Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HKMA hosts CargoX Solution Day to promote regional trade data connectivity
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (October 5) successfully organised the CargoX Solution Day. The event served as a platform for key stakeholders in the cargo and trade data ecosystem to exchange insights and showcase the innovative solutions in enhancing trade data connectivity to regional levels under the CargoX Pilot Programme.
Themed “From local to regional trade data connectivity: shaping the future of trade finance through innovative CargoX pilots”, the Solution Day attracted over 300 industry professionals from banks, cargo and trade data providers, government agencies and partners of Commercial Data Interchange (CDI). The event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions and solution presentations, focusing on strengthening trade data connectivity with Hong Kong’s key trading partners, such as the Chinese Mainland and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) economies, as well as integrating CDI with key government cargo and trade data platforms.
A highlight of the CargoX Solution Day was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the HKMA and the PAA Digital Trade Alliance (PAA) (Note 1) to promote trade finance digitalisation. The two parties will commence joint innovation projects on enhancing cargo and trade data connectivity between Hong Kong and PAA member economies, thereby catalysing data-driven innovation in financial services and enhancing trade finance availability in the region.
During the Solution Day, the HKMA also shared results achieved under the CargoX Pilot Programme, particularly its progress in enhancing connectivity with key trade corridors. In collaboration with the Shanghai Data Bureau (SDB), the HKMA has successfully established a link-up between CDI and a digital trade platform developed by the SDB. Known as “CargoX Connect”, this collaboration has enabled five pilot banks (Note 2) to access and utilise trade declaration data from the Yangtze River Delta region, serving as the first pilot cohort. This development facilitates various trade finance processes, such as trade verification and due diligence on trade counterparts, resulting in faster loan drawdowns for Hong Kong businesses engaging in both onshore and offshore trade. To date, this pilot has enabled the approval of ten trade finance loans amounting to HK$180 million. The HKMA intends to extend this successful model to other provinces and cities in the Chinese Mainland as the next phase of development.
Building on these encouraging developments in collaboration with the SDB and the PAA, through CargoX, the HKMA will continue to leverage Hong Kong’s role as a super-connector to strengthen trade data connectivity along key corridors, including the Chinese Mainland and ASEAN. The ultimate goal is to enhance the transparency of cross-border trade transactions, thereby unlocking trade finance opportunities and supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the region.
Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA Mr Howard Lee said, “Today’s CargoX Solution Day serves as a vital platform to showcase how the CargoX Pilot Programme is translating strategic recommendations into tangible actions. Building on the encouraging progress of the CargoX pilot projects, the signing of the MoU with the PAA marks a significant milestone in our endeavour to enhance regional trade data connectivity, including ASEAN economies, for more streamlined SME trade financing. By leveraging our CDI data infrastructure, CargoX will continue to expand from local to regional levels, building a more efficient and inclusive digital trade ecosystem across borders. This ultimately contributes to SME growth and fosters seamless international trade.”
The Chair of the PAA, Tan Sri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir, said, “The signing of this MoU with the HKMA marks a transformative step forward for cross-border trade finance in the region. By seamlessly bridging the PAA’s robust regional network with Hong Kong’s cutting-edge CDI infrastructure, we are unlocking the true power of data-driven finance. Together, we will eliminate the traditional frictions in international trade, giving SMEs across ASEAN and neighbouring economies unprecedented access to capital. We are excited to co-create a more inclusive, resilient, and fully digitised regional trade ecosystem.”
Note 1: The PAA is a global alliance comprising trade single window operators and e-commerce service providers from 15 economies, including ASEAN member states.Issued at HKT 18:00
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HKSAR LegCo strongly opposes and disapproves of remarks by UK FCDO official on Hong Kong Alliance case
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HKSAR LegCo strongly opposes and disapproves of remarks by UK FCDO official on Hong Kong Alliance case
The LegCo spokesperson stated that Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law. LegCo firmly supports the Court of First Instance of the High Court in handing down sentences in the case in accordance with the law, considering that the judgment demonstrates legal justice and strongly safeguards the HKSAR’s constitutional order established by the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) (the Constitution) and the Basic Law of the HKSAR of the PRC (the Basic Law). LegCo resolutely opposes any foreign forces making malicious smears, slanderous attacks, and taking the opportunity to interfere in China’s internal affairs regarding the case.
The LegCo spokesperson reiterated that, as pointed out earlier by the HKSAR Government in response to the UK’s so-called six-monthly report on Hong Kong, the core essence of the Sino-British Joint Declaration is about China’s resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong. It did not authorise the UK to interfere in Hong Kong’s affairs after its return to the motherland. Thereafter, the UK has no sovereignty, jurisdiction or right of supervision over Hong Kong.
The LegCo spokesperson pointed out that the allegation, which was made by the UK FCDO’s official responsible for Indo-Pacific affairs, that the defendants in the case were convicted merely for “peaceful acts of remembrance” completely disregards facts and misleads the public. The court pointed out in its reasons for sentence that the defendants were not on trial for their political thoughts or acts prior to the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL). The convictions were purely because, after the HKNSL came into effect, they continued to pursue the goal of overthrowing and undermining the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) as established under the Constitution by committing various incitement criminal acts. Those acts attempted to cause Hong Kong citizens to lose trust in the Communist Party, thereby achieving the objective of undermining the fundamental system of the state, gravely endangering national security. The UK official’s attempt to glorify criminal acts endangering national security as peaceful activities is a blatant trampling on the spirit of the rule of law.
The LegCo spokesperson also reiterated that the Constitution is the fundamental law of the state, clearly specifying that the CPC’s leadership is the core and foundation of the state’s constitutional order. No country’s constitution allows its citizens to subvert the established constitutional order and fundamental system of the state. The UK itself maintains various stringent laws safeguarding national security, yet makes unreasonable criticisms against the legitimate measures of the HKSAR in safeguarding national security in accordance with the law. This is a typical act of hypocrisy with double standards. The LegCo spokesperson requests the British side immediately stops the acts of interfering in Hong Kong’s affairs.
In fact, since the implementation of the HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s rule of law has become more solid, and the various freedoms lawfully enjoyed by citizens have received more substantial protection. Various international indicators and rankings show that Hong Kong is a safe and stable city suitable for living and investment. As an integral member of the HKSAR’s governing team, LegCo firmly supports the HKSAR Government in fully and faithfully implementing laws safeguarding national security, safeguarding high-quality development of the country and Hong Kong with high-level security, and ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle.
Issued at HKT 18:05
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Import of poultry meat and products from areas in US and UK suspended
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Import of poultry meat and products from areas in US and UK suspended
A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 24 190 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat and about 20.2 million poultry eggs from the US, and about 340 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat from the UK in the first six months of this year.
“The CFS has contacted the American and British authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.
Issued at HKT 18:18
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Council on Human Reproductive Technology approves full resumption of services at “Heal Fertility Limited”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Council on Human Reproductive Technology approves full resumption of services at “Heal Fertility Limited”
The Council on Human Reproductive Technology (Council) convened a special meeting today (October 5) to review the licence of “Heal Fertility Limited” (Heal Fertility). In view of the earlier incident involving a mix-up in embryo biopsy specimens at Heal Fertility, Council members thoroughly reviewed the information obtained from a follow-up on-site inspection, and confirmed that Heal Fertility has properly implemented all remedial and improvement measures. Therefore, the Council allowed Heal Fertility to fully resume all 17 treatment services covered by its licence starting tomorrow (October 6).
Since July 8, the Council had suspended Heal Fertility’s 14 treatment services out of 17, with the exception of three services related to the storage of gametes or embryos, and had set up an investigation committee to investigate the matter. The Council had convened a special meeting on September 3 to review the investigation report and the licence matters of Heal Fertility.
This meeting followed up on a special meeting
On September 22, the Council conducted another unannounced on‑site inspection of Heal Fertility, focusing on all aspects of the remedial measures.
The Council was satisfied and convinced that Heal Fertility had refined its internal sample‑handling procedures, strengthened staff training, and upgraded laboratory management and security systems in accordance with the Council’s requirements, including the implementation of CCTV surveillance on the premises, the installation of biometric locks on all cryostorage tanks, and the enhancement of sample identification and verification. The Council also noted that the main personnel involved in the incident had already left Heal Fertility, and that Heal Fertility has recruited new staff and provided training. After thoroughly reviewing the relevant reports and inspection results, the Council therefore allowed Heal Fertility to resume normal operations starting tomorrow. The Council will continue to closely monitor Heal Fertility’s performance to safeguard the continuous provision of safe and high-quality services to individuals seeking human reproductive technology services.
Moreover, the Council has commenced a review of the Code of Practice on Reproductive Technology and Embryo Research. Key areas include reviewing the incident reporting mechanism and optimising the security and handling procedures of biological samples, with a target completion date of next year.
Issued at HKT 18:35
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RTHK launches new media platform and mascot Wavee
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) today (October 5) launched its new media platform, as well as a new mascot called Wavee, in response to the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address, which called on RTHK to strengthen its use of AI technologies and new media platforms to enhance production quality and efficiency, tell the good stories of the nation and Hong Kong, and elevate its international communication capacity.
The Director of Broadcasting, Ms Angelina Kwan, said that RTHK is capitalising on the advantages of new media’s broad coverage and fast production and dissemination capabilities to provide the public with diverse online content, strengthening its communications reach while fully demonstrating the extensive application of AI technology. Through the new media platform and Wavee, RTHK hopes to inject greater dynamism and approachability into its offerings, drawing a wider audience, especially the younger generation, to tune in to RTHK’s productions.
The new media platform presents Hong Kong’s strengths and community character from multiple perspectives, with specially curated content organised around five key themes. “Wa~ So Hong Kong” ventures deep into local communities to uncover heartwarming human stories; “Wa~ So Cheeky” takes a light-hearted look at the lovable and endearing side of Hong Kong; and “Wa~ So Chill” introduces residents and visitors alike to the city’s signature events, cultural attractions and local culinary scene. Through these specially produced titles, RTHK aims to promote Hong Kong and champion its spirit in an engaging and accessible manner. In addition, “Wa~ So Classic” leverages AI technology to restore precious archival footage from RTHK’s archives, presenting Hong Kong’s remarkable development journey through a compelling then-and-now format. The forthcoming “Wa~ So Dramatic” will deliver a series of short online dramas produced using a diverse range of formats, including AI-generated, animated, live-action and hybrid productions. This series will advance RTHK’s broader adoption of AI in media production, boosting efficiency, diversifying content offerings and keeping pace with the evolving new media landscape. The new media platform is now live on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. Members of the public are warmly invited to watch, follow and share.
RTHK has also unveiled Wavee, a new mascot created using AI technology. The design concept draws on the electromagnetic waves that underpin RTHK’s radio and television services. Wavee embodies the rich heritage of RTHK’s long broadcasting history and carries deep significance as a symbol of delivering information to the people of Hong Kong. Beyond serving as the emblem of the new media platform, Wavee will take on an important ambassadorial role for RTHK, appearing across its new media content, television and radio programmes, and public events.
Moreover, RTHK today launched the RTHK Education Corner (Chinese only), an online teaching resource hub featuring a curated selection of more than 10 RTHK programmes centred on education and youth themes. These programmes are made available free of charge for schools to screen and use for teaching purposes. Interested schools may submit their applications directly through the RTHK Education Corner. RTHK will update the selection of featured programmes on the platform on a regular basis.
A hot and relatively dry September
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Attributed to the stronger-than-normal upper-air anticyclone over southern China, September 2026 was hotter and drier than usual. The monthly mean minimum temperature of 27.1 degrees was 1.0 degree above the normal and the fifth highest on record for September. The monthly mean temperature of 28.8 degrees and mean maximum temperature of 31.8 degrees were 0.9 degree and 1.3 degrees above their respective normals and both were one of the 10th highest on record for September. Moreover, the monthly mean relative humidity of 74 per cent was four percentage points below the normal of 78 per cent and was one of the sixth lowest on record for September. Rainfall in the month was only 94.3 millimetres, about 29 per cent of the normal of 321.4 millimetres. The accumulated rainfall in the first nine months of the year was 2 451.9 millimetres, about nine per cent above the normal of 2 242.8 millimetres for the same period.
After Saudel re-intensified into a tropical depression on the last day of August, it moved northeastwards across the northern part of the South China Sea on September 1 and skirted about 200 kilometres southeast of Hong Kong. It further intensified into a tropical storm on the next day before making landfall over Zhangzhou, Fujian, on the morning of September 3. It then moved across the eastern part of inland Guangdong and weakened gradually. Locally, under the combined effect of Saudel and the northeast monsoon, there were occasional strong winds offshore and on high ground on September 1. There were occasional squally showers and thunderstorms. Around 20 millimetres of rainfall were generally recorded over the territory, and rainfall even exceeded 40 millimetres over the eastern part of the New Territories. With the departure of Saudel, showers decreased and there were sunny intervals during the day on September 2 and 3.
Winds over Hong Kong were weak during the next five days. Apart from isolated showers, local weather became generally fine on September 4 and 5. However, a band of clouds covered Guangdong on September 6 and brought a few showers to the territory. There were more showers in some areas in the morning. Around 10 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over many places, and rainfall even exceeded 40 millimetres over the northeastern part of the New Territories. Under light wind conditions, daytime heating triggered showers over inland Guangdong the next day. The heat-triggered showers moved southwards and affected the territory that afternoon with more than 20 millimetres of rainfall recorded over Yuen Long and Tsuen Wan Districts. With the thinning out of the cloud bands, the weather of Hong Kong turned mainly fine apart from isolated showers on September 8.
The northeast monsoon affected southern China in the next four days. Locally, the weather was dry during the day with a mixture of sunny periods and a few showers. Showers were heavier with more than 20 millimetres over North District on the morning of September 10. Under the showers in the small hours on September 11, the temperature at the Observatory dropped to a minimum of 25.5 degrees, the lowest of the month. With plenty of sunshine, it was very hot on September 12. Under the combined effect of a strong northeast monsoon and a tropical depression over the seas to the east of Vietnam, local winds strengthened gradually on September 12 and persisted until the next day. Local weather was mainly cloudy with sunny intervals and a few showers on September 13.
The northeast monsoon moderated on September 14 and a band of clouds over the coast of Guangdong brought a few showers to the territory. Showers were heavier in some areas with thunderstorms. More than 40 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over parts of the North District, Tuen Mun and Kowloon. Under the influence of a replenishment of the northeast monsoon, local weather was mainly cloudy with a few showers on September 15 and became generally fine on the following two days. It was dry in the afternoon of September 17. Affected by an anticyclone aloft, local weather remained dry during the day and generally fine from September 18 to 20. It was very hot on September 19 and 20.
Winds were weak over the coast of Guangdong on September 21. Locally, it was still very hot with sunny periods. Upper-air disturbances brought a few showers and thunderstorms to the territory on September 22. Around 5 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over Hong Kong Island and parts of the New Territories East. Under the influence of the northeast monsoon, the weather of Hong Kong was generally fine apart from isolated showers in the mornings on September 23 and 24. The northeast monsoon moderated and an anticyclone aloft continued to bring mainly fine weather to the coast of Guangdong from September 25 to 30. Local weather remained dry during the day and generally fine during the last six days of the month, apart from isolated showers from September 28 to 30. It was also very hot on September 29 and 30. With abundant sunshine, the temperature at the Observatory rose to a maximum of 34.2 degrees on the afternoon of September 30, the highest of the month.
Seven tropical cyclones occurred over the South China Sea and the western North Pacific in September 2026.
Details of the issuance and cancellation of various warnings/signals in the month are summarised in Table 1. Monthly meteorological figures and departures from normal for September are tabulated in Table 2.
Please refer to the following link for the latest monthly forecast: Monthly Forecast.
DH responds to media enquiries regarding “Heal Fertility Limited”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
In response to media enquiries regarding “Heal Fertility Limited” (the centre), which was previously requested to stop accepting new cases for reproductive technology procedures following a Serious Untoward Event involving a mix-up in embryo biopsy specimens, the Department of Health (DH) announced today (October 5) that in light of the confirmation by the Council on Human Reproductive Technology (Council) that the centre has properly implemented all remedial and improvement measures, and has been approved by the Council to fully resume all 17 treatment services covered by its licence from tomorrow (October 6), the DH lifted its earlier directive suspending the centre from accepting new patients for assisted reproductive technology procedures. Starting tomorrow, the centre will be able to fully resume accepting new patients for assisted reproductive technology procedures.
Regarding the centre’s failure to report the Serious Untoward Events to the DH within 24 hours of identification, as required by the Code of Practice for Day Procedure Centres (Code of Practice) under the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance (Cap. 633) (the Ordinance), the DH completed an investigation and issued a press release early last month stating that the centre had implemented a series of improvement measures as directed by the DH to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents and to ensure strict compliance in the future with the Code of Practice, which requires reporting any Serious Untoward Events to the DH within 24 hours of identification. If there is non-compliance to the Code of Practice by licensed private healthcare facilities, the DH will take regulatory action according to the risk level posed by the non-compliance to patient safety.
The DH once again reminded all private healthcare facilities holding licences from the Council to provide reproductive technology procedures that they must strictly comply with the relevant licensing conditions and the Codes of Practice stipulated by the DH and the Council. The DH will continue to monitor the compliance of licensed private healthcare facilities with the requirements of the Ordinance, the licensing conditions, and the Code of Practice, in order to safeguard public safety.
Company and its director fined $66,000 for contravening Employment Ordinance
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
AD Fortune Communications Limited and its director were prosecuted by the Labour Department (LD) for violating the requirements under the Employment Ordinance (EO). The company and its director pleaded guilty at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts today (October 5) and were fined a total sum of $66,000. The company and its director were also ordered to pay the employees concerned an outstanding sum of about $287,000.
The company wilfully and without reasonable excuse contravened the requirements of the EO, failing to pay four employees’ wages within seven days after the expiry of the wage periods and termination of the employment contracts, totalling about $190,000, as well as the awarded sums totalling about $287,000 within 14 days after the date set by the Labour Tribunal (LT). The director was also prosecuted and convicted for her consent, connivance or neglect in the above offences.
“The ruling will disseminate a strong message to all employers, directors and responsible officers of companies that they have to pay wages, termination payments and sums awarded by the LT or the Minor Employment Claims Adjudication Board to employees within the statutory time limit stipulated in the EO,” a spokesman for the LD said.
“The LD will not tolerate these offences and will spare no effort in enforcing the law and safeguarding employees’ statutory rights,” the spokesman added.
ICH Office launches new exhibition “Living Craftsmanship” (with photos)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The ”Living Craftsmanship – Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition”, presented by the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Office under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will be open to the public from tomorrow (October 6) at CLP Pulse, which has been revitalised from a Grade 1 historic building. The exhibition invites visitors to explore the dedication and skills of ICH practitioners, the historical and cultural significance behind these crafts, and stories of their transmission.
The exhibition features eight ICH items related to Hong Kong’s traditional craftsmanship, including Technique of Making Kwan Kwa Wedding Costume, Flower Button Making Technique, Paper Crafting Technique, Cantonese Opera Headdress Crafting Technique, Wooden Boat Building Technique, Steamer Making Technique, Mahjong Tile Making Technique, and Guangcai (Canton Famille Rose Porcelain) Making Technique. In addition to showcasing exquisite ICH works that convey the warmth of craftsmanship and relevant production tools, the exhibition is supplemented by interactive multimedia programmes, vividly presenting the vitality of traditional crafts in contemporary society.
CLP Pulse is located at 147 Argyle Street, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon. Admission is free. For details of the exhibition, please visit the ICH Office website at www.icho.hk/en/web/icho/living_craftsmanship.html.
The exhibition is also one of the activities in the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. Please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ccpo/index.html for more information.
Fourth-term Human Resources Planning Commission convenes seventh meeting
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Fourth-term Human Resources Planning Commission convenes seventh meeting
At the meeting, the Census and Statistics Department briefed members on the latest situation and characteristics of Hong Kong’s labour force, employment and population. Under the influence of factors such as population ageing, Hong Kong’s overall labour force participation rate has been on a downward trend, which has nevertheless been alleviated by the various talent admission and labour importation measures. Members noted that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased slightly from 3.7 per cent in May-July 2026 to 3.8 per cent in June-August 2026, and that the youth unemployment situation warrants attention. Members understood that the rise in unemployment and the youth employment situation are structural challenges faced by most advanced economies worldwide, and Hong Kong is no exception. They were also pleased to note that the Government continues to invest heavily in education and skills training to enhance the skills and competitiveness of the local workforce, including launching the two-year 30 000 Youth Employment and Internship Programme announced in the 2026 Policy Address to facilitate youth employment and development. The Labour Department will also launch the “Youth Employment Link” online service portal to facilitate young people’s access to employment information and support services. Looking ahead, the continued expansion of the local economy is expected to underpin overall labour market conditions.
The Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB) also briefed members at the meeting on the results of the report on the Mid-term Update of Manpower Projection. The report indicates that the overall manpower shortage in Hong Kong has been alleviated, benefiting from the various talent admission and labour importation measures implemented by the Government over the past three years. The overall manpower shortage in 2028 is projected to narrow from the previous projection of approximately 180 000 to some 130 000. The demand for emerging AI experts continues to grow, particularly for “composite talent” who possesses both AI application skills and sector-specific knowledge. The Government will formulate corresponding measures in response to the results of the mid-term update, including strengthening local training and enhancing the talent admission measures. Members were pleased to note that the Government will continue to promote “AI for All” and support lifelong learning, ensuring that the skills of the labour force remain aligned with Hong Kong’s future economy.
The Hong Kong’s First Five-Year plan promulgated in the middle of last month clearly sets out that, on the premise of protecting local workers, the Government will closely monitor changes in labour supply and demand, and dynamically adjust the types and number of workers to be imported.
The LWB will soon commence a new round of review of the Talent List. In the course of the review, reference will be made to the latest developments of various industries and the manpower demand situation as set out in the report, with the addition of more talent categories relating to AI application. Members expressed their views on the review at the meeting and supported the Government in continuing to closely monitor the labour market and in formulating and refining forward-looking manpower policies on a rolling basis, with a view to maintaining manpower supply to support economic development while safeguarding the employment priority for local workers.
Members also received a briefing from the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau on the latest progress in promoting new industrialisation in Hong Kong, covering the overall strategy and key measures. The briefing set out how Hong Kong will drive industrial transformation and reshape a new industrialisation system with distinctive local advantages through a series of measures to accelerate the translation of mid-stream research outcomes and support downstream industrial development, including sustaining traditional industries through technological upgrading and transformation; cultivating emerging industries to accelerate their integration into and serve the nation’s modern industrial system; planning for future industries to seize the first-mover advantage for high-quality development; and strengthening producer services. Members recognised the Government’s efforts in promoting new industrialisation, and hoped to see Hong Kong’s competitive advantages consolidated and sustainable economic development fostered.
Issued at HKT 19:15
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