Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Northern Metropolis Financial Advisory Taskforce holds inaugural meeting
The Northern Metropolis Financial Advisory Taskforce, jointly established by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB), held its inaugural meeting today (June 17). The meeting was attended by representatives of the HKMA, the HKAB, the Development Bureau (DEVB), the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB), Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park Limited and 21 participating banks in the Taskforce (see Annex).
The meeting discussed the latest developments of the Northern Metropolis and the related financial services needs. Highlights of the discussion include:
(1) Key near-term Northern Metropolis projects and opportunities: The DEVB and the ITIB presented on the key development projects and financing needs of the Northern Metropolis over the next three years. These include, among others, the four land parcels in Phase 1 of the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone and the first pilot area under large-scale land disposal in Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area, which are both currently under tender. Such information will enable banks to actively participate in the development of the Northern Metropolis, assisting them in better formulating business plans and allocating resources to support the projects through various means such as syndicated lending, bond underwriting and other ancillary financial services.
(2) Financing for diverse development models: Given that the Northern Metropolis projects will adopt a diverse range of development models (e.g. large-scale land disposal and the establishment of industry park companies to adopt more public-private partnership approaches), the scales, financing tenors, scopes, operating models and durations of these projects may differ from those of conventional development projects. The participating banks in the Taskforce undertook to offer financing solutions that are tailored to individual projects, and with the aim of helping to accelerate the development of industries in the Northern Metropolis and attracting upstream and downstream enterprises to establish footholds.
(3) Supporting sustainable development in the Northern Metropolis: The participating banks in the Taskforce committed to referencing the Hong Kong Nature-based Solutions Design Guidelines (Note 1) as well as the HKMA’s Sustainable Finance Action Agenda (Note 2) to offer sustainable finance solutions for Northern Metropolis projects that meet the Guidelines and international green and sustainable finance standards. This aims to support the co-existence of development and conservation in the Northern Metropolis while strengthening the climate resilience of the banking sector.
As the development of the Northern Metropolis progresses across multiple fronts, the Taskforce will continue to explore more practical financing solutions in the future. The Taskforce will collaborate closely with the Government and relevant stakeholders to expedite the implementation of projects in the Northern Metropolis, providing solid support for economic development.
Background
Northern Metropolis Financial Advisory Taskforce
The Northern Metropolis Financial Advisory Taskforce was jointly established by the HKMA and the HKAB in April 2026 to strengthen the banking sector’s communication and collaboration with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and other stakeholders and exploring ways to actively support the Northern Metropolis development through financing. The Taskforce comprises representatives from the HKMA, the HKAB and 21 banks that possess experience in large-scale project financing. The Chinese Banking Association of Hong Kong and the Infrastructure Financing and Securitisation Unit of the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited participate as observers.Issued at HKT 20:18
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Director of Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of CPC Central Committee and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council Mr Xia Baolong concludes inspection visit to Hong Kong
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Director of Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of CPC Central Committee and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council Mr Xia Baolong concludes inspection visit to Hong Kong (with photos/video)Issued at HKT 22:15
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London ETO and InvestHK support Walpole APAC Forum to promote Hong Kong’s business advantages
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
London ETO and InvestHK support Walpole APAC Forum to promote Hong Kong’s business advantages
Organised by Walpole, an organisation representing British luxury brands, the Forum brought together senior executives and industry leaders from the retail, travel, marketing and professional services sectors. The programme covered market trends, consumer insights and branding strategies across the Asia-Pacific region, with particular focus on opportunities in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The Forum was attended by about 60 participants from the relevant sectors.
In her welcome remarks, the Director-General of the London ETO, Miss Fiona Chau, highlighted Hong Kong’s distinctive role as a natural starting point for brands seeking to enter and scale in Asia. She said Hong Kong thrives on a robust common law system, strong intellectual property protection, free flow of capital, a simple and competitive tax regime, world-class logistics, and a diverse talent pool. She also promoted the launch of The Festival of Connoisseurs in Hong Kong later this year.
The Head of Consumer and Hospitality of InvestHK, Ms Sindy Wong, spoke at the discussion panel, she said, “Hong Kong remains a competitive and resilient luxury market, underpinned by steady wealth growth, a growing ultra-high-net-worth population and a gradual recovery in retail performance. As an international gateway between Chinese Mainland and the international market, Hong Kong brings together a diverse and discerning consumer base. Coupled with its proximity to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the city provides an ideal platform for UK luxury brands to enter, test and scale their presence across Asia, supported by strong market fundamentals and excellent regional connectivity.”
During the Forum, the London ETO and InvestHK exchanged views with representatives of British luxury brands and other industry stakeholders, introducing Hong Kong’s latest business environment and development opportunities, and encouraging companies to leverage Hong Kong as an important base for expanding into Asian markets and further developing their business in the region.
Issued at HKT 23:43
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Xia Baolong concludes HK inspection
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong today concluded his two-day inspection visit to Hong Kong.
Accompanied by Chief Executive John Lee, Financial Secretary Paul Chan and Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung, Mr Xia visited the new Huanggang Port this morning to review its development progress.
He then proceeded to Kwai Chung Container Terminal 8 to learn about Hong Kong’s latest shipping industry developments. Secretary for Transport and Logistics Ms Mable Chan briefed Mr Xia on port operations, and Mr Xia exchanged views with industry practitioners.
The National 15th Five-Year Plan Outline explicitly supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its status as an international shipping hub.
Mr Xia later met with Mr Lee and principal officials at Government House, where he also held discussions with community representatives.
Mr Xia completed his itinerary and departed Hong Kong this afternoon.
CE welcomes Hainan Governor
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Chief Executive John Lee met Governor of Hainan Province Liu Xiaoming at Government House today to discuss deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and Hainan.
Mr Lee welcomed Mr Liu and his delegation, who are visiting Hong Kong for a Hainan Free Trade Port tourism and culture promotion event.
He noted that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantages of strong national support and global connectivity, ranking first globally in economic freedom.
He highlighted that Hong Kong has become the world’s largest cross-boundary wealth management centre, and the largest offshore renminbi (RMB) business hub.
Pointing out that the Hainan Provincial People’s Government has issued offshore RMB bonds in Hong Kong multiple times since 2022, and a Hainan enterprise was listed in Hong Kong last year, Mr Lee said these moves demonstrate the city’s fundraising advantages as an international financial centre.
The Chief Executive welcomed more Hainan companies to leverage Hong Kong’s capital market, alongside its professional and high value-added services, for fundraising and business expansion.
On tourism, Mr Lee stated that Hong Kong is committed to developing into an international tourism hub and a core demonstration zone for multi-destination tourism. The city is capitalising on its role as an East-meets-West centre for international arts and cultural exchanges to offer high-quality travel experiences.
Given the rich tourism resources in both places, Mr Lee said Hong Kong and Hainan can jointly develop a wider array of travel products.
He added that he looks forward to attracting more high-value-added international visitors to travel to both destinations through multi-destination itineraries, contributing to the country’s goal of building a tourism powerhouse.
Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law, Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Janice Tse and Director of the Chief Executive’s Office Carol Yip also attended the meeting.
FS begins Shanghai, Nanjing visits
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
Financial Secretary Paul Chan today began his visit to Shanghai and Nanjing, highlighting the broad room for synergistic development between Hong Kong and Shanghai over the next five years.
Arriving in Shanghai this afternoon, Mr Chan attended the Lujiazui Forum Plenary Session in the evening and spoke on the theme of “Empowering High-standard Financial Opening-up through Shanghai-Hong Kong Financial Synergy”.
He noted that the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan sets out the acceleration of efforts to build a strong financial nation, which provides both cities with a shared mission.
As international investors demand more diversified asset allocation amid a complex geopolitical environment and a new technological revolution, Mr Chan said both cities should leverage their complementary strengths to serve the country’s high-level two-way opening-up.
He pointed out that Hong Kong and Shanghai connect the Mainland’s market with global capital and international rules, acting as vital channels for international capital allocation into Chinese assets.
Mr Chan welcomed the announcement today by Chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission Wu Qing supporting the near-term launch of five-year renminbi government bond futures trading in Hong Kong. He said the move will enhance risk management tools and attract more international investors to the Mainland government bond market.
Capital market co-operation between the two cities continues to deepen. As of May, 212 Shanghai enterprises were listed in Hong Kong, with a total market capitalisation exceeding HK$4.3 trillion.
Looking ahead, the financial chief proposed two main directions for co-operation.
First, both places should open up full-chain fundraising and financing channels, help innovation and technology enterprises pursue two-way financing and jointly develop exchange-traded funds and index products. They should also foster co-operation in patient and long-term capital to support emerging and future industries.
Second, the two cities should boost the international functions of the renminbi by enriching investment products and promoting “China price” products denominated and settled in renminbi. They can also accelerate the synergistic combination of “industries in Shanghai and offshore treasury in Hong Kong” to support enterprises going global.
Mr Chan added that Hong Kong is actively formulating its first five-year plan to align with the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan. He expressed hope that both cities would use the power of finance to create tangible value for enterprises and the public.
Mr Chan will continue his Shanghai itinerary tomorrow morning before proceeding to Nanjing in the afternoon.
Govt to boost water seepage probes
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Government will adopt new procedures from July 16 to handle water seepage cases in private buildings.
The Joint Office (JO), set up by the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department and the Buildings Department, said the new, streamlined procedures will be implemented as a pilot scheme. They will leverage technology to enhance the efficiency of investigations and resolve seepage problems more expeditiously.
For relatively simple and straightforward cases, the JO explained, a Notification Letter can be issued to the owner involved about 14 working days upon receipt of a report. This is about 57 working days earlier than under the current practice of issuing a Nuisance Notice only after completing all investigations.
Infrared thermography will be adopted in Stage I investigations, and will be used along with electronic moisture meters to assess seepage conditions and identify the source of the seepage.
If there is reason to believe that the source is the upper unit, the JO will promptly issue a Notification Letter requiring the owner to carry out inspection and repair works within 28 calendar days.
Under the new procedures, the JO will also recover examination costs of not less than $17,000 from owners who fail to fulfil their responsibilities.
The JO believes that this arrangement will encourage owners to proactively liaise with occupants of affected units, and promptly carry out inspection and repair works.
To dovetail with the new procedures’ implementation, the Government will provide technical and financial support to assist upper-unit owners in need.
Members of the public can visit the dedicated webpage for a list of professionals and contractors, a list of mediators, reference prices, and information on financial assistance schemes.
From July 16 onwards, water seepage cases received by the JO will be handled in accordance with the new procedures. The cases received before that day will be processed under the existing procedures.
Complainants can contact their case manager, or call the JO at 2868 0000, for enquiries.
Hong Kong Customs conducts interdepartmental anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign at Mei Tin Estate in Tai Wai
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hong Kong Customs today (June 17) conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign with members of the Sha Tin District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Housing Department (HD) at Mei Tin Estate in Tai Wai. Customs also publicised the Duty Stamp System.
Customs officers patrolled the housing estates and introduced to residents Customs’ enforcement actions against illicit cigarettes and the latest amendments to illicit cigarette-related legislation, including an increase in the maximum penalty for offences related to duty-not-paid cigarettes to a $2 million fine and seven-years’ imprisonment. Customs also explained to estate security personnel how to deal with suspected illicit cigarette activities.
Customs officers also introduced the Duty Stamp System to be implemented in Hong Kong to the members of the District Council, residents, and cigarette retailers. The three-month Pilot Run for the Duty Stamp System launched by Customs concluded early this year. The department will continue to maintain close communication with all stakeholders and optimise the design and implementation details of the system. Customs expects the Duty Stamp System to achieve the ultimate goal of effective distinguishment of duty-paid cigarettes from duty-not-paid ones, and to combat “cheap whites”.
Customs will continue to strengthen publicity and education to raise the public awareness of anti-illicit cigarettes. If public rental housing units are found to be involved in illicit cigarette crimes, Customs will notify the HD for follow-up action after the conclusion of court proceedings. Customs reminds members of the public not to buy or sell illicit cigarettes or distribute illicit cigarette leaflets to avoid creating a criminal record that could affect their future.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying 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 are urged to report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080, its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
In accordance with the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person shall distribute any smoking product advertisement (including any promotional leaflet). Any person who contravenes the regulation is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000. Members of the public are also urged to report any suspected activities of illicit cigarette leaflet distribution to TACO’s hotline 2961 8823.
Hospital Authority family medicine outpatient services arrangements on Tuen Ng Festival holiday announced
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ18: Cases involving sexual offences
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ18: Cases involving sexual offences
Question:
Given the Government’s indication that it plans to propose legislative amendments on sexual offences within this year, there are views that society needs a more accurate understanding of the current situation regarding sexual offences in Hong Kong. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
President,
YearTable 2: Statistics on cases of indecent assault
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