Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Chief Executive in Council adopts recommendation on Statutory Minimum Wage rate
The Government will publish the Minimum Wage Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule 3) Notice 2026 in the Gazette next Friday (February 20) and table it in the Legislative Council (LegCo) on February 25. Subject to the approval of the LegCo, the revised SMW rate will come into force on May 1 this year.
When conducting the review under the new annual review mechanism of the SMW, the MWC adopted the formula approved by the CE in Council to recommend the new SMW rate (please refer to the Annex).
The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said that the MWC had thoroughly drawn up the implementation arrangements for adopting the formula, examined the data of each indicator in the formula, and assessed the relevant impacts. The indicators adopted in the formula are objective and easily comprehensible, which enhance the transparency and predictability of the SMW adjustment, minimise controversy and are conducive to fostering harmonious labour relations. An annual review also allows closer alignment of the SMW with socioeconomic changes. He is very pleased with the MWC’s smooth completion of the review under the new mechanism, and paid warm tribute to the Chairperson of the MWC, Ms Priscilla Wong, for leading all MWC members in making valuable contributions.
Mr Sun said, “After careful consideration, the Government is of the view that the MWC has ably discharged its statutory function of reviewing the SMW rate. The recommendation of the MWC is in line with the policy objectives of the SMW to maintain an appropriate balance between forestalling excessively low wages and minimising the loss of low-paid jobs, while giving due regard to sustaining Hong Kong’s economic growth and competitiveness.”
The 2026 Report on Reviewing the Statutory Minimum Wage Rate has been uploaded to the MWC’s website (www.mwc.org.hk
The Government will publish the Employment Ordinance (Amendment of Ninth Schedule) Notice 2026 in the Gazette on February 20 and table it in the LegCo on February 25. The Notice concurrently amends the monthly monetary cap on the requirement for employers to record the total number of hours worked by employees in a wage period. An employer will be exempted from the requirement to record the total number of hours worked by an employee in a wage period if the wages payable to the employee for that wage period are not less than $17,600 (currently $17,200) per month. The revised monthly monetary cap will come into force on the same day as the revised SMW rate takes effect, which is May 1 this year.
Issued at HKT 15:08
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Minimum Wage Commission delighted by acceptance of recommended new Statutory Minimum Wage rate
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Minimum Wage Commission delighted by acceptance of recommended new Statutory Minimum Wage rate
After conducting the review under the new annual review mechanism of the Statutory Minimum Wage (SMW), the Minimum Wage Commission (MWC) has recommended raising the SMW rate from the current $42.1 per hour to $43.1.
The Chairperson of the MWC, Ms Priscilla Wong, said today (February 10), “We are delighted to learn that the Chief Executive (CE) in Council has accepted the MWC’s recommended new SMW rate after considering the report of the MWC.”
Ms Wong added, “The MWC adopted the formula approved by the CE in Council to derive the recommended SMW rate (please refer to the Annex). During the review process, the MWC discussed in detail the implementation arrangements for adopting the formula, examined the data of each indicator in the formula and assessed the relevant impacts. The MWC believes that the new SMW rate can maintain an appropriate balance between forestalling excessively low wages and minimising the loss of low-paid jobs, while giving due regard to sustaining Hong Kong’s economic growth and competitiveness, which is in line with the policy objectives of the SMW. We earnestly hope that the new SMW rate will be accepted by the Legislative Council.”
The 2026 Report on Reviewing the Statutory Minimum Wage Rate has been uploaded to the MWC’s website (www.mwc.org.hkIssued at HKT 15:13
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Results of monthly survey on business situation of small and medium-sized enterprises for January 2026
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Results of monthly survey on business situation of small and medium-sized enterprises for January 2026
The current diffusion index (DI) on business receipts amongst SMEs decreased from 44.9 in December 2025 in the contractionary zone to 43.4 in January 2026, whereas the one-month’s ahead (i.e. February 2026) outlook DI on business receipts was 46.4. Analysed by sector, the current DIs on business receipts for a number of surveyed sectors dropped in January 2026 as compared with previous month, particularly for the retail trade (from 42.1 to 38.4) and wholesale trade (from 44.3 to 40.7).
The current DI on new orders for the import and export trades decreased from 47.7 in December 2025 to 46.0 in January 2026, whereas the outlook DI on new orders in one month’s time (i.e. February 2026) was 47.1.
Commentary
A Government spokesman said that the current and outlook diffusion indices on business receipts for SMEs in January eased somewhat, following general improvements in the past months. The current diffusion index on employment for SMEs in the same month also recorded a slight moderation from the preceding month.
Looking ahead, sustained economic expansion in Hong Kong should help bolster local business sentiment. However, the international environment remains complicated, and the Government will continue to closely monitor the evolving developments.
Further information
The Monthly Survey on Business Situation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises aims to provide a quick reference, with minimum time lag, for assessing the short-term business situation faced by SMEs. SMEs covered in this survey refer to companies with fewer than 50 persons engaged. Respondents were asked to exclude seasonal fluctuations in reporting their views. Based on the views collected from the survey, a set of diffusion indices (including current and outlook diffusion indices) is compiled. A reading above 50 indicates that the business condition is generally favourable, whereas that below 50 indicates otherwise. As for statistics on the business prospects of prominent companies in Hong Kong, users may refer to the publication entitled “Report on Quarterly Business Tendency Survey” released by the C&SD.
The results of the survey should be interpreted with care. The survey solicits feedback from a panel sample of about 600 SMEs each month and the survey findings are thus subject to sample size constraint. Views collected from the survey refer only to those of respondents on their own companies rather than those on the respective sectors they are engaged in. Besides, in this type of opinion survey on expected business situation, the views collected in the survey are affected by the events in the community occurring around the time of enumeration, and it is difficult to establish precisely the extent to which respondents’ perception of the business situation accords with the underlying trends. For this survey, main bulk of the data were collected around the last week of the reference month.
More detailed statistics are given in the “Report on Monthly Survey on the Business Situation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises”. Users can browse and download the publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1080015&scode=300
Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact Industrial Production Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7246; email: sme-survey@censtatd.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:30
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Special traffic arrangements for Victoria Park Lunar New Year Fair
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Special traffic arrangements for Victoria Park Lunar New Year Fair
A. Road closure
Depending on traffic and crowd conditions, the following roads may be closed daily from 8am to 0.01am of the following day from February 11 to 12, and daily from 8am to 3am of the following day from February 13 to 15:
– The unnamed road section at the northern entrance of the Park Towers car park, except for car park access;
– Hing Fat Street between Causeway Road and Lau Li Street, except for franchised buses and green minibuses;
– Lau Li Street between Hing Fat Street and Ngan Mok Street; and
– Part of the traffic lanes of Electric Road between Gordon Road and Yacht Street.- Great George Street;
– Sugar Street;
– Cleveland Street;
– Kingston Street;
– Northbound Gloucester Road between Causeway Road and Great George Street;
– Northbound Gloucester Road between Great George Street and the Moreton Terrace flyover;
– Southbound Gloucester Road between Causeway Road and the Causeway Bay flyover;
– Northbound Gloucester Road between Great George Street and westbound Gloucester Road (only from February 13 to 15);
– Lockhart Road between Percival Street and Cannon Street (only from February 13 to 15);
– Jaffe Road between Percival Street and Cannon Street (only from February 13 to 15);
– Cannon Street (only from February 13 to 15); and
– Southbound Gloucester Road (only from February 13 to 15).
The following roads will be pedestrianised daily from 4pm to 0.01am of the following day from February 11 to 12, and daily from noon to 3am of the following day from February 13 to 15:
– Lockhart Road between Cannon Street and East Point Road;
– East Point Road; and
– Great George Street between East Point Road and Paterson Street.
The metered parking spaces on Lau Li Street between Hing Fat Street and Ngan Mok Street will be suspended daily from 8am to 0.01am of the following day from February 11 to 12, and daily from 8am to 3am of the following day from February 13 to 15.- 85 metered parking spaces (Nos. 1604AB to 1657AB) will be suspended from 8am to 1am of the following day daily from February 13 to 15.Issued at HKT 16:41
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CE welcomes and pledges full support and implementation of white paper on “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems”
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
On the white paper titled “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems” published by the State Council Information Office today (February 10), the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, expressed his warm welcome and pledged that he would fully support and implement the content and requirements of the white paper. He issued the following statement in response:
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, warmly welcomes and fully supports the white paper on “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems” published by the Central Government. He said that as the head of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and taking a leading role in the HKSAR’s governance, he will lead and co-ordinate the executive authorities, the legislature and the judiciary of the HKSAR in implementing the content and requirements of the white paper, fully safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests.
Min wage recommendation adopted
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Chief Executive (CE) in Council has adopted the Minimum Wage Commission’s recommendation on raising the Statutory Minimum Wage (SMW) rate from its prevailing level of $42.1 per hour to $43.1, an increase of 2.38%.
An amendment notice will be published in the Government Gazette on February 20 and the Government will table it in the Legislative Council on February 25. Subject to council’s approval, the revised SMW rate will come into force on May 1.
In conducting this review under the new annual review mechanism, the commission adopted the formula approved by the CE in Council to recommend the new SMW rate.
Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said the commission thoroughly drew up the implementation arrangements for adopting the formula, examining the data of each indicator in the formula while assessing the relevant impacts.
Mr Sun noted that the formula’s objective and easy-to-understand indicators enhance the SMW’s transparency and predictability, which minimises controversy and fosters harmonious labour relations.
An annual review also allows the SMW to be more closely aligned with socioeconomic changes, he added.
HK a premier family office hub: Study
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
A Deloitte market study commissioned by Invest Hong Kong estimates that the city has more than 3,380 single-family offices.
The end-2025 figure represents an increase of about 680 offices over the past two years, or a growth of more than 25%, the study noted.
Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said: “The continued growth in the number of family offices in Hong Kong reflects the tangible outcomes of the Government’s efforts in policy formulation and institutional development.”
“We plan to introduce legislative proposals in the first half of this year to expand the scope of qualifying investment for the preferential tax regimes offered to funds and single-family offices, covering, for example, precious metals, loans and private credit investments, and digital assets,” he added.
The study estimates that single-family offices operating in Hong Kong contribute approximately $12.6 billion annually to the local economy through operating expenditures alone. Over 10,000 full-time professionals are directly employed within their operations.
Taking account of multifamily offices and other service providers supporting family offices, the actual economic benefits are expected to be even more substantial, the study said.
It also highlighted Hong Kong’s pivotal role in asset and wealth management in Asia, with assets under management of approximately HK$35 trillion, or about US$4.5 trillion, as of end-2024.
In addition, Hong Kong ranked second in the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals as of June 2025, being one of the top destinations for setting up family offices.
Slander of court decision condemned
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today firmly opposed and strongly condemned external forces for slandering and smearing the court’s sentencing in the Lai Chee-ying case.
The Government noted that western countries, anti-China media, organisations and politicians have used the sentence of the Lai Chee-ying case as a pretext to slander, smear and attack the Hong Kong SAR, adding that external forces have even maliciously disparaged the court’s independent judgment and sentence handed down in accordance with the law.
In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the Lai Chee-ying case was the first convicted case of the offence of ‘collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security’ since the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL). This marks an important milestone in the Hong Kong SAR’s efforts to safeguard national security, manifesting the role of the HKNSL as a key stabilising force.
It added that this case also admonishes that villains who endanger national security could never escape the sanctions of the law and would surely be severely punished in accordance with the law.
“Under the robust protection of the HKNSL, the attempts by external forces to ‘use Hong Kong to contain China’ are doomed to fail, leaving them with no option but only to smear and vilify the Hong Kong SAR’s efforts to safeguard national security with futile and despicable political manoeuvres which would be in vain.
By distorting facts and reversing right and wrong, their malicious intent has been seen through by all and must be resolutely refuted to set the record straight.”
The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that in Lai Chee-ying’s case, after 156 days of fair and impartial public hearings, the court has considered the irrefutable evidence of up to 2,220 exhibits, over 80,000 pages of documents and statements of evidence from 14 prosecution witnesses.
The court pointed out clearly that Lai Chee-ying was the mastermind of the case. He had manipulated and exploited Apple Daily to poison the society, and repeatedly colluded with external forces to beg for sanctions and hostile activities against the central authorities and the Hong Kong SAR Government.
Even after the enactment of the HKNSL, all the defendants continued with their agreement for some time until after they were arrested by Police.
The court also clearly stated that Lai Chee-ying’s only intent was to seek the downfall of the Communist Party of China even though the ultimate cost was the sacrifice of the interests of the people of China and the Hong Kong SAR.
The Government made it clear that Lai Chee-ying has brought harm to the country and Hong Kong; his evil deeds were beyond measure, and he for sure deserves his punishment after all the harm he has done.
It reiterated the court clearly pointed out in the reasons for verdict that Lai Chee-ying was not on trial for his political views or beliefs. The court’s publicly released reasons for verdict and sentence have meticulously explain the court’s analysis of the relevant legal principles and evidence, as well as the reasons of the conviction and sentencing of Lai Chee-ying and the three defendant companies, which are well-founded and reasoned, with absolutely no basis for claims of so-called political prosecution.
In response to views suggesting that the severe sentencing of the defendants in the Lai Chee-ying case would affect the Hong Kong SAR’s freedom of the press, the Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised the case has nothing to do with freedom of the press at all. Over the years, the defendants were using journalism as a guise to commit acts that brought harm to the country and Hong Kong.
It also pointed out that Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law, while the HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance clearly stipulate that the principle of the rule of law shall be adhered to in preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for offences endangering national security. Any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts is no different from advocating a special privilege to break the law, and this totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law.
In response to views that the prosecution and trial of the Lai Chee-ying case took too long, causing unfairness to the defendants, the Hong Kong Government pointed out that all cases concerning offence endangering national security are handled by the the Hong Kong SAR’s prosecution and judicial authorities in a fair and timely manner in strict compliance with the HKNSL, with the procedural rights of defendants exercised in accordance with the law fully respected throughout the process.
Regarding Lai Chee-ying’s case, the three counts of conspiracy were meticulously planned, the case was complex and involved a huge volume of evidence. Prosecution witnesses gave an elaborated account of the three counts of conspiracy in court. Lai Chee-ying himself even testified in court for 52 days. The time taken from investigation to trial was entirely reasonable and there was absolutely no question of any so-called unfairness.
Moreover, the Hong Kong SAR Government noticed that certain individuals with ulterior motives have been fabricating lies about Lai Chee-ying’s health condition and his custodial arrangements.
It stated that the Correctional Services Department (CSD) has been ensuring the custodial environment for persons-in-custody (PICs) is safe, humane, appropriate and healthy in accordance with the law. Lai Chee-ying’s entitlements in prison have not been deprived of on account of his personal status or his removal from association with other PICs.
During the plea in mitigation in court on January 12 and 13, the senior counsel representing Lai Chee-ying confirmed repeatedly that Lai Chee-ying had made no complaints about the treatment he received while in custody. The court also confirmed in its reasons for sentence that the CSD has been providing adequate medical attention for him.
The Hong Kong SAR Government reiterated it will continue to uphold its constitutional duty and steadfastly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.
In addition, it will, as always, resolutely and strictly adhere to the principle of the rule of law to ensure that ‘laws are observed and strictly enforced to bring offenders to account’, so as to prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security while protecting the lawful rights and interests of Hong Kong residents and other people in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong SAR Government urges all sides to recognise the objective facts and stop any baseless malicious attacks.
Security white paper issued
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)
Chief Executive John Lee has welcomed the publication by central authorities of a white paper on Hong Kong’s efforts to safeguard national security, and pledged the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s full support in implementing the document.
The State Council Information Office today released a white paper titled “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems”.
Mr Lee said in a statement that he will lead and co-ordinate Hong Kong’s executive authorities, legislature and judiciary in implementing the content and requirements of the white paper, fully safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests.
The white paper covers five areas: the unrelenting fight to safeguard national security in Hong Kong; the central government’s fundamental responsibility for national security matters concerning Hong Kong; the Hong Kong SAR’s achievements in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security; Hong Kong’s transformation from disorder to stability and prosperity; and establishing high-standard security to support high-quality development of the “one country, two systems” policy.
Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government will roll out publicity and public education on the matter through various channels, and that it will lead and encourage all sectors of society to thoroughly study and better comprehend the white paper’s substance and requirements, thereby enhancing citizens’ awareness of national security.
The Government will hold a seminar on the white paper and will upload its full text to various government websites. Mr Lee encouraged all sectors of the community to hold study and exchange activities related to the white paper.
Separately, the Chief Executive commented on the Lai Chee-ying case ahead of today’s Executive Council meeting.
He iterated that Mr Lai betrayed the country and Hong Kong, and has been sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment.
The Chief Executive said the punishment “sends a solemn warning against malicious plots of collusion with external elements and endangering national security.”
He added: “Poisoned by Lai and Apple Daily, under his control, some of our citizens, especially young people, have been misled to break the law and become radical and violent.
“As of the end of last year, more than 2,400 individuals have to face legal consequences for unlawful acts during the period of ‘black-clad violence’. It is plain to see that the evil deeds committed by Lai Chee-ying and his syndicate were beyond measure.”
The Chief Executive said the Hong Kong SAR Government will do its best to prevent, suppress and punish acts and activities that endanger national security.
“We will resolutely fulfil our duty to safeguard national security despite all the political attempts that try to smear our righteous actions of safeguarding national security,” he remarked.
Govt to finalise accommodation plan
Source: Hong Kong Information Services
(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)
Chief Executive John Lee said the Government has collected preliminary preferences for long-term accommodation from residents of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, and will finalise a plan as soon as possible.
Ahead of today’s Executive Council meeting, Mr Lee said he attaches great interest and importance to the long-term accommodation arrangements for the residents, and the Government has been continuing to provide suitable assistance to the affected families.
He added that the issues that the Government has to resolve are really complicated as each household has its own circumstances and needs, and there are also very diverse opinions in society.
“The Government must carefully consider and deal with the various views and take into account some very practical issues such as the appropriate use of public resources, the allocation of public funds, the distribution of housing resources, and the relevant legal ownership-related responsibilities and challenges,” Mr Lee said.
The Chief Executive also mentioned that the Government needs to properly manage the transitional arrangements for accommodation, and timely action is crucial.
“The sooner we can make available the options for residents to choose, the better,” he added.
He outlined that the Task Force on Emergency Accommodation Arrangements led by the Deputy Financial Secretary has been working incessantly to develop a concrete plan in various directions.
“First, to consider the wishes of the affected families while ensuring the efficient use of resources and balancing empathy, reason and law. Second, to provide multiple options to affected families, including Home Ownership Scheme and Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme flats, as well as Hong Kong Housing Society units. And also, third, to offer accommodation arrangements, either within Tai Po or across different districts,” Mr Lee said.
The task force previously gathered initial preferences from affected flat owners through the “one social worker per household” service. Mr Lee confirmed that most responses have now been received.
“The task force is working intensively to compile and analyse flat owners’ preferences regarding different options. Initial observations indicate that the vast majority of owners hope the Government will expedite the handling of long-term rehousing work. A significant proportion of flat owners have expressed willingness to consider the Government’s acquisition of their ownership rights. Some flat owners have indicated that they need to look at the actual acquisition price,” he added.
The Chief Executive said the task force is currently working hard to overcome difficulties and challenges posed by the following issues:
“First, how to handle the differing needs of various families in a consistent manner. Second, issues regarding liability, compensation uncertainty, and relevant legal matters concerning the public insurance of Wang Fuk Court. Third, whether ownership-related responsibility and legal disputes will pose risks of prolonged delays in resolution,” he said.
Mr Lee made it clear that he has instructed the task force to promptly study the feasibility of various options and the legal issues, seek advice from the Department of Justice and propose arrangements as soon as possible.
“I understand this is no easy time for families of Wang Fuk Court. The Government will work tirelessly to finalise the plan as soon as possible, enable affected families to make the most suitable choices, and assist them in rebuilding their homes and resuming their normal lives as quickly as possible,” he added.