Category: MIL-OSI

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Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected ketamine worth about $10 million at airport

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Hong Kong Customs today (April 2) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 25 kilograms of suspected ketamine with an estimated market value of about $10 million.

A female passenger, aged 39, arrived in Hong Kong from Prague, the Czech Republic, via Seoul, Korea, late last night (April 1). During customs clearance in the early hours today, Customs officers found about 25kg of suspected ketamine, concealed in food packages, in her check-in suitcase. The woman was subsequently arrested.

After investigation, the arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts on April 4. 

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 to 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).

        

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CS meets Xia Baolong in Beijing

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

On his last day of visit to Beijing, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, leading a delegation, called on CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong. The meeting was attended by Executive Deputy Director of CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Xu Qifang.

Mr Chan thanked Mr Xia for his guidance on the planning and construction of the Northern Metropolis University Town (NMUT), and briefed him on the delegation’s visit to the Ningbo Higher Education Park, Xiasha Higher Education Park in Hangzhou, Zhejiang University International Campus (Haining), Beijing Municipal Administrative Center, and Xiong’an New Area in Hebei.

The visits and exchanges provided practical insights for the NMUT’s top-level design, thereby helping Hong Kong advance the integration of academic excellence with industry, and promote industrial development through education, Mr Chan stressed.

He added that the Working Group on Planning & Construction of the University Town will continue to push forward the NMUT’s development in proactive alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, helping Hong Kong better serve national development.

During the meeting, Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin also reported on her work.

Mr Chan and other members of the delegation returned to Hong Kong this afternoon. Ms Choi continued her visit in the capital and will return to Hong Kong tomorrow.

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Fire probe sessions to be held

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po announced today that a third round of seven evidential hearings, at witnesses will give oral evidence, will be held on the following days:

  1. April 20 (Monday)
  2. April 21 (Tuesday)
  3. April 22 (Wednesday)
  4. April 23 (Thursday)
  5. April 24 (Friday)
  6. April 27 (Monday)
  7. April 30 (Thursday)

The hearings will be conducted in Cantonese from 10am to 1pm and from 2.15pm to 4.30pm at the Multi-purpose Hall, 3/F, City Gallery, 3 Edinburgh Place, Central. Simultaneous interpretation in Putonghua and English will be provided.

Those wishing to attend, including Wang Fuk Court residents, are required to pre-register online from 10am on April 8 to 10am on April 11.

Registrants may select one or more sessions. Seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis according to the system’s record of the time the pre-registration forms are received.

Successful registrants will receive a confirmation issued by the committee secretariat no later than April 16. They will get an SMS notification from the sender name “#IC-hearing”, or an email from hearing@ic-wangfukcourtfire.gov.hk.

The proceedings will be broadcast live in transmission areas set up on the ground floor of City Gallery as well as at the Hong Kong Central Library’s Lecture Theatre. Some registrants may be assigned to observe the hearings in these two areas. A total of about 360 seats will be available for public observation in the main venue and the two transmission areas. About half of the seats will be set aside for Wang Fuk Court residents on a priority basis.

Individuals can only pre-register for each hearing day once. Duplicate registrations will not be processed.

The committee plans to hold additional hearings in May, details of which will be announced later.

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Govt files to seize properties

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Government today filed an application with the Court of First Instance of the High Court for forfeiture of Lai Chee-ying’s offence-related properties, to achieve the important objectives of preventing and suppressing acts and activities endangering national security.

The Court of First Instance earlier convicted Lai Chee-ying of three charges of offences endangering national security. 

In a statement, the Government said the application was made in accordance with the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKNSL) and the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Implementation Rules).

According to Article 32 of the HKNSL, proceeds obtained from the commission of an offence under the Law including financial aid, gains and rewards, and funds and tools used or intended to be used in the commission of the offence shall be seized and confiscated.

The application for and issuance of a forfeiture order must comply with the strict conditions set out in Schedule 3 to the Implementation Rules.

The Court of First Instance may order the forfeiture only if it is satisfied, after an application is made by the Secretary for Justice, that the property to be forfeited meets relevant conditions.

The Government said the Hong Kong SAR is a society underpinned by the rule of law and has always adhered to the principle that “laws must be obeyed and lawbreakers be held accountable”.

It noted that applying to the court for a forfeiture order is one of the effective means to combat serious crimes and protect the public interest, adding that laws and mechanisms for forfeiture of offence-related properties are commonly found around the world.

The statement also pointed out that a forfeiture order made for the purpose of safeguarding national security can prevent persons convicted of offences endangering national security, their accomplices or agents from continuing to use their offence-related properties to engage in acts and activities endangering national security, so as to cut off the funding chains for offences endangering national security and to weaken their capacity to commit offences endangering national security.

The Government reiterated that it will, as always, steadfastly and strictly adhere to the principle of the rule of law, stay committed to ensuring that laws are observed and strictly enforced to bring offenders to justice.

The Government will also effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, while protecting the lawful rights and interests of Hong Kong residents and other people in Hong Kong, the statement added.

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President Lai meets Global Taiwan Institute media delegation  

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai meets Global Taiwan Institute media delegation
On the morning of March 31, President Lai Ching-te met with a media delegation from the Global Taiwan Institute (GTI). In remarks, President Lai thanked the delegation members for helping advance understanding and support of democratic Taiwan in the international community. The president also expressed his gratitude for their media coverage, which has helped the international community pay greater attention to regional peace and stability and has helped garner even more international support for Taiwan. He stated that Taiwan is actively bolstering its defense capabilities, implementing military reform, enhancing overall combat capability, and developing its indigenous defense industry, demonstrating its determination to safeguard national security, protect freedom and democracy, and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. He also stated that Taiwan will fulfill its responsibilities in maintaining regional security and that it is willing to collaborate with the United States and other democratic partners to safeguard regional stability, supply chain security, and global prosperity.
A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
Our guests represent prominent US media outlets and possess significant influence in the global public sphere. I extend a sincere welcome to the delegation and anticipate that your professional reporting will help the world better understand Taiwan. I want to give a word of thanks to the GTI for its many years of diligent efforts and advocacy in Washington, DC, and for helping advance understanding and support of democratic Taiwan in the international community. It warms my heart to see two fellow Taiwanese, Dr. Lanhee J. Chen, GTI Advisory Board member and David and Diane Steffy Fellow in American Public Policy Studies at the Hoover Institution, and GTI Board of Directors Chair Jennifer Hu. I want to thank them for their tireless work in voicing support for Taiwan, which has helped US society have a better grasp of Taiwan’s spirit and culture.
Taiwan is a vibrant democratic society. We cherish freedom and safeguard democracy. And we know well that peace must be built upon a foundation of strength, resilience, and unity. Over 90 percent of the world’s most advanced semiconductors are manufactured in Taiwan, and over a fifth of maritime trade passes through the Taiwan Strait. As a crucial link in the first island chain in the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan firmly believes that a free and open, peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region is the only path to advancing global prosperity.
Over recent years, China has continued to attempt to alter the status quo across the Taiwan Strait through such tactics as military intimidation, gray-zone operations, and economic coercion. I thank the international media outlets represented here for their coverage, which has helped the international community pay greater attention to regional peace and stability and has helped garner even more international support for Taiwan.
Peace is priceless, and war has no winners. As we aspire to peace, we must not harbor any delusions. We firmly believe that peace can only be achieved through strength and that help comes most to those who help themselves. Thus, Taiwan is actively bolstering its defense capabilities, implementing military reform, and strengthening whole-of-society defense resilience. Our national defense spending, as it is defined by NATO, has already surpassed 3 percent of GDP this year, and we aim for this figure to reach 5 percent by 2030. Our government has also proposed an eight-year, US$40 billion special defense budget to enhance equipment procurement, construct the T-Dome, enhance overall combat capability, and develop Taiwan’s indigenous defense industry. This demonstrates our determination to safeguard our national security, protect freedom and democracy, and maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
This year is the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first direct presidential election. It also marks the 250th anniversary of US independence. And while the histories of our democracies may differ in length, our pursuit of freedom is the same. Taiwan will fulfill its responsibilities in maintaining regional security. And we are willing to collaborate with the US and other democratic partners to safeguard regional stability, supply chain security, and global prosperity.
In 2010, 83.8 percent of Taiwan’s outbound investment went to China; last year, that figure had dropped to around 3.7 percent. The US is now Taiwan’s top outbound investment destination. It is also Taiwan’s largest export market. Trade and economic relations between Taiwan and the US continue to deepen, and cooperation and exchanges in technological innovation and industrial development have also expanded. This year, we signed the Taiwan-US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and an agreement on bilateral investment. We also signed the Joint Statement on the Pax Silica Declaration and Taiwan-US Economic Security Cooperation. I anticipate that through our joint efforts, we can create a mutually beneficial future of prosperity and contribute even more to the world.
GTI Advisory Board Member Chen then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for taking the time to meet with their delegation. He also thanked National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Baushuan Ger (葛葆萱) for their hospitality. He mentioned that it is an honor for the group to be here in Taiwan. He said that he often reflects on the many changes that Taiwan has been through in the 40 years since he first came back as a young child, noting that it is remarkable to see that the one thing that has endured is the strength of the relationship between the US and Taiwan, which remains rock solid.
GTI Advisory Board Member Chen stated that he is chairing this delegation, a group composed of some of America’s most prominent voices in journalism and political commentary. He emphasized that it is important for his colleagues to see Taiwan firsthand, to experience life and culture, to meet individuals here, and to engage in exchanges because it better informs their understanding of the situation that Taiwan currently finds itself in. Noting that this is the first time in Taiwan for many of these people, he expressed hope they will have an opportunity to leave with good memories of the people that they meet and the food that they eat. 
GTI Advisory Board Member Chen said that this visit comes at a very important time in the Taiwan-US relationship, adding that it is his firm hope that after the delegation leaves Taiwan, they will continue to remember and be mindful of the tremendous challenges that Taiwan faces from what he believes is a hostile power just 80 miles away. He also expressed his belief that the impressions and the relationships developed will remain. He then said he looks forward to a wonderful dialogue with President Lai.

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LegCo Secretariat releases Research Brief on “The 2026-2027 Budget”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

LegCo Secretariat releases Research Brief on “The 2026-2027 Budget” 
     The Financial Secretary (FS) presented the fourth Budget of the current-term Government on February 25. The Legislative Council Secretariat (the Secretariat) today (April 2) released a Research Brief on “The 2026-2027 Budget”.
 
     Supported by strong stock-trading stamp duty income and bond issuance, total government revenue soared by 21.9 per cent year-on-year to HK$688.8 billion in the 2025-2026 fiscal year (see Annex ‍1). With a HK$2.9 billion surplus for the Consolidated Account, Hong Kong recorded a fiscal surplus for the first time after three consecutive years of deficits. While this arrived three years earlier than the Government projected, when excluding net bond proceeds, the underlying deficit remained at HK$100.4 billion. This equates to 3 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is still below the average (4.6 per cent) of the 37 advanced economies tracked by the International Monetary Fund.
 
     The Research Brief examined the Government’s near-term fiscal position and the reinforced fiscal consolidation programme already implemented, as well as analysing the fiscal space for expanded bond issuance. The Research Brief pointed out that total public expenditure grew 5.4 per cent to HK$844.2 billion. This is estimated to rise a further 7.2 per cent to HK$904.7 billion in this fiscal year. Driven mainly by an ageing population, health and social welfare remain the largest spending areas, with infrastructure replacing education as the third-largest (see Annex 2). Over the past five years, infrastructure expenditure has surged by over 40 per cent. As Northern Metropolis-related (NM) projects are rolled out progressively, capital works expenditure is expected to average around HK$120 billion per annum over the next five years.
 
     As part of the fiscal consolidation programme in the 2026-2027 fiscal year (see Annex 3), FS proposed transferring HK$150 billion of the Exchange Fund’s (EF) investment income to finance the development of NM and other infrastructure projects. This withdrawal, which is the first in 42 years, has drawn considerable debate. Some argue that it could undermine the EF’s capacity in preserving Hong Kong’s financial stability, and question whether such a drawdown might become a “regular practice”. Others, however, regard this proposal as an “innovative” measure that is “safer” than expanding bond issuance.
 
     Meanwhile, FS also proposed raising the bond issuance ceiling from HK$700 billion to HK$900 billion, with a greater share of longer-term bonds. The Research Brief noted that concerns over the trajectory of government debt persist, given mounting repayment pressure on the bonds issued in recent years. Net bond proceeds are projected to be compressed by 43.3 per cent between 2026-2027 and 2030-2031 fiscal years, and the gross government-debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to increase to 19.9 per cent. However, this ratio remains far below the average of advanced economies (see Annex 4), and interest expenses amount to just 1.2 per cent of government revenue. As reflected in a range of key financial indicators, Hong Kong’s fiscal position remains resilient by international standards and its creditworthiness continues to rank among the strongest of any major advanced economy.
 
     The Research Brief also suggested that as the Government moderates expenditure growth to restore fiscal balance, the recovery of the private sector will be key to sustaining economic growth momentum. To actively support and proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is formulating the first-ever Five-Year Plan, which could provide a framework for sequencing public investment commitments alongside the fiscal consolidation timetable.
 
     On long-term fiscal health, the Research Brief pointed out that population ageing, low fertility and the impact that AI will bring to the labour market could further strain public finances. Despite the pro-natalist measures introduced by the Government, registered births fell to a record low in 2025. The Research Brief compared the pro-natalist policies in Hong Kong with those in selected advanced economies in Asia and Europe, noting that effective responses require early, sustained and comprehensive intervention, rather than relying primarily on financial incentives. International experience points to facilitating workforce transition as crucial to safeguarding the tax base. As profits tax and salaries tax account for a large share of the Government’s recurrent revenue, the ability to steer workforce towards high complementarity with AI has direct implications for the tax base. The Research Brief observed that the upgrading of the Employees Retraining Board into Upskill Hong Kong with a mandate to provide skill-based training, specifically incorporating AI applications, is a timely policy response. 
 
     The Legislative Council (LegCo) will resume the Second Reading debate on the Appropriation Bill 2026 at its meeting of April 22 and Members will speak on the Bill.
 
     The Research Brief is prepared by the Secretariat’s Research Office of the Research and Information Division with a view to enhancing information support for Members. The Research Brief is now available on LegCo website: app7.legco.gov.hk/rpdb/en/uploads/2026/RB/RB01_2026_20260402_en.pdfIssued at HKT 12:58

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CSTB convenes meeting to co-ordinate preparation for visitor arrivals to Hong Kong during Labour Day Golden Week of Mainland

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CSTB convenes meeting to co-ordinate preparation for visitor arrivals to Hong Kong during Labour Day Golden Week of Mainland       
     The meeting was chaired by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, with representatives from government departments including the Hong Kong Police Force, the Immigration Department, Hong Kong Customs, the Transport Department, and various District Offices attending. Representatives from various tourism-related organisations, including the Travel Industry Authority, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, major tourist attractions and the hotel industry also attended.
      
     Miss Law said, “Labour Day Golden Week is Hong Kong’s peak season for travel, and a notable increase in the number of visitors during the period is expected. Various government departments will strengthen co-ordination and communication with relevant organisations and the travel trade to make early preparations and planning with a view to providing a high-quality travel experience for visitors.”

     With the Mainland Ching Ming Festival long weekend (April 4 to 6) approaching, during which an increase in visitor arrivals is expected, Miss Law invited government departments, relevant organisations and the travel trade to also make necessary preparations to receive these visitors.
          ​
     Relevant parties will continue to maintain close communication before the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland to plan and take forward various preparations for welcoming visitors to Hong Kong, and report in a timely manner the latest situation to the interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration.
Issued at HKT 16:36

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Application for provisional clinic licences to close on April 13

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Application for provisional clinic licences to close on April 13      
Transitional arrangements for provisional licences
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     The DH has been accepting applications for clinic licences (including provisional licences) and letters of exemption for small practice clinics (SPCs) under the Ordinance since October 13, 2025. The DH has also launched the “e-Licensing” System      
     As a transitional arrangement under the Ordinance, clinics already in operation on or before November 30, 2018 (i.e. the gazettal date of the Ordinance), may be granted a provisional licence by the DH depending on the circumstances if their operators submit an application for a clinic licence on or before April 13, 2026. This allows the clinics to continue operations until a full licence is issued and enables operators to make necessary modifications to their clinics to comply with licensing requirements, such as modification of the accommodation layout. A provisional licence will expire on the date specified by the Secretary for Health for the expiry of provisions pertaining to provisional licences; upon issuance of a full licence to the licensee; or upon withdrawal or rejection of the full licence application.
      
     Upon the lapse of application deadline for provisional clinic licences on April 13, 2026, all clinic operators must apply for a full licence, regardless of whether the clinic qualifies for transitional arrangements.
      
Clinic operators should apply for clinic licences/letters of exemption as soon as possible; the process is convenient and efficient
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     The DH urged all clinic operators who have not yet applied for a clinic licence/letter of exemption to submit their applications through the DH’s “e-Licensing” System      
     The DH stressed that the application process for clinic licences/letters of exemption is convenient and efficient. By using the “e-Licensing” System      
     The DH will continue to proactively contact clinic operators to learn about their progress in preparing licence or exemption applications, and urge them to submit the applications as soon as possible. At the same time, the DH will maintain close liaison with licence applicants, and conduct document verifications and on-site inspections to ensure that their clinics comply with the requirements under the Ordinance and the Code of Practice, with the aim of issuing licences as soon as possible. As of March 30, 2026, the DH has received 546 clinic licence applications (including 193 provisional licence applications) and 2 712 applications for letters of exemption for SPC. The DH has issued 26 clinic licences, 19 provisional licences and over 2 600 letters of exemption.
      
     The DH will also continue to conduct online briefing sessions to explain the Ordinance and the application requirements for clinic licences/letters of exemption for various stakeholders including clinic and SPC operators as well as doctors. For details on the briefing sessions and application arrangements for clinic licences/letters of exemption, please visit the website       
Make use of “Licence Scanner” to easily identify licensed/exempted clinics
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     At present, all licensed private hospitals and licensed day procedure centres, as well as clinics holding valid licences or letters of exemption are required to display their licence/letter of exemption featuring a QR code in a conspicuous location on their premises. Members of the public may use the “Licence Scanner” on the eHealth mobile application to scan the QR code and verify the validity of the licence or letter of exemption.
      
     Members of the public may also visit the ORPHF websiteIssued at HKT 14:00

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Sixth GBA Legal Professional Examination to be held in September

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Department of Justice (DoJ) welcomed the notice issued by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) yesterday (April 1) on the details of the 2026 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Legal Professional Examination (GBA Examination). The examination will be held on September 19 in Shenzhen and Zhuhai, Guangdong. Eligible applicants can apply to sit for the examination through the website of the MoJ from April 16 to 25. For more details, please visit: www.moj.gov.cn/pub/sfbgw/zwxxgk/fdzdgknr/fdzdgknrtzwj/202604/t20260401_533339.html (in Chinese only).

The GBA Examination has been held five times. Currently, over 630 Hong Kong and Macao legal practitioners have passed the examination and obtained the Lawyer’s License (Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Greater Bay Area) to provide legal services in the nine Mainland municipalities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) on specified civil and commercial matters to which the Mainland laws apply. The pilot scheme for Hong Kong and Macao legal practitioners to practise in the nine Mainland municipalities in the GBA will expire on October 4 this year.

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, said, “The DoJ has been working closely with the authorities including the MoJ and the Department of Justice of Guangdong Province in their work to advance the pilot scheme for GBA lawyers, striving for the regularisation of the GBA lawyers’ scheme.  I encourage Hong Kong legal practitioners to become GBA lawyers and acquire dual qualification, so as to leverage the unique strengths of ‘one country, two systems, three jurisdictions’ in the GBA to assist Mainland enterprises in going global.”    

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Hong Kong rises to world’s fifth-largest trading entity in merchandise trade

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Hong Kong rises to world’s fifth-largest trading entity in merchandise trade      
     The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said today (April 2), “The WTO report fully demonstrated that despite the challenges brought about by geopolitics and trade protectionism in the past year, Hong Kong’s external trade remained resilient and achieved an encouraging result, making the city the world’s fifth-largest trading entity in merchandise trade after the Chinese Mainland, the United States, Germany and the Netherlands. If the European Union is taken as a single trading entity, Hong Kong ranks fourth.”
      
     Mr Yau noted that Hong Kong has long adopted free trade and firmly supports and has upheld the rules-based multilateral trading system to provide trading partners with a predictable and transparent market. In addition, leveraging the institutional advantages under the “one country, two systems” framework and the highly internationalised business environment, Hong Kong has become the most important and agile gateway for business and trade in the region.
      
     “The report also showed that a series of measures carried out by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) for promoting trade, including expanding economic and trade networks, stepping up efforts in attracting enterprises and investment, deepening ties with international markets, exploring emerging markets, enhancing support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and promoting Hong Kong’s participation in the Belt and Road initiative and opening up the Mainland market, have achieved fruitful results, enabling Hong Kong to continue to play a pivotal role in international trade,” Mr Yau added.
      
     He said, “This year marks the beginning of the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan and the HKSARG is also formulating Hong Kong’s five-year plan to actively align with it. The 15th Five-Year Plan explicitly supports Hong Kong in better integrating into and serving the overall national development to further consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international trade centre, leveraging its unique advantages of being backed by the motherland and connected to the world. The HKSARG will continue to promote trade and focus on further assisting Mainland enterprises in going global through Hong Kong as a platform to explore new areas of economic growth in addition to strengthening the aforesaid measures, with a view to fulfilling our roles as a ‘super connector’ and a ‘super value-adder’.”
      
     Riding on the good performance last year, merchandise exports continued to show strong performance in early 2026. In February 2026, the values of Hong Kong’s total exports and imports of goods both recorded year-on-year increases, at 24.7 per cent and 29.9 per cent respectively. Taking January and February of 2026 together, the value of total exports of goods increased by 29.6 per cent over the same period in 2025. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 34.1 per cent. 
      
     According to the WTO report, Hong Kong ranked as the world’s fifth-largest trading entity in merchandise trade in 2025. Hong Kong was the world’s fifth-largest exporter and the sixth-largest importer of goods (both were three places up from 2024).
      
     Globally, the world’s top 10 merchandise traders in 2025 were basically the same as those in 2024. While the top four traders, namely the Chinese Mainland, the United States, Germany and the Netherlands, remained unchanged in ranking, Hong Kong moved two places up to the fifth position, followed by the United Kingdom, Japan, France, Italy and Mexico.
      
     For commercial service trading, Hong Kong was the world’s 22nd-largest commercial service trading entity in 2025. It was the world’s 23rd-largest commercial services exporter and the 25th importer (both remained the same ranking as that in 2024). Hong Kong’s total trade in commercial services amounted to US$211 billion in 2025, accounting for 1.2 per cent of the world’s total and representing a 6.6 per cent increase from 2024.
      
     The “Global Trade Outlook and Statistics” report is available at www.wto.org/english/res_e/reser_e/gots_e.htmIssued at HKT 14:30

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