Month: March 2026

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GBA youth job fair set for Mar 13

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Labour Department will host the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Youth Employment Scheme Job Fair at Cordis, Hong Kong in Mong Kok on Friday.

The event will offer a wide range of job vacancies in the GBA Mainland cities for Hong Kong young people aged 29 or below with sub-degree qualifications or above.

Over 20 organisations will participate in the fair, providing openings for various positions, including engineers, assistant quantity surveyors, graphic and multimedia designers and accountants. Other available rolls include maths instructors, graduate interns, human resources and administration officers, Chief Executive Officer assistants and senior marketing executives.

Under the scheme, participating organisations must employ young people in accordance with Hong Kong laws.

The job fair will feature talks providing advice on CV preparation and the use of social media and artificial intelligence tools. Information on working and living in GBA Mainland cities will also be available.

Additionally, Wong Chi-him, Chief Hong Kong & Macao Liaison Expert of the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Co-operation Zone, will share insights on development opportunities in Qianhai.

All talks will be conducted in Cantonese.

The event will take place from 10.30am to 4.30pm at the Ballroom, Level 7, Cordis, Hong Kong, 555 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok. Admission is free, with final admission set at 4.15pm.

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Présentation de la nouvelle plateforme Emploi.nc

Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie

Christopher Gygès, membre du gouvernement chargé de l’économie et du numérique et Naïa Wateou, membre du gouvernement chargée du travail et de l’emploi, animeront une conférence de presse vendredi 13 mars à 10h30 au gouvernement (immeuble le Lys Rouge), afin de présenter la nouvelle plateforme emploi.nc

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InvestHK and HKCEA co-host Mainland Spring Reception and Mainland enterprises GoGlobal Forum

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

InvestHK and HKCEA co-host Mainland Spring Reception and Mainland enterprises GoGlobal Forum       
     The reception was officiated by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Mr Zhang Yong; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau; and the Chairman of the HKCEA, Mr Wang Haimin.
      
     In his speech, Mr Chan pointed out that this year marks the beginning of the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan, and the next five years will be a crucial period for the country’s development. Under the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong possesses unique institutional strengths and serves as an international hub for finance, trade, shipping, and innovation and technology. It is essential for Hong Kong to leverage these strengths to accelerate its integration into the national development strategy. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government looks forward to continuing to work closely with Mainland enterprises to promote Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability, and to contribute to the nation’s development.
           
     Mr Chan also noted that Mainland enterprises have long been based in Hong Kong, actively supporting the Government in driving the city’s economic development and playing a pivotal role across various industries. In recent years, Mainland enterprises have accelerated their global expansion, with many of them have been using Hong Kong as a platform for fund raising, showcasing their products and services, conducting R&D activities, and managing international operations. The Government will take a multipronged approach to welcome more Mainland enterprises to Hong Kong, enabling them to fully utilise the city’s one-stop financial support and international advantages to strengthen their own development.
      
     At the GoGlobal Forum, Mr Yau said that in the face of significant opportunities arising from the Global South markets and the Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong, as the preferred platform for Mainland enterprises going global, is fully prepared to provide one-stop support services in navigating them to go global. He said he looks forward to seeing more Mainland enterprises expanding globally via Hong Kong, working hand in hand to achieve mutual benefits and write a new chapter for Mainland enterprises going global.
      
     Mr Wang said that the HKCEA has united a broad spectrum of Mainland enterprises setting up in Hong Kong. It has become a cornerstone in supporting Hong Kong’s economic development and maintaining the city’s long-term prosperity and stability, further inspiring Mainland enterprises to regard Hong Kong as their home and leveraging the city for growth with confidence and momentum. Looking ahead, the HKCEA is eager to strengthen co-operation with all sectors and move forward together, contributing to Hong Kong’s transition from stability to prosperity and facilitating the steady and sustained implementation of “one country, two systems”.
      
     The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau established the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global (GoGlobal Task Force) last October, integrating Hong Kong’s overseas offices, including those under InvestHK, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, as well as Hong Kong offices on the Mainland, to set up a one-stop platform. The GoGlobal Task Force also brings together Hong Kong’s professional services ecosystem to provide one-stop support to Mainland enterprises expanding overseas via the city. It will continue to organise various activities to promote Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a platform for Mainland enterprises to go global.
      
     The annual spring reception is a flagship event jointly organised by InvestHK and the HKCEA to express gratitude to Mainland enterprises for their contributions to Hong Kong’s socio-economic development. The GoGlobal Forum gathered representatives from Hong Kong’s professional services sectors and Mainland enterprises to share insights on Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a globally connected business hub, alongside successful case studies of going global via the city. InvestHK will continue to support the work of the GoGlobal Task Force.
Issued at HKT 20:20

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Commissioner of Customs and Excise meets with Director-General of Lao Customs Department and delegation

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Commissioner of Customs and Excise meets with Director-General of Lao Customs Department and delegation      ​
     Hong Kong Customs will continue to maintain close liaison with regional and international partners to promote bilateral and multilateral ties, as well as consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre.
Issued at HKT 20:10

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Immigration Department arrests 20 persons during operations targeting foreign domestic helpers who breached conditions of stay

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Swordfish” for three consecutive days from March 8 to 10, targeting foreign domestic helpers who breached their conditions of stay. A total of 20 persons, including 14 suspected illegal workers and six suspected employers, were arrested.

     During the operations, ImmD investigators raided 19 target locations, including restaurants, retail shops, residential care homes for the elderly, guesthouses, industrial and commercial building units and public areas. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised one man and 13 women, aged 28 to 50. Among them, 11 persons were current helpers, one person was an overstaying ex-helper, one person was permitted to stay in Hong Kong on visitor status, and one person was a holder of a recognisance form, which prohibits her from taking any employment in Hong Kong. The suspected illegal workers were found performing massage, pedicure, dishwashing and kitchen assistant duties. Meanwhile, six suspected employers, comprising one man and five women aged 30 to 60, were owners or persons-in-charge of the companies and restaurants involved. The relevant cases are still under investigation, and the ImmD does not rule out the possibility of further arrests. 
     The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.

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Enterprises discuss going global

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

​Financial Secretary Paul Chan today officiated at a spring reception hosted by Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), where he told representatives of Mainland enterprises that the Government will take a multipronged approach to welcome more Mainland enterprises to Hong Kong.

Addressing the spring reception, Mr Chan pointed out that this year marks the beginning of the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan, and the next five years will be a crucial period for the country’s development. Under the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong possesses unique institutional strengths and it is essential for Hong Kong to leverage these strengths to accelerate its integration into the national development strategy.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government looks forward to continuing to work closely with Mainland enterprises to promote Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability, and to contribute to the nation’s development, he added.

Mr Chan also said the Hong Kong SAR Government will take a multipronged approach to welcome more Mainland enterprises to Hong Kong, enabling them to fully utilise the city’s one-stop financial support and international advantages to strengthen their own development.

Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR Zhang Yong, and Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau joined Mr Chan to officiate at the reception.     

Before the reception, InvestHK held the GoGlobal Forum to explore development opportunities and discuss how enterprises can leverage Hong Kong as their home port to realise international expansion plans.

Mr Yau told the forum that he looks forward to seeing more Mainland enterprises expanding globally via Hong Kong, working hand in hand to achieve mutual benefits and write a new chapter for Mainland enterprises going global.

The Commerce & Economic Development Bureau established the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global last October, integrating Hong Kong’s overseas offices, including those under InvestHK, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council as well as Hong Kong offices on the Mainland, to set up a one-stop platform.

The task force also brings together Hong Kong’s professional services ecosystem to provide one-stop support to Mainland enterprises expanding overseas via the city. It will continue to organise various activities to promote Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a platform for Mainland enterprises to go global.

Co-organised with the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association, today’s reception and forum drew a total of nearly 800 representatives from Mainland enterprises.

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Singapore heritage-inspired bakery brand Old Seng Choong opens first overseas store in Hong Kong

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Singapore heritage-inspired bakery brand Old Seng Choong opens first overseas store in Hong Kong       
     Founded by renowned Singaporean pastry chef Daniel Tay, Old Seng Choong was created as a tribute to his father’s Seng Choong Confectionery established in 1965. The brand offers modern interpretations of traditional flavours and currently operates five outlets in Singapore. The Hong Kong store introduces a curated selection of the brand’s signature offerings, including Singapore Pandan Chiffon Cake, Traditional Kueh Lapis, and Premium Heritage-inspired Cookie Collections.
      
     The General Manager of Old Seng Choong (Hong Kong) Limited, Mr George Wong, said, “Hong Kong is a strategic growth market for Old Seng Choong, as it shares cultural similarities with Singapore – including an appreciation for heritage flavours, a strong premium gifting culture, and a cosmopolitan consumer base – making it a natural fit for our products and brand positioning. The launch of our Hong Kong store will attract customers seeking to experience the brand’s signature Singaporean flavours – particularly its Pandan Chiffon Cake and Premium Cookies, both well-loved among Hong Kong consumers familiar with Singapore’s gifting culture.”
      
     He added, “We will leverage Hong Kong as a strategic hub to gradually reach consumers on the Chinese Mainland, using the city’s connectivity and retail ecosystem to support regional growth. The Hong Kong team will continue to strengthen local partnerships, enhance marketing initiatives, and tailor products to local tastes, ensuring a premium, culturally resonant brand experience for Hong Kong consumers and beyond.”
      
     For more information about Old Seng Choong, please visit: www.oldsengchoong.com      
     To download photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720332302430/Issued at HKT 16:00

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FEHD releases first batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in March

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

FEHD releases first batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in March     

District　　Among the first batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering 14 survey areas in March, most of the areas recorded 0 per cent, indicating that the distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes was not extensive.

　　Among these 14 survey areas, 12 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month (i.e. February 2026), representing that the areas’ mosquito infestation improved or maintained a low level. Two other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent.　　Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating 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 chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.

　　Following 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 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, 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#Issued at HKT 17:00

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Results of monthly survey on business situation of small and medium-sized enterprises for February 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Results of monthly survey on business situation of small and medium-sized enterprises for February 2026      
     The current diffusion index (DI) on business receipts amongst SMEs increased from 43.4 in January 2026 in the contractionary zone to 45.3 in February 2026, whereas the one-month’s ahead (i.e. March 2026) outlook DI on business receipts was 47.6. Analysed by sector, the current DIs on business receipts for all the surveyed sectors rose in February 2026 as compared with previous month, particularly for the retail trade (from 38.4 to 41.4), restaurants (from 38.6 to 41.4) and import and export trades (from 45.7 to 47.4).
               
     The current DI on new orders for the import and export trades increased from 46.0 in January 2026 to 47.1 in February 2026, whereas the outlook DI on new orders in one month’s time (i.e. March 2026) was 47.9.
      
Commentary
      
     A Government spokesman said that business sentiment amongst SMEs improved in February, with the current and outlook diffusion indices on business receipts for SMEs both rising to near two-year highs. The current diffusion index on employment for SMEs also improved from the preceding month.
      
     Looking ahead, local business sentiment will be supported by the sustained expansion of the economy. The Government will closely monitor the evolving external environment, including the developments surrounding the heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the frequently shifting trade and economic policies of major economies.
      
Further information
      
     The Monthly Survey on Business Situation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises aims to provide a quick reference, with minimum time lag, for assessing the short-term business situation faced by SMEs. SMEs covered in this survey refer to companies with fewer than 50 persons engaged. Respondents were asked to exclude seasonal fluctuations in reporting their views. Based on the views collected from the survey, a set of diffusion indices (including current and outlook diffusion indices) is compiled. A reading above 50 indicates that the business condition is generally favourable, whereas that below 50 indicates otherwise. As for statistics on the business prospects of prominent companies in Hong Kong, users may refer to the publication entitled “Report on Quarterly Business Tendency Survey” released by the C&SD.
      
     The results of the survey should be interpreted with care. The survey solicits feedback from a panel sample of about 600 SMEs each month and the survey findings are thus subject to sample size constraint. Views collected from the survey refer only to those of respondents on their own companies rather than those on the respective sectors they are engaged in. Besides, in this type of opinion survey on expected business situation, the views collected in the survey are affected by the events in the community occurring around the time of enumeration, and it is difficult to establish precisely the extent to which respondents’ perception of the business situation accords with the underlying trends. For this survey, main bulk of the data were collected around the last week of the reference month.
      
     More detailed statistics are given in the “Report on Monthly Survey on the Business Situation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises”. Users can browse and download the publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1080015&scode=300      
     Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact Industrial Production Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7246; email: sme-survey@censtatd.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:30

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