Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Emergency relief fund for farmers affected by rainstorm disaster
An AFCD spokesman said today (June 22) that an appropriate amount of the relief funding would be released to affected eligible farmers according to established criteria.
“After each typhoon or natural disaster, AFCD staff will inspect farmland areas in the New Territories to assess the resultant damage. Depending on the extent of the damage, the department may launch an operation to provide some relief to affected persons,” the spokesman said.
The department’s preliminary investigation has revealed that about 300 hectares of farmland in the New Territories were affected by the rainstorm disaster.
Affected farmers who need to apply for the fund can submit their applications in person at the Agricultural Extension Office of the AFCD at 5/F, Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long, or submit their applications online (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/agriculture/agr_loan/agr_loan_erf/agr_loan_erf.htmlIssued at HKT 17:45
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Fourth-term Human Resources Planning Commission convenes sixth meeting
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The sixth meeting of the fourth-term Human Resources Planning Commission was held today (June 22).
At the meeting, the Office of the Government Economist briefed members on Hong Kong’s latest economic performance and labour market situation. Members noted that Hong Kong’s economy expanded robustly in the first quarter of 2026, growing by 5.9 per cent over a year earlier, marking the strongest economic growth in nearly five years. The labour market showed moderate improvement in recent months, with the latest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate (for March 2026 to May 2026) dropping from 3.9 per cent to 3.7 per cent compared with the period from November 2025 to January 2026. Looking ahead, Hong Kong’s economic outlook remains largely resilient, with the real Gross Domestic Product growth forecast for 2026 projected at 2.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent.
In addition, the Security Bureau briefed members on the various immigration facilitation measures for the public and businesses. These included measures facilitating the southbound and northbound two-way flow of talent, and visa and immigration facilitation measures. Through the immigration facilitation measures for the public and businesses, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will actively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan and fully leverage Hong Kong’s unique role as a “super connector” under “one country, two systems” to better integrate into and serve the overall national development. Members welcomed the enhancement measures, noting that they would further enrich Hong Kong’s talent ecosystem and inject new momentum into the city’s long-term economic development.
Members also noted that the Health Bureau had commissioned the Hospital Authority (HA) to carry out a new round of healthcare manpower projections this year. The purpose of the projection exercise is to ensure that there are sufficient healthcare professionals to meet the ever-evolving demand for healthcare services in society, and that the relevant training policies remain aligned with actual circumstances. The Government and the HA will further refine the methodology for this round of projection and promote data collection simultaneously. This includes systematically compiling relevant data such as overall service volume statistics, human resource distribution, and local training scale from the industry and various medical specialties. Views regarding future population changes and the status of technology application raised by members will be incorporated. The results are expected to be published in mid-2027. Based on the projection results, the Government will revisit the existing strategies for local healthcare manpower in tandem with the next University Grants Committee triennium, as well as the reviews of other schemes, in making further recommendations on the relevant healthcare training places. With a continuously ageing population, the demand for healthcare services is facing structural growth. Members supported the HKSAR Government’s proactive efforts in conducting the healthcare manpower projection, utilising data analysis to guide policy and service planning, thereby enhancing the precision and forward-looking nature of public health policies.
Updates on cluster of Candida auris cases in Kowloon Central Cluster
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Updates on cluster of Candida auris cases in Kowloon Central Cluster
The ward concerned has adopted the following enhanced infection control measures:
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health for necessary follow-up.
Issued at HKT 18:45
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CHP investigates suspected case of paralytic shellfish poisoning
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CHP investigates suspected case of paralytic shellfish poisoning
The case involves two males, one aged 57 and the other aged 17. Their family member bought whelk from a seafood store in Causeway Bay and cooked it at home yesterday (June 21). About 30 minutes after eating it, they developed dizziness, generalised weakness in their limbs, blurred vision, diplopia, facial numbness on one side and vertigo. Both patients attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Ruttonjee Hospital on the same day. The 57-year-old patient was discharged after receiving treatment, while the 17-year-old patient was transferred to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital for treatment. He remains hospitalised and is in stable condition.
Preliminary investigation revealed that both patients had consumed whelk, including its organs, and they are suspected of poisoning as a result. The CHP has referred the case to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department for follow-up. The CHP’s investigation is ongoing.
Paralytic shellfish poisoning toxin is a natural toxin sometimes found in bivalve shellfish. It is heat-stable and cannot be destroyed through cooking.
The symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning are predominantly neurological, and the onset is usually within minutes to hours after ingestion of the shellfish. Initial symptoms may include tingling, numbness of the mouth and extremities, a headache, dizziness and gastrointestinal discomfort. In the majority of cases, symptoms are resolved completely within a few days. In severe cases, difficulty in swallowing and speech, paralysis with respiratory arrest and even death may occur.
Members of the public should seek medical advice immediately if they develop shellfish poisoning symptoms, and save any leftovers for investigation and laboratory testing. Issued at HKT 18:55
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High-Level Meeting and Fifth Plenary Session of Hong Kong-Fujian Cooperation Conference held in Fuzhou
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Secretary of the CPC Fujian Provincial Committee, Mr Zhou Zuyi, leading the delegations of the governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Fujian respectively, held the High-Level Meeting and the Fifth Plenary Session of the Hong Kong-Fujian Cooperation Conference (meeting-and-plenary) in Fuzhou, Fujian, today (June 22). The Director of Bureau III of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Zou Jinsong, also attended the meeting-and-plenary.
Officials of the HKSAR Government that attended the meeting-and-plenary included the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Miss Janice Tse Siu-wa; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip; the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan; and the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai.————————————————————————————————–
Leverage the roles of platforms including the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global of the HKSAR Government and the “Fujian Enterprises Going Global” Professional Services Alliance of the Fujian Province to support Fujian enterprises to go global by making good use of the advantages of Hong Kong professional services.——————————————————————————————————————-
Strengthen two-way exchanges and visits between young people from Fujian and Hong Kong, and effectively take forward programmes such as the Youth Internship Programme at Wuyishan on Biodiversity Conservation.
Continue to enhance and expand the various flagship youth exchange and internship programmes, and organise more Hong Kong youth to undertake internships and participate in exchange activities in Fujian.
Health and Chinese medicine
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Tourism
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Facilitation measures for Hong Kong people on the Mainland
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At the meeting-and-plenary, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, and Vice Governor of the Fujian Provincial People’s Government Mr Zhao Zenglian signed the Co-operation Memorandum of the High-Level Meeting and the Fifth Plenary Session of the Hong Kong-Fujian Cooperation Conference. The document (Chinese only) is in Annex 1.
In addition, six co-operation agreements were signed by government departments and statutory bodies of the two places:
Chain volume measures of Gross Domestic Product by economic activity for the first quarter of 2026
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Chain volume measures of Gross Domestic Product by economic activity for the first quarter of 2026
GDP figures by economic activity show the value of production in respect of individual economic activities. The value of production is measured by value added or net output, which is calculated by deducting intermediate input consumed in the process of production from the gross value of output. Volume measures of GDP by economic activity, expressed in terms of chain volume measures net of the effect of price changes, enable analysis of the output growth profiles of individual economic sectors in real terms.
According to the preliminary figures, overall GDP increased by 5.9% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 4.0% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Analysed by constituent services sector and on a year-on-year comparison, value added in respect of all the services activities taken together increased by 6.1% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier, compared with the growth of 3.9% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Value added in the import and export, wholesale and retail trades sector increased by 14.5% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 8.0% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Value added in the accommodation and food services sector increased by 0.5% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 1.4% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Value added in the transportation, storage, postal and courier services sector increased by 4.3% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 4.8% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Value added in the information and communications sector increased by 3.8% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 2.1% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Value added in the financing and insurance sector increased by 8.0% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 5.2% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Value added in the real estate, professional and business services sector registered an increase of 2.7% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 0.7% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Value added in the public administration, social and personal services sector rose by 2.1% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier, after the increase of 1.8% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
As for sectors other than the services sectors, value added in the local manufacturing sector increased by 3.1% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier, compared with the increase of 5.8% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Value added in the electricity, gas and water supply, and waste management sector increased by 1.6% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier. When compared with a year earlier, value added in this sector remained virtually unchanged in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Value added in the construction sector increased by 7.6% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier, as against the decrease of 7.3% in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Further information
The year-on-year percentage changes of GDP by economic activity in real terms from the first quarter of 2025 to the first quarter of 2026 are shown in Table 1. More detailed statistics are given in the report “Gross Domestic Product by Economic Activity”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1030004&scode=250
Figures of chain volume measures of GDP by economic activity for the first quarter of 2026 are only preliminary at this stage. When more data become available, the preliminary figures will be revised accordingly and can be found at the C&SD website (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode250.htmlIssued at HKT 16:30
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FS to visit Dalian, Xi’an
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart for Dalian and Xi’an tomorrow afternoon to lead a high-level delegation at the Summer Davos forum and explore investment opportunities. He will return to Hong Kong on Saturday.
Mr Chan will lead a delegation of more than 30 members to the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2026, also known as the Summer Davos forum, held in Dalian from June 23 to 25.
Under the theme “Innovating at Scale”, this year’s meeting will gather over 1,700 leaders from government, business and academia across more than 90 countries and regions. Discussions will focus on global trade shifts, China’s economic development, technological innovation, inclusive growth and the energy transition.
During the forum, Mr Chan will deliver speeches and attend thematic sessions. The Hong Kong delegation will participate in business networking and enterprise matching activities.
The delegation includes senior executives from the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), Invest Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC), the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation, Cyberport and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation & Technology Park. Heads of nurtured or attracted innovation and technology (I&T) enterprises spanning artificial intelligence, biomedical technology, new energy and advanced manufacturing will also join, alongside representatives from Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Limited (HKEX).
While in Dalian, Mr Chan will meet with officials from central ministries, Liaoning Province and Dalian Municipality, as well as global political and business leaders.
The Financial Secretary will proceed to Xi’an on Thursday to call on provincial and municipal leaders. He will speak at a local university to outline Hong Kong’s latest developments and its role under the National 15th Five-Year Plan.
On Saturday, Mr Chan will address the inaugural Western Commercial Aerospace Conference, organised by the Chinese Society of Astronautics and the Commercial Space Innovation Consortium.
His Xi’an itinerary also includes hosting a symposium and visiting local I&T firms. Senior management from OASES, the HKIC and HKEX will participate in the Xi’an programme to attract investment and enterprises.
During Mr Chan’s absence, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong will act as Financial Secretary.
Youth spaces foster connection
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Home & Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) recently launched two interactive youth spaces, offering young people opportunities to broaden their horizons, develop positive thinking and expand their social networks.
One of these, “Youth Link．Nam Cheong”, serves as an interactive space offering a wide range of activities for young people. Reflecting on her experiences at the centre, a young woman named Winnie said the singing bowl workshop she had participated in was deeply relaxing.
“I found this workshop and this topic are very interesting and new to me. After the course that I have experienced here, you know yourself better and also you will find that life is not only about just work and then going back home.”
Wide-ranging facilities
The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address proposed establishing a physical platform to enhance interaction among “Youth Link” members. Located at Nam Cheong District Community Centre, “Youth Link．Nam Cheong” is being opened in phases, with its Phase I and Phase II facilities already in service.
The venue includes a music room, a dance studio, quiet pods, multi-purpose activity areas and a co-working space, providing young people with opportunities to pursue their interests and connect with others.
“I think the facilities are very helpful,” Winnie remarked. “We can play in a band, dance, and also explore different kinds of themed topics here. If I want to meet a new friend, find a place which is very convenient, or if you want to just catch up, grab a coffee, I would love to pick this place to gather around.”
Dionne Kung, who is Deputy CEO of the centre’s operator, the Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation, explained that young people aged 12 to 39 can register as Youth Link members through the “HKYouth+” mobile application. This allows them to take part in diverse activities and use all the facilities at the centre.
“By the end of the year, we will launch the final phase of facilities, which comprises creative and cultural exhibition areas and markets for young people to express their creativity and showcase their talent.”
Supporting dreams
Another interactive space dedicated to Hong Kong’s youth is the “HYAB JC Y Cube”. Launched recently by the HYAB, it is supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, which provided $150 million in funding.
Located at Youth Square in Chai Wan, the “HYAB JC Y Cube” includes a cosy lounge area, a “makerspace”, a cooking studio, a reading corner and a video studio. The centre supports Hong Kong youths in exploring development opportunities in innovation and technology, the arts and culture, media production and sports.
Ackie Au, who runs a baking class at the centre, praised the facilities, adding that by sharing her expertise, she hopes to encourage young people to pursue their dreams.
“I can make good use of the time during the lessons to share my baking journey, because I had been a social worker for 10 years. It was such a big surprise also for me that I changed my career from a social worker to a pastry chef. I really want to share those experiences with my students.
“If they have a strong motive or strong goal, there must be a way to support them to meet their goal, but it takes time and courage for them to build up their network.”
Jason Wong, who is Chairman of the centre’s operator, the Y.Elites Association, described the “HYAB JC Y Cube” as a vibrant and interactive space for young people.
“It is a convergence of different themes, allowing youngsters to explore different possibilities. It is also a space that supports youth development, skills enhancement and helps young people implement their own ideas into reality. Looking ahead, Y Cube will focus on the theme of ‘Good Stories of Hong Kong Youth’.”
Since the soft opening of “Youth Link．Nam Cheong” and the “HYAB JC Y Cube” last December, the former has recorded about 4,000 visits and more than 50 activities, with the latter hosting over 60,000 visits and more than 300 activities.
Digital integration
Complementing its physical spaces, the HYAB launched the “HKYouth+” mobile application, which provides a one-stop platform to disseminate comprehensive information on youth development and related activities. Through integrating online and offline resources, the bureau aims to implement policies that better meet the needs of young people.
Under Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Clarence Leung outlined the app’s two main functions.
“One is that our editorial team will post regularly different topics that are of interest to our young people. For example, posts about mental wellness, what to do during a day off, and some arts and culture-related posts as well.
“The second function is that you can find all the activities organised or sponsored by HYAB. We are using online means to reach out to them. From offline means, that will also give us very good feedback for us to organise different events or different programmes for them in the future.”
Visit list expansion to be explored
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said today the Government will look into expanding the coverage of the high-risk family list provided to District Services & Community Care Teams for home visits.
Mr Sun made the remarks today, noting that the current resident list provided by the Housing Department leverages big data to target elderly households aged 80 or above.
He said the Government is exploring co-operation with the Hospital Authority to add individuals under the age of 80 who suffer from chronic diseases and require constant care to the list.
“Once the list is expanded, we can hand it over to the care teams and visit them. If they are not under the care of our social welfare network, we can refer them to a nearby non-governmental organisation to take care of them,” he added.
Business seminar in Munich highlights Hong Kong’s strategic roles amidst global shifts
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin), promoted Hong Kong’s unique advantages and strategic roles at the seminar “Hong Kong’s strategic role amidst geopolitical tensions” on June 18 (Munich time) in Munich, Germany
Senior executives, investors, and experts from the business community came together at the seminar for in-depth discussions on Hong Kong’s unique positions as a global financial, trade, and innovation hubs amidst evolving international dynamics. The Director of the HKETO Berlin, Mr Indiana Wong, highlighted that current geopolitical tensions and escalations are prompting investors and entrepreneurs to reassess their global strategies. Hong Kong has proven itself to be a safe, stable and secure business and investment hub with abundant opportunities for German businesses.
“With close connectivity with both the Chinese Mainland and the world under ‘One Country, Two Systems’, Hong Kong serves as a ‘super connector’ and a ‘super value-adder’, offering a favorable business environment and an unparalleled access point to the vast Asian markets.” Wong said.
Wong also highlighted that Hong Kong continues to excel in various international rankings, including those for economy, finance, and talents. The World Competitiveness Yearbook 2026 published by the International Institute for Management Development yesterday (June 18) saw Hong Kong’s ranking rising for the third consecutive year to second globally this year.
Representative of InvestHK also joined the discussion with German business community, sharing how Hong Kong serves as a premier gateway connecting the Chinese Mainland and the world, leveraging Hong Kong’s robust common law system, free flow of capital and information. The event is part of the joint business and investment promotion events under the Economic and Trade Express.
During his stay in Munich, Wong also called on the Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Consulate-General in Munich, Mr Guo Fang, to exchange views on bilateral relations between Hong Kong and Germany.
About HKETO Berlin
HKETO Berlin is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Germany as well as Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland.