President Lai confers decoration on Japan-Taiwan Diet Members’ Consultative Council Chairman Furuya Keiji  

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai confers decoration on Japan-Taiwan Diet Members’ Consultative Council Chairman Furuya Keiji  
On the morning of July 27, President Lai Ching-te conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon on Japanese House of Representatives Member and Japan-Taiwan Diet Members’ Consultative Council Chairman Furuya Keiji in recognition of his outstanding contributions to deepening Taiwan-Japan relations. In remarks, President Lai expressed hope that Chairman Furuya’s continued support will help Taiwan and Japan further deepen cooperation, promote mutual growth and progress, and make even greater contributions to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
I would first like to extend a very warm welcome to Chairman Furuya, mayors from the five cities of the Tono region in Gifu Prefecture, and other leaders from across Japanese society on their visit to Taiwan. Chairman Furuya is a longtime friend, and I am delighted to see him again today. I am especially pleased to see that he has brought many new friends with him again this time, further strengthening the friendly ties between Taiwan and Japan. Whether old friends or new, Taiwan will always welcome you with open arms.
As the saying goes, “Rome was not built in a day,” and the same is true of Taiwan-Japan relations. Without generations of Taiwanese and Japanese people fostering continuous exchanges, standing together through good times and bad, building mutual trust, and forging bonds akin to those of family and a shared sense of destiny, the close friendship our two countries enjoy today would not be possible. Chairman Furuya has been one of the key driving forces behind this friendship. Thanks to his efforts, the Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council officially changed its name last month to the Japan-Taiwan Diet Members’ Consultative Council – further evidence that the Taiwan-Japan friendship is growing stronger.
We have long witnessed Chairman Furuya’s tireless efforts to deepen Taiwan-Japan relations. From facilitating the first-ever exhibition of National Palace Museum artifacts in Japan, to rallying support in the Japanese Diet for Taiwan’s international participation, to helping allow members of the overseas Taiwanese community in Japan correctly list “Taiwan” on their family registers, Chairman Furuya and our friends in the Japan-Taiwan Diet Members’ Consultative Council have always stood at the forefront of these pivotal moments. They have shown great encouragement and support for Taiwan, and our people are truly touched by their warmth. Therefore, it is my great honor today, on behalf of the people of Taiwan, to present Chairman Furuya with the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon as a show of our deepest respect and gratitude. We thank him for his outstanding contributions and look forward to taking Taiwan-Japan relations to even greater heights.
In recent years, Taiwan and Japan have established very close cooperation in critical technologies and industries. Following the start of mass production at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s first Kumamoto fab in December 2024, construction of an upgraded second Kumamoto fab has been confirmed this year for the production of 3-nanometer chips. During last year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae held bilateral talks with our leader’s representative, Senior Advisor Lin Hsin-yi (林信義). The two reached a strategic consensus to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as AI and semiconductors. Gifu Prefecture, vibrant and rich in cultural heritage, is a vital industrial powerhouse in Japan’s Chubu economic region, boasting a solid technological foundation in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and precision manufacturing. I hope to see Taiwan’s innovative technologies integrate seamlessly with Tono’s precision manufacturing in the future, allowing us to jointly build a more resilient and trusted Taiwan-Japan technology supply chain.
Beyond industrial cooperation, visits between Taiwan and Japan are on the rise. Last year, the number of visits both ways surpassed 8.2 million, a record high. The five cities of the Tono region have beautifully preserved a historic post town along the Nakasendo route called Magome-juku, which dates back to the Edo period. The area is a cherished destination for those seeking to experience Japan’s rich cultural heritage. I hope that more people from Taiwan will visit the beautiful Tono region to enjoy its breathtaking scenery and experience the warm hospitality of its people.
Despite the ever-changing international landscape, Taiwan and Japan will always be each other’s warmest friends and steadfast partners. I am confident that, with the continued support of Chairman Furuya and all our guests, Taiwan and Japan will continue to work together to advance mutual prosperity and progress, while making even greater contributions to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. I wish Chairman Furuya and his wife, along with all our guests, a highly successful and fruitful visit.
Chairman Furuya then delivered remarks, first expressing his sincere gratitude to President Lai. He said that he is deeply honored by the award, and that the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon is the highest distinction he has received since becoming chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Diet Members’ Consultative Council. He noted that the council, which has a history spanning over 50 years and was officially renamed this past June, currently comprises 323 cross-party members of the Japanese Diet. Formally incorporating “Taiwan” into its name is not only truer to reality, he said, but also more clearly reflects the deep friendship and mutual trust between Japan and Taiwan. Looking ahead, he pledged to continue actively promoting friendly exchanges between the two sides.
Chairman Furuya pointed out that the delegation of more than 50 members includes mayors, city council chairs, and business community representatives from his constituency. He added that the business leaders have observed that, in the past 15 years, Taiwan’s share of investment in China has plunged from nearly 84 percent to 4 percent, while GDP has doubled from NT$14 trillion to NT$28 trillion. In their view, he continued, a key factor behind this is Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy, which substantially shifted investment away from China and toward Japan, countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Europe, and the United States, driving economic success in Taiwan.
Chairman Furuya further pointed out that the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy championed by the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has become a key component of the international community’s diplomatic efforts to safeguard peace and stability among nations that share common values. He added that Prime Minister Takaichi has put forth an updated FOIP strategy focused on advancing economic infrastructure for the AI era and strengthening supply chain resilience. He emphasized that Taiwan’s strengths in AI, robotics, and semiconductors make it an indispensable partner in achieving the FOIP vision.
Chairman Furuya said that, from a global perspective, Japan and Taiwan have already formed an expansive, integrated economic sphere. He then took the opportunity to introduce President Lai to his constituency, the Tono region in Gifu Prefecture, and its distinctive features and charms. Located at the heart of the Tokyo-Osaka economic corridor, the region boasts cutting-edge industries, rich historical and cultural heritage, and beautiful natural landscapes. He expressed hope that it would attract greater investment and develop into a new hub for Taiwan-Japan cooperation.
Chairman Furuya stated that Japan and Taiwan share common values and beliefs, and that by further deepening cooperation and building a more resilient economic partnership, the two sides can better diversify risks, strengthen economic security, and enhance global supply chain resilience. He added that the Takaichi Cabinet has identified 17 strategic sectors for growth, and expressed his wish that the Tono region will deepen cooperation with Taiwan in industries such as semiconductors, AI, and robotics. This, he said, will create new opportunities for mutually beneficial Taiwan-Japan collaboration. He expressed hope that this visit will bolster exchanges with Taiwan’s business community and pave the way for even broader cooperation in the future.
Chairman Furuya remarked that he was sanctioned by China this past April due to his frequent visits to Taiwan, and that the sanctions included the confiscation of private assets in China, as well as an entry ban. He pointed out that China claims Taiwan as part of “one China,” but also imposes sanctions for visiting Taiwan – a contradiction in itself. Moreover, he said, he has no assets in China nor any plans to travel there, meaning that the sanctions have no impact on him whatsoever. He described the move as another example of China’s continued pressure tactics. For this reason, he once again emphasized that all partners who share the values of and belief in democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental human rights must work even more closely together in the future. He stressed that nothing is more important than this shared commitment.
Also in attendance at the ceremony were Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Deputy Representative Masashi Mizobuchi and Chair of the Tono Five Cities Future Town Development Council and Mayor of Toki City Kato Junji.
 

CE holds dialogue with lawmakers

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A total of 67 lawmakers attended the “Chief Executive’s Dialogue with Legislative Council Members” this morning, 

Chief Executive John Lee stressed that the dialogue, held at the Legislative Council (LegCo) Complex, provides a calm and cordial setting for direct communication, free from constraints such as the Rules of Procedure.

He said the dialogue had three objectives: to enhance mutual understanding and build consensus between the executive authorities and the legislature; to create new value for the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”; and to encouraging the sharing of experiences in implementing this principle. 

“I regard the LegCo as the Government’s reform partner,” Mr Lee said. “Both the Government and the LegCo are members of ‘Team Hong Kong’, sharing the same goal of solving problems for the public.

“The Chief Executive’s Dialogue with LegCo Members is an innovative initiative that allows us to engage in warm and in-depth dialogue, holding exchanges as teammates.”

During the dialogue, LegCo members engaged in open exchanges with Mr Lee on a wide range of topics, including the economy, livelihood matters and social development. They also shared insights from their participation in the National Affairs Study Visit in Beijing last week.

Speech by PSITI at HKAE Pitch Competition on Grand Challenge Engineering Topics for University Students 2025-26 Award Ceremony (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Speech by PSITI at HKAE Pitch Competition on Grand Challenge Engineering Topics for University Students 2025-26 Award Ceremony (English only) (with photo)      
Dr Chan (President of the HKAE, Dr Alex Chan), Professor Chao (Chairman of the Pitch Competition 2025-26 and Senior Vice President of the HKAE, Professor Christopher Chao), Mr Ma (Deputy Chairman of the Pitch Competition 2025-26 and Vice President of the HKAE, Mr Eric Ma), distinguished fellows, honourable judges, award winners, ladies and gentlemen,
      
     Good evening. I am delighted to join you all tonight at this memorable University Pitch Competition Award Ceremony.  
      
     First and foremost, I extend my warmest congratulations to the award-winning teams and students. Your outstanding entries truly exemplify the spirit of innovation and collaborative teamwork. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the HKAE for organising this meaningful competition and for your unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineering leaders.
      
     The theme of this year’s competition, “Human-AI Collaboration”, is both timely and highly relevant. When we speak of collaboration, we are not referring to technology replacing people. Rather, human-AI collaboration is about synergy. It is the powerful intersection where human intuition, creativity, and empathy meet the incredible speed, data processing capability, and analytical scale of machines. This synergy unlocks boundless opportunities, driving the adoption of AI to new heights and transforming how we live, work, and innovate.
      
     AI has become the cornerstone of our digital economy strategy in Hong Kong. We are actively aligning with the national “AI+” initiative, which emphasises deep integration of AI across sectors, advocating a dual vision of “industries for AI” and “AI for industries”. Our goal is to transform Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hub and a global hub for AI development. We are achieving this by leveraging our strengths in research and development, infrastructure, finance, international linkages, and our strategic proximity to the Greater Bay Area.
      
     This strategic direction builds upon the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint promulgated in 2022, which identified AI and data science as key focus areas for the next five to ten years. AI is playing a pivotal and leading role in this new round of technological revolution, and recent Policy Addresses and Budgets have firmly elevated AI as a top strategic priority.
      
     The significance of AI stems from its transformative ability to drive innovation, boost efficiency, and tackle complex challenges. To translate this into tangible outcomes, the Government has established the Committee on AI+ and Industry Development Strategy to formulate approaches that create optimal conditions for AI to empower and reshape various industries.
      
     Complementing this strategic framework, the newly established Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute, which will commence operations later this year, will play a leading role in accelerating a vibrant AI ecosystem and spearheading the “AI+” agenda in Hong Kong. It is uniquely positioned to propel innovation, promote multi-stakeholder collaboration, attract global talent and investment, and elevate Hong Kong’s international standing in the field.
      
     On the digital infrastructure front, Hong Kong’s overall computing power has now reached 5 000 PFLOPS (peta-floating point operations per second), with Cyberport’s AI Supercomputing Centre contributing 3 000 PFLOPS to serve as a critical backbone supporting our local AI development. Another vital infrastructure project is the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster in the Northern Metropolis. Currently under construction, it will be developed into an advanced data facility cluster for data centres and related industries. It is expected to provide 180 000 PFLOPS of computing power by 2032, equivalent to 36 times our current capacity.
      
     Looking ahead, the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government has launched a public consultation on Hong Kong’s first five-year economic and social development plan to align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. This development plan will articulate our vision and introduce forward-looking policies to deepen the “AI+” initiative, accelerate research transformation, and expand application scenarios to foster deep integration across industries. I strongly encourage you to submit your views on or before August 14, 2026 to collectively shape our future innovation blueprint.
      
     In closing, I understand that the winning team and the outstanding team will have the opportunity to participate in the International Finals, where they will showcase their innovative solutions to pressing global challenges. I am confident that your innovative solutions will shine on the global stage.
      
     I wish you all a very pleasant and enjoyable evening. Thank you.
Issued at HKT 20:41

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SEE witnesses in Shenzhen signing of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Joint Botanical Garden Co-operation Agreement

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, today (July 27) witnessed in Shenzhen the signing of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Joint Botanical Garden Co-operation Agreement between the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Urban Planning and Natural Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality and the Urban Management and Law Enforcement Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality. The collaboration will create an in-depth integration model of ecological co-operation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, laying the foundation for the joint application for the establishment of a National Botanical Garden by the two places in the future.

     Witnessed by Mr Tse; the Vice Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government, Mr Dai Jintao; and Deputy Director of the Forestry Administration of Guangdong Province Mr Liang Xiaodong, the Co-operation Agreement was signed by the Director-General of the Urban Planning and Natural Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, Mr Xu Songming; the Director-General of the Urban Management and Law Enforcement Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, Mr Zhang Guohong; the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Mickey Lai; and the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan.

     According to the Co-operation Agreement, Hong Kong and Shenzhen will collaborate in fields including the collection and protection of plant diversity, ecological protection and the building of ecological corridors, building of synergy and capability in scientific research, science promotion and education, as well as horticultural exhibitions. The two places will jointly conduct regional plant resource systematic surveys, establish an integrated conservation system for rare and endangered wild plants, and advance regional native vegetation restoration and ecosystem remediation.

     In addition, the Co-operation Agreement will foster the launch of in-depth collaboration projects between two places in plant taxonomy, nature conservation and ecological restoration to promote professional talent exchange, the planning of horticultural exhibitions with distinctive national and regional features, and the launch of nature education and citizen science promotion activities. 

     Mr Tse visited the Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning in the afternoon with representatives from other Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies to learn about Shenzhen’s experience in developing a livable and green urban environment, exchanged views with other representatives and joined a mangrove planting event. 

     Mr Tse will attend the 2026 APEC Ministerial Meeting on Forestry tomorrow (July 28) to discuss topics such as forest conservation and sustainable management, the balance between ecological protection and livelihood, as well as technological innovation.

  

Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao join forces in Beijing to present GBA opportunities to state-owned enterprises and investment institutions

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     ​Invest Hong Kong, in collaboration with the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province, the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), and the Investment Association of Central State-owned Enterprises, jointly organised a business matching conference on industrial and capital collaboration between state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and investment institutions, and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) in Beijing today (July 27). The event aimed to introduce GBA business advantages and the latest opportunities to Beijing-based SOEs and investment institutions, encouraging them to leverage Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to expand into international markets.
 
     This conference is one of the key investment promotion initiatives jointly organised by the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, aimed at further enhancing the working mechanism of the Pan-Greater Bay Area Inward Investment Liaison Group and deepening the integration between industrial development and investment capital within the GBA. It attracted over 150 representatives from SOEs and investment institutions, fund companies, cutting-edge industry projects, and business associations, fully reflecting the strong interest of various sectors in the development opportunities of the GBA.
 
     At the conference, representatives from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao delivered presentations to introduce the latest developments and the investment environment of the GBA, further demonstrating the GBA’s potential to local SOEs.
 
     Deputy Director-General of the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province Mr Zhu Xiaojun said that the conference comes at an opportune time, aligning with the new investment planning stage of central SOEs. He expressed hope that the initiative would strengthen co-operation between central SOEs and investment institutions, and GBA in terms of industry development and capital matching. Highlighting Guangdong’s advantages in industrial ecosystem completeness, market scale, innovation capacity, and business environment, he encouraged enterprises to invest, deepen co-operation, and expand in the GBA.
 
     The Acting Deputy Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, Miss Cathy Li, said that Hong Kong, as the most international city in the GBA, leverages the advantages under the “one country, two systems”, its common-law system aligned with international standards, and its well-established financial and risk management systems, which serve as a stable and reliable international operations hub for SOEs, which can capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths as a platform for fundraising and financing, professional services, risk management and corporate treasury functions, while combining these with the GBA’s comprehensive industrial chain and vast market potential to develop and strengthen their international businesses. At the same time, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government encourages SOEs to participate in the synergistic development of innovation and technology in the GBA, establish operations in the Hetao Hong Kong Park, and work together in nurturing new quality productive forces.
 
     Director of the IPIM Mr Larry Leong said that Macao will continue to seize the opportunities arising from the “one country, two systems” framework and the China and Portuguese Speaking Countries platform to serve as a gateway for Central SOEs to go global and expand into Portuguese-speaking markets. He added that the IPIM will further enhance its one-stop services for investors, strengthen support for trade between China and Portuguese Speaking Countries, and deepen efforts to attract investment while supporting overseas expansion – helping enterprises leverage Macao’s unique strengths and policy benefits to expand overseas.
 
     The conference also included a project roadshow session, during which several Guangdong enterprises presented their projects on-site and engaged in interactions and exchanges with representatives from local investment institutions.
 
     Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Ms Loretta Lee said that the department will continue to work closely with the Guangdong and Macao governments to actively introduce Hong Kong’s latest developments and investment opportunities to more SOEs and investment institutions, assisting them in leveraging Hong Kong’s professional services and international networks to expand into overseas markets, achieving mutual benefits and win-win outcomes.

     

FEHD releases fifth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in July

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (July 27) released the fifth batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in July, covering 25 survey areas, as follows:
 

District Survey Area July 2026
First Phase Gravidtrap Index First Phase Density Index
Central and Western Central and Admiralty 9.3% 1.2 
Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun 9.1% 2.4 
Kowloon City Hung Hom and To Kwa Wan 24.1% 1.1 
Kwun Tong Lam Tin and Sau Mau Ping 9.7% 1.2
Yau Tong and Cha Kwo Ling 1.8% 1.0 
Wong Tai Sin Diamond Hill and Tsz Wan Shan 16.7% 1.0 
Ngau Chi Wan and San Po Kong 5.6% 1.3 
Wong Tai Sin East 8.7% 1.3 
North Fanling South 17.8% 1.4 
Sai Kung Sai Kung Town 3.8% 1.0 
Sha Tin Sha Tin East 6.5% 1.0 
Kwai Tsing Kwai Chung West 17.8% 1.0 
Tsing Yi North 6.7% 1.3 
Tsuen Wan Tsuen Wan West 9.1% 1.2 
Yuen Long Hung Shui Kiu and Ping Shan 6.0% 1.3 

 

District Survey Area July 2026
Area Gravidtrap Index Area Density Index
Islands Cheung Chau 4.7% 1.4 
Kwun Tong Kowloon Bay 7.1% 1.9 
Kwun Tong Central 4.8% 1.3 
Yau Tsim Tsim Sha Tsui East and King’s Park 6.5% 1.1 
Sha Tin Sha Tin Town Centre and Fo Tan 7.5% 1.4 
Tai Po Tai Po East 19.6% 1.2 
Tsuen Wan Ma Wan and Sham Tseng 9.1% 1.3 
Tuen Mun So Kwun Wat 11.7% 1.2 
Tuen Mun West  9.1% 1.3 
Yuen Long Tin Shui Wai 16.2% 1.0 

The FEHD continues to carry out a series of measures, including:

  • Interdepartmental collaboration: convening special meetings of the interdepartmental task forces on anti-mosquito work to co-ordinate relevant departments and stakeholders (such as construction site contractors, schools and property management companies) in strengthening mosquito control work at venues;
  • Precise risk assessments: carrying out intensive and targeted mosquito control work at locations with more serious mosquito infestations, including stepping up inspections, eliminating mosquito breeding and potential breeding grounds, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and placing mosquito trapping devices at appropriate locations;
  • Promotion and education: organising exhibitions with relevant departments and stakeholders, and distributing leaflets and posters to enhance public awareness of mosquito control and prevention; and
  • Rapid alert mechanism: notifying residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, and advising property management companies and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures.

During the follow-up actions and following the discovery of stagnant water or stagnant water containers at two construction sites, three parks and four public housing estates in Kowloon City District, Wong Tai Sin District, North District, Tai Po District and Yuen Long District, the FEHD has issued a total of nine statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified timeframe. Meanwhile, the FEHD has initiated three prosecutions against the relevant construction site contractors and the estate management company following the discovery of mosquito breeding at two construction sites and a public housing estate in Kowloon City District and North District.

Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:

  • tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside the 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 chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.

Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The Gravidtrap and Density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).

        

Recognising quality services of taxi fleets with continuous support to achieve committed fleet size

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Recognising quality services of taxi fleets with continuous support to achieve committed fleet size       
     Since the service commencement of the five taxi fleets, their vehicle numbers have continued to expand, with over 2 000 fleet taxis and about 2 400 fleet taxi drivers currently in service. As at end-May 2026, about 4.2 million trips in total had been completed by the five taxi fleets.
      
     A spokesman for the TD said, “Taxi fleets have provided fresh vitality into the taxi industry and the personalised point-to-point transport services in Hong Kong in terms of vehicle age, vehicle models and the average age of drivers. Of note, all fleet taxis have already installed with a Global Positioning System, a dash camera and CCTV, leading the industry to enhance and reform service quality. We have been actively promoting the development of taxi fleets and rendering all-round support to assist fleet operators in solving operational challenges, including the engagement of drivers and taxi owners, enhancing fleet advantages and upholding service standards.”
      
Multi-pronged approach to attract taxi owners and drivers
      
     Apart from promoting the features of taxi fleets to all taxi owners to appeal for their participation, the TD actively liaised with relevant banks to provide assistance to taxi owners joining fleets in applying for the Dedicated 100% Loan Guarantee Scheme for Battery Electric Taxis. To date, over 200 applications have been facilitated, increasing the number of electric vehicles in the fleets and promoting green transport.
      
     The five fleets have also implemented various measures to recruit drivers and taxi owners. Meanwhile, the TD assisted in arranging fleet operators to participate in over 20 regional and thematic job fairs organised by the Labour Department. This enabled operators to better explain to job seekers in detail their management, training and support for drivers, successfully attracting both existing drivers and new recruits. Over 100 drivers have joined the fleets through these events to date.
      
Enhancing fleet advantages
      
     The TD coordinated with power companies and charging facility operators to optimise the layout of dedicated charging infrastructure for taxi fleets. Currently, the five fleets, together with charging operators, offer over 160 charging service points across the territory to facilitate the charging of electric taxis.
      
     Furthermore, the TD has designated 95 dedicated fleet taxi stopping places across 16 locations, including the airport, some of the boundary control points, Hong Kong West Kowloon Station of the Express Rail Link, some of the Airport Express stations, the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Phase II, the Exhibition Centre Station Public Transport Interchange and M+ Museum. Dedicated fleet taxi stopping places will also be set up at the Hong Kong Port Area of the new Huanggang Port. The TD has also taken the initiative to engage the hotel and tourism sectors, encouraging greater use of taxi fleet services. This has successfully fostered deep collaboration between fleets and major hotel groups to deliver quality service to visitors.
      
     In addition, the TD coordinated the collaboration between Octopus and taxi fleets to participate in the “Easy Ride” hailing platform, creating an aggregated platform for all five fleets. Since its launch in recent months, “Easy Ride” has recorded over 400 000 visits, with over  10 000 taxis being connected with the platform. Nearly 40 per cent of orders were completed by taxi fleets, achieving an order completion rate of 76 per cent by taxi fleets. This reflects a positive response from taxi fleets with diversified passenger sources. Fleet drivers are also able to collaborate with different online hailing platforms to make pre-booking easier for passengers while increasing driver income.
      
Attracting younger drivers and ensuring service quality
      
     Fleet operators maintain stringent criteria for selecting drivers and have established effective driver management and monitoring mechanisms. This has attracted many courteous, professional and younger new recruits, effectively improving the traditional image of the industry. The average age of drivers across the five fleets is only 47 now, much lower than the industry average of 60. Notably, 20 per cent of fleet drivers are aged between 30 and 39, bringing a fresh outlook to the trade. At the same time, fleet operators strictly monitor the service quality; all fleet vehicles are equipped with Driver Monitoring Systems to ensure service standards. Any non-compliant driver will be followed up seriously, and severe cases will result in immediate termination of engagement.
      
     The TD closely monitors the service quality of taxi fleets, and with the effective driver management implemented by fleet operators, the number of complaints received is lower than that of non-fleet taxis, and the accident rate involved is also relatively lower.
      
     The spokesperson added, “We will continue to provide all-round support to fleet operators to enhance service quality and drive each fleet toward the committed fleet sizes. We will also closely monitor the service quality, performance and standards of fleet operators, while keeping a close watch on public demand for taxi fleet services.”
Issued at HKT 21:19

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Land and Development Advisory Committee holds meeting

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Development Bureau briefed the Land and the Development Advisory Committee (LDAC) at its meeting today (July 27) on the two new measures to incentivise urban renewal. The major arrangements of the measures are as follows:
 
(1) The Bonus Plot Ratio Pilot Scheme: If a developer commits to pull down a building with residential elements in the seven designated areas (Note), whose building age reached 50 years or above with the site area not less than 700 square metres, and redevelop it into residential use, an additional 20 per cent premium-free gross floor area (GFA) will be provided as bonus. The developer can choose to submit planning application to the Town Planning Board (TPB) to directly utilise the bonus plot ratio in kind for in-situ redevelopment. The developer can also choose to translate the bonus plot ratio into land premium value for offsetting the land premium payable for in-situ redevelopment or any other land transactions in the Northern Metropolis and other parts of the territory. To simplify the execution procedures, the Government will use standard rates to calculate the premium value of the bonus plot ratio. All in-situ redevelopment projects joining the Pilot Scheme are required to be effected by means of lease modification to ensure timely completion of the redevelopment project. The bonus plot ratio will not affect other existing GFA concession measures. Subject to market response, the Development Bureau will evaluate the effectiveness of the Pilot Scheme, as well as introduce adjustments where necessary and consider whether the period of the Pilot Scheme will have to be extended; and 

(2) The cross-district transfer of plot ratio (TPR) arrangement: It is to relax the current arrangements of TPR within the same district, allowing cross-district transfer of plot ratio from the sending sites to other areas across the territory, including the New Development Areas, so as to reduce the development density in the urban area. It is also to extend the geographic coverage of sending sites from Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei to the remaining five designated areas (Note), as well as removing the limit of two receiving sites and reducing the site area requirement of receiving sites from 1 000 sq m to 700 sq m. To provide additional incentives, if the sending site is used for designated uses benefiting the local community, subject to the TPB’s approval, certain premium-free GFA could be provided within the sending sites as bonus GFA, in addition to the full transfer of the plot ratio and GFA from sending sites in order to support the on-going management and maintenance of the sending site. Furthermore, the premium assessment arrangement will be relaxed to allow the land premium assessment for the sending sites and receiving sites to be combined. All cross-district TPR proposals will require submission of planning applications to the TPB, which will perform a gatekeeping role in ensuring the transfer will not cause adverse impact to the surrounding environment. 

The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said “At present, the pace of building ageing in Hong Kong far exceeds that of redevelopment by the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) and the private market. In the past decade, the number of buildings aged 50 years or above increased by about 510 per year, while on average only 160 buildings were demolished by the URA and the private sector. And not many redevelopment projects in old districts are financially viable these days. In this regard, the Government has to adopt a new mindset and bold policy thinking to give a stronger policy push to encourage the private sector to participate in urban renewal, with a view to expediting redevelopment and rescuing urban decay.”
 
Members were very supportive of the two new measures proposed by the Government. They agreed that the Bonus Plot Ratio Pilot Scheme would provide incentives and enhance the financial viability of redevelopment projects in old districts, and that the cross-district TPR arrangement could further incentivise the market to use the planning tool to expedite urban renewal.
 
Members considered that it was time to give bolder and stronger push to promote urban redevelopment by the URA and the market. If the response of these measures is positive, members expected that the Government could extend the Pilot scheme and consider relaxing the implementation arrangements where appropriate. Given the measures would involve a lot of technical implementation details, Members would like the Government to set out such details in the application guidelines of the relevant measures, so as to facilitate implementation.
 
The above are two of the measures announced in the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address to expedite urban renewal. Having consulted relevant stakeholders and taken into account their comments, the Government has formulated the implementation arrangements. The LDAC today mainly discussed the implementation details of the relevant proposals. 
 
The Government will issue a joint practice notes for launching the Bonus Plot Ratio Pilot Scheme and revise the TPB Guidelines on TPR after obtaining the TPB’s endorsement, with a view to launching the two schemes in the third quarter of 2026.
 
Note: The seven designated areas refer to Cheung Sha Wan (the same Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) covering also Sham Shui Po), Ma Tau Kok (covering Kowloon City and To Kwa Wan), Mong Kok, Sai Ying Pun and Sheung Wan (covered by the same OZP), Tsuen Wan, Wan Chai and Yau Ma Tei.

Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Chek Lap Kok today

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Chek Lap Kok today                
     To prevent workers from falling from height, the LD reminds employers to take adequate precautionary measures, including providing workers with suitable working platforms, which should be securely fenced by guardrails at a height of not less than 900 mm or otherwise suitably protected, so as to protect workers’ safety while working at height. Issued at HKT 21:37

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Cluster of Influenza A cases in Kowloon Hospital

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Cluster of Influenza A cases in Kowloon Hospital 
     Eight patients (aged 69 to 97) in a male extended care ward have presented with symptoms of fever or respiratory symptoms since July 22. Appropriate viral tests were arranged for the patients, and their test results were positive for Influenza A. One patient is currently hospitalised at Queen Elizabeth Hospital for other medical needs. One patient is in serious condition due to his underlying illness. The remaining six patients are in stable condition.Issued at HKT 19:30

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