FEHD releases first batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in September

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (September 11) released the first batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in September, covering 20 survey areas, as follows:
 

District Survey Area September 2025
First Phase Gravidtrap Index First Phase Density Index
Eastern
 
Chai Wan West 0.0% N/A
Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho 9.8% 1.6
Southern Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau 1.8% 1.0
Islands Tung Chung 5.9% 1.0 
Sham Shui Po Lai Chi Kok 0.0% N/A
Kowloon City Ho Man Tin 5.8% 1.0 
Hung Hom 9.4% 1.4
Lok Fu West 5.2% 1.0
Kwun Tong Kwun Tong Central 0.0% N/A
Sai Kung Sai Kung Town 5.7% 1.0
Ngau Liu and Muk Min Shan 4.3% 1.0
Sha Tin Sha Tin Town Centre and Fo Tan 0.0% N/A
North Fanling 3.8% 1.0
Yuen Long Yuen Kong 0.0% N/A
Ki Lun Shan 0.0% N/A
Sung Shan 0.0% N/A
Tuen Mun Tuen Mun South 0.0% N/A
Tsuen Wan Tsuen Wan Town 3.5% 1.0
Tsuen Wan West 0.0% N/A
Kwai Tsing Lai King 3.8% 1.5 

Among the first batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering 20 survey areas in September, all were below 10 per cent.

Among these 20 survey areas, 13 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged in the individual gravidtrap index as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month, i.e. August 2025, representing that the areas’ mosquito infestation improved or maintained a low level. Seven other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent.

Public participation is crucial to effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:

  • tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside their premises;
  • remove all unnecessary water collection and eliminate the sources;
  • check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
  • change the water in flower vases and saucers of potted plants at least once every seven days;
  • properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water; and
  • properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as empty lunch boxes and cans.

Starting in August this year, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD will disseminate the relevant information through press releases, its website, and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.

Following the recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 64 survey areas of the community. During the two weeks of surveillance, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes, to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data of the two weeks’ surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).

SFST’s special remarks at 10th Belt and Road Summit – Business Networking Luncheon (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following are the special remarks by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the 10th Belt and Road Summit – Business Networking Luncheon on “Connecting Growth Corridors – ASEAN and the Belt and Road” today (September 11):
 
Luanne (Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong, of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC), Ms Luanne Lim), Algernon (Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau), Professor Frederick Ma (Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     It is my great pleasure to join you at this exclusive luncheon hosted by HSBC during the Belt and Road Summit. My heartfelt congratulations to HSBC for convening this distinguished gathering of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and local business leaders under the theme “Connecting Growth Corridors – ASEAN and the Belt and Road”. This occasion exemplifies Hong Kong’s pivotal role as a super connector, fostering open dialogue and forging partnerships to drive the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) forward.
 
     Since its inception in 2013, the BRI has been guided by the core principles of connectivity, openness, mutual respect, and shared prosperity. Over the past decade, its scope has expanded remarkably, fostering co-operation across continents through physical infrastructure, trade networks, and increasingly, technological collaboration. This dynamic evolution positions the BRI as a powerful platform for sustainable growth, with Hong Kong as a key contributor, facilitating seamless connections between Mainland China, ASEAN, and global markets. Our strategic location, robust financial systems and world-class professional services make Hong Kong the ideal hub for BRI-related investments and partnerships. In fact, we have signed Comprehensive Double Taxation Agreements with 37 Belt and Road jurisdictions, facilitating business expansion and investment.
 
     Hong Kong’s financial markets are thriving, reflecting the confidence and resilience that underpin our role in the BRI. In the first eight months of this year, our stock market achieved an average daily turnover of US$31.9 billion, a 132 per cent increase over the same period of last year. Funds raised through initial public offerings (IPOs) soared to US$17.3 billion, up 579 per cent. These figures highlight Hong Kong’s status as a premier global IPO hub, offering BRI enterprises unparalleled access to capital, underpinned by our rule of law, simple tax regime, and deep market connectivity. Earlier in August, a mining company rooted in Kazakhstan successfully listed on in our market, showcasing the results of co-operation between Hong Kong and Central Asia in advancing the BRI initiative. This also marks the Central Asia’s first case of an IPO financed in RMB (Renminbi).
 
     Besides the stellar performance of our stock market, we have also proudly launched a company redomiciliation regime this year, and some leading international insurance companies have already taken advantage of that. This initiative provides a secure and efficient pathway for overseas companies to redomicile to Hong Kong, enabling them to leverage our financial ecosystem to support more expansion initiatives including BRI projects. With the Companies Registry’s efficient approval process and our collaboration with offshore jurisdictions to streamline deregistration, we invite businesses to make Hong Kong their strategic base for navigating global uncertainties and driving BRI growth.
 
     And on the risk management front, Hong Kong is solidifying its position as Asia’s leading insurance hub, critical for BRI enterprises managing complex cross-border projects. With some 160 authorised insurers and last year’s gross premiums of HK$637.8 billion, Hong Kong ranks first in Asia for insurance density and globally for penetration at 18.2 per cent. Captive insurance, offering tailored risk solutions, is gaining momentum, with new entrants like HSBC bringing our total to six captive insurers. Our incentives, including a 50 per cent profits tax reduction, simplified capital requirements and a robust pool of insurance professionals, make Hong Kong the ideal base for managing BRI-related risks, from infrastructure to cybersecurity.
 
     Looking ahead, Hong Kong is committed to deepening BRI co-operation. Through initiatives like mutual market access with the Greater Bay Area, proactive outreach to global enterprises, and promotion of our insurance and financial strengths, we are empowering ASEAN and BRI partners to seize opportunities, manage risks, and achieve shared prosperity.
 
     In closing, I commend HSBC for hosting this platform to strengthen ties and drive collaboration. Let us harness Hong Kong’s unique advantages to advance the Belt and Road Initiative, connecting growth corridors and building a sustainable future together. Thank you, and I wish you a productive and inspiring luncheon.

CSD holds seminar on correctional psychology research and practice (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Correctional Services Department (CSD) today (September 11) held the Desistance from Crime: Correctional Research and Practice Professional Seminar to disseminate the latest research findings in correctional psychology and to explore strategic directions for future rehabilitation and crime prevention work, with the participation of over 100 members of the rehabilitation services sector and scholars.

Since February 2024, the Correctional Rehabilitation Research Unit of the CSD, in collaboration with the Department of Psychology of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), has commenced a research initiative on desistance from crime. The research involved interviews and focus group discussions with 51 rehabilitated persons and 60 persons in custody, covering different groups including adults, adolescents, males and females. Through in-depth analysis, the research summarised desistance journeys of local rehabilitated persons and key factors to desist from crime.

The Research Professor of the Department of Psychology of the CUHK, Professor Patrick Leung, presented the research findings at the seminar. He said that, through rehabilitation services, addressing rehabilitated persons’ inner needs for care and personal competence with a positive approach was found conducive to their rehabilitation and supportive of their desistance from crime. The research identified three key factors in rehabilitation, namely offering diverse learning opportunities, expanding positive social support networks, and nurturing and sustaining personal competence, self-identity and constructive interpersonal relationships. The research also indicated that the CSD’s rehabilitation programmes not only help reduce recidivism among rehabilitated persons, rebuild their law-abiding identity and reconnect them with society, but also support them in giving back to society, thereby gradually transforming their lives.

Senior Clinical Psychologist of the CSD Dr Yvonne Lee stated that the research findings affirmed the effectiveness of the rehabilitation work of the CSD and brought insights for future development. Drawing on the findings, the CSD will advance strength-based rehabilitation strategies and reinforce the role of correctional officers as rehabilitation facilitators, while actively extending its rehabilitation services from correctional institutions to the community and supporting rehabilitated persons in giving back to society.

At the seminar, a clinical psychologist of the CSD introduced an innovative community-based rehabilitation initiative based on the theory of desistance from crime – “Human Library: Desistance from Crime”. This pioneering initiative combines narrative therapy with a four-panel comic to showcase the life stories of rehabilitated persons, encouraging reflections on their past, disengagement from criminal behaviours and the cultivation of a positive lifestyle, thereby rewriting their futures. Furthermore, the Department arranged for a rehabilitated person to share his experiences in participating in psychological treatment programmes and his desistance journey. Dr Lee and Professor Leung also exchanged views with participants on the research findings, rehabilitation services and the directions for future development.

Upholding the spirit of moving with the times and evidence-based practice, the CSD will continue to organise academic events to actively promote collaboration and exchanges with members of the rehabilitation services sector and scholars to advance professional development and innovation of rehabilitation work through scientific research.

              

SFST’s speech at launch of Oman’s First Energy Transition Fund: A Strategic Partnership between Future Fund Oman and Templewater (English only) (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the launch of Oman’s First Energy Transition Fund: A Strategic Partnership between Future Fund Oman and Templewater co-hosted by the Oman Investment Authority and Templewater today (September 11):

His Excellency, Nasser Al-Busaidi (Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to China), Sheikh Nasser Al Harthy (Deputy President for Operations, Oman Investment Authority), Cliff (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Templewater, Mr Cliff Zhang), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good afternoon. It is an honour and privilege to stand before you today, and I am thrilled to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) and Templewater for cohosting this exclusive ancillary event. This gathering is an excellent complement to the 10th Belt and Road Summit. Your initiative exemplifies the proactive spirit of international collaboration, and I applaud your efforts in bringing together senior executives, investors, and decision-makers to delve into strategic investment opportunities, cross-border partnerships, and innovative pathways for economic growth.
 
     The Belt and Road Summit itself, organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, stands as a premier global platform for advancing co-operation across the Belt and Road economies. Discussions in the Summit span critical sectors including finance and investment, innovation and technology, professional services, and infrastructure, all aimed at harnessing the immense opportunities presented by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
 
     Hong Kong’s role in this initiative is pivotal: we serve as the primary platform and super connector, leveraging our economic strengths, world-class talent, and unique position under “one country, two systems” to bridge East and West. By hosting this ancillary event, the OIA and Templewater are not only amplifying these dialogues but also highlighting Hong Kong’s function as a gateway for capital flows and innovation between regions like Oman and Mainland China.
 
     Now, allow me to turn our attention to the remarkable progress in Oman-China relations, which deserves our warmest congratulations. Oman has emerged as a key partner in the Belt and Road Initiative, deepening its strategic partnership with China in ways that align perfectly with Oman’s Vision 2040 for economic diversification and China’s BRI objectives. In recent years, this collaboration has expanded across trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, and emerging sectors such as renewables, technology, and digital economy.
 
     As we envision the next phase of this collaboration, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to further facilitate and elevate Oman-China economic ties, drawing on our status as a leading international financial centre. Under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong boasts a robust legal system, free capital flows, simple taxation, and a well-respected regulatory environment that attracts global investors. We are the world’s largest offshore Renminbi (RMB) centre, facilitating seamless cross-border settlements and promoting RMB internationalisation along BRI routes. This is especially pertinent for Oman-China projects, where Hong Kong can bridge financing needs for infrastructure, green energy, and technology ventures, enabling efficient capital allocation and risk management.
 
     Our financial markets are experiencing great vitality, as reflected in the latest statistics. For the first eight months of this year, the Hong Kong stock market’s average daily turnover reached US$31.9 billion, a remarkable 132 per cent increase from the same period last year. Funds raised through initial public offerings totalled US$17.3 billion, surging 579 per cent. These figures underscore growing investor confidence and our market’s remarkable financing capability. There are now more than 100 Belt and Road companies listed on our stock exchange, and we expect more to come.
 
     Beyond traditional finance, Hong Kong excels in green and sustainable finance, ESG (environmental, social and governance) investments, and carbon markets that align with Oman’s renewables ambitions and China’s digital-green BRI focus. For instance, we can connect the OIA’s sovereign wealth with Chinese enterprises through joint ventures, co-investments, and innovative financing structures.
 
     Furthermore, Hong Kong’s role extends to digital innovation and professional services, where we support BRI projects through fintech solutions, legal arbitration, and talent exchanges. By strengthening linkages with Oman and China, we can unlock new avenues in areas like smart logistics, e-commerce, and renewable energy infrastructure, ensuring that collaborations are not just transactional but transformative.
 
     In essence, Hong Kong is more than a facilitator – we are a catalyst for deeper, more resilient Oman-China co-operation. Through our financial prowess, innovative ecosystems and unwavering commitment to the BRI, we can help shape a shared future of inclusive growth, sustainability, and mutual prosperity.
 
     Thank you once again to the OIA and Templewater for this gracious invitation. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to forge even stronger ties that will benefit our economies and peoples for generations to come. Thank you.
 

     

Third round of Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme opens for applications

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Third round of Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus (RAISe+) Scheme opens for applications    
“The scheme was well received by the universities in the past two rounds of applications. The ITC encourages universities to continue their active participation in this round with a view to promoting the ‘1 to N’ transformation and commercialisation of research and development outcomes through efficient collaboration among the Government, industry, academic, research and investment sectors, thereby fostering Hong Kong’s high-quality development and maximising the benefits brought by innovation and technology (I&T) to the community. The Government will adjust the assessment process of this round of application solicitation exercise to encourage early industry contribution to the applications under the Scheme,” a spokesman for the Commission said.
 
With a funding allocation of $10 billion, the RAISe+ Scheme was launched in 2023 and aims to fund at least 100 research teams from universities funded by the University Grants Committee that have good potential to become successful start-ups on a matching basis to transform and commercialise their research and development outcomes. Funding support from $10 million to $100 million will be provided to each approved project. Assessment criteria include the I&T component of the project, commercial viability of project outcomes, technical and management capability of the team, relevance of the project to government policies or the overall interest of the community, and financial considerations of the project.
 
A total of 49 projects were supported by the RAISe+ Scheme in the first two batches, covering I&T fields in health and medical sciences, new materials and new energy, artificial intelligence and robotics, electrical and electronic engineering, engineering, advanced manufacturing, Chinese medicine, environmental, agricultural and marine biotechnology, and computer science/information technology, with the total funding amounting to over $2 billion.
 
Details of the scheme are available on its dedicated website (www.itf.gov.hk/en/raiseplusIssued at HKT 17:40

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Import of poultry meat and products from Province of Guadalajara of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain suspended

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (September 11) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in the Province of Guadalajara of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 50 tonnes of frozen poultry meat, and about 50 000 poultry eggs from Spain in the first six months of this year.

“The CFS has contacted the Spanish authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreak. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

Leading Cambodian bank establishes representative office in Hong Kong, highlighting city’s role as regional financial hub under Belt and Road Initiative (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     ​Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced today (September 11) that Canadia Bank, one of Cambodia’s leading financial conglomerates, has established a representative office in Hong Kong. This was approved by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and marks a significant step in strengthening the economic ties between Hong Kong and Cambodia, as well as between the city and the broader Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.
 
     This milestone follows the pivotal meeting in Cambodia in July 2024 between a delegation led by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Chairman of Canadia Integrated Group, Dr Pung Kheav Se. The meeting centred on the unique advantages of Hong Kong as Asia’s leading international financial centre and opportunities to deepen collaboration between the two places. These considerations laid the foundation for this new establishment, which aims to foster mutual growth and prosperity.
 
     Founded in 1991, Canadia Bank is part of the Canadia Integrated Group, and offers a comprehensive suite of banking services to individuals, businesses, and corporations. With total assets of US$8.6 billion, Canadia Bank Plc currently has 69 operating branches and 430 self-service digital devices in Cambodia, as well as a subsidiary in Laos.
 
     Canadia Integrated Group comprises a financial and non-financial group with total assets of US$15 billion and a total of 17 500 employees. The financial group is led by Canadia Investment Holding, which offers a number of financial services including banking, microfinance, life and general insurance, securities, and trusts. The non-financial group is led by Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation, and its primary business activities are infrastructure, construction and property development, education, hotel and medical services. Established in 2003, the company is the largest and leading infrastructure and property developer in Cambodia by investment size and number of projects developed, with notable projects such as the Techo International Airport (a new airport near the capital city of Phnom Penh), Diamond Island Satellite City, Norea Island Satellite City, Chroy Changvar Satellite City and the Olympia City Complex.
 
     The Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau, said, “We are delighted to welcome Canadia Bank to Hong Kong as they establish their representative office here. Hong Kong continues to be the preferred hub for ASEAN companies seeking to access global markets. We look forward to supporting Cambodian companies in expanding their business through leveraging Hong Kong’s capital markets and connecting with strategic partners in the region.”
 
     “Hong Kong has a world-class financial system and professional services that can contribute to Cambodia’s economic development, while Hong Kong can also gain many business opportunities during the process. InvestHK will continue to work closely with the HKMA to attract more banks to set up in Hong Kong and enrich the city’s financial market,” she added.
 
     Dr Pung, who is also the Chairman of Canadia Bank, said, “The opening of our first representative office in the the city marks a significant step in our expansion plan via Hong Kong. We appreciate the support from InvestHK during the process, including setting up meetings with the regulators in Hong Kong, providing us with useful information about the licensing requirements and procedures, and connecting us with service providers.”
 
     “In commencing operations of the new world-class Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh on September 9, we will strive to continue strengthening economic ties between Cambodia and Hong Kong through our representative office as well as leveraging Belt and Road Initiative opportunities,” he added.
 
     The Belt and Road Initiative has played a pivotal role in fostering closer economic integration between Hong Kong and Cambodia. The establishment of Canadia Bank’s representative office contributes to advancing trade and investment co-operation and bringing long-term benefits to both economies.
 
     In 2024, China was Cambodia’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade surpassing US$18 billion, marking a 21 per cent increase compared to 2023. This strong growth trend underscores the importance of building an efficient financial network to support the increasing volume of cross-border trade and investment activities, further reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a regional financial hub.
 
     To download the event photo, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720328947976/.

  

Remarks by SHYA at media session after passage of Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Remarks by SHYA at media session after passage of Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025 
Reporter: So, what is the expected timeline for the roll out of legalising basketball betting, and what regulatory measures will be implemented to ensure responsible betting and protect vulnerable populations?
 
Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs: First of all, I would like to thank the Legislative Council for passing the Bill. After the passage of the Bill, we will move on to liaise with the Hong Kong Jockey Club about the terms of the licence and, after the negotiations and liaison, we will issue the licence to the operator, that is, the Hong Kong Jockey Club. I think they need some time to gear up, like implementing some IT measures and some facilities. We will announce the substantial timeline in the near future.
 
As for public education on how to educate and publicise the bad influence and effects of illegal betting and irresponsible gambling, we will launch a series of new measures including public education and publicity measures focusing on teenagers. We will also set up another new centre, which will focus on the education and publicity work for young people in the near future. Altogether, under the Ping Wo Fund, there will be five education centres and support centres to help those with problems like illegal gambling or obsessive gambling.
 
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
Issued at HKT 15:05

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HKMC and China International Capital Corporation Limited sign MOU on co-operation of infrastructure financing and securitisation (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMC) announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the China International Capital Corporation Limited (CICC) in Hong Kong, China on co-operation of infrastructure financing and securitisation (IFS).

     Both parties will enhance co-operation across multiple areas, such as making joint efforts to tap into capital market opportunities related to infrastructure assets, expanding the investor base as well as exploring Renminbi opportunities for infrastructure loan securitisation, with a common goal of consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an infrastructure financing hub and facilitating infrastructure investment and financing flows.

     The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the HKMC, Mr Colin Pou commented, “The HKMC’s IFS platform has grown tremendously in the past few years, and we continue to expand our collaboration with industry participants in promoting the market. A partnership with the CICC is expected to assist in taking our business to the next level, enabling both sides to further pursue a common goal in promoting Hong Kong as an infrastructure financing hub. “

     The Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Chairman of the Management Committee of the CICC, Mr Chen Liang stated, “The CICC has a long history of deep engagement in the international financial markets, which enables us to integrate a global perspective with profound insights about the Chinese market. We sincerely look forward to enhancing collaboration with the government-owned platform of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as this partnership holds significant potential to elevate China’s role in global finance, amplifies our influence among international clients and investors, and drives a new phase of high-level opening up.”
 
About HKMC
 
     The HKMC, established in 1997, is wholly-owned by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government through the Exchange Fund. Operating on prudent commercial principles, the HKMC strives to promote stability of the banking sector, wider home ownership, as well as development of the local debt market and retirement planning market.
 
     To further its mandates on promoting banking sector stability and local debt market development, the HKMC commenced the implementation of the infrastructure financing and securitisation business in 2019, with the aims to fill the infrastructure financing market gaps and to facilitate more efficient capital flow into infrastructure projects.

     The HKMC has issued Infrastructure Loan Backed Securities (ILBS), Bauhinia 1, in May 2023, and Bauhinia 2 in September 2024, with a total value of approximately US$405 million and US$423 million respectively to institutional investors. The issuance of the ILBS represents an important step taken by the HKMC towards developing an infrastructure financing and securitisation platform in Hong Kong to solidify Hong Kong’s status as the global infrastructure financing hub.
 
About CICC
 
     The China International Capital Corporation Limited (CICC, 601995.SH, 3908.HK) was established in 1995. The CICC’s experience in professional services includes leading multiple milestone transactions, demonstrating its deep engagement in China’s economic reform and development. The CICC’s vision is to become a respected, innovation-driven, leading global investment banking institution. As an investment banking institution with Chinese roots and international reach, the CICC continues bringing first-class financial services through its extensive network and outstanding cross-border capability to help its clients accomplish their strategic development goals.