are participating in the PDCC, with over 960 service locations. With school holidays approaching, the DH encourages adolescents to take advantage of the long holidays to participate in the PDCC and welcome the new year with good health and confidence. Members of the public may visit the PDCC webpage (www.communitydental.gov.hk/en/pdcc/introduction_of_pdcc.html) for more information.
 
The Government’s oral health policy aims to enable all Hong Kong citizens to enhance their oral hygiene and lifestyles. By adopting the strategies of developing community-wide preventive primary oral healthcare while providing essential dental care services targeting underprivileged groups in formulating the dental services, the Government aims to assist citizens in practicing prevention, early identification, and timely intervention for dental diseases. The CDSP and PDCC have collectively benefited over 10 000 eligible individuals.

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[PRESS RELEASE 11 December 2025] – The Government of Samoa has officially launched its Third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) under the Paris Agreement, marking a decisive step forward in the country’s climate action agenda. The event was officiated by the Prime Minister of Samoa, who emphasized the national significance of this milestone.

The NDC 3.0 serves as a central component of Samoa’s climate policy framework, reflecting extensive national consultation and alignment with key national strategies, including the first NDC in 2015, Second NDC (2021), the Pathway for the Development of Samoa (PDS), the National Climate Change Policy 2020–2030, and the Third National Communication.

In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister, Afioga La’aulialemalietoa Leautea Polata’ivao Fosi Schmidt who is also the Acting Minister for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) highlighted the long-term vision of the commitment, stating: This is more than a climate commitment. It is our national pathway to protect our people, our environment, and our future. Over the past year, we have worked closely with our communities, our ministries, and partners to shape this NDC. Is is the voices, knowledge, and priorities of Samoa ‘.

The NDC outlines ambitious mitigation and adaptation targets. Samoa commits to reducing overall national greenhouse gas emissions by 104.11 gigagrams of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2035, supported by actions in reforestation, mangrove restoration, food security, gender equality, and climate-resilient systems.

The NDC 3.0 also introduces an enhanced focus on loss and damage, prioritizing improved data systems, institutional strengthening, and policy measures to support communities in recovery and resilience-building.

The Prime Minister reiterated Samoa’s commitment to inclusivity, noting the critical role of women, youth, and vulnerable groups as key drivers of climate action in line with fa’a Samoa. She further highlighted the continued need for predictable climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity-building to support the full implementation of Samoa’s commitments.

The Government of Samoa expressed its gratitude to the United Nations Development Programme and the Climate Promise Initiative for their leadership and support, as well as to the Global Green Growth Institute, the NDC Partnership, and all national stakeholders involved in the development of NDC 3.0.

ENDS

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Samoa

December 18, 2025

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[PRESS RELEASE] – The Central Bank of Samoa (CBS) has been made aware of media reports circulating regarding alleged counterfeit banknotes currently being used in Samoa. CBS takes these reports seriously and is looking into the matter and will work closely with our Financial Institutions and relevant Authorities to address the issue and protect the integrity of Samoa’s currency.

CBS wishes to reassure the public that Samoa’s banknotes include advanced security features to help the public distinguish genuine notes from counterfeits. Key features and tips for checking them:

Polymer Notes

• Teuila Window: Look for a transparent window with a clear Teuila flower design. Hold the note up to the light to confirm clarity.

• Tactile Dots: each denomination has a series of raised dots

Paper Notes

• Watermark: Hold the note up to the light to see the watermark image (profile of the late Head of State and ‘CBS’ letters) embedded in the paper.

• Metallic Thread (5,10 and 20): changes from green to red and vice versa when tilted against the light.

Additional Tips

• Check the Texture: Polymer notes feel smoother and more durable than paper notes.

• Compare with a Genuine Note: If in doubt, compare with a note you know is authentic.

These simple checks can help businesses and individuals quickly verify banknotes and reduce the risk of accepting counterfeit currency.

The public is also reminded that the following notes are legal tender in Samoa: 5 tala, 10 tala, 20 tala, 50 tala, 60 tala, and 100 tala.

Legal tender refers to the official banknotes and coins issued by the Central Bank that must be accepted as a valid form of payment for goods, services, and the settlement of debts within the country.

The Central Bank encourages all members of the public and businesses to remain vigilant and to check banknotes carefully when receiving cash, especially for higher denominations.

If you suspect that a banknote is counterfeit:

1. Do not return the note to the person who gave it to you.

2. Keep the note safely and report it immediately to the Samoa Police or bring it to the Central Bank for verification.

3. To record where and how you received the note, as this information is critical for supporting investigations.

CBS also reminds the public that under the Crimes Act 2013, it is an offence to knowingly possess, use, or attempt to use counterfeit or forged banknotes. Individuals found guilty of this offence are liable to a term of imprisonment of up to five (5) years.

The Central Bank will continue to support our legal enforcement agencies in all counterfeit-related investigations and will work closely with Financial Institutions to strengthen detection, reporting, and prevention measures. Maintaining the integrity of Samoa’s currency remains a key priority of the Central Bank.

Should you require further information you may contact our Banking and Currency Department on telephone 34100.

END.

Central Bank of Samoa

December 18, 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

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KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Associate Minister of Health, Ale Vena Ale

Talofa Lava and Warm Greetings to you all.

Lau Susuga ile ta’ita’i ole sauniga Rev. Maauga Motu, distinguish guests, ladies and gentlemen.

It is my honor to join the Samoa Family Health Association, our development partners, community leaders, young couples and families as we gather for this important event “The Young Couples Contribution to Ending Violence, heldas part of the 16 Days of Activism under the global theme “Unite to End Digital Violence against Women and Girls.

Today, we celebrate not only creativity through poetry, music and performance but also the courage and commitment of our young couples from Vavau and Faleasi’u who have completed the Sexual GBV Fundamentals Training. Their willingness to learn, grow and lead change in their families and communities is something we must acknowledge with pride.

Violence whether physical, emotional, sexual or digital has no place in our societies. With the rapid rise of technology, digital violence has become one of the fastest-growing forms of abuse, affecting many young women and girls in Samoa and around the world. Online bullying, harassment, non-consensual sharing images, and harmful messages can cause deep emotional harm and long – term trauma.

As the Minister of Health, I believe that ending violence is essential to protecting the health, dignity and well being of our people. Violence disrupts families, affects mental health, contributes to unplanned pregnancies, increases sexually transmitted infections and creates cycles of harm that can continue across generations.

This is why the work of SFHA and partner is so important. By empowering young couples with knowledge on Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights, healthy relationships, gender equality and digital safety, we create stronger families and stronger communities.

I commend SFHA for using creative tools such as music, poetry and performance to help young people express their experiences and advocate for change. Young couples hold a special place in the vision pf safer Samoa and they have the power to break old cycles. When young couples stand together as equal partners, treating each other with respect and supporting each other’s dreams, they become powerful agents for ending violence.

To the couples performing today:

You are role models. You are showing Samoa that love built on respect, communication, and shared responsibility can transform our homes and communities. O outou o fa’ata’ita’iga lelei I totonu o aiga, ekalesia ma nuu. Ia faia lenei aso fa’apitoa ma lesona aoga e taoso ma tapena ai se lumana’I manuia mo outou ma I tatou uma mo a taeao.

To the village leadres, parents and families present:

Your support is essential. Ending violence requires all of us: government, community, churches and families working together, towards building strong, safe and loving families. Ole auga lena o faigamea, a lelei pulega a nuu ma afio’aga e saogalemu foi tupulaga ma ona tagata. Fa’afetai I lo outou lagolago ile una’ia o ulugalii e fa’atanuuina lenei faa’amoemoe.

As a nation, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a Samoa where women and girls feel safe both offline and online, where every person’s rights ar eportected and where our communities thrive in peace and respect.

Let us continue to work together, advocate together and stand together to end all forms of violence.

Manuia lo tatou fa’amoemoe.

Fa’afetai tele lava, and May God bless you all.

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Samoa and France Reaffirms Strong Bilateral Partnership during an introductory courtesy call by the Ambassador of France, H.E Guillaume Lemoine

[PRESS RELEASE] – The Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon. La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polata’ivao Fosi Schimdt, received the Ambassador of France to Samoa, H.E. Guillaume Lemoine, for an introductory call at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday afternoon.

The call provided an opportunity to reaffirm the longstanding friendship between the two countries, since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1974 and the set up of the French embassy in Apia early this year.

During the introductory call, the Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for France’s ongoing cooperation across key priority sectors, including maritime surveillance and efforts to counter transnational crime. He acknowledged France’s contributions, through its Pacific territories, in providing training and operational support to Samoa’s law-enforcement agencies.

The Ambassador reiterated France’s readiness to further collaborate in these areas, noting the shared responsibility to protect the region’s maritime domain and uphold regional security.

The Prime Minister and the French Ambassador affirmed their commitment to advancing Samoa–France cooperation and working closely to address emerging challenges facing the Pacific region to ensure stability and sustainable development.

ENDS.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today chaired a meeting of the interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements to co-ordinate and steer the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s preparatory work for welcoming visitors to Hong Kong for the New Year.

Mr Chan noted at the meeting that a series of events will be held in Hong Kong during the New Year’s Eve and New Year holiday, and New Year’s day also marks the start of a three-day long holiday on the Mainland.

Highlighting that a notable increase in the number of visitors during the period is expected, he said the Hong Kong SAR Government will make good preparations for receiving visitors, including actively co-ordinating the ancillary arrangements of boundary control points (BCPs) and transportation, as well as maintaining close liaison with relevant organisations and the travel trade to ensure effective crowd management, information dissemination, and arrangements of public transportation and BCPs.

The New Year’s Eve countdown event this year will forgo the fireworks display and take place in an alternative format to welcome the New Year together with the public and visitors. The Tourism Board will separately announce the detailed arrangements for the countdown event.

In view of a series of New Year’s Eve countdown events, the Hong Kong SAR Government has discussed with the Shenzhen Municipal Government to extend the service hours of BCPs on New Year’s Eve. Further details will be announced as soon as possible. The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port and the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port will maintain 24-hour operation as usual on New Year’s Eve.

As for public transport arrangements, the MTR Corporation will extend its East Rail Line services to and from MTR Lo Wu Station, and the majority of MTR railway lines will run overnight on New Year’s Eve. Furthermore, bus routes will be arranged between MTR Sheung Shui Station and San Tin Yellow Bus Station to enable passengers using the East Rail Line to cross the boundary via the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port, which operates round-the-clock, after the end of services to Lo Wu.

An Interdepartmental Joint Command Centre set up by Police, the Immigration Department, the Customs & Excise Department and other relevant departments will be activated from December 31 to January 4 to monitor the real-time situation at various control points.

The centre will maintain close liaison with Mainland port authorities and take timely contingency actions to flexibly deploy manpower at the BCPs.

Moreover, the Security Bureau will activate the Emergency Monitoring & Support Centre from December 31 to January 4 to closely monitor and co-ordinate public order at BCPs and facilitate interdepartmental follow-up action where necessary in case of emergencies.

The Transport Department’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will operate 24 hours a day. It will closely monitor the traffic conditions and public transport services in all districts, as well as at BCPs and major stations across Hong Kong, take prompt measures to address service demands, and disseminate the latest traffic updates through various channels.

Moreover, in view of the potential notable increase in the number of tourists visiting Sai Kung High Island Reservoir East Dam during the New Year’s Eve and New Year holiday, Police have taken targeted measures, including deploying uniformed officers at strategic locations at Pak Tam Chung, Man Yee Road and East Dam, for traffic and crowd management during peak tourist arrival and departure periods.

The Transport Department has co-ordinated with the operator to enhance the service of Green Minibus Route No. 9A, from Pak Tam Chung to the East Dam, subject to passenger demand.