Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Mox Bank Limited relating to phishing instant messages, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the instant messages concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Government announced today (April 10) the following senior appointments:
(a) Mr Kevin Choi, Permanent Secretary, Chief Executive’s Office, will take up the post of Permanent Secretary for Transport and Logistics on April 14, 2025;
(b) Ms Hinny Lam Shuk-yee, Deputy Head, Chief Executive’s Policy Unit, will take up the post of Permanent Secretary, Chief Executive’s Office, on April 14, 2025; and
(c) Mr Ho Chun-hung, Deputy Director of Buildings, will take up the post of Director of Buildings on April 13, 2025, succeeding Ms Clarice Yu Po-mei who will proceed on pre-retirement leave on the same day.
Commenting on the appointment of Mr Choi and Ms Lam, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, said, “The appointees are seasoned Administrative Officers with proven leadership and management skills. I have every confidence that they will continue to serve the community with professionalism in their new capacity.”
Commenting on the appointment of Mr Ho, Mrs Yeung said, “Mr Ho has proven leadership skills, profound professional knowledge in building safety and extensive operational experience. I am confident that he will lead the Buildings Department to meet the challenges ahead and continue to deliver quality service to the community.”
On the retirement of Ms Yu, Mrs Yeung said, “Ms Yu has served with zeal and commitment in the civil service over the past 29 years. As Director of Buildings, Ms Yu has made remarkable contributions and led the department in setting and enforcing safety, health and environmental standards for private buildings. I wish her a most fulfilling and happy retirement.”
Brief biographical notes of the four officers are set out below:
Mr Kevin Choi
—————-
Mr Choi joined the Administrative Service in October 1997 and rose to the rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade A in April 2024. He has served in various bureaux and departments, including the former Planning, Environment and Lands Bureau, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the former Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau (later reorganised as the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau), the Chief Executive’s Office, the Development Bureau, the Civil Aviation Department and the former Transport and Housing Bureau. He was Deputy Secretary in the former Food and Health Bureau (later reorganised as the Health Bureau) from December 2020 to February 2023, Private Secretary to the Chief Executive from February 2023 to May 2024, and has been serving as Permanent Secretary, Chief Executive’s Office, since May 2024.
Ms Hinny Lam Shuk-yee
—————————
Ms Lam joined the Administrative Service in August 1997 and rose to the rank of Administrative Officer Staff Grade B1 in April 2024. She has served in various bureaux and departments, including the former Financial Services Bureau, the former Trade and Industry Bureau, the former Constitutional Affairs Bureau, the former Health, Welfare and Food Bureau, the Labour and Welfare Bureau, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels and the former Food and Health Bureau. She was Assistant Director (Waste Management Policy) of the Environmental Protection Department from June 2017 to March 2019, Deputy Secretary for Security from March 2019 to January 2023, and has been serving as Deputy Head to the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit since January 2023.
Ms Clarice Yu Po-mei
———————–
Ms Yu joined the Government as Building Surveyor in April 1996. She was promoted to Chief Building Surveyor in September 2011, to Government Building Surveyor in January 2017, and to Deputy Director of Buildings in August 2020 before being appointed as Director of Buildings in November 2021.
Mr Ho Chun-hung
——————–
Mr Ho joined the Government as Assistant Building Surveyor in September 1993. He was promoted to Chief Building Surveyor in January 2013, to Government Building Surveyor in July 2017 and to Deputy Director of Buildings in September 2022.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (April 10) the results of the Monthly Survey on Business Situation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) for March 2025.
The current diffusion index (DI) on business receipts amongst SMEs increased from 42.1 in February 2025 in the contractionary zone to 43.5 in March 2025, whereas the one-month’s ahead (i.e. April 2025) outlook DI on business receipts was 46.5. Analysed by sector, the current DIs on business receipts for all surveyed sectors rose in March 2025 as compared with previous month, particularly for the business services (from 45.1 to 48.4) and logistics (from 36.3 to 39.0).
The current DI on new orders for the import and export trades increased from 45.9 in February 2025 to 46.6 in March 2025, whereas the outlook DI on new orders in one month’s time (i.e. April 2025) was 46.9.
Commentary
A Government spokesman said that overall business sentiment among SMEs and their expectations on the business situation in one month’s time improved in March compared with the preceding month. The overall employment situation also turned better.
Looking ahead, as the United States increased its import tariffs significantly on almost all its trading partners in April, the downside risk to the global economy and the degree of uncertainty in the external environment have risen notably. This is likely to pose pressure on business sentiment. The Government has been providing support to local enterprises (in particular the SMEs) through various measures, and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
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 establishments 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 establishments 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 establishments 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.hk).
“The literature of Jainism is the backbone of India’s intellectual grandeur. Preserving this knowledge is our duty”- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi
India reverently celebrates Mahavir Jayanti, a day that resonates with deep spiritual significance and profound peace, as it commemorates the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. More than a festival, it is a heartfelt tribute to a life devoted to compassion, self-restraint, and truth. In a world often clouded by conflict and chaos, Lord Mahavir’s eternal message of ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), and inner awakening shines brighter than ever, guiding countless souls toward a more mindful and harmonious existence.
This year, the spirit of Mahavir Jayanti was powerfully invoked through the inauguration of Navkar Mahamantra Divas by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9.
“Navkar Mantra is not just a mantra but the core of our faith and the essence of life.”
The Navkar Mantra, central to Jain prayer, is more than a collection of sacred syllables, it is a rhythmic flow of energy, stability, and light.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, reflecting on his own roots in Gujarat, spoke of how Jain Acharyas shaped his understanding from an early age. This personal connection reinforced his message that Jainism is not merely historical but deeply relevant, especially in an India that seeks to grow without losing its roots.
This relevance is embodied in the architectural and cultural fabric of modern India, be it the depiction of Sammed Shikhar at the new Parliament’s entrance or the return of ancient Tirthankara idols from overseas. These are not artifacts of nostalgia; they are living symbols of India’s spiritual continuity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described climate change as today’s biggest crisis, saying its solution is a sustainable lifestyle, which the Jain community has practiced for centuries. The Jain community has been living the principles of simplicity, restraint, and sustainability for centuries. Lord Mahavir’s timeless teachings align beautifully with Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), a national call for sustainable living.
Jainism’s emblem, “Parasparopagraho Jivanam”, meaning the mutual interdependence of all life offers a deeply ecological worldview.
Nine Resolutions for a New India
In a poetic tribute to the power of “nine” in Indian and Jain traditions, the Prime Minister proposed nine resolutions anchored in the Navkar Mantra, each a commitment to knowledge, action, harmony, and rooted progress. He noted how repeating the mantra nine times, or in its multiples like 27, 54, or 108 represents spiritual completeness and intellectual clarity.
First Resolution: Water Conservation– Emphasizing the need to value and save every drop of water.
Second Resolution: Plant a tree in Mother’s Name– Planting of over 100 crore trees in recent months and urging everyone to plant a tree in their mother’s name and nurture it like her blessings.
Third Resolution: Cleanliness Mission – Understanding the importance and contributing to cleanliness in every street, neighbourhood and city.
Fourth Resolution: Vocal for Local– Promotion of locally made products, turning them global and supporting items that carry the essence of Indian soil and the sweat of Indian workers.
Fifth Resolution: Explore India– To explore India’s diverse states, cultures, and regions before traveling abroad, emphasizing the uniqueness and value of every corner of the country.
Sixth Resolution: Adopting Natural Farming– The Jain principle of “One living being should not harm another”, and for freeing Mother Earth from chemicals, supporting farmers, and promoting natural farming.
Seventh Resolution: Healthy Lifestyle– Following Indian dietary traditions, including millets (Shri Anna), reducing oil consumption by 10%, and maintaining health through moderation and restraint.
Eighth Resolution: Incorporating Yoga and Sports– Making yoga and sports a part of daily life, whether at home, work, school, or parks, to ensure physical health and mental peace.
Ninth Resolution: Helping the Poor– Assisting the underprivileged, whether by holding a hand or filling a plate, as the true essence of service.
These resolutions align with the principles of Jainism and the vision of a sustainable and harmonious future.
Jain literature, etched in Prakrit and Pali, holds profound treasures of thought. The government’s initiative to grant these languages classical status and digitize Jain manuscripts under the Gyan Bharatam Mission is a tribute to this ancient wisdom.
In March 2024, the Ministry of Minority Affairs approved projects under Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) Scheme for the establishment of ‘Centre for Jain Studies’ in Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV) in Indore. With financial assistance of ₹25 crore, this centre aims to preserve and promote Jain heritage, foster interdisciplinary research, and enhance global understanding of Jainism as a way of life. It will support digitization of ancient Jain texts, facilitate academic research, and serve as a hub for students and scholars to engage with Jain teachings, traditions, and practices, while also promoting community engagement and awareness.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs in the past also approved a project focused on preserving Jain culture through digitization of manuscripts, knowledge sharing, and promoting interdisciplinary research on Jain traditions.
On Mahavir Jayanti in April 2024, a commemorative stamp and coin on the occasion of 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav.
As India marches on the path of becoming a developed nation, Lord Mahavir’s message of inner conquest, compassion, and truth offers a guiding light. In the harmony of the Navkar Mantra, in the discipline of the Sadhus, and in the interdependence of life itself, not just for individuals, but for the whole world.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and The Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) jointly announced today (April 10) a series of new measures to prevent, detect and disrupt financial crime, including fraud and associated mule account networks.
Fraud has been growing in scale and complexity, and the use of technologies has enabled criminals to take advantage of people at speed and scale, amplifying the threat. A total of 44 480 deception cases were reported in 2024, representing an increase of 11.7 per cent compared with 2023. A total of 10 496 persons were arrested for involvement in various types of deception and money laundering offences last year, including about 7 700 persons for selling or allowing their accounts to be used for money laundering, representing an increase of 13.6 per cent compared with 2023.
To keep pace with the evolving nature of fraud as well as international good practices, the HKMA, the HKPF and the banking industry are introducing the following measures:
(1) Expanded use of Scameter data
​To enable banks to identify more suspicious accounts and to alert more potentially at-risk customers so that they can take action to mitigate risks, the HKMA and the HKPF have expanded the use of Scameter data, and expect banks to combine this with network analytics capabilities to identify and share data on additional mule account networks identified in order to increase levels of disruption.
(2) Bank-to-bank information sharing
​To strengthen protection for customers, the HKMA have introduced legislative amendments to enable bank-to-bank information sharing when banks become aware of activity that may indicate possible prohibited conduct (including money laundering and terrorist financing). While 10 banks are already sharing information on the Financial Intelligence Evaluation Sharing Tool (FINEST) platform operated by the HKPF, an updated platform capable of accommodating increased information exchanges is intended to be operational by the end of this year.
(3) Sharing of good anti-fraud practices with banks
To enhance the effectiveness of banks’ systems to prevent, detect and disrupt fraud and scam-related money laundering activities, the HKMA have shared good practices in banks’ anti-fraud and anti-money laundering systems.
(4) Thematic reviews to support banks in building effective anti-fraud controls
​To support banks’ effective implementation of anti-fraud measures, the HKMA will work collaboratively with banks to review system performance through thematic reviews, and establish a regular communication platform with the industry to continuously strengthen the banking sector’s ability to detect mule account networks.
(5) Enhanced publicity and education efforts on “Don’t Lend/Sell Your Account”
The HKMA, the HKPF and the banking industry will strengthen publicity and education efforts to disseminate messages to customers regarding “Don’t Lend/Sell Your Account”, including outreach activities to targeted segments, and enhance industry coordination through the formation of the Anti-fraud Education Taskforce by the HKAB comprising 18 major banks.
The public are reminded not to lend or sell their bank accounts to others as this may carry the risk of prosecution and conviction for criminal offences, including money laundering. In 2024, there was a 2.3-fold increase in the number of persons prosecuted for the offence of money laundering compared with 2023. Given the serious nature of these offences, the HKPF applies to the Court for enhanced sentencing where appropriate. By early April 2025, the sentences of 95 mule account holders had been increased by 13 per cent to 33 per cent, with sentences ranging from 21 to 75 months of imprisonment.
The HKMA and the HKPF will continue to work closely with banks and other stakeholders to strengthen the detection and prevention of financial crime.
The 4th Joint Working Group (JWG) Meeting on Tourism Cooperation between India and Japan was held on April 8, 2025, in New Delhi. The meeting was co-chaired by Ms. Mugdha Sinha, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Mr. HARAIKAWA Naoya, Commissioner, Japan Tourism Agency (JTA). Officials and private stakeholders from both countries took part, including representatives from airlines, tourism and travel associations and Government institutions. Key organizations included Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), JTTRI, Japan Airlines and ANA from the Japanese side. The Indian delegation comprised of Ministry of External Affairs, Civil Aviation, Education, NCHMCT, ICCR and private stakeholders like Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), Association of Buddhist Tour Operators (ABTO). The meeting focused on finding new ways to work together and enhance tourism ties between the two nations. Minister of Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Sekhawat, hosted a Welcome Dinner for the Japanese delegation.
The Co- Chairs of the two countries exchanged notes on the profile of the visitors and delved into the data insights of the tourists travelling between the two countries, including to Buddhist destinations, in order to undertake suitable policy interventions to make the destinations more attractive for the millennial tourists. H.E. ONO Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan to India, emphasized on the strong cultural ties and mutual benefits of enriched tourism between the two countries.
Key discussion points during the meeting focused on expanding bilateral tourism, with initiatives such as promoting Buddhist sites in India to Japanese tourists, improving air connectivity and encouraging Japanese student visits to the country. The meeting also explored increased private sector involvement and strategies to harness media and influencer engagements for boosting tourist flow.
Delegation from each side shared valuable inputs and discussed new investment opportunities to strengthen co-operation in tourism sector between both nations. The collaborative spirit and commitment demonstrated by both the sides during the meeting is expected to develop a more vibrant tourism ecosystem, contributing significantly to the economic and cultural exchange between India and Japan. India also informed the Japanese delegation about the potential of partnerships with them for creating uniquely curated itineraries for the Japanese tourists in the recently revamped Incredible India digital portal. It was also indicated that the Ministry of Tourism is in the process of launchin g the Incredible India mobile App shortly.
The meeting concluded on a positive note with mutual assurances of ongoing dialogue, further collaborations and a reinforced commitment to leveraging tourism as a bridge for enhancing bilateral relations and mutual prosperity. India also intimated the Japanese delegation about its plans of participation at the World Expo, Osaka, 2025 from 22nd – 28th September 2025 for a broader outreach effort for generating greater footfalls of foreign tourists to the country and wished them good luck for the forthcoming mega event.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Citi Hong Kong Macro Investor Conference 2025 today (April 10):
Paul (Head of Markets for Japan, Asia North and Australia of Citi, Mr Paul Smith), Aveline (Chief Executive Officer of Citi Hong Kong and Macau, Ms Aveline San), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning.
It is a pleasure to join you today at the Citi Hong Kong Macro Investor Conference 2025. Allow me to first express my gratitude to Citi for bringing such a distinguished group of investors, economists, strategists and senior executives from around the world to Hong Kong.
This forum for dialogue and thought-provoking discussions is particularly timely as we face a trade war marked by ruthless imposition of tariffs. Allow me to share with you our position and response to these challenges.
Impact of unilateral tariff measures
Let me make it clear that the so-called “reciprocal tariffs” imposed by the United States on its trading partners are fundamentally wrong – politically, economically, and historically.
These sweeping tariffs are disrupting global supply chains, inflating costs for both businesses and consumers, and creating significant uncertainty for cross-border investments. While “economic nuclear winter” may be an extreme term, we are certainly witnessing challenges to the global trading system unseen in a century.
Most economists agree that the American public, especially those at the grassroots level, will bear the brunt of rising inflation as tariffs increase costs for groceries and daily necessities. Many financial institutions have revised downward their growth forecasts for the US (United States) and the global economy, with some even predicting a recession for both.
China, as a major economy, has wide policy room and a range of tools to mitigate these impacts. Full details of the measures are yet to be seen, but our country has made its stance clear: we are open to resolving trade conflicts through dialogue based on mutual respect, not intimidation.
Ultimately, these developments will reinforce geo-economic fragmentation. We are likely to see three major regional blocs emerge: first, the Asia-Pacific; second, India, the Middle East, and Europe; and third, the Americas.
Resilience of Hong Kong’s financial markets
Now, turning to Hong Kong, I want to highlight that despite the high volatility in the stock market, our financial system has shown strong resilience.
This Monday, when we experienced a significant drop in the stock market, two key points are worth noting.
First, trading activity was robust, with substantial buying and selling interests. The bid-ask spread stayed very tight, signaling strong underlying liquidity. All margin calls were met on time, with no signs of stress.
Second, the Hong Kong dollar remained strong, indicating there was no capital flight. Our Linked Exchange Rate System continues to function effectively, and the money market is operating smoothly.
The Hang Seng Index has started to recover since Monday, and overall, Hong Kong’s financial market continues to operate effectively. Rest assured that our financial regulators are conducting real-time, round-the-clock surveillance across markets. No systemic irregularities have been detected. We will remain vigilant and agile, and ready to take appropriate measures, if needed.
Responding with composure
In the short term, we will implement a suite of measures to support our businesses. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority is working closely with the banking sector to ensure that SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) have the liquidity they need. In fact, banks have set aside over US$50 billion for this purpose. We are also supporting these businesses in opening up new markets in the Mainland, the Middle East, and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries, including funding support for marketing and brand building. Additionally, we will help them embrace digital transformation to enhance their competitiveness and e-commerce capabilities.
While these short-term measures are essential, our long-term strategy focuses on economic diversification. Several key strategies will guide us.
First, we will leverage our strengths as an international trade centre. With geo-economic fragmentation, China will likely drive more outbound investments and strengthen trade ties with regions like ASEAN, the Middle East and even Europe. Economy is the top priority of the Central Government, and foreign businesses and investments are welcome. This was evident in President Xi’s recent meetings with both international business leaders and domestic private entrepreneurs.
Hong Kong’s unique connectivity with both the Mainland and the world positions us as an ideal gateway and platform for foreign businesses entering the Mainland market, and for Mainland enterprises going global. Hong Kong will be the hub where Mainland and global companies can establish their regional or international headquarters, corporate treasury centres and supply chain management centres.
Second, there will be new opportunities for Hong Kong as an IFC (international financial centre). Given the current geopolitical landscape, Hong Kong is naturally becoming the preferred fundraising market for Mainland companies. Currently, there are over 100 major companies waiting to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
And the DeepSeek moment has prompted international investors to reassess China’s technological capabilities and re-evaluate the values of related companies. We believe that more tech companies from the Mainland will list in Hong Kong, and the liquidity of our stock market will be greatly enhanced.
We are also exploring new sources of capital, particularly from the Middle East. Last year marked a milestone with two ETFs (exchange-traded funds) investing in the Hong Kong market listed on the Saudi Exchange. We will encourage quality issuers from the Middle East and Southeast Asia to consider dual primary or secondary listings in Hong Kong.
Finally, at the heart of our long-term economic transformation is innovation and technology, in particular artificial intelligence (AI).
In my Budget this year, I outlined our vision to develop AI as a core industry for Hong Kong. We are pushing forward on five key fronts: supercomputing capabilities, algorithms, data, capital and talent.
To fast-track our innovation and technology ambition, we need innovative enterprises with cutting-edge technologies. We are targeting four key industries: AI and data science, life and health technology, fintech, and advanced manufacturing and new energy. With the support of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, we have attracted over 80 such enterprises to Hong Kong, which together will invest around US$60 billion in our city, creating about 20,000 jobs.
We recognise the importance of patient capital in this journey. That’s why we established the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC). Serving as patient capital, the HKIC invests in and guides market capital to support nascent-stage ventures and sectors of tomorrow. It seeks to build a vibrant ecosystem comprising the Government, industry, academia, research and investment sectors. At the same time, it seeks reasonable risk-adjusted financial returns over the medium to long term. To date, it has invested in more than 100 projects, achieving a 1 to 4 co-investment ratio – meaning that for every dollar the HKIC invested, it has attracted four dollars from private investors to follow.
With the development in the Northern Metropolis and collaboration with Shenzhen and nearby cities, we are confident that Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area will emerge as a global financial and innovation centre.
Conclusion: confidence and opportunity
Ladies and gentlemen, we are navigating truly challenging times. The obstacles posed by trade war and geo-economic fragmentation are daunting. However, I want to reassure you that Hong Kong remains steadfastly committed to the “one country, two systems” principle and all the advantages it entails: we will continue to be a free port, maintain our free trade policy, and guarantee the free flow of capital, goods, information, and people. We provide what investors seek: policy clarity, consistency and credibility.
And Hong Kong offers even more: market access, capital, talent and an unparalleled lifestyle – the Rugby Sevens, Coldplay, Art Basel, along with our stunning hiking trails, coastlines, and a vibrant culinary scene featuring 200 Michelin-recommended restaurants. These elements create a unique international metropolitan fabric, making Hong Kong a great city for global talent to live, work and raise a family.
Thank you once again to Citi for hosting this Conference. I wish you all fruitful discussions and a rewarding time here in Hong Kong.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following are the opening remarks (English translation) by the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, on housing at the special meeting of the Legislative Council Finance Committee today (April 10):
PM POSHAN Scheme is a centrally sponsored scheme under which one hot cooked meal is served to 11.20 crore students studying in Balvatika and classes I to VIII, in 10.36 lakh Government and Government-aided schools on all school-days. The Scheme aims at providing nutritional support and enhancing school participation of students.
Under the PM POSHAN Scheme, ‘Material Cost’ is provided for procurement of following ingredients required for cooking the meals:
Ingredients
Per student per meal quantity
Bal Vatika & Primary
Upper Primary
Pulses
20 gm
30 gm
Vegetables
50 gm
75 gm
Oil
5 gm
7.5 gm
Spices & Condiments
As per need
As per need
Fuel
As per need
As per need
The Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour provides data on inflation for these items under the PM POSHAN basket on the basis of Consumer Price Index – Rural Labourers (CPI-RL) in consonance with CPI index for PM POSHAN and accordingly CPI index for PM POSHAN basket has been worked out. The CPI-RL is constructed by Labour Bureau, Chandigarh on the basis of collecting continuous monthly prices from the sample of 600 villages spread over 20 States of the country.
On the basis of inflation index provided by the Labour Bureau, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, has enhanced the ‘Material Cost’ by 9.50 %. The new rates will be applicable across all the States and UTs w.e.f. 01.05.2025. The Central Government will bear the additional cost of Rs 954 crore approximately in FY 2025-26 due to this enhancement. The per student per day Material cost is as under: –
(in Rs.)
Classes
Existing material cost
Enhanced material cost w.e.f. 01.05.2025
Enhancement
Bal Vatika
6.19
6.78
0.59
Primary
6.19
6.78
0.59
Upper Primary
9.29
10.17
0.88
These rates of Material Cost are the minimum mandatory rates, however, States / UTs are free to contribute more than their prescribed share, as some States/UTs have been contributing more than their minimum mandatory share from their own resources for providing meals with augmented nutrition under the PM POSHAN Scheme.
In addition to the Material Cost, the Govt. of India provides about 26 lakh MT foodgrains through Food Corporation of India. The Govt. of India bears 100% cost of foodgrains including subsidy of approx. Rs. 9000 crore per annum and 100% transportation cost of foodgrains from FCI depot to schools. The per meal cost after adding all components including foodgrains cost under the scheme comes to approx. Rs 12.13 for Bal Vatika and Primary classes and Rs 17.62 for upper primary classes.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Immigration Department wins 2025 Skytrax Award for Best Airport Immigration Service On April 9 (Madrid time), the Director of Immigration, Mr Benson Kwok, attended the prize presentation ceremony held in Madrid, Spain. Mr Kwok stated that the department was honoured to receive the prestigious Skytrax Award for Best Airport Immigration Service for the fifth time, which affirms the ImmD’s commitment to delivering the highest quality of immigration clearance services. The ImmD expressed gratitude to Skytrax and international travellers for their recognition, as well as to its frontline staff for their professionalism and dedication. The ImmD will continue striving for excellence by leveraging innovative technologies to introduce more facilitation measures and deliver the best immigration services to passengers, with a view to reinforce Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub while actively supporting the city’s overall development.
Skytrax, a world-renowned specialist research agent and advisor of the air transport industry, mainly undertakes qualitative audits and research studies for airports and airlines services across the globe. The survey was conducted between August 2024 and February 2025, covering over 600 airports worldwide, and the survey questionnaires were collected from over 13 million air passengers of more than 100 nationalities on their ratings of airport service.Issued at HKT 15:11