Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Public urged to keep up anti-mosquito efforts

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (August 7) announced that the monthly gravidtrap index for Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in July was 9.6 per cent, at Level 2, indicating that the distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in the survey areas was fairly extensive. The FEHD and relevant government departments have continuously stepped up mosquito prevention and control actions. 

     In July, among the 62 survey areas, the area gravidtrap indexes (AGI) in three areas exceeded 20 per cent. The gravidtraps were mostly located in the vicinity of private residential areas, public housing estates, schools, hospitals/clinics, recreational and sports facilities and public places. The FEHD has collaborated with relevant government departments to take immediate action to strengthen mosquito prevention and control work in the areas concerned. In July this year, the FEHD conducted over 69 000 inspections, initiated 17 prosecutions following the discovery of mosquito breeding, and issued 69 statutory notices requiring the clearance of stagnant water or stagnant water containers. 

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Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $1.2 million at airport (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 6) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport. About 6 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $1.2 million were seized.

A 46-year-old Mainland male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During Customs clearance, the suspected cannabis buds, weighing about 6kg in total, were found in 20 bags in his carry-on suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.

The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (August 8).

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

     

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CE meets Secretary-General of ASEAN (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CE meets Secretary-General of ASEAN (with photo)      
     Mr Lee welcomed Dr Kao’s visit to Hong Kong. Mr Lee said that Hong Kong has maintained close trade and economic ties with ASEAN, and ASEAN has been Hong Kong’s second-largest trading partner since 2010. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is pressing ahead at full steam with the formulation of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan. As an international financial, shipping and trade centre, Hong Kong is actively developing into an international innovation and technology centre and an international hub for high-calibre talent. Hong Kong will continue to deepen exchanges and co-operation with ASEAN member states in areas such as trade, investment, finance, logistics and innovation and technology, to jointly promote regional economic development and achieve mutual benefits and win-win outcomes.
      
     Mr Lee said that Hong Kong is a functional platform for the Belt and Road Initiative. Under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantage of having the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. It will proactively serve as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder”, and leverage its role in “bringing in and going global” by providing ASEAN enterprises with a high-quality business environment and diversified professional services. Through the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, the HKSAR Government supports Mainland enterprises in expanding into markets including ASEAN, to promote the two-way flow of trade and investment in the region. He added that the HKSAR Government set up an Economic and Trade Office (ETO) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last year, which is the fourth ETO established by the HKSAR Government in ASEAN member states, to further promote economic and trade exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and the region.
      
     Mr Lee said that Hong Kong will continue to maintain close exchanges with the ASEAN Secretariat and solicit support from other stakeholders for Hong Kong’s early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Issued at HKT 15:23

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HKMCA introduces new insurance company as referral partner

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

HKMCA introduces new insurance company as referral partner      
     Executive Director and the Chief Executive Officer of the HKMCA, Mr Daniel Leong, said, “The HKMCA is committed to developing the local annuity market. This collaboration with BOC Life enables a greater number of licensed insurance intermediaries to help the public better understand the critical roles that the HKMC Annuity Plan plays in retirement planning. We are looking forward to working closely with more institutions to empower the public to achieve their long-term sustainable retirement goal.”
      
     For enquiries or to verify the identity of designated licensed insurance intermediaries, please contact the HKMCA customer service hotline at 2512 5000.
Issued at HKT 12:00

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Proposed works of water recreation and yacht bay development gazetted

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Proposed works of water recreation and yacht bay development gazetted      
     The notice and its related plan are posted near the site. The plan is also available for inspection at:
 
* Survey and Mapping Office of the Lands Department (6/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong) (where copies can be purchased on order);
 
* Islands Home Affairs Enquiry Centre (Tung Chung) of the Islands District Office (1/F, Tung Chung Post Office Building, 6 Mei Tung Street, Tung Chung, Lantau Island); and
 
* Lands Department’s website (www.landsd.gov.hk 
     Any person who considers that he has an interest, right or easement in or over the foreshore and seabed involved may submit a written objection to the Director of Lands, 20/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong, within two months from the gazette date, i.e. on or before October 7. The objector shall describe in the notice of objection his interest, right or easement, and the manner in which he will be allegedly affected.
Issued at HKT 11:45

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DH continues crackdown on illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     ​The Department of Health (DH) today (August 6) continued to conduct operations across multiple districts in Hong Kong to crack down on the illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine, seizing more than 140 boxes of suspected unregistered medicine claimed to have pain-relieving effects. Most of the products were labelled in Japanese. Additionally, two men were arrested on suspicion of violating the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Chapter 138) (the Ordinance).

Following yesterday’s unannounced inspections in various districts, including Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, Sheung Shui and Yuen Long, DH officers conducted enforcement operations in Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok today. At three retail outlets, DH officers seized more than 140 boxes of suspected unregistered medicine claimed to have pain-relieving effects. Most of the products were labelled in Japanese and did not bear a Hong Kong pharmaceutical product registration number. They are suspected to be medicine containing Ibuprofen and dihydrocodeine. Two men aged 36 and 40 were arrested by the Police on suspicion of contravention of drug-related offences, including illegal possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part 1 Poisons etc.

The DH will continue to investigate and follow up on the case, and will prosecute other individuals involved in the case when sufficient evidence is available.

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain killer and its side effects include nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort and peptic ulcers. Dihydrocodeine is an opioid analgesic used as a cough suppressant and for pain relief, and its side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation and drowsiness. Medicines containing Ibuprofen and dihydrocodeine are Part 1 poisons and should only be supplied by a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist or upon the advice of a medical practitioner.

The DH has an established mechanism to monitor the sale of pharmaceutical products in the market (including the Internet). If the DH detects any suspected illegal sale or possession of pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons, the DH will promptly investigate, and, if necessary, refer the case to other law enforcement agencies to follow up, or conduct joint operations with other law enforcement agencies, and any irregularities so found will be dealt with in accordance with the law. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons are criminal offences under the Ordinance, which upon conviction, are subject to a fine of up to $100,000 and an imprisonment for two years.

According to the Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in the market. The DH reminded the public that all registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of “HK-XXXXX”. The safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed.

The DH strongly urged members of the public to consult healthcare professionals before consuming any medication. Do not purchase or consume products of doubtful composition, or from unknown sources, as their safety, quality and efficacy are not guaranteed. The DH has prepared some safety information for consumers regarding the purchase and use of medicines, namely Be Cautious when Buying Medicines on Internet, General Knowledge on Registered Medicines, Be Cautious When Buying Medicines Overseas.

     

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Tender of 7-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds through re-opening to be held on August 13

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Tender of 7-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds through re-opening to be held on August 13      
     An additional amount of RMB1.25 billion of the outstanding 7-year Bonds (issue no. 07GB3306001) will be on offer. The Bonds will mature on June 29, 2033, and will carry interest at the rate of 1.78 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear. The Indicative Pricings of the Bonds on August 7, 2026, are 100.99 with a semi-annualised yield of 1.627 per cent.
      
     Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk      
     Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day. 

Issue Number9.30am to 10.30amRemaining Maturity:Approximately 6.87 yearsthe Stock Exchange
of Hong Kong LimitedIssued at HKT 17:00

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Tender of 5-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds through re-opening to be held on August 13

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Tender of 5-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds through re-opening to be held on August 13      
     An additional amount of RMB1.25 billion of the outstanding 5-year Bonds (issue no. 05GB3105001) will be on offer. The Bonds will mature on May 19, 2031 and will carry interest at the rate of 1.68 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear. The Indicative Pricings of the Bonds on August 7, 2026 are 100.75 with a semi-annualised yield of 1.516 per cent.
      
     Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk      
     Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day. 

Issue Number9.30am to 10.30am 
The accrued interest to be paid by successful bidders on the issue date (August 17, 2026) for the tender amount is RMB209.42 per minimum denomination of RMB50,000.
 
(The accrued interest to be paid for tender amount exceeding RMB50,000 may not be exactly equal to the figures calculated from the accrued interest per minimum denomination of RMB50,000 due to rounding).the Stock Exchange
of Hong Kong LimitedIssued at HKT 17:00

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Tender of 2-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds through re-opening to be held on August 13

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Tender of 2-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds through re-opening to be held on August 13      
     An additional amount of RMB0.75 billion of the outstanding 3-year Bonds (issue no. 03GB2807001) will be on offer. The Bonds will mature on July 28, 2028 and will carry interest at the rate of 1.59 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear. The Indicative Pricings of the Bonds on August 7, 2026 are 100.27 with a semi-annualised yield of 1.452 per cent.
      
     Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk      
     Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day. 

Issue Number9.30am to 10.30amthe Stock Exchange
of Hong Kong LimitedIssued at HKT 17:00

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MOFA to jointly host Ketagalan Forum: 2026 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA to jointly host Ketagalan Forum: 2026 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue

Date：2026-07-31
Data Source：Department of Policy Planning

July 31, 2026  No. 354  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the ROC (Taiwan) and the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research will convene the Ketagalan Forum: 2026 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue at the Grand Hyatt Taipei on August 4. This will be the 10th edition of the forum. The event has become one of the premier international conferences on strategy and security in Taiwan. MOFA anticipates that this year it will once again serve as a platform for fostering dialogue and cooperation among participants.
 
On the special occasion of the forum’s 10th edition, MOFA is privileged to welcome Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini Russell Dlamini and Chairman Emeritus of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee Michael McCaul (R-TX), who will serve as opening keynote speakers. Furthermore, former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada Chrystia Freeland and former Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin―both of whom are visiting Taiwan for the first time―will deliver a keynote address at the luncheon and in the afternoon, respectively. 

The event will also be attended by 12 prominent political leaders, parliamentarians, scholars, and experts from nine countries across the Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and Latin America. They will engage with their Taiwanese counterparts in discussions on the practice of democratic resilience, construction of joint defenses for the Indo-Pacific region, and the shaping of non-red supply chains.
 
In addition, a campaign to express concern and to counter China’s Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress will be launched. As part of this campaign, like-minded allies and partners in the international community will be encouraged to collectively monitor China’s attempts at extraterritorial jurisdiction and transnational repression, unite in countering this law, and together forge a resilient global defense.
 
Updates on related information will be available on the Ketagalan Forum website (www.ketagalanforum.tw ). Proceedings will be live streamed on the Ketagalan Forum channel, which can be reached via a link on the website. (E)