Month: March 2026

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CE meets State Councillor Shen Yiqin

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today met State Councillor Shen Yiqin at Government House.

Ms Shen is also Chairperson of the National Working Committee on Children & Women under the State Council, and President of the All-China Women’s Federation.

She is leading a delegation to attend the Hong Kong Family & Women Development Summit being held in the city today.

Mr Lee welcomed Ms Shen and her delegation to the summit and applauded her guidance. He said her support reflects the importance the country attaches to women’s affairs and family building in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The Chief Executive said hosting the summit is a concrete action by Hong Kong to actively promote women and family affairs, and the extensive participation of various sectors of the community demonstrates Hong Kong’s strong cohesiveness in advancing the cause.

He said the current-term Hong Kong SAR Government has rolled out a series of innovative policies and measures on women’s development and family building, which have laid a solid foundation for the work on women’s development and family building in Hong Kong while nurturing a new generation of women’s power.

Such initiatives include the establishment of the Women Empowerment Fund, the launch of the “She Inspires” Mentorship Programme that matches female university students with women leader mentors, the implementation of the Funding Scheme on the Promotion of Family Education, the organisation of the Hong Kong Excellent Family Awards, and more.

Mr Lee said the National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly sets out its support for the promotion of gender equality and the all-round development of women, as well as the importance of dedicating efforts in upholding good family values and strengthening family building, family education and family virtues.

These demonstrate the country’s strong commitment to the development of women and family affairs, and provide an important guide for the Hong Kong SAR in planning its work on family and women’s affairs.

Hong Kong will, Mr Lee iterated, proactively take forward the relevant work and strengthen planning efforts on family development with a view to promoting good family virtues, advancing the diversified development of women and fostering social harmony.

He highlighted that Hong Kong enjoys the advantage of being closely connected to both the Mainland and the world under the “one country, two systems” principle.

Hong Kong will continue to play its bridging role in promoting exchanges and co-operation between the country and the international community in women and family affairs, and make greater contributions to the national development and on the international stage, the Chief Executive added.

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6.4m holiday travellers expected

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Immigration Department estimates that around 6.44 million passengers will pass through Hong Kong’s sea, land and air control points during the upcoming Easter and Ching Ming festive period from April 3 to 7.

In consultation with the Shenzhen General Station of Exit & Entry Frontier Inspection and other Mainland authorities, the department also estimates that around 5.43 million passengers will pass through land boundary control points.

Releasing the information in a statement today, it said the number of outbound and inbound passengers using land boundary control points will be highest on April 3 and April 7, with around 712,000 passengers and 671,000 passengers anticipated on those days respectively.

The department also expects passenger traffic at the Lo Wu Control Point, the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and the Shenzhen Bay Control Point to be heavy, with daily average forecasts of about 240,000, 220,000 and 184,000 passengers respectively.

To cope with the anticipated heavy traffic, the department has minimised leave for frontline officers to allow flexible deployment and operation of additional counters, temporary counters and channels.

To ensure smooth passenger traffic flows, the department, the Police Force, Customs and the MTR Corporation will set up a joint command centre at the Lo Wu Control Point.

The department will also establish close communication with Mainland authorities including the Shenzhen General Station of Exit & Entry Frontier Inspection.

Residents and visitors can visit Easy Boundary, a one-stop information platform on immigration clearance launched by the Security Bureau, to obtain useful information. This includes average waiting times for passengers and private cars at land boundary control points, as well as for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge cross-boundary shuttle bus and the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus.

To further enhance passenger clearance efficiency, 12 additional new e-channels, equipped with the “Face Easy e-Channel” function, were installed at the Hong Kong International Airport arrival hall today.

When using the function, eligible Hong Kong residents need only face the camera, instead of presenting any documents or a QR code. Upon successful identity verification via facial recognition, immigration clearance will be completed.

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Mortgage loans down 10.8%

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The value of residential mortgage loans approved in February was $29 billion, a 10.8% decrease compared with January, the Monetary Authority announced today.

Mortgage loans financing primary market transactions decreased 24% to $8.6 billion, while those financing secondary market transactions decreased 6.1% to $17.2 billion.

Loans for refinancing increased 10.7% to $3.2 billion.

Mortgage loans drawn down during February amounted to $16.4 billion, a 24.4% drop from January.

The number of mortgage applications in February fell 7.5% month-on-month to 8,125.

The outstanding value of mortgage loans rose 0.2% month-on-month to $1.9263 trillion at end-February.

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Appointments to Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education announced

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Appointments to Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education announced 
     The three newly appointed members are Miss Doo Hoi-kem, Professor Li Chen and Mr Paul Mak Tak-chuen. The 11 reappointed members are Miss Chan Nga-man, Ms Chan Wing-man, Mr Allen Che Wai-hang, Miss Kimberly Kwok Hew-chee, Mr Andy Kwok Wing-leung, Ms Lau Hoi-chi, Mr Lee Kang-pan, Miss Leung Yan-yan, Mr Poon Siu-chi, Ms Esther Sham Ei-hung and Mr Yiu Chun-kai.
 
     The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, welcomed the appointments and said she was pleased to see new members coming from different sectors and professions who would give valuable advice to the work of the CPCE. She also expressed her appreciation to the outgoing members, Mr Mac Chan Ho-ting, Mr Jonathan Chan Pok-chi, Mr Robert Andrew Lui Chi-wang and Mr Henry Tong Sau-chai, for their efforts and contributions to the CPCE during their term of service.

     The membership list of the CPCE, with effect from April 1, 2026, is as follows:
 
Chairman
————-
Mr Stanley Choi Tak-shing
 
Members
————
Miss Chan Nga-man
Ms Chan Wing-man
Mr Allen Che Wai-hang
Ms Carol Cheung Nga-lai
Miss Chong Chui-shan
Mr Stephen Chua Yiu-yeung
Miss Doo Hoi-kem
Professor Alex Fan Hoi-kit
Mr Dave Ho
Professor Li Chen
Miss Kimberly Kwok Hew-chee
Mr Andy Kwok Wing-leung
Ms Lau Hoi-chi
Mr Lee Kang-pan
Ms Lee Wing-yi
Miss Christine Leung Wan-chong
Miss Leung Yan-yan
Mr Vincent Ma Chi-wai (Steven Ma Chun-wai)
Mr Paul Mak Tak-chuen
Mr Poon Siu-chi
Ms Esther Sham Ei-hung
Mr Jan Noel Shih
Miss Winnie So Wing-yu
Mr James Tong Wai-pong
Ms Wong Kit-lin
Mr Yiu Chun-kai
Mr Solomon Yung Sze-hon
 
     The CPCE was established in 1986 as a non-statutory advisory body to promote civic education outside schools. It advises the Government on the objective and scope of civic education, promotes civic education outside schools through a range of publicity and educational programmes, and sponsors eligible organisations to carry out civic education projects.
Issued at HKT 11:00

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Appointments to Community Investment and Inclusion Fund Committee announced

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Appointments to Community Investment and Inclusion Fund Committee announced        
     The membership list of the CIIF Committee, with effect from April 1, 2026, is as follows:———–
Mr Shum Ho-kit—————-
Miss Amy Chan Lim-chee———-
Miss Louisa Cheung Yee-sha
Mr Lawrence Lam Chi-bun
Miss Charlotte Lau Hei-lam
Mr Lau Hing-wah
Ms Janus Lau Yuen-yee
Mr Lee Kwong-yu
Miss Leung Sze-wan
Dr Michael Liu Tsz-chung
Professor Ming Wai-kit
Ms Ng Mei-yee
Mr Wilson Or Chong-shing
Dr Johannes Poon Yin-kwong
Dr So Lai-chun
Mr Johnny Sze Chun-hong
Ms Tse Yi-lam
Mr Andy Wan Ka-kit
Ms Macy Wong Chor-kei
Mr Yim Chi-fung
Mr Yu Hon-kwan
 
     The CIIF was established in 2002 to promote social capital development through encouraging mutual support in the neighbourhood, community participation and cross-sectoral partnership. The CIIF Committee is tasked to handle applications for funding under the CIIF and advise the Government on the administration of the CIIF as well as the development of social capital in Hong Kong.
Issued at HKT 11:00

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Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected dangerous drugs worth about $2.6 million

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 30) seized about 2.4 kilograms of suspected ketamine, about 1.4kg of suspected crack cocaine and 104 tablets of suspected nimetazepam with a total estimated market value of about $2.6 million in Sham Tseng. A man and a woman suspected to be connected with the case were arrested.

Through intelligence analysis and a detailed investigation, Customs targeted a man who was suspected of controlling a drug repacking centre in Sham Tseng. Customs officers conducted a premises search in a residential flat in Sham Tseng yesterday evening and seized the batch of suspected drugs and a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia. A 23-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman were arrested therein.

The two arrestees have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (April 1).

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment. 

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en).

  

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Tourism Strategy Committee holds sixth meeting

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Tourism Strategy Committee holds sixth meeting (with photo)      
     A spokesperson for the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) said that this year’s Budget had injected new momentum into the tourism industry, demonstrating the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s steadfast support for its sustainable development. In the coming year, the CSTB will utilise the additional funding to step up marketing efforts in source markets with good potential, while continuing to offer a diverse array of cultural and sports mega events for both visitors and locals. The CSTB will also scale up flagship events, introduce more creative and culturally enriching festive activities, and enhance MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) and cruise tourism. These measures serve to enrich visitors’ experiences, ensuring that they have a good time and return time and again. 
      
     Members expressed support for the key measures set out in the Budget to further stimulate tourism development, and believe that these initiatives, in conjunction with the HKTB’s work plan, will enhance Hong Kong’s appeal and competitiveness as a world-class tourism destination. These measures are expected to attract more high-value added visitors and generate greater economic benefits for tourism-related industries.
      
     The spokesperson added that the country is advancing the 15th Five-Year Plan at full speed, and the CSTB will proactively align with the country’s development direction of building a country strong in tourism in the areas of culture, sports and tourism. The CSTB will encourage the trade to make good use of the opportunities presented by the 15th Five-Year Plan and leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a connector between the Chinese Mainland and the international community. Insights shared by members during the meeting regarding Hong Kong’s overall tourism development will serve as valuable references for the formulation of the CSTB’s five-year plan.
      
     The Committee is tasked to provide the Government with strategic advice and foster collaboration among different stakeholders in tourism and related sectors for further promoting the long-term and sustainable development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry. Members include prominent figures and key leaders from tourism and other related sectors such as culture, sports, retail and catering.
Issued at HKT 17:33

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HKMA Bulletin (Issue 01/2026)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (March 31) published its Bulletin (Issue 01/2026). 

The Bulletin carries an article entitled “The Hong Kong Bond Market in 2025”, which can be viewed on and downloaded from the HKMA website. 

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Government’s financial results for 11 months ended February 28, 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Government’s financial results for 11 months ended February 28, 2026      
     Expenditure and revenue from April 2025 to February 2026 amounted to HK$691.5 billion and HK$654.8 billion respectively, resulting in a surplus of HK$62.6 billion after taking into account HK$148.9 billion received from issuance of Government Bonds and repayment of HK$49.6 billion principal on Government Bonds. The fiscal reserves stood at HK$716.9 billion as at February 28, 2026.
      
     According to the 2026-27 Budget announced in end-February 2026, the revised estimate for the current financial year will record a surplus of HK$2.9 billion and the fiscal reserves are estimated to be HK$657.2 billion as at the end of March 2026.
      
     Detailed figures are shown in Tables 1 and 2.
 
TABLE 1. CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT (Note 1)

 
 February 28, 2026
HK$ millionFebruary 28, 2026
HK$ millionand repayment of
Government Bondsissuance of
Government BondsGovernment Bonds*and repayment of
Government BondsGovernment Debts as at February 28, 2026 (Note 3)
    HK$407,176 million
Debts Guaranteed by Government as at February 28, 2026 (Note 4)
    HK$111,597 million
  
TABLE 2. FISCAL RESERVES

 
 February 28, 2026
HK$ millionFebruary 28, 2026
HK$ million(Note 5)Notes:

1. This Account consolidates the General Revenue Account and the following eight Funds: Capital Works Reserve Fund, Capital Investment Fund, Civil Service Pension Reserve Fund, Disaster Relief Fund, Innovation and Technology Fund, Land Fund, Loan Fund and Lotteries Fund. It excludes the Bond Fund, the balance of which is not part of the fiscal reserves. The Bond Fund balance as at February 28, 2026, was HK$153,602 million.
 
2. Includes transactions with the Exchange Fund and resident banks. 
(ii) the Infrastructure Bonds (equivalent to HK$109,640 million as at February 28, 2026) issued under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. They were denominated in Renminbi (RMB38,500 million with maturity from March 2026 to June 2055) and Hong Kong dollars (HK$65,730 million with maturity from May 2026 to June 2055); and
 
(iii) the Silver Bonds with nominal value of HK$109,050 million (with maturity in October 2027 and October 2028 and may be redeemed before maturity upon request from bond holders) issued under the Infrastructure Bond Programme.
 
     They do not include the outstanding bonds with nominal value of HK$100,615 million and alternative bonds with nominal value of US$1,000 million (equivalent to HK$7,823 million as at February 28, 2026) issued under the Government Bond Programme with proceeds credited to the Bond Fund. Of these bonds under the Government Bond Programme (including Silver Bonds with nominal value of HK$53,515 million, which may be redeemed before maturity upon request from bond holders), bonds with nominal value of HK$53,515 million will mature within the period from March 2026 to February 2027, and the rest within the period from March 2027 to May 2042.
 
4. Includes guarantees provided under the SME Loan Guarantee Scheme launched in 2001, the Special Loan Guarantee Scheme launched in 2008, the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme launched in 2012, the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Cross-boundary Passenger Transport Trade, the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Battery Electric Taxis and the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Travel Sector launched in 2023, and the commercial loan under Guaranteed Medium Term Note Programme of the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited.
 
5. Includes HK$250,029 million, being the balance of the Land Fund held in the name of “Future Fund”, for long-term investments up to December 31, 2030. The Future Fund also includes HK$4,800 million, being one-third of the actual surplus in 2015-16 as top-up.
Issued at HKT 16:30

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Tender awarded for operation of Geospatial Lab

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Tender awarded for operation of Geospatial Lab      
     A two-envelope approach was adopted in the open tender exercise, under which the weighting for the technical proposal was 70 per cent and price proposal 30 per cent. Two tenders were received. After the tenderers’ execution plans, innovative suggestions, qualifications and relevant experience were assessed, the tender was awarded to the TWGHs and the SCC, which attained the highest combined score on their technical and price proposals.
      
     Leveraging their extensive experience in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education, start-up support, and Geographic Information Systems activities, as well as their established network for promoting AI on campuses, the TWGHs and the SCC will bring more innovative spatial data promotion initiatives to the GeoLab, connecting communities across age groups and business sectors. At the same time, the GeoLab will also strengthen collaboration with the innovation and technology sector to organise creative and inspiring events that enhance daily convenience for citizens and foster the commercial application of spatial data.
      
     The Spatial Data Office of the DEVB looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the TWGHs and the SCC, reaching out to schools and communities, and further promoting and advocating the use of spatial data, with a particular focus on applications that integrate spatial data and AI in the next two years.
Issued at HKT 16:00

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