Chief Executive John Lee met Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia Sun Chanthol today to exchange views on strengthening economic and trade relations between Hong Kong and Cambodia.
Mr Lee welcomed Mr Sun and his delegation to the city to attend the 10th Belt & Road Summit and serve as a keynote speaker at the event.
Noting that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is actively exploring emerging markets in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Belt & Road countries, Mr Lee said that Cambodia, with its rapid market development and vast economic potential, offers broad opportunities for co-operation with Hong Kong.
With the two places reaching 13 memoranda of understanding last year that covered economics and trade, aviation, and financial services, Mr Lee emphasised that he is pleased to witness more MOUs between government departments of both places at today’s summit to enhance bilateral co-operation.
The Chief Executive highlighted that Cambodia is a strategic partner in the nation’s promotion of the Belt & Road Initiative, and that Hong Kong possesses a highly internationalised, market-oriented and business-friendly environment with strengths in capital, technology and market resources that enable it to fully serve as a functional platform for both places to seize the opportunities from the Belt & Road Initiative.
He welcomed enterprises from Cambodia to leverage Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” to explore overseas and Mainland markets.
Apart from thanking Cambodia for its support in establishing the International Organization for Mediation, Mr Lee stressed that the establishment of its headquarters in Hong Kong demonstrates the city’s strengths in international mediation.
Hong Kong will continue to leverage its advantages of enjoying strong support from the motherland and being closely connected to the world, thereby contributing to the promotion of the Belt & Road Initiative, he added.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam, leading a multidisciplinary delegation, will depart for Urumqi in Xinjiang tomorrow to promote Hong Kong’s advantages in its legal system and professional services, and to explore the strengthening of Hong Kong-Xinjiang co-operation.
The delegation comprises members of Hong Kong’s legal, arbitration and mediation sectors as well as financial and business sectors.
On Friday, Mr Lam and the delegation will attend a seminar on the role of Hong Kong’s common law in contributing to the Belt & Road Initiative and a networking dinner, organised by the Department of Justice and the Xinjiang Lawyers Association. They will give a briefing on the advantages of Hong Kong’s common law system and how its legal, dispute resolution and financial services can contribute to Xinjiang’s opening up and facilitate business development.
During the visit, the delegation will also meet local leaders and learn about the development of the local legal services industry.
Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong on Sunday. During his absence, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan will be Acting Secretary.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ22: Elderly Health Centres
EHC The number of new enrolments (i.e. the number of individuals undergoing first health assessments during the year) and the total number of enrolments (i.e. the number of individuals who have undergone health assessments during the year, excluding the number of members who have not undergone health assessments during the year) of various EHCs in the past three years are as shown in the table below.
EHCNote: Due to the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, all EHCs underwent multiple service adjustments from 2020 to early 2023 to redeploy staff from different grades to support epidemic prevention and control. Amongst others, in view of the activation of designated clinics at Robert Black General Out-patient Clinic by the HA, based on infection control considerations at the time of the epidemic, San Po Kong EHC which was situated at the same location with the designated clinic was temporarily closed in the period from February 26, 2022, to February 5, 2023.
The median waiting time for the first health assessment at various EHCs over the past three years is as shown in the table below. The median refers to the time the elderlies have taken to become a member and receive the first health assessment on the day since they first submitted the application.
EHC The number of new enrolments and total number of enrolments at the EHCs both declined significantly in 2024. Meanwhile, the median waiting time for the first health assessment was notably longer at most EHCs in 2024. Key factors contributing to the longer median waiting time in that year include the backlog of applications accumulated during the COVID-19 epidemic when the EHCs could only provide limited services from January 2020 to February 2023. Additionally, although services at the EHCs resumed normal starting from February 2023, the accumulated backlog of waiting applications and the persistent shortage of the DH’s medical staff have impacted the service capacity. This has also contributed to the decline in both the number of new enrolments and the total number of enrolments in 2024.
In addition to discussing service integration of EHCs into the district health network in phases with the PHC Commission, the DH has also recruited additional contract doctors to strengthen staffing capacity. The DH will continue to closely monitor the situation.Issued at HKT 17:10
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following are the welcome remarks by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the thematic breakout session entitled Synergy in Legal Solutions: Co-creating a Shared Silk Road Vision of the 10th Belt and Road Summit today (September 10):
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by Professor the Hon Chan Wing-kwong and a reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (September 10):
Question:
Regarding the development of telemedicine services, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) as it is learnt that the Hospital Authority (HA) provides telemedicine services through the “HA Go” mobile application and the clinical management system used by healthcare professionals, whether the Government knows the number of tele-consultation services provided by the HA through these channels to date, the number of patients involved as well as the respective feedback from healthcare professionals and patients on these services;
(2) whether it knows the number of complaints concerning telemedicine services received by the Government and relevant public organisations in the past three years, and the content and follow-up situations respectively of those complaints; and
(3) as a study released earlier on by the Consumer Council has pointed out the privacy risks involved when consumers receive telemedicine services through applications such as WhatsApp and Zoom nowadays, whether the authorities will consider strengthening the functionality of eHealth or “HA Go” mobile applications, so that private healthcare service providers can provide telemedicine services to patients through these platforms and applications, so as to enhance the protection of personal information and health data, and promote the development of telemedicine services?
Reply:
President,
Telehealth is a type of medical service that should be provided by qualified healthcare professionals and governed by the regulatory boards and councils of relevant healthcare professions. Healthcare professionals have the responsibility to ensure services provided through telehealth comply with the codes and guidelines promulgated by regulatory authorities, are suited for the clinical setting and objective of patients, and must not compromise the professional standard because of service modes. The Medical Council of Hong Kong’s Ethical Guidelines on Practice of Telemedicine stipulates clearly that doctors need to be aware of the limits of any telehealth applications and electronic communications, and alternatives must be considered if technical and environmental limitations affect telehealth services as to compromising the professional standard and duty of care of medical practices.
While the Government encourages professions to provide medical services by innovative means, non-healthcare professionals and companies must not untruthfully promote or even provide telehealth. The Government will scrutinise advertisement on telehealth to ascertain whether there are violation of the Undesirable Medical Advertisements Ordinance (Cap. 231) and whether the services so provided have violated regulations under other legislations concerning practising without a licence.
In response to the questions raised by Professor the Hon Chan Wing-kwong, my consolidated reply is as follows:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth services became prevalent in Hong Kong, being an important anti-epidemic strategy during the critical period. Telehealth has certain limitations, for instance, the establishment of a doctor-patient relationship may prove challenging, and such services may not be suitable for patients requiring in-person clinical examinations for diagnosis. Furthermore, telehealth services rely on stable technological infrastructure. Issues such as network stability, equipment, or other technical problems may affect service quality. Requiring patients to possess related equipment may increase time costs and technological threshold, particularly for elderly patients or those not familiar with technology.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hospital Authority (HA) has started to develop telehealth as a complementary measure, and has been managing the limitations of telehealth cautiously. Generally speaking, telehealth services are more suitable for chronic patients who are clinically stable, not new cases as well as those who do not need to visit hospitals to undergo clinical examinations by doctors. The HA will arrange medical services through telehealth, having taken into account the stability of the clinical conditions of patients, their clinical needs, and actual operational situations. During the three years from April 2022 to March 2025, telehealth was involved in more than 340 000 non-COVID-19 cases, including tele-consultations provided by the Community Geriatric Assessment Teams for elderly living in residential care homes for the elderly, allied health (e.g. clinical psychology service) and specialist out-patient services. The pharmacies also provide drug counselling services through remote means.
The HA’s telehealth services have been operating smoothly since inception, with positive feedback from patients who generally consider the workflow simple and user-friendly, and particularly convenient for patients residing in remote areas or with mobility difficulties. Over the past three years, the HA received two complaints regarding telehealth services that mainly involved patients not being clearly informed about the service workflow, such as arrangements regarding booking appointments, drug collection and referral letters. The HA had promptly provided detailed explanations and followed up with the patients concerned. The HA will continue to regularly review the impact after the application of telehealth to ensure the services can better meet patients’ needs while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
The HA’s “HA Go” app is designed to assist its patients in managing their services in public hospitals and clinics, and is not suitable for use by private healthcare providers or other patients. On the other hand, the Government is implementing the “eHealth+” five-year development plan to upgrade eHealth into a comprehensive healthcare information infrastructure that integrates data sharing, service delivery and process management, with a view to supporting various healthcare policies more effectively. In considering the development of “eHealth+”, we have to carefully assess the relevant factors, such as the appropriateness of the relevant functions, the effective use of public resources, data privacy and system security.
The Government will continue to closely monitor the development and adoption of telehealth services in Hong Kong, and will work with the sector and relevant stakeholders to explore the further development of telehealth in suitable services, such as outreach services and primary healthcare services including nurse clinics and allied health services, etc. The Government will also ensure boards and councils of various healthcare professions would promulgate and review specific guidelines on telehealth in a timely manner based on professional practice and operational needs, with a view to protecting the interests of patients and healthcare professionals.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ21: Handling of flooding in Islands District
Year According to the investigation results, the aforementioned flooding cases were primarily caused by heavy rainfall, during which a large amount of fallen leaves and debris were washed into low-lying roadside gullies, intakes, and drainage channels, leading to blockages. This hindered the natural flow of rainwater into the downstream stormwater collection and drainage systems, leading to flooding. All of these flooding cases were handled and resolved within one to two hours.
(2) to (4) The DSD conducts regular inspections, cleansing, and maintenance of public stormwater drainage systems. For example in South Lantau, the department has completed 28 inspections and cleansing operations for the public stormwater drainage system as of August this year.Issued at HKT 15:47
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Benson Luk and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (September 10):
Question:
In the second quarter of this year, the Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration issued the Implementation Plan for the Free Flow of Yachts among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao (Draft for Comments) (the Plan) with the aim of promoting the synergistic development of the yacht industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and facilitating the flow of yachts in the GBA. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) whether the SAR Government has plans to formulate measures to dovetail with the proposals for the free flow of yachts in the Plan, so as to expedite the promotion of the yacht industry’s development in Hong Kong; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(2) whether it has plans to permit non-Hong Kong yachts to enter and exit Hong Kong waters for multiple times within a specified period upon entering Hong Kong without having to undergo port formalities again, and to hold discussions with the Government of Guangdong Province on streamlining the immigration arrangements for yachts, so that non-Hong Kong yachts with the permission to enter Hong Kong waters may also sail to other Mainland cities in the GBA; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(3) whether it has plans to streamline the existing immigration and customs clearance procedures for yacht crew and passengers entering and exiting Hong Kong, such as streamlining the existing requirement that yacht masters or their agents must undergo formalities such as immigration inspection and customs declaration at different locations; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(4) given that under the law, non-Hong Kong yachts must obtain the permission of the Director of Marine in order to navigate in Hong Kong waters, whether the authorities have plans to streamline the vetting and approval procedures for such vessels to navigate in Hong Kong waters; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(5) of the ways to motivate enterprises to organise more yacht exhibitions and sales fairs in Hong Kong, and to attract more overseas and Mainland yacht builders and manufacturers of yacht accessories to establish branch offices in Hong Kong, so as to promote the development of the yacht industry?
Reply:
President,
In response to the inquiry raised by the Hon Benson Luk, after consulting the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB), the Security Bureau, the Development Bureau, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Marine Department (MD), the reply is as follows:
(1) The CSTB supports the development and co-operation of yacht tourism in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, with a view to expanding and promoting high value-added tourism activities in Hong Kong and demonstrating the role of Hong Kong as a core demonstration zone for multi-destination tourism. The MD and the Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration have established a dedicated task force to maintain discussion and co-operation on various issues relating to facilitation of yacht travelling, including the “yacht free travel” proposal put forward by Guangdong Province, and to jointly formulate relevant implementation measures.
(2) and (3) At present, visiting yachts (including those from the Mainland) entering Hong Kong waters are required to complete port formalities with the MD, the Immigration Department (ImmD), the Department of Health (DH) and the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department. Generally speaking, local agents would be appointed to handle all the port formalities in Hong Kong for visiting yachts. The MD has set up an electronic business system to provide one-stop service for visiting yachts, allowing them to submit the required documents to the MD, the ImmD and the DH through the online system in an efficient and convenient manner. At the same time, visiting yachts are currently not required to be anchored at an approved immigration anchorage whilst awaiting immigration clearance. The master of a visiting yacht, or its agent, is only required to complete the immigration procedures at the Harbour Control Section of the ImmD (which operates 24 hours every day) located at the Central Government Pier within 24 hours after entering into Hong Kong waters and before the intended departure from the Hong Kong waters. The aforementioned arrangements, which is not applicable to other visiting vessels, aim at simplifying and facilitating the immigration procedures for visiting yachts.
Relevant bureaux and departments will continue to review and improve the relevant arrangements, with a view to facilitating the formulation of a more holistic yacht industrial policy in the future.
(4) In accordance with international practice, foreign yachts must complete port formalities and obtain permission from local government authorities before navigating in local waters. Hong Kong is no exception.
Currently, visiting yachts wishing to navigate freely in Hong Kong waters must submit proof of securing a berth at a private yacht club or marina when applying for entry. Additionally, the yacht’s crew members must not only meet the requirements of their country of registry but also pass a local port knowledge examination. The purpose of this examination is to ensure that crew members of visiting yachts are familiar with local fairways, anchorages, speed restriction zones, ferry routes, navigation aids, and other relevant information, thereby ensuring the safe navigation of the yacht within Hong Kong waters and the safety of other port users.
The MD is exploring whether there is scope to relax requirements or introduce facilitation measures to enhance the navigation experience for visiting yachts in Hong Kong waters.
(5) The Transport and Logistics Bureau is pleased to collaborate with relevant departments and organisations to provide advice to the industry on the development of yacht exhibitions and sales. For example, over the past year, the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has from time to time hosted large-scale events to brief the business community on the Airport City development blueprint Skytopia, which includes a yacht bay development offering over 500 berths. The AAHK has also participated in overseas yacht exhibitions and conferences, etc.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the 10th Belt and Road Summit Keynote Luncheon today (September 10):
Mr Fred Ma (Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr Frederick Ma), Mr Chen Liang (Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Management Committee of the China International Capital Corporation Limited), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. Welcome to the keynote luncheon of the 10th Belt and Road Summit.
I am pleased that distinguished speakers have been lined up for this luncheon. Allow me to serve as your appetiser, by sharing briefly how Hong Kong is fostering more partnerships and contributing to regional connectivity through leveraging on two important global trends of our time: green and sustainable development, and digital innovation.
The case for green
In the face of rising unilateralism and the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement by a leading economy, Hong Kong remains steadfast in our commitment to climate action. We are on track to reduce our carbon emissions by half by 2035, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This commitment is underpinned by four key strategies: decarbonising power generation, enhancing energy efficiency in buildings, promoting green transport and reducing waste.
But our ambition extends well beyond meeting domestic targets. Two years ago, in my Budget Speech, I set out a vision for Hong Kong to become an international centre for green technology and green finance. We firmly believe that Hong Kong can play a pivotal role in driving global green transition.
Let me begin with green finance, where Hong Kong is already a regional leader. According to market estimates, emerging and developing Asia requires an annual investment of at least US$1.1 trillion for climate mitigation and adaptation. Yet, current investment levels fall short by over 70 per cent, at about US$800 billion. Clearly, we need to mobilise capital more effectively for sustainable investments.
In 2024, sustainable debt issuances in Hong Kong exceeded US$80 billion, with green bonds accounting for around 45 per cent of the region’s total. In the first half of 2025, we saw a 15 per cent year-on-year increase, at over US$34 billion. On ESG (environmental, social and governance), over 200 funds have been authorised by the Securities and Futures Commission, with AUM (asset under management) exceeding US$140 billion, up more than 30 per cent in just three years. The liquidity and expertise in Hong Kong are deep, and the capacity is huge.
Distinguished guests, our platform is fully open to issuers not just from the Chinese Mainland but also from around the world. Sovereign entities, corporates, financial institutions, multilateral organisations are all welcome. Hong Kong stands ready to collaborate with regional and global partners to scale up sustainable finance and channel capital to where it is needed most.
We are also making good progress in transition finance, which plays a vital role in helping high-emission industries decarbonise. On this, a key enabler is the development of clear and robust classification, reporting and disclosure standards.
To this end, we are working to expand the Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance to incorporate transition finance, broaden sectoral coverage, and include climate adaptation activities. These enhancements aim to better guide capital flows toward credible climate initiatives and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
As an international financial centre, Hong Kong is deploying innovative financial instruments to address the diverse financing needs of emerging economies. Catastrophe (cat) bonds, for example, are valuable risk-transfer instruments for countries vulnerable to natural disasters. Since 2021, seven cat bonds have been issued in Hong Kong, totaling US$800 million, supporting countries across Asia and the Americas in sharing risks arising from typhoons and earthquakes with climate investors.
Another promising financial innovation is securitisation of infrastructure, which transforms brownfield infrastructure assets into investable products, thereby effectively unlocking capital for new greenfield projects. The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation is a pioneer in this space. It has made two issuances of securitised loans, covering 35 infrastructure projects across 16 countries and regions, with a combined value exceeding US$800 million. This model mobilises more private capital for green initiatives in emerging markets while unleashing the investment potential of their infrastructure assets.
Hong Kong is also rapidly emerging as a dynamic hub for green technology innovation. Today, over 250 green tech companies are operating in Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport, developing cutting-edge solutions in areas such as carbon capture, electric vehicle infrastructure, and sustainable building materials.
Many of these technologies are already being deployed across Southeast Asia and the Middle East, contributing to their decarbonisation efforts. This vibrant ecosystem remains open to global partners who are united by the shared mission of building a more sustainable and resilient future.
Digital innovation
Now let me turn to digital innovation, another key driver of global development. Across Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, a wide spectrum of digital solutions are emerging, from fintech and smart health, to cloud computing, 6G, and digital city management.
What sets Hong Kong apart is our role as a bridge connecting the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world. Solutions that succeed here carry a global seal of approval. Hong Kong is a trusted test bed for Chinese tech applications going global and vice versa. For Belt and Road economies and the Global South, Hong Kong offers not only access to cutting-edge technologies but also the assurance that they are fully aligned with the best international standards and practices.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a pivotal driving force behind digital innovation. Our country, China, has adopted an “AI+” strategy to promote digital transformation across industries. Here in Hong Kong, we share that vision. We have made AI one of our key strategic priorities, and are progressing at full speed on five key fronts: algorithms, data, computing power, capital and talent. At a time of intensifying technological fragmentation, we are committed to building an open, collaborative and inclusive AI community, and we invite global scientists and innovators to join us.
Blockchain technology is at the heart of financial innovation. Digital assets, such as tokenised deposits and bonds, are greatly improving the efficiency of financial transactions. Hong Kong is at the forefront of this development. We have issued two tranches of tokenised green bonds worth HK$6.8 billion, which were well received by the market. Recognising the value and importance of digital currency in cross-border applications, Hong Kong is an active participant in the mBridge Project, a pioneering central bank digital currencies initiative for cross-border settlements. Meanwhile, we have also introduced licensing regimes for digital asset exchanges and stablecoins. Adopting a prudent and risk-based approach, we encourage financial innovation to serve the real economy with guardrails to protect investors and the stability of financial systems.
Closing
Ladies and gentlemen, I know I stand between you and your lunch, so I’ll close by introducing our distinguished luncheon speaker, Mr Renat Bekturov, Governor of the Astana International Financial Centre. He joins us at a time when the collaboration between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan is growing stronger. Just two weeks ago, a leading mining company from Kazakhstan completed a dual listing in Hong Kong and the Astana International Exchange. It is the first Renminbi-denominated stock in Central Asia. Last week, the Development Bank of Kazakhstan also issued dim sum bonds of RMB2 billion here. It was also a pioneering move from a Central Asian government.
We are excited to hear Mr Bekturov’s insights on Kazakhstan’s latest developments, and how our two economies can collaborate more closely, build more partnerships and foster stronger connectivity.
On that note, I wish you a fortifying lunch, a fruitful Summit, and a most enjoyable stay in Hong Kong. Thank you very much.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services), Ms Salina Yan, at the Climate Finance Forum: The Road to Net Zero today (September 10):
Bonnie (Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), Ms Bonnie Chan), Dirk (President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA), Mr Dirk Forrister), Mary (Vice Chair of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) and Head of the GFANZ Secretariat, Ms Mary Schapiro), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It is my great pleasure to join you at the Climate Finance Forum this morning.
A lot of pertinent views and initiatives for action have been raised for achieving net zero over the past two days of the Hong Kong Green Week 2025. Financing is a critical part of the formula. As an eminent fundraising platform, the HKEX is well placed to host a forum on such an important topic, drawing on the reflections from the International Carbon Markets Summit held in this very same venue earlier this year. As an international financial centre with openness to the world and the unique advantage of connecting with the Mainland market, Hong Kong is keen to bring together market participants, experts and policymakers to deepen the dialogue and foster collaboration on climate finance.
Hong Kong is staying its course on the green and sustainable agenda even as world co-operation on this is being put to the test. The Government has made clear policy commitments and set out concrete action plans to advance our role as a green finance hub, encouraging efficient asset allocation, innovation and public and private partnership to build an enabling ecosystem along the way.
For example, it is well noted that Hong Kong arranges 45 per cent of green and sustainable bonds done through the region, leading the Asian market. We also have over 200 authorised environmental, social and governance (ESG) funds with over HK$1.1 trillion AUM (assets under management), an increase of 18 per cent from three years ago.
Added to these, we have introduced two batches of tokenised government green bonds, and are earnestly preparing for the third issuance. Our plan is to regularise the issuance of tokenised bonds.
With the same innovative spirit and recognising the long R&D (research and development) cycles and capital-intensive nature of innovation, the HKEX has introduced a dedicated listing channel for specialist companies developing breakthrough technologies, including those focusing on new energy, advanced materials, and environmental protection.
There has been an active stream of listings of electric vehicles (EV), EV supply chains, energy storage, and hydrogen energy on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The market capitalisation of the new energy sector now stands at US$806 billion, an impressive six-fold growth compared with that of 10 years ago and representing over 13 per cent of the total Hong Kong stock market. Without a doubt, the HKEX is now one of the world’s largest EV fundraising/investment platforms.
Talking about new energy, the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government has promulgated an Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering, setting out an ambitious target to develop Hong Kong into a premier green maritime fuel bunkering and trading centre. We are also promoting the application of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at Hong Kong International Airport and will announce an SAF consumption target within this year.
With the setting up of the international carbon marketplace, Core Climate, for the trading of voluntary carbon credits, Hong Kong has taken one big step forward in advancing the carbon credit tool to encourage corporate decarbonisation. No doubt, Paul (Group General Counsel and Group Chief Sustainability Officer of the HKEX, Mr Paul Chow) will share with you more on this later this morning. For now, it is worth pointing out that Core Climate is currently the only carbon marketplace that offers Hong Kong Dollars and Renminbi settlement, and there has been substantial Belt and Road region participation in the 60-plus projects handled by Core Climate so far.
Sustainability information disclosure provides the necessary transparency for the buy and sell sides as well as for general societal benefit. Last year, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau launched a Roadmap on Sustainability Disclosure in Hong Kong setting out the pathway for large publicly accountable entities to fully adopt the ISSB Standards (International Financial Reporting Standards – Sustainability Disclosure Standards) of disclosure. The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants has since published the Hong Kong Sustainability Disclosure Standards. In June 2025, Hong Kong was confirmed by the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation as among the first set of jurisdictions having set a target of fully adopting the ISSB Standards. The HKEX acts even faster and became one of the first exchanges to update climate disclosure requirements in reference to IFRS S2.
As part of the sustainability disclosure ecosystem, the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council plans to release a proposed local regulatory framework for sustainability assurance for public consultation within this year, covering issues such as the entities required to obtain assurance; the scope, timing as well as providers of assurance, etc. We look forward to the exchange of views at the Forum on Sustainability Disclosures this afternoon.
Hong Kong is a steadfast believer in multilateral efforts and solutions. We are glad to have the presence of the International Emissions Trading Association and the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero today. Through collaborations and concerted efforts, as well as empathy for the well-being of planet Earth, we have the potential to create a sustainable and resilient future, turning vision into action and reality. With these remarks, I wish all of you a fruitful Forum today. Thank you.
The Government announced that it will launch an exercise to recruit graduate grade civil servants from September 13 until October 3.
The openings include 40 administrative officers (AOs), 100 executive officers II, 10 assistant labour officers II, eight assistant trade officers II and 10 management services officers II.
The recruitment is open to all permanent residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region who meet the relevant entry requirements. Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and graduating in the 2025-26 or 2026-27 academic years may also apply.
Details of the joint recruitment exercise and the online application system will be available on the Civil Service Bureau’s (CSB) website from this Saturday. Information on hiring AOs is also available on another dedicated website.
People who wish to apply for any of the five posts must take the Basic Law & National Security Law Test and attain a pass result in order to be considered for appointment, the Government added.
Applicants must apply online through the CSB website, and may visit the relevant webpage for updates on the examination arrangements.