Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (May 8) announced that the monthly gravidtrap index for Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in April was 7.9 per cent, at Level 2, indicating that the distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in the survey areas was fairly extensive. The FEHD and relevant government departments have stepped up mosquito prevention and control actions.
In April, among the 62 survey areas, the area gravidtrap indexes (AGI) in Tai Po East, Tai Po District, and Sheung Shui, North District, exceeded 20 per cent, reaching the Level 3 alert level. The gravidtraps were mostly located in the vicinity of private residential areas, public housing estates, schools, hospitals, recreational and sports facilities and public places. The FEHD has collaborated with relevant government departments by taking immediate actions to strengthen mosquito prevention and control work in the areas concerned.
Moreover, the monthly density index for Aedes albopictus in April was 1.3, which represented that an average of 1.3 Aedes albopictus adults were found in the Aedes-positive gravidtraps, indicating that the number of adult Aedes albopictus was not abundant in the survey areas. 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 website at www.fehd.gov.hk.
A spokesman for the FEHD said, “With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April or May every year. The actual timing of the increase and its extent are affected by factors like weather and rainfall. The average temperature and rainfall in April this year were higher than those of the same period last year, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding and thus leading to the earlier rise of gravidtrap indexes this year, but the overall trend and extent of the increase are similar to those of previous years. In response to the rise of gravidtrap indexes, the FEHD, together with relevant departments and stakeholders, has implemented rapid response measures and deployed targeted actions. The FEHD has continued to intensify the mosquito prevention and control work with relevant government departments in areas under their purview, including eliminating mosquito breeding places, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and placing mosquito trapping devices at suitable locations. The FEHD has also conducted site inspections with relevant departments, and provided them with professional advice and technical support to assist them in formulating and implementing effective anti-mosquito measures swiftly. At the same time, the FEHD has strengthened publicity and education. The FEHD will continue to monitor the mosquito infestation in all districts, and will conduct prompt and effective mosquito prevention and control work.”
The FEHD continues to conduct a three-phase Anti-mosquito Campaign this year. The second phase began on April 13 and will run until June 12. During the period, the district offices of the FEHD are targeting residences, schools, construction sites, public housing estates, hospitals, illegal cultivation sites, waterfront public and private cargo working areas, land boundary control points, typhoon shelters and cross-boundary ferry terminals to remove accumulated water and carry out mosquito prevention and control work. To further enhance the effectiveness of mosquito control, the FEHD and relevant government departments have launched phase one and phase two of the All-out Anti-mosquito Operations on March 25 and April 30 respectively. Departments will continue with the work of phase one including eliminating potential mosquito breeding places and arranging for necessary structural repairs to minimise mosquito breeding places, and have already started the work of phase two to conduct regular ultra-low volume fogging operations at places with mosquito infestation to control the mosquitoes. The FEHD called on property management entities to continue actively participating in the All-out Anti-mosquito Operations.
The FEHD currently makes regular announcements on gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus on its webpage. To allow more citizens to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation, the FEHD has strengthened information dissemination by promptly announcing the latest gravidtrap indexes through press releases and social media.
In addition, to further reduce the risk of transmission of chikungunya fever (CF), the FEHD has extended its intensified mosquito control work, which was originally activated when the AGI reaches 20 per cent, to cover areas with the AGI falling between 10 and 20 per cent. Specifically, the FEHD will conduct detailed risk assessments in the areas concerned to identify locations with higher mosquito infestation risks and, in collaboration with relevant departments and stakeholders, conduct intensive and targeted mosquito control work. The FEHD will also notify nearby housing estates, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together to take mosquito prevention and elimination measures.
To reduce the risk of transmission of CF and dengue fever (DF), the FEHD continues to step up mosquito prevention and control measures across all districts and conduct vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations within a 250-metre radius of the residence of patients and the places that patients had visited during the infectious period. Actions include removing mosquito breeding grounds, applying larvicides to stagnant water that cannot be cleared, and carrying out ultra-low volume fogging operations in adult mosquito habitats such as densely wooded areas, dark and secluded places, and abandoned structures to eliminate adult mosquitoes.
The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under plant pots at least once a week, properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and disposable meal boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and estate management bodies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
Aedes albopictus is a kind of mosquito that can transmit DF and CF. DF is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and has become endemic in many countries in Southeast Asia. In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) recorded over 14 million DF cases, which was a record number. Furthermore, according to the WHO, CF cases have been recorded in more than 110 countries/regions. Many countries worldwide experienced CF outbreaks last year; as of December 10, 2025, more than 500,000 cases had been reported in over 40 countries/regions worldwide. Cases have been reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Temperatures in subtropical and some temperate regions remain elevated due to climate change, creating favourable conditions for mosquito breeding. In addition, CF outbreaks continue to occur in many countries worldwide. The risk of imported cases persists. Members of the public should check the situation of their destinations before travelling abroad, especially when travelling to Southeast Asian countries.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Government today (May 8) announced details of the arrangements for residents of the seven fire-affected blocks at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po to return to their units again to collect personal belongings. Residents will return in batches over a nine-day period from May 21 to 29.
The seven blocks will be opened in phases, with two to three blocks accessible each day. Within each block, 10 floors will be opened on a staggered basis, starting from the lower floors. Residents will return according to the day and session arranged for them. The opening schedule for the seven blocks is as follows:
May 21 to 23
(Thursday to Saturday)
Wang Yan House
Wang Sun House
Wang Tai House
May 24 to 26
(Sunday to Tuesday)
Wang Kin House
Wan Cheong House
May 27 to 29
(Wednesday to Friday)
Wang Tao House
Wang Shing House
Other arrangements for access to the blocks are broadly similar to those previously implemented. The morning session will run from 9am to 1pm, and the afternoon session from 2.30pm to 6.30pm. A total of four residents per unit may enter the building at the same time. Residents may stay in their unit for up to three hours and may make multiple trips during the period.
Under the “one social worker per household” service, social workers will notify households of their allocated timeslots and the important points to note, and assist with the pre-registration of persons returning to the units. On the day of access, pre-registered persons may proceed directly to Kwong Fuk Community Hall for registration and collection of protective gear and other supplies before going to their units to collect belongings.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Tender of 5-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on May 14 A total of RMB1.25 billion 5-year RMB Bonds will be tendered. The Bonds will mature on May 19, 2031 and will carry interest at the rate of 1.68 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Tender of 2-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds through re-opening to be held on May 14 An additional amount of RMB0.75 billion of the outstanding 3-year Bonds (issue no. 03GB2807001) will be on offer. The Bonds will mature on July 28, 2028 and will carry interest at the rate of 1.59 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear. The Indicative Pricings of the Bonds on May 8, 2026 are 100.15 with a semi-annualised yield of 1.521 per cent.
Issue Number9.30am to 10.30amThe accrued interest to be paid by successful bidders on the issue date (May 18, 2026) for the tender amount is RMB239.59 per minimum denomination of RMB50,000. (The accrued interest to be paid for tender amount exceeding RMB50,000 may not be exactly equal to the figures calculated from the accrued interest per minimum denomination of RMB50,000 due to rounding). the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong LimitedIssued at HKT 16:55
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 3
The symposium is organised by the Arts Education (AE) Section of the Curriculum Development Institute (CDI), the Education Bureau (EDB), with support from 13 local universities. Themed “Visual Innovation”, the symposium aims to enhance the learning and teaching of visual arts and design, facilitate participants’ grasp of the latest developments in the design field and the application of innovative technologies, cultivate visual thinking and higher-order thinking skills, strengthen vocational and professional education and training, and provide a platform for exchange among teachers and students.15 May 2026 (Friday) 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 16 May 2026 (Saturday) 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Venue
Exhibition Gallery, G/F, Hong Kong Central Library
For further details of the symposium and the exhibition, please visit the Arts Education Key Learning Area Webpage: Click Here
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DH conducts operation to crack down on illegal online sale of alternative smoking products Through routine online and offline inspections, TACO officers discovered illegal online sales of ASPs and conducted test purchase operations. Two men, aged 29 and 39, were arrested during the operation in Tseung Kwan O and Lai Chi Kok respectively on suspicion of illegally selling and possessing ASPs for commercial purposes. A total of 1 982 ASPs were seized from them. TACO is following up on the cases and charges will be laid against the suspects when sufficient evidence is found.
According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person who imports ASPs, including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years, or liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. The Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371) prohibits the promotion, manufacture, sale and possession for commercial purposes of ASPs. Offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months. From April 30, 2026, any person who possesses specified ASPs, including e-cigarette capsules, liquids, heat sticks and herbal cigarettes in public places is liable to a fixed penalty of $3,000. If the quantity possessed exceeds the specified limit or involves commercial purposes, the maximum penalty is a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.
The DH reminds the public that promoting and selling ASPs through any channel, including the Internet, also carries criminal liability. Do not risk breaking the law. The public is also reminded that purchasing ASPs online may involve their importation and may constitute a breach of the law.
The DH also reminds members of the public that ASPs are addictive and are not effective smoking cessation tools. E-cigarettes may increase the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Smokers are urged to quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For assistance, please call the DH’s Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, or visit www.livetobaccofree.hkIssued at HKT 18:35
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Global Mediation Summit today (May 8):
Commissioner Cui Jianchun (Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Secretary-General Teresa Cheng (Secretary-General of the International Organization for Mediation), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. Welcome to Hong Kong, and the Global Mediation Summit of the IOMed – the International Organization for Mediation. Today’s global gathering comes on the first anniversary of the signing ceremony for the Convention on the Establishment of the IOMed.
The inauguration of IOMed followed, last October, here in Hong Kong. That cheering event has placed much expectation and hope, worldwide, on the new institution and its promise of contributing to the peaceful settlement of international disputes through mediation – and doing so in line with the United Nations Charter.
I’m pleased to note that, since last October’s inauguration ceremony, the number of signatory states has climbed from 37 to 41, while the number of contracting states has gone from eight to 13.
In these perilous times, when global affairs have become increasingly complex and volatile, the pursuit of peace – and peaceful resolutions – is imperative. Which makes today’s Summit especially timely.
And it is a great pleasure to see more than 400 leaders, policymakers and distinguished professionals from 48 countries and regions gathered, here in Hong Kong, to share their invaluable experience and insights on international mediation.
Hong Kong has long supported mediation. Mediation echoes concord and coexistence, creating co-operation where there was conflict. Concord and coexistence are values deeply rooted in Chinese culture. They are indispensable for resolving disputes and restoring trust. They preserve relationships, encouraging meaningful co-operation between disputing parties.
Hong Kong is committed to becoming a global mediation capital. And we are well-positioned to do so.
Under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong is a thriving hub for international finance, shipping and trade. We benefit from our country’s strong support and the opportunities it gives us, while maintaining extensive international connectivity as a world city.
Indeed, the recent Global Financial Centres Index ranked Hong Kong third, globally, and first in “fintech offerings”, “banking”, “finance” and “insurance”, while claiming second place in “investment management”. And we topped the entire Asia-Pacific region.
Our status as a leading financial centre and global investment hub is reinforced by our robust rule of law and legal system, the cornerstone of our longstanding success.
Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction in China, our country. And our legal professionals are internationally acknowledged for their professionalism and integrity.
And now, as IOMed’s headquarters, Hong Kong is at the very heart of global dispute resolution and its promising future.
The National 15th Five-Year Plan, I’m pleased to note, has expressed support to IOMed. That ensures that Hong Kong will play a key role in the peaceful resolution of disputes by mediation, long down the road.
And I can assure you that Hong Kong will continue to build on our partnership with the International Organization for Mediation. Together, we will work to develop Hong Kong as a global mediation centre. And we invite governments, companies, investors and others to make optimal use of the mediation services provided by IOMed, right here in Hong Kong.
Our commitment to mediation, locally and globally, is clear in the five-day Mediation Week programme that ends today with this Summit. Mediation Week events spotlighted disputes related to schools, sports, neighbourhoods and the elderly. The goal in each case was to apply mediation structure and skills to achieve peaceful and rational solutions to our problems.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is exactly what today’s world, fraught with geopolitical tensions and disorder, is desperately in need of.
I wish you all a rewarding Global Mediation Summit and a memorable stay in Hong Kong, Asia’s world city. And soon enough, the world’s mediation city.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (May 8) announced that the department collected five liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) samples from auto-LPG filling stations and LPG terminals on a random basis in April 2026 for laboratory tests. The results show that the LPG quality of all these samples complied with auto-LPG specifications.
In addition, the EMSD has been vetting independent third-party test reports submitted by LPG supply companies for each shipment to ensure that the quality of imported LPG complies with the specified requirements.
President Lai and President Santiago Peña Palacios of Paraguay hold bilateral talks, witness signings of bilateral documents
On the morning of May 8, after welcoming President Santiago Peña Palacios of the Republic of Paraguay with military honors, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, met with President Peña for bilateral talks, after which the two presidents jointly witnessed the signing between Taiwan and Paraguay of a treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, an MOU on cybersecurity cooperation, and an MOU on the Paraguay–Taiwan sovereign AI and computing infrastructure investment project. In remarks, President Lai expressed hope that the two countries will continue to deepen cooperation as they take democracy, peace, and prosperity as the pathway to engage with the world, and that they will together make ever greater contributions to the international community.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
Once again, I extend a warm welcome to President Peña and his delegation. The 20th of this month will mark the second anniversary of my inauguration. I would like to thank President Peña for making a special trip two years ago to attend the inauguration of myself and Vice President Hsiao. And I am very pleased that today we are able to engage in detailed discussions on a range of issues of mutual concern.
Diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Paraguay stretch back more than 60 years, and are all the more precious for it. This is especially so, as our two countries have each undergone a similar democratic transformation, and we both know full well that a way of life grounded in freedom and dignity is not something simply given to us. On the contrary, it must be continually practiced, defended, and steadily entrenched. Since taking office, President Peña has put forward a foreign policy framework for Paraguay that has earned considerable international recognition and yielded very strong results. Under this framework, Taiwan and Paraguay have not only jointly defended the values of freedom and democracy, but have also opened new chapters in cooperation across such fields as smart healthcare, industrial transformation, and women’s empowerment.
This has been especially true in the area of economic and trade relations. Last year, Taiwan was the third largest export market for Paraguayan beef, while Paraguay ranked second among sources of Taiwan’s beef imports. At the same time, Taiwan was also the largest export market for Paraguayan pork. All of this demonstrates that exchanges between our two sides are thus becoming increasingly vibrant.
I would also like to take this opportunity to announce that, thanks to the sustained efforts of both countries, Taiwan will formally open its market to imports of Paraguayan poultry. This will give our citizens a wider selection of high-quality meat products, while further deepening the economic and trade relationship between Taiwan and Paraguay.
In a few moments, President Peña and I will jointly witness the signing of a treaty and MOUs, marking a new milestone in Taiwan-Paraguay ties. These include the signing of a treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, which will strengthen cooperation in combating transnational crime; an MOU on cybersecurity cooperation, allowing us to jointly build up our capacity to defend against cyberattacks; and an MOU on the Paraguay–Taiwan sovereign AI and computing infrastructure investment project, which will steadily realize the vision of combining Taiwan’s AI technology with Paraguay’s abundant green energy, so that together we can convert electric power into the critical computing power that a smart nation requires.
The fields covered by these agreements reflect Taiwan and Paraguay’s shared challenges. At a time when authoritarianism is continually expanding, and since both of our countries are indispensable members of the global democratic value chain, it is all the more important that we continue to deepen our cooperation and press forward together. As we look to the future, let our two countries take democracy, peace, and prosperity as our pathway to engage with the world, and together make ever greater contributions to the international community.
President Peña then delivered remarks, once again expressing his sincere gratitude to President Lai for the invitation and to the people of Taiwan for their warm hospitality, which he said fully demonstrates the deep and abiding friendship between the two countries. He stated that Taiwan is not only a place he personally respects, but is also renowned for its unique identity, cultural values, and resilience, all of which make this visit particularly meaningful. He stated that over the past 69 years since July 1957, Taiwan and Paraguay have built a foundation of sincere, faithful, and unbroken friendship. He added that our bilateral ties have stood the test of time, and today, gathered here once again, we continue to uphold the same spirit of mutual trust and respect that has always defined our relationship.
President Peña emphasized that the government of Paraguay has always staunchly supported Taiwan’s participation in international multilateral systems, support which is based on the democratic and equitable principles that reflect current global realities. Consequently, he said, Paraguay calls on the international community to recognize the Taiwanese people’s right to self-determination. He stated that excluding Taiwan from important platforms and systems such as the United Nations is not only an injustice but also undermines the legitimacy of these organizations as multilateral bodies that are truly representative of global democracies.
President Peña then said that based on this position, the Paraguayan government once again condemns the People’s Republic of China’s military exercises around Taiwan and Beijing’s escalation of economic pressure. In particular, he expressed opposition to China’s use of economic coercion to force the cancellation of flight permits, thereby interfering with President Lai’s scheduled official visits to allied nations. He reaffirmed that Taiwan has the right to engage freely with other nations and should not be subject to any improper interference intended to isolate it.
Regarding bilateral relations, President Peña pointed out that the Taiwan-Paraguay strategic partnership is built on a structural, long-term framework which aims to strengthen industrial capacity, introduce technological innovation, and create sustainable conditions for entering international markets. Bilateral trade, he said, is undoubtedly at the core of this cooperation, with the meat industry being especially critical. Noting that Taiwan remains one of the primary export markets for Paraguayan pork and beef, he thanked President Lai for the official announcement just now that Taiwan will open its high-standard market to the export of Paraguayan poultry products, and he expressed hope for continued expansion and diversification of bilateral trade.
President Peña stated that the Taiwan-Paraguay partnership is moving toward a cooperation model that focuses on innovation and strategic investment. With the staunch support of Taiwan and its industrial sector, he said, Paraguay is endeavoring to promote national industrial development, integrate into global value chains, and strengthen the cultivation of key areas such as technological and professional talent. He noted that progress has already been made in several high-impact projects, such as the establishment of a computing center for large-scale AI development and the construction of the new campus of the Taiwan-Paraguay Polytechnic University as part of Paraguay’s digital park plan, symbolizing a significant step in Paraguay’s transformation into a regional technology hub while improving the quality of life for its citizens.
President Peña mentioned that during this state visit, several documents would be signed, including a treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters – the first such legal agreement Paraguay has signed with a country in Asia; an MOU on cybersecurity cooperation that will help both countries enhance information security resilience and cultivate relevant professionals; and an MOU on the Paraguay–Taiwan sovereign AI and computing infrastructure investment project.
President Peña reaffirmed that Paraguay remains committed to deepening our strategic partnership based on the shared values of democracy, freedom, and human rights. He stated that it will continue to promote sustainable bilateral relations and cooperation with the utmost sincerity and determination, so as to create tangible benefits for the peoples of both nations.
After the bilateral talks, President Lai and President Peña jointly witnessed the signing of a treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, an MOU on cybersecurity cooperation, and an MOU on the Paraguay–Taiwan sovereign AI and computing infrastructure investment project between Paraguay Minister of Foreign Affairs Rubén Ramírez Lezcano and, respectively, Minister of Justice Cheng Ming-chien (鄭銘謙), Minister of Digital Affairs Lin Yi-jing (林宜敬), and Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍).
The delegation also included Minister of Industry and Commerce Marco Riquelme and Chief of Staff of the Presidency Francisco Javier Giménez, and was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Paraguay Ambassador Darío Filártiga Ruiz Díaz.
The Development Bureau today announced that the Government, following approval by the Chief Executive, has appointed Jeffrey Lam to be Chairperson of the Board of Directors at the Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park Company.
The Government also appointed five official and five non-official members of the board.
The appointees will serve a three-year term starting from June 1.
The five official directors are the Secretary for Development, the Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury, the Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry, and the Secretary for Transport & Logistics.
The five non-official directors are Wingco Lo, Sunny Tan, Wai Chi-sing, Albert Wong and Kenneth Wong.
Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn remarked that Mr Lam is a veteran industrialist with extensive experience in public service and administrative management, and brings an extensive network in the industrial and commercial sectors.
“He will certainly be able to effectively lead the company in attracting high-value-added manufacturers to establish a foothold in Hung Shui Kiu, and bringing in technology, employment opportunities and economic output.”
Ms Linn highlighted that the non-official directors named have backgrounds and experience in new industries, innovation and technology, engineering and finance, and can help the company to draw on expertise from outside the Government. She added that the Government will participate directly in major decision-making by the company through the official directors.
“I firmly believe that, with Mr Lam’s leadership as well as the advice and insights of the other directors, the Hung Shui Kiu Industry Park Company will be able to formulate a forward-looking development positioning and strategy, whilst better integrating market forces with the adoption of public-private partnerships, so as to lay a solid foundation for the long-term development of the industry park.”
The Development Bureau will seek the Legislative Council’s approval to inject $10 billion in equity into the company, and will also complete recruitment for a Chief Executive Officer as soon as possible, such that the company can start operating mid-year.