Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs’ “Clear Sky” operation combats illicit cigarette smuggling activities involving air passengers and related illicit cigarette storage centres
In response to the trend that illicit cigarette syndicates have been making use of air passengers to smuggle illicit cigarettes, Customs strengthened enforcement against the smuggling of illicit cigarettes at the airport and related storage centres.
During the operation, Customs detected 18 illicit cigarette smuggling cases involving passengers at the airport and seized a total of about 800 000 suspected illicit cigarettes. Eighteen passengers, aged between 29 and 63 and arriving in Hong Kong from the East and Southeast Asian regions, were arrested.
Following intelligence analyses and in-depth investigations of the cases, Customs discovered that a cigarette smuggling syndicate had been using industrial buildings and remote metal huts as storage and distribution centres. The illicit cigarettes would be repackaged and subsequently supplied to the local area or transported to logistics centres for transshipment to regions with higher tobacco duties for profit.
Customs then mounted a series of enforcement actions in the city and raided a total of five suspected illicit cigarette storage centres in four industrial building units in Tuen Mun and Kwai Chung and one metal hut in San Tin. A total of about 10.1 million suspected illicit cigarettes were seized and 12 persons, aged between 33 and 66, were arrested.
Twenty of the arrestees have beeen charged with dealing with or possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes, or failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
Moreover, in the fourth quarter of 2025, Customs arrested 49 persons for smuggling in illicit cigarettes at the airport, and 47 of them were convicted and sentenced to imprisonment terms of between four weeks and nine months at the Magistrates’ Courts. Customs welcomes the sentences. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflect the seriousness of the offences.
It is believed that the supply chain of illicit cigarettes has been effectively intercepted at the source and disrupted within the territory. Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analyses for interception at source as well as through its multipronged enforcement strategy targeting storage, distribution and peddling to vigorously combat illicit cigarette activities.
Under the DCO, any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 19:18
NNNN
Bond borrowing ceiling rises to $900b
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Government served a notice to the Legislative Council today to introduce a resolution under the Loans Ordinance to raise the borrowing ceiling from $500 billion to $900 billion for the Infrastructure Bond Programme (IBP) and the Government Sustainable Bond Programme (GSBP) under the Capital Works Reserve Fund.
Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said the move would increase the capacity for financing public works projects, given that the Government will accelerate the development of the Northern Metropolis (NM) and other public works projects relating to the economy and people’s livelihood.
The Government’s capital works expenditure for 2025-26 is estimated to be about $125 billion. The 2025 Policy Address announced that the Government would earmark an additional $30 billion in the next two to three years to increase expenditure on public works projects to drive sustained economic development and support the local construction industry. The capital works expenditure is estimated to be about $128 billion for 2026-27 and will remain at a similar level from 2027-28 to 2030-31.
Mr Hui emphasised that issuing bonds to support infrastructure development is a common practice worldwide.
He highlighted that as public works projects are long-term investments, in particular those in the NM, there is a need for the Government to issue more longer-term bonds to align more closely the cash flow duration with project requirements, adding that a higher borrowing ceiling and a larger mix of longer-term bonds will bring in more net proceeds.
The Government plans to issue about $160 billion to $220 billion worth of bonds per annum from 2026-27 to 2030-31, and the corresponding ratio of government debt to gross domestic product will rise from 14.4% to 19.9%, which is a highly prudent level and well below that of most advanced economies.
Subject to the legislative process, the Government will move the resolution in LegCo on April 1.
Supporting Education in Allied Nations: TSC Small Farms Coffee Helps Build 2 Rural Classrooms in Guatemala
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
A cup of coffee does more than foster friendship; it serves as a beacon of hope, lighting up the future for students in remote areas across the ocean. Taiwan Sugar Corporation (TSC) stated on March 6 that to support the government’s efforts in deepening ties with diplomatic allies, the company has been sourcing coffee beans at fair prices from Guatemala since 2023. This initiative led to the domestic launch of “High Lands Small Farms (Antigua) Coffee.” TSC’s coffee trade program not only improves the livelihoods of local smallholders but also reinvests a portion of the proceeds into constructing classrooms. This allows Taiwanese consumers to enjoy specialty coffee while simultaneously supporting rural education in allied nations, collectively building a boundless future for both farmers and students.
TSC explained that by importing Guatemalan smallholder coffee, the company not only bolsters the Guatemalan economy but also brings about tangible and positive changes to local rural education. In collaboration with the international organization IMPACT HUB and the local NGO Guatemala Prospera, TSC has spearheaded a coffee marketing and educational feedback initiative. To date, the project has successfully completed the construction of two rural classrooms. While the first classroom was inaugurated in 2024, the newly completed second facility at the “Official Rural Coeducational School” (located in the El Rosario community, Cienaga Grande village, Chimaltenango Department) officially opened its doors on March 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM local time (midnight March 5, Taiwan time). This new facility provides a modern and comfortable learning environment for middle school students aged 12 to 15.
TSC noted that these classrooms represent more than just infrastructure they are a beacon of hope. The company hopes that through these educational opportunities, local students will be empowered to see a broader world and ultimately transform the future of both themselves and their communities.
TSC points out that the Guatemalan High Lands Small Farms Coffee is a sustainable brew that bridges the gap between consumers, the origin of production, and hope. Sourced from premium Arabica beans grown at altitudes above 1,500 meters in Guatemala’s renowned Antigua region, the coffee is hand-picked, wet-processed, and roasted to perfection. It boasts a rich body with a balanced acidity, featuring distinct notes of caramel, chocolate, and subtle fruit aromas. Upholding the core values of “Specialty Quality, Public Good, and Affordability,” TSC has distributed the coffee across major retail channels in Taiwan and onboard Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) carriages. This initiative empowers citizens to transform their daily coffee ritual into a tangible force for supporting smallholders and rural education.
TSC emphasizes that coffee is more than just a daily beverage; it is a bridge that connects international friendships. Furthermore, coffee trade is not merely an industrial exchange, but a solemn promise of cross-border guardianship. Looking ahead, TSC will continue to integrate corporate resources with social efforts to promote international cooperation programs that balance industrial growth with philanthropic value. By extending Taiwan’s goodwill across the sea, TSC aims to deepen diplomatic ties, stimulate trade, and unlock a brighter, more expansive future for children in remote areas.
TSC News Contact Person:
Chang Mu-Jung
Public Relations, Department of Secretariat, TSC
Contact Number: 886-6-337-8819 / 886-920-636-951
Email:a63449@taisugar.com.tw
GBA youth job fair set for Mar 13
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Labour Department will host the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Youth Employment Scheme Job Fair at Cordis, Hong Kong in Mong Kok on Friday.
The event will offer a wide range of job vacancies in the GBA Mainland cities for Hong Kong young people aged 29 or below with sub-degree qualifications or above.
Over 20 organisations will participate in the fair, providing openings for various positions, including engineers, assistant quantity surveyors, graphic and multimedia designers and accountants. Other available rolls include maths instructors, graduate interns, human resources and administration officers, Chief Executive Officer assistants and senior marketing executives.
Under the scheme, participating organisations must employ young people in accordance with Hong Kong laws.
The job fair will feature talks providing advice on CV preparation and the use of social media and artificial intelligence tools. Information on working and living in GBA Mainland cities will also be available.
Additionally, Wong Chi-him, Chief Hong Kong & Macao Liaison Expert of the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Co-operation Zone, will share insights on development opportunities in Qianhai.
All talks will be conducted in Cantonese.
The event will take place from 10.30am to 4.30pm at the Ballroom, Level 7, Cordis, Hong Kong, 555 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok. Admission is free, with final admission set at 4.15pm.
Présentation de la nouvelle plateforme Emploi.nc
Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie
Christopher Gygès, membre du gouvernement chargé de l’économie et du numérique et Naïa Wateou, membre du gouvernement chargée du travail et de l’emploi, animeront une conférence de presse vendredi 13 mars à 10h30 au gouvernement (immeuble le Lys Rouge), afin de présenter la nouvelle plateforme emploi.nc
InvestHK and HKCEA co-host Mainland Spring Reception and Mainland enterprises GoGlobal Forum
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
InvestHK and HKCEA co-host Mainland Spring Reception and Mainland enterprises GoGlobal Forum
The reception was officiated by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Mr Zhang Yong; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK, Ms Alpha Lau; and the Chairman of the HKCEA, Mr Wang Haimin.
In his speech, Mr Chan pointed out that this year marks the beginning of the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan, and the next five years will be a crucial period for the country’s development. Under the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong possesses unique institutional strengths and serves as an international hub for finance, trade, shipping, and innovation and technology. It is essential for Hong Kong to leverage these strengths to accelerate its integration into the national development strategy. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government looks forward to continuing to work closely with Mainland enterprises to promote Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability, and to contribute to the nation’s development.
Mr Chan also noted that Mainland enterprises have long been based in Hong Kong, actively supporting the Government in driving the city’s economic development and playing a pivotal role across various industries. In recent years, Mainland enterprises have accelerated their global expansion, with many of them have been using Hong Kong as a platform for fund raising, showcasing their products and services, conducting R&D activities, and managing international operations. The Government will take a multipronged approach to welcome more Mainland enterprises to Hong Kong, enabling them to fully utilise the city’s one-stop financial support and international advantages to strengthen their own development.
At the GoGlobal Forum, Mr Yau said that in the face of significant opportunities arising from the Global South markets and the Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong, as the preferred platform for Mainland enterprises going global, is fully prepared to provide one-stop support services in navigating them to go global. He said he looks forward to seeing more Mainland enterprises expanding globally via Hong Kong, working hand in hand to achieve mutual benefits and write a new chapter for Mainland enterprises going global.
Mr Wang said that the HKCEA has united a broad spectrum of Mainland enterprises setting up in Hong Kong. It has become a cornerstone in supporting Hong Kong’s economic development and maintaining the city’s long-term prosperity and stability, further inspiring Mainland enterprises to regard Hong Kong as their home and leveraging the city for growth with confidence and momentum. Looking ahead, the HKCEA is eager to strengthen co-operation with all sectors and move forward together, contributing to Hong Kong’s transition from stability to prosperity and facilitating the steady and sustained implementation of “one country, two systems”.
The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau established the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global (GoGlobal Task Force) last October, integrating Hong Kong’s overseas offices, including those under InvestHK, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, as well as Hong Kong offices on the Mainland, to set up a one-stop platform. The GoGlobal Task Force also brings together Hong Kong’s professional services ecosystem to provide one-stop support to Mainland enterprises expanding overseas via the city. It will continue to organise various activities to promote Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a platform for Mainland enterprises to go global.
The annual spring reception is a flagship event jointly organised by InvestHK and the HKCEA to express gratitude to Mainland enterprises for their contributions to Hong Kong’s socio-economic development. The GoGlobal Forum gathered representatives from Hong Kong’s professional services sectors and Mainland enterprises to share insights on Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a globally connected business hub, alongside successful case studies of going global via the city. InvestHK will continue to support the work of the GoGlobal Task Force.
Issued at HKT 20:20
NNNN
Commissioner of Customs and Excise meets with Director-General of Lao Customs Department and delegation
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Commissioner of Customs and Excise meets with Director-General of Lao Customs Department and delegation
Hong Kong Customs will continue to maintain close liaison with regional and international partners to promote bilateral and multilateral ties, as well as consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre.
Issued at HKT 20:10
NNNN
Immigration Department arrests 20 persons during operations targeting foreign domestic helpers who breached conditions of stay
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Swordfish” for three consecutive days from March 8 to 10, targeting foreign domestic helpers who breached their conditions of stay. A total of 20 persons, including 14 suspected illegal workers and six suspected employers, were arrested.
During the operations, ImmD investigators raided 19 target locations, including restaurants, retail shops, residential care homes for the elderly, guesthouses, industrial and commercial building units and public areas. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised one man and 13 women, aged 28 to 50. Among them, 11 persons were current helpers, one person was an overstaying ex-helper, one person was permitted to stay in Hong Kong on visitor status, and one person was a holder of a recognisance form, which prohibits her from taking any employment in Hong Kong. The suspected illegal workers were found performing massage, pedicure, dishwashing and kitchen assistant duties. Meanwhile, six suspected employers, comprising one man and five women aged 30 to 60, were owners or persons-in-charge of the companies and restaurants involved. The relevant cases are still under investigation, and the ImmD does not rule out the possibility of further arrests.
The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
Enterprises discuss going global
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Financial Secretary Paul Chan today officiated at a spring reception hosted by Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), where he told representatives of Mainland enterprises that the Government will take a multipronged approach to welcome more Mainland enterprises to Hong Kong.
Addressing the spring reception, Mr Chan pointed out that this year marks the beginning of the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan, and the next five years will be a crucial period for the country’s development. Under the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong possesses unique institutional strengths and it is essential for Hong Kong to leverage these strengths to accelerate its integration into the national development strategy.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government looks forward to continuing to work closely with Mainland enterprises to promote Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability, and to contribute to the nation’s development, he added.
Mr Chan also said the Hong Kong SAR Government will take a multipronged approach to welcome more Mainland enterprises to Hong Kong, enabling them to fully utilise the city’s one-stop financial support and international advantages to strengthen their own development.
Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong SAR Zhang Yong, and Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau joined Mr Chan to officiate at the reception.
Before the reception, InvestHK held the GoGlobal Forum to explore development opportunities and discuss how enterprises can leverage Hong Kong as their home port to realise international expansion plans.
Mr Yau told the forum that he looks forward to seeing more Mainland enterprises expanding globally via Hong Kong, working hand in hand to achieve mutual benefits and write a new chapter for Mainland enterprises going global.
The Commerce & Economic Development Bureau established the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global last October, integrating Hong Kong’s overseas offices, including those under InvestHK, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council as well as Hong Kong offices on the Mainland, to set up a one-stop platform.
The task force also brings together Hong Kong’s professional services ecosystem to provide one-stop support to Mainland enterprises expanding overseas via the city. It will continue to organise various activities to promote Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a platform for Mainland enterprises to go global.
Co-organised with the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association, today’s reception and forum drew a total of nearly 800 representatives from Mainland enterprises.
Singapore heritage-inspired bakery brand Old Seng Choong opens first overseas store in Hong Kong
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Singapore heritage-inspired bakery brand Old Seng Choong opens first overseas store in Hong Kong
Founded by renowned Singaporean pastry chef Daniel Tay, Old Seng Choong was created as a tribute to his father’s Seng Choong Confectionery established in 1965. The brand offers modern interpretations of traditional flavours and currently operates five outlets in Singapore. The Hong Kong store introduces a curated selection of the brand’s signature offerings, including Singapore Pandan Chiffon Cake, Traditional Kueh Lapis, and Premium Heritage-inspired Cookie Collections.
The General Manager of Old Seng Choong (Hong Kong) Limited, Mr George Wong, said, “Hong Kong is a strategic growth market for Old Seng Choong, as it shares cultural similarities with Singapore – including an appreciation for heritage flavours, a strong premium gifting culture, and a cosmopolitan consumer base – making it a natural fit for our products and brand positioning. The launch of our Hong Kong store will attract customers seeking to experience the brand’s signature Singaporean flavours – particularly its Pandan Chiffon Cake and Premium Cookies, both well-loved among Hong Kong consumers familiar with Singapore’s gifting culture.”
He added, “We will leverage Hong Kong as a strategic hub to gradually reach consumers on the Chinese Mainland, using the city’s connectivity and retail ecosystem to support regional growth. The Hong Kong team will continue to strengthen local partnerships, enhance marketing initiatives, and tailor products to local tastes, ensuring a premium, culturally resonant brand experience for Hong Kong consumers and beyond.”
For more information about Old Seng Choong, please visit: www.oldsengchoong.com
To download photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720332302430/Issued at HKT 16:00
NNNN