Auction for Che Kung Festival Fair stalls to be held on October 30

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     ​The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (October 16) that stalls at the 2027 Che Kung Festival (CKF) Fair will be put up for open auction on October 30 (Friday).

     A spokesman for the FEHD said that the annual CKF Fair will be held for 18 consecutive days from February 3 to 20, 2027, at Chui Tin Street Soccer Pitch in Sha Tin. A total of 48 dry goods stalls will be put up for auction, with an upset price of $2,770.

Business expectations for fourth quarter of 2026

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (October 16) the results of the Quarterly Business Tendency Survey for the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2026.

Business Situation     ​
     Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Business Expectation Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7263; E-mail: business-prospects@censtatd.gov.hk

Taiwan’s Trade Remedy Commission Makes an Affirmative Preliminary Injury Determination in the Antidumping Duty Case Concerning Certain Cold-rolled, Flat-rolled Stainless Steel Products from Vietnam

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On October 12, 2026 the Trade Remedy Commission of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) made an affirmative preliminary determination in its injury investigation involving certain cold-rolled, flat-rolled stainless steel products from Vietnam.

The Trade Remedy Commission found that there is a reasonable indication that the domestic certain cold-rolled, flat-rolled stainless steel products industry is materially injured by reason of imports from Vietnam that are alleged to have been sold in Taiwan (ROC) at less than normal value.

Under the jurisdiction set forth in the Regulations Governing the Implementation of the Imposition of Countervailing and Antidumping Duties, the MOEA is in charge of investigation into whether a Taiwan (ROC) industry is injured by reason of subject nnimports. As a result of the MOEA’s affirmative preliminary determination, the Ministry of Finance will continue to conduct a dumping investigation on imports of certain cold-rolled, flat-rolled stainless steel products from Vietnam, and its preliminary determination will be made within 70 days (unless extended) after the day following receipt of notification of the aforementioned injury determination.

The public version in Chinese of the preliminary injury investigation report will be available after November 12, 2026 on the International Trade Administration’s website https://www.trade.gov.tw/.

Signature tourism projects unveiled

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government announced today that the Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots will launch its next phase by progressively rolling out four new “signature tourism” projects from the current quarter.

Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing, who leads the Working Group, said the Government is committed to identifying and integrating tourism resources in Hong Kong.

“Through strengthening cross-departmental co-ordination and leveraging community efforts, the nine tourist hotspot projects rolled out in the first phase have been well received. Starting from the end of this year, the Working Group will roll out tourist hotspot projects covering themes such as industrial brands, miniature art, religious culture and local characteristics in phases, showcasing Hong Kong’s unique cultural heritage and city landscape to visitors.”

The four upcoming projects are phase two of the Hong Kong Industrial Brand Tourism Scheme, the Hong Kong Miniature City Exhibition, immersive religious and cultural tours, and the Seasons of Yuen Long district tourism promotion project.

Building on the success of the initial launch, phase two of the Hong Kong Industrial Brand Tourism Scheme will introduce diverse new brand experiences for visitors, including tours of Kowloon Motor Bus depots, the MTR “Station Rail Voyage: Explorer” exhibition, and Beijing Tong Ren Tang’s Hong Kong research, development and production base.

Madame Tussauds Hong Kong will recreate the Hong Kong Miniature City Exhibition at the Peak Tower starting from the current quarter. The exhibition will feature exquisite miniature artworks that showcase Hong Kong’s landmark buildings, authentic customs and ways of life in three dimensions.

With regard to immersive religious and cultural tours, the Chinese Temples Committee is strengthening digitalisation and cultural promotion across its administered temples. Initiatives include installing QR code display boards that allow visitors to learn about temple antiquities and redeem cultural souvenirs. The Government will also further explore using temples as the core to connect historical buildings and monuments of cultural value across various districts.

​To showcase urban-rural integration in Yuen Long, the Yuen Long District Office will collaborate with district organisations on the Seasons of Yuen Long project, which will invite visitors to explore the district’s characteristics under different themes throughout the year. The project comprises the production of a tourist map, the development of a thematic website, and the installation of themed information boards near landmarks in the town centre and rural areas of Yuen Long.

IP tax deductions bill published

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Deductions for Intellectual Property Expenditure) Bill 2026 was published in the Government Gazette today.

The bill aims to relax tax deduction arrangements for capital expenditure incurred by enterprises in purchasing Intellectual Property (IP) rights or licences to use such rights.

The Commerce & Economic Development Bureau said the bill puts into effect a measure announced in the 2025-26 and 2026-27 budgets on enhancing tax deduction arrangements for local IP.

It added that the relaxation will serve to lower the costs of IP transactions, thereby facilitating more IP trading activities, and support the development of knowledge-intensive industries in Hong Kong.

The bill proposes to allow tax deductions for relevant capital expenditure incurred by enterprises in respect of the following: purchases of IP rights from associates; purchases of IP rights which are used by a licensee outside of Hong Kong; and upfront licence fees for the use of IP rights.

The amendments proposed will apply to contracts entered into on or after April 1 this year, either for the purchase of IP rights, or for a licence to use IP rights.

The bill will be introduced in the Legislative Council for first and second readings on October 28.

MPF schemes notice published

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes (General) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 will come into operation on December 21, following a notice published today in the Government Gazette.

This commencement notice facilitates the rollout of Phase One of Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) “Full Portability”. Under the Amendment Regulation, employees whose employment began on or after May 1 last year (New EEs) will be permitted to transfer the entirety of their accrued benefits derived from employer mandatory contributions in respect of their current employment.

These funds can be moved from the employer’s chosen MPF scheme to a personal account of an MPF scheme of their own choice. Transfers can be made once every calendar year, or more frequently if permitted by the governing rules of the transferring MPF scheme.

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui stated that with the implementation of Phase One “Full Portability” on December 21, the Government has fulfilled its commitment outlined in the 2026 Policy Address. He noted that this change will give new employees greater control over their MPF benefits, encourage more proactive management of their investments, stimulate market competition, and create room for fee reductions.

Mr Hui added that the Government is currently drafting legislative proposals for Phase Two “Full Portability”, which will extend these benefits to the remaining workforce. The corresponding amendment bill is scheduled to be introduced to the Legislative Council by mid-2027.

The commencement notice will be tabled before the Legislative Council next Wednesday for negative vetting.

Dr Sun Yat-sen celebration planned

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government will hold an official ceremony on the morning of November 12 at the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the birth of Dr Sun Yat-sen.

November 12, 2026, marks the 160th anniversary of the birth of Dr Sun, a great national hero, a great patriot and a pioneering forerunner of China’s democratic revolution.

In commemoration of Dr Sun’s enduring contributions to national independence, social progress and the people’s well-being, Hongkong Post will issue a set of special stamps on the same day.

Government departments and community organisations will organise a series of commemorative activities starting this month. These events are designed to allow members of the public to gain a deeper understanding of his life and historical legacy from diverse perspectives.

The scheduled activities include public exhibitions, seminars, guided tours, film screenings, and student and youth exchange tours to the Chinese Mainland, alongside local heritage trail visits and a parent-child quiz competition.

INTERPOL meetings order published

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The International Organizations (Privileges & Immunities) (The International Criminal Police Organization-INTERPOL) (231st Executive Committee Session and 94th General Assembly Session) Order was published in the Government Gazette today.

The General Assembly (GA) is the highest governing body of INTERPOL, meeting annually to allow representatives from member countries to discuss international policing issues and foster global collaboration. The 94th GA will be held in Hong Kong from November 30 to December 3.

The Executive Committee, chaired by the President of INTERPOL, is the governing body in charge of supervising the execution of the GA’s decisions, as well as the administration and work of the INTERPOL General Secretariat. The 231st Executive Committee Session will take place in Hong Kong on November 29.

The Central People’s Government and INTERPOL previously signed an agreement to grant privileges and immunities to INTERPOL and its connected personnel for the duration of the two meetings, which are being hosted by China in Hong Kong.

Made by the Chief Executive in Council under the International Organizations (Privileges & Immunities) Ordinance, the order implements the privileges and immunities provided under that agreement. The order will be tabled before the Legislative Council on October 21 for negative vetting and will come into operation on the same day.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government stated that it will spare no effort in ensuring the successful delivery of both meetings, showcasing the achievements of the “one country, two systems” framework to the world, and telling the good stories of the country, Hong Kong and the Police Force.

Lift works misconduct suspected

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Following the discovery of serious deficiencies in lift replacement works by Taizoom Elevator Company (HK) in two estates, the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) will inspect all lifts installed by the same company across the city within three days.

In response to recent allegations of non-compliance, the EMSD conducted unannounced inspections on Taizoom’s lift works, revealing serious deficiencies in two Tenants Purchase Scheme (TPS) estates, involving nine lifts in Tsui Ping (North) Estate in Kwun Tong and 39 lifts in Pok Hong Estate in Shatin.

The lift replacements in Tsui Ping (North) Estate were completed between February and July, while those in Pok Hong Estate were carried out between May 2025 and July this year.

Although a fire resistance rating certificate was submitted, it was found that while the fire-resistant doors were installed as required, the corresponding door frame components were missing, despite the lift works being claimed as complete.

The EMSD noted that although the absence of door frame components in the lifts constitutes non-compliance, the lifts can still operate safely.

The department has instructed Taizoom to review the lifts at both estates, install the outstanding door frame components promptly, and bear all associated costs for the remedial measures. The repair works are expected to be completed within a month.

The EMSD said it will proactively contact the property management companies of both estates to provide necessary assistance. While the lifts will have to be suspended from operation during the installation of new door frames, the works will be scheduled during non-peak hours as far as possible, with each lift expected to take around one to two days to complete.

As preliminary evidence indicates that Taizoom is suspected of serious negligence or misconduct in carrying out lift works, the EMSD will take enforcement and regulatory action in accordance with the Lifts & Escalators Ordinance.

The citywide inspection of all lifts installed by Taizoom will involve re-examining the fire resistance rating certificates of fire-resistant doorsets and their frame components, alongside checks for missing door frame components.

Separately, the EMSD has commenced inspections of lift engineering works undertaken by other registered lift contractors, with no similar breaches found so far.

As the owner of the unsold units in both estates, the Housing Authority (HA) stated that it is highly concerned about the incident, adding that it is maintaining close contact with the EMSD to pursue Taizoom’s legal liabilities.

Among all TPS estates, only the lift replacement works in the two estates were undertaken by Taizoom. For another TPS estate, Fu Heng Estate, which is currently preparing for lift replacement, the contract has not yet been awarded.

The HA said that it has advised the Incorporated Owners of Fu Heng Estate to suspend awarding the contract, and will provide full support, including advising on follow-up arrangements, to safeguard the interests and safety of all residents.

Rural voter register checks open

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The 2026 final register for the Rural Representative Election (RRE) has been published today and is now open for public inspection.  

The final register contains the details of registered electors across Existing Villages, Indigenous Villages, Composite Indigenous Villages and Market Towns. Registered electors can verify their details online via the RRE Voter Registration Information Enquiry System or by calling the RRE hotline at 2152 1521 during business hours.

A full copy of the final register can be inspected at the Electoral Registration Officer’s office located at 11/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai. Additionally, relevant sections of the register concerning specific Rural Committees can be viewed at the offices of the Assistant Electoral Registration Officers within the respective New Territories District Offices (NTDOs).

Under the Electoral Affairs Commission (Registration of Electors) (Rural Representative Election) Regulation (Cap. 541K), the final register may be inspected by members of the press, political parties, the Heung Yee Kuk, relevant Rural Committees, indigenous inhabitants of the relevant Indigenous Villages or Composite Indigenous Villages, and residents of the concerned villages or Market Towns. Those eligible can book an inspection appointment by contacting the RRE hotline or the appropriate NTDOs during business hours.

Statistical information regarding the final register is also available on the RRE website.