Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

Your Excellency Prime Minister Tusk and distinguished members of the Polish delegation,

On behalf of the people of the Republic of Korea, I sincerely welcome you once again to Korea.

This marks the first bilateral visit by a Polish Prime Minister in twenty-seven years, and Korea is the initial destination of your first trip to Asia since taking office. Your visit is all the more meaningful in that it clearly demonstrates a firm commitment to advancing relations with Korea.

Over approximately thirty-seven years since establishing diplomatic relations, back in 1989, the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Poland have built a robust partnership of friendship and cooperation in a wide range of areas, including politics, the economy, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

Poland has become one of Korea’s top five trading partners among EU member states. Korea is the largest non-European investor in Poland.

Having concluded a framework agreement worth approximately US$ 44.2 billion in 2022, our two countries are also significantly advancing our future-oriented defense industry cooperation.

Building on the strong trust our two countries developed over time, today Prime Minister Tusk and I agreed to elevate our bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The joint statement adopted today reflects the firm and clear commitment of both countries to strengthening cooperation across a wide range of fields—including politics, the economy, culture and people-to-people exchanges—and to widening the scope of our cooperation into comprehensive and future-oriented sectors such as advanced industries, science and technology, space, energy, and infrastructure.

Allow me now to elaborate on the outcomes of today’s summit.

First, our two countries’ mutually beneficial cooperation in the defense industry will be further expanded.

I underscored the need for steady implementation of the framework agreement already concluded between our two countries, which is essential for deepening and advancing our defense industry cooperation.

Prime Minister Tusk also expressed strong agreement on the importance of defense industry cooperation and highly commended Korean companies for their contributions to local production, technology transfers and workforce training.

Second, we agreed to further broaden the scope of our bilateral cooperation to cover a wider range of areas, including energy supply chains, infrastructure and science and technology.

Korean companies that have invested in electric vehicle battery production in Poland are now diversifying their portfolio by entering the energy storage system market in earnest.

I asked Prime Minister Tusk to ensure that the Polish government takes an interest in and actively supports Korean companies operating in Poland.

In addition, I requested special consideration from the Prime Minister regarding the participation of Korean companies in two major infrastructure projects in Poland – the Central Transport Hub project, which centers on the new airport, and the Warsaw tram replacement project.

Moreover, we agreed to further promote joint research and personnel exchanges among relevant institutions, with a view to expanding bilateral cooperation into advanced science and technology fields such as hydrogen, nanotechnology and materials, as well as space. To this end, our two governments affirmed their commitment to providing the support needed.

Third, in the face of increasing uncertainty in the global economic and security environment, as comprehensive strategic partners, our two countries agreed to strengthen our two countries’ strategic communication.

Above all, Prime Minister Tusk and I shared an understanding that security on the Korean Peninsula and in Europe is closely interlinked.

Our two countries agreed to work together in pursuit of global peace while continuing to seek peace and prosperity in our respective regions.

Moreover, our two countries concurred on the importance of stabilizing global supply chains in response to the crisis triggered by the war in the Middle East. We agreed to continue necessary cooperation to this end.

Fourth, we agreed to further promote people-to-people exchanges between our two countries to deepen mutual trust and friendship.

To this end, we discussed ways to coordinate the launch of additional direct flights between our two countries. We also agreed to continue consultations to expand cultural exchanges across a wide range of fields, including language, music and literature.

As the Polish saying goes, “Swój ciągnie do swojego,” meaning birds of a feather flock together. Korea has a similar expression – yuyusangjong.

Thanks to the historical bonds and cultural affinity our two countries share, we have been able to strengthen our strategic partnership in a remarkably short period of time.

Based on strong mutual trust between our two countries, today’s summit will serve as an important milestone in taking bilateral relations to the next level through sharing common vision and seeking concrete cooperation measures.

Once again, I would like to welcome Prime Minister Tusk to Korea. I look forward to meeting you again in the near future to continue today’s constructive discussions.

Thank you – dziȩkujȩ!

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai attends state banquet hosted by King Mswati III, cultural performances, and fireworks display
On the evening of May 3 local time (early morning of May 4 Taipei time), President Lai Ching-te attended a state banquet hosted by His Majesty King Mswati III of Eswatini. In remarks, President Lai expressed gratitude to the king for his warm invitation and hospitality, saying that the delegation felt warmly welcomed and right at home. The president noted that the visit has been fruitful, saying it would further consolidate the diplomatic friendship between the two countries and advance bilateral economic, trade, and other cooperation and exchanges. He expressed hope that the two countries will work together to build more prosperous and progressive societies in which their peoples can enjoy better lives.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
First, I would once again like to express my sincere gratitude to His Majesty for the kind invitation. I am honored to lead a delegation on a state visit to beautiful Eswatini. I thank His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, and the government and people of Eswatini for their warmest and most gracious hospitality, making our delegation feel right at home. This visit has truly been fruitful. I signed a joint communiqué with His Majesty and we jointly witnessed the signing of a customs mutual assistance agreement between the foreign ministers of our two countries. I believe this visit will further consolidate the diplomatic friendship between our two countries and further advance economic, trade, and other cooperation and exchanges. We were also delighted to learn that Their Majesties, and in particular Her Majesty, have agreed to visit Taiwan again. The Queen Mother’s last visit to Taiwan was more than ten years ago. She mentioned that Taiwan feels like a second home, and that she is deeply aware of how long it has been since she last returned to that home, and of how Taiwan missed her. She was very happy to promise that she would return to Taiwan for a visit as soon as possible.
The International Convention Centre (ICC) where we are gathered today is a world-class venue that is sure to become a landmark in Eswatini and a hub for the conventions and exhibitions industry in southern Africa, as well as a venue for international conferences. I am grateful to His Majesty for personally introducing the venue, giving me a much deeper appreciation of the facility. It has modern conference halls and advanced technological equipment suitable for all types of meetings, and it also incorporates the local culture of Eswatini and works by Eswatini’s artists.
His Majesty has courageously spoken up for Taiwan at numerous international venues. Whether in his command of the affairs of state in Eswatini or in his vision and plans for the country’s future development, one can sense his wisdom. Under his leadership over the past 40 years, Eswatini has made tremendous strides. I believe that its steps forward will be even more remarkable, and the lives of its people will continue to improve.
It is my hope that the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Kingdom of Eswatini enjoy an everlasting diplomatic friendship, and that no external interference will affect the genuine bond between our two peoples. Indeed, any attempt at external interference will only further solidify the friendship between our two countries. I also look forward to our two countries working together as a family to build more prosperous, more progressive societies in which the people of both nations can enjoy better lives.
King Mswati III delivered remarks earlier in the evening, first thanking President Lai for visiting the ICC. He noted that this exceptional and advanced venue will not only attract conferences and summits of all kinds to be held in Eswatini, but will also draw tourists from around the world. Since the ICC’s inauguration ceremony a few days ago, he said, he has seen many Emaswati and visitors come to tour the facility and admire this achievement. He also noted that this region is among the important locations where declarations related to United Nations reform have been adopted.
King Mswati III mentioned that Taiwan is currently not a member of the United Nations and is unable to fully participate in all UN-affiliated bodies. Nevertheless, he said, Taiwan’s 23 million people all hope to make contributions to humanity. He emphasized that in a world full of challenges, the peoples of all nations should join hands and support one another. He emphasized that while the UN has a commitment to leave no one behind, yet there are those who are still excluded. He stated his intention to make a strong appeal on Taiwan’s behalf, expressing hope that the UN will in the future consider allowing Taiwan to make meaningful contributions to all of humanity in the spirit of leaving no one behind.
King Mswati III said that throughout Eswatini one can see Taiwan’s contributions in the areas of infrastructure, agricultural development, water supply systems, and rural electrification. With regard to the ICC itself, he said that Taiwan actively participated alongside the government’s own substantial investment to jointly bring this project to completion. He expressed great pleasure that President Lai was able to personally witness this successful example of cooperation at the moment of its completion.
King Mswati III noted that Taiwan has strong international advantages in semiconductors, high-tech manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. He expressed hope that by drawing on Taiwan’s experience and bringing related industries to Eswatini, the relationship between the two countries will continue to deepen and grow.
After the state banquet, President Lai joined several members of the Eswatini royal family and cabinet officials at the performance hall to watch cultural performances and a fireworks display.
Also in attendance were Inkhosikati (Queen) of the Kingdom of Eswatini, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, and other Eswatini government officials. 

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Office of the Leisure & Cultural Services Department will organise the second edition of the Hong Kong ICH Month from May 30 to June 30, featuring over 50 ICH performances, 80 promotion booths and 40 field visits held across Hong Kong.

The department said the various activities will cover over 100 ICH items, giving the public and tourists a greater insight into Hong Kong’s ICH, and enable them to experience the cultural richness of ICH and the pleasure it brings, with a view to achieving “shaping tourism with cultural activities and promoting culture through tourism”.

A programme briefing was held today, announcing that the opening ceremony and ICH carnival will be held on May 30 and 31 at the Cultural Centre Piazza.

Apart from Cantonese music, a female lion dance and a children/youth Cantonese opera show, there will be interactive booths featuring a shadow puppetry demonstration and experience, a lion dance experience, Cantonese opera costumes and flash mob performances, a Pixiu dance, Hoi Luk Fung/Hoklo unicorn dance, for members of the public to join.

There will also be in-depth exploration in tours of nine thematic routes, bringing the public and tourists to eight districts, namely Wan Chai, the Islands, Kowloon City, Kwai Tsing, North, Sai Kung, Sham Shui Po, Yau Tsim Mong, in which ICH practitioners will share their skills and stories. Registration will open on May 15.

A light show will be presented on the exterior walls of the Space Museum in mid-to-late June to showcase the rich historical and cultural significance of the horse in artefacts and artworks, and the underlying essence of ICH.

Meanwhile, the “10 Living ICH Treasures” Mobile Classrooms will bring ICH knowledge and Chinese culture to local primary and secondary schools through mobile displays, live performance and demonstrations, as well as interactive workshops.

Carnivals or fun days will be held in various districts across Hong Kong on several Saturdays and Sundays in June.

People of all ages may enjoy a variety of ICH performances and interactive, hands-on experiential booths. Participants may make their own ICH food items and learn about the making techniques, or take part in workshops on fishing net plaiting, salt making and movable-type printing techniques.

Other events include Hong Kong Cheongsam Heritage Salon, the “Fly with ICH Delight: Pop-up Display” and “Hong Kong-style Milk Tea Making Technique” live demonstrations, as well as a seminar where scholars and experts are invited to explore the transmission and development of ICH. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Intangible Cultural Heritage Office (ICHO) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will organise the second edition of the Hong Kong ICH Month, continuing its theme with “ICH Around Town”. From May 30 to June 30, over 50 ICH performances and 80 promotion booths, as well as 40 field visits, will be held across Hong Kong. Various activities will cover over 100 ICH items, giving the public and tourists a greater insight into Hong Kong’s ICH, and enable them to experience the cultural richness of ICH and the pleasure it brings, with a view to achieving “shaping tourism with cultural activities and promoting culture through tourism”.
 
Great variety of activities in ICH Carnival

     Among the fascinating activities to be held during Hong Kong ICH Month 2026, the inaugural event, “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Hong Kong ICH Month 2026” Opening Ceremony cum ICH Carnival, will be held on May 30 and 31 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza. Apart from Cantonese music, a female lion dance and a children/youth Cantonese opera show, there will be interactive booths featuring a shadow puppetry demonstration and experience, a lion dance experience, Cantonese opera costumes and flash mob performances, a Pixiu dance, and Hoi Luk Fung/Hoklo unicorn dance, for members of the public to join.
 
In-depth exploration in tours narrated by ICH practitioners

     The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: ICH Highlight Tours will feature nine thematic routes, bringing the public and tourists to eight Districts, namely Wan Chai (two routes), the Islands, Kowloon City, Kwai Tsing, North, Sai Kung, Sham Shui Po and Yau Tsim Mong, in which ICH practitioners will share their skills and stories. Examples include, the Arts of the Guqin (the Craft of Qin Making) in Sham Shui Po and Chiu Chow Marinated Food Making Technique in Kowloon City. The tours were highly acclaimed last year. Registration will open on May 15 and details will be announced later.
          
Light show weaving artefacts and ICH

     The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Light Show will be presented on the exterior of the Hong Kong Space Museum in mid-to-late June. Centred on the theme of the horse, the multi-dimensional presentations will showcase the rich historical and cultural significance of the horse in artefacts and artworks, and the underlying essence of ICH. 
 
Passing on ICH at schools

     The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: “10 Living ICH Treasures” Mobile Classrooms will bring ICH knowledge and Chinese culture to local primary and secondary schools through mobile displays, live performance and demonstrations, and interactive workshops. Students will even have a chance to exchange ideas and learn from ICH practitioners.
 
Galas portraying ICH essence 

     Carnivals or fun days will be held in various districts across Hong Kong on several Saturdays and Sundays in June, which will be suitable for all ages. These include the “10th Anniversary Fun Day@HK ICH Centre” to be held at the Sam Tung Uk Museum on June 13 and 14. Through a variety of ICH performances and interactive, hands-on experiential booths, the event showcases the rich and diverse cultures of different ethnic groups and communities. The “ICH Cuisine” Carnival to be held at Oil Street Art Space on June 20 and 21 will feature demonstrations and workshops on ICH-related food making techniques including egg tarts ,Chinese dim sum and moon cakes. Participants may make their own ICH food items and learn about the making techniques. The “ICH Wonder Adventure: Sea, Land & Sky Carnival” will be held at TKO Plaza on June 27 and 28. There the public can take part in workshops on fishing net plaiting, salt making and movable-type printing techniques to learn about the ICH items and the geographical features of Hong Kong.
 
     Other events include Hong Kong Cheongsam Heritage Salon to be held on June 6, which aims to promote the Hong Kong Cheongsam Making Technique, a national ICH item, through panel discussion, keynote speech, display of transmission work and exchange. The “Fly with ICH Delight: Pop-up Display to be held in June, and “Hong Kong-style Milk Tea Making Technique” live demonstrations to be held from June 1 to 8 at Hong Kong International Airport, will invite tourists to taste Hong Kong-style milk tea and at the same time know more about the connotation of Hong Kong’s ICH. A strategic partner, the cultural promotion organisation ICH June will hold a seminar on June 13 where scholars and experts from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao will be invited to explore the transmission and development of ICH.
 
     The Hong Kong ICH Month 2026 is presented by the LCSD and organised by the ICHO, with the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust as the sole sponsor of “Hong Kong ICH Month 2026 The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series”, and ICH June as a strategic partner. For details, please visit the website www.icho.hk/en/web/icho/hk_ich_month_2026.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Youth Development Commission convened its 21st meeting today (May 5).

At the meeting, members gave views on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s formulation of Hong Kong’s first five-year plan to proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan in respect of youth development, covering numerous subjects such as nurturing young talent, promoting patriotic education, and promoting international youth exchange. The Government will continue to collate views from stakeholders and young people and, on the basis of the Youth Development Blueprint and in line with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, strive to nurture a new generation of youth equipped with a global perspective, a positive mindset, and affection for Hong Kong and the country.

Afterwards, members were briefed by government representatives on the latest implementation progress of the Youth Development Blueprint since its release in December 2022. Members were pleased to note that bureaux and departments have been promoting youth development work at full steam in accordance with the guiding principles as stated in the Blueprint. Apart from actively implementing some 160 specific actions set out in the Blueprint, relevant policy bureaux have also introduced approximately 130 additional youth-related new measures since the release of the Blueprint. This ensures that the Blueprint is progressing with the times and can continue to respond to the changing needs of young people. The various measures are progressing well, and the bureaux will continue to take them forward.

Furthermore, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau reported the latest progress of youth internship and exchange activities outside Hong Kong organised by various bureaux and departments. These include providing more opportunities for young people to participate in internships with international organisations and at international conferences and introducing a new media thematic internship programme on the Mainland as part of the Young Talent Training Programme. The Government will continue to promote youth internship and exchange activities outside Hong Kong to provide suitable opportunities for young people at different development stages and of different backgrounds, so that they can learn and experience first-hand the latest developments in the country and the world.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (May 5) released the sixth batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in April, covering 15 survey areas, as follows:
 

District	Survey Area	April 2026
		First Phase Gravidtrap Index	First Phase Density Index
Tuen Mun	Tuen Mun West	8.0%	1.0

 

District	Survey Area	April 2026
		Area Gravidtrap Index	Area Density Index
Islands	Cheung Chau	7.3%	1.6
Kowloon City	Kowloon City	7.4%	1.1
Kwun Tong	Kowloon Bay	9.8%	1.7
	Lam Tin and Sau Mau Ping	9.4%	1.3
Wong Tai Sin	Diamond Hill and Tsz Wan Shan	8.4%	1.0
	Ngau Chi Wan and San Po Kong	17.8%	1.1
	Wong Tai Sin East	9.8%	1.3
Yau Tsim	Tsim Sha Tsui East and King’s Park	2.8%	1.0
North	Fanling South	8.4%	1.1
Sha Tin	Tai Wai	5.0%	1.2
Kwai Tsing	Kwai Chung West	4.5%	1.0
	Tsing Yi South	8.8%	1.0
Tuen Mun	So Kwun Wat	19.3%	1.4
	Tuen Mun North	7.3%	1.2

     Among the sixth batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering one survey area and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering 14 survey areas in April, all were below 10 per cent, except for the Area Gravidtrap Indexes of Ngau Chi Wan and San Po Kong in Wong Tai Sin District, and So Kwun Wat in Tuen Mun District.

     With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April or May every year. The actual timing of the increase and its extent are affected by factors like weather and rainfall. The average temperature and rainfall in April this year were higher than those of the same period last year, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding and thus leading to the earlier rise of gravidtrap indexes this year, but the overall trend and extent of the increase are similar to those of previous years. In response to the rise of gravidtrap indexes, the FEHD, together with relevant departments and stakeholders, has implemented rapid response measures and deployed targeted actions.

     For Ngau Chi Wan and San Po Kong in Wong Tai Sin District, and So Kwun Wat in Tuen Mun District, which recorded indexes exceeding 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. In particular, the gravidtrap data for Ngau Chi Wan and San Po Kong showed that areas with more mosquito problems included parks, schools and public housing estates, while the gravidtrap data for So Kwun Wat showed that areas with more mosquito problems included parks and private housing estates.

     In response to the high-risk areas identified in the said survey areas, the FEHD has issued a statutory notice to a relevant construction site contractor following the discovery of stagnant water at a construction site in So Kwun Wat in Tuen Mun District, requiring the clearance of such item within a specified timeframe. The FEHD and the relevant departments are following up on the mosquito control work, and will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap index in the areas to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.

     The FEHD has so far released six batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in April 2026, covering 62 survey areas. Among these 62 survey areas, one recorded a decrease or remained unchanged as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month (i.e. March 2026), representing that the area’s mosquito infestation improved or maintained a low level. Fifty-one other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent.

     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:

• tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside their premises;
• remove all unnecessary water collections and eliminate the sources;
• check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
• change water in flower vases and scrub their inner surfaces thoroughly, and remove water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week;
• properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water;
• properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as disposable meal boxes and empty cans; and
• scrub drains and surface sewers with alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

     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 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#).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Hong Kong’s economy in the first quarter increased 5.9% year-on-year, picking up from the 4% growth in the preceding quarter.

The Census & Statistics Department announced the figures today as it released its advance estimates on gross domestic product (GDP) for the first quarter.

On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter basis, real GDP rose further by 2.9%.

Commenting on the figures, the Government said the Hong Kong economy expanded robustly in the first quarter, marking the strongest quarterly growth in nearly five years.

Underpinned by strong global demand for artificial intelligence-related electronics, sustained growth in visitor arrivals and robust cross-boundary financial activities, the city’s economic growth outlook remains positive, it highlighted, adding that solid business and consumer sentiment is expected to continue supporting domestic demand.

Nonetheless, the Government remarked that persistent tensions in the Middle East pose downside risks to the economic outlook. In response, targeted measures have been taken to safeguard energy supply stability and mitigate the impacts on affected sectors.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (May 5) the advance estimates on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the first quarter of 2026.
 
According to the advance estimates, GDP increased by 5.9% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 4.0% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
 
Analysed by major GDP component, private consumption expenditure increased by 5.0% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier, faster than the increase of 2.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
 
Government consumption expenditure measured in national accounts terms recorded an increase of 2.9% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 1.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
 
Gross domestic fixed capital formation increased further by 17.7% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier, following the increase of 11.7% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
 
Total exports of goods measured in national accounts terms recorded an increase of 23.8% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier, accelerated further from the growth of 15.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025. Over the same period, imports of goods measured in national accounts terms grew by 29.9% in real terms, compared with the increase of 18.2% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
 
Exports of services rose by 3.5% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier, after the increase of 4.7% in the fourth quarter of 2025. Imports of services increased by 3.9% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026, compared with the increase of 3.7% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
 
On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter comparison basis, GDP increased by 2.9% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 when compared with the fourth quarter of 2025.

Commentary
 
A Government spokesman said that the Hong Kong economy expanded robustly in the first quarter of 2026. According to the advance estimates, real GDP grew by 5.9% over a year earlier in the first quarter, accelerating from the revised 4.0% growth in the preceding quarter (up from the earlier estimate of 3.8%), and marking the strongest quarterly growth in nearly five years. On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter basis, real GDP rose notably by 2.9%.
 
Looking ahead, Hong Kong’s economic growth outlook remains positive, underpinned by strong global demand for artificial intelligence-related electronics, sustained growth in visitor arrivals and robust cross-boundary financial activities. Relatively solid business and consumer sentiment is expected to continue supporting domestic demand. However, persistent tensions in the Middle East pose downside risks to the economic outlook. In response, the Government has taken targeted measures to safeguard energy supply stability and mitigate the impacts on affected sectors. The Government will stay vigilant and continue to closely monitor the developments.
 
The revised figures on GDP and more detailed statistics for the first quarter of 2026, as well as the revised GDP forecast for 2026, will be released on May 15, 2026.
 
Further information
 
The year-on-year percentage changes of GDP and selected major expenditure components in real terms from the first quarter of 2025 to the first quarter of 2026 are shown in Table 1.
 
When more data become available, the C&SD will compile revised figures on GDP. The revised figures on GDP and more detailed statistics for the first quarter of 2026 will be released at the C&SD website (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode250.html) and the Gross Domestic Product by Expenditure Component report (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1030001&scode=250) on May 15, 2026.
 
For enquiries about statistics on GDP by expenditure component, please contact the National Income Branch (1) of the C&SD (Tel: 3863 2727 or email: gdp-e@censtatd.gov.hk).