Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
ISRE 2.0 expected to conclude in April
A CEDB spokesman said that the convention and exhibition (C&E) industry plays a vital role in consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international trade centre. The Government has been supporting the development of the C&E industry through diverse measures. Following the allocation of $1.4 billion in 2023 to launch the original ISRE, the Government allocated an additional provision of $500 million to launch ISRE 2.0 in July last year, which received strong industry support and an overwhelming response. In addition to benefitting the C&E industry, the scheme has helped attract high-spending business visitors to Hong Kong, driving economic activities in related sectors such as accommodation, catering, retail and entertainment, thereby bringing positive benefits to the overall economy.
ISRE 2.0 provides venue rental incentives to attract new and recurrent international exhibitions of a large scale to Hong Kong. Having taken into account the operational experience of the original scheme, ISRE 2.0 has refined the relevant arrangements by focusing on international exhibitions, benefitting more eligible exhibitions by adjusting the funding cap, and offering organisers more venue options (including the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, AsiaWorld-Expo, Central Harbourfront Event Space, and West Kowloon Cultural District).
According to the application guide promulgated last year, ISRE 2.0 will conclude upon exhaustion of funds. The CEDB has also explained the relevant arrangements to the industry on various occasions and maintained close communication with venue operators. Based on the latest spending position and projection, the fund under ISRE 2.0 is expected to be exhausted by April. The CEDB has earlier encouraged venue operators to proactively communicate with relevant organisers to enable the industry to make necessary preparations for the scheme’s conclusion.
The spokesman continued, “Since 2020, the Government has allocated over $3.1 billion to implement various support measures for the C&E industry, including the Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme under the Anti-epidemic Fund, the original ISRE, and ISRE 2.0, successfully assisting the industry to cope with the epidemic, promoting post-epidemic recovery and injecting momentum to the sustainable development of the industry.”
The Government will continue to strongly support the development of the C&E industry in Hong Kong. As recently announced in the 2026-27 Budget, the Government will earmark $100 million for attracting large-scale international exhibitions with new elements to Hong Kong through collaborating with relevant organisations on a pilot basis, with a view to developing Hong Kong into the first-choice platform for showcasing Mainland and international brands, while attracting high-spending business visitors to Hong Kong and driving high value-added economic activities. The CEDB is formulating the relevant arrangements and implementation details.
The spokesman expressed gratitude to the C&E industry for its continued support and co-operation with the Government in implementing various measures to promote the industry’s development, and looked forward to close collaboration with the industry to drive innovation, attract more top-tier international exhibitions to Hong Kong, and jointly tap into new economic growth opportunities.
Issued at HKT 15:00
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HKMA Bulletin (Issue 01/2026)
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) today (March 31) published its Bulletin (Issue 01/2026).
The Bulletin carries an article entitled “The Hong Kong Bond Market in 2025”, which can be viewed on and downloaded from the HKMA website.
Mainland resident jailed for conspiracy to defraud
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
A 53‑year‑old Mainland male resident charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud was convicted and sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment by Sha Tin Magistrates’ Courts yesterday (March 30).
The Immigration Department (ImmD) received intelligence earlier that the defendant had submitted a suspected forged Hong Kong marriage certificate to obtain an endorsement for visit and residence status in Hong Kong. Upon verification by ImmD staff, discrepancies between the marriage certificate and the records were identified. The ImmD notified the Mainland authorities of the verification results for their follow-up actions, and an investigation against the defendant began. The said application of the defendant was not approved.
The defendant was intercepted by ImmD staff upon his arrival via the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on November 11, 2025. In the course of the investigation, the defendant admitted under caution that in order to settle in Hong Kong, he paid RMB10,000 to a middleman as a reward to obtain the forged Hong Kong marriage certificate and submitted the said certificate to the Mainland authorities for his application. The defendant was charged with conspiracy to defraud. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment by the Sha Tin Magistrates’ Courts yesterday.
“The ImmD has been very concerned about non-Hong Kong residents staying in Hong Kong by fraudulent means, and will continue to spare no effort in combating the related illicit activities. For people who have obtained their residence in Hong Kong by fraudulent means, their Hong Kong identity card and residence status will be invalidated according to the laws of Hong Kong. They will also be subject to removal back to their place of origin,” the ImmD spokesman stressed.
“According to the Immigration Ordinance, any person who makes any statement or representation which he knows to be false or does not believe to be true to immigration officers commits an offence. Offenders are liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, face a maximum fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and the same penalties. Moreover, according to the Crimes Ordinance, anyone who commits the offence of conspiracy to defraud is liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, the maximum penalty is imprisonment for 14 years,” the spokesman warned.
Tourism Strategy Committee holds sixth meeting
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Tourism Strategy Committee holds sixth meeting (with photo)
A spokesperson for the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) said that this year’s Budget had injected new momentum into the tourism industry, demonstrating the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s steadfast support for its sustainable development. In the coming year, the CSTB will utilise the additional funding to step up marketing efforts in source markets with good potential, while continuing to offer a diverse array of cultural and sports mega events for both visitors and locals. The CSTB will also scale up flagship events, introduce more creative and culturally enriching festive activities, and enhance MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) and cruise tourism. These measures serve to enrich visitors’ experiences, ensuring that they have a good time and return time and again.
Members expressed support for the key measures set out in the Budget to further stimulate tourism development, and believe that these initiatives, in conjunction with the HKTB’s work plan, will enhance Hong Kong’s appeal and competitiveness as a world-class tourism destination. These measures are expected to attract more high-value added visitors and generate greater economic benefits for tourism-related industries.
The spokesperson added that the country is advancing the 15th Five-Year Plan at full speed, and the CSTB will proactively align with the country’s development direction of building a country strong in tourism in the areas of culture, sports and tourism. The CSTB will encourage the trade to make good use of the opportunities presented by the 15th Five-Year Plan and leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a connector between the Chinese Mainland and the international community. Insights shared by members during the meeting regarding Hong Kong’s overall tourism development will serve as valuable references for the formulation of the CSTB’s five-year plan.
The Committee is tasked to provide the Government with strategic advice and foster collaboration among different stakeholders in tourism and related sectors for further promoting the long-term and sustainable development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry. Members include prominent figures and key leaders from tourism and other related sectors such as culture, sports, retail and catering.
Issued at HKT 17:33
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Auction of traditional vehicle registration marks to be held on April 18
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Transport Department (TD) today (March 31) announced that the auction of traditional vehicle registration marks will be held on April 18 (Saturday) in Meeting Room S421, L4, Old Wing, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai.
“A total of 420 traditional vehicle registration marks will be put up for public auction. The list of marks has been uploaded to the department’s website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/index.html,” a department spokesman said.
For the auction of TVRMs, only registration marks starting with “HK” or “XX” and special vehicle registration marks are put up for physical auction. Applicants should attend the auction and take note of the opening price as announced by the auctioneer before participating in the bidding of the mark.
People who wish to participate in the bidding at the auction should take note of the following important points:
(1) Successful bidders are required to produce the following documents for completion of registration and payment procedures immediately after the successful bidding:
(i) the identity document of the successful bidder;
(ii) the identity document of the purchaser if it is different from the successful bidder;
(iii) a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation if the purchaser is a body corporate; and
(iv) a crossed cheque made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” or “The Government of the HKSAR”. (For an auctioned mark paid for by cheque, the first three working days after the date of auction will be required for cheque clearance confirmation before processing of the application for mark assignment can be completed.) Successful bidders can also pay through the Easy Pay System (EPS). Payment by post-dated cheques, cash or other methods will not be accepted.
(2) Purchasers must make payment of the purchase price through EPS or by crossed cheque and complete the Memorandum of Sale of Registration Mark immediately after the bidding. Subsequent alteration of the particulars in the memorandum will not be permitted.
(3) A vehicle registration mark can only be assigned to a motor vehicle which is registered in the name of the purchaser. The Certificate of Incorporation must be produced immediately by the purchaser if a vehicle registration mark purchased is to be registered under the name of a body corporate.
(4) The display of a vehicle registration mark on a motor vehicle should be in compliance with the requirements stipulated in Schedule 4 to the Road Traffic (Registration and Licensing of Vehicles) Regulations.
(5) Special registration marks are non-transferable. Where the ownership of a motor vehicle with a special registration mark is transferred, the allocation of the special registration mark shall be cancelled.
(6) The purchaser shall, within 12 months after the date of auction, apply to the Commissioner for Transport for the registration mark to be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser. If the purchaser fails to assign the registration mark within 12 months, allocation of the mark will be cancelled and arranged for re allocation in accordance with the statutory provision without prior notice to the purchaser.
For other auction details, please refer to the Guidance Notes – Auction of Traditional Vehicle Registration Marks, which can be downloaded from the department’s website, www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/vehicle_registration_mark/tvrm_auction/index.html.
Government announces appointments to Fight Crime Committee
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government announces appointments to Fight Crime Committee
Mr George Lau Ka-keung
Dr Eugene Chan Kin-keung
Mr Chan Man-chau
Mr Chong Chong-yip
Professor Lau Sin-ting
Mr Stanley Li Sai-wing
Mr Roland Wong Ka-yeung
Mr Wong Wing-lik
Mr Yeung Ka-shing
Dr Stanley Yim Yuk-lun
The Chief Secretary for Administration and Chairman of the Committee, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, thanked the 10 members for their continuous contributions and dedication to the Committee, and said he looked forward to continuing to work closely with all members.
The Fight Crime Committee is responsible for drawing up plans to reduce crime, co-ordinating efforts in fighting crime and monitoring the results, and determining ways in which the public can be encouraged to contribute to the fight against crime.
Issued at HKT 11:00
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Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected dangerous drugs worth about $2.6 million
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (March 30) seized about 2.4 kilograms of suspected ketamine, about 1.4kg of suspected crack cocaine and 104 tablets of suspected nimetazepam with a total estimated market value of about $2.6 million in Sham Tseng. A man and a woman suspected to be connected with the case were arrested.
Through intelligence analysis and a detailed investigation, Customs targeted a man who was suspected of controlling a drug repacking centre in Sham Tseng. Customs officers conducted a premises search in a residential flat in Sham Tseng yesterday evening and seized the batch of suspected drugs and a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia. A 23-year-old man and a 22-year-old woman were arrested therein.
The two arrestees have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (April 1).
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en).
Appointments to new term of Hong Kong Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appointments to new term of Hong Kong Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said, “I am very pleased that the Chairman and the other eight non-official members have accepted the appointments. They all possess rich experience and expertise in their respective sectors, and will continue to inject impetus into the work of the HKCPEC in promoting regional economic co-operation. I would also like to thank the outgoing member, Ms Edith Law, for her valuable advice and contribution to the work of the HKCPEC during her tenure.”
The HKCPEC is a tripartite forum, comprising members from the academic, business and government sectors, to co-ordinate Hong Kong, China’s participation in the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC), a non-profit, policy-oriented regional organisation with 21 member economies dedicated to the promotion of regional economic development. Over the years, apart from contributing actively to discussions on the PECC front, the HKCPEC has also been promoting locally the importance of regional trade and economic co-operation through a series of internship and youth programmes.
The new membership list of the HKCPEC is as follows:
Chairman
Professor Tam Kar-yan
Vice Chairman
Deputy Director-General of Trade and Industry
Members
Ms Emily Cheung
Ms Suki Cheung
Mr Dickson Kwok
Mr Nicholas Lai
Ms Sophia Lee
Professor Miranda Lou
Professor Lui Hon-kwong
Professor Raymond Wong
Government Economist or his/her representative
Director of Research of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council or his/her representative
Issued at HKT 16:00
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New measures under Housing (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 to combat abuse of public rental housing take effect today
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The new measures under the Housing (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 to combat abuse of public rental housing (PRH) have come into effect today (March 31). The measures include: (i) introducing new offences of “serious tenancy abuse of PRH flats”; (ii) empowering authorised officers to demand personal information from suspicious individuals; and (iii) extending the prosecution time limit for offences involving false statements, refusal to furnish information and unlawful alienations.
The Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, said, ”The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) keeps on enhancing its policies to ensure that public housing resources are targeted to those in greatest need. The Housing (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 demonstrates the steadfast commitment of the Government and the HA to making good use of public housing resources, combining legislative and administrative measures to tackle serious abuse.”
The HA has stepped up its publicity efforts through television programmes, newspapers, social media, leaflets, posters and other channels, and has organised exchange sessions with district councillors to ensure PRH tenants and members of the public fully understand the strengthened measures against abuse of PRH.
Tender awarded for operation of Geospatial Lab
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Tender awarded for operation of Geospatial Lab
A two-envelope approach was adopted in the open tender exercise, under which the weighting for the technical proposal was 70 per cent and price proposal 30 per cent. Two tenders were received. After the tenderers’ execution plans, innovative suggestions, qualifications and relevant experience were assessed, the tender was awarded to the TWGHs and the SCC, which attained the highest combined score on their technical and price proposals.
Leveraging their extensive experience in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education, start-up support, and Geographic Information Systems activities, as well as their established network for promoting AI on campuses, the TWGHs and the SCC will bring more innovative spatial data promotion initiatives to the GeoLab, connecting communities across age groups and business sectors. At the same time, the GeoLab will also strengthen collaboration with the innovation and technology sector to organise creative and inspiring events that enhance daily convenience for citizens and foster the commercial application of spatial data.
The Spatial Data Office of the DEVB looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the TWGHs and the SCC, reaching out to schools and communities, and further promoting and advocating the use of spatial data, with a particular focus on applications that integrate spatial data and AI in the next two years.
Issued at HKT 16:00
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