Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is a question by the Hon Ray Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (May 6):
Question:
High oil prices in Hong Kong, caused by international geopolitical instability, have added to the economic burden on private car owners. Meanwhile, the Government’s “One-for-One Replacement” Scheme for electric vehicles (EV) (the Scheme) expired on 31 March 2026. There are views that amid the prevailing high oil prices and the climate crisis, the Government needs to review its green transport policies to alleviate the burden on the public and maintain the momentum of carbon reduction. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) whether, from the perspectives of “energy security” and “relieving public hardship”, the Government will consider extending the Scheme to ensure that the target of ceasing new registration of fuel-propelled private cars (including hybrid vehicles) in 2035 or earlier can be achieved as scheduled; if so, of the details and timetable; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) whether, with a view to reducing the difficulties in installing EV chargers in aged buildings and private housing estates, the Government will consider: (i) relaunching the EV-charging at Home Subsidy Scheme or setting up a dedicated fund to subsidize owners of aged buildings to upgrade their electrical equipment; and (ii) reviewing and relaxing the restrictions on the provision of charging facilities in indoor/covered car parks and outdoor/open-air car parks, so as to enhance the willingness of property management companies and owners’ corporations to install EV chargers; if so, of the details and timetable; if not, the reasons for that;
(3) as the industry has relayed that the progress of installing quick chargers in old districts is often constrained by factors such as insufficient grid capacity or limited space in transformer rooms, whether the Government will review the approval criteria for electricity investment under the Scheme of Control Agreements, so as to require power companies to upgrade cables and substations in advance in areas with high growth in electricity demand; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(4) in view of the longer time required for power grid upgrades, whether the Government will draw on Mainland and overseas experience and proactively introduce “mobile EV charger” technology as a flexible means to bridge infrastructure gaps and alleviate the “range anxiety” of vehicle owners; if so, of the specific implementation plan; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
My response to the question raised by the Hon Ray Wong is as follows:
(1) The Budget announced that the first registration tax (FRT) for electric commercial vehicles, electric motor cycles and electric motor tricycles would continue to be waived in full until end-March 2028. The FRT concession arrangement for electric private cars (e-PCs), including the “One-for-One Replacement” Scheme (the Scheme), ceased to operate upon its expiry at the end of March this year. In his concluding remarks during the resumption of the Second Reading debate on the Appropriation Bill 2026 at the Legislative Council meeting on April 29, the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, stated that the Government fully exempted the FRT for all electric vehicles (EVs) for a total of 23 years, from 1994 to March 31, 2017. During the period from April 1, 2017 to the end of March 2018, the FRT concession cap for EVs was set at $97,500. The arrangement was further adjusted in 2021. The Government extended the arrangement which was due to expire last year to the end of March this year after considering Members’ views. After taking various factors into account, the Government is of the view that sufficient time has already been given for the market to adapt to the shifts. At the same time, as presented in the Updated Version of the Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles, the penetration rate of new e-PCs in Hong Kong has continued to climb in recent years, with significant improvements in vehicle prices, model selection, vehicle performance and charging infrastructure. At present, e-PCs have clear advantages over fuel-propelled private cars (PCs) in terms of both vehicle price and operating costs. Additionally, e-PC technology has matured, making the trend towards popularisation of e-PCs irreversible. Private market forces have already dominated the green transition of PCs. Against this backdrop, the Government discontinues the Scheme according to the original timetable. Moving forward, the Government will focus on improving the supporting infrastructure for the charging network to bring convenience to e-PC owners.
(2) The EV-charging at Home Subsidy Scheme (EHSS) was launched in October 2020, with a total funding of $3.5 billion allocated in 2 phases. The EHSS ceased accepting applications on December 31, 2023. The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) completed processing all applications in early 2024. The EHSS is expected to cover about 140 000 parking spaces in about 700 car parks of existing private residential buildings and housing estates, accounting for about half of the eligible parking spaces in Hong Kong. As at end-March 2026, 488 car parks (covering about 87 010 parking spaces) have completed the installation works. The number of parking spaces installed with EV charging-enabling infrastructure (EVCEI) is expected to be further increased to 117 000 by end-2026, and to achieve the anticipated target as scheduled by 2027. The EPD will continue to provide technical support to EHSS applicants (including property management companies and incorporated owners) to expedite the installation of EVCEI.
In order to be eligible for the EHSS, the number of parking spaces in open area in the car park must be less than 60 per cent of the total number of eligible parking spaces. This is to avoid spending most of the subsidy on road excavation works and additional cable support facilities needed for supplying electricity to those parking spaces, thereby maximising the use of limited resources to benefit more estate car parks. In fact, the vast majority of applications under the EHSS are for indoor or covered car parks. Only five applications (0.6 per cent of all applications) were disqualified because parking spaces in open area accounted for more than 60 per cent of the total. The Government has no intention to relax this eligibility criterion.
In terms of upgrading the electrical equipment, we note that the EHSS has successfully encouraged the installation of EVCEI at parking spaces of many private residential buildings and housing estates, driving the market demand for charging facilities for e-PCs. At present, there are multiple charging service operators in the market offering various charging facility installation solutions for housing estates and vehicle owners to choose from. The two power companies have been supporting the Government in promoting the installation of EV charging facilities in private residential buildings and housing estates, including the provision of free assessments and technical support on matters such as the power supply capacity of buildings and the installation of charging facilities. At present, the Government has no plan to relaunch or introduce any new scheme to subsidise private housing estates in upgrading their electrical installations for the installation of chargers.
(3) According to the Scheme of Control Agreements signed between the Government and the two power companies, the two power companies shall pledge to provide adequate power generation and transmission facilities to meet the demand for electricity, which include assisting the development and installation of EV chargers, and provide, operate and maintain adequate electricity facilities for new development areas.
The two power companies have earlier published Power Availability Maps for all districts in Hong Kong to facilitate charge point operators (CPOs) in planning and installing charging facilities in different districts. The Government will maintain communication with CPOs to understand potential issues they may encounter in expanding charging facilities, and relay them to the two power companies for coordination and follow-up. Additionally, through the working group established with the two power companies earlier this year, the Government will also review the electricity demand arising from charging facilities and the grid capacity of the relevant areas, so as to help identify potential constraints early and, where necessary, study appropriate grid and related facility arrangements to meet the growing demand for EV charging.
(4) The Government adopts a technology-neutral principle towards all forms of charging technologies, and welcomes the trade to introduce various types of charging technologies to Hong Kong to accelerate the development of EVs. The Government has noticed the development of Mobile Charger technology or energy storage systems and their benefits in saving costs and time required for constructing power infrastructure as well as enhancing the operational flexibility of charging services. Therefore, fast chargers utilizing new technologies such as battery energy storage systems and Mobile Chargers will be eligible for applying for the $300 million Fast Charger Incentive Scheme launched in July 2025. We have approached some enterprises who are interested in promoting Mobile Charger technology and energy storage systems in Hong Kong, explaining the Government’s measures and support available to promote the popularisation of EVs.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Ken Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, in the Legislative Council today (May 6):
Question:
There are views that our country’s development in aerospace industry has advanced at an unprecedented pace in recent years, with the achievements of the Shenzhou manned spacecraft, the Tiangong Space Station and the Chang’e lunar exploration programme garnering global attention. For the first time, the country has also selected payload experts in Hong Kong, illustrating the importance it has attached to the innovation and technology (I&T) development in Hong Kong, as well as recognising of the capability of our I&T talent. Moreover, the authorities’ further promotion of aerospace science and technology education will also help cultivate students’ scientific literacy and patriotism. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is a question by the Hon Kenneth Lau and a written reply by the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, in the Legislative Council today (May 6):
Question:
It has been reported that there have been a number of traffic accidents involving animals being hit in recent months. In particular, incidents involving cattle being hit by vehicles occurred successively in Yuen Long and Tsuen Wan within a single week, arousing public concern about the issues of animal safety and road safety. Under the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374) (the Ordinance), the driver of a vehicle shall stop if an accident involving that vehicle occurs whereby damage is caused to specified animals (i.e. horse, cow, donkey, mule, sheep, pig, goat, cat and dog) not in the vehicle. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the number of traffic accidents involving vehicles hitting animals in each of the past five years, and among them, the number of such accidents involving animals specified under the Ordinance, with a breakdown by the 18 districts across the territory;
(2) of the number of animals being hit in the traffic accidents mentioned in (1) that (i) died at the scene, (ii) were humanely dispatched and (iii) received treatment, with a breakdown by animal type;
(3) given that in its reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on May 28, 2025, the Government indicated that the authorities would closely monitor the implementation of the Ordinance and timely review whether to include more wild animals as specified animals under the Ordinance, of the current progress of the review; whether more animals will be included as specified animals under the Ordinance to ensure that these animals are provided with the necessary protection; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(4) whether the Government will implement road improvement measures, such as installing railings and signs, on road sections where accidents involving animals being hit by vehicles frequently occur, so as to prevent animals from straying onto the road and being hit by vehicles, as well as to remind drivers to exercise caution on those sections; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
Under the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374) (the Ordinance), the driver of a vehicle shall stop if they hit a specified animal, with the intent of allowing injured animals to receive medical assistance, and facilitating animal owners to seek compensation from the drivers concerned. Drivers are required to provide personal particulars, including name and address, to any police officer or any person having reasonable grounds for requiring the information. If the drivers are not able to provide the information for any reason, they are required to report the accident to the Police as soon as possible and in any case no later than 24 hours after the accident.
Having consulted the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the reply to the question from the Hon Kenneth Lau is as follows:
(1) The number of traffic accident reports involving animals received by the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) between 2021 and 2025 is tabulated as follows:
Year
Number of traffic accidents reports involving animals
(those involving specified animals)
2021
36 (35)
2022
155 (144)
2023
369 (319)
2024
372 (314)
2025
416 (346)
The HKPF does not maintain breakdown of statistics by 18 districts.
(2) In general, upon receipt of reports of dogs and cats injured in traffic accidents, the Police will first contact the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). The SPCA will inspect the animals at the scene and send the injured dogs and cats without keepers at the scene to the SPCA’s clinics for further treatment. If the dog has been implanted with a microchip, the SPCA will inform the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), so that the department can contact the dog owner. As regards other animals, the Police will contact the AFCD to provide rescue services at the scene. The AFCD will send the injured animal to its Animal Management Centres for further examination and observation as necessary.
As regards deceased animals due to traffic accident, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will arrange for contractors to collect animal carcasses at the scene upon receipt of referrals from departments or reports from the public, and deliver them to the facilities of the Environmental Protection Department for handling.
The HKPF, AFCD and FEHD do not maintain the breakdown of figures requested at the question.
(3) The Government has been closely monitoring the implementation of the Ordinance, and data shows that the majority of animals involved in traffic accidents are animals specified in the Ordinance. Even where the injured animal is not specified in the Ordinance, the AFCD will assist with rescue as needed upon receipt of report. At this stage, the Government has no plans to add further types of specified animals, and will timely review the operation of the Ordinance, striving to strike an appropriate balance between safeguarding animals and the safety of road users.
(4) The Government attaches great importance to road safety. Currently, the Road Users’ Code issued under the Ordinance clearly reminds drivers that when animals are sighted on the road or roadside ahead, they should drive slowly, allow sufficient space for the animals to move, and be prepared to stop if necessary. In addition, the Transport Department (TD) will proactively consider installing warning signs at road sections frequented by animals to enhance drivers’ awareness. The TD will continue to closely monitor the road situations and provide appropriate measures according to actual needs.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ7: 999 Emergency Hotline Question:
The Operations Wing of the Police Force provides a prompt and efficient 24-hour service to 999 callers, striving to answer all 999 calls within nine seconds and to respond to all genuine emergency calls within the established time limit. The average response time is nine minutes for Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon area, and 15 minutes for the New Territories. Response time is measured from the moment the Regional Command and Control Centre’s 999 console receives the call to the arrival of police officers at the scene. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) in the past three years, (i) of the respective annual numbers of calls received by the 999 hotline, the number of those calls which were genuine emergency calls, and the average waiting time for calls to be answered; (ii) of the percentage of calls which met the service standard of being answered within nine seconds; (iii) of the respective average response times for the New Territories, Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon area, and whether these met the service standards for those areas;
(2) (i) whether the 999 hotline has compiled statistics categorising the languages used by callers (including Cantonese, Putonghua, English and other languages); if so, of the relevant figures for the past three years; (ii) of the current mechanism for handling calls made in languages other than Cantonese, Putonghua and English; (iii) whether the Government will study the introduction of AI technologies, such as voice recognition and real-time translation systems, to the 999 hotline to enhance the efficiency of handling requests for assistance made in different languages; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(3) (i) of the current staffing establishment of Police Communications Officers and the average daily number on duty; (ii) of the types of training provided to Police Communications Officers to ensure that they have sufficient judgement to determine whether a call for assistance is urgent and the nature of the case, so that each case is handled properly; (iii) whether the authorities have plans to continuously improve the quality and efficiency of handling requests for assistance; if so, the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
There are three Police Regional Command and Control Centres (RCCC) in Hong Kong, namely Hong Kong Island RCCC, Kowloon RCCC and New Territories RCCC. A 999 Emergency Call Centre is set up in each RCCC to answer the public’s calls for assistance on a 24-hour basis. Police officers are also deployed from District/Divisional Consoles to handle cases of various nature, with a view to providing efficient and effective services to persons seeking assistance.
The reply to the Member’s question is as follows:
(1) The figures relevant to 999 emergency call services in the past three years are as follows:
(number of emergency calls)(81 659)(82 382)(80 568) To ensure appropriate allocation of resources for each call for assistance, the Police classify incoming calls based on the content of the cases. In general, incoming calls classified as “emergency calls” involve incidents such as “assault”, “arson”, “burglary”, “robbery”, “fire”, “person drowning” and “bomb discovery”, etc.
The Police strive to respond to incoming emergency calls within the specified time limit under the performance pledge, which is nine minutes for Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, and 15 minutes for the New Territories. Response time is calculated from the moment the RCCC’s 999 console receives the call to the arrival of police officers at the scene. The percentages of response time meeting the performance pledge over the past three years are as follows:
Region (Performance pledge on response time)(nine minutes)(15 minutes) The Police do not maintain data regarding the average response time within the past three years.
(2) The Police do not maintain a statistical breakdown by language used by callers.
Currently, 999 Emergency Call Centres provide response services in Cantonese, Putonghua and English. The Police has been closely monitoring the needs of different individuals in society and formulate various measures to ensure that callers who cannot communicate in Cantonese, Putonghua or English can receive appropriate assistance.
The project TRANSLINK was launched by the Police in 2016. Under the project, designated telephones in the report rooms of police stations are connected to interpreters of subvented organisations. By way of three-way conference calls, the interpreters will provide immediate interpretation service in nine common non-ethnic Chinese (NEC) languages for NEC reporting incidents in person or by telephone. Starting from April 2025, the project has been upgraded to TRANSLINK 2.0, allowing uniformed frontline police officers to engage the interpretation service through the Police’s smart devices.
The Police have also been actively adopting new technologies. The Advanced Mobile Location (AML) service was introduced in 2023. When a call for assistance is made using a smartphone, the 999 Emergency Call Centre will simultaneously receive information about the caller’s location. The AML service effectively facilitates the handling of situations where communication with the caller may be hindered due to language barriers or critical circumstances and can greatly enhance the operational efficiency in responding to emergency calls.
In addition, the Police launched the HKSOS mobile application in 2024. This application, specially designed for people engaging in outdoor activities, also features geolocation sharing functions. To facilitate transmission of SOS messages to the 999 Emergency Call Centres in case of emergencies, the HKSOS presents messages in graphics for nine common categories of circumstances, such as fractures, severe bleeding and breathing difficulties, etc for users to choose. With a single click, the user can directly connect to the 999 Emergency Call Centre, which will immediately receive the caller’s location. (3) The RCCCs of the Police are manned by police officers (at the ranks of Superintendent, Inspector and Sergeant) and Police Communications Officers (PCO) (Senior PCOs and PCOs), who provide 24-hour service on a shift basis. All calls made to the 999 Emergency Response Centres of the RCCCs are answered by PCOs around the clock on a shift basis. Currently, there are a total of approximately 80 PCOs assigned to answer incoming 999 calls every day.
As regards training, newly recruited PCOs are required to undergo a four-week training programme, which covers subjects such as the structures of the Police Force and various grades, the operation of the Command and Control Centres and the operation of the computer and communication systems. Additionally, training on case classification will be provided for PCOs to ensure that they possess the ability to swiftly and accurately assess the nature of each case of request for assistance. Upon completion of the training, the PCOs will be deployed to the RCCCs to assist with the operation of the Divisional Consoles. Those who have accumulated practical experience of approximately nine months to one year and have met the performance standards will further receive a five-day training course on 999 emergency calls. They will be assigned to the duties of answering 999 emergency calls only after they have completed the course and met the required standards.Issued at HKT 11:19
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Nick Chan and a written reply by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, in the Legislative Council today (May 6):
Question: For civil proceedings, the target average waiting times have been achieved persistently in general. In particular, for the Court of First Instance (CFI) of the High Court (HC), the average waiting time for the civil fixture list in 2025 was 151 days, which was the lowest since 2021. For criminal proceedings, the target waiting times have been met in general except for cases in the CFI and the District Court (DC) due to the priority accorded to a considerable number of complicated 2019 anti-extradition amendment bill incidents and national security cases requiring longer trials, as well as the recent surge of cases related to money laundering and fraud in the DC.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ12: Land use planning for Au Tau Question:
In the 2025 Policy Address, the Chief Executive announced that the Government would commence a land use review for Au Tau to capitalise on the development potential brought by the Northern Link (NOL), and to consider increasing the proportion of private housing in the area around Sha Po at Au Tau Station for development into a New Development Area. The Government will engage the MTR Corporation Limited to conduct the review. There are views that as the site selection and planning will have far-reaching implications for existing housing estates nearby and future residents of Sha Po, the authorities’ planning should embody the strategy of “enhancing connectivity for public convenience and prioritising supporting facilities”, and ensure that the impacts on the surrounding environment are minimised during the construction and operation of the Au Tau Station of the NOL. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) given that the proposed site of the Au Tau Station of the NOL is relatively distant from existing housing estates, whether the authorities will consider constructing multi-level linking facilities such as footbridges or subways to facilitate residents of existing housing estates in travelling to and from Au Tau Station; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) of the specific design measures (e.g. the location of ventilation buildings and the design of air filtration systems) which the authorities will adopt to ensure that the operation of the Au Tau Station of the NOL will not have an adverse impact on the air quality in the surrounding area; and
(3) whether the authorities will take advantage of the aforementioned planning opportunity to introduce large shopping malls and ancillary facilities for leisure and entertainment for residents nearby, and to develop a local economy that can create employment opportunities within the area, so as to ensure that residents from all walks of life will benefit; if so, of the details?
Reply:
President,
The Government has announced in the 2025 Policy Address that a land use review for Au Tau would commence to capitalise on the development potential brought by the Northern Link (NOL), developing the area around planned Au Tau Station and Sha Po into a New Development Area (NDA) in the Northern Metropolis (NM). Consideration would also be given to introduce a larger proportion of private housing. The Development Bureau (DEVB) has already engaged the Mass Transit Railway Corporation Limited (MTRCL) to conduct the land use review, targeting to announce the results within this year.
In response to the question raised by the Hon Holden Chow, after consulting the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB), the reply is set out below:
(1) The TLB has all along implemented various measures to enhance walkability, such as constructing footpaths to enhance overall connectivity of the pedestrian network, widening footpaths, adding or expanding pedestrian crossing facilities, as well as constructing footbridges or subways as needed. The MTRCL has previously conducted a Traffic Impact Assessment for the NOL Main Line and considered that the existing pedestrian facilities are able to meet the travel demand between Au Tau Station and nearby residential developments. Nevertheless, in view of the DEVB’s latest proposal to develop Au Tau as an NDA under the latest planning position and layout, the consultant hired by the MTRCL will further examine connectivity and accessibility in the vicinity of the Au Tau Station in the context of the ongoing land use review for Au Tau, with a view to formulating a suitable proposal and considering the detailed design and implementation arrangements after holistic consideration of relevant factors such as district planning, projected pedestrian demand, technical constraints and cost-effectiveness.
Separately, the Transport Department will keep in view the latest developments in the area as well as progress of the new railway station and, having regard to anticipated changes in passenger demand, co-ordinate with public transport operators to adjust or strengthen public transport services according to the established mechanism as and when appropriate, including adjusting the frequency, operating hours and routing of existing services, or considering introduction of new short-haul feeder services connecting to the new railway station.
(2) According to the TLB, ventilation buildings are essential facilities for an underground railway system. Their functions are to maintain air circulation in railway stations and tunnels, and to serve as emergency access points for rescue personnel to enter and carry out rescue operations in the tunnels in case of emergencies. Ventilation buildings would be placed at an appropriate distance away from nearby buildings in accordance with relevant guidelines, and would need to be equipped with suitable noise-reduction fittings to ensure that the operational noise levels would comply with the requirements. In addition, underground railways utilise electric locomotives which have no emissions during daily operations. Therefore, the ventilation system only facilitates normal air circulation and would not cause air pollution. During the construction and operation of the NOL project, the MTRCL will maintain close communication with stakeholders in the community to listen to and address their views and concerns.
(3) In the process of planning an NDA, besides residential space, we will also accommodate shopping, leisure and entertainment facilities within the NDA in our land use planning, as well as the essential government, institution or community facilities to meet the needs of residents in the NDA and surrounding vicinity.
Regarding employment, promoting home-job balance has all along been one of the Government’s guiding principles for developing the NM. While the developments in Au Tau NDA will be predominately residential, it would be only one or two stations away from the future Ngau Tam Mei Station and San Tin Station on the NOL Main Line. Ngau Tam Mei will be developed into an NM University Town, whereas San Tin Technopole together with the Loop nearby will become the heart of future innovation and technology development in the NM. They will provide substantial employment opportunities suitable for people across different strata of the society, benefiting also residents of Au Tau. Issued at HKT 12:32
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Department of Health (DH) has long strived to combat the illegal online sale of unregistered medicine and has continuously monitored the sale of controlled anti-obesity medicine in the market. The DH carried out an enforcement operation with the Police today (May 6) in Tin Shui Wai district, arresting a 43-year-old woman suspected of illegally selling Part 1 poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products on the Internet.
Following up on a complaint, the DH purchased, via an instant messaging application, controlled medicines which included a box of anti-obesity injections labelled as containing tirzepatide, and 10 tablets labelled as containing frusemide, used for the treatment of heart disease. Tirzepatide and frusemide are Part 1 poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) (PPO). The products are suspected to be unregistered pharmaceutical products in Hong Kong. The DH will continue to investigate the incident.
Tirzepatide is used for the treatment of obesity, and its side effects include hair loss, nausea and diarrhoea. Frusemide is used for the treatment of heart diseases, and its side effects include low blood pressure and electrolyte imbalance. Medicines containing tirzepatide and frusemide should be used under a doctor’s direction and must be supplied on the premises of an Authorized Seller of Poisons (commonly known as a pharmacy) under the supervision of a registered pharmacist upon a doctor’s prescription.
The DH strongly urges members of the public not to self-purchase or consume products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources. Purchasing controlled medicines (including slimming drugs) online poses health risks. Besides the lack of a doctor’s assessment of an individual’s health condition, it is difficult to ascertain the legitimate source of the drugs. It is also impossible to know whether the drugs were properly stored during transportation (especially for drugs requiring cold-chain storage). This leaves their safety, quality and efficacy unguaranteed.
The DH also reminds the public that selling medicines controlled under the PPO illegally, regardless of the sales channel (including online sales platforms, instant messaging applications or social media), carries criminal liability. Do not risk breaking the law.
According to the PPO, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in the market. Additionally, pharmaceutical products containing Part 1 poisons can only be sold at the registered premises of a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. The DH emphasised that it has an established mechanism to monitor the sale of pharmaceutical products in the market (including the Internet). If any contravention of the law is suspected, the DH will promptly investigate, and, if necessary, refer the case to other law enforcement agencies to follow up, or conduct joint operations with other law enforcement agencies. Any irregularities so found will be dealt with in accordance with the law. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years’ imprisonment.
The DH reminds the public that all registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of “HK-XXXXX”. The safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed.
Weight control should be achieved through a balanced diet and appropriate exercise. The public should consult healthcare professionals before consuming any medication for weight control. They may visit the website of the Drug Office of the DH for “Health message on overweight problem and slimming products” for information.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ21: Enhancing measures for supporting Mainland enterprises in going global Question:
The 2025 Policy Address proposes integrating Hong Kong’s overseas offices to set up a one-stop platform, the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global (GoGlobal Task Force), to proactively attract Mainland enterprises seeking to expand their overseas business to go global via Hong Kong. It is learnt that the GoGlobal Task Force has submitted its work plan for the coming year to the Chief Executive. There are views that, given the rapidly changing international environment, the authorities have to further enhance the multi-platform collaboration, as well as the precision of promotional efforts in the Mainland, so as to encourage more Mainland enterprises to use Hong Kong as a starting point to connect with the world and expand globally. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the quarterly or annual performance indicators for the GoGlobal Task Force in 2026, including (i) the number of Mainland enterprises that have successfully gone global as a result of the facilitation, and (ii) the respective numbers of promotional activities held by various provinces and municipalities in the Mainland;
(2) of the updated number of Mainland enterprises with an intention to go global that the GoGlobal Task Force has referred to the Hong Kong Professional Services GoGlobal Platform; given that the GoGlobal Task Force has been formed by multiple departments, whether the authorities will establish an online or offline one-stop service counter to assist in clarifying common procedural questions about establishing in Hong Kong;
(3) given views that Hong Kong has the potential to become a national go-global gateway, whether the GoGlobal Task Force will consider (i) establishing co-operative relationships with Mainland service centres for enterprises going global at various levels to jointly provide more comprehensive professional services to Mainland enterprises with such needs, and (ii) inviting major Mainland service centres for enterprises going global to consolidate a local office to co-ordinate with Mainland services;
(4) of the cumulative page views and future promotional plan for the GoGlobal Cross-sectoral Professional Services Platform website managed by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; whether the Government will step up publicity via major social media in the Mainland to ensure that when Mainland enterprises search for keywords or information such as “services for enterprises going global”, information on the website will be given priority in the search results; and
(5) regarding the issue of substantial capital needs and limited early-stage financing channels encountered by enterprises after arriving in Hong Kong, whether the Government will strengthen co-ordination between financial institutions, Invest Hong Kong and the GoGlobal Task Force, organise investment matching events on a regular basis, and encourage enterprises going global to join investment matching events?
Reply:
President,
In view of the rapidly changing global trade landscape and geopolitics, more Mainland enterprises are planning to go global to diversify business risks and expand international business. To better support Mainland enterprises in going global in an orderly manner, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) established the cross-bureau, cross-departmental and cross-agency Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global (GoGlobal Task Force) last October. It serves as a one-stop platform to attract Mainland enterprises to go global through Hong Kong.
Steered by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, the GoGlobal Task Force co-ordinates the work of various bureaux, departments and agencies in formulating diverse proposals to support go global enterprises. Apart from the CEDB, other members include the Department of Justice (DoJ), the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau (CMAB), the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), and the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation. Bringing together different experiences and expertise of the members, the GoGlobal Task Force provides comprehensive support to Mainland enterprises.
Our reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Yung is as follows:
(1) and (5) To assist Mainland enterprises in meeting their capital and financing needs, the GoGlobal Task Force attracts the enterprises concerned to set up businesses in Hong Kong, laying the foundation for their commercial operations in the city and assisting them in progressively establishing regional headquarters, corporate treasury centres, etc. It will also assist them in listing in Hong Kong to leverage Hong Kong’s international financial market for fundraising, thereby meeting their cross-border capital needs. At the same time, the GoGlobal Task Force will prepare them for going global by assisting them in developing various corporate functions and business operations that satisfy international market standards and to fulfil requirements related to corporate structures, industry certifications, compliance, etc. In addition, the GoGlobal Task Force will leverage its overseas network to connect enterprises with their target go global destinations by providing them with local support services to ensure successful establishment of operations abroad.
Since the establishment of the GoGlobal Task Force, the steering committee has held three meetings to formulate a comprehensive work plan for the above-mentioned process of enterprises going global, and is progressively launching an array of work, including the following:
(i) To focus on attracting key or strategically valuable Mainland enterprises to establish a presence in Hong Kong. To this end, InvestHK is proactively following up with relevant enterprises to gain an in-depth understanding of their business development needs, while assisting them in connecting with other relevant departments and agencies, thus providing suitable support for them to establish businesses in Hong Kong;
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released the latest figures on retail sales today (May 6).
The value of total retail sales in March 2026, provisionally estimated at $33.9 billion, increased by 12.8% compared with the same month in 2025. The revised estimate of the combined value of total retail sales in January and February 2026 increased by 11.8% compared with the same period a year earlier. For the first quarter of 2026, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales increased by 12.1% compared with the same period in 2025.
Of the total retail sales value in March 2026, online sales accounted for 9.7%. The value of online retail sales in that month, provisionally estimated at $3.3 billion, increased by 35.1% compared with the same month in 2025. The revised estimate of the combined value of online retail sales in January and February 2026 increased by 27.5% compared with a year earlier. For the first quarter of 2026, it was provisionally estimated that the value of online retail sales increased by 30.1% compared with the same period in 2025.
After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales in March 2026 increased by 9.8% compared with a year earlier. The revised estimate of the combined volume of total retail sales in January and February 2026 increased by 9.8% compared with the same period a year earlier. For the first quarter of 2026, the provisional estimate of the total retail sales increased by 9.8% in volume compared with the same period in 2025.
Analysed by broad type of retail outlet in descending order of the provisional estimate of the value of sales and comparing March 2026 with March 2025, the value of sales of other consumer goods not elsewhere classified increased by 18.1%. This was followed by sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts (+27.2% in value); commodities in supermarkets (+0.6%); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (+30.1%); medicines and cosmetics (+3.1%); wearing apparel (+8.3%); food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (+1.0%); commodities in department stores (+1.3%); motor vehicles and parts (+80.8%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (+3.0%); furniture and fixtures (+0.6%); and optical shops (+7.4%).
On the other hand, the value of sales of fuels decreased by 14.2% in March 2026 over a year earlier. This was followed by sales of Chinese drugs and herbs (-5.4% in value); and footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-10.2%).
Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of the value of total retail sales increased by 7.8% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the preceding quarter, while the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales increased by 5.4%.
Commentary
A government spokesman said that retail sales continued to strengthen in March. The value of total retail sales increased by 12.8% over a year earlier, with growth in sales of most broad types of retail outlet. Among the various types, sales of motor vehicles showed particularly strong growth, as purchases spiked before the expiry of the first registration tax concessions for electric private cars at end-March.
Looking ahead, the near-term outlook for retail sales is broadly positive, underpinned by recovering local demand, sustained growth in inbound tourism, and a favourable macro-financial environment. The Government will continue to monitor the downside risk arising from the evolving geopolitical tensions, for any potential implications for the consumer spending in the local market.
Further information
Table 1 presents the revised figures on value index and value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for February 2026 as well as the provisional figures for March 2026. The provisional figures on the value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet as well as the corresponding year-on-year changes for the first quarter of 2026 are also shown.
Table 2 presents the revised figures on value of online retail sales for February 2026 as well as the provisional figures for March 2026. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first quarter of 2026 are also shown.
Table 3 presents the revised figures on volume index of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for February 2026 as well as the provisional figures for March 2026. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first quarter of 2026 are also shown.
Table 4 shows the movements of the value and volume of total retail sales in terms of the year-on-year rate of change for a month compared with the same month in the preceding year based on the original series, and in terms of the rate of change for a three-month period compared with the preceding three-month period based on the seasonally adjusted series.
The classification of retail companies follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.
These retail sales statistics measure the sales receipts in respect of goods sold by local retail companies and are primarily intended for gauging the short-term business performance of the local retail sector. Data on retail sales are collected from local retail companies through the Monthly Survey of Retail Sales (MRS). Local retail companies with and without physical shops are covered in MRS and their sales, both through conventional shops and online channels, are included in the retail sales statistics.
The retail sales statistics cover consumer spending on goods but not on services (such as those on housing, catering, medical care and health services, transport and communication, financial services, education and entertainment) which account for over 50% of the overall consumer spending. Moreover, they include spending on goods in Hong Kong by visitors but exclude spending outside Hong Kong by Hong Kong residents. Hence they should not be regarded as indicators for measuring overall consumer spending.
Users interested in the trend of overall consumer spending should refer to the data series of private consumption expenditure (PCE), which is a major component of the Gross Domestic Product published at quarterly intervals. Compiled from a wide range of data sources, PCE covers consumer spending on both goods (including goods purchased from all channels) and services by Hong Kong residents whether locally or abroad. Please refer to the C&SD publication “Gross Domestic Product by Expenditure Component” for more details.
Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Distribution Services Statistics Section of C&SD (Tel: 3903 7400; email: mrs@censtatd.gov.hk).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released the latest provisional figures on restaurant receipts and purchases today (May 6).
The value of total receipts of the restaurants sector in the first quarter of 2026, provisionally estimated at $28.4 billion, increased by 1.1% over a year earlier. Over the same period, the provisional estimate of the value of total purchases by restaurants increased by 3.6% to $9.1 billion.
After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total restaurant receipts slightly increased by 0.2% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with a year earlier.
Analysed by type of restaurant and comparing the first quarter of 2026 with the first quarter of 2025, total receipts of Chinese restaurants increased by 0.9% in value, but decreased by 0.2% in volume. Total receipts of non-Chinese restaurants increased by 2.8% in value and 2.1% in volume. Total receipts of fast food shops decreased by 0.6% in value and 1.5% in volume. Total receipts of bars decreased by 4.0% in value and 3.9% in volume. As for miscellaneous eating and drinking places, total receipts increased by 0.5% in value, but decreased by 0.6% in volume.
Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of total restaurant receipts remained at a similar level in both value and volume in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the preceding quarter.
To facilitate further understanding of the short-term business performance of the restaurants sector, statistics in respect of the restaurant receipts and purchases in individual months of the reference quarter are also compiled.
Analysed by month, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total receipts of the restaurants sector decreased by 3.2%, increased by 5.7% and increased by 1.6% respectively in January, February and March 2026, compared with the corresponding months in 2025.
After discounting the effect of price changes, it was provisionally estimated that the volume of total restaurant receipts decreased by 4.2%, increased by 4.6% and increased by 0.8% respectively in January, February and March 2026, compared with the corresponding months in 2025.
Commentary
A Government spokesman said that the business of restaurants continued to improve in the first quarter. The value of total restaurant receipts increased further by 1.1% over a year earlier.
Looking ahead, the generally solid local consumer sentiment and sustained growth in inbound tourism will continue to support restaurant businesses. The Government will continue to monitor the downside risk arising from the evolving geopolitical tensions, for any potential implications for restaurant businesses.
Further information
Table 1 presents the revised figures of restaurant receipts by type of restaurant and total purchases by the restaurants sector for the fourth quarter of 2025 as well as the provisional figures for the first quarter of 2026.
Table 2 and Table 3 present the revised value and volume indices respectively of restaurant receipts by type of restaurant for the fourth quarter of 2025 and the provisional indices for the first quarter of 2026.
Table 4 presents the year-on-year rate of change in total restaurant receipts in value and volume terms based on the original quarterly series, as well as the quarter-to-quarter rate of change based on the seasonally adjusted series.
The revised figures on restaurant receipts and purchases for the first quarter of 2026 (with breakdown by month) will be released through the website of C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode540.html) and relevant publications of the Department from June 18, 2026.
The classification of restaurants follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.
Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Distribution Services Statistics Section of C&SD (Tel: 3903 7401; e-mail: qsr@censtatd.gov.hk).