Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by DSJ at forum on “Legal and Professional Services Empowering Chinese Enterprises to Enter into Kazakhstan” (English only) (with photo)
Dr Phyllis Kwong (President of the Asia Pacific Law Association), Consul General Mr Dosmanbetov (Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hong Kong, Mr Bauyrzhan Dosmanbetov), 劉劍青副秘書長 (Deputy Secretary-General of the China Overseas Development Association, Ms Liu Jianqing), distinguished speakers, guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. It is a great pleasure to join today’s forum organised by the Asia Pacific Law Association.
In June, I had the privilege of joining a highly fruitful delegation led by the Chief Executive to Kazakhstan in my capacity as the Deputy Secretary for Justice as well as the Chairman of the Expert Committee on Professional Services for Going Global.
That visit reinforced a clear message: Hong Kong is a natural and indispensable partner not only for Kazakhstan’s development, but also for Chinese Mainland enterprises seeking to expand into Kazakhstan and beyond. I would like to share some of my observations.
Opportunities in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, the largest country in Central Asia, sits at the strategic crossroads of Europe and Asia. Its economy momentum is remarkable – with growth of 6.5 per cent in 2025 and projected to hold steady at 4.8 per cent in 2026. As a global heavyweight in energy fuels and critical minerals, and a vital node of the Belt and Road Initiative, Kazakhstan is not just opening its markets, but undergoing profound economic transformation.
Its young and tech-savvy population is driving unprecedented demand for digital services, modern infrastructure, and sophisticated financial products. This creates a fertile ground for partnership.
I am certain that the Consul General will share more on Kazakhstan’s latest development in a minute.
Hong Kong’s Unique “Hub-to-Hub” Role
Let me now focus on how Hong Kong serves as the ideal “hub” to connect with Kazakhstan’s growing “hub” – a “hub-to-hub” collaboration as remarked by the Chief Executive in our recent visit.
Under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong is more than a gateway. We are the active catalyst.
Hong Kong as the Premier Financial Hub
First, let’s consider our financial market. In the first quarter of 2026, our stock market ranked first globally in IPO (initial public offering) funds raised. This liquidity is matched by a deep and robust bond market, evidenced by the Development Bank of Kazakhstan’s issuance of Renminbi “dim sum” bonds in Hong Kong.
We serve as a deal-making bridge connecting Kazakh capital with high-growth Mainland sectors. This is essential for pre-IPO financing through which Chinese businesses’ capital base would be diversified while enriching Kazakh financial industry’s investment portfolio.
On capital market listings, we facilitate dual access. Last year, we welcomed the first simultaneous dual listing on the Hong Kong and Astana exchanges of a Mainland mining firm. By tapping into investor bases simultaneously, the company was able to raise more funds than it could have through a single listing.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s national railway company wholly-owned by its sovereign wealth fund has recently submitted its listing application to the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. This showcases how Hong Kong also acts as the premier gateway for Kazakh state-owned enterprises seeking international expansion and funding.
The Common Law Advantage
Behind every successful transaction lies a solid legal foundation. The Astana International Financial Centre in Kazakhstan has established a special jurisdiction operating under common law principles. This mutual legal grounding in common law gives Hong Kong a distinctive edge in safeguarding cross-border transactions with predictability.
First, on investment infrastructure. Complex and multi-jurisdictional Belt and Road projects require sophisticated legal engineering with expertise in cross-border regulatory landscape. Hong Kong lawyers, with rich experience and a wide network, navigate the intersection of common law, international regulations, and Chinese corporate governance to ensure the projects’ sustainability.
Second, on dispute resolution. Hong Kong offers a regulatory framework that delivers the certainty and effectiveness for cross-border dispute resolution. We have established a comprehensive mutual legal assistance network with the Chinese Mainland, enabling distinctive advantages no other jurisdiction could match, including in mutual enforcement of civil and commercial judgments and interim measures for arbitral proceedings.
Our Judiciary is setting up the Hong Kong International Commercial Court (HKICC), a specialist division of the High Court, to adjudicate complex, high-value international and cross-border commercial disputes. The HKICC, together with the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre and the International Organization for Mediation headquartered in Hong Kong, will provide businesses with a comprehensive range of dispute resolution options.
Our Initiatives
Now that you have a clearer picture of how Hong Kong’s world-leading financial market with quality professional services could assist businesses to seize Kazakh opportunities. The next question is: how to find your suitable advisors?
To strengthen the connection between enterprises and Hong Kong’s professional services, the Department of Justice (DoJ) has launched several new initiatives.
We have been leading mission trips to the Chinese Mainland and beyond, directly linking Hong Kong’s legal and other professionals with enterprises seeking to go global. These are not just networking events but matchmaking platforms for concrete business needs.
This April, the DoJ published the Panel List of Hong Kong Legal Service Providers Supporting “Go Global”, detailing their practice areas, such as capital markets, taxation, etc, and the industries they have assisted.
We have also compiled two collections of success stories, showcasing the track record of Hong Kong’s legal, accounting, financial and business consultancy services.
With these tools, businesses could appreciate in practical terms the value our professional services could create, backing their full business cycle.
Ladies and gentlemen, the distinctive advantages of Hong Kong’s financial and legal infrastructures position us to play a pivotal role in supporting closer collaboration with Kazakhstan. I look forward to working together with you to build better partnerships among Chinese Mainland enterprises, Hong Kong and Kazakhstan. I wish today’s event a huge success. Thank you very much.
Issued at HKT 17:55
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UK’s “Fantastic Fairy Tales” blends live music with animation to present children’s stories (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
UK’s “Fantastic Fairy Tales” blends live music with animation to present children’s stories
The programme is divided into two parts. In the first half, performers present “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” with live music. It vividly depicts scenes from the story through melodies, such as the tiptoeing of the mischievous girl, the creak and crack of baby bear’s broken chair, and the thundering footsteps of the three bears returning home. In the second half, audiences will enjoy an animated adaptation of “The Bear and the Piano”, the award-winning picture book by British illustrator David Litchfield. Together, audiences will follow the journey of a gifted young bear pianist as he ventures into the big city to shine on stage.
Combining live music, storytelling and animation, the programme also features interactive elements, inviting children to explore how different musical instruments can tell stories, creating a delightful artistic treat for families.
“Fantastic Fairy Tales” will be held at 7.30pm on August 14; 11am, 3pm and 7.30pm on August 15; and 11am and 3pm on August 16 at the Sheung Wan Civic Centre Theatre. Tickets priced at $280 and $340 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk
The programme will be performed in English. Lights will be dimmed in the theatre during the performance. The performances at 11am and 3pm on August 15 are relaxed performances. Lighting and sound will be adjusted to a softer level. The house rules will also be relaxed, allowing audience members to make sounds and freely enter or exit the theatre at any time during the performance. A designated chillout area outside the theatre will be available for those who need a break.
Two fringe activities will take place on August 12 and 13 at the Rehearsal Hall, 7/F, Sheung Wan Civic Centre. The schedules are as follows:
(1) 11am: Parent-child Music and Movement Workshop
A Dalcroze specialist from Carrot Productions will guide participants through games, dancing and body movements to familiarise them with the original music featured in the performance. Guided by a music therapist and professional musicians, participants will improvise with percussion instruments to create a brand-new musical story inspired by the original music of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears”.
Both workshops will be conducted in English with Cantonese interpretation. Tickets are priced at $180 (for adults) and $120 (for children) and limited places are available. For details, please visit the webpage at www.hkiac.gov.hk/2026/en/fairytales.html#fringe
This year’s IAC is presenting over 100 performances and related activities in July and August, bringing together artists from overseas, the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong for an exciting lineup of interactive, inspiring and family-friendly programmes, including acrobatics, dance, music, theatre and multimedia. There are also film screenings, library activities, parent-child workshops, an online programme and exhibitions.
For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit www.hkiac.gov.hkIssued at HKT 17:45
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SWD urges public to be alert to fraudulent website
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Social Welfare Department (SWD) today (August 6) alerted members of the public to not open or respond to any emails or SMS messages associated with a fraudulent website, which purports to be the website of the SWD (https://swd[.]gov-hk[.]co). Members of the public are also advised not to provide any personal information to the website.
The fraudulent website attempts to lure members of the public to click on unknown hyperlinks embedded for stealing their personal information. The SWD emphasises that the website has no connection with the department and has referred the case to the Police for follow-up.
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the website concerned should contact the Police. For enquiries, please call the SWD’s hotline at 2343 2255.
12 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations (with photo)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Twilight”, “Contribute” and “Lightshadow”; a joint operation with the Labour Department codenamed “Fastrack”; a joint operation with the Hong Kong Police Force codenamed “Windsand”; and a joint operation with the Hong Kong Police Force and Hong Kong Customs, from July 31 to yesterday (August 6). During the anti-illegal worker operations, ImmD officers raided multiple target locations including restaurants, massage parlours and flats under renovation. Twelve suspected illegal workers were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised 10 men and two women, aged 35 to 62. Among them, a man was holding a recognisance form which prohibits him from taking any employment. An investigation into the suspected employers is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.
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.”
CE meets ASEAN Secretary-General
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Chief Executive John Lee today met with the Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Kao Kim Hourn to exchange views on deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and the bloc’s member states.
Mr Lee welcomed Mr Kao’s visit to Hong Kong, noting that the city has maintained close trade and economic ties with ASEAN, which has been Hong Kong’s second-largest trading partner since 2010.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is pressing ahead at full steam with the formulation of its First Five-Year Plan. As an international financial, shipping and trade centre, Hong Kong is actively developing into an international innovation and technology centre and an international hub for high-calibre talent.
Hong Kong will continue to deepen exchanges and co-operation with ASEAN member states in areas such as trade, investment, finance, logistics and innovation and technology, to jointly promote regional economic development and achieve mutual benefits.
Mr Lee emphasised that Hong Kong serves as a functional platform for the Belt and Road Initiative. Under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantage of strong backing from the motherland while maintaining a close connection to the world. It will proactively serve as a super connector and a super value-adder, leveraging its role in “bringing in and going global” to provide ASEAN enterprises with a high-quality business environment and diversified professional services.
Through the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, the Hong Kong SAR Government supports Mainland enterprises in expanding into markets including ASEAN, thereby promoting the two-way flow of trade and investment in the region.
Mr Lee added that the Hong Kong SAR Government established an Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last year, which is the fourth Economic and Trade Office established by the Government in an ASEAN member state, to further enhance economic and trade exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and the region.
He concluded that Hong Kong will continue to maintain close exchanges with the ASEAN Secretariat and solicit support from other stakeholders for Hong Kong’s accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau also attended the meeting.
Government launches new batch of Silver Bond
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government launches new batch of Silver Bond
The bonds are offered under the retail part of the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Proceeds will be credited to the Capital Works Reserve Fund for investment in infrastructure projects in accordance with the Infrastructure Bond Framework. The Government will provide information on the allocation of the proceeds in the relevant Infrastructure Bond Reports.
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said, “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government continues to issue Silver Bond this year, offering senior citizens a safe, steady and low-risk investment option while encouraging the financial sector to tap into the business potential of the silver economy. Issued under the Infrastructure Bond Programme, proceeds from this batch of Silver Bond will be used to fund public works projects to push ahead Hong Kong’s infrastructure and urban development, enhancing people’s quality of life while enabling citizens to participate in and benefit from the city’s development.”
There will be no secondary market for Silver Bond. Bondholders may sell their bonds before maturity to the Government at par together with accrued but unpaid interest. To encourage greater participation from citizens, a maximum allocation of HK$1 million per investor is stipulated, meaning that each investor is allocated 100 units of retail bonds at most.Issued at HKT 18:28
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FEHD releases seventh batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in July (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases seventh batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in July
| District The FEHD continues to carry out a series of measures, including: During the follow-up actions and following the discovery of stagnant water or stagnant water containers at three parks, four public housing estates, four private housing estates, two shopping centres and a public facility in Central and Western District, Kwun Tong District, Sham Shui Po District, North District and Kwai Tsing District, the FEHD has issued a total of 14 statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified timeframe. Meanwhile, the FEHD has initiated two prosecutions against the relevant construction site contractor and the estate management company following the discovery of mosquito breeding at a construction site and a public housing estate in Sham Shui Po District and Wong Tai Sin District.
Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including: 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 18:00 NNNN FS gives direction to terminate investigation into affairs of Next Digital Limited under Section 845(1) of Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622)Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4 The Government spokesman said today (August 5) that, pursuant to section 845(1)(a) of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), the Financial Secretary has directed the Inspector to terminate the investigation into the affairs of Next Digital Limited (NDL). The term of office of the Inspector expired on July 27, 2026. The Financial Secretary noted that over the past period: (i) Pursuant to the Companies Ordinance and the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32), the Court of First Instance of the High Court granted a winding-up order against NDL on December 15, 2021. The relevant liquidation is now underway; (ii) The listing of NDL’s shares was cancelled by the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited pursuant to the Listing Rules on January 12, 2023; (iii) A number of former senior officers of NDL were convicted of offences endangering national security and sentenced to imprisonment by the Court of First Instance on December 15, 2025 and February 9, 2026; and (iv) Three subsidiaries of NDL were convicted and fined by the Court of First Instance in the above criminal case. On March 24, 2026, the Chief Executive-in-Council, pursuant to Article 31 of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance, ordered them to be struck off the Companies Register, and the three subsidiaries were dissolved forthwith accordingly. Having carefully reviewed the above circumstances and all relevant factors, the Financial Secretary considered that it is no longer necessary to continue the investigation into the affairs of NDL and hence directed the Inspector to terminate the investigation pursuant to section 845(1)(a) of the Companies Ordinance. The Financial Secretary said, “As an international financial centre, Hong Kong possesses a corporate governance regime that is sound, efficient and aligned with international standards. Companies in Hong Kong, particularly listed companies, generally adhere to high standards of corporate governance. The governance and financial problems of NDL, as well as the unlawful acts committed by its senior officers exploiting corporate vehicles, represented only an isolated incident. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, regulatory bodies and the business community will continue to work together to ensure that Hong Kong consistently adheres to its internationally acclaimed corporate culture and high standards of corporate governance, maintains a high-quality, fair and efficient market, and remains steadfast in safeguarding its status and reputation as an international financial and commercial centre.” The spokesman said, “The HKSAR Government expresses its gratitude to Mr Clement Chan Kam-wing for his exemplary professional competence and high degree of professionalism during his tenure as the Inspector. Mr Chan upheld the principles of objectivity and impartiality, and faithfully discharged his duties with dedication and distinction. The HKSAR Government extends its sincere appreciation to Mr Chan and his team.” Tender of one-year HONIA-indexed Floating Rate Notes to be held on August 12Source: 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), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced today (August 6) that a tender of 1-year HONIA-indexed Floating Rate Notes (Notes) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, for settlement on Thursday, August 13, 2026. A total of HK$1.5 billion 1-year HKD Notes will be tendered. The Notes will mature on August 13, 2027 and will carry interest indexed to the Hong Kong Dollar Overnight Index Average (HONIA), payable quarterly in arrear. Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Notes on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk. Each tender must be for an amount of HK$50,000 or integral multiples thereof. Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Information Tender information of 1-year HONIA-indexed Floating Rate Notes:
Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animals (with photo)Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animals (with photo) NNNN |