Category: MIL-OSI

Public urged to guard against fake messages on Guangdong-Hong Kong Regular Quotas for vehicles 
     The spokesman clarified that applicants for the Regular Quotas must meet the application requirements stipulated by the Mainland authority and submit the specified documents (such as business registration documents of both Guangdong and Hong Kong) to the Mainland authority. Upon receipt of the Mainland Approval Notice from the Mainland authority, applicants may then apply to the TD of the HKSAR Government for Closed Road Permits for the designated land-based boundary control points.
 
     The spokesman stressed that the arrangements for the Regular Quotas must be jointly deliberated by the governments of the two places holistically. Citizens should refer to official announcements, verify messages carefully and stay alert against deception to avoid disruption to their travel plans.
Issued at HKT 11:24

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CE arrives in Hainan to attend Boao Forum for Asia annual conference (with photo/video) 
　　Addressing the Forum, Mr Lee said that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the Boao Forum for Asia. The Forum has long fostered regional co-operation and become a premier platform for Asia’s economic co-operation. This year is the opening year of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, which fully supports the high-quality development of the Hainan Free Trade Port. He congratulated the Hainan Free Trade Port on the smooth implementation of island-wide special customs operations and the swift rollout of a number of business-friendly policies, noting that these represent an important showcase in the country’s efforts to promote free trade and advance high-standard opening up. He expressed confidence that Hong Kong, as a global trading hub, will continue to complement the Hainan Free Trade Port and pursue mutual benefits, working together to promote free trade.
 
　　Mr Lee said that Hong Kong is ranked No. 1 in the world in economic freedom. Under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantages of having the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. Hong Kong’s common law system is aligned with major global financial hubs, its tax system is simple and low, and capital, goods, talent and information all flow freely. Hong Kong remains steadfastly committed to free trade and multilateralism and will continue to expand its global trade network, leverage its network to connect investors with opportunities, and further promote regional economic development and prosperity.
 
　　Mr Lee said that China is the host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2026. The APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting will be held in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for the first time in October 2026. The HKSAR Government will spare no effort to ensure the full success of the meeting and leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle in connecting the Mainland and the world to deepen international exchanges and co-operation.
 
　　In the evening, Mr Lee attended the Boao Forum for Asia 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner to exchange views with key guests from various countries.
 
　　Mr Lee will continue his visit to Hainan tomorrow (March 25).
Issued at HKT 19:00

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Interest rate of first interest payment for Silver Bond Series due 2028      
     According to the Issue Circular dated September 15, 2025 for the Bonds, the first interest payment of the Bonds is scheduled to be made on April 10, 2026, and the relevant interest rate is scheduled to be determined and announced on March 24, 2026 as the higher of the prevailing Floating Rate and Fixed Rate. 
      
     On March 24, 2026, the Floating Rate and Fixed Rate are as follows:
 
Floating Rate: +1.28 per cent (Annex)
Fixed Rate: +3.85 per cent
 
     Based on the Floating Rate and Fixed Rate set out above, the relevant interest rate for the first interest payment is determined and announced as 3.85 per cent per annum.
Issued at HKT 17:20

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Interest rate of fifth interest payment for series of retail green bonds due 2026      
     According to the Issue Circular dated September 18, 2023 for the Retail Green Bonds, the fifth interest payment of the Retail Green Bonds is scheduled to be made on April 10, 2026, and the relevant interest rate is scheduled to be determined and announced on March 24, 2026 as the higher of the prevailing Floating Rate and Fixed Rate. 
      
     On March 24, 2026, the Floating Rate and Fixed Rate are as follows:-
      
Floating Rate: +1.28 per cent (Annex)
Fixed Rate: +4.75 per cent
 
     Based on the Floating Rate and Fixed Rate set out above, the relevant interest rate for the fifth interest payment is determined and announced as 4.75 per cent per annum.
Issued at HKT 17:20

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CEDD signs MOU with South China Botanical Garden of Chinese Academy of Sciences  
     The MOU was signed by the Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Michael Fong, and the Director of the SCBG, Mr Yan Junhua. Both parties will jointly explore key technologies related to plant resource applications, exchange technologies and share resources.
 
     At the signing ceremony, Mr Fong said that the CEDD is committed to building Hong Kong into a liveable and sustainable world-class city, and to achieving the coexistence of conservation and development by integrating ecological principles into engineering planning. The MOU is conducive to developing strategies for Nature-based Solutions and advancing green infrastructure.
 
     Mr Yan said that the SCBG will work hand in hand with the CEDD to advance scientific research in areas such as key technologies in the application of plant resources, thereby providing scientific and technological support for green development.
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     The SCBG is a scientific research institution directly affiliated with the CAS, which is the country’s highest academic institution for natural sciences. Under its leadership, the SCBG received approval from the State Council in 2022 to establish the South China National Botanical Garden, shouldering the mission of plant diversity conservation and scientific research in the nation.
 
Issued at HKT 14:40

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Kwai Chung Hospital new blocks to commence services in phases  
     Kwai Chung Hospital (KCH) announced today (March 24) that the new blocks under the phase 2 redevelopment of the hospital, including the Main Block and the Child and Adolescent Block, will commence services in phases starting from March 30. Clinical services of KCH will be progressively relocated to the new blocks, further enhancing the environment of mental health services and patient experience.
 
     In the initial phase, the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Specialist Out-patient Clinic and the Perinatal Mental Health Clinic will be relocated to the Child and Adolescent Block to commence services starting from March 30. In the second phase, the Adult Psychiatric Specialist Out-patient Clinic and Psychogeriatric Specialist Out-patient Clinic services will be relocated to the Main Block in the second quarter of this year. In-patient services will also be gradually relocated to the new blocks.
 
     The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and the Perinatal Mental Health Clinic, which will be relocated to the new block in the initial phase, are currently operating separately at the Specialist Out-patient Clinics of Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital. Starting from March 30, these clinical services will be consolidated at the Child and Adolescent Block to provide patients with enhanced and more efficient mental health services. The Adult Psychiatric Specialist Out-patient Clinic and Psychogeriatric Specialist Out-patient Clinic services, which will be relocated to the new block in the second phase, are currently situated at the Specialist Out-patient Clinics of Princess Margaret Hospital and Ha Kwai Chung Polyclinic. They will be relocated to the Main Block within the second quarter of this year. Services at the East Kowloon Psychiatric Centre located in Diamond Hill will remain unchanged.
 
     The Hospital Chief Executive of KCH, Dr Cheng Koi-man, stated, “The new hospital blocks are designed with the vision of a ‘therapeutic village’. It will provide 1,000 psychiatric beds and aims to offer patients a more comfortable therapeutic environment, personalised treatment plans, and community integration services, accompanying patients and carers on their journey of recovery. The hospital will commence subsequent follow-up project works to demolish the old block and construct a therapeutic/rehabilitation garden, providing more outdoor activity space to support patients’ recoveries.”
 
     Following the commissioning of the new blocks of KCH, a new general enquiry hotline at 2752 3000 will be activated simultaneously, while the existing hotline at 2959 8111 will remain in use until the completion of all service relocations. The enquiry hotlines and addresses of various Specialist Out-patient Clinics have also been updated (details are appended as Annex 1). To facilitate patients and visitors travelling to and from the KCH new blocks, designated stops for a green minibus and taxi stand will be set up at the main entrance of the KCH Main Block (detailed location is appended as Annex 2). The lift tower on Lai King Hill Road will be opened shortly to provide convenient access for the public.
 
     KCH has informed the public of the service relocation through multiple channels, including direct phone calls to patients, distribution of appointment slips or relocation notices, placement of roll-up banners, and posting of posters and notices at the relevant hospitals and clinics. These measures aim to ensure that patients and their carers are well informed of the service relocation arrangements. For more information about KCH services, please visit the hospital’s website (https://www3.ha.org.hk/kch/en/index_default.htmIssued at HKT 17:50

Entries invited for MiMEP Infinity Awards       
     With the Development Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Guangdong Province as advisors, the competition aims to promote the application of innovative technologies in E&M engineering to enhance construction efficiency, as well as to recognise the contributions of industry stakeholders in advancing high productivity construction. The Multi-trade integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MiMEP) approach strengthens collaboration among engineering project stakeholders by integrating design, manufacturing, and assembly processes, thereby enhancing construction efficiency and achieving the goals of high-quality and sustainable development. 
      
     Speaking at the launching ceremony today (March 24), the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau, said that the innovative technologies developed by the Development Bureau and its departments have garnered multiple international awards, showcasing Hong Kong’s achievements in innovation. Guided by the National 15th Five-Year Plan, the Government will focus on high-quality development and promote the development of new quality productive forces. By leveraging innovative technologies such as MiMEP, the Government will accelerate the transformation and upgrading of the construction industry, further enhancing its overall competitiveness.
      
     The launching ceremony was attended by over 300 industry stakeholders and government representatives both online and in person.
      
     The competition features four major award categories: New Construction Project, Under Construction Project, Repair, Maintenance, Alteration and Addition (RMAA), and Factory/Manufacturer, as well as three special award categories to recognise innovative practices and outstanding performance in different fields of the industry. For details of the competition, please visit mimep-infinity-awards.com.hk/index_en.htmlIssued at HKT 17:56