Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee will attend the flame-lighting ceremony of the 15th National Games (NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG), in Nansha, Guangzhou tomorrow.

At the ceremony, Mr Lee will be an officiating guest to light the flame for the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Vice President and Secretary-General of the Organising Committee of the 15th NG, the 12th NGD & the 9th NSOG, and Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, will receive the flame of the games.

Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau will be presented with the flame to symbolise the three places cohosting the games.

Mr Lee will depart for the ceremony tomorrow morning and return to Hong Kong that afternoon.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Hong Kong Customs on September 2 detected a smuggling case involving three passengers at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and seized 6 517 pieces of pharmaceutical injections containing Part I Poisons and 600 tablets of pharmaceutical products containing Part I Poisons with an estimated market value of about $4.7 million. The three passengers concerned were convicted and sentenced to three months’ imprisonment by the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today (October 8) for contravening the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO) (Cap. 60).
 
     Customs officers intercepted the three male passengers, aged 55, 51 and 39 on September 2 at the Arrival Hall at HKIA for Customs clearance. Upon examination, the batch of pharmaceutical injections and pharmaceutical products was found inside their check-in suitcases.
    
     Customs reminds the public not to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong.
 
     Under the IEO, any person who imports pharmaceutical products and medicines without a valid import licence 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 smuggling 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).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is a question by Dr the Hon Hoey Simon Lee and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, in the Legislative Council today (October 8):

Question:

     It is learnt that in recent years, the sale of products in the form of “blind boxes” (i.e. commodities whose contents are unidentifiable by consumers in advance) has become increasingly common among some merchants. However, such sales model has also aroused consumers’ concerns about their rights and interests as well as its impact on minors. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether the authorities have regulated the sales model of “blind boxes” under the current legal and regulatory framework;

(2) as there are views that under the sales model of “blind boxes”, consumers are more inclined to pursue the thrill and chance-taking mentality from not being able to identify the contents of the “blind box” items in advance rather than the items themselves, whether the Government has assessed the gambling elements that may be inherent in the sales model of “blind boxes” and its impact on minors;

(3) it is learnt that some European Union countries, Singapore and the Mainland have imposed regulation on the sale of “blind boxes”, whether the authorities will consider drawing on the experience of the aforesaid countries to improve the current regulatory framework for the sales model of “blind boxes”;

(4) it is learnt that in addition to “blind boxes” available for sale offline, consumers can also purchase “blind boxes” sold outside Hong Kong through online platforms, whether the authorities have assessed if the existing legislation and regulation are sufficient to guard against such risks relating to tax avoidance and prohibited articles that may be associated with “blind boxes” sold outside Hong Kong; and

(5) as the State Administration for Market Regulation issued the Guidelines on Rules for Blind Box Business Operations (for Trial Implementation) in June 2023, which include a specific negative sales list prohibiting the sale of certain commodities such as medicinal products, medical devices as well as flammables and explosives in the form of “blind boxes”, while also imposing restrictions on products such as cosmetics and food that have a bearing on public health, whether the Government will consider drawing on such practice to regulate the sales practice of commodities relating to public health and safety?

Reply:

President,

     Having consulted the Home Affairs and Youth Bureau, the Health Bureau, the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Security Bureau, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, and the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (C&ED), our consolidated reply to various parts of the question is as follows:

     The Government has been committed to safeguarding the rights and interests of consumers, and attaches great importance to the safety of products sold in the market. Regarding “blind boxes” which have gained popularity in recent years, we note that other jurisdictions, including the Mainland, have been regulating, among others, relevant sales practices and product safety.

     Currently, various laws are in place in Hong Kong to protect the rights and interests of consumers. Among others, the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (Cap. 362) prohibits traders from subjecting consumers to unfair trade practices, including false trade descriptions, misleading omissions, aggressive commercial practices, bait advertising, bait-and-switch and wrongly accepting payment. The Trade Descriptions Ordinance covers goods and services, and is applicable to the trade practices of both physical and online traders. A trader deploying any of the above unfair trade practices when selling “blind boxes” to consumers will contravene the law.

     The C&ED, as the principal enforcement agency of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, has been actively combating unfair trade practices through enforcement actions, compliance promotion, and publicity and public education, with a view to protecting consumer rights and interests. If a trader is suspected of having engaged in unfair trade practices, the C&ED will take enforcement actions decisively. On the other hand, the Consumer Council endeavours to study and promote the protection of consumers’ rights and interests, including handling consumer complaints concerning goods and services. If consumers suspect that a trader is engaging in unfair trade practices when selling “blind boxes”, they could report the matter to the C&ED or file a complaint with the Council.

     In addition, at present, various laws in Hong Kong regulate the safety of different types of products or articles. Any person supplying relevant products or articles to consumers, regardless of the form, packaging and sales channel, is responsible for ensuring that their safety complies with the relevant legal requirements.

     In respect of toys products, the Toys and Children’s Products Safety Ordinance (Cap. 424) regulates the safety of toys, which are manufactured, imported or supplied for local use. The Toys and Children’s Products Safety (Additional Safety Standards or Requirements) Regulation also stipulates that a toy supplied in Hong Kong must carry information including identification markings (i.e. the full name and address of the manufacturer, importer or supplier) and the bilingual warnings or cautions (with respect to the safe keeping, use, consumption or disposal) applicable to the toy.

     For drugs (including pharmaceutical products and proprietary Chinese medicines (pCms)), the current regulations aim to ensure that drugs meet relevant standards for safety, quality and efficacy, thereby safeguarding public health and safety. They must be registered under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) (PPO) or the Chinese Medicine Ordinance (Cap. 549) before they can be sold. All registered pharmaceutical products and pCms must bear labels that correspond to the registration particulars, clearly stating information such as the Hong Kong registration number, product name, active ingredients, manufacturer information, etc. Selling drugs in the form of “blind boxes” may violate relevant legislation. When purchasing drugs, members of the public should carefully read the information on the packaging labels, and should not buy or use products of doubtful composition or from unknown sources.

     As regards medical devices, some products are already regulated by existing legislation, including the PPO, the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance (Cap. 456) and the Trade Descriptions Ordinance etc, depending on the characteristics and features of the products concerned. Before purchasing and using medical devices, members of the public should also thoroughly familiarise themselves with the product to ensure it meets their needs. The Government is actively developing Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub, and will set up the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation in 2026, implement “primary evaluation” for new drug registration in phases and submit a legislative proposal on regulating medical devices, to enhance medical products regulation.

     As regards dangerous goods, the Dangerous Goods Ordinance (Cap. 295) and its subsidiary legislation regulate the manufacture, storage, conveyance and use of dangerous goods (including explosives and inflammable substances). A trader supplying any dangerous goods regulated under the above legislation in the form of “blind boxes” must comply with the legal requirements. If the articles inside the “blind boxes” are commonly used in daily life and available in retail stores (such as alcohol handrub/sanitiser, glue, etc), and the container sizes of which do not exceed the maximum package size specified in the Dangerous Goods (Application and Exemption) Regulation 2012, they are classified as dangerous goods in consumer packs, and will be exempted from the packing, marking and labelling requirements.

     As regards food, according to the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132), all food sold in Hong Kong shall be safe for human consumption. It must also comply with the subsidiary legislation under the aforementioned ordinance concerning food safety and food safety standards. Specifically, according to the Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) Regulations, unless exempted, the labelling or marking of the prepackaged food for sale in Hong Kong, whether in the form of “blind boxes” or not, must include relevant information, including indication of durability, statement of special conditions for storage or instructions for use, information on energy value and nutrient content, etc, in either the English or the Chinese language or in both languages.

     Moreover, the safety of consumer goods which are ordinarily supplied for private use in Hong Kong, if not covered by other legislation, is subject to the regulation of the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation, the Consumer Goods Safety Regulation. Pursuant to the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance, manufacturers, importers and suppliers should ensure that the consumer goods they supply are reasonably safe. The Consumer Goods Safety Regulation stipulates that any warning or caution marked on the package of consumer goods must be in both the English and the Chinese languages in a legible and conspicuous manner.

     The Government will continue to closely monitor the trends of unfair trade practices and the latest requirements for safety standards of various articles to formulate appropriate strategies, thereby protecting consumers’ rights and interests and safety.

     Furthermore, there are strict regulations in Hong Kong on the import and export of all prohibited/controlled items and dutiable commodities. These regulations are applicable to all modes of import and export, including articles purchased through cross-border electronic commerce platforms. According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), import and export of all controlled items (including dangerous drugs, arms, ammunition, weapons, controlled chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and animals and plants, etc) must be accompanied by a valid licence or permit issued by the relevant authorities. Any person who brings any controlled item into/out of Hong Kong (whether by person, by post, or through purchasing agents or consolidated consignments) without a valid licence or permit may be prosecuted, in addition to confiscation of the subject item. In terms of tax, apart from four categories of dutiable commodities that are subject to duty under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109) (i.e. liquor, tobacco, hydrocarbon and methyl alcohol), Hong Kong does not impose duty on any other imported or exported goods. Any person who imports or exports dutiable goods must obtain a valid permit from the C&ED and make proper declaration on the manifest. For consumption of dutiable goods in Hong Kong, one must ensure that the relevant duty has been duly paid.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (October 8) announced that the monthly gravidtrap index (MGI) for Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in September was 2.5 per cent, lower than the 5.3 per cent in August. This reflects the continued efforts by relevant government departments to intensify mosquito prevention and elimination operations, resulting in the improvement of the overall mosquito infestation situation this month. In addition, the FEHD has strengthened the dissemination of information on the gravidtrap index for Aedes albopictus mosquitoes so that more citizens can quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation. The department will continue its mosquito control work to further reduce the risk of transmission of chikungunya fever (CF) and dengue fever (DF).

     In September, all 64 survey areas recorded an area gravidtrap index (AGI) lower than the alert level of 20 per cent. The decreases in the MGI and the AGI are attributable to the continuous and intensified mosquito prevention and elimination operations by various government departments and stakeholders, and may also have been affected by factors such as weather. The monthly rainfall was 528.7 millimetres in September, showing a decrease from the 939.2mm in August and 601.7mm in July. Overall, the MGI for Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in September was 2.5 per cent, at Level 1 (indicating the distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in the survey areas was not extensive). Relevant departments and stakeholders will persistently intensify mosquito prevention and elimination operations.

     Moreover, the monthly density index for Aedes albopictus in September was 1.1, which represented that an average of 1.1 Aedes albopictus adults were found in the Aedes-positive gravidtraps, indicating that the number of adult Aedes albopictus was not abundant in the survey areas.

     The FEHD currently makes regular announcements on gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus on its webpage. To allow more citizens to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation, the FEHD has strengthened information dissemination by promptly announcing the latest gravidtrap indexes through press releases and social media.

     In addition, to further reduce the risk of transmission of CF, the FEHD has extended the intensified mosquito control work, which was originally activated when the AGI reaches 20 per cent, to cover areas with the AGI falling between 10 and 20 per cent. Specifically, the FEHD will conduct detailed risk assessments in the areas concerned to identify locations with higher mosquito infestation risks and, in collaboration with relevant departments and stakeholders, conduct intensive and targeted mosquito control work. The FEHD will also notify nearby housing estates, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together to take mosquito prevention and elimination measures.

     To reduce the risk of transmission of CF and DF, the FEHD continues to step up mosquito prevention and control measures across all districts and to conduct vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations within a 250 metre radius of the residence of patients and the places patients had visited during the infectious period, including removing mosquito breeding grounds, applying larvicides to stagnant water that cannot be cleared, and carrying out ultra-low volume fogging operations in adult mosquito habitats such as densely wooded areas, dark and secluded places, and abandoned structures to eliminate adult mosquitoes.

     The FEHD continues to conduct its three-phase Anti-mosquito Campaign this year. The third phase of the territory-wide campaign was launched on August 4 and will run until October 24. During the period, the district offices of the FEHD will target areas that have drawn particular concern, such as public markets, cooked food centres and hawker bazaars, single-block buildings, streets and back lanes, common parts of buildings, village houses, construction sites, vacant sites and road works sites to remove accumulated water and carry out mosquito prevention and control work. To further enhance the effectiveness of mosquito control, the FEHD and relevant government departments have carried out phase two of the All-out Anti-mosquito Operations from May 7. In addition to the work of phase one, including eliminating potential mosquito breeding places, the FEHD called on property management entities to arrange for necessary repairs to their premises to minimise mosquito breeding places and commence adult mosquito control measures by means of regular ultra-low volume fogging operations.

     The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and estate management bodies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

     Aedes albopictus is a kind of mosquito that can transmit DF and CF. DF is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and has become endemic in many countries in Southeast Asia. In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) recorded over 14 million cases, which was a record number. Additionally, according to the WHO, CF cases have been recorded in more than 110 countries/regions. Many countries worldwide experienced CF outbreaks this year, and as of August, over 317 000 cases had been reported in 16 countries/regions worldwide. The DF and CF activities in neighbouring areas have remained high. Members of the public should stay vigilant and continue to carry out effective mosquito prevention and control measures.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Lands Department (LandsD) announced today (October 8) that two pre-sale consents for residential developments involving 1 851 residential units were issued in the third quarter of 2025.

     Details of the above residential developments with pre-sale consents issued are as follows:
 

Expected year of completion	Developments
2025	One development in Sai Kung (51 units)
2028	One development in Kai Tak (1 800 units)

 
     The LandsD also issued two consents to assign in the third quarter, involving a total of 87 residential units in two phases of a development in Kowloon Tong.

     As at September 30, 2025, 29 applications for pre-sale consent for residential developments involving 8 902 residential units were being processed. Details are as follows:
 

Expected year of completion	No. of applications	No. of residential units involved
2026	10	2 832
2027	13	3 563
2028	6	2 507

 
     In addition, 10 applications for consent to assign involving 3 666 residential units and four non-residential units respectively as well as three applications for pre-sale consent for non-residential developments were being processed.

     Members of the public can obtain up-to-date information on consents issued for the past quarter and cases pending approval by visiting the LandsD website (www.landsd.gov.hk).

     Intending purchasers are advised to study carefully the details of the development and the sale procedures, through information available from public advertisements, sales brochures and price lists released by the developer, before making a deposit for purchase. The sales brochure for a development also contains a summary of the provisions of the Deed of Mutual Covenant, including information on the common parts, the number of undivided shares assigned to each unit, the term of years for which the manager is appointed, the basis on which the management expenses are shared among the owners of the units, as well as a summary of the provisions of the government land grant, which intending purchasers are recommended to read carefully.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is a question by the Hon Benson Luk and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (October 8):

Question:

     It is learnt that there are at present over 80 recognised autoimmune disorders, with as many as 30 000 patients in Hong Kong suffering from such disorders who are at greater risk of contracting herpes zoster (HZ) (commonly known as “shingles”) than average persons. While various forms of HZ vaccination plans (commonly known as “shingles vaccine”) are available at various prices in the private healthcare market, the charges are considerable, with ordinary medical groups charging no less than HK$5,000. Yet the vaccine provides effective protection for only 10 years and revaccination is necessary afterwards. Ordinary grass roots may not be able to afford the expenses. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) given that HZ vaccine is currently not included in the Government Vaccination Programme, and that in its reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on November 20 last year, the Government indicated that the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases considered that more local data from a cost-benefit analysis would be required for future consideration on whether to include HZ vaccine in the Government Vaccination Programme, whether relevant reviews have been conducted by the authorities; if so, of the details and the outcomes of the latest review; if not, the reasons for that;

(2) as it is learnt that it is more difficult for patients with autoimmune disorders than average persons to ascertain whether they have HZ because they may often experience unknown pain, redness and various inflammations, and as a result these patients have to spend considerable time and expenses to identify the cause of their ailments, whether the authorities have formulated any established mechanism to assist such patients in early detection and treatment of HZ; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(3) in the long term, whether the SAR Government will consider including HZ vaccine in its Vaccination Programme when its public financial resources return to a sufficient level, so that grass-roots patients with autoimmune disorders or other high-risk individuals can receive subsidised vaccination services?

Reply:

President,

     Herpes Zoster (also known as Shingles) is caused by varicella-zoster virus, which is also responsible for Chickenpox. The virus remains latent in the nervous system of patients recovered from Chickenpox and may reactivate in times of weakened immune system many years later, inducing Herpes Zoster. Therefore, Herpes Zoster is not a disease caused by acute infection. Patients would develop painful, belt-like skin rash with blisters. Herpes Zoster is not serious in general and the risk of serious complications or death is not high. Early treatment with antiviral medications can speed up the healing of blisters; reduce the symptoms and the risk of complications. 

     One of the preventive measures against Herpes Zoster is to receive Herpes Zoster vaccine. Currently, there is one Herpes Zoster vaccine registered in Hong Kong. According to international literature available so far, the effective protection period of Herpes Zoster vaccines is around ten years generally.

     The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases (SCVPD) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) regularly reviews the epidemiological situation of local vaccine-preventable diseases, the latest recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), scientific developments and evidence on vaccines, updates on vaccine components, cost-effectiveness studies, as well as actual experiences of other health authorities, and provides relevant vaccination recommendations to the DH from a public health perspective. The Government will make reference to the recommendations of the SCVPD and carefully consider various factors, including the overall medical burden of a disease on the community, vaccine availability, cost-effectiveness of large-scale vaccination, public acceptability, and other public health factors, in formulating various government subsidised immunisation programmes.

     For vaccines not included in the government’s subsidised immunisation programmes, individuals can consult their family doctor for professional advice to understand the benefits, risks and necessity of vaccination. Based on the doctor’s assessment of health status, medical history, and other factors, individuals can make informed decisions on whether to proceed with vaccination under informed consent.

     In response to the Hon Benson Luk’s question, Health Bureau’s reply after consultation with the DH and the Hospital Authority is as follows:

(1) and (3) The SCVPD discussed the topic of Herpes Zoster vaccines in September 2023. It considered that more local data from a cost-benefit analysis perspective would be essential for future consideration on the inclusion of Herpes Zoster vaccine into the government’s vaccination programme. The SCVPD was of the view that Herpes Zoster vaccines available in Hong Kong were safe and effective. Individual older adults and adults with immunocompromised conditions may consider receiving Herpes Zoster vaccine after consulting their doctors to protect themselves against Herpes Zoster and its complications.

     The Health Bureau has commissioned The University of Hong Kong to conduct an analysis on the cost-benefit of the Herpes Zoster vaccine. Upon completion of the cost-benefit analysis, the SCVPD is expected to discuss the vaccination for Herpes Zoster based on the relevant analysis results in 2026.

     The Government will continue to closely monitor relevant factors, including the latest recommendations of the WHO, the views of the SCVPD, the development and change in costs of vaccines, and the overall medical burden of the disease to consider whether to implement a government-subsidised Herpes Zoster vaccination programme. The subsidy level targeting different groups will also need to be considered if it is necessary to implement the programme.

     Moreover, at the primary healthcare level, family doctors and primary healthcare professionals will closely collaborate to provide information and education on vaccinations (including Herpes Zoster vaccine), to enhance public awareness of the Herpes Zoster vaccine and preventive consciousness.

(2) As mentioned above, Herpes Zoster is not serious in general and the risk of serious complications or death is not high.    

     Patients with Herpes Zoster first experience itch or slight pain with burning sensation in the affected area, with rash appearing one to three days later. The rash then develops into blisters, which further spread in a belt-like pattern and can last from one to 14 days, during which pustules or trickle of blood may appear. This will be followed by bursting, collapse and drying up of the fluid-filled blisters and crusting over two to three weeks. Antiviral drug can shorten the recovery time of Herpes Zoster patients and it is optimal to take it within three to five days of the onset of the disease.  

     The Government encourages the public, especially immunocompromised individuals to remain vigilant. Members of the public, who experience symptoms, should seek medical advice early and take medications according to doctors’ instructions. At the same time, the Government is committed to enhancing district-based primary healthcare services to shift the emphasis of the present healthcare system and mindset from treatment-oriented to prevention-oriented. Initiatives include promoting the Life Course Preventive Care Plan through District Health Centres to formulate personalised health management plans that address the health needs of citizens across different life stages, based on personal factors such as their gender, age and family history. The Government provides chronic disease and cancer screening, as well as advice and education on healthy lifestyle through family doctors and primary healthcare professionals, with a view to improving the overall health conditions of the citizens. The Government also takes this opportunity to remind the public that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help strengthen immunity and prevent Herpes Zoster.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is a question by Dr the Hon So Cheung-wing and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, in the Legislative Council today (October 8):

Question:

     The Global Investment Promotion Conference for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Conference), jointly hosted by the governments of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao in Guangzhou last year, has become as an effective channel and important platform for cities within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to collaborate in investment attraction efforts. It has been reported that the Conference achieved remarkable results last year, drawing the participation of over 430 representatives from Fortune Global 500 companies and top-notch enterprises in the industries, with total investment commitments amounting to RMB2.26 trillion. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) as it is reported that the Conference will be held annually as a regular event on November 8, of the city which will host the Conference this year; whether an estimate is made on the number of foreign and Hong Kong enterprises to be invited; how the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will assist Hong Kong enterprises in securing new investment and trade projects;

(2) among the 1 933 investment projects reportedly signed at last year’s Conference, of those involving the participation of Hong Kong;

(3) given that Invest Hong Kong and its Mainland counterpart have established the Pan-Greater Bay Area Inward Investment Liaison Group, of the number of promotional and other investment attraction activities organised by the Group over the past year; and

(4) whether it will consider organising overseas (such as in the Middle East and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries) investment attraction activities in collaboration with other Mainland cities in the GBA?

Reply:

President,

     Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) has all along been proactively working with various policy bureaux to promote business-friendly policies in its investment promotion work, including working with the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau (CMAB) on initiatives relating to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) development. In addition, InvestHK collaborates with organisations, chambers of commerce and professional bodies, etc, to organise and sponsor an array of investment promotion activities on the Mainland and overseas, including roadshows, seminars and roundtables, to provide enterprises with the latest information on Hong Kong’s business environment, including our core advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle and opportunities arising from key national strategies such as the GBA development, thereby attracting and encouraging enterprises to set up or expand their businesses in Hong Kong.

     After consulting the CMAB, my consolidated response to Dr the Hon So Cheung-wing’s question is as follows:

     With the support of the CMAB, the Pan-Greater Bay Area Inward Investment Liaison Group (Liaison Group) was established in 2021 by InvestHK and relevant GBA counterparts. Through developing joint propositions and promotion materials as well as organising joint events, the Liaison Group enhances collaboration and synergy among members of the Liaison Group. Since 2022, the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao have been jointly organising annually the Global Investment Promotion Conference for the GBA (Conference) in Guangzhou to showcase to global strategic enterprises the latest developments and investment potential of the GBA. The 2025 Conference will be held in Guangzhou on November 3, with participation by around 400 representatives from multinational and Hong Kong enterprises. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to proactively promote Hong Kong’s business advantages at the Conference to attract more investment projects to land in Hong Kong.

     At the past Conferences, InvestHK engaged with many Mainland and overseas enterprises which were interested in setting up or expanding their businesses in Hong Kong and provided them with one-stop customised support services based on their needs, fully leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a two-way springboard. Last year, over 1 900 investment projects were signed during the Conference. The Liaison Group, with InvestHK being one of its members, is proactively following up and assisting in the implementation of these projects. From 2024 to August this year, InvestHK assisted 983 Mainland and overseas companies in setting up or expanding their businesses in Hong Kong, including 492 overseas companies and over 120 Mainland companies from GBA cities.

     Apart from organising the Conference, the Liaison Group also hosts overseas investment promotion events annually to promote to local businesses the latest policies and development opportunities in the GBA. In 2023 and 2024, the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao jointly hosted the economic and trade co-operation conferences in Munich, Germany, and Paris, France, to promote the GBA’s investment environment and development opportunities to European enterprises. This year, the governments of the three regions again jointly held investment promotion events in Budapest, Hungary, and Cairo, Egypt, to promote to the European and African business communities the business opportunities brought by the GBA development, as well as Hong Kong’s unique roles and functions as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder” under the “one country, two systems” principle. The events also encouraged businesses to establish presence in Hong Kong and tap into the vast market of the GBA.

     In addition, InvestHK has been organising investment promotion activities in various Mainland cities to proactively introduce Hong Kong’s business advantages and opportunities to Mainland enterprises, so as to encourage them to invest in Hong Kong and expand international businesses via the city. In 2025, the department organised multiple promotional activities in Ningbo, Jinan, Wuhan, Qingdao, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Beijing, Tianjin and Shenyang, etc.

     Looking ahead, InvestHK will continue to work with the CMAB and maintain close liaison with members of the Liaison Group to jointly take forward the investment promotion efforts related to the GBA. On the one hand, InvestHK will promote Hong Kong as a springboard for overseas businesses looking to expand into the GBA and support them to set up their operations here. On the other hand, we will also promote Hong Kong to GBA enterprises as a launchpad for going global and assist them in establishing presence in Hong Kong. The efforts will be organically integrated into the work of the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global announced by the Chief Executive in his 2025 Policy Address, thereby enhancing two-way investment (viz. attracting investment inflows to Hong Kong and facilitating further investment beyond Hong Kong). Besides, the Liaison Group will also continue to proactively plan promotional and investment activities in other potential emerging markets to further highlight Hong Kong’s roles as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder”.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Transport Department (TD) today (October 8) said that the next online auction of vehicle registration marks (VRMs) will be held from noon on October 23 (Thursday) to noon on October 27 (Monday) through the auction platform E-Auction (e-auction.td.gov.hk). Interested bidders can participate in the online auction only after they have successfully registered as E-Auction users.
 
     A spokesman for the TD said, “A total of 200 Ordinary VRMs will be available at this online public auction. The list of VRMs (see Annex) has been uploaded to the E-Auction website. Applicants who have paid a $1,000 deposit to reserve the Ordinary VRM for auction should also register as an E-Auction user in advance in order to participate in the online bidding, including placing the first bid at the opening price of $1,000. Otherwise, the VRMs reserved by them may be bid on by other interested bidders at or above the opening price. Auctions for VRMs with ‘HK’ or ‘XX’ as a prefix, special VRMs and personalised VRMs will continue to be carried out through physical auctions by bidding paddles, and their announcement arrangements remain unchanged.”
 
     Members of the public participating in the online bidding should take note of the following important points:
 
(1) Bidders should register in advance as an E-Auction user by “iAM Smart+” equipped with the digital signing function; or by using a valid digital certificate and an email address upon completion of identity verification. Registered “iAM Smart” users should provide their Hong Kong identity card number, while non-Hong Kong residents who are not “iAM Smart” users should provide the number of their passport or other identification documents when registering as E-Auction users.
 
(2) Bidders are required to provide a digital signature to confirm the submission and amount of the bid by using “iAM Smart+” or a valid digital certificate at the time of the first bid of each online bidding session (including setting automatic bids before the auction begins) to comply with the requirements of the Electronic Transactions Ordinance.
 
(3) If a bid is made in respect of a VRM within the last 10 minutes before the end of the auction, the auction end time for that particular VRM will be automatically extended by another 10 minutes, up to a maximum of 24 hours.
 
(4) Successful bidders must follow the instructions in the notification email issued by the TD to log in to the E-Auction within 48 hours from the issuance of the email and complete the follow-up procedures, including:
 

• completing the Purchaser Information for the issuance of the Memorandum of Sale of Registration Mark (Memorandum of Sale); and
• making the auction payment online by credit card, Faster Payment System (FPS) or Payment by Phone Service (PPS). Cheque or cash payment is not accepted in the E-Auction.

(5) A VRM can only be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser. Relevant information on the Certificate of Incorporation must be provided by the successful bidder in the Purchaser Information of the Memorandum of Sale if the VRM purchased is to be registered under the name of a body corporate.
 
(6) Successful bidders will receive a notification email around seven working days after payment has been confirmed and can download the Memorandum of Sale from the E-Auction. The purchaser must apply for the VRM to be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser within 12 months from the date of issue of the Memorandum of Sale. If the purchaser fails to do so within the 12-month period, in accordance with the statutory provision, the allocation of the VRM will be cancelled and a new allocation will be arranged by the TD without prior notice to the purchaser.
 
     The TD has informed all applicants who have reserved the Ordinary VRMs for this round of auction of the E-Auction arrangements in detail by post. Members of the public may refer to the E-Auction website or watch the tutorial videos for more information. Please call the E-Auction hotline (3583 3980) or email (e-auction-enquiry@td.gov.hk) for enquiries. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is a question by the Hon Yang Wing-kit and a written reply by the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, in the Legislative Council today (Oct 8):
 
Question:
 
     Residents of certain aged public housing estates (including public rental housing (PRH) estates under the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) and rental estates under the Hong Kong Housing Society (HS)) have relayed that there is a lack of adequate barrier-free access and facilities within their estates, which is non-conducive to the mobility of the elderly and persons with impaired mobility. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) whether it knows the plans of the HA and HS to enhance barrier-free access and facilities in their aged PRH estates and rental estates (including the progress of ongoing projects); and
 
(2) as it is learnt that the staircase connecting Kau Pui Lung Road to Blocks A to E of Lok Man Sun Chuen under the HS serves as an essential access route to and from the estate, while there are views pointing out that this access route lacks barrier-free facilities, thereby causing inconvenience to the elderly and persons with impaired mobility in their daily access, whether the Government will urge the HS to construct an access ramp or install a lift at the relevant location in Lok Man Sun Chuen to address this issue; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
     In response to the question raised by the Hon Yang Wing-kit, our reply is as follows:
 
(1) The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) endeavours to enhance barrier-free access and facilities in public rental housing (PRH) estates to meet the needs of PRH residents and users, particularly the elderly and persons with disabilities.

     It is the established policy of the HA to provide barrier-free access and facilities in accordance with the prevailing requirements as set out in the “Design Manual: Barrier Free Access” (DM), wherever practicable. In response to the introduction of the “DM 1997” and “DM 2008”, the HA undertook necessary barrier-free facilities improvement works in 2001 and 2010 respectively for the premises that were completed prior to the publication of the DM. These improvement works included provision of ramps, installation of suitable handrails at access routes, provision and extension of tactile guide paths connecting the main entrances of the estates to major facilities within the estates and entrances of residential blocks, etc. However, some buildings may not be able to fully install relevant facilities or undergo modifications due to various constraints, such as building design. For all new HA buildings with construction commenced after December 1, 2008, and when existing HA buildings undergo alternations and additional works, the planning and implementation of works shall comply with the mandatory requirements as stipulated in “DM 2008” as far as practicable. In order to address the residents’ diverse needs, the HA also makes flexible arrangements. For example, we are currently installing more accessible ramps in aged PRH estates including Ping Shek Estate, Wo Che Estate and Sha Kok Estate, to connect major facilities within the estates to facilitate residents’ access. The HA has adopted the concept of “Universal Design” in new public housing estates to create an inclusive and harmonious living environment for people with different physical abilities.

     Moreover, in order to enhance the co-ordination of barrier-free initiatives in the public housing estates, the HA has launched the Access Co-ordinator and Access Officer Scheme since 2011. Access Officers stationed in various PRH estates are responsible for assisting individuals with needs in using the barrier-free access and facilities in the PRH estates.

     In addition to the provision of barrier-free facilities in common areas, the elderly or persons with disabilities can apply to the HA for adaptation works on facilities in the PRH flats if they have genuine needs. With reference to the advice from doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists or medical social workers, etc, the HA will carry out adaptation works free of charge for the tenants concerned. These works include installing ramp at the entrance of the flat where feasible, widening bathroom doorways, laying anti-skid floor tiles on suitable floor surface, etc. If tenants only request installing grab bars or converting a bathtub into a shower area in the bathroom, in general, the HA will directly arrange the relevant works for the tenant free of charge, without the need for tenant to seek advice from doctors or physiotherapists.

     As regards the Hong Kong Housing Society (HS), in response to the challenge of “double ageing”, i.e. both the rental estates and residents are growing older, the HS has been continuously deploying resources in major improvement projects to enhance the accessibility of the buildings and public areas across its estates and add barrier-free facilities. Such efforts include adding lifts and transfer escalators, installing stairlifts, constructing transfer lift towers and connecting footbridge, etc. In addition, the HS has replaced over 70 lifts in its aged rental estates over the past decade and plans to progressively carry out lift replacement for other suitable aged rental estates. Moving forward, the HS will continue to assess the condition of its rental estates and explore introducing or enhancing barrier-free access and facilities where feasible and suitable.

(2) HS’s Lok Man Sun Chuen, comprising 11 blocks, was completed in phases between 1970 and 1973. Six of these blocks (Blocks A to F) were built along a hilly slope, with Block F situated at a higher elevation. For the convenience of the residents, the HS completed the construction of a transfer lift tower and a footbridge connecting to Block F, as well as a covered walkway in 2014. Residents may take the lift to Block F through the level entrance on Kau Pui Lung Road beneath Block F, then descend to Blocks A to E, without having to walk uphill via the estate’s main entrance on Kau Pui Lung Road.

     Currently, residents of Blocks A to E are still required to use staircases to reach the entrance of their respective blocks. To address this, the HS has commissioned an engineering consultant, who is now conducting a feasibility study on adding barrier-free access (such as ramps or lifts) at suitable locations across Blocks A to E, taking into account factors such as the site’s geological conditions and the potential impact of the works on the residents’ daily lives.

     In addition, the HS has also engaged a start-up to develop relevant PropTech solutions to assist residents in transporting heavy items such as rice, cooking oil and other daily necessities up and down staircases, further strengthening support for the residents.

     With regard to various facilities in the public housing estates, the HA and HS will continue to actively engage in communication and research with local communities/individuals as well as residents within the estates to explore ways to enhance these facilities, and address the needs of various persons in the estates, including the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is a question by Hon Robert Lee and a written reply by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, in the Legislative Council today (October 8):

Question:

     The Government stated in the 2024 Policy Address that it would facilitate the opening of new distribution channels for private equity (PE) funds through the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX); and the 2025-26 Budget further mentioned that in order to facilitate more PE funds to list in Hong Kong, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) had clarified the relevant regulatory requirements to encourage sizeable alternative asset funds with regular income streams to raise funds. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it will urge SFC and HKEX to work together on finalising the details of the relevant regulatory policies as soon as possible, such as establishing valuation standards, setting up a fast-track approval mechanism, etc., to facilitate the listing of more PE funds in the form of limited partnership funds in Hong Kong;

(2) whether, to attract more large overseas PE funds to list in Hong Kong, the Government will consider offering tax incentives and urge HKEX to reduce relevant listing fees;

(3) whether it will enhance collaboration with the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA) to formulate guidelines for investing Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) assets in listed PE funds and clearly assign risk ratings (e.g. low, medium or high risk) to such funds so that MPF trustees can invest in suitable PE funds in accordance with their investment policies in the future; and

(4) whether it will introduce measures in collaboration with SFC, HKEX and MPFA on investor education on PE funds, such as organising seminars and developing risk disclosure handbooks, to raise the awareness of listed PE funds among retail and institutional investors, thereby promoting the development of PE fund business?

Reply:

President,

     In consultation with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and its subsidiary, the Investor and Financial Education Council (IFEC), the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA) and the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), the reply to the various parts of the question is as follows.

(1) The Government is committed to promoting the development of the financial markets. “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address” announced that the Government would attract more global capital to be managed in Hong Kong, including facilitating the opening of new distribution channels for private equity funds (PE funds) through the HKEX’s listing.

     In respect of authorising funds which seek a listing on the HKEX, the SFC issued a circular in February 2025 to clarify the regulatory requirements in relation to closed-ended funds that invest mainly in private and less liquid assets, thereby encouraging sizeable alternative asset funds (including PE funds, same hereinafter), preferably those with regular income streams, to list in Hong Kong. Relevant requirements have been included in the circular and the SFC’s Code on Unit Trusts and Mutual Funds, including requirements on the management company’s competence and experience, investments in a well-diversified portfolio of alternative assets, distribution policy, valuation and disclosure in offering documents. Due to a wide array of alternative assets available, the SFC may impose additional conditions, modify requirements, or allow flexibility in compliance with certain requirements, having regard to the fund’s nature and investment strategy.

     The SFC has been in ongoing engagement with the industry, and has been in discussions with interested fund managers on their preliminary proposals for listed alternative asset funds. According to the SFC’s understanding, these funds are planned to be structured in corporate or unit trust form, primarily investing in private equity, private credit and infrastructure debt.

     Based on the SFC’s discussion with the industry, the SFC is of the view that, at the moment, it would be preferable for listed alternative asset funds to adopt existing public fund structures. These structures are familiar to and well understood by retail investors in Hong Kong, and there are comprehensive investor protection measures and regulatory requirements under the Code on Unit Trusts and Mutual Funds. The SFC will continue to explore the feasibility of the listing of alternative asset funds in limited partnership form.

(2) The Government is committed to providing a facilitative tax environment for the industry to attract more funds to set up and operate in Hong Kong. Under the prevailing tax regime, publicly offered funds are already exempt from profits tax. In addition, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Concessions for Carried Interest) Ordinance 2021 has been effective from May 2021, providing tax concessions for carried interest distributed by eligible PE funds operating in Hong Kong. The Government will endeavour to introduce a bill into the Legislative Council in the first half of 2026 to further enhance the preferential tax regimes for funds, single-family offices and carried interest, including enhancing the tax concession arrangement on the distribution of carried interest by PE funds, so as to attract more PE funds to set up in Hong Kong.

     Funds that are eligible to be authorised by the SFC and listed in Hong Kong under the Listing Rules should have sizeable asset under management and business operations, and they should have sufficient resources to cover the relevant costs of applying for listing. The listing fee collected by the HKEX only makes up a small proportion of the expenses associated with listing. The HKEX and the SFC will review the level of relevant fees under the HKEX from time to time so as to ensure their levels would be competitive as compared to other major markets.

(3) To enhance the risk-adjusted return potential of Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) funds, the Government and the MPFA have been committed to reviewing and broadening the MPF permissible asset classes. Having considered the potential benefits of allowing MPF investment in private equity to enhance diversification and return potential, the MPFA announced to the industry in May 2025 that listed PE funds meeting the relevant criteria and approved by the MPFA on a case-by-case basis can be included as a permissible underlying asset class for MPF funds. In view of the higher risks associated with listed PE funds as compared with traditional investment options, the total amount that an MPF fund can invest in approved listed PE funds is limited to 10 per cent of the fund’s net asset value to safeguard the interests of scheme members.

     Investment managers of MPF funds should make professional decisions on whether to make relevant investment with due regard to the MPF fund’s investment policy and objective. The MPFA currently has no plan to assign risk ratings to approved listed PE funds, but will closely monitor the situation and maintain dialogue with the industry. There are currently no listed PE funds included as permissible asset class for MPF funds. The MPFA will revise the relevant guidelines upon the approval of the first listed PE fund to facilitate investment decisions of investment managers.

(4) The Government has been supporting the SFC and its subsidiary, the IFEC, in carrying out investor education work through various means and channels. The SFC will work closely with the IFEC to issue general investor education materials to explain the investment opportunities and risks in respect of listed alternative asset funds, in order to help investors make informed investment decisions. For specific alternative asset fund products, as set out in the circular, the management company of an SFC-authorised listed alternative asset fund is expected to carry out extensive investor education before launching the fund in Hong Kong. The MPFA will also continue to promote MPF education through various activities and channels, with a view to enhancing scheme members’ understanding of MPF investment options.