Category: MIL-OSI

Posted on

SCED bound for NZ, Australia

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau will depart tonight on a visit to New Zealand and Australia to promote Hong Kong’s business environment.

Mr Yau will also update the two countries’ political and business sectors on developments in Hong Kong with a view to forging closer economic and trade relationships.

During his trip, he will meet local trade representatives to promote Hong Kong’s advantages as a wine and liquor trading hub.

Additionally, he will officiate at a reception to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, Sydney.

Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong on August 16. In his absence, Under Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Bernard Chan will be Acting Secretary.

Posted on

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cocaine worth about $2.4 million at airport (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 8) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 3 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $2.4 million.

A female passenger, aged 63, arrived in Hong Kong from Freetown, Sierra Leone, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, yesterday. During Customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cocaine in the false compartment of her check-in suitcase. She wassubsequently arrested.

The arrested woman has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on August 11.

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

  

Posted on

Gravidtrap index data released

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department today released the first batch of figures for August in the gravidtrap index for Aedes albopictus.

Among the 13 areas surveyed areas, the gravidtrap index in So Kwun Wat, Tuen Mun District reached 16.4%, while the index recorded in the other 12 areas ranged from 0% to 7.4%.

The density index for the 13 areas was released along with the gravidtrap index.

In response to the recent chikungunya fever situation, the department has activated a mechanism that strengthens mosquito control work in areas where the gravidtrap index is between 10% and 20%. Previously the mechanism was only activated when the index reaches 20% or above.

It will collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestation, and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures.

Click here for more information on the gravidtrap and density indices for Aedes albopictus.

Posted on

Govt condemns G7 remarks

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said today that it strongly opposes untrue and biased remarks made by the US and Group of Seven Rapid Response Mechanism (G7 RRM) members and associate members with regard to Hong Kong’s pursuit of persons wanted in connection with national security offences.

The other G7 RRM members are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the European Union.

In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR, and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security.

It outlined that the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents under the Basic Law and under the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights as applicable to the Hong Kong SAR, are protected in accordance with the law.

Legislation that safeguards national security only targets a very small number of organisations and individuals that endanger national security, the Hong Kong SAR Government added.

It iterated that the Police Force’s National Security Department announced on July 25 that 16 absconders, along with three individuals – Yuan Gong-yi, Fok Ka-chi and Choi Ming-da – who were specified as absconders in June and December 2024, had been placed on the wanted list.

These 19 absconders are suspected of having committed offences under the Hong Kong National Security Law by organising, establishing, or participating in, outside of the Hong Kong SAR, a subversive organisation named the “Hong Kong Parliament”.

In response to applications by Police, arrest warrants against these 19 persons at large have been issued.

On August 4, the Secretary for Security exercised the powers conferred by the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance to specify the above-mentioned group of 16 persons as absconders, and issued notices in the Government Gazette regarding measures to be applied against them.

The statement said the absconders are subject to arrest warrants not because they had “exercised freedom of expression”, but because they continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security outside of Hong Kong.

The “Hong Kong Parliament” is an organisation aiming to subvert the state’s power. Its objectives include promoting “self-determination”, promulgating the so-called “Hong Kong Constitution”, and overthrowing or undermining the People’s Republic of China’s basic system and central power, or the authorities of the Hong Kong SAR, by unlawful means.

The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that endangering national security is a very serious offence, and that such acts can bring very serious consequences. It added that it has the responsibility to pursue, in accordance with the law, persons suspected of having committed offences under the Hong Kong National Security Law or other offences endangering national security outside of Hong Kong.

The statement stressed that it is a demonstration of hypocrisy by any external forces to attack the Hong Kong SAR’s efforts to dutifully and faithfully safeguard national security in accordance with the law.

It added that the Hong Kong SAR’s law enforcement agencies take actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, and have nothing to do with the political stances, background or occupations of those individuals or entities.

The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that it has the responsibility to pursue those who are suspected to have committed offences endangering national security and absconded overseas.

It added that absconders should not think they can evade criminal liability by absconding from Hong Kong and that ultimately they will be liable for their acts. Furthermore, it said that any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts amounts to advocating for special privileges to break the law, which runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law.

It also reiterated that the Constitution and the Basic Law steadfastly safeguard the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents. It said that attempts by foreign countries or external forces to undermine Hong Kong’s situation only expose their own weakness and faulty arguments and will be doomed to fail.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to unwaveringly discharge its duty in safeguarding national security, it added.

Posted on

FEHD releases first batch of gravidtrap index for Aedes albopictus in August

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

FEHD releases first batch of gravidtrap index for Aedes albopictus in August 

DistrictThe index in So Kwun Wat, Tuen Mun District, reached 16.4 per cent. In response to the recent CF situation, the FEHD has activated a mechanism that strengthen mosquito control work in areas with the gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, which was originally activated when the gravidtrap index reaches 20% or above. The FEHD will collaborate with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestation, and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. The FEHD will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify the residential estates subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and join hands in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures.

Members of public should adopt the following measures, strengthening the prevention against the breeding of mosquitoes:
 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 indices 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#Issued at HKT 12:10

NNNN
Posted on

Various activities and offers to be launched for National Ecology Day 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and non-governmental organisations will launch various special activities and offers from August 15 to September 28 for the public to support and participate in the third National Ecology Day (NED).

In 2023, the country designated August 15 every year as NED, with a view to promoting society’s awareness of ecological civilisation and environmental protection, and implementing the important concept of “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”.

     The Hong Kong Wetland Park will offer free admission and guided tours for the public on August 15. Members of the public can also enjoy a special discount of 18.5 per cent off for gift redemptions or e-coupons (excluding supermarket vouchers and dining vouchers) on the GREEN$ Mobile App, as well as at GREEN@COMMUNITY Recycling Stations and Recycling Stores (excluding Recycling Spots) under the Environmental Protection Department on the same day.
 
     The Countryside Conservation Office (CCO) under the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) will hold a thematic exhibition for NED at the atrium of Citywalk 2 in Tsuen Wan from September 9 to 17. The nine-day event will feature various displays and interactive games to enhance the knowledge and awareness of the public regarding nature conservation and environmental protection in Hong Kong.

     Furthermore, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) will organise four guided eco-tours in Shing Mun Country Park and the Lions Nature Education Centre, and share tips on observing fireflies with the public at night in Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve, with a view to enabling the public to explore local wildlife and appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of Hong Kong’s natural ecology. Over 30 non-governmental organisations will provide a series of special activities and offers, including free admission to facilities, free guided eco-tours, night safaris, workshops and seminars.

     A spokesman for the EEB said, “The HKSAR Government appeals to the public for active participation in the activities of NED. We hope that these activities will enhance the local community’s consciousness of the need for thought and action to conserve our nature and protect the environment, and jointly contribute to the building of a beautiful China and a beautiful Hong Kong. We are grateful to all relevant organisations for their participation in providing special activities and offers.”

     Details of the NED exhibition and relevant special activities and offers have been uploaded to the website of the CCO (cco.gov.hk/en/event-calendar/ned2025), the Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub website of the AFCD (bih.gov.hk/en/education-programmes/programmes/index.html), as well as the websites or social media platforms of the participating organisations.

Posted on

HKPF conducts inter-departmental counter-terrorism and major incident exercise in preparation for 15th National Games

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Emergency Unit of New Territories South of the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) today (August 8) conducted an inter-departmental counter-terrorism and major incident exercise, codenamed “FLYINGEAGLE”, “YELLOWFORTRESS” and “RAINARROW” at the Penny’s Bay Community Isolation Facility, Fantasy Road, Lantau Island. The exercise aimed to enhance the communication, co-ordination and immediate response capabilities among relevant government departments and stakeholders in dealing with emergencies during the 15th National Games (NG).

The exercise simulated three emergency scenarios during the cross-boundary road cycling race of the 15th NG: a terrorist-initiated car ramming and shooting against spectators; spectators breaching the race route and colliding with cyclists causing mass casualties; and a missing child case. The exercise aimed to test and enhance the abilities of relevant government departments and stakeholders to effectively deploy manpower, subdue attackers, as well as co-ordinate emergency evacuation and rescue operations under various contingencies.
 
Over 300 representatives from 10 government departments and relevant organisations participated in the exercise, including personnel from the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong), the HKPF, the Department of Health, the Hospital Authority, the Fire Services Department, the Immigration Department, the Civil Aid Service, the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Cycling Association of Hong Kong, China Limited and the Hong Kong Association for Conflict and Catastrophe Medicine.

The Police will continue to maintain close collaboration with relevant government departments and stakeholders, review contingency plans and make comprehensive preparations for the upcoming 15th NG to ensure public safety and the smooth running of the events.

 

Posted on

Tender for re-opening of 5-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on August 14

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced today (August 8) that a tender of 5-year RMB institutional Government Bonds (Bonds) through the re-opening of existing 5-year Government Bond issue 05GB3005001 under the Infrastructure Bond Programme will be held on August 14, 2025 (Thursday), for settlement on August 18, 2025 (Monday).

An additional amount of RMB1.25 billion of the outstanding 5-year Bonds (issue no. 05GB3005001) will be on offer. The Bonds will mature on May 15, 2030 and will carry interest at the rate of 1.97 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear. The Indicative Pricings of the Bonds on August 8, 2025 are 101.22 with a semi-annualised yield of 1.702 per cent.

Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk. Each tender must be for an amount of RMB50,000 or integral multiples thereof.

Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day.

HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Information

Tender information of re-opening of 5-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
 

Issue Number : 05GB3005001
Stock Code : 85023 (HKGB1.97 3005-R)
Tender Date and Time : August 14, 2025 (Thursday)
9.30am to 10.30am
Issue and Settlement Date : August 18, 2025 (Monday)
Amount on Offer : RMB1.25 billion
Maturity : 5 years
Remaining maturity : Approximately 4.74 years
Maturity Date : May 15, 2030 (Wednesday)
Interest Rate : 1.97 per cent p.a. payable semi-annually in arrear
Interest Payment Dates : May 15 and November 15 in each year, commencing on the Issue Date up to and including the Maturity Date, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Institutional Issuances Information Memorandum of the Infrastructure Bond Programme and Government Sustainable Bond Programme (Information Memorandum) published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.
Method of Tender : Competitive tender
Tender Amount : Each competitive tender must be for an amount of RMB50,000 or integral multiples thereof. Any tender applications for the Bonds must be submitted through a Primary Dealer on the latest published list.

The accrued interest to be paid by successful bidders on the issue date (August 18, 2025) for the tender amount is RMB256.37 per minimum denomination of RMB50,000.

(The accrued interest to be paid for tender amount exceeding RMB50,000 may not be exactly equal to the figures calculated from the accrued interest per minimum denomination of RMB50,000 due to rounding).
Other Details : Please see the Information Memorandum available on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website or approach Primary Dealers.
Expected commencement date of dealing on
the Stock Exchange
of Hong Kong Limited		 : The tender amount is fully fungible with the existing 05GB3005001 (Stock code: 85023) listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.
Use of Proceeds : The Bonds will be issued under the institutional part of the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Proceeds will be invested in infrastructure projects in accordance with the Infrastructure Bond Framework published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.