Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Business Facilitation Advisory Committee Secretariat:

     The Business Facilitation Advisory Committee (the Committee) held its 59th meeting today (March 26). At the meeting, members were briefed by the Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB) and the Labour Department (LD) on a series of measures to address manpower challenges. These include actively promoting upskilling for all, attracting outside talent, encouraging older and middle-aged persons to join the employment market, and amending the Employment Ordinance (EO) to make it easier for employees to enjoy comprehensive employment rights.——————————————–     
Wholesale and Retail Task Force (WRTF)
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     The Department of Health (DH) briefed the WRTF on the latest developments in establishing the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation (CMPR) and the roadmap for implementing “primary evaluation”, targeting to establish the CMPR by the end of 2026 and to implement “primary evaluation” for new drug registrations in four phases beginning in 2026, with full implementation by 2030 covering all kinds of pharmaceutical products. The preparatory work for the establishment of the CMPR mainly focuses on three strategic areas, namely driving regulatory excellence, promoting medical product innovation, and deepening national and international collaboration. The WRTF welcomed the establishment of the CMPR and implementation of “primary evaluation” by the DH, and believes the new mechanism would strengthen the overall regulation of medical products and drive innovation of medical products in Hong Kong.
     
Food Business and Related Services Task Force (FRSTF)
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Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Hong Kong Flower Show 2026, currently running at Victoria Park, is displaying the winning entries of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD)’s Oriental and Western Style Garden Plot Competitions, in addition to meticulously designed landscape displays and beautiful floral arrangements. The winning entries of the competitions are: 

     Oriental Style Garden Plot Competition
     First Prize: Central and Western District’s “Pottinger Street (Stone Slab Street)” 
     Environmental Award: Yau Tsim Mong District’s “Spring in a Huizhou Garden”
     Most Creative Award: Southern District’s “Moonlit Indian Garden”     First Prize and Most Creative Award: Tuen Mun District’s “Beehive Garden”
     Environmental Award: Kwun Tong District’s “The Reborn Garden: Where Industry Meets Eden”—————————————————————-
     
     Central and Western District’s “Pottinger Street (Stone Slab Street)” garden evokes fond collective memories. A path paved with uneven flagstones, together with a nostalgic tramcar alongside it, recreates the street’s distinctive scene and brings back a sense of bygone days. Native trees are planted around the garden, complemented by blooming stock flowers that add colour to the display. —————————————————————-
     
     Tuen Mun District’s “Beehive Garden” presents stacks of small hexagonal compartments forming a cozy beehive-like home. Each module has its own feature including a reading corner, a quiet resting space, or an elevated rooftop micro-garden blooming with colour offers a distinct experience. The garden is decorated with lush greenery and flowering shrubs, in addition to a winding stone path flanked by vegetation of varying heights, creating a picturesque scene where architecture blends seamlessly with the landscape, celebrating the harmonious beauty of nature. 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (March 26) the external merchandise trade statistics for February 2026. In February 2026, the values of Hong Kong’s total exports and imports of goods both recorded year-on-year increases, at 24.7% and 29.9% respectively. 

Due to the difference in timing of the Chinese New Year holidays, it is more appropriate to analyse the trade figures for January and February taken together in making year-on-year comparison.

Taking January and February of 2026 together, the value of total exports of goods increased by 29.6% over the same period in 2025. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 34.1%. A visible trade deficit of $79.0 billion, equivalent to 7.8% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in the first two months of 2026.

In February 2026, the value of total exports of goods increased by 24.7% over a year earlier to $408.8 billion, after a year-on-year increase by 33.8% in January 2026. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 29.9% over a year earlier to $472.9 billion in February 2026, after a year-on-year increase by 38.1% in January 2026. A visible trade deficit of $64.2 billion, equivalent to 13.6% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in February 2026.

Comparing the three-month period ending February 2026 with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of total exports of goods increased by 15.8%. Meanwhile, the value of imports of goods increased by 17.7%.

Analysis by country/territory

Comparing February 2026 with February 2025, total exports to Asia as a whole grew by 23.4%. In this region, increases were registered in the values of total exports to most major destinations, in particular Malaysia (+121.9%), Singapore (+69.8%), Thailand (+36.9%), Taiwan (+33.4%) and Chinese Mainland (the Mainland) (+21.9%).

Apart from destinations in Asia, increases were registered in the values of total exports to most major destinations in other regions, in particular Switzerland (+78.9%), the Netherlands (+68.3%) and the USA (+38.8%).

Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from most major suppliers, in particular the United Kingdom (+230.6%), India (+130.8%), Korea (+113.6%), Vietnam (+71.6%), Malaysia (+31.1%) and the Mainland (+28.2%).

Comparing the first two months of 2026 with the same period in 2025, increases were registered in the values of total exports to most major destinations, in particular Malaysia (+95.2%), Taiwan (+60.4%), the United Arab Emirates (+54.2%), Singapore (+46.7%), Thailand (+33.9%) and the Mainland (+31.6%).

Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from most major suppliers, in particular the United Kingdom (+134.8%), India (+128.2%), Vietnam (+100.5%), Korea (+93.3%) and the Mainland (+38.0%).

Analysis by major commodity

Comparing February 2026 with February 2025, increases were registered in the values of total exports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $48.9 billion or +30.8%), “telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment” (by $13.9 billion or +41.5%) and “non-ferrous metals” (by $9.1 billion or +289.4%). 

Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $48.9 billion or +30.5%), “non-ferrous metals” (by $24.3 billion or +474.8%) and “telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment” (by $23.8 billion or +67.6%).

Comparing the first two months of 2026 with the same period in 2025, increases were registered in the values of total exports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $120.2 billion or +35.3%) and “telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment” (by $38.1 billion or +47.6%).

Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $125.2 billion or +37.9%), “telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment” (by $58.0 billion or +74.4%) and “non-ferrous metals” (by $31.9 billion or +296.7%).

Commentary

A Government spokesman said that merchandise exports continued to show strong performance in early 2026. Taking the first two months of 2026 together to remove the effect of the different timing of the Chinese New Year compared with last year, the value of merchandise exports surged by 29.6% over a year earlier. Exports to most markets and of most major commodities continued to increase markedly.

Looking ahead, global demand for AI-related electronic products should remain vibrant, rendering support to Hong Kong’s merchandise trade performance. Yet, uncertainty surrounding the global economic outlook has increased markedly of late amid the heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Shifts in trade policies among major advanced economies have also posed another source of lingering uncertainty. The Government will continue to monitor the developments closely and remain vigilant.

Further information

Table 1 presents the analysis of external merchandise trade statistics for February 2026. Table 2 presents the original monthly trade statistics from January 2023 to February 2026, and Table 3 gives the seasonally adjusted series for the same period.

The values of total exports of goods to 10 main destinations for February 2026 are shown in Table 4, whereas the values of imports of goods from 10 main suppliers are given in Table 5.

Tables 6 and 7 show the values of total exports and imports of 10 principal commodity divisions for February 2026.

All the merchandise trade statistics described here are measured at current prices and no account has been taken of changes in prices between the periods of comparison. A separate analysis of the volume and price movements of external merchandise trade for February 2026 will be released in mid-April 2026.

The February 2026 issue of “Hong Kong External Merchandise Trade” contains detailed analysis on the performance of Hong Kong’s external merchandise trade in February 2026 and will be available in early April 2026. Users can browse and download the report at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1020005&scode=230).

Enquiries on merchandise trade statistics may be directed to the Trade Analysis Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3863 2592).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Hong Kong Climate Week 2026 today (March 26):

Professor Zhang Xiang (President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong (HKU)), Professor Gong Peng (Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic Development) of HKU), Dr Dai Fan (Senior Fellow of the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University), scholars, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, attended the plenary of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026 in Hainan today (March 26). This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Forum, with the theme “Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation”.
 
Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Mr Zhao Leji, delivered a keynote speech at the event. He noted that over the past 25 years, the Boao Forum for Asia, grounded in Asia and oriented to the world, has deepened dialogue and co-operation and built broad consensus, becoming a “golden brand” for promoting exchanges and mutual learning, unity and collaboration in development among Asian countries and the international community. In today’s world, people across countries have a stronger desire for peace and development, and calls for fairness and justice are growing louder.
 
Chairman Zhao stressed that, in the face of changes to the world, to our times and to history, President Xi Jinping has put forward the vision of building a global community of shared future, as well as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, pointing the world in the right direction amid the once-in-a-century transformation. He noted that all sides should follow the trend of the times towards peace, development, co-operation and win-win outcomes, work together to build a better home in Asia, and join hands in constructing a global community of shared future. He emphasised the need to reject conflict and confrontation and create a future of peace and tranquillity; reject isolation and exclusion and create a future of co-operation and win-win outcomes; reject power politics and bullying and create a future of fairness and justice; and reject suspicion and discord and create a future of mutual respect and trust.
 
Mr Lee said that Chairman Zhao’s words were truly invaluable. They hit the nail on the head with respect to the current international situation. Under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong has the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, making it the only open economy that simultaneously benefits from the strengths of both China and the global community. Amid a complex and volatile external environment, Hong Kong has always firmly upheld free trade and multilateralism, resolutely opposed unilateralism and protectionism, and continuously strengthened its resilience to withstand risks and respond to changing circumstances. As such, it has consistently served as the optimal bridge and platform for foreign enterprises seeking to establish a foothold in the Chinese Mainland market and for mainland enterprises looking to expand overseas. With the continued growth of the national economy, Hong Kong should seize this valuable opportunity and proactively pursue breakthroughs in its development.
 
Mr Lee said that over the past few years, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been committed to leading the business sector in exploring markets in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, among others, expanding the landscape for external co-operation. Looking ahead, Hong Kong should direct its focus towards more emerging markets, exploring broader horizons for development. While integrating into and serving the country’s overall development, Hong Kong should continue to deepen international engagement and collaboration, working with Asian countries to solidify the foundation of mutual trust, deepen openness and connectivity, pursue mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, and safeguard peace and stability. In doing so, it will contribute to the steady growth of Asia’s economy and help steer the global economy towards greater inclusiveness, shared benefits and common progress.
 
In addition, Chairman Zhao gave an insightful exposition on the current state of China’s economic development and its future prospects. He noted that China is always committed to growing the economy, improving people’s livelihoods, and, while pursuing its own development, promoting common development among all countries. He pointed out that the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan sets out the main objectives and major tasks for the country’s development over the next five years, and that China will fully, accurately and comprehensively implement the new development philosophy, accelerate the establishment of a new development landscape, and strive to promote high-quality development.
 
Mr Lee said that Chairman Zhao’s keynote speech conveyed a clear and positive signal: China will further expand high-standard opening up and share opportunities with countries around the world; will continue to boost domestic demand and steadily unlock the dividends of its super-sized market; will remain committed to innovative development and continuously unleash new drivers of growth; will uphold free trade and steadily deepen international co-operation; will stay committed to the rule of law and steadily improve the business environment; and welcomes enterprises from around the world to explore and deepen their presence in the Chinese market, which will remain a fertile ground for foreign investment and business growth for years to come. This fully demonstrates the strong resilience and broad prospects of the Chinese economy, and further strengthens confidence in its future development.
 
Mr Lee said that with the escalation of conflicts in the Middle East and ongoing geopolitical tensions, Hong Kong, as a globally recognised safe harbour for capital stability, possesses a sound financial system and advantages in professional services. It can provide more quality financial services to the business communities of various countries, attract global capital, and jointly pursue high-quality and sustainable development. Amid a complex and severe external environment, Hong Kong should stand firm, proceed with determination, firmly grasp the unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle, and make every effort to pursue economic growth, advance development, foster integration, and proactively integrate into and serve the overall national development. The National 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis. Hong Kong will actively advance the preparation of its first five-year plan, steadily progress various development projects, and deepen reforms with a sense of urgency and unwavering determination. Hong Kong will cultivate and strengthen new quality productive forces based on its actual conditions, accelerate the development of an international innovation and technology centre, continuously consolidate and enhance its status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, and focus on building an international hub for high-calibre talent.
 
Mr Lee also mentioned that Hong Kong will fully harness the latest frontier technologies and artificial intelligence, continue to invigorate market vitality, advance the development of the Northern Metropolis and the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, vigorously promote the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and deeply align with national strategies. At the same time, Hong Kong will ensure the successful hosting of the Asia‑Pacific Economic Cooperation Finance Ministers’ Meeting, and will continue to strengthen practical co-operation with Asian countries, expand diverse areas of collaboration, jointly explore new paths for development, shape a shared future for Asia, and contribute positively to the country’s economic development as well as to regional prosperity and stability in Asia.
 
Mr Lee returned to Hong Kong today.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region