Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government’s financial results for four months ended July 31, 2026
July 31, 2026 HK$ millionJuly 31, 2026 HK$ millionand repayment of Government Bondsissuance of Government BondsGovernment Bonds*and repayment of Government BondsGovernment Debts as at July 31, 2026 (Note 3) HK$448,704 million Debts Guaranteed by Government as at July 31, 2026 (Note 4) HK$106,357 million
TABLE 2. FISCAL RESERVES
July 31, 2026 HK$ millionJuly 31, 2026 HK$ millionissuance and repayment of Government Bonds(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 July 31, 2026, was HK$152,842 million.
2. Includes transactions with the Exchange Fund and resident banks. (ii) the Infrastructure Bonds (equivalent to HK$151,555 million as at July 31, 2026) issued under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. They were denominated in US dollars (US$500 million with maturity in May 2031), Renminbi (RMB56,500 million with maturity from November 2026 to May 2056) and Hong Kong dollars (HK$81,980 million with maturity from August 2026 to May 2056); and
(iii) the Silver Bonds with nominal value of HK$108,458 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$100,289 million and alternative bonds with nominal value of US$1,000 million (equivalent to HK$7,843 million as at July 31, 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$53,189 million, which may be redeemed before maturity upon request from bond holders), bonds with nominal value of HK$53,189 million were repaid upon maturity on August 18, 2026; bonds with nominal value of HK$16,600 million will mature within the period from September 2026 to July 2027, and the rest within the period from August 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 the Guaranteed Medium Term Note Programme of the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited. Issued at HKT 16:30
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released the latest figures on retail sales today (August 31).
The value of total retail sales in July 2026, provisionally estimated at $31.0 billion, increased by 4.5% compared with the same month in 2025. The revised estimate of the value of total retail sales in June 2026 increased by 4.6% compared with a year earlier. For the first 7 months of 2026 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales increased by 8.9% compared with the same period in 2025.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Correctional officers stop assault on person in custody At 7.19am today, a 39-year-old male person in custody attacked a 52-year-old male person in custody inside a cell. Officers at the scene immediately stopped the assailant and called for reinforcement.
During the incident, the victim sustained injuries to his head and hands. After examination and treatment by an institution Medical Officer, he was referred to a public hospital for further treatment. The assailant sustained injuries to his shoulder and feet. He did not need to be sent to a public hospital after receiving medical examination and treatment by the institution Medical Officer.
The case has been reported to the Police for investigation.
The two persons in custody were sentenced to imprisonment for the offence of trafficking in a dangerous drug in 2020 and 2014 respectively. Issued at HKT 15:51
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority (HA) announced today (August 31) that Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) has been accredited under China’s International Hospital Accreditation Standards (2021 Version), making it the fifth public hospital to receive this accreditation.
The Chief Executive of the HA, Dr Libby Lee, said, “QMH has become the fifth public hospital accredited under the national hospital accreditation standards, further reaffirming that the service quality and management standards of Hong Kong’s public hospitals have aligned with national systems and reached international levels. The HA will continue to co-ordinate and encourage more public hospitals to participate in the accreditation process, continually enhancing the quality and safety of public healthcare services to international standards.”
Dr Lee said that hospital accreditation is a significant opportunity for hospitals to thoroughly review and enhance their overall services. The HA expresses gratitude to the expert team from the Shenzhen Hospital Accreditation Research Center and local experts for providing valuable suggestions during the on-site survey. The suggestions are valuable for strengthening the quality of public healthcare.
The Research Center earlier sent experts to conduct on-site accreditation surveys at QMH. The expert team praised the hospital for elevating the multidisciplinary treatment workflow for chest pain and stroke patients to expedite the treatment, receiving accreditations of the National Chest Pain Centre and the National Stroke Centre, all of which were crucial for obtaining the overall accreditation. The expert team recognised that the hospital has a robust management structure and efficient oversight and investigation systems, and a dedication to providing patient-centred healthcare services, as well as continuous innovation in healthcare technology and service models. These factors were recognised as essential foundations for a hospital seeking international standards.
The Hospital Chief Executive of QMH, Dr Theresa Li, who led the hospital’s accreditation preparation work, thanked the support from the Health Bureau and the HA Head Office. Dr Li said that the successful accreditation of QMH is the best affirmation to the hospital’s long-standing commitment to patient safety and high-quality service, proving that the healthcare quality, management and service levels of the hospital have reached international standards and align with national systems, laying a solid foundation for its future development.
Dr Li expressed gratitude to the hospital team for their dedication to the accreditation process over the past year, noting that the hospital conducted a comprehensive review of its existing services through the accreditation process. Dr Li said that QMH will continue to uphold the value of people-centred care, strengthen multidisciplinary treatment services, and elevate the medical standard for patients with complex and acute conditions to provide high-quality healthcare for patients and safeguard public health.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Mr Kevin Choi, at the seminar on APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Thematic Session on Capacity Building and Resilience Development of SMEs in Guangzhou today (August 31):
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Against the backdrop of global economic transformation and external volatility, driving enterprise upgrading and fostering new quality productive forces are the key policy directions for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in advancing quality economic development. As at March 2026, Hong Kong is home to some 360 000 SMEs, representing over 98 per cent of our business sector and employing 1.2 million people. As the bedrock of Hong Kong’s economic framework, the pace at which our SMEs upgrade and transform directly impacts our broader economic momentum. To this end, the Government continuously refines its strategies through a multipronged approach, covering financial support, technology adoption, capability building, and market expansion. Crucially, these initiatives align our local business community with national development strategies, including the National 15th Five-Year Plan, the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the opportunities arising from the Belt and Road Initiative.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appointment to Betting and Lotteries Commission announced The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, welcomed the appointment. She said, “Mr Leung has served the community for many years and possesses extensive experience in social work. I look forward to his valuable advice on matters relating to betting and lotteries. I would also like to thank Ms Lee for her contributions during her tenure.”
The Commission is a statutory body established in accordance with the provisions of the Betting Duty Ordinance. Its function is to advise the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs on the regulation of the conduct of horse race betting, football betting and lotteries. Issued at HKT 15:00
The total value of retail sales in July, provisionally estimated at $31 billion, was up 4.5% compared with the same month a year earlier, the Census & Statistics Department said today.
After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales represents a 2.3% year-on-year increase.
Online sales accounted for 9.1% of the total retail sales value in July. Provisionally estimated at $2.8 billion, the value of this segment rose 9.5% from the same month a year earlier.
The value of sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts increased 19.7% in July 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier.
There were also increases in the following categories: consumer goods not elsewhere classified (up10.5%); commodities in supermarkets (up 0.3%); medicines and cosmetics (up 7.3%); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (up 11.5%); food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (up 1.7%); commodities in department stores (up 0.5%); and optical shops (up 1.8%).
Meanwhile, the value of sales of wearing apparel dropped 1.8% in July 2026 over a year earlier. This was followed by sales of books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (down 2.8%); motor vehicles and parts (down 18.2%); fuels (down 18.0%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (down 0.3%); furniture and fixtures (down 2.4%); and Chinese drugs and herbs (down 13.7%).
The Government said that retail sales growth momentum remained resilient in July, marking the 15th consecutive month of expansion. Consumer spending continued to shift toward digital channels with stronger online retail sales growth.
Looking ahead, the Government said that continued economic expansion, rising household incomes and stable labour market conditions should bolster consumer sentiment. A series of upcoming mega-events is also expected to sustain growth in visitor arrivals, providing further support to retail businesses.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) today announced that the 2026-27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination (SIV) Programmes will commence on September 17. The department urged the public, particularly target groups, to receive the vaccination as soon as possible after the launch.
Announcing the launch this morning, CHP Controller Dr Edwin Tsui noted that local influenza activity remains high, with influenza A (H1) predominantly circulating in the city, followed by influenza A (H3). Anticipating that activity will remain elevated during the start of the new school year, raising the risk of outbreaks in schools, Dr Tsui urged schools and parents to maintain vigilance and take preventive measures.
More than 2.03 million doses of vaccines were administered under the various SIV Programmes last year. Dr Tsui emphasised that SIV remains one of the most effective ways to prevent severe illness and complications, while significantly reducing the risks of hospitalisation and death.
Last year, the rate of severe complications or death among unvaccinated children was about five times higher than that of vaccinated children. Similarly, the rate of severe complications or death among unvaccinated residents aged 65 years or older in residential care homes for the elderly was approximately four times higher than their vaccinated peers.
The Government has procured four types of vaccines this year. To make it easier for citizens to get inoculated, the Government will open all 29 Maternal & Child Health Centres for all children aged six months to under two years. The online booking system for these appointments will open from 9am on September 14.
Furthermore, the Primary Healthcare Commission has expanded its network, increasing the number of vaccination venues across District Health Centres and District Health Centre Expresses from 25 to 45. and their service points under the Primary Healthcare Commission has increased from 25 to 45. In addition, 76 Family Medicine Clinics and 38 public hospitals under the Hospital Authority will provide vaccination services.
More than 1,200 private doctors have joined the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme, providing services at over 1,900 points across the city. To ensure a stable private market supply, the number of vaccine doses available for procurement by eligible private doctors will be increased from 100,000 to 300,000 this year.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health is actively collaborating with District Councils and the District Services & Community Care Teams to promote community vaccination activities. As of August 30, the District Councils and the care teams have planned over 100 outreach vaccination activities over the next two months.
As of noon today, 97.7% of owners of units at the eight buildings of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, comprising a total of 1,939 households, have returned signed Letters of Acceptance.
The Government has signed the Agreement for Sale and Purchase with a total of 1,541 households, or 77.7% of the total number.
The deadline for Wang Fuk Court owners to accept the Government’s acquisition plan will expire tomorrow.
The Housing Bureau today urged owners who have not done so to return signed Letters of Acceptance by 5pm on the deadline date to confirm their intention to sell their titles to the Government if they wish to accept the Government’s acquisition offer.
If owners have any enquiries, they can contact their designated engagement team member or call 2129 8133.
A guitar shredding through neon streets and a delicate ink-wash mantis stepping across drawing paper are making an unlikely splash at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum this summer.
Through the MuseTeens: Youth Leadership Scheme, local students traded traditional textbooks for a rare, behind-the-scenes look at museum operations.
Hands-on training
Participants went deep into the museum’s inner workings, visiting conservation laboratories to see how specialists restore artefacts across various materials, learning collection management, mastering exhibition curation, and leading guided tours for friends and family.
Under this year’s theme, “When Collections Take the Lead – Creative Stop-motion Animation”, participants handled every step of production, from scriptwriting and storyboarding to filming.
Creative expression
Their creations – ranging from rock legend Wong Ka-kui’s acoustic guitar flying past the city’s neon lights to Lingnan painting master Chao Shao-an’s brushstrokes blooming into life – offered fresh perspectives on classic collections.
Beyond giving participants a deeper appreciation for the individual artefacts, the creative process offered museum visitors a fresh, imaginative lens through which to view the broader collection. Selected standout animations will also take centre stage at the programme’s year-end showcase.
Transformative insights
For participant Lin Hao, inspecting artefact care alongside museum curators was not only valuable but also transformative.
“This knowledge is difficult to come across, whether online or in everyday life,” Mr Lin said. “The experience helped us understand how much care and expertise goes into museum work behind the scenes.”
He added that the process reshaped his connection to local heritage.
“I want to learn more about Hong Kong’s culture and history, and share them with others so they can discover just how fascinating and distinctive Hong Kong’s style is.”
Fresh perspectives
Fellow participant Yip Cheuk-kiu, who plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in global creative industries, found inspiration in the museum’s immersive “On Flowers: Selected Paintings and Poems by Chao Shao-an” exhibit zone.
Stepping into the exhibit’s immersive multimedia zone, she watched painted blooms sway in an unfelt breeze, blossom, and wither – an experience that felt less like viewing art and more like stepping straight into the paintings.
“I started to learn how to do some cross-field conversations between different fields,” Miss Yip said. “Perhaps the historical and the literature text can be the foundation, and on the foundation, I can have my own interpretation and breathe life into the unspoken heritage.”
Future impact
Launched in 2006, the MuseTeens scheme expanded from one week to two as the museum’s cultural programming grew. Since introducing annual thematic approaches in 2013, the initiative has offered structured exposure through expert talks, museum visits, field trips, and school presentations led by returning students.
Hong Kong Heritage Museum Assistant Curator II (Education & Extension) Arts Maggie Yu said the scheme is designed to anchor youth in local culture while fostering personal growth.
She said participant feedback underscored the programme’s impact, with students reporting sharper leadership, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
Beyond personal development, the experience instilled a deeper commitment to safeguarding local cultural heritage and a richer appreciation for arts and culture.
“Once students develop the ability to appreciate and understand arts and culture, they will naturally be more inclined to take part in cultural activities in the future,” Miss Yu said.
She also hopes the hands-on experience will give participants the foundation they need to pursue future careers in the arts and cultural sector.