Month: June 2026

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee met Governor of Hainan Province Liu Xiaoming at Government House today to discuss deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and Hainan.

Mr Lee welcomed Mr Liu and his delegation, who are visiting Hong Kong for a Hainan Free Trade Port tourism and culture promotion event.

He noted that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantages of strong national support and global connectivity, ranking first globally in economic freedom.

He highlighted that Hong Kong has become the world’s largest cross-boundary wealth management centre, and the largest offshore renminbi (RMB) business hub.

Pointing out that the Hainan Provincial People’s Government has issued offshore RMB bonds in Hong Kong multiple times since 2022, and a Hainan enterprise was listed in Hong Kong last year, Mr Lee said these moves demonstrate the city’s fundraising advantages as an international financial centre.

The Chief Executive welcomed more Hainan companies to leverage Hong Kong’s capital market, alongside its professional and high value-added services, for fundraising and business expansion.

On tourism, Mr Lee stated that Hong Kong is committed to developing into an international tourism hub and a core demonstration zone for multi-destination tourism. The city is capitalising on its role as an East-meets-West centre for international arts and cultural exchanges to offer high-quality travel experiences.

Given the rich tourism resources in both places, Mr Lee said Hong Kong and Hainan can jointly develop a wider array of travel products.

He added that he looks forward to attracting more high-value-added international visitors to travel to both destinations through multi-destination itineraries, contributing to the country’s goal of building a tourism powerhouse.

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law, Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Janice Tse and Director of the Chief Executive’s Office Carol Yip also attended the meeting.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today began his visit to Shanghai and Nanjing, highlighting the broad room for synergistic development between Hong Kong and Shanghai over the next five years.

Arriving in Shanghai this afternoon, Mr Chan attended the Lujiazui Forum Plenary Session in the evening and spoke on the theme of “Empowering High-standard Financial Opening-up through Shanghai-Hong Kong Financial Synergy”.

He noted that the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan sets out the acceleration of efforts to build a strong financial nation, which provides both cities with a shared mission.

As international investors demand more diversified asset allocation amid a complex geopolitical environment and a new technological revolution, Mr Chan said both cities should leverage their complementary strengths to serve the country’s high-level two-way opening-up.

​He pointed out that Hong Kong and Shanghai connect the Mainland’s market with global capital and international rules, acting as vital channels for international capital allocation into Chinese assets.

Mr Chan welcomed the announcement today by Chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission Wu Qing supporting the near-term launch of five-year renminbi government bond futures trading in Hong Kong. He said the move will enhance risk management tools and attract more international investors to the Mainland government bond market.

​Capital market co-operation between the two cities continues to deepen. As of May, 212 Shanghai enterprises were listed in Hong Kong, with a total market capitalisation exceeding HK$4.3 trillion.

​Looking ahead, the financial chief proposed two main directions for co-operation.

First, both places should open up full-chain fundraising and financing channels, help innovation and technology enterprises pursue two-way financing and jointly develop exchange-traded funds and index products. They should also foster co-operation in patient and long-term capital to support emerging and future industries.

Second, the two cities should boost the international functions of the renminbi by enriching investment products and promoting “China price” products denominated and settled in renminbi. They can also accelerate the synergistic combination of “industries in Shanghai and offshore treasury in Hong Kong” to support enterprises going global.

​Mr Chan added that Hong Kong is actively formulating its first five-year plan to align with the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan. He expressed hope that both cities would use the power of finance to create tangible value for enterprises and the public.

​Mr Chan will continue his Shanghai itinerary tomorrow morning before proceeding to Nanjing in the afternoon.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government will adopt new procedures from July 16 to handle water seepage cases in private buildings.

The Joint Office (JO), set up by the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department and the Buildings Department, said the new, streamlined procedures will be implemented as a pilot scheme. They will leverage technology to enhance the efficiency of investigations and resolve seepage problems more expeditiously.

For relatively simple and straightforward cases, the JO explained, a Notification Letter can be issued to the owner involved about 14 working days upon receipt of a report. This is about 57 working days earlier than under the current practice of issuing a Nuisance Notice only after completing all investigations.

Infrared thermography will be adopted in Stage I investigations, and will be used along with electronic moisture meters to assess seepage conditions and identify the source of the seepage.

If there is reason to believe that the source is the upper unit, the JO will promptly issue a Notification Letter requiring the owner to carry out inspection and repair works within 28 calendar days.

Under the new procedures, the JO will also recover examination costs of not less than $17,000 from owners who fail to fulfil their responsibilities.

The JO believes that this arrangement will encourage owners to proactively liaise with occupants of affected units, and promptly carry out inspection and repair works.

To dovetail with the new procedures’ implementation, the Government will provide technical and financial support to assist upper-unit owners in need.

Members of the public can visit the dedicated webpage for a list of professionals and contractors, a list of mediators, reference prices, and information on financial assistance schemes.

From July 16 onwards, water seepage cases received by the JO will be handled in accordance with the new procedures. The cases received before that day will be processed under the existing procedures.

Complainants can contact their case manager, or call the JO at 2868 0000, for enquiries.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs today (June 17) conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign with members of the Sha Tin District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Housing Department (HD) at Mei Tin Estate in Tai Wai. Customs also publicised the Duty Stamp System. 

Customs officers patrolled the housing estates and introduced to residents Customs’ enforcement actions against illicit cigarettes and the latest amendments to illicit cigarette-related legislation, including an increase in the maximum penalty for offences related to duty-not-paid cigarettes to a $2 million fine and seven-years’ imprisonment. Customs also explained to estate security personnel how to deal with suspected illicit cigarette activities.

     Customs officers also introduced the Duty Stamp System to be implemented in Hong Kong to the members of the District Council, residents, and cigarette retailers. The three-month Pilot Run for the Duty Stamp System launched by Customs concluded early this year. The department will continue to maintain close communication with all stakeholders and optimise the design and implementation details of the system. Customs expects the Duty Stamp System to achieve the ultimate goal of effective distinguishment of duty-paid cigarettes from duty-not-paid ones, and to combat “cheap whites”.

Customs will continue to strengthen publicity and education to raise the public awareness of anti-illicit cigarettes. If public rental housing units are found to be involved in illicit cigarette crimes, Customs will notify the HD for follow-up action after the conclusion of court proceedings. Customs reminds members of the public not to buy or sell illicit cigarettes or distribute illicit cigarette leaflets to avoid creating a criminal record that could affect their future. 

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. Members of the public are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080, its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

In accordance with the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person shall distribute any smoking product advertisement (including any promotional leaflet). Any person who contravenes the regulation is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000. Members of the public are also urged to report any suspected activities of illicit cigarette leaflet distribution to TACO’s hotline 2961 8823.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     ​The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted an anti-illegal worker operation codenamed “Contribute” from June 10 to yesterday (June 16). During the operation, ImmD officers raided multiple target renovation units, including a newly inhabited housing estate, industrial buildings, retail shops and village houses. Fifteen suspected illegal workers and five suspected employers were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers were 15 men, aged 30 to 56. They were found engaging in cementing, cleaning, demolition, electrical wiring, furniture installation and painting. Among them, a man was suspected of using and being in possession of a forged Hong Kong identity card. Five men, aged 36 to 60, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were also arrested. The investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.
 
     Apart from the enforcement operation, a promotional vehicle and ImmD officers have been deployed to distribute leaflets to the public in the housing estate and convey the message “Don’t Employ Illegal Workers”.

     ​An ImmD spokesman said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.” 
     The spokesman stressed 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.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau led the publishing and printing industries to participate in the 32nd Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF) held from today (June 17) to June 21 at the China National Convention Centre in Beijing, and once again set up the Hong Kong Pavilion. Through a dialogue between literature and the city, the pavilion aims to showcase the cultural richness and unique charm of Hong Kong.
 
     This year’s Hong Kong Pavilion features over 600 locally published books, cultural and creative items produced by Hong Kong printers, as well as precious manuscripts and items of famed Chinese literature writers, showcasing Hong Kong’s cultural inheritance and innovation. The pavilion also introduced a new virtual reality zone themed “Hong Kong Literary Strolls”, tracing a distinctive “Hong Kong literary trail” and offering visitors an immersive experience of the charm of Hong Kong literature.
 
     The BIBF is the largest national and the second-largest international book fair in the world. The Hong Kong Pavilion was presented by CCIDA, with the Hong Kong Publishing Federation and the Hong Kong Printers Association as joint implementation organisations. Supporting organisations include the Beijing Office of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Innovative Entrepreneur Association, the Hong Kong Professionals (Beijing) Association and the Bauhinia Culture Plaza. Through the themed exhibition zone, recommendation zone, Hong Kong picture books zone and business matching zone, the Hong Kong Pavilion aims to help Hong Kong’s publishing and printing industries explore business opportunities while promoting Hong Kong as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges.
 
     For more information on the Hong Kong Pavilion at the BIBF, please visit www.hkbibf.com.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Government Flying Service (GFS) held the opening ceremony of the three-day International Symposium on Emergency Response and Aeromedical Services (ISERAS) today (June 17). The symposium brought together more than 230 policymakers, relevant experts and academics, and industry players at home and abroad to jointly explore the latest developments and future directions in aeromedical services and emergency response. Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) were also signed to strengthen co-operation and exchanges among the participating parties, reflecting the status of Hong Kong as an aviation hub for emergency response in Asia.

At the ceremony held at the Kai Tak Sports Park, the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, said that the challenges of emergency response as a result of the realities of climate change are evolving at an unprecedented pace. A shift to proactive prevention, continuous enhancement of international and cross-regional collaboration, and enhanced experience and insight sharing among stakeholders are key to rising to new and complex challenges. He also expressed that the collaborative spirit of ISERAS will forge stronger partnerships, further strengthen emergency response capabilities, and secure a safer future for communities. 

The inaugural ISERAS in Hong Kong is being held from June 16 to 18. It brought together more than 230 government officials, policymakers, experts and academics, and industry representatives from over 70 institutions and accredited organisations from places including Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Australia, the United Kingdom, Austria, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. It aims to foster closer co-operation in emergency linkage, resource sharing, and professional training among different regions.

In his opening remarks, the Controller of GFS, Mr Eddie Liu, said that ISERAS has gathered aeromedical experts from around the world to engage in exchanges on the latest developments in the relevant fields, with the aim of collectively building a truly transnational pool of professional expertise. He said that since its establishment in 1993, the GFS has served at the forefront of round-the-clock search-and-rescue and emergency aeromedical operations. He believed that the symposium will further enhance personnel training, facilitate technical exchange and expand professional networks. 

The Director General of the Rescue and Salvage Bureau of the Ministry of Transport of the People’s Republic of China (CRS), Mr Wang Lei, also attended the symposium and delivered a keynote presentation on air rescue capabilities and strategic development in the South China Sea. The symposium also featured plenary sessions and panel discussions among experts on strengthening interagency collaboration for unified emergency and disaster response, the role of aeromedical services in disaster response and associated risk management, and enhancing aeromedical services through advanced technology and innovation.

Following the ceremony, the GFS signed MOUs with CRS, Hong Kong College of Emergency Medicine, OutReach Rescue of the United Kingdom and LifeFlight of Australia respectively, to deepen collaboration with the Chinese Mainland, domestic and international emergency, aviation, and medical institutions, further enhancing the GFS’ personnel and technology exchanges while expanding the scope and platforms of professional training.

Tomorrow (June 18), the symposium will feature an interdepartmental counter-terrorism drill and exchange session, with the participation of the GFS, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Hong Kong Fire Services Department, showcasing Hong Kong’s professional capabilities in responding to terrorist attacks.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, met with Vice President of the Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Mr Wang Daping today (June 17) to exchange views on healthcare co-operation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong and to explore further strengthening collaboration. 

     Professor Lo welcomed the delegation and expressed gratitude to the Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the CPPCC for its support in promoting exchange and co-operation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Professor Lo said, “Hong Kong and Shenzhen enjoy close geographical and cultural ties, maintaining close and regular exchanges in healthcare. This meeting provided a meaningful platform for both sides to further exchange views on future co-operation plans across areas such as healthcare services, health and medical innovation and talent development.”

     At the meeting, Professor Lo introduced the characteristics and strengths of Hong Kong’s healthcare system, including healthcare standards that are on par with international practices, research and clinical trial capabilities, as well as various initiatives rolled out by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to facilitate cross-boundary access to healthcare services for Hong Kong residents. The two sides also engaged in extensive exchanges on issues such as how to further leverage their complementary strengths and deepen healthcare co-operation to benefit residents in both places. 

     Professor Lo said, “The HKSAR Government will continue to strengthen healthcare exchange and co-operation with Shenzhen under the principles of complementarity and mutual benefit and on the premise of benefitting the healthcare development of the two places, with a view to enhancing the standards of healthcare services across the region through concerted efforts. We will fully leverage Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, and jointly contribute with Shenzhen to propelling the important national strategy of ‘Healthy China’ and building a ‘Healthy Bay Area’.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Hon Lam Chun-sing and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (June 17):
 
Question:
 
     The Government has introduced the Technical Professionals (TP) Stream under the General Employment Policy (GEP) and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) with effect from June 30, 2025, allowing eligible non-degree professionals to apply for entry into Hong Kong to engage in eight specific skilled trades. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the respective numbers of applications received, approved and refused, to date, in respect of new industrialisation technicians under the TP Stream of the GEP and the ASMTP, with a breakdown by the scope of work involved as declared (i.e. smart/automated manufacturing and robotics engineering, mechanical engineering/mechatronics engineering, biomedical engineering and microelectronics engineering); among the aforesaid approved applications, the distribution of the applicants by age and monthly remuneration;  
President,
 
     As Hong Kong is facing an ageing workforce and a lack of new entrants, some skilled trades needed to sustain Hong Kong’s city operation are also facing acute talent succession gaps. To address these challenges, in addition to continuing to strengthen the training for the local workforce, the Government has also introduced a new channel under the General Employment Policy (GEP) and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (New Arrangement) from June 30, 2025, to allow non-degree mid-level professionals aged under 40 with qualifications and experience as specified in the Technical Professional List to apply to come to Hong Kong to undertake designated jobs, and attract them to settle in Hong Kong in the long run. The New Arrangement covers eight specified skilled trades facing acute manpower shortage, including new industrialisation technicians, nurses, aircraft maintenance technicians, marine services technicians (for local vessels), information technology technicians, lift/escalator technicians, building information modeling coordinators and electrical technicians.
 
     In consultation with the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, Transport and Logistics Bureau, and the Immigration Department (ImmD), the reply to the Member’s question is as follows: 
     The ImmD does not maintain the statistics mentioned in the question.