Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CE leads delegation to begin visit programme to Kazakhstan (with photos/video)
In the morning, Mr Lee met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan, Mr Serik Zhumangarin, to exchange views on deepening economic co-operation between the two places. Mr Lee said that Kazakhstan has been actively promoting reforms on various fronts to bring about rapid economic growth. As one of the world’s three major financial centres, and the world’s largest cross-boundary wealth management centre and offshore Renminbi (RMB) business hub, Hong Kong can provide diversified and flexible support including capital and asset allocation for Kazakhstan’s economic reforms and infrastructure development. He cited as examples last year’s dual listing of a Kazakhstani company in Hong Kong and Astana, and the first issuance of RMB “dim sum” bonds in Hong Kong by the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, as landmark achievements in financial co-operation between the two places. He welcomed Kazakhstan’s government and its enterprises to continue making use of Hong Kong’s financial hub advantages by listing, issuing bonds and conducting project financing to connect with global investors and raise international funds for, and add value to, local development projects.
At noon, Mr Lee met with the President of Kazakhstan, Mr Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and attended a luncheon hosted by the President, to exchange views on deepening bilateral relations. Mr Lee said that President Xi Jinping first proposed the joint building of the Silk Road Economic Belt in Kazakhstan in 2013. As the place where the Belt and Road Initiative was first proposed, Kazakhstan is also Hong Kong’s largest trading partner in Central Asia, with close economic and trade ties, and broad prospects for co-operation. He noted that Kazakhstan is committed to driving economic diversification and, like Hong Kong, it is an important economic powerhouse for regional development and a gateway for trade. As one of the world’s most competitive economies, Hong Kong enjoys the advantage of being connected with both the Chinese Mainland and international markets, which aligns closely with the needs of Kazakhstan’s industrial transformation. Mr Lee noted that this visit is the first overseas trip led by him since the establishment of the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, and it is also the largest in scale, with over 70 enterprise and professional representatives from Hong Kong and the Mainland. He said that he looks forward to reaching multiple co-operation agreements during this visit to deepen collaboration in such areas as trade and investment promotion, financial services, I&T, and culture and tourism, as well as further exploring emerging markets and strengthening bilateral economic ties.
Mr Lee said that Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantages of having the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, and serves as a functional platform for the Belt and Road Initiative. He said that Hong Kong will continue to play its roles as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder”, as it further deepens international exchanges and co-operation, and accelerates the development of new growth areas for the economy. He said that he looks forward to strengthening two-way co-operation between the two places, encouraging enterprises in Kazakhstan to make use of Hong Kong’s professional services and business advantages to explore the markets of the Chinese Mainland and Asia, while enabling Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises to go global, as they seize the development opportunities arising from Kazakhstan’s economic reforms and set up business operations in Central Asia. He noted that with joint efforts, these enterprises could inject new impetus into the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative.
In the afternoon, Mr Lee visited the Astana Hub, a local technology and innovation park, to learn about the latest developments of Kazakhstan in the field of AI. He met with Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, Mr Zhaslan Madiyev. Mr Lee remarked that this year is the “Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence” of Kazakhstan, and that the Astana Hub, as a major international innovation cluster in Central Eurasia, brings together a large number of start-ups. Mr Lee also introduced Hong Kong’s developments in I&T, noting that Hong Kong is actively advancing AI development and driving digital transformation to empower industrial upgrading and transformation. Hong Kong ranks fourth globally in digital competitiveness, and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster ranks first globally. Hong Kong is committed to becoming an international I&T centre, with the Northern Metropolis being developed at full speed. Covering such projects as the Hong Kong Park in the Loop, the San Tin Technopole, and the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster, the Northern Metropolis will further promote the full integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation, and foster new quality productive forces. He expressed confidence that the Astana Hub and Hong Kong will strengthen connectivity in research collaboration and other areas, and welcomed Kazakhstan’s technology and innovation enterprises to set up operations in Hong Kong, leveraging Hong Kong’s vibrant innovation ecosystem and robust research and development capabilities to venture into international markets and jointly seize the immense opportunities in technological development.
Mr Lee then visited the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) to learn about Kazakhstan’s experience in promoting the development of the non-bank financial sector, and meet with the Governor of the AIFC, Mr Renat Bekturov. The AIFC is a national-level financial special zone established by Kazakhstan in 2018. It ranks first in Eastern Europe and Central Asia as a financial centre and has attracted over 5 500 enterprises to register. Hong Kong, meanwhile, ranks third globally and first in Asia in the Global Financial Centres Index. The two financial centres, both operating under the common law system, share the same direction and can strengthen co-operation in such areas as capital markets connectivity, asset management, green and sustainable finance, and financial technology, creating synergy in the joint promotion of regional economic development.
In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Mr Olzhas Bektenov.
Mr Lee will continue to lead the delegation during its visit to Kazakhstan tomorrow (June 2).
Issued at HKT 20:57
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Harnessing Central Asia’s potential
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hong Kong’s economic and trade exchanges with the Central Asian region have been growing rapidly in recent years, with the total merchandise trade in 2025 rising by 27 per cent compared with 2020. In June, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will lead a delegation to visit Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to further promote economic and trade development.
News.gov.hk interviewed the Commissioner for Belt and Road, Mr Nicholas Ho, who shared insights on the economic and trade situation, as well as development opportunities, between Hong Kong and Central Asian countries. He also spoke about the new prospects to be brought by the Chief Executive’s upcoming visits to the two countries.
The story is available at www.news.gov.hk/eng/feature from today (May 31) in text and video format.
Temporary liquefied petroleum gas fuel subsidy implemented smoothly
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Government has, starting from 0.00am today (May 31), provided a fuel subsidy of HK$0.5 per litre of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for taxis, public light buses and school private light buses for two months. The temporary measure has been implemented largely smoothly.
The Commissioner for Transport, Miss Winnie Tse, visited different dedicated LPG filling stations this morning to observe how oil companies have directly offered discounts to eligible vehicles to ease the pressure on relevant trades in coping with rising fuel prices. In accordance with the agreements signed between the Government and oil companies, discounts are clearly identified on receipts issued to drivers who benefit from the measure. The Government will reimburse oil companies for the actual amount of subsidies provided.
The Transport Department (TD) has displayed posters of the temporary measure at LPG filling stations and TD licensing offices, and will continue to steer oil companies to ensure smooth system operations and closely monitor the implementation of the subsidy. The temporary measure will last until 11.59pm on July 30 (Thursday). Eligible drivers are not required to submit any application and may refer to the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk) or the HKeMobility mobile app for details.
CFS found a sample of growing up formula powder with possible presence of Cereulide produced by Bacillus cereus
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said today (May 31) that the CFS collects powdered infant and young children formula under its Food Surveillance Programme. The test results revealed that a sample collected from a retail outlet possibly contained the heat-stable toxin Cereulide produced by Bacillus cereus.
For the sake of prudence, and as a precautionary measure, the CFS has instructed the retailer and importer concerned to stop sales and remove from shelves the affected batch of the product concerned. The retailer and importer have also initiated a precautionary recall.
Product details of the batch of the growing up formula powder are as follows:
Product name: Aronurish Growing Up Formula Powder
Brand: Aronurish
Place of origin: Inner Mongolia
Pack size: 750 grams
Manufacture date: April 23, 2025
Best-before date: April 22, 2027
Importer: Hong Kong Golden Nutrition Trading Co., Limited
A preliminary investigation by the CFS has found that the above mentioned importer had imported 220 boxes of 1 320 cans of the affected product. The CFS has been jointly following up with the retailer and the importer concerned and had already marked and sealed about 488 cans of the suspected affected batch of product. Members of the public may call the retailer’s hotline at 2299 3398/ email：cs@mannings.com.hk/ WhatsApp：5423 2088 during office hours for enquiries about the recall.
Bacillus cereus is commonly found in the environment. Unhygienic conditions in food processing and storage may give rise to its growth. Cereulide is a heat-stable toxin produced in food by some strains of Bacillus cereus. Consuming food contaminated with excessive Bacillus cereus or its heat-stable toxins may cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhoea. In most cases, these symptoms usually subside spontaneously within 24 hours.
As a precautionary measure, the CFS urged members of the public not to let infants and young children consume the affected batch of the product, and to seek medical treatment for infants or young children who felt unwell after taking the product concerned. The trade should also stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately. According to the record, at present, no relevant food complaint cases have been recorded.
The CFS has alerted the trade and relevant department over the incident, and will continue to follow up and take appropriate action. The CFS will continue to enhance the surveillance on powered formula.
Correctional officers stop assault on remand persons in custody
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Correctional officers stopped ten remand persons in custody from assaulting another two remand persons in custody at Pik Uk Correctional Institution today (May 31).
At 1.13pm today, ten male remand persons in custody, aged between 17 and 20, attacked two 19-year-old male remand persons in custody inside a dining hall. Officers at the scene immediately stopped the assailants and called for reinforcement.
During the incident, a victim sustained injuries to his head and hand. After examination and treatment by an institution Medical Officer, he was referred to a public hospital for further treatment. Another victim did not sustain any injuries. Two assailants sustained injuries to their knee and foot respectively. They did not need to be sent to a public hospital after receiving medical examination and treatment by the institution Medical Officer. The other assailants did not sustain any injuries.
The case has been reported to the Police for investigation.
The twelve persons in custody were respectively remanded for the offences of manufacture of a dangerous drug, trafficking in a dangerous drug, possession of a dangerous drug, burglary and wounding with intent.
80th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles to be open June 1 to 4
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
80th round of computer ballot registration for submitting applications for Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles to be open June 1 to 4
Eligible applicants for the scheme can register for computer balloting through the designated website (www.hzmbqfs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 10:00
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Red flags lowered at Stanley Main Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Attention TV/radio announcers:
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:
Here is an item of interest to swimmers.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department said today (May 30) that the red flags at Stanley Main Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District have been lowered.
The red flags were hoisted at the beaches earlier due to big waves.
Companies fined $251,800 for contravening Employment Ordinance
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Companies fined $251,800 for contravening Employment Ordinance
The three companies wilfully and without reasonable excuse contravened the requirements of the EO, failing to pay wages to a total of 47 employees within seven days after the expiry of the wage periods and the termination of employment contracts, totalling about $1,360,000. Vast Luck Limited failed to pay annual leave pay to one employee within the statutory time limit, amounting to around $7,600, and also failed to pay the awarded sum of about $81,000 to one employee within 14 days after the date set by the Labour Tribunal (LT).
“The ruling will disseminate a strong message to all employers that they have to pay wages to employees within the statutory time limit stipulated in the EO, as well as the sums awarded by the LT or the Minor Employment Claims Adjudication Board,” a spokesman for the LD said. Issued at HKT 19:10
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FEHD releases sixth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (June 1) released the sixth batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in May, covering 19 survey areas, as follows:
| District | Survey Area | May 2026 | |
| First PhaseGravidtrap Index | First PhaseDensity Index | ||
| Central and Western | Central and Admiralty | 13.2% | 1.4 |
| Southern | Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay | 13.3% | 1.5 |
| Kowloon City | Kai Tak | 14.9% | 1.1 |
| Wong Tai Sin | Diamond Hill and Tsz Wan Shan | 18.3% | 1.0 |
| Sha Tin | Sha Tin East | 20.3% | 1.2 |
| Kwai Tsing | Kwai Chung East | 9.5% | 2.0 |
| Kwai Chung West | 17.8% | 1.0 | |
| Lai King | 27.8% | 1.5 | |
| Tsing Yi North | 33.3% | 1.3 | |
| Tsuen Wan | Tsuen Wan West | 37.7% | 1.2 |
| Tuen Mun | Tuen Mun West | 18.8% | 1.3 |
| District | Survey Area | May 2026 | |
| Area Gravidtrap Index | Area Density Index | ||
| Central and Western | Sheung Wan and Sai Ying Pun | 20.5% | 1.9 |
| Kowloon City | Hung Hom and To Kwa Wan | 17.2% | 1.7 |
| Kwun Tong | Kowloon Bay | 28.9% | 1.8 |
| Wong Tai Sin | Ngau Chi Wan and San Po Kong | 14.7% | 1.9 |
| Sai Kung | Sai Kung Town | 22.1% | 1.4 |
| Tai Po | Tai Po East | 10.2% | 1.1 |
| Tuen Mun | So Kwun Wat | 20.5% | 1.3 |
| Yuen Long | Hung Shui Kiu and Ping Shan | 14.3% | 1.3 |
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. The FEHD has initiated four prosecutions against the relevant construction site contractor, estate management companies and a property management company following the discovery of mosquito breeding at a construction site, two public housing estates and a private housing estate in Central and Western District, Kwun Tong District, Sai Kung District and Tsuen Wan District. Moreover, following the discovery of stagnant water or stagnant water containers in six parks, four construction sites, 15 public housing estates, eight private housing estates and four private premises in Central and Western District, Kowloon City District, Kwun Tong District, Wong Tai Sin District, Sai Kung District, Sha Tin District, Tai Po District, Kwai Tsing District, Tsuen Wan District and Yuen Long District, the FEHD has issued 37 statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified timeframe. The FEHD, the relevant departments and stakeholders are following up on the mosquito control work, and will 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. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap index in the areas to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.
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:
- tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside the premises;
- remove all unnecessary water collections and eliminate the sources;
- check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
- change water in flower vases and scrub their inner surfaces thoroughly, and remove water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week;
- properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water;
- properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as disposable meal boxes and empty cans; and
- scrub drains and surface sewers with alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
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#).
Hong Kong Customs detects suspected case of illegal importing of animal
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hong Kong Customs today (June 1) detected a suspected case of illegal importing of animal at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point. One suspected illegally imported live cat with an estimated market value of about $20,000 was seized.
Customs officers today intercepted an incoming 66-year-old male passenger at the Arrival Hall of the Control Point. Upon examination, one live cat was seized from his rucksack, and he was subsequently arrested. The case has been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up investigation.
Customs reminds the public that importing animals into Hong Kong without a valid permit is an offence.
Under the Rabies Regulation, any person found guilty of illegally importing animals, carcasses or animal products is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for one year.