Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​Hongkong Post announced today (September 4) that, as advised by the airline, due to the relocation of Phnom Penh International Airport, the airport will suspend import and export cargo handling services and customs clearance on September 7 and 8. Mail delivery services to Cambodia are subject to delay.
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
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2025-09-02
President Lai meets delegation from University of Tokyo cross-strait relations research group
On the afternoon of September 2, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the University of Tokyo’s cross-strait relations research group. The president thanked the delegation for its long-time attention to the situation in the Taiwan Strait and peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. He also expressed hope for further strengthening the friendship and cooperation between Taiwan and Japan through exchanges. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I am very pleased to welcome Professor Matsuda Yasuhiro and other friends from the Japanese academic community once again to the Presidential Office. I would like to thank the University of Tokyo’s cross-strait relations research group for its long-time attention to stability in the Taiwan Strait and peace in the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan and Japan have close ties. The government of Japan has repeatedly reiterated the importance of peace in the Taiwan Strait to the Indo-Pacific region at various international venues. Moreover, when Taiwan was hit by typhoons and torrential rains in recent days, Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru expressed condolences and support. For all of this, I am very thankful. I look forward to further strengthening the friendship and cooperation between Taiwan and Japan through in-depth exchanges with the delegation. Professor Matsuda then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for taking the time to meet with his delegation. He noted that the delegation members have long taken a close interest in Taiwan’s political and economic conditions as well as cross-strait relations, observing and studying them, and said that they are very much looking forward to discussing issues relevant to Taiwan and Japan. The delegation also included Senior Research Fellow at the Japan External Trade Organization Institute of Developing Economies Sato Yukihito, Professor Kawakami Momoko of Kanagawa University, Professor Eto Naoko of Gakushuin University, and Professor Momma Rira of Takushoku University.
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2025-09-02
President Lai meets delegation led by Tuvalu Speaker of Parliament Iakoba Taeia Italeli
On the afternoon of September 2, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Speaker of the Parliament of Tuvalu Iakoba Taeia Italeli and his wife. In remarks, President Lai thanked Tuvalu for long supporting Taiwan’s international participation and speaking up for Taiwan at global venues. President Lai expressed hope that Taiwan and Tuvalu will continue to closely cooperate in areas such as climate change and talent development, and work together to advance stability and prosperous development in the Asia-Pacific region. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I welcome Speaker Italeli and Member of Parliament Seve Paeniu, who are leading this delegation to Taiwan. I would also like to thank Speaker Italeli and the Parliament of Tuvalu for their warm welcome during my visit to Tuvalu last year. On this occasion, Speaker Italeli and the delegation have come to attend the General Assembly of the Asian-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Union. This not only demonstrates support for Taiwan, but also attests once again to our nations’ determination to jointly advance stability and prosperous development in the Asia-Pacific region. As I emphasized in my remarks at the assembly’s opening ceremony, Taiwan will continue to demonstrate determination to safeguard regional peace. We will also boost cooperation with diplomatic allies and other nations in Asia to promote mutual prosperity and success throughout the region. Looking ahead, Taiwan will continue to work closely with Tuvalu across all domains to promote prosperous development in both nations. We will also jointly tackle such global challenges as climate change and expanding authoritarianism. One of Speaker Italeli’s areas of focus in Tuvalu is talent development. Through scholarship programs, healthcare and vocational training workshops, and the launch of the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative – Diplomatic Allies Inbound Track Program this year, Taiwan will continue to invite even more young Tuvaluans to learn and conduct exchanges in Taiwan. In July, here at the Presidential Office, I met with some outstanding young people from Tuvalu participating in exchanges. I believe that through cooperative projects and visits between our two countries, the diplomatic alliance between Taiwan and Tuvalu will further deepen, underscoring our common belief in the universal values of democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Tuvalu for long speaking up for Taiwan and supporting our international participation at global venues, including the United Nations General Assembly and the World Health Assembly. We will always remember these acts of friendship. We look forward to Taiwan and Tuvalu continuing to support each other, working with even more democratic partners to safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity in the Pacific. Speaker Italeli then delivered remarks, first conveying greetings and stating that Tuvalu is standing on the frontlines of climate change. Tuvalu is small in land, he said, but vast in its stewardship of the ocean, while the people of Tuvalu are rich in heritage, culture, and resilience. The speaker went on to say that despite this, the daily reality they face is stark, as rising seas threaten homes, saltwater intrusion contaminates crops and water, and storms of increasing intensity erode the land. For Tuvalu, Speaker Italeli said, climate change is not a theory; it is a lived struggle for survival, dignity, and the right to remain in their ancestral homeland. Speaker Italeli noted that in this existential struggle, Taiwan has proven itself a true and steadfast partner. He expressed appreciation for Taiwan’s assistance in reclaiming land in Tuvalu, supporting their agriculture sector, and enhancing connectivity through contributions to the Vaka Cable. He also expressed gratitude for the rollout of 4G services to Tuvalu’s outer islands, which has strengthened education, and for Taiwan’s health assistance. Speaker Italeli said that looking ahead, they also hope that Taiwan will continue supporting their renewable energy transition, enabling Tuvalu to reach its goal of 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. He then expressed gratitude for Taiwan’s commitment to supporting the construction of Tuvalu’s new parliament, which he stated is the living foundation of their democracy, where the voices of the people are heard, laws are made, and the destiny of the nation is shaped. Speaker Italeli then reaffirmed Tuvalu’s support for Taiwan in international fora, saying that Tuvalu knows the value of solidarity. In every gathering of nations, he said, Tuvalu will continue to stand proudly with Taiwan, just as Taiwan has stood with Tuvalu. Speaker Italeli stated that Tuvalu may be small, but their friendship with Taiwan is vast. They are bound not by size or distance, he said, but by values and spirit, and our shared belief in democracy, dignity, and resilience. Speaker Italeli said that the support of Taiwan for Tuvalu in health, agriculture, ICT, renewable energy, education, trade, and governance will not only shape this generation, but inspire generations yet to come. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Tuvalu Ambassador Lily Tangisia Faavae.
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2025-08-28
President Lai attends opening ceremony of 53rd Asian-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Union General Assembly
On the morning of August 28, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening ceremony of the 53rd Asian-Pacific Parliamentarians’ Union (APPU) General Assembly. In remarks, President Lai thanked the APPU for long providing a platform for countries around the world to engage in legislative diplomacy, exchanges, and cooperation, promoting prosperity and progress in Asia. The president stated that Taiwan will adopt three initiatives in working together with other countries: demonstrating determination to safeguard regional peace, boosting cooperation with diplomatic allies, and leveraging the APPU platform to strengthen cooperation with other nations in Asia to jointly promote peace, prosperity, and economic development in the Asia-Pacific region. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, on behalf of the government and all the people of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I would like to welcome our distinguished guests from many countries who have come all the way to Taiwan to participate in the APPU’s 53rd General Assembly. The APPU’s predecessor, the Asian Parliamentarians’ Union, was an organization that former Japanese Prime Minister Kishi Nobusuke launched an initiative to found in 1965. This year marks the organization’s 60th year, and it is a great honor for Taiwan to host this year’s historic assembly. I would like to thank Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), president of the Legislative Yuan, Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny C. Chiang (江啟臣), and members of both the ruling and opposition parties for taking on this important responsibility. I would also like express my gratitude to the APPU for providing this platform for many years for legislators from around the world to engage in legislative diplomacy, exchanges, and cooperation, promoting prosperity and progress in Asia. The theme of this year’s general assembly encompasses strengthening societal resilience and legislative cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, with a special focus on sustainable economic development, boosting resilience in society, and promoting cooperation on all manner of issues. These not only closely align with Taiwan’s development needs, but are also very important matters in the Asian region currently. The Asia-Pacific has collectively faced various challenges including the SARS outbreak in the 2000s, the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2020s, climate change, and shifting geopolitics. Therefore, it is very important to find ways to build cooperation among different countries through the APPU platform. Taiwan will adopt three initiatives in working together with other countries: First, we will demonstrate determination to safeguard regional peace. There is already a strong consensus in the international community that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are indispensable to security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan not only has the responsibility to maintain its own security, but also has a duty to uphold peace and stability in the region. This is why Taiwan has adopted the Four Pillars of Peace action plan, the first pillar being to strengthen national defense. Next year, we will devote over 3 percent of GDP to defense spending, and we aim for defense spending, as it is defined by NATO, to reach at least 5 percent of GDP by 2030. The second pillar is to build economic resilience, helping Taiwanese businesses expand their global presence and international markets from a solid base here in Taiwan. From 2010 to last year, Taiwanese investment in China fell from 83.8 percent to 7 percent of total outbound investment. Our investment targets have now shifted to Japan, the United States, and Europe. Next is to strengthen cooperation with other countries, so as to uphold the spirit of democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights. Shoulder to shoulder, we will demonstrate the strength of deterrence and achieve peace through strength. Lastly, Taiwan is willing, on the condition of parity and dignity, to engage in exchanges and cooperation with China to promote peace and mutual prosperity across the strait. Second, we will boost all manner of cooperation with our diplomatic allies. Last year, I visited our allies Tuvalu, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. I was grateful for the warm welcome of the heads of state and legislatures of these three nations, and also witnessed Taiwan’s close collaboration with our allies in regard to climate change. Going forward, we will continue to strengthen all manner of cooperation with our allies, alongside Japan, the US, Australia, and other nations in Asia, to promote mutual prosperity and development. Third, Taiwan will leverage the APPU platform to strengthen cooperation with other nations in Asia. I ask that the legislators of APPU countries support all aspects of cooperation with Taiwan. Unity and cooperation are powerful, benefitting not only all member states, but also greatly benefitting prosperity and development in the region. To close, I wish the assembly great success and that the legislators here can take advantage of this visit to gain an even deeper understanding of Taiwan.
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2025-08-27
President Lai meets delegation from Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China
On the afternoon of August 27, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC). In remarks, President Lai thanked IPAC for continuing to support Taiwan through concrete actions. President Lai emphasized that Taiwan will continue to bolster its national defense capabilities and deepen collaboration with democratic partners to enhance deterrence. The president expressed hope that IPAC, through its inter-parliamentary network, will be able to bring together even more like-minded partners to stand side by side in protecting democracy, peace, and prosperity in the region and around the world. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I thank our dear friends from IPAC for visiting and for demonstrating staunch support for democratic Taiwan. In July last year, the largest ever multinational delegation of lawmakers visited Taiwan to attend IPAC’s annual summit in Taipei. The summit adopted an IPAC model resolution on United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 to help Taiwan counter China’s lawfare. Because of IPAC’s principled actions, the national parliaments of countries including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic, as well as the European Parliament, have passed Taiwan-friendly resolutions or motions. The executive branches of numerous countries have also openly expressed support for Taiwan. We look forward to seeing even more countries join this effort. I also want to thank IPAC for continuing to support Taiwan through concrete actions this year. It expressed concern over China’s military exercises around Taiwan this April and condemned China for planning a collision with then-Vice President-elect Bi-khim Hsiao’s car during her visit to the Czech Republic last March. IPAC also arranged events to engage with Taiwan’s high-level delegation during the Copenhagen Democracy Summit held in Denmark. In recent years, China has continued its political and military intimidation against Taiwan and neighboring countries. These actions have severely disrupted regional peace and stability. And as China, Russia, and other authoritarian regimes continue to converge, democracies must foster more comprehensive cooperation so as to safeguard peace, freedom, and democracy. Moving ahead, Taiwan will continue to bolster its national defense capabilities and deepen collaboration with democratic partners to enhance deterrence. Our defense spending, as defined by NATO, will reach 3.32 percent of GDP in 2026. And our goal is to increase that number to five percent of GDP by 2030. This will help Taiwan enhance its self-defense capabilities and further contribute to the maintenance of regional peace and stability. Taiwan will also work alongside other democracies in such fields as energy, AI, and high tech to build more resilient industrial structures and democratic supply chains, demonstrating greater unity, spurring greater economic prosperity, and further consolidating our democracy. Looking ahead, I hope that IPAC, through its inter-parliamentary network, will be able to bring together even more like-minded partners to stand side by side in protecting democracy, peace, and prosperity in the region and around the world. IPAC Co-founder and Member of the Parliament of the United Kingdom Iain Duncan Smith then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for taking the time to meet with them. He said that their visit here the last few days has been incredibly helpful to chart the course for IPAC over the next year. MP Smith said that IPAC will be holding a much bigger meeting in Belgium in November to discuss the rising challenge we face today. We see this challenge manifested in Ukraine, he pointed out, with Russia’s brutal invasion of that country, and the coming together of a threatening group of authoritarian states such as Iran, North Korea, and China, to support Russia in that endeavor. He said that this obviously has an impact on a variety of different areas, and particularly, what is happening there has an impact on the treatment of Taiwan in the future. What they wish, he underlined, is to draw the attention of all the governments that are part of IPAC to this issue and to stop authoritarian states from doing something similar here. MP Smith said that IPAC now has members from various parties in the parliaments of 53 countries who, whether on the left or right, cooperate together against the threat of the autocracy in China. They wish, he said, to bring together all of the freedom-loving states of the world to recognize the threat that is now posed to our democracies and freedoms, and to group together to protect those here in Taiwan. The delegation also included former Foreign Minister of Poland Anna Fotyga, Member of the Swedish Riksdag (parliament) Magnus Berntsson, and IPAC Co-founder and Executive Director Luke de Pulford.
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2025-08-18
President Lai meets study delegation from Japan’s LDP Youth Division
On the afternoon of August 18, President Lai Ching-te met with a study delegation from the Youth Division of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP). In remarks, President Lai stated that Japan and Taiwan have deep ties of friendship, and that the two nations share a strong belief in the values of democracy and freedom. With global circumstances rapidly changing, the president expressed hope to continue enhancing cooperation, not only to stabilize the regional situation, but also to boost the resilience of both countries’ economies and bring about win-win outcomes for the economies and industries of both Taiwan and Japan. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I want to first extend a warm welcome to our good friends in the LDP Youth Division, who are once again visiting Taiwan. This past May, I met with Japanese House of Representatives Members Nakasone Yasutaka, Hiranuma Shojiro, and Katou Ryusho, as well as House of Councillors Member Kamiya Masayuki at the Presidential Office, and I am happy that LDP Youth Division Central Standing Committee Chair Suda Akira has also joined the delegation to exchange views on various topics today. I want to thank the LDP Youth Division for the many years it has played a key role in Taiwan-Japan exchanges and spurred deeper bilateral understanding and cooperation. Japan and Taiwan have deep ties of friendship. Whenever Taiwan has faced difficulties, Japan has always lent a helping hand and offered warmth. After a major earthquake struck Taiwan on April 3 last year, the LDP Youth Division raised donations to support reconstruction. Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and many members of the Japanese Diet also expressed condolences when Taiwan was hit by typhoons and torrential rains these last two months. Such gestures have deeply moved us. Taiwan and Japan share a strong belief in the values of democracy and freedom. In the face of expanding authoritarianism, I again thank the government of Japan, from former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo to Prime Minister Ishiba, for continually emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait at US-Japan summits, G7 leaders’ summits, Quadrilateral Security Dialogues, and other international venues. With global circumstances rapidly changing, I look forward to Taiwan and Japan working together amid the shifting geopolitical landscape, not only to stabilize the regional situation, but also to continue enhancing cooperation and competitiveness in such industries as semiconductors, AI, military, security and surveillance, and next-generation communications. This will boost the resilience of both our economies, bringing about win-win outcomes for the economies and industries of both Taiwan and Japan. House of Representatives Member Nakasone, who also serves as the director of the LDP Youth Division, then delivered remarks, stating that Taiwan and Japan share many universal values and have common interests in addition to substantive cooperation in many areas. Taiwan-Japan relations are now better than ever, he said, and expressed hope that based on this strong foundation, we can work together to enhance mutual cooperation, with the Youth Division providing support. Director Nakasone expressed condolences for the recent typhoons and torrential rains in Taiwan, which impacted many people. Taiwan and Japan both experience natural disasters frequently, he said, but they lend a helping hand to each other every time a disaster occurs. He noted that next year, Japan will formally establish a disaster prevention agency whose main tasks include international cooperation. He then expressed hope that both countries will share disaster prevention-related intelligence, information, and experience, and strengthen cooperation in this field. Director Nakasone indicated that there are numerous wars going on in the world right now, as well as frequent attempts to change the status quo by force in various places. Among them, Taiwan is facing a tense situation in the Taiwan Strait, and Japan is similarly facing threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. He stated that we must show, both at home and abroad, the determination to save one’s own country, and establish the mechanisms to do so. Taiwan and Japan, as trusted partners, must closely cooperate to promote regional peace and stability, the director said. Noting that in his remarks, President Lai had mentioned cooperation in semiconductors, Director Nakasone said that both sides have strengths not only in semiconductors, but also in next-generation communications and AI. There are many things that Japan can learn from Taiwan, he said, and expressed hope that cooperation in related fields can boost the industrial competitiveness of both countries. Director Nakasone said that currently, whether for Japan or Taiwan, governing is not easy. In particular, he said, the rise of social media platforms has made the democratic system even more complex; however, government leaders must protect the people and the nation. He then expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan will work together to address these challenges, and that the younger generation will also play an important role. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.
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2025-08-01
President Lai delivers remarks on US reciprocal tariff policy response
On the morning of August 1, President Lai Ching-te delivered remarks at the Presidential Office on the response to the reciprocal tariff policy of the United States. President Lai explained that technical consultations with the US are finished, but as the final concluding meeting has not yet taken place, 20 percent has been set for Taiwan as an interim tariff rate. The president said that Taiwan will work towards a more favorable and reasonable rate in the subsequent negotiations, and that the US has expressed its willingness to continue talks. He added that a support plan for Taiwan’s export supply chain in response to US tariffs has been proposed to assist small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in responding to the US tariff policy. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Earlier today, the US government informed our lead negotiator, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君), that an interim tariff rate for Taiwan has been set at 20 percent. Since April 2, when the US introduced its new tariff policy targeting countries worldwide, Taiwan has actively engaged in four in-person rounds of negotiation and multiple discussions over videoconference with the US government. Throughout the process, both sides have negotiated in good faith based on the shared goal of addressing the trade deficit between Taiwan and the US and creating complementary and mutually beneficial outcomes. Although we have achieved an interim reduction in the tariff rate from 32 percent to 20 percent at this point in the negotiations, 20 percent was never our goal. We hope to work towards a more favorable and reasonable rate for Taiwan in the subsequent negotiations, and the US has expressed its willingness to continue talks. We have finished technical consultations, but as the final concluding meeting has not yet taken place, a final tariff rate has not yet been reached. This is the reason for the setting of an interim tariff rate. I extend my sincere gratitude to Vice Premier Cheng and Minister without Portfolio of the Executive Yuan Yang Jen-ni (楊珍妮) for working tirelessly over the past few months leading the negotiation team, remaining on call whether in Taiwan or the US. From here in Taiwan I, along with Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), and Secretary-General Pan Men-an (潘孟安), have also provided full support to our negotiating team in the US. Regardless of the final tariff rate, Taiwan’s industries will inevitably be impacted. I am deeply grateful to Premier Cho for proposing on April 4 a support plan for Taiwan’s export supply chain in response to US tariffs, and for holding over 20 industry consultation sessions. The special budget has also been increased from NT$88 billion to NT$93 billion. This special act has already been submitted to the Legislative Yuan and passed review. I hope that the Executive Yuan will promptly submit the budget request for legislative review so that the special budget can be implemented as soon as possible to assist SMEs in responding to this new US tariff policy.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (September 4) published the findings of their annual joint survey on the distribution of non-exchange-traded investment products, showing record sales and level of market participation for these products during 2024 (Note 1).
Total transaction amount of non-exchange-traded investment products by licensed corporations (LCs) and registered institutions (RIs) surged 40 per cent year-on-year to a record $6,073 billion in 2024 (Note 2). Market participation also witnessed broad-based growth last year. The number of firms engaged in the sale of investment products grew by 9 per cent to a new high of 414, with an overwhelming 46 per cent more than doubling their sales year-on-year. The number of large firms saw a 12 per cent increase to 101 (Note 3). Also setting new record highs are the manpower deployed to distribute investment products, which rose by 4 per cent to more than 19 000, and the number of clients completing at least one transaction, which increased by 28 per cent to over 1.2 million (Note 4).
All major investment product types recorded significant sales growth in 2024. Sales of authorised collective investment schemes (CIS) grew 96 per cent to $1,400 billion and unauthorised CIS grew 50 per cent to $844 billion. Sales of structured products and debt securities increased by 30 per cent and 29 per cent year-on-year, respectively. Respondent firms generally observed stronger investor sentiment compared with the previous year as investors actively pursued products that suit their risk appetites and investment goals.
Equity-linked products thrived amidst strong market momentum and remained the top-selling structured product category with sales of $1,729 billion, up 43 per cent year-on-year. Meanwhile, money market funds and sovereign bonds remained attractive to investors due to their perceived lower risks and decent returns under the prevailing high interest rate environment in 2024. The survey showed an increase in the sales of money market funds, which accounted for 80 per cent of the total transaction amount of the top five CIS reported by the large firms, up from 76 per cent in 2023. Sovereign bonds also gained popularity, making up 49 per cent of total debt securities sold last year, compared with 44 per cent in the year before.
“The remarkable surge in product sales underscores the dedication of firms and the trust investors place in our financial markets,” said the Executive Director of Intermediaries of the SFC, Dr Eric Yip. “The SFC is steadfast in fostering a robust regulatory framework that enables businesses to grow while protecting investor interests.”
“The strong growth in investment transactions reflects heightened investor confidence and interest in the vibrancy of Hong Kong’s investment market, and supports the continuous growth and development of the ecosystem,” said the Executive Director (Banking Conduct) of the HKMA, Mr Alan Au. “The survey result enables regulators to better co-ordinate and implement our supervisory activities in light of market developments, thus according protection to investors.”
Other major observations from the survey included:
Note 1: The annual survey questionnaires were sent to 2 368 LCs and 109 RIs licensed or registered for Type 1 (dealing in securities), Type 4 (advising on securities) or both regulated activities, and more than 99 per cent of them responded. The survey covered the sale of non-exchange-traded investment products from January 1 to December 31, 2024 (the reporting period) by respondent firms to non-professional investor clients, individual professional investors (PIs) and certain corporate PIs. The first SFC-HKMA joint survey was published in 2021.
Note 2: Transaction amount refers to the amount paid or payable by investors for investment products. For structured products and derivative products, the transaction amount refers to the maximum exposure of the contracts at the point of sale. Respondent firms were requested to report only one side of the transaction. Rollovers, redemptions and position close-outs were not included.
Note 3: Large firms refer to LCs and RIs with total transactions of $1 billion or more and $30 billion or more respectively during the reporting period. They were requested to provide details about the investment products sold, including the transaction amount by investor type and the details of the top five products ranked by transaction amount.
Note 4: The numbers of clients of LCs and RIs who completed at least one transaction in non-exchange-traded investment products during the reporting period were 493 829 and 714 926 respectively.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DH cracks down on unlicensed medicine shops illegally selling controlled medicines
The DH received intelligence indicating that two unlicensed medicine shops located in Pak Tin were suspected of illegally selling or possessing controlled medicines. The DH, in collaboration with the Police, took enforcement action at the two premises concerned. During the operation, 125 types of controlled drugs were discovered on the premises. A 39-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man present at the scene were arrested on suspicion of illegally selling Part 2 poisons and illegally possessing Part 1 poisons and antibiotics respectively.
A preliminary investigation indicated that the products seized during the operation included substances classified as Part 1 poisons or Part 2 poisons under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) (PPO), and antibiotic substances under the Antibiotics Ordinance (Cap. 137) (AO). Some of the products also did not bear Hong Kong registration numbers for pharmaceutical products as required by law and were labelled only in foreign languages (including Japanese and English).
The DH will continue to follow up and investigate the incident.
According to the PPO, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in the market. Additionally, only persons authorised by the Board as Authorized Sellers of Poisons (ASPs) are allowed to conduct the relevant retail business of selling poisons listed in Part 1 and Part 2 of the Poisons List at Schedule 10 of the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations (Cap. 138A) at premises registered by the Board, whereas Listed Sellers of Poisons can only conduct the retail business of selling poisons listed in Part 2 of the Poisons List. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons and illegal sale of Part 2 poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years’ imprisonment. Moreover, according to the AO, ASPs can only sell antibiotics with the authority of a doctor’s prescription. The maximum penalty for illegal sale or possession of antibiotics is a fine of $50,000 and 12 months’ imprisonment.
The DH strongly urges members of the public not to buy or use unregistered pharmaceutical products as their safety, efficacy and quality are not guaranteed. All registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of “HK-XXXXX”. Members of the public should not self-medicate without advice from healthcare professionals. They should stop using them and consult healthcare professionals if they are in doubt or feeling unwell after use. They may visit the website of the Drug Office of the DH for “General Knowledge on the Use of MedicinesIssued at HKT 11:00
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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Gascoigne Road Flyover slip road to Yau Ma Tei to reopen September 14 Appropriate traffic signs and road markings will be in place at relevant locations. Motorists are advised to heed traffic signs and drive carefully when passing through these road sections.
A Government spokesman said that the works of the Central Kowloon Route project have entered the final stage. Structural works for the tunnels, slip roads and tunnel buildings have been completed, while the associated electrical and mechanical works are also in full swing and are expected to be completed by end-2025.Issued at HKT 10:00
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Source: Gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Caledonie
La 8ème Conférence des ministres de la culture du Pacifique (PMCM), qui s’est ouverte cet après-midi à la communauté du Pacifique (CPS), a officiellement acté l’organisation du Festival des arts du Pacifique (Festpac) en 2028 par la Nouvelle-Calédonie.
À cet effet, une cérémonie de passation de la rame pour l’organisation du Festpac sera organisée demain jeudi 4 septembre à la CPS (Cf. déroulé en PJ).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (September 3) urged the public not to consume a batch of prepackaged raw milk cheese imported from France due to possible contamination with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). The trade should stop using or selling the affected product immediately if they possess it.
Product details are as follows:
Product name: Mini Camembert Raw Milk Cheese
Brand: Gillot
Place of origin: France
Pack size: 150 grams
Use-by date: September 4, 2025
Batch number: 183511
Importer: City Super Limited
“The CFS received a notification from the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) of the European Commission that the above-mentioned product is under recall due to possible contamination with STEC. According to the information provided by the RASFF, the affected batch of the product has been imported into Hong Kong,” a spokesman for the CFS said.
Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately contacted local importers to follow up. A preliminary investigation found that the above-mentioned importer had imported into Hong Kong the affected batch of the product concerned. The importer has stopped sales, removed from shelves the affected batch of the product concerned and has initiated a recall according to the CFS’s instructions. Members of the public may call its hotline at 2736 3866 during office hours with any enquiries about the recall.
“People will contract STEC-causing gastro-intestinal disease through consumption of contaminated water or undercooked and contaminated foods. Intestinal bleeding and serious complications such as hemolytic uraemic syndrome may also develop in some people,” the spokesman said.
​The CFS has alerted the trade to the incident, and will continue to follow up and take appropriate action. The investigation is ongoing.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Today (September 3) is the Victory Day of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence (MWRCD) organised activities, including a sharing session on the War of Resistance and film screenings, to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, aiming to deepen the knowledge of the public and students about the War of Resistance.
The museum invited the Deputy President of the Society of Veterans of the Original Hong Kong Independent Battalion of the Dongjiang Column, Mr Lam Ming, to host a sharing session with local secondary students. He shared the wartime stories of his father’s generation. Mr Lam’s father joined the Hong Kong Independent Battalion of the Dongjiang Column at the age of 16, and together with Mr Lam’s grand uncle, a maritime communication line was established from the Shek Shui Kan Radio Station at Wu Kau Tang to the Battalion Headquarters in Chek Keng, Sai Kung. Mr Lam hopes that the public will commemorate the sacrifices and contributions of the martyrs of the War of Resistance. Secondary students who participated in the sharing session said that they will remember the history of the War of Resistance and cherish the hard-earned peace.
There was also a collaborative art creation activity, inviting members of the public to write greeting cards to express their feelings about the War of Resistance as well as respect for the martyrs and veterans.
In collaboration with the Hong Kong Film Archive, the MWRCD also arranged two screenings of the anti-war movie “Life Goes On” (2024) today, which received overwhelming feedback. The film recounts the story of a group of university teachers and students in southern China who endured great hardships during the war, relocating to northern Guangdong and persevering in their educational pursuits despite adverse circumstances.
The “Standing Together for Peacebuilding: Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the War of Resistance in Guangdong and Hong Kong” exhibition, jointly organised by the MWRCD and the Guangdong Museum of Revolutionary History, is currently on display. Featuring some 40 items/sets of wartime relics and around 150 historical photos, the exhibition shows the history of the people of Guangdong and Hong Kong, led by the Chinese Communist Party, and how they were closely united in resisting the enemy. The exhibition will run until July 8 next year, with free admission. The museum also launches a series of free programmes, including lectures, workshops, film screenings, field visits, and travelling exhibitions. For details of the exhibition, please visit the website at hk.waranddefence.museum/en/web/mcd/standingtogetherforpeacebuilding.html.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Two men convicted and jailed for importing and possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes
Customs welcomes the sentence, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Issued at HKT 19:30
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Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Chief Executive John Lee today attended commemorative events marking the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Mr Lee led a delegation to join the commemorative rally and massive military parade in the morning.
Helicopters flew over Tian’anmen Square formed the number 80 and carried banners that read “Justice Prevails,” “Peace Prevails,” and “The People Prevail.”
The grand parade included 45 formations and echelons passing through Tiananmen Square or fly crossing the sky. A range of new armaments were also shown.
Eighty thousands pigeons and 80,000 balloons were released to the sky to close the ceremony.
Mr Lee also attended a reception at noon.
The members of the delegation include the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s Principal Officials and representatives from the Judiciary, the Legislative Council and the District Councils, as well as patriots who participated in the War of Resistance, veterans and their descendants.