DH invites representatives from GBA Center for Drug Evaluation and Inspection of National Medical Products Administration to brief local pharmaceutical industry on latest developments in drug regulation and registration evaluation in Chinese Mainland

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Department of Health (DH) today (June 5) invited senior reviewers from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Inspection of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to attend a forum called “New Chapter in Pharmaceutical Regulation: 2026 Drug Regulation and Review Trends Forum” to provide the local pharmaceutical industry with a detailed overview of the latest developments and relevant regulatory requirements regarding drug regulation and registration evaluation in the Chinese Mainland. The forum aimed to help the local industry seize opportunities to expand into the Mainland market, while fostering drug innovation and collaboration within the GBA.

The forum was co-organised by the Hong Kong Institute of Biotechnology Limited and the Hong Kong Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association Limited, with the DH as the supporting organsiation. The forum featured a comprehensive programme, covering key drug regulatory legislation in the Chinese Mainland, drug registration procedures and application requirements, as well as quality and specification requirements. It helped local pharmaceutical manufacturers and agents to better understand the preparatory work required for drug registration in the Chinese Mainland, including the documents and information that need to be submitted.

The forum attracted over 100 representatives from the local pharmaceutical sector, including manufacturers and wholesalers. Participants generally considered that the content was practical and highly valuable. Not only did it provide a clear roadmap and timeline for drug registration in the Chinese Mainland, it also significantly reduced the time and effort required for information collection and document preparation.

Prior to the forum, a delegation from the GBA Center for Drug Evaluation and Inspection met with the staff of the DH’s Drug Office yesterday (June 4) to exchange views on practical experiences in drug evaluation and inspection in the Chinese Mainland. DH staff also briefed the delegation on the initiatives of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to develop Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub; enhance the evaluation, approval and registration mechanism for drugs; implement a “primary evaluation” mechanism for new drugs; and prepare for the establishment of the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation within this year.

The DH has been actively promoting and enhancing Hong Kong’s drug regulatory standards. The NMPA and its GBA Center for Drug Evaluation and Inspection have been providing staunch support for the HKSAR’s pharmaceutical regulatory efforts. The DH expressed its sincere gratitude to the delegation. Looking ahead, the DH will continue to deepen cooperation and exchanges with the drug regulatory authorities in the Chinese Mainland, support the development of Hong Kong’s pharmaceutical industry, and actively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan to better integrate into and serve overall national development. At the same time, the HKSAR will leverage Hong Kong’s distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world, to fulfil its role as a “super connector”.

        

Speech by FS at National Day of Sweden reception 2026 (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the National Day of Sweden reception 2026 today (June 5):

Consul General Ms Louise Bergholm (Consul General of Sweden to Hong Kong), Deputy Commissioner Zhang (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Zhang Changwei, members of the diplomatic community in Hong Kong, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 
     The Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong is a strong testament to our enduring business ties. This year, the Chamber celebrates its remarkable 40th anniversary – 40 years of bringing Hong Kong and Swedish businesses together. 
     Our role as a gateway to the Chinese Mainland, our business potential, free market economy, and simple and low tax regime remain the most appealing advantages for Swedish companies here.  
     There is much scope for collaboration with Sweden in AI – from research and application to education and talent development. A recent study by Statistics Sweden reports that 35 per cent of Swedish companies used at least one form of AI technology last year, well above the European Union average of 20 per cent.

Property owners fined over $260,000 in total for not complying with removal orders

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Three owners were convicted and fined $262,480 in total at the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday (June 2) for failing to comply with removal orders issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).  

The first case involved four unauthorised structures with a total area of about 77 square metres on a flat roof of two units in a residential building on Wan Tau Street, Tai Po. As the unauthorised building works (UBWs) were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), two removal orders were served on the two co-owners under section 24(1) of the BO. 

Failing to comply with the removal orders, the two co-owners had been prosecuted by the BD and were fined a total of $20,660 upon convictions by the court. As they persisted in not complying with the removal orders, they were prosecuted for the second time and were fined $171,960 in total, of which $51,960 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon convictions by the court.

The second case involved an unauthorised structure of about 20 sq m on a flat roof of another unit in the same building as the first case. As the UBW was carried out without prior approval and consent from the BD, a removal order was served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted by the BD and was fined $90,520 in total, of which $30,520 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction by the court.

A spokesman for the BD said today (June 5), “UBWs may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take stringent enforcement action and instigate prosecutions against owners again if they persist in not complying with removal orders, so as to ensure building and public safety.”

Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year’s imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.

Labour Department completes special inspection exercise targeting contractor with unsatisfactory safety performance

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Labour Department completes special inspection exercise targeting contractor with unsatisfactory safety performance      
     During the special inspection exercise, the LD inspected 62 construction sites, with 75 written warnings and 154 improvement notices issued; as well as 41 prosecutions initiated, which mainly involved violations such as unsafe lifting operations, unsafe working at height, and failure to provide personal protective equipment.
      
     The LD will continue to follow up on the improvement progress of the construction sites with violations and will deal with unsafe working conditions in accordance with the law.

     The LD reiterated that contractors must strictly implement all site safety measures to ensure the OSH of employees. Under the general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance (Cap. 509), employers are obligated to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant legislation are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years.
 
Issued at HKT 12:00

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Cancellation and refund arrangements of “Duo Recital by Rafał Blechacz (Piano) and Bomsori Kim (Violin)”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Cancellation and refund arrangements of “Duo Recital by Rafał Blechacz (Piano) and Bomsori Kim (Violin)”     Refund period: June 15 (Monday) to September 14 (Monday) 
     Location: URBTIX Maoyan Customer Service Centre
                   Unit 1418, 14/F, Leighton Centre, 77 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong 
     Office hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 7pm 

     For details of the refund arrangements, please refer to the announcement at www.lcsd.gov.hk/CPIssued at HKT 14:55

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HKMA establishes Tokenised Bond Expert Group

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

HKMA establishes Tokenised Bond Expert Group 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (June 5) that it has convened a Tokenised Bond Expert Group (Expert Group), bringing together industry representatives with relevant experience and interest in Hong Kong’s tokenised bond market development, in order to drive further adoption and scalability of tokenised bonds in Hong Kong.

     Member institutions of the Expert Group (see Annex) are representatives from industry associations, financial institutions, legal advisory firms, as well as financial infrastructure and technology providers. Building on the progress achieved so far through the HKMA’s various tokenised bond-related initiatives, the Expert Group will collectively explore policy measures, market practices, and innovations. 
About HKMA’s tokenised bond-related initiatives
 
     In 2021, the HKMA embarked on its bond tokenisation journey with a joint proof-of-concept study with the Bank for International Settlements Innovation Hub Hong Kong Centre. This was followed by the successful execution of three landmark tokenised bond issuances for the HKSAR Government, including the world’s first tokenised government green bond in 2023, the first multi-currency digital bond in 2024, as well as the largest digital bond issuance at the time of issuance and the first digital bond to integrate tokenised central bank money in the form of e-CNY and e-HKD in 2025. Issued at HKT 15:00

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Approved Tuen Mun Outline Zoning Plan referred back for amendment

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Town Planning Board announced today (June 5) that the Secretary for Development has referred the approved Tuen Mun Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) to the Board for amendment to mainly reflect Lingnan University’s campus expansion plan.

The OZP incorporating the respective amendment(s) will be exhibited for public inspection under the provisions of the Town Planning Ordinance.

The Tuen Mun OZP was last approved by the Chief Executive in Council in June 2025.

Online pre-registration for public observation for fifth round of evidential hearings of Independent Committee in relation to fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po:
 
     The Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po announced today (June 5) that the fifth round of evidential hearings, comprising three hearings, would be held from June 22 to June 25. Members of the public may pre-register for selected hearings under this round that they wish to observe via the online system from 10am on June 8 to 10am on June 11.
 
     The exact dates for the fifth round of three evidential hearings are as follows:
 

  Date
1. June 22 (Monday)
2. June 24 (Wednesday)
3. June 25 (Thursday)

 
     The evidential hearings will be held from 10am to 1pm and from 2.15pm to 4.30pm at the Multi-purpose Hall, 3/F, City Gallery, 3 Edinburgh Place, Central.
 
     In the fifth round of evidential hearings, the Committee will receive oral evidence from the experts appointed by the Government and the Committee respectively on issues relating to the causes that led to the fire and its rapid spread. Part of the evidence will be given in English. Simultaneous interpretation in Cantonese, Putonghua and English will be provided in the City Gallery. The Committee will release the list of exact witnesses who will be giving evidence at each date of hearing on its website (www.ic-wangfukcourtfire.gov.hk/eng/timetable.html) nearer the time.
 
     Some seats for the hearings will be reserved for the involved parties, and some seats will be open to the public to observe the proceedings. To allow more members of the public to attend the hearings, the proceedings will be broadcast simultaneously in transmission areas set up on the ground floor of the City Gallery and in the Lecture Theatre of the Hong Kong Central Library. Arrangements will be made for some members of the public to observe the hearings in these two areas. A total of about 360 seats will be available for public observation in the main venue and the two transmission areas. About half of the seats will be set aside for residents of Wang Fuk Court on a priority basis. Separate arrangements will be made for the media.
 
     To avoid members of the public queuing outside the venue for a long time, and to allow those who wish to observe the hearings to have certainty of whether seats have been secured before the day of the hearings, for the fifth round of hearings, individuals (including Wang Fuk Court residents) are required to pre-register online (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ic-hearing/en/) from 10am on June 8 to 10am on June 11. Registrants should select on the online registration form the dates they wish to observe (one or more sessions can be selected) and submit the duly completed form. The Secretariat of the Committee will allocate seats on a first-come, first-served basis according to the system’s record of the time that the pre-registration forms are received.
 
     Successful registrants will receive a “Confirmation of Successful Registration” for the fifth round of hearings issued by the Secretariat of the Committee by June 17. An SMS notification will be sent from the sender name “#IC-hearing”. If an email address is also provided during pre-registration, an email notification will be sent from hearing@ic-wangfukcourtfire.gov.hk. Pre-registration will be considered unsuccessful for those who have not received a notification by that date. Each person can only pre-register for each day of hearing once. Duplicate registrations will not be processed.
 
     According to the current plan, more hearings will be held. Relevant details (including the specific dates and the pre-registration arrangements for public observation) will be announced separately.
 
     The Chief Executive established the Committee to review the causes of the fire at Wang Fuk Court and related issues, and to make recommendations to prevent similar incidents from occurring again. The Committee formally commenced its work on December 19, 2025. The evidential hearings commenced on March 19, and so far four rounds of 24 hearings have been held. The Committee hears evidence in the evidential hearings on matters in accordance with its terms of reference. The Committee aims to clarify the relevant facts through oral evidence, written submissions, and other forms of evidence presented by witnesses. This provides an important basis for the preparation of its report and recommendations.

Tenders invited for Extension Works to Lung Fu Road, Tuen Mun

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Highways Department (HyD) today (June 5) invited tenders for the Extension Works to Lung Fu Road, Tuen Mun (Contract No. HY/2025/15).

     The works are scheduled to commence in January 2027 and will take about 48 months to complete. The works mainly include:
 

  • construction of an elevated carriageway and an at-grade carriageway of approximately 600 meters in length connecting Lung Fu Road to Tsing Wun Road northbound;

 

  • construction of an elevated carriageway and an at-grade carriageway of approximately 800 meters in length connecting Tsing Wun Road to Lung Fu Road southbound;

 

  • reconstruction of an elevated carriageway and an at-grade carriageway of approximately 400 meters in length connecting Tsing Wun Road southbound to Wong Chu Road eastbound;

 

  • design, supply and installation of Fully Variable Message Sign (FVMS) at Tuen Mun Road southbound near MTR Siu Hong Station; and

 

  • carrying out associated works including noise barriers, geotechnical works, electrical and mechanical works, drainage works, waterworks, street lighting works, traffic facilities, landscaping works and environmental mitigation measures.

     The HyD has commissioned WSP (Asia) Limited as the consultant to design and supervise the construction works. Interested tenderers must download the tender forms and other particulars from the Electronic Tendering System for works contracts (e-TS(WC)).

     The invitation to tender was gazetted today. Tenderers shall submit completed tenders in electronic format via e-TS(WC). Submission of tenders will close at noon on July 31, 2026 (Friday).

     For enquiries, please contact WSP (Asia) Limited at 2217 2227.  

Special traffic arrangements for International Football Friendly Match – Hong Kong, China vs Mongolia

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Police announced today (June 5) that special traffic arrangements will be implemented in So Kon Po and Causeway Bay to facilitate the International Football Friendly Match – Hong Kong, China vs Mongolia, which will be held tonight at the Hong Kong Stadium. The Police urge members of the public travelling to areas subject to road traffic control to make use of public transport as far as possible.

A.    Traffic arrangements before the start of the event———————— Part of the traffic lane of Caroline Hill Road between Eastern Hospital Road and Cotton Path;
– Westbound Hysan Avenue between Yun Ping Road and Hoi Ping Road;
– Stadium Path; and
– Lee Garden Road between Lan Fong Road and Hysan Avenue, except for green minibuses (GMBs).
 
Traffic diversions
———————————— Eastern Hospital Road between Stadium Path and Tung Lo Wan Road will be rerouted one-way northbound;
– Two traffic lanes on Caroline Hill Road between its western junction with Leighton Road and Link Road will be designated for traffic entering Caroline Hill Road from Hoi Ping Road;
– Hysan Avenue between Leighton Road and Hoi Ping Road will be rerouted one-way eastbound;
– Two traffic lanes on eastbound Hysan Avenue will be designated for traffic turning right to Hoi Ping Road;
– Vehicles leaving the private driveway of Lee Garden One must turn left to eastbound Hysan Avenue;
– Traffic along Yun Ping Road cannot turn left to westbound Hysan Avenue, and vehicles will be diverted to Lan Fong Road and Pak Sha Road;
– Traffic along northbound Link Road downhill to northbound Caroline Hill Road may need to turn left to westbound Leighton Road; and
– Vehicles travelling along Lan Fong Road may not be allowed to turn left to southbound Lee Garden Road, and will be diverted to northbound Lee Garden Road, Foo Ming Street and southbound Percival Street, except for GMBs.———————————————– Northern kerbside of Cotton Path; and
– Southern kerbside (taxi drop-off zone) and northern kerbside (private car drop-off zone) of Eastern Hospital Road near the main entrance of Hong Kong Stadium.———————— Eastern Hospital Road between Caroline Hill Road and Cotton Path;
– Northbound Link Road (downhill), except for vehicles heading for No. 1, 3, 5 and 7 on Link Road; 
– Hoi Ping Road;
– Sunning Road, except for vehicles leaving Lee Garden Three Car Park;
– Cotton Path and Leighton Road (when necessary). ———————————— Before the end of the event, vehicles leaving buildings on Eastern Hospital Road may be permitted to turn right to northbound Eastern Hospital Road;
– Traffic along westbound Leighton Road cannot enter Caroline Hill Road for Link Road, and vehicles will be diverted via Wong Nai Chung Road and Broadwood Road; and
– When Leighton Road is closed, traffic along westbound Causeway Road will be diverted via Irving Street; traffic along eastbound Morrison Hill Road will be diverted via Canal Road West; traffic along southbound Percival Street must turn right to westbound Leighton Road; and traffic along southbound Canal Road East cannot turn left to Leighton Road.——————————– 
– Westbound Leighton Road;
– Percival Street south of Hennessy Road;
– Caroline Hill Road;
– Link Road;
– Stadium Path;
– Cotton Path; and
– Eastern Hospital Road.—————————-
 
     All on-street parking spaces on the following roads will be suspended from 5pm to 11pm:- Northbound Caroline Hill Road between Stadium Path and Cotton Path;
– Hoi Ping Road;
– Sunning Road; and
– Eastern Hospital Road.———————————————–     
     Depending on the prevailing conditions, other traffic control measures will be implemented. Motorists are advised to exercise patience and tolerance, and take heed of instructions of the police officers on site.