Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

CE arrives in Hainan to attend Boao Forum for Asia annual conference (with photo/video) 
　　Addressing the Forum, Mr Lee said that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the Boao Forum for Asia. The Forum has long fostered regional co-operation and become a premier platform for Asia’s economic co-operation. This year is the opening year of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, which fully supports the high-quality development of the Hainan Free Trade Port. He congratulated the Hainan Free Trade Port on the smooth implementation of island-wide special customs operations and the swift rollout of a number of business-friendly policies, noting that these represent an important showcase in the country’s efforts to promote free trade and advance high-standard opening up. He expressed confidence that Hong Kong, as a global trading hub, will continue to complement the Hainan Free Trade Port and pursue mutual benefits, working together to promote free trade.
 
　　Mr Lee said that Hong Kong is ranked No. 1 in the world in economic freedom. Under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantages of having the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. Hong Kong’s common law system is aligned with major global financial hubs, its tax system is simple and low, and capital, goods, talent and information all flow freely. Hong Kong remains steadfastly committed to free trade and multilateralism and will continue to expand its global trade network, leverage its network to connect investors with opportunities, and further promote regional economic development and prosperity.
 
　　Mr Lee said that China is the host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2026. The APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting will be held in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for the first time in October 2026. The HKSAR Government will spare no effort to ensure the full success of the meeting and leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle in connecting the Mainland and the world to deepen international exchanges and co-operation.
 
　　In the evening, Mr Lee attended the Boao Forum for Asia 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner to exchange views with key guests from various countries.
 
　　Mr Lee will continue his visit to Hainan tomorrow (March 25).
Issued at HKT 19:00

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DH marks 20th anniversary of promoting Joyful Fruit & Veg in schools and launches Joyful Fruit & Veg Month in April to further strengthen promotion and education  
     Officiating at the ceremony, the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, said, “Strong scientific evidence shows that consuming an adequate amount of fruit and vegetables helps reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer. A healthy, balanced diet also helps reduce being overweight and obesity, and improves the health of the public. However, the DH’s Student Health Service Annual Health Report for 2024/25 School Year 
     Since the 2006/07 school year, the DH has held the annual Joyful Fruit Day to encourage students to eat enough fruit every day. In the 2012/13 school year, the event was upgraded, and April was designated as Joyful Fruit Month each year. This year marked the 20th anniversary of the event. A total of 286 schools have participated in the event for 20 consecutive years. To recognise these schools for their long-term commitment to and support of the event, commendations and awards were presented to them.
 
     Building on past success, starting from April 1, the DH will organise various publicity activities in collaboration with schools and community stakeholders. A variety of resources and teaching materials will also be provided to schools to encourage them to organise systematic promotional activities throughout the school year, with a view to enhancing students’ awareness of having sufficient fruit and vegetables and a healthy diet, and encouraging them to put this into practice.
 
     The DH expresses its sincere gratitude to schools, parents and all sectors of the community for their continuous support for the “EatSmart@school.hk” Campaign and Joyful Fruit & Veg Month, which have contributed to the balanced physical and mental development of students and to the overall public health of Hong Kong. To tie in with this year’s Joyful Fruit & Veg Month, the DH earlier organised the A Sufficient Intake of Fruit and Vegetables Colouring Competition 2026, inviting participation from kindergarten, child care centre and primary school students. The competition received over 1 600 entries from more than 240 schools. Through colours and creativity, participating students expressed their love for fruit and vegetables and their support for a healthy diet.
 
     Other officiating guests at the ceremony included the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH, Dr Edwin Tsui; the Principal Assistant Secretary (Education Infrastructure) of the Education Bureau, Ms Katharine Choi; the Head of the Health Promotion Branch of the DH, Dr Kellie So; the Project Director of the Hong Kong College of Cardiology, Ms Lee Shuk-ling; member of the Committee on Home-School Co-operation Ms Rebecca Ng; and the Head of Business and Communications of Hong Kong Education City, Ms Michelle Lee.
 
     Members of the public who wish to obtain more information about Joyful Fruit & Veg Month and the list of commended schools may visit the Joyful Fruit & Veg Month thematic websiteIssued at HKT 19:00

Entries invited for MiMEP Infinity Awards       
     With the Development Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Guangdong Province as advisors, the competition aims to promote the application of innovative technologies in E&M engineering to enhance construction efficiency, as well as to recognise the contributions of industry stakeholders in advancing high productivity construction. The Multi-trade integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MiMEP) approach strengthens collaboration among engineering project stakeholders by integrating design, manufacturing, and assembly processes, thereby enhancing construction efficiency and achieving the goals of high-quality and sustainable development. 
      
     Speaking at the launching ceremony today (March 24), the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau, said that the innovative technologies developed by the Development Bureau and its departments have garnered multiple international awards, showcasing Hong Kong’s achievements in innovation. Guided by the National 15th Five-Year Plan, the Government will focus on high-quality development and promote the development of new quality productive forces. By leveraging innovative technologies such as MiMEP, the Government will accelerate the transformation and upgrading of the construction industry, further enhancing its overall competitiveness.
      
     The launching ceremony was attended by over 300 industry stakeholders and government representatives both online and in person.
      
     The competition features four major award categories: New Construction Project, Under Construction Project, Repair, Maintenance, Alteration and Addition (RMAA), and Factory/Manufacturer, as well as three special award categories to recognise innovative practices and outstanding performance in different fields of the industry. For details of the competition, please visit mimep-infinity-awards.com.hk/index_en.htmlIssued at HKT 17:56

Kwai Chung Hospital new blocks to commence services in phases  
     Kwai Chung Hospital (KCH) announced today (March 24) that the new blocks under the phase 2 redevelopment of the hospital, including the Main Block and the Child and Adolescent Block, will commence services in phases starting from March 30. Clinical services of KCH will be progressively relocated to the new blocks, further enhancing the environment of mental health services and patient experience.
 
     In the initial phase, the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Specialist Out-patient Clinic and the Perinatal Mental Health Clinic will be relocated to the Child and Adolescent Block to commence services starting from March 30. In the second phase, the Adult Psychiatric Specialist Out-patient Clinic and Psychogeriatric Specialist Out-patient Clinic services will be relocated to the Main Block in the second quarter of this year. In-patient services will also be gradually relocated to the new blocks.
 
     The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and the Perinatal Mental Health Clinic, which will be relocated to the new block in the initial phase, are currently operating separately at the Specialist Out-patient Clinics of Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital. Starting from March 30, these clinical services will be consolidated at the Child and Adolescent Block to provide patients with enhanced and more efficient mental health services. The Adult Psychiatric Specialist Out-patient Clinic and Psychogeriatric Specialist Out-patient Clinic services, which will be relocated to the new block in the second phase, are currently situated at the Specialist Out-patient Clinics of Princess Margaret Hospital and Ha Kwai Chung Polyclinic. They will be relocated to the Main Block within the second quarter of this year. Services at the East Kowloon Psychiatric Centre located in Diamond Hill will remain unchanged.
 
     The Hospital Chief Executive of KCH, Dr Cheng Koi-man, stated, “The new hospital blocks are designed with the vision of a ‘therapeutic village’. It will provide 1,000 psychiatric beds and aims to offer patients a more comfortable therapeutic environment, personalised treatment plans, and community integration services, accompanying patients and carers on their journey of recovery. The hospital will commence subsequent follow-up project works to demolish the old block and construct a therapeutic/rehabilitation garden, providing more outdoor activity space to support patients’ recoveries.”
 
     Following the commissioning of the new blocks of KCH, a new general enquiry hotline at 2752 3000 will be activated simultaneously, while the existing hotline at 2959 8111 will remain in use until the completion of all service relocations. The enquiry hotlines and addresses of various Specialist Out-patient Clinics have also been updated (details are appended as Annex 1). To facilitate patients and visitors travelling to and from the KCH new blocks, designated stops for a green minibus and taxi stand will be set up at the main entrance of the KCH Main Block (detailed location is appended as Annex 2). The lift tower on Lai King Hill Road will be opened shortly to provide convenient access for the public.
 
     KCH has informed the public of the service relocation through multiple channels, including direct phone calls to patients, distribution of appointment slips or relocation notices, placement of roll-up banners, and posting of posters and notices at the relevant hospitals and clinics. These measures aim to ensure that patients and their carers are well informed of the service relocation arrangements. For more information about KCH services, please visit the hospital’s website (https://www3.ha.org.hk/kch/en/index_default.htmIssued at HKT 17:50

Interest rate of fifth interest payment for series of retail green bonds due 2026      
     According to the Issue Circular dated September 18, 2023 for the Retail Green Bonds, the fifth interest payment of the Retail Green Bonds is scheduled to be made on April 10, 2026, and the relevant interest rate is scheduled to be determined and announced on March 24, 2026 as the higher of the prevailing Floating Rate and Fixed Rate. 
      
     On March 24, 2026, the Floating Rate and Fixed Rate are as follows:-
      
Floating Rate: +1.28 per cent (Annex)
Fixed Rate: +4.75 per cent
 
     Based on the Floating Rate and Fixed Rate set out above, the relevant interest rate for the fifth interest payment is determined and announced as 4.75 per cent per annum.
Issued at HKT 17:20

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Interest rate of first interest payment for Silver Bond Series due 2028      
     According to the Issue Circular dated September 15, 2025 for the Bonds, the first interest payment of the Bonds is scheduled to be made on April 10, 2026, and the relevant interest rate is scheduled to be determined and announced on March 24, 2026 as the higher of the prevailing Floating Rate and Fixed Rate. 
      
     On March 24, 2026, the Floating Rate and Fixed Rate are as follows:
 
Floating Rate: +1.28 per cent (Annex)
Fixed Rate: +3.85 per cent
 
     Based on the Floating Rate and Fixed Rate set out above, the relevant interest rate for the first interest payment is determined and announced as 3.85 per cent per annum.
Issued at HKT 17:20

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FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in March