Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs special operation combats sale of counterfeit eyewear (with photo)
Customs earlier received information alleging that some retail shops were selling suspected counterfeit sunglasses. After in-depth investigations and with the assistance of the trademark owners, Customs officers took enforcement action on the aforementioned dates and raided five retail shops in Cheung Sha Wan, Kwai Shing, Tsuen Wan and Fanling, as well as a supplier in Kwun Tong, resulting in the seizure of the suspected counterfeit sunglasses and glasses.
During the operation, five men, aged between 42 and 58, were arrested. They comprised three directors and two staff members.
An investigation is ongoing and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
Customs reminds consumers to procure goods at reputable shops and to check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt. Traders should also be cautious and prudent in merchandising since selling counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with a forged trademark commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:40
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Hong Kong Flower Show to open tomorrow at Victoria Park
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Hong Kong Flower Show 2026 (HKFS) will be held at Victoria Park from tomorrow (March 20) until March 29, running from 9am to 9pm daily. This year’s flower show features stock as the theme flower, under the theme “A Fragrant Journey through Hong Kong”.
Stock is richly fragrant and comes in a dazzling array of colours. This year’s three-dimensional (3D) theme flower floral wall features five giant stocks, each composed of more than 30 3D flowers, and is set off with over 6 000 orchids, myosotis and other floral materials. In front of the wall is an expansive display of more than 14 000 tulips in different colours, which complements the 3D stock installation, creating a spectacular visual effect and making it an ideal photo spot for visitors.
Hong Kong and Barbados enter into tax pact
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, had a bilateral meeting with the Ambassador of Barbados to China, Mr Hallam Henry, in Beijing today (March 19) and signed on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government a comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreement (CDTA) with the Government of Barbados.
Mr Hui said, “This is the 57th CDTA that Hong Kong has concluded and also the second one this year. We will continue to pursue the signing of CDTAs with more tax jurisdictions with a view to consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international financial and trade centre as well as expanding our circle of friends with the global community.”
At the meeting, Mr Hui highlighted to Mr Henry Hong Kong’s “dual superpower” as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world. He welcomed Barbadian enterprises, talent and capital to establish their presence and expand their business in Hong Kong, and take advantage of Hong Kong’s financial stability with a high standard of professional services to enter the Chinese Mainland market.
Mr Hui added, “The CDTA sets out the allocation of taxing rights between Hong Kong and Barbados, which will enable investors to better assess their potential tax liabilities from cross-border economic activities and avoid double taxation. This will foster a more attractive business environment for the two places, promoting bilateral trade and investment.”
Under this CDTA, any tax paid by Hong Kong residents in Barbados will be allowed as a credit against the tax payable in Hong Kong in respect of the same income, subject to the provisions of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) (IRO). In addition, Barbados will exempt Hong Kong residents from withholding tax on dividends, which is currently 5 per cent in general.
The CDTA will come into force after completion of ratification procedures by both sides. In Hong Kong, the Chief Executive in Council will make an order under the IRO, which will be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting. Details of the CDTA are available on the Inland Revenue Department’s website.
WSD and PMSA award certificates to commend property management companies’ efforts in ensuring drinking water safety
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
WSD and PMSA award certificates to commend property management companies’ efforts in ensuring drinking water safety (with photo)
Speaking at the event, Mr Wong said, “Since 2017, the WSD has been promoting the implementation of the Water Safety Plan for Buildings (WSPB) to owners and property managers to ensure the safety of drinking water in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization. Furthermore, in the same year, the WSD introduced additional requirements for new buildings to undergo systematic flushing tests before occupation to ensure that their plumbing systems are in good condition upon commissioning and to minimise drinking water safety risks.”
Since the middle of last year, to strengthen the promotion and publicity of drinking water safety, the WSD and the property management sector have identified about 600 private residential buildings that have implemented these requirements, involving 26 property management companies and benefitting about 91 000 households.
These property management companies have actively participated in the Scheme, under which they are required to rigorously inspect and maintain fresh water plumbing systems, including regular checks, timely repairs, and routine cleansing of fresh water storage tanks, to safeguard drinking water safety. Certificates were presented to these companies, which have set a positive example for the industry. The WSD hopes the Scheme will encourage more property management companies to effectively protect drinking water safety of buildings.
As of February 2026, about 5 560 buildings, including about 4 400 residential buildings, have adopted the WSPB, covering approximately 1.25 million households – nearly half of all households in Hong Kong. These figures reflect the growing attention of the industry and property owners to drinking water safety and demonstrate the success of the collaboration between the Government and the industry.
Dr Wong said, “Property management companies and their practitioners act as the ‘guardians of property’ for the public and bear a crucial responsibility for maintaining fresh water plumbing systems. This Scheme encourages property management companies to sign the commitment letters to continuously conduct regular inspections and maintenance of buildings’ fresh water plumbing systems. This not only enhances the professional awareness of property management practitioners regarding drinking water safety, but also promotes the industry’s advancement in related knowledge and technology, ensuring that the general public can enjoy safe and quality drinking water.”
Dr Wong also shared that water is the lifeline that sustains people’s lives and is an essential resource for maintaining the city’s daily operation. Safeguarding this lifeline depends not only on the WSD’s extensive supply network but also crucially on the effective “backup” management of the inside service. These 26 property management companies recognised today have demonstrated their role as guardians of this lifeline.
Issued at HKT 17:50
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Chain volume measures of Gross Domestic Product by economic activity for the fourth quarter of 2025 and the whole year of 2025
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (March 19) the preliminary figures of chain volume measures of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by economic activity for the fourth quarter of 2025 and the whole year of 2025.
GDP figures by economic activity show the value of production in respect of individual economic activities. The value of production is measured by value added or net output, which is calculated by deducting intermediate input consumed in the process of production from the gross value of output. Volume measures of GDP by economic activity, expressed in terms of chain volume measures net of the effect of price changes, enable analysis of the output growth profiles of individual economic sectors in real terms.
According to the preliminary figures, overall GDP increased by 3.8% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 3.7% in the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, GDP increased by 3.5% in real terms over 2024.
Analysed by constituent services sector and on a year-on-year comparison, value added in respect of all the services activities taken together increased by 3.8% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the growth of 3.1% in the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, value added increased by 3.2% in real terms over 2024 for all the services sectors taken together.
Value added in the import and export, wholesale and retail trades sector increased by 7.9% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 5.2% in the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, value added in this sector recorded an increase of 6.0% in real terms.
Value added in the accommodation and food services sector increased by 1.5% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, as against the decrease of 0.9% in the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, value added in this sector decreased by 0.5% in real terms.
Value added in the transportation, storage, postal and courier services sector increased by 4.8% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 2.2% in the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, value added in this sector increased by 3.7% in real terms.
Value added in the information and communications sector increased by 1.8% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 0.6% in the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, value added in this sector increased by 0.9% in real terms.
Value added in the financing and insurance sector increased by 4.9% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 5.4% in the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, value added in this sector increased by 4.8% in real terms.
Value added in the real estate, professional and business services sector registered an increase of 0.6% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 over a year earlier. Value added in this sector remained virtually unchanged in the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, value added in this sector decreased by 0.2% in real terms.
Value added in the public administration, social and personal services sector rose by 1.8% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 2.1% the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, value added in this sector increased by 2.1% in real terms.
As for sectors other than the services sectors, value added in the local manufacturing sector increased by 5.7% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 5.3% in the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, value added in this sector increased by 3.2% in real terms.
Value added in the electricity, gas and water supply, and waste management sector decreased by 0.8% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 from a year earlier, compared with the decrease of 1.7% in the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, value added in this sector decreased by 1.2% in real terms.
Value added in the construction sector decreased by 6.4% in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025 from a year earlier, after the decrease of 8.7% in the third quarter. For 2025 as a whole, value added in this sector decreased by 7.8% in real terms.
Further information
The year-on-year percentage changes of GDP by economic activity in real terms from the fourth quarter of 2024 to the fourth quarter of 2025 are shown in Table 1. More detailed statistics are given in the report “Gross Domestic Product by Economic Activity”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1030004&scode=250). For enquiries about statistics on GDP by economic activity, please call the National Income Branch (2) of the C&SD at 3903 7005.
Figures of chain volume measures of GDP by economic activity for the fourth quarter of 2025 and the whole year of 2025 are only preliminary at this stage. When more data become available, the preliminary figures will be revised accordingly and can be found at the C&SD website (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode250.html).
Thematic Household Survey Report No. 84 published
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Thematic Household Survey Report No. 84 is published by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) today (March 19).
This publication contains key findings on the utilisation of health services, provision of medical benefits by employers/companies, coverage of individually purchased medical insurance, health status and views on organ donation of Hong Kong residents based on the Thematic Household Survey conducted from October 2024 to January 2025.
The 2025 survey results revealed that some 5 450 400 persons had consulted doctors during the 12 months before enumeration, constituting 76.5% of the total population. Among the doctor consultations made during the 30 days before enumeration, private practitioners of Western medicine in Hong Kong were the most common type of medical practitioners consulted (38.3%), while consultations made with practitioners of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong (including practitioners of Chinese medicine (general practice), bone-setters and acupuncturists) accounted for 20.3%.
Some 3 632 100 persons (51.0% of the total population) were entitled to medical benefits provided by employers/companies, were covered by individually purchased medical insurance, or had both kinds of medical protection. Among them, 1 176 800 persons (32.4%) were entitled to medical benefits from employers/companies and covered by individually purchased medical insurance concurrently. Another 1 112 900 persons (30.6%) were entitled to medical benefits from employers/companies only. The remaining 1 342 400 persons (37.0%) were covered by individually purchased medical insurance only.
Respondents of the survey were also asked about their self-perceived general health condition. More than a quarter (28.1%) of persons considered their general health conditions as excellent or very good; 41.8% good; 25.7% fair; and 4.4% poor.
Among some 4 515 600 persons aged 18 to 64 covered in the survey, some 905 100 persons (20.0%) were willing to donate their organs after death whereas about 828 000 persons (18.3%) were not willing to do so; and 61.6% had not yet decided/considered to do so or did not answer questions on organ donation.
Other information
The survey successfully enumerated target respondents in some 10 100 households in accordance with a scientific sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong.
Detailed findings of the survey, together with the population coverage and concepts/definitions of key terms, are presented in the publication. Users can browse and download the publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1130201&scode=453).
Enquiries about the survey findings can be directed to the Social Surveys Section (2) of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 0592 or email: thematic@censtatd.gov.hk).
Statistics on Code on Access to Information for fourth quarter of 2025 announced
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Government received a total of 16 107 requests for information under the Code on Access to Information in the fourth quarter of 2025, a spokesman for the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau said today (March 19).
The total number of requests received since the introduction of the Code in March 1995 and up to the end of December 2025 amounted to 296 727. This includes the applications for Notice of Application for Access to Information in relation to the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens) received by the Immigration Department. Of these, 16 864 requests were subsequently withdrawn by the requestors and 7 132 requests covered cases in which the bureaux/departments concerned did not hold the requested information or cannot confirm or deny the existence of information. As at December 31, 2025, 1 278 requests were still being processed by bureaux/departments.
Among the 271 453 requests which covered information held by bureaux/departments and which the bureaux/departments had responded to, 267 875 requests (98.7 per cent) were met, either in full (264 511 requests) or in part (3 364 requests), and 3 578 requests (1.3 per cent) were refused.
Any member of the public who is dissatisfied with the response of a bureau/department under the Code may request that the matter be reviewed. He or she may also lodge a complaint with the Ombudsman.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, the Ombudsman received 12 complaints relating to requests for information. In this quarter, the Ombudsman concluded 10 complaints, among which two were concluded by inquiries (with no inadequacies found), and eight were assessed and closed. As at December 31, 2025, seven complaints remained under investigation.
Man jailed for conspiracy to defraud
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
A 76-year-old man charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud was convicted and sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment by Shatin Magistrates’ Courts yesterday (March 18).
The Outside Investigation Section of the Immigration Department (ImmD) through intelligence analysis suspected the defendant had contracted a bogus marriage for obtaining residence status in Hong Kong. After a comprehensive investigation, the defendant was found to have conspired with his Mainland resident son and married his former sister-in-law, a Hong Kong resident, in 2011 under the arrangement of his son. By virtue of the marital relationship, the defendant and his son settled in Hong Kong and obtained residence status in Hong Kong in 2017 and 2021 respectively. The defendant divorced his bogus spouse after settling in Hong Kong.
The defendant was subsequently arrested by the ImmD and charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud. After trial, the defendant was convicted and sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment yesterday. The investigation of other suspects is still underway, and the ImmD does not rule out the possibility of further arrests.
“The ImmD has been very concerned about non-Hong Kong residents staying in Hong Kong by means of a marriage of convenience, and will continue to spare no effort in combating the related illicit activities. For people who have obtained their residence in Hong Kong by fraudulent means, their Hong Kong identity card and residence status will be invalidated according to the laws of Hong Kong. They will also be subject to removal back to their place of origin,” the ImmD spokesman stressed.
“According to the Immigration Ordinance, any person who makes any statement or representation which he knows to be false or does not believe to be true to immigration officers commits an offence. Offenders are liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, face a maximum fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and the same penalties. Moreover, according to the Crimes Ordinance, anyone who commits the offence of conspiracy to defraud is liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, the maximum penalty is imprisonment for 14 years,” the ImmD spokesman warned.
Flower Show opens tomorrow
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Hong Kong Flower Show 2026, themed “A Fragrant Journey through Hong Kong”, will be held at Victoria Park from 9am to 9pm daily from tomorrow to March 29, with the stock as this year’s theme flower.
A showpiece three-dimensional floral wall featuring five giant stocks, each composed of more than 30 flowers, is accompanied by a display comprising over 6,000 orchids, myosotises and other blooms.
In front of the 3D installation, an expansive array of more than 14,000 tulips in different colours offers an ideal spot for photographs.
The showground will feature a number of large-scale landscape installations reflecting distinctive aspects of Hong Kong’s and presenting another side to the city beyond its urban image.
Tying in with this year’s theme, the show is collaborating for the first time with the Joyful Miniature Association to present a miniature exhibition in the Floral Marquee.
Featuring exquisitely crafted miniature scenes, the exhibition showcases local life and culture, including the Mong Kok Flower Market, the Cheung Chau floating colours parade, a bamboo shed theatre, and the Temple Street night market.
This year’s show offers a range of new family-friendly activities. “The Ponies Photo Booth”, where visitors can have their photos taken with Sheltand ponies, will be open on March 21 and 28 from 1pm to 5pm at the Central Lawns.
Several government mascots will be present and interacting with visitors on March 21 from 2.30pm to 5pm.
Call 2601 8260 for enquiries.
Political and economic leaders from 22 countries attend ninth Yushan Forum, marking largest forum to date
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
Political and economic leaders from 22 countries attend ninth Yushan Forum, marking largest forum to date
Date：2026-03-15
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs
March 15, 2026
No. 087
The ninth Yushan Forum, coorganized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation, will take place from March 16 to 17 at the Grand Mayfull Hotel Taipei. The theme will be “Indo-Pacific Partnership Prospects: Taiwan’s Values, Technology, and Resilience.” The forum is again being held parallel to the Smart City Summit and Expo and the Net Zero City Expo. This year’s event brings together over 70 political and economic leaders from 22 countries across North America, Latin America, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific, marking the largest Yushan Forum to date.
President Lai Ching-te will deliver remarks at the opening ceremony on the morning of March 16, and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim will host a luncheon for foreign guests the same day. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung will preside over the banquet that evening. The four government sessions on the first day will be chaired by ministers or deputy ministers of the Ministry of Digital Affairs, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of the Interior, respectively.
Prominent political figures taking part in this year’s forum include Lech Wałęsa, former President of Poland; Mahendra Chaudry, former Prime Minister of Fiji; Keiji Furuya, Chair of the Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council and Chair of the Commission on the Constitution of the Japanese House of Representatives; Gustavo Villate, Paraguayan Minister of Information and Communication Technologies; Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform Party in the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea; Sir Liam Fox, former UK Secretary of State for International Trade; Christoph Heusgen, former Chair of the Munich Security Conference and former German Ambassador to the United Nations; Jonathan Fried, former Canadian Ambassador to the World Trade Organization; and Leni Robredo, Mayor of Naga City in the Philippines. Also in attendance will be former cabinet ministers and officials from Bulgaria, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Malaysia, and New Zealand, as well as former parliamentarians from Canada, the Philippines, the Netherlands, and Singapore.
The 2026 Yushan Forum will build on the New Southbound Policy+ and facilitate dialogue with international friends and allies on cultivating strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and around the world. This will help make Trusted Taiwan into an indispensable element of global security and prosperity. (E)