The value of residential mortgage loans approved in February was $29 billion, a 10.8% decrease compared with January, the Monetary Authority announced today.
Mortgage loans financing primary market transactions decreased 24% to $8.6 billion, while those financing secondary market transactions decreased 6.1% to $17.2 billion.
Loans for refinancing increased 10.7% to $3.2 billion.
Mortgage loans drawn down during February amounted to $16.4 billion, a 24.4% drop from January.
The number of mortgage applications in February fell 7.5% month-on-month to 8,125.
The outstanding value of mortgage loans rose 0.2% month-on-month to $1.9263 trillion at end-February.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appointments to Committee on the Promotion of Civic Education announced The three newly appointed members are Miss Doo Hoi-kem, Professor Li Chen and Mr Paul Mak Tak-chuen. The 11 reappointed members are Miss Chan Nga-man, Ms Chan Wing-man, Mr Allen Che Wai-hang, Miss Kimberly Kwok Hew-chee, Mr Andy Kwok Wing-leung, Ms Lau Hoi-chi, Mr Lee Kang-pan, Miss Leung Yan-yan, Mr Poon Siu-chi, Ms Esther Sham Ei-hung and Mr Yiu Chun-kai.
The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, welcomed the appointments and said she was pleased to see new members coming from different sectors and professions who would give valuable advice to the work of the CPCE. She also expressed her appreciation to the outgoing members, Mr Mac Chan Ho-ting, Mr Jonathan Chan Pok-chi, Mr Robert Andrew Lui Chi-wang and Mr Henry Tong Sau-chai, for their efforts and contributions to the CPCE during their term of service.
The membership list of the CPCE, with effect from April 1, 2026, is as follows:
Chairman ————- Mr Stanley Choi Tak-shing
Members ———— Miss Chan Nga-man Ms Chan Wing-man Mr Allen Che Wai-hang Ms Carol Cheung Nga-lai Miss Chong Chui-shan Mr Stephen Chua Yiu-yeung Miss Doo Hoi-kem Professor Alex Fan Hoi-kit Mr Dave Ho Professor Li Chen Miss Kimberly Kwok Hew-chee Mr Andy Kwok Wing-leung Ms Lau Hoi-chi Mr Lee Kang-pan Ms Lee Wing-yi Miss Christine Leung Wan-chong Miss Leung Yan-yan Mr Vincent Ma Chi-wai (Steven Ma Chun-wai) Mr Paul Mak Tak-chuen Mr Poon Siu-chi Ms Esther Sham Ei-hung Mr Jan Noel Shih Miss Winnie So Wing-yu Mr James Tong Wai-pong Ms Wong Kit-lin Mr Yiu Chun-kai Mr Solomon Yung Sze-hon
The CPCE was established in 1986 as a non-statutory advisory body to promote civic education outside schools. It advises the Government on the objective and scope of civic education, promotes civic education outside schools through a range of publicity and educational programmes, and sponsors eligible organisations to carry out civic education projects. Issued at HKT 11:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Appointments to Community Investment and Inclusion Fund Committee announced The membership list of the CIIF Committee, with effect from April 1, 2026, is as follows:———– Mr Shum Ho-kit—————- Miss Amy Chan Lim-chee———- Miss Louisa Cheung Yee-sha Mr Lawrence Lam Chi-bun Miss Charlotte Lau Hei-lam Mr Lau Hing-wah Ms Janus Lau Yuen-yee Mr Lee Kwong-yu Miss Leung Sze-wan Dr Michael Liu Tsz-chung Professor Ming Wai-kit Ms Ng Mei-yee Mr Wilson Or Chong-shing Dr Johannes Poon Yin-kwong Dr So Lai-chun Mr Johnny Sze Chun-hong Ms Tse Yi-lam Mr Andy Wan Ka-kit Ms Macy Wong Chor-kei Mr Yim Chi-fung Mr Yu Hon-kwan
The CIIF was established in 2002 to promote social capital development through encouraging mutual support in the neighbourhood, community participation and cross-sectoral partnership. The CIIF Committee is tasked to handle applications for funding under the CIIF and advise the Government on the administration of the CIIF as well as the development of social capital in Hong Kong. Issued at HKT 11:00
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Chief Executive in Council today (March 31) authorised the railway scheme of the Smart and Green Mass Transit System in Kai Tak (SGMTS-KT) in accordance with the Railways Ordinance (Cap. 519).
The SGMTS-KT is approximately 3.5-kilometre long with six stations. The termini will be connected to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and the MTR Kai Tak Station respectively. It will provide a convenient feeder transport service connecting the former runway area of Kai Tak to the MTR Kai Tak Station to strengthen connectivity among residential and commercial developments, tourism, culture and recreation, sports and community facilities within the area. Tenders for the contract of the SGMTS-KT were invited in October 2025, with the system targeted to be commissioned in 2031.
A Government spokesperson said, “The Government has collected public views on the SGMTS-KT project through various channels earlier, including consulting the Legislative Council (LegCo)’s Subcommittee on Matters Relating to Railways, the Transport Advisory Committee, the Kowloon City District Council and the Task Force on Kai Tak Harbourfront Development of the Harbourfront Commission, and exchanging views with relevant LegCo Members and stakeholders. The public is generally supportive of the SGMTS-KT project.”
The scheme of the SGMTS-KT was gazetted on July 25, 2025, and August 1, 2025. In respect of the objections received, the Government has carefully studied the grounds of each opinion and met with the objectors to explain the railway scheme and address their concerns. All of the unwithdrawn objections have been submitted to the Executive Council for consideration.
“During the implementation of the SGMTS-KT project, the franchisee will maintain close communication with the relevant stakeholders. Furthermore, the franchisee is required to comply with the conditions set out in the environmental permit issued by the Director of Environmental Protection to mitigate the environmental impacts of the works,” the spokesman added.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Government’s financial results for 11 months ended February 28, 2026 Expenditure and revenue from April 2025 to February 2026 amounted to HK$691.5 billion and HK$654.8 billion respectively, resulting in a surplus of HK$62.6 billion after taking into account HK$148.9 billion received from issuance of Government Bonds and repayment of HK$49.6 billion principal on Government Bonds. The fiscal reserves stood at HK$716.9 billion as at February 28, 2026.
According to the 2026-27 Budget announced in end-February 2026, the revised estimate for the current financial year will record a surplus of HK$2.9 billion and the fiscal reserves are estimated to be HK$657.2 billion as at the end of March 2026.
Detailed figures are shown in Tables 1 and 2.
TABLE 1. CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT (Note 1)
February 28, 2026 HK$ millionFebruary 28, 2026 HK$ millionand repayment of Government Bondsissuance of Government BondsGovernment Bonds*and repayment of Government BondsGovernment Debts as at February 28, 2026 (Note 3) HK$407,176 million Debts Guaranteed by Government as at February 28, 2026 (Note 4) HK$111,597 million
TABLE 2. FISCAL RESERVES
February 28, 2026 HK$ millionFebruary 28, 2026 HK$ million(Note 5)Notes:
1. This Account consolidates the General Revenue Account and the following eight Funds: Capital Works Reserve Fund, Capital Investment Fund, Civil Service Pension Reserve Fund, Disaster Relief Fund, Innovation and Technology Fund, Land Fund, Loan Fund and Lotteries Fund. It excludes the Bond Fund, the balance of which is not part of the fiscal reserves. The Bond Fund balance as at February 28, 2026, was HK$153,602 million.
2. Includes transactions with the Exchange Fund and resident banks. (ii) the Infrastructure Bonds (equivalent to HK$109,640 million as at February 28, 2026) issued under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. They were denominated in Renminbi (RMB38,500 million with maturity from March 2026 to June 2055) and Hong Kong dollars (HK$65,730 million with maturity from May 2026 to June 2055); and
(iii) the Silver Bonds with nominal value of HK$109,050 million (with maturity in October 2027 and October 2028 and may be redeemed before maturity upon request from bond holders) issued under the Infrastructure Bond Programme.
They do not include the outstanding bonds with nominal value of HK$100,615 million and alternative bonds with nominal value of US$1,000 million (equivalent to HK$7,823 million as at February 28, 2026) issued under the Government Bond Programme with proceeds credited to the Bond Fund. Of these bonds under the Government Bond Programme (including Silver Bonds with nominal value of HK$53,515 million, which may be redeemed before maturity upon request from bond holders), bonds with nominal value of HK$53,515 million will mature within the period from March 2026 to February 2027, and the rest within the period from March 2027 to May 2042.
4. Includes guarantees provided under the SME Loan Guarantee Scheme launched in 2001, the Special Loan Guarantee Scheme launched in 2008, the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme launched in 2012, the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Cross-boundary Passenger Transport Trade, the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Battery Electric Taxis and the Loan Guarantee Scheme for Travel Sector launched in 2023, and the commercial loan under Guaranteed Medium Term Note Programme of the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited.
5. Includes HK$250,029 million, being the balance of the Land Fund held in the name of “Future Fund”, for long-term investments up to December 31, 2030. The Future Fund also includes HK$4,800 million, being one-third of the actual surplus in 2015-16 as top-up. Issued at HKT 16:30
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
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.
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
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.
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.