Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) announced today (July 7) a series of new measures to deepen the financial co-operation between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, support the development of Hong Kong’s fixed income and currency (FIC) market and offshore Renminbi (RMB) business, and reinforce Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre. These measures include:
supporting the collaboration of financial infrastructure institutions in Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland to develop a Hong Kong FIC electronic trading platform;
further enhancing and expanding the Southbound Bond Connect, including increasing the annual investment quota, developing bond repurchase (repo) business using Southbound Bond Connect bonds as collateral, expanding the product scope to cover products with HKD bonds and RMB bonds as underlying assets, connecting to the Macao bond market, and enhancing the management of Southbound Bond Connect market makers;
supporting the inclusion of onshore bonds issued by the Ministry of Finance and Mainland policy banks that are held under Northbound Bond Connect as eligible margin collateral at the HKFE Clearing Corporation and the SEHK Options Clearing House;
enhancing the Northbound Bond Connect operational arrangement to extend the settlement time and improve efficiency;
further enhancing the Swap Connect to include the interbank Seven-Day Fixing Depository-Institutions Repo Rate (FDR007) as a reference rate; and
supporting the launch of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited Five-Year China Government Bond Futures in Hong Kong on August 3.
Building on this, the HKMA also announced five measures to support the development of the offshore RMB market and strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a leading offshore RMB business hub, thereby enabling greater outreach to other regions and enhancing support for the real economy. These measures, underpinned by strong support from the PBoC, address industry suggestions for developing the offshore RMB market. These include:
increasing the size of the HKMA’s RMB Business Facility from RMB200 billion to RMB500 billion and extending tenors to include nine-month, two-year and three-year, effective on July 10;
exploring to introduce a tendering mechanism of seven-day offshore RMB liquidity;
exploring the issuance of offshore RMB short-term debt instruments to support the building of the offshore RMB yield curve;
promoting the development of a bilateral currency transaction framework between Indonesian Rupiah and offshore RMB; and
issuing good practices to banks to promote RMB adoption.
The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue, said, “We are pleased to announce this series of measures, which will further deepen cross-boundary financial co-operation, strengthen financial market connectivity between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, promote the development of Hong Kong’s fixed income and currency market, and reinforce Hong Kong’s position as an offshore RMB business hub and international financial centre. These measures are the result of concerted efforts of the HKMA, the PBoC and other relevant financial regulatory authorities in Hong Kong and on the Chinese Mainland. We will continue to work closely with the relevant regulatory authorities, the industry and financial infrastructure institutions to ensure timely and smooth implementation of the measures, and explore further enhancements.”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The opening ceremony of the Women Wellness Satellite under the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) was held today (July 7), marking a new milestone in primary healthcare services focused on women’s holistic health. Effective today, the Women Wellness Satellite has been officially named the Jockey Club Women Wellness Satellite (WWS).
The Under Secretary for Health, Dr Cecilia Fan, officiated at the opening ceremony and naming ceremony of the WWS today. She said, “Integrating services of the Department of Health’s Woman Health Centres and setting up the WWS has implemented the development directions and strategies for strengthening the primary healthcare system set out in the Primary Healthcare Blueprint by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. It also aligns with the Chief Executive’s proposal in the 2024 Policy Address to promote the development of primary healthcare on all fronts, demonstrating the great importance the Government attaches to women’s health.” Operated by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs) under the commission of the PHC Commission, the three WWSs located on Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and in the New Territories respectively have commenced operations in phases since June last year. They form a network with the District Health Centres/District Health Centre Expresses (collectively referred to as DHCs) across all 18 districts in Hong Kong to provide eligible women with prevention-oriented and more personalised women’s health services. As of the end of April this year, the WWSs have recorded a cumulative total of more than 18 200 attendances.
“To address the specific health needs of women planning for pregnancy, the WWS plans to introduce pre-pregnancy services within this year. The services will cover health assessments, individual consultations and education, doctor consultations as well as examinations and follow-ups according to protocol-driven care pathways. At the same time, the Government is actively exploring the introduction of Chinese medicine services at the WWS tailored to women’s health needs, with a view to providing women with a more comprehensive health support network.”
The related works and medical equipment of the three WWSs are funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. In appreciation of the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s support in promoting primary healthcare services for women, the three WWSs have been named the Jockey Club Women Wellness Satellite (Hong Kong), the Jockey Club Women Wellness Satellite (Kowloon) and the Jockey Club Women Wellness Satellite (New Territories) respectively, effective today.
The Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority, Dr Libby Lee; the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare of the Health Bureau, Dr Pang Fei-chau; the Deputy Director of Health, Dr Edmund Fong; the Head of Charities (Health & Older Adults Cluster) of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Ms Imelda Chan; and the Chairman of the TWGHs, Mr York Tseng, also attended the ceremony today.
Through a co-payment model, the WWS provides personalised women’s health services to women holding a Hong Kong identity card or a Certificate of Exemption. Those who wish to use the services have to register as members of the DHC and give consent to enrol in eHealth. The DHC will arrange health risk assessments and family doctor pairings, and arrange for users to receive services at the WWS as needed. Apart from providing free health education for eligible women, the WWS offers services such as basic health assessments, individual consultations, cervical and breast cancer screenings to participants upon paying the co-payment. After assessment, participants with clinical needs for laboratory tests can also access relevant private laboratory services. Moreover, the WWS has also introduced various value-added services, including breast ultrasounds, 3D mammograms, human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing, HPV testing by self-sampling, and vaccination services. Members of the public can visit the WWS website for more information on the services and service charges of the WWS.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong’s latest foreign currency reserve assets figures released There were no unsettled foreign exchange contracts at end-June 2026 (end-May 2026: US$0.3 billion).
The total foreign currency reserve assets of US$445.9 billion represent over five times the currency in circulation or about 38 per cent of Hong Kong dollar M3.
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At present, four press releases relating to the Exchange Fund’s data are issued by the HKMA each month. Three of these releases are issued to disseminate monetary data in accordance with International Monetary Fund’s Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS). The fourth press release, on the Exchange Fund’s Abridged Balance Sheet and Currency Board Account, is made in accordance with the HKMA’s policy of maintaining a high level of transparency. For the month of July 2026, the scheduled dates for issuing the press releases are as follows:
July 7 (Hong Kong’s Latest Foreign Currency Reserve Assets Figures)(Analytical Accounts of the Exchange Fund)Foreign Currency LiquidityCurrency Board AccountIssued at HKT 16:30
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Lands Department issues seven pre-sale consents in second quarter of 2026 Details of the above residential developments (three of which are phased developments) with pre-sale consents issued are as follows:
Expected year of completion The LandsD also issued two consents to assign in the second quarter, involving a total of 912 residential units in two phased developments on Lantau Island and in Chai Wan respectively.
As at June 30, 2026, 28 applications for pre-sale consent for residential developments involving 11 995 residential units were being processed. Details are as follows:
Expected year of completion In addition, four applications for consent to assign involving 1 552 residential units and two non-residential units respectively, as well as two applications for pre-sale consent for non-residential developments, were being processed.
Members of the public can obtain up-to-date information on consents issued for the past quarter and cases pending approval by visiting the LandsD’s website (www.landsd.gov.hkIssued at HKT 17:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Attention TV/radio announcers:
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:
Here is an item of interest to swimmers.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 7) that due to big waves and inclement weather, red flags have been hoisted at Hung Shing Yeh Beach in Islands District, and Tai Po Lung Mei Beach in Tai Po District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) announced today (July 7) the commencement of the trial operation of Hong Kong’s new central clearing and settlement system for gold, together with a suite of targeted initiatives aiming to build a modern and full-chain gold trading ecosystem. These initiatives include rolling out the initial phase of Delivery Connect with the Shanghai Gold Exchange, launching a new HAU price ticker, expanding storage capacity and refining capability, diversifying gold investment products, exploring tax incentives, co-ordinating insurance arrangements, enhancing flexibility of Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) investments in gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and establishing an industry-led trade association. These measures will collectively bolster Hong Kong’s role as a trusted international gold trading, clearing, and reserve hub.
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said, “The National 15th Five-Year Plan incorporates explicit support for Hong Kong in establishing a commodity trading ecosystem. The commencement of the trial operation of the gold central clearing and settlement system today marks a significant step forward in developing Hong Kong’s gold trading infrastructure. Along with a series of measures to promote physical delivery, develop investment and derivative products as well as risk management tools, provide tax concessions, and deepen connectivity with the Mainland gold market, we are committed to building a thriving gold trading ecosystem. This will further enhance the richness, depth, and breadth of our financial markets, create new investment opportunities for local and overseas investors, and inject new momentum into the development of the financial sector.” The Board of Directors of the HKPMCC comprises the Government, the Shanghai Gold Exchange, regulators, and 11 banks to fully incorporate market feedback. Meanwhile, Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited has been appointed as the settlement institution and designated vault of the system, operating under the oversight of the HKPMCC.
In tandem with the commencement of the trial operation, the first batch of gold has been successfully deposited into the designated vault, and the first batch of trading and settlement activities has also been completed. The trial operation has received strong support from key market participants, including banks and financial institutions, mining companies, refiners, jewellers, and institutional participants. A list of key participants in the trial operation is set out in the Annex. The Government is in the process of assisting the industry to establish an industry-led trade association with a view to consolidating resources, strengthening international promotion efforts, and fostering closer ties with global stakeholders.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force and the Government Computer Emergency Response Team Hong Kong under the Digital Policy Office (DPO) jointly organised the 10th Inter-departmental Cyber Security Drill today (July 7), with a view to further enhancing the defence and incident response capabilities of government departments and relevant organisations against cyber attacks, and addressing the challenges arising from artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.
Addressing the event, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime), Ms Chung Wing-man, noted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the drill, representing a significant milestone in regularising cybersecurity drills. She pointed out that incidents involving sensitive data leaks over the past year have drawn significant public attention. With the rapid development of AI, hackers could launch cyber attacks with such technology and relevant cybersecurity risks must not be ignored. AI elements were specifically integrated into the drill this year, not only for technical practice but also to ensure that various departments and professional organisations can co-ordinate rapid and effective response to address major cybersecurity incidents, working together to safeguard Hong Kong’s cybersecurity. As Hong Kong gears up to host several major international events and important activities, all departments and relevant organisations must remain vigilant, ensure their own cybersecurity measures are in place, and strengthen co-operation with different stakeholders.
Addressing the event, the Assistant Commissioner (Project Governance and Cybersecurity) of the DPO, Ms Candy Chan, stated that the rapid development of AI applications brings new opportunities to improve efficiency and service quality. However, the widespread adoption of AI technology also makes the cybersecurity landscape more complex. Attackers can utilise AI to accelerate reconnaissance and vulnerability scanning, as well as to generate more deceptive phishing messages and malicious content, posing unprecedented challenges to defence work. She added that the Government will continue to adhere to a risk-based preventive strategy, while actively exploring the concept of “AI vs. AI”, making good use of AI technology in enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of threat detection, analysis, and response.
A total of about 350 representatives from 77 bureaux and departments, as well as 15 professional organisations, participated in the drill, which adopted a “blue teams versus red teams” approach. Participants formed “blue teams” to respond to simulated attacks in a virtual network environment, launched by “red teams” comprising cybersecurity experts. The drill scenario was based on a ransomware attack targeting information systems supporting large-scale events, and incorporated elements such as counter-cyberterrorism, autonomous AI and phishing attacks. This allowed participants to practise monitoring, analysis, reporting, handling and defence procedures in a realistic environment, thereby further enhancing collaborative defence and response capabilities, and strengthening the overall security and resilience of government information systems.
The Government will continue to strengthen cybersecurity defence through various measures, assisting departments and relevant organisations in enhancing their capabilities to counter emerging cyber threats, and safeguarding Hong Kong’s information systems and cybersecurity.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases seventh batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in June
District With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April every year. The indexes are higher from May 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 June increased substantially, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. Overall, the trend of gravidtrap indexes this year is similar to those of previous years.
The FEHD has also carried out a series of actions, including: During the follow-up actions and following the discovery of stagnant water or stagnant water containers at a construction site, a park, a public housing estate and a private housing estate in Kwun Tong District and Yuen Long District, the FEHD has issued four statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified timeframe.
Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including: 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 chikungunya fever (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 19:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes (with photo) Customs officers intercepted a 20-year-old incoming Mainland male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (July 6) and seized about 77 800 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $350,100 and a duty potential of about $257,200, from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested.
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.
Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 19:12
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
PBOC, HKMA and SFC’s joint announcement on developing trading platform in Hong Kong In 2025, the SFC and the HKMA jointly announced Hong Kong’s Roadmap for the Development of FIC Markets (Roadmap). One of the key initiatives outlined in the Roadmap is to support the development of a next-generation electronic trading platform. The FIC trading platform will provide an open, fair, efficient, and robust platform for both local and international institutions, following the key principles below: Further details of the FIC trading platform, including the launch timeline, will be announced in due course. Issued at HKT 19:25