Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases fifth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in March
District
District Among the fifth batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering 16 survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering three survey areas in March, most of the areas recorded 0 per cent, indicating that the distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes was not extensive.
The FEHD has so far released five batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in March 2026, covering 57 survey areas. Among these 57 survey areas, 48 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month (i.e. February 2026), representing that the areas’ mosquito infestation improved or maintained a low level. Nine other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent. Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.
Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. 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’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#Issued at HKT 17:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
SCED leads delegation to visit Guizhou to promote liquor trading Upon arrival in Renhuai City, Guizhou, Mr Yau and the delegation visited the Renhuai Jiangxiang winery and the Moutai distillery yesterday (March 26) and today (March 27), respectively, to learn about the production processes and development plans of the two Chinese baijiu brands. Mr Yau also briefed senior representatives of the brands on Hong Kong’s advantages in promoting liquor trading and exchanged views on supporting the local Chinese baijiu industry in going global. The delegation also visited the China Liquor Culture City to learn about the characteristics and development of the Chinese wine and liquor industry.
Mr Yau and the delegation then proceeded to Zunyi City to call on Standing Committee Member of the CPC Guizhou Provincial Committee and Secretary of the CPC Zunyi Municipal Committee, Mr Li Rui, to deepen economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and Guizhou and promote Hong Kong’s unique advantages of being connected to both the Mainland and the world. Mr Yau highlighted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is carrying out a series of policies and measures to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international trade centre. In particular, the setting up of the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global and the promotion of high-end liquor trading will provide strong support to Mainland enterprises, including the Chinese baijiu industry, in going global while injecting new impetus into Hong Kong’s economy.
Mr Yau and the delegation then visited the distillery of Zhenjiu in Guizhou. They were briefed by representatives of the distillery on the history and development of the brand and gained a better understanding of the local Chinese baijiu market. The delegation will also tour the distillery of Guizhou Dongjiu tomorrow (March 28) before returning to Hong Kong.
Concluding the trip, Mr Yau said, “The visit helps promote further co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong’s liquor industries in jointly exploring opportunities to achieve mutual benefits. Hong Kong as a ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’ plays a pivotal role in connecting the Mainland and international liquor markets. Leveraging Hong Kong’s advantages in promoting liquor trading, including a simple tax regime, a streamlined and efficient customs clearance system, a strategic geographical location, comprehensive and professional support and facilities for wine and liquor trading, and a vibrant exhibition industry, the Chinese baijiu industry is encouraged to seize the opportunity to tap into the global markets through Hong Kong as a platform. I would also like to express my gratitude to the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Offices of the People’s Government of Sichuan and Guizhou Provinces for their strong support and assistance, which made the visit conclude smoothly.” Issued at HKT 18:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
AFCD conducts wild-pig capture operation at Chuk Yuen (North) Estate in Wong Tai Sin District An AFCD spokesman said that officers commenced the operation at 10.15am today, during which a veterinarian used a tranquilizer gun to capture five wild pigs. The pigs were then relocated and released at a remote countryside location away from residential areas. The five wild pigs comprised one adult female, measuring approximately 1.3 metres in length and weighing about 90 kilograms, as well as one male piglet and three female piglets, each measuring about 0.4m in length and weighing around 0.5kg.
The wild pigs concerned had been sighted in the area for over a week. Taking into account the possibility that they had become habituated to venturing into urban areas, as well as the presence of four piglets each around 1 month old, the AFCD decided, after assessing public safety and animal welfare considerations, to relocate the sow and piglets together to a remote countryside location away from residential areas. The AFCD will continue to closely monitor the situation. If the group of wild pigs re-enters urban areas again, causing a nuisance or posing a safety threat to the public, the AFCD will consider capturing the wild pigs and humanely dispatching them.
The AFCD also conducted a wild-pig capture operation at the same location on March 17. The wild pigs captured on that occasion were humanely dispatched in accordance with established procedures. As those pigs had reached a substantial size and were capable of foraging and moving independently, posing a relatively higher potential risk to public safety, the AFCD decided on a humane dispatch following the risk assessment.
Wild pigs are common in Hong Kong. Owing to the lack of natural predators, their strong reproductive capacity and illegal feeding activities by people, their number has increased rapidly over the past decade. Some wild pigs have become accustomed to entering urban and residential areas. During the same period, the number of nuisance reports involving wild pigs has risen significantly, with occasional human injury cases reported. This year, two human injury incidents involving wild pigs have occurred in Ma On Shan and Tseung Kwan O. The AFCD will continue to adopt a multipronged approach, including handling nuisance complaints, conducting capture and humane dispatch operations to control their numbers, strengthening patrols and enforcement against illegal feeding, and enhancing public education to remind members of the public not to feed wild pigs, thereby reducing nuisance and safety risks posed by wild pigs to the public. In cases involving newborn or young piglets, the AFCD will exercise particular caution, fully considering the dependence of the piglets on the sow and the associated risks before making appropriate arrangements.
The AFCD reminds members of the public to remain calm when encountering wild pigs and not to approach or disturb them. If necessary, individuals should take shelter behind an obstacle and wait until the wild pig has left before proceeding. Members of the public should not throw objects at or attempt to drive away wild pigs, as this may provoke them and cause danger. If a wild pig poses an immediate threat to personal safety, please call 999 for police assistance. Issued at HKT 18:58
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Government today (March 27) announced details of arrangements for residents of the seven fire-affected blocks at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po, to return to their units to collect personal belongings. From April 20 to May 5, residents of the seven blocks will be assigned designated time slots to return to their units in batches.
The Head of the Task Force on Emergency Support and Fund-Raising and Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, stated that the arrangements involve meticulous planning, substantial manpower deployment and support measures. After considering factors such as building conditions, visitors’ safety and manpower support, the access arrangements will not only be organised by block but also by floor and unit, in batches.
Hong Kong began the official implementation of two-way ambulance transfer arrangements with Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Macau under the Pilot Scheme for Direct Cross-boundary Ambulance Transfer in the Greater Bay Area.
In his 2025 Policy Address, the Chief Executive announced that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government would collaborate with the governments of Guangdong and Macau to extend cross-boundary ambulance transfer arrangements, including two-way ambulance transfers.
The Hong Kong SAR Government conducted a northbound transfer drill with Guangdong Provincial Government and the Shenzhen Municipal Government on February 10, and a two-way transfer drill with the governments of Zhuhai and Macau Special Administrative Region on March 20.
In the latter drill, Zhuhai and Macau ambulances departed from designated “receiving” hospitals in those places, travelled to designated Hong Kong “sending” hospitals via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port to pick up patients, then transferred them back to the receiving hospitals via the same port for treatment.
Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau said the scheme provides a safe, timely and convenient transfer arrangement for patients with specific needs, marks a milestone in the realisation of high-quality medical collaboration in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and advances the high-quality development of a “Healthy Bay Area”.
Since launching on November 30, 2024, the pilot scheme’s operation has gone smoothly. It has been extended to November 29 this year. So far, 25 patients have been transferred from designated sending hospitals in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Nansha and Macau to designated public hospitals in Hong Kong for treatment.
The patients involved were deemed not to be in a suitable condition to cross the boundary on their own or for ambulance transfer via regular boundary control points.
Government departments in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau will continue to review the operational effectiveness of all hospital transfer arrangements, taking the medical needs, safety and interests of patients as prime concerns.
The Government announced today that a new round of the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) has been tentatively scheduled for June 6. Enrolment for the examination will be open from March 28 to April 10.
Prospective applicants for civil service posts at the degree or professional level should apply via the online application system on the Civil Service Bureau’s webpage. Detailed application information will be uploaded to the site tomorrow.
The bureau reminded those planning to apply for degree or professional grade civil service posts that they must have valid CRE results.
The pool of eligible candidates for these positions has been expanded to include undergraduate students in their third year of a four-year curriculum. As such, holders of a degree or professional qualification, as well as students graduating in the 2025-26 or 2026-27 academic year, may all apply.
Additionally, attaining a pass result in the Basic Law & National Security Law Test (BLNST) is now an entry requirement for all civil service jobs. Candidates for degree or professional grades are advised to take the Digitalised BLNST (Degree/Professional Grades) organised by the Civil Service Bureau at the Recruitment Centre, General Grades Office, as soon as possible.
A notice was published in the Government Gazette today regarding Rural By-elections, with 19 Rural Representative vacancies opening up for nominations from April 2 to 17.
The by-election will return one Resident Representative (ReR) for each of nine “Existing Villages”, and one Indigenous Inhabitant Representative (IIR) for each of 10 “Indigenous Villages”.
The nine Existing Villages are Sheung Ling Pei, Tai Po, Sha Tau Kok Market (West Lower), Wo Liu Hang, Tap Mun, Shek Pik San Tsuen, Lin Fa Tei, Shui Tin Tsuen and Shan Pui Chung Hau (I). Candidates must be residents of the villages they wish to stand for and must have resided there in the six years preceding nomination.
The 10 Indigenous Villages are Yung Shue Ha, San Tong Po, Kat O, Wa Shan Tsuen, Ha Yeung, Sha Lo Tung Cheung Uk, Tai Po Mei, Ma Wan Main Street, Kwan Mun Hau and Kam Tsin Wai Tsuen. Candidates must ordinarily reside in Hong Kong and be indigenous inhabitants of and electors in the the villages they wish to stand for.
Additionally, all candidates must be Hong Kong permanent residents aged 21 or above, and must be nominated by at least five registered electors in the village they wish to stand for. No-one is allowed to stand as a candidate in more than one type of election.
Nomination forms are available from the Home Affairs Department, the New Territories District Offices and on the Rural Representative Election website. Completed nomination forms must be submitted in person to the Returning Officer concerned.
If there is more than one validly nominated candidate for the same Indigenous Village or Existing Village, a poll will be held for that village on May 17. Eligible electors will receive a polling notice that specifies the date, time and place of the poll.
A notice on all valid nominations will be published in the Government Gazette within 14 days following the nomination period. Each validly nominated candidate will be informed separately.
On the evening of March 26, President Lai Ching-te attended the annual Hsieh Nien Fan (謝年飯) banquet hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan (AmCham Taiwan). In remarks, President Lai stated that based on the trust built from adherence to democratic values, Taiwan has become a proactive contributor to global economic development and a co-builder of global supply chain resilience. He noted in particular that the economic ties between Taiwan and the United States are now closer than ever, and that the two sides signed the Joint Statement on the Pax Silica Declaration and Taiwan-US Economic Security Cooperation, as well as a memorandum of understanding on investment to solidify our bilateral investment framework. The president said that Taiwan and the US are more than just trade partners, as both also jointly maintain economic security. President Lai stated that the government will continue optimizing the investment environment, forge ahead with 10 new AI infrastructure initiatives, and boost national defense and whole-of-society resilience in hopes of laying the most solid foundation possible for Taiwan’s industries. He said that together, we will usher in a golden age of Taiwan-US economic cooperation.
A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows:
AmCham Taiwan is a vital bridge for the promotion of Taiwan-US cooperation in trade and the economy. For many years, AmCham’s White Paper and policy recommendations have helped Taiwan to optimize its investment environment and showcase the power and potential of Taiwan’s industries on the international stage.
So tonight, on behalf of our government, I would like to express appreciation to our AmCham friends for committing to Taiwan and trusting in Taiwan.
Today’s Taiwan is a crucial node in global technology supply chains, and it is a solid, trustworthy partner for democracies worldwide. Our strength comes not only from our world-leading semiconductor and ICT industries, but also from our agile and innovative MSMEs. Our close-knit network in which businesses of all sizes thrive together, each focusing on what it does best, makes Taiwan flexible and adaptable when responding to global impacts.
Today’s Taiwan is more than just a manufacturing base for chips and components. Thanks to the trust we built from our adherence to democratic values, Taiwan has become a proactive contributor to global economic development and a co-builder of global supply chain resilience.
It is also a great pleasure to see Taiwan and the US further developing our comprehensive strategic partnership. In particular, I want to note that the economic ties between Taiwan and the US are now closer than ever.
This January, AmCham published its 2026 Business Climate Survey . In it, we see that 84 percent of the companies reported stable or increased revenue last year. And 92 percent said they plan to maintain or increase investment in Taiwan.
In recent years, we have also seen many new developments, including Entegris’ new Kaohsiung facility, Micron’s Taichung facilities , AMD’s R&D centers in southern Taiwan, and Google’s AI infrastructure R&D center, as well as NVIDIA’s announcement of an overseas headquarters in Taiwan. These examples demonstrate the importance and confidence that major American tech firms place in Taiwan.
Taiwanese enterprises are also continuing to expand investment in the US, and our economic and trade ties are steadily deepening. The US is now Taiwan’s top outward investment destination. It is also Taiwan’s largest export market.
This January, Taiwan and the US held our sixth annual Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue. During the meeting, we signed the Joint Statement on the Pax Silica Declaration and Taiwan-US Economic Security Cooperation. That same month, we also signed an MOU on investment to solidify our bilateral investment framework.
These are important milestones for Taiwan-US economic and trade relations, showing that our cooperation is growing more institutionalized, more stable, and more predictable. Taiwan and the US are more than just trade partners – we invest in each other, we innovate together, and we jointly maintain economic security.
To sustain our key role in the international community, Taiwan must have a robust foundation at home. Last year, our economy grew by 8.68 percent, reflecting our strong industrial capabilities.
To keep the momentum going, this year our government will continue optimizing the investment environment and forge ahead with 10 new AI infrastructure initiatives. We will also boost our national defense and whole-of-society resilience. This way, we hope to lay the most solid foundation possible for our industries.
Taiwan is like a tree. To thrive, stand tall, and reach to the sky, it must have strong, healthy roots set firmly in the earth. My administration is committed to enriching this land, ensuring our industrial foundations strike deeper and spread wider.
To close, I want to again thank AmCham Taiwan and all our friends in business who have walked alongside us. Taiwan treasures your trust. Through policies that are more open, stable, and forward-looking, we will together usher in a golden age of Taiwan-US economic cooperation.
After remarks, President Lai, AmCham Taiwan Chairperson Anita Chen (陳幼臻), and American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene raised their glasses in recognition of the strong Taiwan-US friendship.
March 24, 2026
No. 111 A cross-party group of US senators on March 23 cosponsored a resolution commending Taiwan on the 30th anniversary of its first direct presidential election and reiterating support for US policy toward Taiwan based on the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. The group included Senators Tammy Duckworth, John Curtis, and Tim Kaine, Ranking Member of the US Senate Committee on Armed Services’ Subcommittee on Seapower.
The resolution states that Taiwan has demonstrated the strength of its democratic system through multiple peaceful transfers of political power, that the people of Taiwan have shown resilience and steadfast commitment to democratic values despite China’s ongoing coercion and threats, and that Taiwan has set an example for the Pacific and the world.
It also emphasizes that Taiwan’s democracy is a great strategic strength for the free world and a key component of strong and enduring Taiwan-US relations; that Taiwan’s democracy and respect for the rule of law contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region; and that the US Senate is committed to supporting Taiwan’s self-defense and the liberty of its people.
The resolution was cosponsored by numerous other members of both parties, namely, Ted Cruz, Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Pete Ricketts, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations’ Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy; Rick Scott, Chair of the Senate Committee on Armed Services’ Subcommittee on Seapower; and Senators Jeff Merkley, Chris Van Hollen, Michael Bennet, John Fetterman, and Jacky Rosen.
The US Congress previously introduced a resolution on the eve of Taiwan’s presidential election in 2024 affirming Taiwan’s democratic achievements. The Senate’s further public display of support for Taiwan’s democratic society on the 30th anniversary of its first direct presidential election is highly significant.
On the same day, many other prominent cross-party members of the US Congress publicly expressed congratulations on this important milestone in Taiwan’s democracy, including Jim Risch, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations; Roger Wicker, Chair of the Senate Committee on Armed Forces; and Ami Bera and Mario Diaz-Balart, Cochairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung appreciates the US Congress once again affirming Taiwan’s democratic achievements and thanks the United States for its long-standing, bipartisan support of Taiwan’s democracy, freedom, and security through concrete actions.
As Taiwan marks this noteworthy anniversary, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to cooperate with the United States and other global democratic partners and welcomes the international community’s ongoing support for democratic Taiwan through concrete actions as part of efforts to jointly promote regional peace, stability, and prosperity. (E)
MOFA urges South Korea to promptly correct inappropriate designation for Taiwan in electronic entry system
Date：2026-03-24
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs
March 24, 2026No. 112The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and the Taipei Mission in Korea continue to express their profound concerns and engage in dialogue and negotiations with South Korea regarding the inappropriate designation for Taiwan in the previous departure place and next destination fields in South Korea’s electronic entry system. MOFA publicly calls on South Korea to respond to this matter by March 31.MOFA states that if South Korea fails to provide a positive response by the specified date, the country’s English designation in the drop-down menus for the place of birth and place of residence fields on the Taiwan Arrival Card will be changed from Korea, Republic of to KOREA (SOUTH) effective April 1. This will be done in accordance with Taiwan’s firm position of safeguarding national dignity and upholding the principle of reciprocity.MOFA emphasizes that the peoples of Taiwan and South Korea have long enjoyed close and friendly interactions in such domains as the economy, trade, culture, tourism, and personnel exchanges. Taiwan greatly values this hard-won friendship and, on the basis of mutual respect and reciprocity, hopes that South Korea will take Taiwan’s request seriously and promptly rectify the situation to maintain the positive development of bilateral relations. (E)