Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Hon Edward Leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (July 2):

Question:

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Hon Chan Chun-ying and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, in the Legislative Council today (July 2):

Question:

     This year’s Report on the Work of the Government of the country mentions for the first time that Hong Kong must deepen international exchanges and co-operation. There are views pointing out that international organisations are important platforms for exchanges and co-operation among countries and regions. Regarding Hong Kong’s participation in the affairs of law enforcement-related international organisations, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) as the Independent Commission Against Corruption has indicated that it has formed a tripartite partnership with the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities and the Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption, actively contributing to the advancement of the global anti-corruption cause through, among other means, exchanges and sharing of experience with other countries, as well as organising anti-corruption training programmes, whether, in addition to the aforesaid activities, the Government will consider expanding the scale of such activities by taking the lead in organising in Hong Kong larger-scale, integrated international events themed on anti-corruption; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(2) given that the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, in its capacity as the World Customs Organization (WCO) Vice-Chair for the Asia/Pacific (A/P) Region, successfully organised the 26th WCO A/P Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference in May this year, whether, in addition to actively organising the aforesaid representative event, the Government will consider taking the opportunity of its involvement in the affairs of this international organisation to invite personnel from customs-related agencies of various countries to visit Hong Kong more frequently, so as to foster exchanges and co-operation with other regions?

Reply:

President,

     In the Report on the Work of the Government delivered by the Premier of the State Council at the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress on March 5, 2025, “support Hong Kong and Macao in growing their economies, improving the lives of their people, and deepening international exchanges and co-operation” was mentioned. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was most encouraged, and will better leverage the institutional strengths of “one country, two systems” and Hong Kong’s unique and internationalised advantages to open up new development opportunities, enhance Hong Kong’s international competitiveness, deepen international exchanges and co-operation, and strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a bridge linking the Mainland and global markets. As international organisations are important platforms for exchanges and co-operation among countries and regions, Hong Kong’s law enforcement agencies have deepened international exchanges and co-operation in recent years by participating in various international organisations, and even taking up leadership role, as well as hosting major international conferences, in a bid to contribute to the Belt and Road Initiative, and to tell the world the good stories of our country and Hong Kong.

     In consultation with the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), the reply to the various parts of the question raised by the Hon Chan Chun-ying is as follows:

(1) The ICAC actively supports the national development strategy and the Belt and Road Initiative and reinforces the tripartite partnership formed with the Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption (HKIAAC) and the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA), deepening international exchanges and co-operation in the global fight against corruption. At the same time, the ICAC has forged strategic partnerships through memoranda of understanding with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and anti-corruption agencies in various Belt and Road countries. These partnerships facilitate the exchanges of anti-corruption expertise and enhance professional capacity building worldwide, supporting the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). The ICAC’s efforts have garnered widespread international recognition.

     Under the tripartite partnership, the ICAC synergises its over 50 years of anti-corruption experience with the HKIAAC’s training platform and the IAACA’s extensive global network. Through a diversity of collaborative approaches, including organising tailored training programmes, sharing practical experiences, and undertaking bilateral or multilateral collaborations, the ICAC provides tailored support to overseas anti-corruption agencies, promoting Hong Kong’s anti-corruption expertise worldwide.

     The ICAC organises large-scale international events to exchange experiences with global anti-corruption partners while showcasing Hong Kong’s robust legal system and anti-corruption achievements. For instance, the ICAC and the IAACA co-hosted the 8th ICAC Symposium in Hong Kong in May 2024, gathering over 500 delegates from more than 180 anti-corruption and related organisations across nearly 60 jurisdictions. The Symposium doubled as the IAACA’s 11th Annual Conference, where the IAACA adopted the “Hong Kong Declaration on Strengthening International Cooperation in Preventing and Fighting Corruption”, which is the first-ever anti-corruption declaration named after Hong Kong. The declaration called on anti-corruption agencies worldwide to uphold the principles of the UNCAC and unite in their mission against corruption. Following the Symposium, the HKIAAC and the IAACA jointly organised an anti-corruption training course, including a study tour to Mainland China for around 50 anti-corruption practitioners from around the world, fostering deeper practical exchanges.

     To nurture anti-corruption awareness and drive innovation among youth in Asia, advance digital corruption prevention, and promote transnational collaboration, the ICAC, in partnership with the IAACA and the UNODC, will host the “Coding4Integrity Asian Youth Anti-Corruption Hackathon” in Hong Kong this September. The event will engage young participants from 15 Asian countries/territories, including Hong Kong, Macao, and various Belt and Road countries. Arrangements will be made for participants to visit Mainland China to learn about our country’s cutting-edge technological advancements and anti-corruption efforts. The winning team will also have the opportunity to present the solution at an event held in the margins of the 11th Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the UNCAC in Doha, Qatar, this December.

     The ICAC will continue to amplify the synergy of the tripartite partnership and expand collaboration with international partners. Through multifaceted exchanges and interactions, the ICAC will deepen co-operation in the anti-corruption field, and further solidify Hong Kong’s position as an international anti-corruption hub.

(2) Since July 2024, the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) representing Hong Kong, China, has taken up the role of World Customs Organization (WCO) Vice-Chairperson for the Asia/Pacific Region (APVC) again for a term of two years until June 2026. In May this year, the C&ED, in its capacity as the WCO APVC, successfully hosted the 26th WCO Asia/Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Administrations (RHCA) Conference. The Conference was the highest-level meeting held annually in the Asia/Pacific region, which gathered around 120 heads of customs organisations and senior officials from the region, along with delegates from the WCO’s regional entities.

     Hosting the RHCA Conference bore strategic significance for Hong Kong. During the Conference, the C&ED led discussions on the development of an innovative blockchain-based cross-validation platform. This platform will help speed up the logistic, economic and trade development in Hong Kong and the Asia/Pacific region. It will also facilitate customs administrations, logistics stakeholders, finance and capital chains, trade agreement processes and other related industries within the Asia/Pacific region to further integrate and collaborate. Taking the opportunity of hosting the Conference, the C&ED introduced Hong Kong’s key attractions and local food delicacies during the event, and showcased Hong Kong’s image as an international tourist city to the delegates, including the arrangement of a visit to the Victoria Harbour. These activities not only allowed the heads of customs organisations and senior officials from the Asia/Pacific region to personally experience Hong Kong’s distinctive charm and dynamic vibrancy as an international metropolis, but also enhanced their understanding of the city.

     Hosting the RHCA Conference is one of the key responsibilities of the C&ED serving as the WCO APVC. The C&ED has organised a number of other international or regional conferences, workshops, joint enforcement operations and capacity building programmes. From 2024 to the first half of 2025, the C&ED hosted 12 international or regional activities, covering areas such as intelligence exchange, enforcement against illicit cigarettes, canine enforcement, Authorised Economic Operators, data strategies and anti-money laundering, which gathered representatives from around the world to communicate and exchange views on relevant issues. In the future, the C&ED will organise meetings and co-operation programmes on Smart Customs, drug enforcement, and the protection of the environment and wildlife, with a view to fostering connections among law enforcement agencies in the Asia/Pacific region, and promote trade facilitation measures and development in the region. The C&ED will continue to take this opportunity to extend invitations to various customs administrations to come to Hong Kong for the events.

     Apart from actively organising the abovementioned significant events, the C&ED has leveraged its involvement in the WCO affairs to invite representatives from various customs administrations to visit Hong Kong. These efforts aim to foster greater exchange and co-operation with other regions. Since assuming the role of the WCO APVC, the C&ED has received delegations from 21 customs administrations. Beyond discussions on specific customs matters and exchanges, these visits have also enhanced delegates’ understanding of Hong Kong, with a view to strengthening future connections and collaboration, and laying a strong foundation for combating crime and facilitating trade.

     Looking ahead, the C&ED will be more proactive and seek to make greater impact as a “promoter” and “facilitator” in the WCO through telling the good stories of Hong Kong, upholding multilateralism, advancing international co-operation, and enhancing regional enforcement effectiveness.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is a question by the Hon Tang Ka-piu and a written reply by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, in the Legislative Council today (July 2):

Question:

It is learnt that the Mainland is actively developing the Nan’ao checkpoint pier project in the Dapeng New District of Shenzhen (the Nan’ao checkpoint), with plans to set up a number of routes to and from Hong Kong. On the other hand, the SAR Government has been promoting multi-destination cross-boundary tourism in recent years, while the Urban Renewal Authority has proposed to develop the waterfronts of Kwun Tong, Kowloon Bay, Kai Tak and To Kwa Wan along the Victoria Harbour into a world-class bay region known as “Victoria Cove Area”. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether the Working Group for Sha Tau Kok Co-operation Zone set up under the Task Force for Collaboration on the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy under the Guangdong-Hong Kong and Hong Kong-Shenzhen cooperation mechanism has discussed the development of the Nan’ao checkpoint and the routes to and from Hong Kong; if so, of the relevant progress; whether, in view of the opening of the Nan’ao checkpoint, it will consider setting up more sea control points in the eastern part of Hong Kong and introducing more streamlined immigration measures and policies, so as to create favourable conditions for multi-destination cross-boundary marine tourism across Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(2) as it has been reported that the Nan’ao checkpoint will set up a route connecting to Ma Liu Shui via Tung Ping Chau, which is only four kilometres away, while Tung Ping Chau, a tourist hotspot in Hong Kong, is yet to be supplied with tap water and electricity, whether the SAR Government will take advantage of the opportunity arising from the development of the Nan’ao checkpoint to work with the Shenzhen Municipality in providing Tung Ping Chau with infrastructure such as tap water and electricity to promote the development of the island; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(3) given that the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy proposes the establishment of the Mirs Bay/Yan Chau Tong Eco-‍recreation/tourism Circle, and there are views pointing out that the infrastructural facilities on the islands in such waters, particularly piers or landing facilities, are relatively outdated, whether the Government will allocate resources to upgrade the infrastructure on such islands so as to serve tourists’ needs; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(4) given that the Action Plan for High-Quality Development of the Yacht Industry (2024-2027) announced by the Guangdong Provincial Government proposes to strive for the implementation of a pilot prorgamme for the free flow of yachts among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, of the progress of the SAR Government’s discussion with the Mainland authorities on the implementation of the plan, and whether additional measures conducive to cross-‍boundary high-end marine tourism will be pursued at the same time for Hong Kong’s tourism industry;

(5) whether, in the light of the establishment of the Nan’ao checkpoint, adjustments will be made to the planning for the Northern Metropolis to dovetail with the relevant development; and

(6) whether it will consider creating a “cross-boundary marine eco-‍tourism belt along the eastern waters of Hong Kong” through a multi-destination tourism approach, including but not limited to the development of tourism routes connecting the Nan’ao checkpoint with various scenic spots, such as Sai Kung, Lei Yue Mun (the Sam Ka Tsuen Ferry Pier), Kwun Tong (the Kwun Tong Public Pier and the Kwun Tong Ferry Pier), Kai Tak (the Runway Park Pier and the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal), the Kwun Tong Waterfront Water Sports Centre, the Kai Tak Water Sports Centre and the proposed yacht club in Yau Tong Bay, with a view to utilising existing or planned facilities in combination with eco-tourism and water sports activities in Hong Kong’s eastern waters to attract high-value added visitors to come and spend money in Hong Kong; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

As set out in the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) promotes in-depth integration of Hong Kong’s unique world-class resources with tourism, leveraging Hong Kong’s position as an international metropolis and tourism hub to promote the development of multi-destination travel itineraries and tourism products with other cities inside and outside the Greater Bay Area (GBA). According to the Northern Metropolis (NM) Action Agenda published in 2023, the Blue and Green Recreation, Tourism and Conservation Circle situated in the easternmost part of the NM comprises Robin’s Nest, Lin Ma Hang, Sha Tau Kok, Yan Chau Tong as well as coastal villages and the outlying islands. With abundant blue and green resources including country parks, marine parks and a geopark as well as a number of traditional rural townships, this zone has the potential for recreation and tourism development.

Having consulted the CSTB, the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Security Bureau, and the Transport and Logistics Bureau, a consolidated reply in response to the questions raised by the Hon Tang Ka-piu is as follows:

(1) and (5) The Working Group for Sha Tau Kok Co-operation Zone (the Working Group) under the Task Force for Collaboration on the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy aims to promote cultural and tourism collaboration between Shenzhen and Hong Kong in Sha Tau Kok. The development of the proposed Nan’ao checkpoint, as mentioned in the question, includes routes to and from Hong Kong and is outside the scope of work of the Working Group. As regards setting up sea travel control points in the eastern part of Hong Kong and developing cross-boundary ferry routes between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, these will involve quite a number of considerations, including the long-term market demand for the ferry routes concerned and the carrying capacity of the region, the required infrastructure and supporting facilities and the cost-effectiveness, and the potential impacts on the ecological environment, etc, which warrant careful consideration.

(2) Regarding the power supply to Tung Ping Chau, the Scheme of Control Agreements signed between the Government and the two power companies stipulate that the power companies are obliged to contribute to the development of Hong Kong by providing, operating and maintaining sufficient electricity related-facilities and supplying electricity to meet the demand. This includes the conducting of feasibility studies and putting forward of proposals for supplying electricity to remote areas. The Government will conduct comprehensive assessments on the two power companies’ proposals, taking into account such factors as the supply method, cost-effectiveness and the impact on the environment, etc, with a view to achieving the balance of the four objectives of our energy policy, namely, safety, stability, reasonable prices and environmentally friendliness.  Regarding the electricity supply to Tung Ping Chau, the Government has approved the proposals in the 2018-2023 Development Plan of the CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP) to supply electricity generated from solar power systems for Tung Ping Chau. The Government has also urged the CLP to maintain close liaison with the local residents.

Regarding the water supply to Tung Ping Chau, as the permanent residence of the island is sparse, if a treated water supply system is to be constructed irrespective of whether the submarine pipeline is constructed from Shenzhen or Hong Kong to Tung Ping Chau, it is expected that the low water consumption will likely lead to stagnant water in water mains,  resulting in deterioration of water quality. Preliminary study shows that the capital cost per capita for the construction of treated water supply system for Tung Ping Chau is very high. Factors such as cross-boundary project and management should also be considered for laying the cross-boundary submarine pipeline. In view of technical and financial feasibility of the water supply system, the Water Supplies Department (WSD) is actively exploring using technology to provide water supply to Tung Ping Chau. To this end, the WSD is providing assistance to a non-governmental organisation to carry out pilot use of domestic seawater filter devices to provide an alternative water source for the villagers of Tung Ping Chau.

(3) The Government launched the policy of Pier Improvement Programme (PIP) in 2017, aiming to upgrade the structural safety and facilities of a number of existing public piers at remote areas in the New Territories and outlying islands, with a view to enhancing accessibility of some scenic spots and natural heritage as well as meeting the basic needs of local villagers relying on boats as their main transportation mode and fishermen’s operation. Under the PIP, eight public piers are located within the Mirs Bay/Yan Chau Tong in the NM, of which the construction of Lai Chi Chong Pier, Sam Mun Tsai Village Pier and Sham Chung Pier are expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025. The remaining five piers are at the investigation and design stage. Upon completion of the detailed design, the Government will apply to the Legislative Council for funding for individual pier projects at appropriate time, based on the resource priority and related engineering deployment of the public works projects.

(4) The CSTB supports the development and co-operation of yacht tourism in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao GBA, 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 Development Bureau (DEVB) and the departments under its purview would make appropriate preparation in relation to land use planning and hardware for disembarkation and shores facilities so as to support the future development of yacht tourism in Hong Kong. With regard to the hardware facilities, the DEVB invited the market to submit expressions of interest (EOIs) for the proposed yacht berthing facilities at the ex-Lamma Quarry site and the expansion area of Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter in the first half of this year, and are currently consolidating and analysing the feedback collected. The target is to firm up the development parameters and requirements, conduct the relevant statutory procedures as needed, and invite tender by the end of 2026 and 2027, or even earlier, for the two projects mentioned above respectively. At the same time, the DEVB released in April this year the preliminary land use proposals for the sites around Hung Hom Station and its waterfront areas, proposing to make use of the water body to the west of the former Hung Hom Railway Freight Yard site to provide yacht berthing facilities. The DEVB is currently consulting the public on the whole land use proposal which includes, amongst others, the yacht berthing facilities. The target is to commence town planning and other statutory procedures in the second half of 2026.

To promote yacht tourism, apart from providing more yacht berthing facilities to address the shortage of berths, the Government will also need to consider whether there is any need to improve the immigration clearance procedures for yachts, the visa requirements for crew members, as well as arrangements and ancillary facilities such as ship repairing and maintenance, which involve the work of various bureaux and departments. In this relation, the DEVB has already made use of the opportunity of the EOI exercises mentioned above to collect the industry’s views and improvement recommendations on the development of yacht tourism and the related ancillary facilities. We are currently consolidating and analysing the feedback collected, and will provide them to the relevant bureaux and departments for reference, with a view to facilitating the formulation of more facilitating measures in the future to promote yacht tourism.

(6) At present, Mainland visitors can conveniently enter Hong Kong through various boundary control points to join local tours, including eco-tourism itineraries in Hong Kong. The Government will, under the premise of striking a balance between ecological conservation and tourism development, unveil Hong Kong’s precious ecological resources to visitors and develop island tourism. We will also make good use of the coastline and waterfront resources and encourage the trade to develop diversified tourism products.

Under the Tourism Commission’s Lei Yue Mun Waterfront Enhancement Project, the public landing facility was opened for public use in June. It has provided better supporting facility for developing tourism products in the eastern waters of Victoria Harbour, and promoting the development of marine tourism. In particular, for the licensed ferry route plying between Sai Wan Ho and Sam Ka Tsuen, some of the existing departures from Sai Wan Ho to Sam Ka Tsuen has been operated via the new public landing facility at Lei Yue Mun on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The service has commenced since June 28 on a trial basis for six months.

In addition, the Legislation Council approved the amended Protection of the Harbour Ordinance (Cap. 531) recently. The introduction of a streamlined mechanism under the amended Ordinance has facilitated small-scale reclamations to promote harbourfront enhancement and to strengthen harbour functions. We will explore suitable locations for taking forward harbour enhancement works that can upgrade ancillary tourist facilities on both sides of the Victoria Harbour, by capitalising on the streamlined mechanism, with a view to better leveraging harbourfront resources and promoting tourism.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (July 2) that in view of notifications from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Mkhondo Local Municipality in South Africa and Wrexham County of Wales in the United Kingdom (UK), the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

A CFS spokesman said that Hong Kong has currently established a protocol with South Africa for the import of poultry meat but not for poultry eggs. According to the Census and Statistics Department, no poultry meat was imported into Hong Kong from South Africa in the first three months of this year. Moreover, Hong Kong imported about 210 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 440 000 poultry eggs from the UK in the first three months of this year.

“The CFS has contacted the South African and British authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is a question by the Hon Jimmy Ng and a written reply by the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, in the Legislative Council today (July 2):
 
Question:

     In collaboration with the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau has earlier devised a domain of economic activities comprising manufacturing and new industrialisation-related industries in Hong Kong and released statistics on the economic performance of relevant activities, so as to reflect the economic performance of Hong Kong’s new industries more precisely. In addition, as stated in the 2024 Policy Address, the Government plans to commence a study on “the medium to long-term development plan for new industrialisation in Hong Kong” (the study) within this year to accelerate the promotion of “new industrialisation” with Hong Kong’s competitive edges. It is learnt that members of the industries expect that the Government will release more statistics and study reports on the relevant industries, in particular, statistics on the operating situations of Hong Kong manufacturing enterprises operating outside Hong Kong. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether the aforementioned economic performance statistics will also cover Hong Kong manufacturing enterprises operating outside Hong Kong; if not, of the reasons for that;

(2) of the expected completion time of the study, and whether the scope of the study will cover the operating situations of Hong Kong manufacturing enterprises operating outside Hong Kong; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; whether the authorities will engage consultants to conduct such a study on a regular basis in the future; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(3) whether it will compile more industrial statistics and conduct more studies at different levels in future, e.g. whether it will, by drawing reference to C&SD’s statistical methodology for the statistics on offshore trade and merchanting activities, conduct a comprehensive survey on Hong Kong manufacturing enterprises operating in the Mainland and overseas, and develop regular statistical indicators on the offshore industrial sector for Hong Kong; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(4) as it is learnt that at present, the Key Statistics on Business Performance and Operating Characteristics of the Industrial Sector include statistics on import and export firms engaged in sub-contract processing arrangement and providing manufacturing-related technical support services, of the reasons why offshore sales are not covered in the aforementioned economic performance statistics?

Reply:

President,

     Our response to the question raised by the Hon Jimmy Ng, in consultation with the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), is as follows:

(1) The statistics measuring the economic performance of Manufacturing and New Industrialisation-related Industries are compiled based on the statistical framework of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which covers resident producing units only. According to international statistical standard, as offshore enterprises are not resident producing units of Hong Kong, their economic activities are not included in Hong Kong’s Manufacturing and New Industrialisation-related Industries. However, Hong Kong enterprises that are engaging in data services, software development, and other related professional technical services for supporting Hong Kong-owned offshore manufacturing enterprises are included in Manufacturing and New Industrialisation-related Industries for measuring their contribution to the GDP of Hong Kong.

(2) To further enhance the systemic development of new industries with a view to realising the top-level design and developmental direction set out in the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint, we will launch a study on the medium to long-term development plan for new industrialisation in Hong Kong, in order to better understand the current development of new industrialisation in Hong Kong and demands from the industry, and systematically analyse existing policy measures, thereby more effectively encourage traditional manufacturers to employ innovation and technology to undergo upgrading and transformation, support the development of strategic and emerging industries, as well as start-ups and future industries, strengthen support for relevant professional services, and expeditiously drive new industrialisation with Hong Kong advantages. We will launch the study within third quarter of this year. Thereafter, we will ask the consulting institution to conclude the study within 2026, and will, taking into full account the recommendations set out in the consultancy study report and Hong Kong’s local conditions, enhance and implement policies and measures that can drive new industrialisation, to support high quality development. As the tendering process is about to begin, we are unable to provide too much information at this stage. We will continue to closely monitor the development of new industrialisation in Hong Kong, and inspect existing measures or devise new ones in accordance with practical need, including but not limited to considering to launch further studies on new industrialisation. As of now, we do not have plans to regularly conduct relevant studies.

(3) Regarding the offshore business of Hong Kong companies, in addition to compiling statistics on offshore trade and merchanting activities, the C&SD also compiles statistics (e.g. number of establishments, number of persons employed, value added of the industry and sales revenue) relating to the sub-contracting of manufacturing processes by Hong Kong import/export trading companies to the mainland of China (the Mainland) and other regions, in respect of Hong Kong companies which sub-contract their production processes to the Mainland and other regions according to contractual agreement.

As regards business situation of non-local Hong Kong-funded companies, including those located on the Mainland and other regions, the  C&SD has practical difficulties in conducting statistical surveys outside Hong Kong to directly collect their data. As for the local companies related to these non-local companies, as the two are independent entities, the local companies concerned are often unable to provide the detailed operating data of the relevant non-local companies. Hence, the C&SD has no plan to compile detailed business statistics of non-local Hong Kong-funded companies.

(4) As the global value chain continues to evolve, more sub-contracting manufacturing processes and related offshore activities have emerged. The compilation of related statistics is a challenge to the international statistical community. The United Nations Statistical Commission is reviewing and updating the current international standards on relevant macroeconomic statistics. The C&SD is also conducting research on related topics and reviewing the latest international statistical developments with a view to enhancing the relevant statistical systems.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released the latest figures on retail sales today (July 2).

     The value of total retail sales in May 2025, provisionally estimated at $31.3 billion, increased by 2.4% compared with the same month in 2024. The revised estimate of the value of total retail sales in April 2025 decreased by 2.3% compared with a year earlier. For the first 5 months of 2025 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales decreased by 4.0% compared with the same period in 2024.

     Of the total retail sales value in May 2025, online sales accounted for 8.3%. The value of online retail sales in that month, provisionally estimated at $2.6 billion, increased by 0.3% compared with the same month in 2024. The revised estimate of online retail sales in April 2025 decreased by 3.7% compared with a year earlier. For the first 5 months of 2025 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of online retail sales decreased by 1.7% compared with the same period in 2024.

     After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales in May 2025 increased by 1.9% compared with a year earlier. The revised estimate of the volume of total retail sales in April 2025 decreased by 3.3% compared with a year earlier. For the first 5 months of 2025 taken together, the provisional estimate of the total retail sales decreased by 5.5% in volume compared with the same period in 2024.

     Analysed by broad type of retail outlet in descending order of the provisional estimate of the value of sales and comparing May 2025 with May 2024, the value of sales of other consumer goods not elsewhere classified increased by 8.9%. This was followed by sales of commodities in supermarkets (+1.3% in value); wearing apparel (+0.4%); food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (+2.8%); commodities in department stores (+6.3%); medicines and cosmetics (+8.7%); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (+0.9%); motor vehicles and parts (+2.7%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (+1.6%); and optical shops (+1.4%).

     On the other hand, the value of sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts decreased by 3.2% in May 2025 over a year earlier. This was followed by sales of fuels (-6.9% in value); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-0.1%); furniture and fixtures (-12.0%); and Chinese drugs and herbs (-2.2%).

     Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of the value of total retail sales increased by 4.1% in the three months ending May 2025 compared with the preceding three-month period, while the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales increased by 7.0%.

Commentary

     A government spokesman said that retail sales performance saw improvement in May 2025. The value of total retail sales turned to a year-on-year increase of 2.4%. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of total retail sales increased by 7.0% over the preceding month. 

     Looking ahead, the spokesman said that while the retail sector continues to adapt to the changes in consumption patterns, the Government’s proactive efforts in promoting tourism and mega events, in tandem with the increase in employment earnings and sustained steady growth of the Mainland economy, will help bolster consumption sentiment and support the consumption market.

Further information

     Table 1 presents the revised figures on value index and value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for April 2025 as well as the provisional figures for May 2025. The provisional figures on the value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet as well as the corresponding year-on-year changes for the first 5 months of 2025 taken together are also shown.

     Table 2 presents the revised figures on value of online retail sales for April 2025 as well as the provisional figures for May 2025. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first 5 months of 2025 taken together are also shown.

     Table 3 presents the revised figures on volume index of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for April 2025 as well as the provisional figures for May 2025. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first 5 months of 2025 taken together are also shown.

     Table 4 shows the movements of the value and volume of total retail sales in terms of the year-on-year rate of change for a month compared with the same month in the preceding year based on the original series, and in terms of the rate of change for a three-month period compared with the preceding three-month period based on the seasonally adjusted series.

     The classification of retail establishments follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.

     These retail sales statistics measure the sales receipts in respect of goods sold by local retail establishments and are primarily intended for gauging the short-term business performance of the local retail sector. Data on retail sales are collected from local retail establishments through the Monthly Survey of Retail Sales (MRS). Local retail establishments with and without physical shops are covered in MRS and their sales, both through conventional shops and online channels, are included in the retail sales statistics.

     The retail sales statistics cover consumer spending on goods but not on services (such as those on housing, catering, medical care and health services, transport and communication, financial services, education and entertainment) which account for over 50% of the overall consumer spending. Moreover, they include spending on goods in Hong Kong by visitors but exclude spending outside Hong Kong by Hong Kong residents. Hence they should not be regarded as indicators for measuring overall consumer spending.

     Users interested in the trend of overall consumer spending should refer to the data series of private consumption expenditure (PCE), which is a major component of the Gross Domestic Product published at quarterly intervals. Compiled from a wide range of data sources, PCE covers consumer spending on both goods (including goods purchased from all channels) and services by Hong Kong residents whether locally or abroad. Please refer to the C&SD publication “Gross Domestic Product by Expenditure Component” for more details.

     More detailed statistics are given in the “Report on Monthly Survey of Retail Sales”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1080003&scode=530).

     Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Distribution Services Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7400; E-mail: mrs@censtatd.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Hon Holden Chow and a reply by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, in the Legislative Council today (July 2):

Question:

The Government indicated in its reply to a question from a Member of this Council on May 14 this year that the Water Intelligent Network (WIN) implemented by the Water Supplies Department has completed the establishment of all 2 400 district metering areas (DMAs) by the end of March this year to help strengthen the management of leakage in water supply networks. However, it has been reported that incidents of underground water mains burst still occurred frequently, and multiple incidents of water mains burst even occurred in Tuen Mun District within a week in early June this year. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) whether it has examined the reasons for the occurrence of underground water mains burst incidents one after another after the completion of the establishment of WIN, and whether it has explored improvement proposals;
The reply to the questions raised by the Hon Chow is as follows:
However, the DMAs of WIN currently do not cover the fresh water trunk mains and approximately 20 per cent of the fresh water distribution network. We have to extend its coverage. Additionally, some aged water mains, such as those made of cast iron and asbestos cement, have relatively fragile exteriors. Even the water mains laid within the DMAs of WIN, they may suddenly burst upon external force impact, so we need to schedule the replacement of these water mains taking into account risk factors.
In addition, the WSD has been collaborating with local and Mainland academic and research institutions to study the application of other advanced technologies, such as sonar surveys and fibre-optic technology, to detect pipe leakage early. The WSD will collaborate with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University to establish a joint laboratory of “In-line Robot” in August this year to conduct high-precision inspections of water mains.
From 2015 to March 2025, about 240 kilometres long water mains have been replaced or rehabilitated. The WSD obtained funding approval from the Legislative Council last year to replace or rehabilitate about 20 kilometres of large steel water mains. These improvement works, including about four kilometres in Tuen Mun District, are preliminarily expected to be completed by 2029 progressively.  
???Thank you, President.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is a question by the Hon Judy Chan and a reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (July 2):

Question:

It has been reported that the taxi industry has faced difficulties in attracting new blood to join the industry in recent years, and, as the first batch of taxi fleets will officially commence service in July this year, there will be keen demand for taxi drivers. There are views that the situation can be rectified by optimising the procedure and content of the Taxi Written Test of the Transport Department. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) of the number of candidates sitting for the Taxi Written Test as well as the number of candidates who passed the test and the passing rate in each of the past five years;

(2) how the Location and Route Questions of Part B of the Taxi Written Test will be optimised to suit, in the context of driving, the new normal arising from the advancement of technology nowadays; and

(3) whether it has any plans to assist the industry in attracting newcomers to join the industry; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

President,

The Government has been striving to enhance the service quality of taxis, and has introduced a series of measures in the past years. Such measures include introducing a taxi fleet regime, enhancing the Taxi Written Test, increasing the maximum passenger seating capacity of taxis, introducing a Taxi-Driver-Offence Points (TDOP) system, and relaxing no-stopping restrictions for taxis at designated restricted zones. These measures are launched with a view to providing passengers with a better riding experience, enhancing the overall image of the taxi trade and promoting the healthy development of the taxi industry in the long run, thereby creating a virtuous cycle to attract more new blood to join the taxi industry.

Regarding the Hon Judy Chan’s questions, my reply is as follows: 

(1) The Taxi Written Test focuses on assessing candidates’ practical knowledge on the guidelines and regulations related to taxi operation, key locations and routes, as well as the Road Users’ Code. The Transport Department (TD) enhanced the Taxi Written Test in February 2020 by updating the test content and adjusting the number of questions, with a view to focusing more on the assessment of core knowledge regarding taxi services. Such measures successfully attract more people to apply for the Taxi Written Test. The number of candidates sitting the Test has increased significantly by 40 per cent in the past few years, from less than 10 000 candidates sitting the Test in 2019 to around 14 000 candidates in 2024. In addition, the passing rate of the Taxi Written Test rose from 37 per cent in 2019 to 60 per cent in 2024. The above figures show that the enhancement of the Taxi Written Test has a notably positive effect in attracting newcomers to join the taxi driver profession. The numbers of candidates who sat and passed the Taxi Written Test from 2019 to 2024 and the corresponding passing rates are set out at the Annex. 

(2) To keep up with the times and better align the Taxi Written Test with the practical needs of the trade, the TD is currently conducting a comprehensive review of the arrangements of the Test.

In particular, having considered that modern navigation technology can now assist taxi drivers in quickly locating destinations and planning the most efficient driving routes, the TD will substantially reduce and simplify the questions on locations and routes under Part B of the Taxi Written Test and update the question bank, with a view to better aligning the Test with practical needs, and at the same time ensure that the candidates who pass the test possess the professional knowledge and qualities of taxi drivers, and have a basic understanding and grasp of the major road networks and frequently visited locations.

Besides simplifying the questions under Part B of the Test in the light of technological applications, the TD will also add new questions to assess candidates’ knowledge of the series of new measures introduced to enhance taxi service quality (e.g. taxi fleet regime, the TDOP system).

The TD is now pressing ahead with the relevant work and aims to implement the further enhanced Taxi Written Test in the fourth quarter of this year.

(3) Apart from enhancing the Taxi Written Test, the Government has relaxed the eligibility requirements for commercial vehicle (including taxi) driving licences from October 1, 2020. The period required for an applicant to hold a valid private car or light goods vehicle full driving licence has been shortened from a minimum of three years to at least one year, with a view to attracting more new blood to join the industry.

Separately, the Government introduced the taxi fleet regime last year to encourage the trade to adopt a more professional and systematic approach to manage their fleets and drivers, in order to enhance the quality of taxi services and improve the overall image of the taxi industry. Last week, the TD announced that they would issue the official Taxi Fleet Licences to the five taxi fleets within July 2025.

Over the past period of time, the five fleet operators have been proactively implementing different measures to recruit new blood and existing drivers to join the fleet. Various taxi fleet operators have successively participated in the district and thematic job fairs organised by the Labour Department, enabling job seekers to gain a deeper understanding of the fleets and their recruitment model. The fleets have also implemented different measures to recruit taxi drivers, including offering new driver referral bonus and safe driving bonus, as well as providing flexible working hour arrangements. In addition, the operators will offer pre-service training to enhance drivers’ customer service skills, and implement systematic management to support drivers in handling customer enquiries, creating a better working environment for fleet drivers. We understand from the fleet operators that the job fairs and various measures have attracted enquiries from job seekers outside the industry, and they have recruited more than 40 newcomers to join the fleet. These efforts will continue, demonstrating that the taxi fleet regime has a positive effect in attracting new blood to join the industry.

In addition, the Employees Retraining Board also offers taxi driver-related training courses to provide prospective drivers with information on the development of the industry, driving safety and matters to pay attention to when providing taxi services, thereby assisting them in joining the taxi driver profession. Eligible persons may even receive tuition subsidies or full course fee waivers. At the same time, certain taxi dealers are also offering online courses for those seeking to apply for taxi driver’s licence, as well as training courses for individuals that are new to the industry, so that the newcomers can better understand the daily operation of the taxi industry. All these measures help attract new blood to the industry.

The Government will continue to closely monitor the operation and management of the taxi industry, and implement different measures to assist the trade to enhance their services, thereby promoting the healthy development of the taxi industry in the long run.

Thank you, President.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is a question by the Hon Yiu Pak-leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (July 2):
 
Question:
 
It has been reported that in recent years, our country has continued to expand the scope of its visa-free policy by, apart from expanding its unilateral visa-free policy to 47 countries, implementing a visa-free transit policy for 55 countries, thereby facilitating overseas visitors’ travel to the Mainland. For Hong Kong, the Central Government added 10 Mainland cities (such cities) eligible for travelling to Hong Kong under the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) in March and May last year, and resumed and expanded the multiple-entry IVS for Shenzhen residents to visit Hong Kong in December. Regarding efforts to attract Mainland and overseas residents to visit Hong Kong, will the Government inform this Council:
 
(1) of, each month since June last year, (i) the number of overseas travelers entering the Mainland via Hong Kong, (ii) the number of overseas travelers leaving the Mainland via Hong Kong, (iii) such travelers’ average length of stay in Hong Kong, and (iv) their nationalities (i.e. the top 10 nationalities with the highest number of visitors);
 
(2) in light of our country’s relaxation of its visa-free transit policy for overseas travelers and extension of their maximum stay on the Mainland to 240 hours, whether the authorities have sought from the Central Government the inclusion of all Hong Kong checkpoints into the scope of the aforesaid national policy to further enhance Hong Kong’s role as a tourism hub, thereby attracting more overseas travelers to enter and leave the Mainland via Hong Kong, and to travel around and consume in Hong Kong;
 
(3) of the monthly number of visitors from such cities to Hong Kong and their average length of stay in Hong Kong during the period from May last year to May this year;
 
(4) of the measures taken by the authorities (including publicity and promotional campaigns, encouraging airlines to increase flights between Hong Kong and such cities, and promoting co-operation between the tourism industries of Hong Kong and such cities) to attract more visitors from such cities to Hong Kong;
 
(5) since the resumption and expansion of the multiple-entry IVS for Shenzhen residents in December last year, of the monthly number of Shenzhen permanent residents and Shenzhen non-permanent residents holding residence permits visiting Hong Kong and their average length of stay in Hong Kong; and
 
(6) whether the authorities has discussed with the Central Government and sought to open up the multiple-entry IVS for residents of Guangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai to visit Hong Kong, with the aim of promoting trade and business exchanges and attracting more overnight visitors to Hong Kong; if so, of the details and the results of the discussions; if not, the reasons for that?
 
Reply:
 
President,
 
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) expressed gratitude to the Central Government for the high regard and care for the development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry as well as rolling out a number of measures benefiting Hong Kong’s tourism industry in 2024, including the optimisation of the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) to cover all provincial capitals in our country, and the resumption and expansion of the multiple-entry IVS for Shenzhen. The HKSARG will continue to make good use of the Central Government’s measures benefitting Hong Kong to reinforce the Mainland visitor source market, and continue to liaise with the Mainland on facilitating international visitors’ entry arrangements to the Mainland via Hong Kong, thereby underpinning Hong Kong’s role as the international gateway to our country.
 
In consultation with the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB), the Security Bureau and the Immigration Department (ImmD), the consolidated reply to the question raised by Hon Yiu Pak-leung is as follows:

(1) and (2) According to the statistics provided by the ImmD, from June 2024 to May 2025, the number of overseas visitor arrivals entering and leaving the Mainland via Hong Kong is tabulated below by month:
 

Month	Overseas visitor arrivals entering the Mainland via Hong Kong (Note)	Overseas visitor arrivals leaving the Mainland via Hong Kong (Note)
June 2024	114 786	100 802
July 2024	108 415	112 026
August 2024	105 113	112 495
September 2024	101 833	108 361
October 2024	164 025	142 087
November 2024	141 048	145 419
December 2024	150 178	144 960
January 2025	122 436	122 168
February 2025	102 805	94 093
March 2025	145 936	135 408
April 2025	174 529	173 381
May 2025	133 831	132 137
Total	1 564 935	1 523 337

Note: The above figures do not include overseas visitor arrivals entering or leaving the Mainland via e-Channel service at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Control Point, nor transit visitors entering or leaving the Mainland via Hong Kong.
 
The ImmD does not maintain information on the average length of stay of the above visitors in Hong Kong. According to the information provided by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), amongst the inbound non-Mainland visitors from June 2024 to May 2025, 7.62 million arrivals were overnight visitors and their average length of stay in Hong Kong was 3.2 days.

According to the statistics provided by the ImmD, from June 2024 to May 2025, the top 10 nationalities of overseas visitors entering the Mainland via Hong Kong are tabulated below by month:
 

Month/ Ranking	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
June 2024	USA	Singapore	Canada	Malaysia	Japan	India	Indonesia	Australia	South Korea	The Philippines
July 2024	USA	Canada	Malaysia	Japan	Singapore	India	Australia	UK	South Korea	The Philippines
August 2024	USA	Canada	Singapore	Japan	Malaysia	India	UK	Australia	South Korea	The Philippines
September 2024	USA	Malaysia	Canada	Singapore	Australia	Japan	India	South Korea	UK	Indonesia
October 2024	USA	Canada	Malaysia	Singapore	Australia	India	Japan	UK	South Korea	Indonesia
November 2024	USA	Singapore	Malaysia	Canada	Australia	Japan	India	South Korea	UK	Germany
December 2024	USA	Singapore	Malaysia	Australia	Canada	Japan	South Korea	Indonesia	India	Thailand
January 2025	USA	Australia	Canada	Singapore	Malaysia	South Korea	Japan	Indonesia	UK	Russia
February 2025	USA	Malaysia	Canada	Japan	Singapore	Australia	South Korea	UK	The Philippines	Indonesia
March 2025	USA	Singapore	Malaysia	Canada	Japan	Australia	South Korea	Indonesia	UK	India
April 2025	USA	India	Australia	Malaysia	Canada	Singapore	Japan	South Korea	UK	Thailand
May 2025	USA	Malaysia	Singapore	Canada	Japan	Australia	South Korea	India	Thailand	The Philippines

According to the statistics provided by the ImmD, from June 2024 to May 2025, the top 10 nationalities of overseas visitors leaving the Mainland via Hong Kong are tabulated below by month:
 

Month/ Ranking	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
June 2024	USA	Singapore	Malaysia	Canada	Japan	India	South Korea	Australia	Indonesia	UK
July 2024	USA	Canada	Malaysia	Singapore	Japan	India	Australia	UK	South Korea	Indonesia
August 2024	USA	Canada	Japan	Singapore	Malaysia	India	UK	Australia	South Korea	France
September 2024	USA	Malaysia	Singapore	Japan	Canada	India	Australia	South Korea	UK	Indonesia
October 2024	USA	Canada	Malaysia	Australia	Singapore	India	Japan	UK	South Korea	Germany
November 2024	USA	Singapore	Malaysia	Canada	Australia	Japan	South Korea	India	UK	France
December 2024	USA	Singapore	Malaysia	Australia	Canada	Japan	South Korea	India	Indonesia	Thailand
January 2025	USA	Australia	Singapore	South Korea	Canada	Malaysia	Japan	Indonesia	India	UK
February 2025	USA	Malaysia	Canada	Australia	South Korea	Japan	Singapore	UK	Thailand	Indonesia
March 2025	USA	Singapore	Malaysia	Canada	Japan	Australia	South Korea	UK	India	Thailand
April 2025	USA	Australia	Malaysia	India	Canada	Singapore	Japan	Germany	Indonesia	South Korea
May 2025	USA	Canada	Malaysia	Singapore	Japan	India	South Korea	Australia	Thailand	UK

Hong Kong has long been the gateway for overseas visitors to enter the Mainland, as well as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” linking up the Mainland with the rest of the world. The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) has been committed to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international tourism hub, and has been closely monitoring the visa-free policies introduced by our country. The CSTB will, on the basis of the existing 144-hour visa-free policy for Guangdong province, continue to discuss with the relevant ministries of the Central Government the arrangements to facilitate international visitors to enter the Mainland via Hong Kong, with a view to attracting more international visitors to take Hong Kong as their first stop or transit point in their multi-destination travel itineraries to our country, leveraging Hong Kong’s role as a connector.

(3) to (6) The The IVS was expanded to Xi’an and Qingdao on March 6, 2024, and further expanded to Taiyuan, Hohhot, Harbin, Lhasa, Lanzhou, Xining, Yinchuan and Urumqi on May 27, 2024. For the period from May 2024 to May 2025, the number of Mainland visitor arrivals from the aforesaid 10 newly added cities is tabulated below by month:
 

Month	Number of inbound Mainland visitor arrivals from the 10 newly added IVS cities
May 2024	38 015
June 2024	33 148
July 2024	49 274
August 2024	59 471
September 2024	35 039
October 2024	47 503
November 2024	44 603
December 2024	49 612
January 2025	85 864
February 2025	63 017
March 2025	49 189
April 2025	45 763
May 2025	41 842

The number of visitor arrivals to Hong Kong holding the multiple-entry IVS since its resumption and expansion in Shenzhen on December 1, 2024, is tabulated below by month:
 

Month	Number of visitor arrivals to Hong Kong holding multiple-entry IVS
December 2024	224 961
January 2025	305 779
February 2025	275 681
March 2025	373 369
April 2025	386 610
May 2025	435 703

The ImmD does not maintain information on the average length of stay of the above visitors in Hong Kong. According to the information provided by the HKTB, of the inbound Mainland visitors from May 2024 to May 2025, overnight visitors and same-day visitors were 16.11 million and 21.94 million respectively, and the average length of stay of overnight Mainland visitors in Hong Kong was 3.1 days.

To attract more residents from the 10 cities to visit Hong Kong, the CSTB, in collaboration with the HKTB, have rolled out a series of promotional activities.  After the expansion of the IVS to Xi’an and Qingdao in March 2024, the CSTB and the HKTB led a delegation to visit the two cities, and launched large-scale advertisements in local commercial districts, achieving a total exposure of 23.8 million views. After the expansion of the IVS to all provincial capitals, trade representatives from the eight newly added IVS cities, including Taiyuan, Hohhot, Harbin and others, were invited for a familiarisation trip to Hong Kong in June 2024 to have an in-depth exploration of Hong Kong’s local culture.
 
Starting from April 2024, the HKTB has distributed over 40 000 sets of discount vouchers, each valued at HK$200, to visitors from the 10 newly added IVS cities through travel agents and airlines, stimulating visitor spending in Hong Kong.
 
Moreover, the TLB has been working closely with the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) to strategically attract both local and non-local airlines to open new routes and increase flight frequencies through outreach teams, incentive schemes and policy facilitation measures, thereby further strengthening the air connectivity between Hong Kong and Mainland cities. Notably, the AA launched in June last year the Air Network Development Programme, which has so far attracted 29 airlines to open 60 new routes and increase flight frequencies to 14 destinations, including passenger flights to Xi’an, Qingdao, Lhasa, Lanzhou, and Urumqi. The current passenger flight services between the Mainland and Hong Kong have completely covered the 10 newly added the IVS cities last year. Compared to the period before the expansion of the IVS, the total number of flights to and from these cities has increased by 80 per cent.
 
Regarding the promotion of trade collaboration, the CSTB provided funding support to the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong to organise trade visits to Harbin and Taiyuan in February and June 2025 respectively and will visit Xi’an in October 2025.  Through business exchanges with the representatives from the cultural and tourism departments and trade organisations of those cities, we foster business co-operation between the tourism trade of Hong Kong and those cities, facilitating exchange of visitors and developing business opportunities.
 
In terms of suggestions to orderly optimise the IVS, namely the expansion of the multiple-entry IVS to other Mainland cities, the CSTB will continue to discuss with relevant ministries of the Mainland, with a view to enabling Mainland visitors to visit Hong Kong in a more convenient and flexible manner, thereby fostering the development of the tourism-related industries.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is a question by the Hon Steven Ho and a written reply by the Acting Secretary for Housing, Mr Victor Tai, in the Legislative Council today (July 2):

Question:

     Under the existing system, applicants of the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme (excluding the Guangdong Scheme and the Fujian Scheme) and the Social Security Allowance (SSA) Scheme must satisfy the residence requirements and the permissible limits of absence from Hong Kong (absence limits). In addition, tenants of public rental housing (PRH) must continuously reside in the units. However, it is learnt that some people are still enjoying benefits such as old age allowances and PRH despite residing abroad. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(1) as it is learnt that while the Social Welfare Department only uses identity card numbers to verify CSSA and SSA recipients’ travel records with the Immigration Department (ImmD), some people enter and exit Hong Kong with their passports in order to circumvent checks against the absence limits, taking advantage of the loophole in the absence of connection between travel records based on identity cards and those based on passports, whether the Government has investigated the veracity of the aforesaid situation; whether the Government has assessed the annual loss of public money arising from this loophole, and whether it has enhanced the verification mechanism to plug the loophole; if it has enhanced the verification mechanism, of the details (including the effectiveness of the enhanced mechanism); if not, the reasons for that;

(2) whether the Government has considered using biometric features (e.g. fingerprint and face) as the only proof of identification for travel records, so as to prevent individuals from taking advantage of the loophole in travel records mentioned in (1) to conceal the fact that they reside abroad; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

(3) given that the Office of The Ombudsman mentioned a number of cases of “not retaining regular and continuous residence in the flats” in its report dated January this year on the direct investigation operation into the Government’s work in combating abuse of public housing resources, what specific mechanisms it has currently put in place to monitor and prevent abuse of PRH by individuals residing abroad, and how the effectiveness of such mechanisms is assessed; as regards tenants who deliberately conceal their residence abroad in order to keep their PRH flats, what other legal measures the Government has put in place, apart from demanding surrender of the flats, to bring them to account, and whether it has assessed if such measures have sufficient deterrent effect; and

(4) given that all the principal tenants and household members in the multiple cases of “not retaining regular and continuous residence in the flats” mentioned in (3) reside outside Hong Kong, whether the Government has examined the reasons for not being able to uncover their abuse of PRH in time through their travel records back then; in order to combat abuse of PRH by tenants residing abroad, whether the Government has explored setting up an cross-departmental cooperation mechanism for the Housing Department, the Hong Kong Housing Society and ImmD to carry out data sharing, so as to enhance the procedure for accessing the records of PRH residents’ stay in Hong Kong?

Reply:

President,

     In response to the question raised by Hon Steven Ho, in consultation with the Security Bureau and the Labour and Welfare Bureau, our reply is as follows:

(1) Applicants and recipients of the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) or the Social Security Allowance must meet the relevant residence requirements and other eligibility criteria, and are required to declare all travel documents and provide other relevant information to the Social Welfare Department (SWD). If applicants and recipients fail to provide all relevant documents or information truthfully, once such cases are found, the SWD will take follow-up actions and may refer the cases to the law enforcement department for handling if necessary. It is a criminal offence for an applicant and a recipient to deliberately provide false information or omit information in order to obtain cash assistance by deception. In addition to becoming ineligible for cash assistance, the applicant and the recipient may be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a maximum of 14 years under the Theft Ordinance (Cap. 210 of the Laws of Hong Kong).

     Besides, in accordance with the existing established mechanism, the Immigration Department (ImmD) provides, on a regular basis or upon request by the SWD, the travel records of applicants and recipients, including the travel records of these persons using their Hong Kong identity card, travel document issued by ImmD (including Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports) and travel document issued by other countries/territories, to the SWD for verification of the compliance with the relevant residence requirements of the persons concerned.

(2) Section 5 of the Immigration Ordinance (Cap. 115) stipulates that individuals entering or leaving Hong Kong at immigration control points must present a valid travel document. When entering into or exiting from Hong Kong, Hong Kong residents may use their Hong Kong identity card or a valid travel document to complete immigration clearance at traditional counters at control points. Eligible holders of smart identity card may also use their smart identity cards or encrypted QR codes, together with fingerprint or facial recognition technology, for self-service immigration clearance at e-Channels.

     To implement effective immigration control, the ImmD adopts biometric recognition technologies (such as fingerprints and facial images) in its immigration control operations to verify the identity of individuals using Hong Kong identity card or travel document for entry into or exit from Hong Kong.

    Under the existing established mechanism, the immigration records of relevant individuals provided by the ImmD to the SWD and the Housing Department (HD) have already encompassed information related to Hong Kong identity cards, travel documents issued by the ImmD (including Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports), and travel documents issued by other countries or regions. The information provided would facilitate verification by the relevant departments of whether the recipients continue to meet the eligibility criteria for receiving relevant social welfare benefits.

(3) and (4) The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) has adopted multi-pronged approach to combat tenancy abuse of public rental housing (PRH). HD has all along addressed the issue of tenancy abuse through various means including daily estate management, routine home visits, random checks and in-depth investigations of suspected cases, as well as publicity and education. These efforts aim to reduce the chance of tenancy abuse of PRH, thereby expediting turnover of PRH flats and allowing those in genuine need of housing to move into PRH as soon as possible.

     To ensure the optimal use of PRH resources, the HD has established a regular mechanism with Immd, under which Immd regularly reports the death records of PRH tenants to the HD so that the HD can proactively monitor tenants’ occupancy status and take appropriate actions. The Immd also provides travel records of relevant individuals (such as PRH principal tenants and household members) upon request by the HD, with a view to enabling the HD to verify whether the individuals concerned continue to meet the eligibility criteria for residing in PRH.
 
     To strengthen the monitoring, the HD has set up a new computer system to store case information about tenancy abuse, including the processes and investigation results. Estate management staff also conducts unannounced home visits outside office hours. Investigations will be initiated, if there are suspected cases of PRH abuse or upon receipt of reports from the public on suspected cases of PRH abuse. The HD also selects cases on a random basis for in-depth investigation.

     In addition, to expedite the verification of occupancy status of tenancy abuse cases and enforcement actions, the HD liaises with other government departments to obtain key information in accordance with relevant ordinances and regulations (such as enquiry with the ImmD about the immigration records of tenants who are suspected of not retaining regular and continuous residence, enquiry with the Water Supplies Department about households with unusual water consumption, etc) so as to verify cases of tenancy abuse and accelerate the handling of such cases.

     In fact, since 2023, the HA has rolled out a series of new measures to strengthen efforts to combat tenancy abuse of PRH. Starting from October 2023, the HA requires all PRH households to declare their occupancy status and ownership of domestic property in Hong Kong every two years since admission to PRH. They are required to declare whether they have retained continuous residence in their units, and whether the units have been left vacant or used for unauthorised purposes. If households have made false statement, the HA will consider terminating the tenancy agreement. The family member(s) who has made false statement will be subject to the restrictions of a five-year debarment from applying for PRH, no offer of a PRH flat with better quality, and even prosecution. Since the introduction of the measures, some PRH tenants were sentenced to imprisonment of 30 days by the court, and some tenants have voluntarily returned their units. The HA is confident that these measures will continue to strengthen its efforts against tenancy abuse of PRH.

     To collect intelligence for better targeting in combating PRH abuse, the HA launched the “Report Public Housing Abuse Award” (the Award) in January 2025. Since the launch of the Award, as at end March 2025, out of the total reported cases of around 3 900, about 1 700 cases have opted for participating in the Award. After initial screening, about 1 200 reported cases were eligible for joining the Award, and about 700 of them can be further followed up. There are cases where Notice-To-Quit were successfully issued. The first round of the Award presentation will be held in July 2025. The above demonstrated that the public has established a strong consensus to combat PRH tenancy abuse and to collectively safeguard the precious housing resources.

     In order to cope with the extra workload brought by the enhanced efforts in combating PRH abuse, in recent years, the HA has strengthened its collaboration with various government departments and has adopted different strategies and manpower deployment as appropriate in light of changing circumstances. This includes recruiting retired disciplined services officers to join the HD. From July 2022 to May 2025, over 8 700 PRH flats were recovered by the HA in view of tenancy abuse or breach of tenancy agreement. Compared to the recovery of about 1 400 flats in 2021/22, the average annual number of PRH flats recovered due to tenancy abuse and breach of tenancy agreement from 2022/23 to 2024/25 has more than doubled. This demonstrated the effectiveness of the strengthened measures implemented by the HA.

     To strengthen the intensity of combating PRH abuse and enhance the deterrent effect, the Housing Bureau has submitted the Housing (Amendment) Bill 2025 (the Bill) to the Legislative Council, and the Bill was passed on June 11, 2025. The Bill mainly includes three aspects: (i) introducing new offenses of serious tenancy abuse of PRH flats; (ii) empowering authorised officers to demand personal details from suspects; and (iii) extending the limitation of time for prosecution of offences of false statements, refusal to furnish information and unlawful alienations, thereby making measures against PRH abuse more deterrent. The relevant offenses will take effect from March 31, 2026. The HA will step up publicity efforts to ensure that the public fully understands and is aware of the consequences of violating the law.

     The HA/HD will continue to review the existing measures, including enhancing the investigation workflows and strengthening staff training, publicity and public education. We will also keep reviewing our strategies in combating PRH abuse and strengthening collaboration with other departments to safeguard the rational use of PRH resources.

     The Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) has also been adopting a multi-pronged approach in combating abuse of PRH resources holistically, including conducting home visits on a regular basis and prioritising investigation of suspected cases of non-occupation (such as those with relatively low water and electricity consumption, backlog of uncollected notices and letters in mailboxes for a prolonged period, etc). In addition, the HKHS has regularised conducting home visits during non-office hours and strengthened training for frontline staff to further enhance their awareness of and sensitivity to breaches of tenancy agreements. In addition, HKHS leverages smart technology to step up its efforts in combating PRH tenancy abuse, such as the in-house development of “eHome Visit”. This digital platform digitises tenant information and home visit records to facilitate comparison, thereby allowing frontline staff to have a full picture during home visits and enabling prompt identification of suspicious cases. The HKHS will continue to keep pace with the times and regularly review the effectiveness of these measures, with additional initiatives introduced as and when necessary with a view to further enhancing the efficiency of home visits and the effectiveness of investigation of PRH tenancy abuse cases.

     The HKHS and the HA have maintained close communication and exchange on the efforts in combating abuse of PRH resources, and review and assess the effectiveness of the relevant measures from time to time. When tenants are suspected of not retaining regular and continuous residence in their units, the HKHS will request resident information such as travel records from ImmD depending on individual circumstances and investigation needs. Separately, the HKHS has since October 2005 established a notification mechanism with the ImmD on death records. Under this mechanism, the ImmD provides on a monthly basis records of persons who reside in rental estates of the HKHS yet with death registered in Hong Kong for the HKHS’s suitable follow-up actions. The HKHS will continue to strengthen its communication with the ImmD to help enhance the effectiveness of investigations on PRH tenancy abuse.