HKMA Half-Yearly Monetary and Financial Stability Report (March 2026 Issue)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

HKMA Half-Yearly Monetary and Financial Stability Report (March 2026 Issue)      
     The Half-Yearly Report provides detailed analyses of the global and local economy, as well as the monetary and financial conditions in Hong Kong. It also examines the recent performance and risks of the local banking sector.
      
     The Half-Yearly Report can be viewed on and downloaded from the HKMA websiteIssued at HKT 17:30

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Hongkong Post to issue “2025 Prestige Annual Stamp Album” and “2025 Annual Stamp Pack”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Hongkong Post announced today (March 30) that the “2025 Prestige Annual Stamp Album” (Ordinary Version) and the “2025 Annual Stamp Pack” will be released for sale at all 37 philatelic offices on March 31 (Tuesday) and on Hongkong Post’s online shopping platform ShopThruPost (shopthrupost.hongkongpost.hk) from 8am on the same day. The “2025 Prestige Annual Stamp Album” (Deluxe Version) will also be put on sale on ShopThruPost on the same day.
 
The stamp issues released by Hongkong Post in 2025 encompassed a variety of themes, ranging from local culture and sporting events to natural landscapes and city development. The rich variety of interesting topics, each demonstrating the ingenuity of the designers and having great significance, has captured the attention of both stamp collectors and the general public.
 
     The “2025 Prestige Annual Stamp Album” is a collectible with exquisite designs and is of great commemorative value. The “2025 Prestige Annual Stamp Album” (Ordinary Version), priced at $898, contains a complete collection of all special/commemorative stamps, stamp sheetlets and souvenir sheets issued by Hongkong Post in 2025, while the Deluxe Version, priced at $998, comes with an additional certificate signed by the Postmaster General and a unique serial number. The “2025 Annual Stamp Pack”, priced at $328, contains all special stamps (except stamp sheetlets and souvenir sheets) issued by Hongkong Post during the year.
 
Information about the “2025 Prestige Annual Stamp Album” and the “2025 Annual Stamp Pack” is available on the Hongkong Post Stamps website (stamps.hongkongpost.hk).

  

Appointment to Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority announced

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Appointment to Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority announced——————————————
Mrs Ayesha Macpherson Lau—————————
Mr Chau Siu-chung
Miss Queenie Fiona Lau
Dr Wingco Lo Kam-wing
Mr Dominic Pang Yat-ting
Mr Bill Tang Ka-piu
Dr Levin Wang Lei
Ms Fanny Wong Lai-kwan
Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services) as alternate)
Secretary for Labour and Welfare (Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare as alternate)———————
Mr Cheng Yan-chee
Ms Cynthia Hui Wai-yee
Mr Wallace Lau Ka-ki
Mr Eric Cheng Siu-fun
Mr Kenneth Chan Siu-yum
Issued at HKT 15:00

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Hikers urged to follow safety advice

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department (AFCD) today urged the public to prioritise safety and follow the Guidelines & Code for Visiting Country Parks during the coming Easter holiday and Ching Ming holidays.

In anticipation of high visitor traffic at the High Island Reservoir East Dam in Sai Kung, the department will implement crowd management at the High Island Geo Trail entrance – Po Pin Chau Section, if necessary. Visitors may be required to queue to prevent overcrowding at the scenic spot.

The AFCD has placed information boards and direction signs at appropriate locations in country parks, while warning signs have been erected near dangerous terrain. Visitors are urged to follow all signage, remain on designated hiking trails and avoid crossing railings or standing near cliff edges, coastal fringes and steep slopes.

The department also advised the public to protect the natural environment and observe hiking etiquette. Camping is strictly limited to designated sites, and fire can only be used at assigned barbecue sites or campsites. Visitors must not disturb wildlife or cause a nuisance to others.

The AFCD will step up patrols to take enforcement action against irregularities. Anyone littering in country parks is liable to a fixed penalty of $3,000.

Foreign Minister Lin thanks US Congress members and other parliamentarians for support following Taiwan’s compelled absence from WTO MC14

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Foreign Minister Lin thanks US Congress members and other parliamentarians for support following Taiwan’s compelled absence from WTO MC14

Date:2026-03-27
Data Source:Department of International Cooperation and Economic Affairs

March 27, 2026  
No. 116  In response to host country Cameroon’s demeaning designation that compelled Taiwan to be absent from the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization (WTO), members of the United States Congress from across the political spectrum and legislators from other nations have publicly spoken up for Taiwan’s international participation. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses his sincere appreciation for these expressions of support.
 
Cochair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus Mario Díaz-Balart posted on X on March 23 that it was concerning that Cameroon prioritized China’s foreign policy machinations by undermining Taiwan’s status as a separate customs territory at the WTO. He noted that this was yet another example of Beijing’s coercive tactics to deny Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and that this had set a dangerous precedent. He then added that Taiwan was a vital economic and security partner of many countries, including the United States, and affirmed that the United States would continue to advocate for Taiwan’s international participation.
 
Separately, House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Ro Khanna issued a joint statement on March 25. The statement stressed that Cameroon’s decision to exclude Taiwan from the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference was another troubling example of China’s continued efforts to manipulate multilateral institutions.
 
They went on to state that Taiwan was a key trading partner of the United States and many countries around the world and that Taiwan’s forced absence from the WTO’s highest decision-making forum for the first time since its accession in 2001 would hamper WTO members’ collective ability to address challenges and chart the future of global trade. They emphasized that Taiwan was a full WTO member and that WTO conference host nations had a long-standing practice of recognizing Taiwan as a separate customs territory.
 
The statement further underscored that this was not an isolated incident but rather part of Beijing’s continued campaign to exert undue influence over international bodies and marginalize Taiwan. It said that the United States would continue to work with Taiwan and that Taiwan was a model democracy and an economic and technological powerhouse. It called on the WTO to stand up to China’s bullying and facilitate Taiwan’s participation in this Ministerial Conference.
 
Meanwhile, Eric Bothorel, former Chair of the French National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group, shared related media coverage from Le Figaro and declared that Taiwan was not a province of China in a March 24 post on X.
 
Minister Lin Chia-lung expresses sincere appreciation for the support and advocacy of international partners. Taiwan will continue to work closely with like-minded WTO members to staunchly safeguard its rights and dignity. (E)

MOFA condemns Cameroon for error-riddled visa documents compelling Taiwan’s absence from WTO MC14 and thanks allies and like-minded partners for support

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA condemns Cameroon for error-riddled visa documents compelling Taiwan’s absence from WTO MC14 and thanks allies and like-minded partners for support

Date:2026-03-26
Data Source:Department of International Cooperation and Economic Affairs

March 26, 2026  
No. 115  

The 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is scheduled to take place on March 26 in the Republic of Cameroon. As the host country, Cameroon applied a disparaging nationality designation to visas for the Taiwan delegation that wrongly implied Taiwan’s subordination to another WTO member. This constituted a blatant violation of relevant WTO regulations and a departure from the long-standing practice of previous host countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on March 20 lodged a formal protest and expressed to Cameroon and the WTO Secretariat its strong condemnation regarding this unacceptable political manipulation.
 
Only after Taiwan had lodged a formal protest did Cameroon begin to address Taiwan’s inherent right to participate under its proper designation and with full dignity. Cameroon proposed a visa exemption arrangement for the Taiwan delegation as a remedial measure, highlighting the reasonable and justified nature of Taiwan’s position.
 
However, the visa exemption documents issued by Cameroon were riddled with errors. Not only were the names of delegation members misspelled, but the members were also almost entirely misidentified as female. These inaccuracies underscore Cameroon’s gross administrative negligence and lack of good faith. And because Cameroon provided the documents in an untimely manner, the Taiwan delegation was unable to seek remediation. Further, such flawed documents could expose members of the Taiwan delegation to obstruction or undignified treatment upon arrival in Cameroon. Therefore, following a comprehensive assessment, Taiwan has made the difficult decision to withdraw from MC14.
 
MOFA reiterates that Taiwan acceded to the WTO pursuant to Article XII of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization as a separate customs territory possessing full autonomy and not subordinate to any other member. Since Taiwan’s first attendance at the WTO Ministerial Conference in 2001, all previous host countries have facilitated Taiwan’s participation in accordance with WTO regulations and established practices. This has included using the designation TAIWAN or TWN in the fields for nationality and place of birth and issuing invitation letters to enable visa-free entry for delegations from Taiwan.
 
MOFA expresses its sincere appreciation to the United States, Japan, other like-minded partners, and Taiwan’s diplomatic allies for their concern regarding this matter and for their mediation and coordination efforts.
 
MOFA solemnly states that Taiwan will call on future hosts of WTO Ministerial Conferences to provide formal assurances that similar incidents undermining the equal rights of members will not recur. Taiwan also urges WTO members to jointly uphold the inviolable right to equality. As a steadfast supporter of multilateralism, Taiwan will continue to work with other WTO members to safeguard the WTO-centered rules-based international economic and trade order. (E)

Janice Tse appointed as SCMA

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today announced the appointment of Janice Tse as Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs, following approval by the Central People’s Government of his nomination and recommendation in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law.

Describing her as a seasoned, retired Administrative Officer with 37 years of service, Mr Lee said Ms Tse brings strong leadership and extensive experience to the role, and is able to foster effective co-operation at all levels of government.

“I am convinced that she is both suitable and capable of leading the Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Bureau. In the period ahead, the bureau’s paramount responsibility will be to take the lead, under the direction of the Chief Executive, in co-ordinating and compiling Hong Kong’s first five-year plan,” he said.

“This five-year plan is of great significance to Hong Kong’s future development,” he added.

“In her various roles within the Government, Miss Tse was frequently responsible for compiling and scrutinising important reports. I am confident that, under the leadership of the Chief Executive, she will be able to guide the bureau’s staff in successfully fulfilling the task of co-ordinating the compilation of Hong Kong’s five-year plan.”

Wistron takes another step in investing in Kaohsiung, with the Cianjhen Technology Industrial Park’s R&D Building ground breaking of, estimated to create 3,000 job opportunities.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Wistron Corp. held the “Wistron Kaohsiung R&D Building phase I construction ground breaking ceremony” in the Kaohsiung Ciajhen Technology Industrial Park (CTIP) on March 2 2026. The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) stated that this project had been an important milestone for the Wistron’s 3-stages investment promotion program. The total investment amounted to NT$2.4 billion within a dormitory and 2 industrial R&D Office Buildings. When the building was finished, it is estimated to create 3,000 job opportunities injecting new momentum for the southern high-level R&D industry.
Chien-Hsin Lai, MOEA Vice Minister, pointed out that the government is dedicated to optimizing investment environment, providing comprehensive support for water and power supply, AI application, industrial transformation consulting, and assisting enterprises facing the impact of U.S. Tariffs, and is putting all efforts to work with Kaohsiung City Government’s developing blueprint at the same time. The Vice Minister emphasized, especially in his remark that the connection and practice of enterprises is essential for a sound environment. He recognized that Wistron has regionally rooted through practical actions, not only strengthens the enterprise’s competitive, but driving the transformation of the related industrial chain and flourishing the R&D momentum in Kaohsiung, showcasing the determination of co-prosperity between central, local, and enterprises.
The Bureau of Industrial Parks explained that the subjective building is Phase II of the first industrial R&D building, designed as an 11-story building above the ground with 2 basements. It is estimated that the building will be completed in December 2028. The Phase I dormitory was completed in April 2025 and has begun operation, providing 218 studio apartments and 1,308 bedspaces. The occupancy rate is around 80%, which apparently showcases the improvement in amenities. In the future, after the inauguration of the first R&D building, phase III of the second R&D building construction will launch in sequence to gradually expand the southern R&D layout.
Reviewing Wistron’s Kaohsiung layout in recent years, addition to this 3-stages investment program with NT$2.4 billion, it also invested smart technology plant in the park to strengthen ability of high-level display application by acquisition, gradually forms an industrial system which co-toward manufacture and R&D. It has become a demonstrated meaning due to overall planning while spaces upgrade and talents cultivate while R&D upgrade at the same time.
Along with the groundbreaking of the R&D building, CTIP is moving toward a high-level technology cluster. The program not only raised the park’s land use efficiency and industrial value but also provided more high-level job opportunities for southern talents, establishing a new technical landmark and giving a fresh start to industrial transformation.
The Wistron President and CEO, Jeff Lin, MOEA Vice Minister Chien-Hsin Lai, Kaohsiung City Government Mayor Chi-Mai Chen, and Legislator Rui-Long Lai were present to jointly witness.

Spokesman: Mr. Liu Chi-Chuan (Deputy Director General, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-3613349, 0911363680
Email: lcc12@bip.gov.tw

Contact Person: Yu, Shu-Hui (Director of Kaohsiung-Pingtung Branch, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-823-9301
Email: yush@bip.gov.tw

Flying service academy established

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government Flying Service Aviation Inspiration International Academy (GAIIA) has been established, marking Hong Kong’s first aviation initiative to unite the eight universities funded by the University Grants Committee, to provide aviation professional training for young people and inspire them to serve the city with their aviation expertise.

Officiating at the inauguration ceremony today, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung said Hong Kong’s strategic importance as an aviation gateway continues to grow as the city deepens its integration with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

He pointed out that the academy arrives at precisely the right moment, grooming dedicated professionals for maintaining Hong Kong’s competitive edge, further excelling Hong Kong’s public aviation service, while contributing to the broader development of the nation’s aviation capabilities.

The academy connects the youth with the aviation industry through the Government Flying Service (GFS) professional resources and operational expertise. It also offers students exposure to search and rescue, emergency medical services, hill fire-fighting, law enforcement support, etc.

Over 500 teachers and students from local, Mainland and international universities joined the ceremony.

The GFS also held an open day at its Kai Tak Division today to promote National Security Education Day.

The event aims to raise public awareness of national security and deepen their understanding of GFS services, as well as its work and achievements in safeguarding national security.

More than 1,600 visitors joined the open day, including Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong and Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung.

Interactive exhibition boards, national security-themed game booths, virtual-reality and augmented-reality games, as well as a discovery zone hosted by the GAIIA, were set up to give members of the public a better understanding of the GFS’ operation. 

The concluding performance featured a helicopter search-and-rescue flight demonstration, which simulated a maritime rescue operation, to illustrate emergency response efforts by the GFS during life-saving missions. 

CS to visit Zhejiang, Beijing, Hebei

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki will lead the research task force set up by the Working Group on Planning & Construction of the University Town under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis to visit Zhejiang, Beijing, and the Xiong’an New Area in Hebei tomorrow.

The delegation will conduct site visits to local higher education infrastructure and exchange views with university experts and scholars on their successful experiences and development strategies, to efficiently advance the construction of the Northern Metropolis University Town.

Members of the delegation include Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin, Chief Executive’s Policy Unit Head Stephen Wong, Under Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Bernard Chan, Northern Metropolis Co-ordination Office Director Linda So and representatives from other working group members.

The delegation will tour local higher education campuses and university towns and exchange views with officials, experts and scholars on the operation and development, and the industry-education collaboration of the campuses.

In addition, the delegation will visit the local Department of Education and exchange views on strengthening education co-operation.

Mr Chan and Ms Choi will return to Hong Kong on Thursday and Friday respectively.

During Mr Chan’s absence, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing will be Acting Chief Secretary. During Ms Choi’s absence, Under Secretary for Education Sze Chun-fai will be Acting Secretary.