Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong Gala Dinner this evening (June 5):
Consul General Christile Drulhe (Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macao, Mrs Christile Drulhe), Rebecca (Honorary President of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong, Mrs Rebecca Silli), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Bonsoir. Good evening, everyone.
Two weeks ago, I was in Paris. I wandered into a bistro, and the owner – upon knowing that I was from Hong Kong – broke into a smile and said, “I heard Hong Kong is a major buyer of French fine wine. Now that you’re in Paris, you should have a few more glasses to pair with our delicacies.” The place was gloriously noisy, full of laughter and warmth. We see that ambition at work: in seeking new trading partners and growth opportunities; in channelling savings into technology, innovation, digital transformation and green transition; and in deepening collaboration with China and the broader Asian region. I thank the French Chamber for 40 years of deep engagement with and support to Hong Kong. I wish the Chamber continued success, and French wine and style as excellent as ever.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CHP investigates locally acquired measles case The case involves a 19-year-old female who developed a fever, myalgia and headache on May 29. She attended a private clinic on the following day (May 30). As her symptoms persisted and she further developed a rash, she attended to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) on June 1. Her clinical specimen was tested positive for the measles virus upon laboratory testing. The patient is currently receiving treatment under isolation and is in stable condition.
An epidemiological investigation revealed that the patient was born outside Hong Kong. She reported having received the measles vaccination in her place of birth during childhood. As she spent most of her incubation period in Hong Kong, the case has been classified as a local case.
The patient is a student but she did not visit the school campus during the incubation period (between May 8 and 22) and the communicable period (between May 28 to June 5). During the communicable period, the patient visited a private clinic on May 30 and QEH on June 1. For the remainder of the communicable period, she largely remained alone at her residence. The CHP has contacted the abovementioned private clinic, the hospital and the residential management company to identify any close contacts and high risk individuals. As of 5pm today, approximately 85 individuals have been identified as close contacts. All of them are asymptomatic so far. The CHP will put the individuals under medical surveillance.
The CHP will continue to investigate and follow up on the case.
Besides being vaccinated against measles, members of the public should take the following measures to prevent infection: For more information on measles, the public may visit the CHP’s measles thematic pageIssued at HKT 20:52
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases eighth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May
District With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April or May every year. The indexes are higher from April to June. The actual timing and extent of the rise are affected by factors like weather conditions and rainfall. As compared with last year, the temperature began to climb earlier this year and the rainfall in April and May increased substantially, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. As a result, the rise in gravidtrap indexes occurred earlier this year. Depending on factors like rainfall, the indexes may rise further but the overall trend of gravidtrap indexes this year is similar to those of previous years.
For survey areas which recorded indexes exceeding 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures, including eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and ensuring that mosquito trapping devices are placed at appropriate locations, as well as to strengthen efforts in publicity and education. Moreover, following the discovery of stagnant water in a construction site in Wong Tai Sin District and five public housing estates in Kwai Tsing District, the FEHD has issued six statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified time frame. The FEHD, the relevant departments and stakeholders also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.
Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#Issued at HKT 21:00
Chief Executive John Lee concluded his trip to Uzbekistan today by meeting local officials and business leaders, and visiting innovation and technology (I&T) and cultural institutions.
In the morning, he toured IT Park Uzbekistan, an innovation technology park, and met First Deputy Minister of Digital Technologies of Uzbekistan Ayubkhon Sultonov to exchange views on strengthening co-operation between the two places in I&T and the digital economy.
Mr Lee said: “Our visit to the IT Park is for many purposes, so we come here for building co-operation, cross-fertilising and see what other things that you are doing and what other things we are doing so that we can mutually benefit.”
Welcoming the Chief Executive, Mr Sultonov said: “We highly value your visit, we see today’s meeting as an important step to develop practical co-operation between Uzbekistan and Hong Kong.”
During the meeting, Mr Lee also witnessed the exchange of memorandum of understanding (MoU) or the confirmation of intention to co-operate between IT Park Uzbekistan and Hong Kong’s three major I&T parks – Cyberport, the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation & Technology Park – to promote closer co-operation between the two places on various fronts, including startup incubation, talent exchanges and joint research and development.
In the afternoon, the Chief Executive visited the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion.
He expressed hope that Hong Kong and Uzbekistan will further strengthen co-operation in arts and culture, people-to-people exchanges and museum collaboration, and deepen friendship between the two places. Mr Lee then attended a business exchange event hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan, where he again met Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov.
He noted that Hong Kong can provide professional support for Uzbekistan’s economic development needs and serves as an ideal platform to assist Uzbek enterprises in expanding their business.
Mr Lee also attended a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan where he expressed confidence that the two places will open up a new chapter of mutual benefits and win-win co-operation.
Concluding his trip, Mr Lee said that the Central Asia visit to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan has yielded fruitful results, with achievements secured in eight areas.
They include establishing high-level contacts and ties between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and reaching consensus on co-operation in multiple areas.
The Hong Kong SAR Government and the two governments signed a total of 15 MOUs and agreements covering areas such as commerce, education and development projects.
Beyond the government level, a total of 81 MOUs and agreements were concluded, covering such areas as trade and economic co-operation, investment, finance, technology and aviation.
A total of 96 co-operation agreements and MOUs were reached during the visit, involving specific amounts exceeding US$1.65 billion in total.
The governments agreed to commence bilateral discussions on agreements in various areas, including discussions with the Governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreements, negotiations on a bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement, and co-operation with the Government of Uzbekistan on customs clearance facilitation.
Another achievement involved deepening project matching and research collaboration between Hong Kong and the Central Asian region in areas including finance, I&T and aviation.
It has also demonstrated Hong Kong’s effective role as a platform for going global and achieving substantial results.
The trip has facilitated more convenient people-to-people exchanges by promoting direct flights, aviation and transport co-operation, and extensions to the mutual visa-free period.
In addition, it has promoted exchanges in education, talent and culture to further deepen people-to-people bonds.
Mr Lee also noted that the trip has advanced a hub-to-hub co-operation model to open up broader room for co-operation between Hong Kong and the Central Asian region.
MOFA welcomes public comments from Philippine Secretary of National Defense Teodoro on deepening Taiwan-Philippines cooperation
Date：2026-06-01
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs
June 1, 2026 No. 246 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely welcomes and highly commends comments made by Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro while he attended the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 30.
Secretary Teodoro said that in the face of China’s continued expansion of military influence and coercive actions in the region, and in addition to his country’s current efforts to strengthen security relations with the United States, the Philippines was seeking exchanges and cooperation with such defense partners as Japan, Vietnam, and Taiwan so as to jointly respond to regional challenges.
MOFA emphasizes that Taiwan and the Philippines continue to strengthen their substantive partnership under the integrated diplomacy and three-chain strategy advanced by President Lai Ching-te and MOFA. This has included bolstering both nations’ supply chain resilience through the promotion of the Taiwan-Philippines Economic Corridor. Taiwan has also been pleased to see the Philippines launch supply chain cooperation with the United States under the Pax Silica initiative. It looks forward to developing a comprehensive partnership with the Philippines in economic, security, technological, and people-to-people exchanges, and aspires to work with the Philippines and like-minded nations to enhance democracy, peace, and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific. (E)
On the evening of June 5, President Lai Ching-te attended the first Pacific Cultural Gala. In remarks, President Lai stated that beyond cultural roots, Taiwan and its Pacific allies also share the values of freedom and democracy. For many years, the president said, we have supported one another, together contributing to the peace, stability, and prosperity of the region. President Lai expressed hope that Taiwan will continue to advance cooperation across all areas with its friends and allies in the Pacific, deepening friendships and working together to preserve the Austronesian heritage and build a brighter future for the next generation.
A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows:
In 2024, the year I took office, I embarked on state visits to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau. That journey truly showed me that we are one family. I was also moved by the courage of the Austronesian ancestors who sailed the vast ocean despite hardships. Braving wind and waves, they built brilliant and diverse maritime civilizations.
Tonight, I especially want to thank the embassies of the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau. Thank you for your efforts organizing the first Pacific Cultural Gala. This evening brings us together to celebrate the deep friendships between Taiwan and our Pacific allies.
We are all maritime nations; the ocean defines our heritage. Beyond cultural roots, we also share the values of freedom and democracy. For many years, we have supported one another, and walked side by side. Together, we contribute to the peace, stability, and prosperity of our region.
I saw our partnerships in action during my visits in 2024. In the Marshall Islands, I marked our concrete achievements in advancing smart medicine. In Tuvalu, I witnessed the signing of a letter of intent for an undersea cable. In Palau, I observed a joint maritime rescue drill. Tomorrow, Vice President [Bi-khim] Hsiao departs for Palau, where she will see firsthand how we are deepening our alliance.
To me, the Pacific has never been a barrier. It has always been the great road that connects us. Going forward, Taiwan will continue to advance cooperation across all areas with our friends and allies in the Pacific. We will drive prosperity and growth for all our peoples. And we will ensure that the Pacific remains true to its name – an ocean of peace, of cooperation, and of hope.
With tonight’s gala, let’s keep deepening our friendships and working together to preserve the Austronesian heritage. Let’s build a brighter future for the next generation.
I wish tonight’s gala great success. And may Taiwan’s friendships with the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau deepen and grow stronger each year. Thank you.
Also in attendance at the event were Marshall Islands Ambassador Anjanette Kattil, Tuvalu Ambassador Lily Tangisia Faavae, Palau Chargé d’Affaires David Adams Orrukem, and other members of the foreign diplomatic corps stationed in Taiwan.
The Residential Care Homes (Elderly Persons) (Amendment) Regulation 2026 and the Residential Care Homes (Persons with Disabilities) (Amendment) Regulation 2026 were gazetted today to establish the new professional rank of health and care practitioners (HCPs).
The Government proposes to amend the Residential Care Homes (Elderly Persons) Regulation and the Residential Care Homes (Persons with Disabilities) Regulation to establish a registration system for HCPs and incorporate HCPs into the staffing requirements for residential care homes (RCHs) whilst maintaining the existing statutory staffing requirements unchanged.
The amendment allows RCH operators to employ either enrolled nurses or HCPs to meet the relevant statutory requirements.
The Labour & Welfare Bureau said the establishment of the HCP rank will attract people who aspire to pursue a career in the social welfare sector, providing health workers with promotion and career development prospects, thereby assisting the sector in retaining talent.
The bureau noted that the new initiative will enable RCHs to utilise their manpower resources more flexibly as well as establish a dedicated pool of care talent for the social welfare sector, and reduce competition for nursing talent with the healthcare sector.
The Social Welfare Department (SWD) will implement a three-year subsidy scheme to support eligible serving registered health workers with potential to undergo the HCP professional diploma programme recognised by the department.
As residential care homes for the elderly and residential care homes for persons with disabilities often encounter difficulties in recruiting or retaining staff, the SWD had engaged a consultant earlier to conduct a holistic review of the skill and qualification requirements of RCH staff, with a view to establishing professional standards and a career progression path for them.
The Consultancy Study report showed that in terms of the nursing care work in RCHs, the duties of enrolled nurses and health workers were similar. Health workers could further take up more care responsibilities with appropriate training and assessment.
The report recommended establishing a new professional rank of HCP for the social welfare sector. The rank will specialise in providing nursing care as well as health and care services in elderly and rehabilitation social welfare service units, and undertake duties equivalent to those of enrolled nurses in the welfare service units concerned.
Moreover, the amendment exercise also changes the basis of calculating the staffing requirements for nursing homes from the total number of beds as currently adopted to the total number of residents aligning with the international practice and the relevant requirements for RCHs of other care levels in Hong Kong.
The Amendment Regulations will be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting on June 10 and come into effect on October 14 after completion of the legislative procedures.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the National Day of Sweden reception 2026 today (June 5):
Consul General Ms Louise Bergholm (Consul General of Sweden to Hong Kong), Deputy Commissioner Zhang (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Zhang Changwei, members of the diplomatic community in Hong Kong, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, The Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong is a strong testament to our enduring business ties. This year, the Chamber celebrates its remarkable 40th anniversary – 40 years of bringing Hong Kong and Swedish businesses together. Our role as a gateway to the Chinese Mainland, our business potential, free market economy, and simple and low tax regime remain the most appealing advantages for Swedish companies here. There is much scope for collaboration with Sweden in AI – from research and application to education and talent development. A recent study by Statistics Sweden reports that 35 per cent of Swedish companies used at least one form of AI technology last year, well above the European Union average of 20 per cent.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Department of Health (DH) today (June 5) invited senior reviewers from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Inspection of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to attend a forum called “New Chapter in Pharmaceutical Regulation: 2026 Drug Regulation and Review Trends Forum” to provide the local pharmaceutical industry with a detailed overview of the latest developments and relevant regulatory requirements regarding drug regulation and registration evaluation in the Chinese Mainland. The forum aimed to help the local industry seize opportunities to expand into the Mainland market, while fostering drug innovation and collaboration within the GBA.
The forum was co-organised by the Hong Kong Institute of Biotechnology Limited and the Hong Kong Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association Limited, with the DH as the supporting organsiation. The forum featured a comprehensive programme, covering key drug regulatory legislation in the Chinese Mainland, drug registration procedures and application requirements, as well as quality and specification requirements. It helped local pharmaceutical manufacturers and agents to better understand the preparatory work required for drug registration in the Chinese Mainland, including the documents and information that need to be submitted.
The forum attracted over 100 representatives from the local pharmaceutical sector, including manufacturers and wholesalers. Participants generally considered that the content was practical and highly valuable. Not only did it provide a clear roadmap and timeline for drug registration in the Chinese Mainland, it also significantly reduced the time and effort required for information collection and document preparation.
Prior to the forum, a delegation from the GBA Center for Drug Evaluation and Inspection met with the staff of the DH’s Drug Office yesterday (June 4) to exchange views on practical experiences in drug evaluation and inspection in the Chinese Mainland. DH staff also briefed the delegation on the initiatives of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to develop Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub; enhance the evaluation, approval and registration mechanism for drugs; implement a “primary evaluation” mechanism for new drugs; and prepare for the establishment of the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation within this year.
The DH has been actively promoting and enhancing Hong Kong’s drug regulatory standards. The NMPA and its GBA Center for Drug Evaluation and Inspection have been providing staunch support for the HKSAR’s pharmaceutical regulatory efforts. The DH expressed its sincere gratitude to the delegation. Looking ahead, the DH will continue to deepen cooperation and exchanges with the drug regulatory authorities in the Chinese Mainland, support the development of Hong Kong’s pharmaceutical industry, and actively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan to better integrate into and serve overall national development. At the same time, the HKSAR will leverage Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world, to fulfil its role as a “super connector”.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Highways Department (HyD) today (June 5) invited tenders for the Extension Works to Lung Fu Road, Tuen Mun (Contract No. HY/2025/15).
The works are scheduled to commence in January 2027 and will take about 48 months to complete. The works mainly include:
construction of an elevated carriageway and an at-grade carriageway of approximately 600 meters in length connecting Lung Fu Road to Tsing Wun Road northbound;
construction of an elevated carriageway and an at-grade carriageway of approximately 800 meters in length connecting Tsing Wun Road to Lung Fu Road southbound;
reconstruction of an elevated carriageway and an at-grade carriageway of approximately 400 meters in length connecting Tsing Wun Road southbound to Wong Chu Road eastbound;
design, supply and installation of Fully Variable Message Sign (FVMS) at Tuen Mun Road southbound near MTR Siu Hong Station; and
carrying out associated works including noise barriers, geotechnical works, electrical and mechanical works, drainage works, waterworks, street lighting works, traffic facilities, landscaping works and environmental mitigation measures.
The HyD has commissioned WSP (Asia) Limited as the consultant to design and supervise the construction works. Interested tenderers must download the tender forms and other particulars from the Electronic Tendering System for works contracts (e-TS(WC)).
The invitation to tender was gazetted today. Tenderers shall submit completed tenders in electronic format via e-TS(WC). Submission of tenders will close at noon on July 31, 2026 (Friday).
For enquiries, please contact WSP (Asia) Limited at 2217 2227.