Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Two more new drugs approved for registration under “1+” mechanism
Two new drugs approved
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The “1+” mechanism has been implemented since November 1, 2023, to facilitate the registration of new drugs used in the treatment of serious or rare diseases in Hong Kong. With effect from November 1, 2024, the mechanism was extended to cover all new drugs, including new chemical or biological entities, new indications, vaccines, and advanced therapy products. New drugs supported by local clinical data and recognised by local experts may apply for registration in Hong Kong by submitting evidence of approval from one reference drug regulatory authority (instead of two previously required).
The two new drugs mentioned above have been approved by the drug regulatory authority in the United States and submitted for registration under the “1+” mechanism. After evaluating the clinical data and relevant information provided by the applicant, and consulting local experts, the Registration Committee under the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong concluded that the drugs met the required standards of safety, efficacy, and quality, and approved their registration in Hong Kong. The Department of Health (DH) has notified the applicant of the approval result.
Paving the way towards primary evaluation
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The DH has actively promoted the “1+” mechanism through various channels and has so far received more than 804 enquiries from over 207 pharmaceutical companies, including those from overseas and the Mainland. Many companies have expressed interest in submitting applications for registration of their products, including advanced therapy products, under the expanded “1+” mechanism. Since the launch of the pre-application consultation service in March last year, the DH has organised multiple briefing seminars and workshops, and introduced pre-application meetings in December last year to improve efficiency in processing applications.
The “1+” mechanism strengthens Hong Kong’s drug approval capability and supports the development of related software, hardware and talent, paving the way for the implementation of “primary evaluation”. The DH began the phased implementation of “primary evaluation” for new drug registration on March 31, 2026. The initial phase covers applications for the registration of drugs containing chemical entities already registered in Hong Kong, with extended applications such as new indications, new strengths, new posology, new dosages forms. The goal is to achieve full coverage of all pharmaceutical products by 2030, enabling Hong Kong to independently assess and approve the safety and efficacy of new drugs based on clinical data, thereby expediting the introduction of innovative medical products and realising the vision of “good drugs and medical devices for use in Hong Kong”, benefitting patients.
The Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address announced that the Government will accelerate reforms to the regulatory system for drugs and medical devices, consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international hub for medical innovation. The DH will expedite the “1+” mechanism for new drugs, piloting priority evaluation and approval of innovative drugs recommended by the Hospital Authority for the treatment of severe or rare diseases, thereby accelerating patient access to advanced therapies. By the end of 2026, the DH will establish the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation to progressively build a robust approval system, providing strong momentum for the development and market expansion of the healthcare industry in Hong Kong, the Mainland, and beyond, transforming Hong Kong into an international hub for medical innovation.
Issued at HKT 17:40
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Korea-Indonesia summi (April 2026)
Source: Government of the Republic of Korea
Korea-Vietnam summit (April 2026)
President Lee Jae Myung, on a state visit to Vietnam, discussed raising practical cooperation on April 20 in a bilateral summit with Vietnamese President To Lam at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi. Both leaders gave their opinions on uncertainty over global supply chains due to the conflict in the Middle East and agreed to work together for energy security and stable supply chains.
- Current Affairs President Lee’s state visits to India, Vietnam
Korea-India summit (April 2026)
President Lee Jae Myung and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 20 held a bilateral summit at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India. The two leaders agreed to double bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030. The summit proceeded in small-group and expanded sessions.
- Current Affairs President Lee’s state visits to India, Vietnam
Korea-Poland summit (April 2026)
President Lee Jae Myung and visiting Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on April 13 at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a “comprehensive strategic partnership.” President Lee underscored the importance of carrying out a 2022 defense deal worth USD 44.2 billion and follow-up contracts, requesting smooth conclusion of the remaining agreements.
Korea-France summit (April 2026)
President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron, who was on a state visit to Korea, on April 3 agreed in their summit to greatly expand cooperation in cutting-edge industries and energy. Both leaders adopted a joint statement on the development of bilateral relations, amended three agreements and signed 11 memorandums of understanding.
Korea-Indonesia summi (April 2026)
President Lee Jae Myung on April 1 upgraded bilateral ties with Indonesia to the level of a “special comprehensive strategic partnership” after his summit with visiting Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto in Seoul. The new level of relations is a first for both countries.
Korea-Ghana summit (March 2026)
President Lee Jae Myung and visiting Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama on March 11 agreed in their summit in Seoul to boost cooperation in climate change, maritime security and digital technology. At Cheong Wa Dae, both sides signed an agreement on climate change cooperation and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on joint efforts in maritime security and the development of cooperation in technology, digital and innovation.
Korea-Philippines summit (March 2026)
President Lee Jae Myung on March 3 held a summit with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the presidential office of Malacanang Palace in Manila. The two leaders agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in new projects for building nuclear energy plants and supply chains for core minerals.
- Current Affairs President Lee’s state visits to Singapore, Philippines
Korea-Singapore summit (March 2026)
President Lee Jae Myung on March 2 held a summit with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on improving their free trade agreement, which marks its 20th anniversary this year, and raising bilateral cooperation in sectors such as artificial intelligence and nuclear power.
Both sides also adopted a joint declaration on starting talks to improve the accord and signed five memorandums of understanding on cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence and small modular reactors.
- Current Affairs President Lee’s state visits to Singapore, Philippines
Korea-Brazil summit (February 2026)
At their bilateral summit held at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Feb. 23, President Lee Jae Myung and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva agreed to upgrade bilateral ties forged in 1959 to the level of a strategic partnership. Both sides adopted a joint four-year action plan (2026-29) as a blueprint for future cooperation.
Korea-Italy summit (January 2026)
President Lee Jae Myung on Jan. 19 in a summit with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Cheong Wa Dae agreed to expand bilateral cooperation focused on cutting-edge sectors like semiconductors and artificial intelligence and the defense industry.
On economic cooperation, they pledged to expand trade and investment and revive a bilateral business forum with companies from both countries to create more opportunities and resolve corporate difficulties. They will also jointly develop and support small and medium enterprises based on Italy’s well-established ecosystem for such businesses.
Jobless rate drops to 3.7%
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased from 3.8% in the three months from December 2025 to February 2026 to 3.7% in the period from January to March 2026, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.
The underemployment rate fell from 1.7% to 1.6% during the same period.
Total employment was 3,655,700, down 7,300 from the earlier three-month period, while the labour force dropped around 5,300 to 3,792,400.
Looking ahead, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said the sustained growth of the Hong Kong economy should underpin the overall labour market.
“The Government will continue to closely monitor the developments in geopolitical tensions and assess the potential implications for the labour market,” he added.
Alert issued over fake websites
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Digital Policy Office has alerted the public to two fraudulent GovHK web addresses that seek to deceive visitors into providing personal information.
The office stressed that these websites have no connection with GovHK and has referred the case to Police for follow-up.
The office stressed that the genuine GovHK website – which takes the format https://www.gov.hk – is an information portal which does not request any personal information from visitors.
Anyone who has provided personal information to a fraudulent GovHK website or suspects that they have fallen prey to fraudulent acts should contact Police. Call 183 5500 for enquiries about GovHK.
MOEA Leads Taiwan Pharma Pavilion at CPHI Japan and ITRI Partners with iPark Institute to Target the Asia-Pacific Pharmaceutical Market
Source: Republic of China Taiwan
CPHI Japan, a leading global pharmaceutical exhibition, opened on April 21. Led by the Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), 16 leading biomedical companies formed the Taiwan Pharma Pavilion to expand their presence in the Asia-Pacific market.
The pavilion highlights Taiwan’s comprehensive capabilities across four key areas: CDMO/API, Drug R&D and Equipment Services, Innovative and Improved New Drugs, and High-Barrier Generic Drugs. By presenting these strengths on a global stage, Taiwan aims to deepen international partnerships and position itself as a reliable partner in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
On the first day of the exhibition, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) signed a cooperation agreement with the iPark Institute, which operates one of the largest life science research hubs in Japan. The strategic partnership integrates R&D, clinical, and manufacturing capabilities to promote cross-border collaboration in innovative drugs and key technologies, creating a complementary framework for market expansion between Taiwan and Japan.
During the opening ceremony, Chien-Cheng Tai, Senior Specialist at DoIT, noted that 2026 marks a pivotal year for Taiwan’s pharmaceutical industry as it expands beyond its R&D strengths to build a more complete global supply chain presence. As part of this effort, the MOEA is promoting a two-stage international outreach strategy: Japan will serve as the entry point for regulatory alignment and early market access, while Milan in Italy will act as a global manufacturing hub, linking international pharmaceutical companies with Taiwan’s strong CDMO ecosystem. This approach aims to integrate Taiwan more deeply into the global pharmaceutical supply chain while highlighting its advantages in manufacturing flexibility and technological integration.
Shyue-Yow Chou, Deputy Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, added that the partnership enables both sides to leverage complementary strengths and strengthen their roles in the global pharmaceutical supply chain. Toshio Fujimoto, CEO of iPark Institute, emphasized that Taiwan’s robust R&D capabilities, comprehensive manufacturing base, and rich clinical resources make it a highly promising partner for advancing global pharmaceutical innovation.
To further deepen industry collaboration, 14 Japanese pharmaceutical companies will participate in industry exchange sessions with Taiwanese firms during the exhibition. The Taiwan delegation will also visit leading companies such as Otsuka Pharmaceutical, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, and Astellas Pharma. By combining Taiwan’s manufacturing resilience with its development efficiency, the delegation aims to expand contract manufacturing and technical collaboration opportunities while strengthening ties between Taiwan’s and Japan’s pharmaceutical industries.
Results of 3-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds tender through re-opening
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced that a tender of 3-year HKD institutional Government Bonds through the re-opening of existing Government Bond (issue number 05GB2912001) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme was held today (April 22).
A total of HK$0.75 billion 3-year Government Bonds were offered today. A total of HK$4.592 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of bonds applied for to bonds issued, is 6.12. The average price accepted is 103.15, implying an annualised yield of 2.331 per cent.
HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Results
Tender results of 3-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
| Tender Date | : | April 22, 2026 | ||
| Issue Number | : | 05GB2912001 (Re-open) | ||
| Stock Code | : |
|
||
| Issue and Settlement Date | : | April 23, 2026 | ||
| Tenor | : | 3 years | ||
| Maturity Date | : | December 5, 2029 | ||
| Coupon Rate | : | 3.23 per cent | ||
| Amount Applied | : | HK$4.592 billion | ||
| Amount Allotted | : | HK$0.75 billion | ||
| Bid-to-Cover Ratio* | : | 6.12 | ||
| Average Price Accepted (Yield) | : | 103.15 (2.331 per cent) | ||
| Lowest Price Accepted (Yield) | : | 102.94 (2.391 per cent) | ||
| Pro-rata Ratio | : | About 1 per cent | ||
| Average Tender Price (Yield) | : | 102.40 (2.549 per cent) |
* Calculated as the amount of bonds applied for over the amount of bonds issued.
Results of 7-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds tender through re-opening
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced that a tender of 7-year HKD institutional Government Bonds through the re-opening of existing Government Bond (issue number 07GB3302001) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme was held today (April 22).
A total of HK$1.25 billion 7-year Government Bonds were offered today. A total of HK$7.655 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of bonds applied for to bonds issued, is 6.12. The average price accepted is 101.68, implying an annualised yield of 2.656 per cent.
HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Results
Tender results of 7-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
| Tender Date | : | April 22, 2026 | ||
| Issue Number | : | 07GB3302001 (Re-open) | ||
| Stock Code | : |
|
||
| Issue and Settlement Date | : | April 23, 2026 | ||
| Tenor | : | 7 years | ||
| Maturity Date | : | February 7, 2033 | ||
| Coupon Rate | : | 2.91 per cent | ||
| Amount Applied | : | HK$7.655 billion | ||
| Amount Allotted | : | HK$1.25 billion | ||
| Bid-to-Cover Ratio* | : | 6.12 | ||
| Average Price Accepted (Yield) | : | 101.68 (2.656 per cent) | ||
| Lowest Price Accepted (Yield) | : | 101.47 (2.689 per cent) | ||
| Pro-rata Ratio | : | About 63 per cent | ||
| Average Tender Price (Yield) | : | 100.93 (2.778 per cent) |
* Calculated as the amount of bonds applied for over the amount of bonds issued.
Results of 15-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds tender through re-opening
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced that a tender of 15-year HKD institutional Government Bonds through the re-opening of existing Government Bond (issue number 15GB3912001) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme was held today (April 22).
A total of HK$1.0 billion 15-year Government Bonds were offered today. A total of HK$4.460 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of bonds applied for to bonds issued, is 4.46. The average price accepted is 105.06, implying an annualised yield of 3.313 per cent.
HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Results
Tender results of 15-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
| Tender Date | : | April 22, 2026 | ||
| Issue Number | : | 15GB3912001 (Re-open) | ||
| Stock Code | : |
|
||
| Issue and Settlement Date | : | April 23, 2026 | ||
| Tenor | : | 15 years | ||
| Maturity Date | : | December 5, 2039 | ||
| Coupon Rate | : | 3.75 per cent | ||
| Amount Applied | : | HK$4.460 billion | ||
| Amount Allotted | : | HK$1.0 billion | ||
| Bid-to-Cover Ratio* | : | 4.46 | ||
| Average Price Accepted (Yield) | : | 105.06 (3.313 per cent) | ||
| Lowest Price Accepted (Yield) | : | 104.76 (3.340 per cent) | ||
| Pro-rata Ratio | : | About 88 per cent | ||
| Average Tender Price (Yield) | : | 103.21 (3.482 per cent) |
* Calculated as the amount of bonds applied for over the amount of bonds issued.
Government concludes third-day arrangements for Wang Fuk Court residents returning to their units
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government concludes third-day arrangements for Wang Fuk Court residents returning to their units
A total of 21 households (45 people) went up and down the building more than once. Among them, 14 households (32 people) made one additional trip, four households (seven people) made two additional trips, and two households (four people) made three additional trips, with the highest record being two people from one household making four additional trips.
The integrated enquiry counter set up by relevant departments today received seven cases requesting police assistance and five cases involving residents seeking help due to physical discomfort, as well as three cases seeking psychological counselling services.
The seven cases requesting police assistance involved suspected loss of property, including laptop computers, jewellery and gold items. Officers were immediately deployed to assist in searches, and lost property was recovered in 6 cases. For the remaining one case, there were no signs of ransacking in the unit, and the residents could not provide details on the property concerned.
Each day, the Government deploys over 1 000 personnel from various departments, including the Police, the Civil Aid Service, the Fire Services Department, the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Home Affairs Department, the Social Welfare Department, the Housing Department, and the Housing Bureau, and staff mobilised from other departments, as well as District Services and Community Care Teams members to fully support residents returning to their units.
Issued at HKT 20:55
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CS leads delegation of Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town to continue visit to Korea
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (April 22) led the delegation of the Working Group on Planning and Construction of the University Town under the Committee on Development of the Northern Metropolis to continue its visit to Korea. The delegation conducted on-site visits to local universities and held meetings with officials, with a view to providing a solid reference for the planning and development of the Northern Metropolis University Town (NMUT).
In the morning, the delegation visited the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in Daejeon and toured its campus facilities. They met with Hong Kong students studying there to learn about their studies and the institute’s efforts in fostering students’ innovation capabilities. The delegation specifically discussed with them student support and ancillary measures on campus, the institute’s strategies for attracting international students, and its liaison and co-operation with industry, accumulating practical observations for the NMUT’s campus ecosystem and industry-academia collaboration.
Afterwards, the delegation met with the Vice Mayor for Political Affairs, Economy and Science of Daejeon Metropolitan City, Mr Choi Sung-ah, to learn about the local development of the institutions and innovation districts, governance and funding models, industry-academia-research integration, and talent attraction. They also exchanged views on deepening co-operation in the education sector between the two places.
Mr Chan said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is fully committed to developing the NMUT, with the aim of establishing it as an international education, innovation, and technology hub. He expressed hope that through this visit, the delegation could learn from Daejeon’s successful experience in attracting top scientific and research talent, its efficient governance and funding models, and could understand how the city transforms scientific discoveries into industrial applications.
In the afternoon, Mr Chan led the delegation to the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) located in the Daedeok Innopolis. Established in 2011, the IBS is Korea’s first institute solely focused on basic science. It possesses advanced shared facilities and large-scale scientific research infrastructure. The delegation visited the Science Culture Center there and met with the Acting President, Dr Kim Yeong-duk. They gained an in-depth understanding of the institute’s experience in areas such as basic research and applied innovation, as well as talent attraction.
Mr Chan said that the IBS is devoted to integrating basic research with applied innovation, and focuses on establishing a vibrant scientific research ecosystem. This experience provides valuable reference for Hong Kong in planning the NMUT. He expressed the hope of learning more about the institute’s continuous support for fundamental research and how it facilitates the seamless integration with applied innovation and industry, helping Hong Kong better plan the NMUT, and thereby promoting the transformation of excellent research outputs into impactful scientific discoveries, achieving technological breakthroughs and unlocking potential economic value.
Mr Chan, the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, and other members of the delegation arrived in Seoul in the evening and will continue their visit tomorrow (April 23).