Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Implementation of regulatory enhancements for mediation profession to solidify HK’s status as capital of mediation
Established by the DoJ in October 2024 in line with the Chief Executive’s Policy Address initiative to strengthen the regulatory system governing the accreditation and disciplinary matters of the mediation profession, the Working Group was tasked with reviewing and making recommendations to enhance the existing framework.
The Working Group completed a comprehensive review in late 2024 and, following a stakeholder consultation conducted in 2025, finalised seven recommendations, which are summarised as follows:
(1) Mediation in Hong Kong should remain as a non-licensed activity with no mandatory licensing or accreditation regime for practising as a mediator.
(2) The Hong Kong Mediation Accreditation Association Limited (HKMAAL) should remain as a private company limited by guarantee to perform its role as an industry-led mediation accreditation and regulatory body, with an enhanced role and expanded functions.
(3) The HKMAAL should be granted statutory mediator-appointing power in the absence of an agreed choice by the parties through legislative amendments.
(4) The HKMAAL should complete the review of the Hong Kong Mediation Code (Mediation Code) and going forward, take ownership and responsibility of reviewing, managing and administering the Mediation Code to provide a consistent professional standard.
(5) Promotional efforts should be made to encourage parties to adopt the Mediation Code.
(6) The HKMAAL should finalise and implement a robust complaint-handling and disciplinary framework to enforce the Mediation Code, and should take steps to publicise a database of its disciplinary findings on its website.
(7) The HKMAAL should actively participate in global discussions on dispute resolution as a representative of the Hong Kong mediation industry and foster partnerships with mediation institutions worldwide.
The full version of the final recommendations is attached in the Annex.
The DoJ puts forth that the recommendation by the Working Group of maintaining mediation in Hong Kong as a non-licensed activity will preserve the process as a voluntary and flexible dispute resolution mechanism and promote the use of mediation skills in the public’s daily lives. At the same time, strengthening the HKMAAL’s role as a premier, industry-led mediation accreditation and regulatory body will ensure that Hong Kong’s mediation regulatory system remains robust, credible, and well-positioned for the future development of the sector.
The DoJ and the HKMAAL have been taking active steps to deepen the mediation culture in Hong Kong. Significant progress has been made for some of the Working Group’s recommendations.
Pursuant to Recommendation 3 of the Working Group, the DoJ is taking forward the necessary legislative amendment work to confer statutory mediator-appointing power upon the HKMAAL to promote the advancement of mediation. The DoJ will commence a stakeholder consultation on the key provisions of the draft amendment bill today. After considering the views of stakeholders, the DoJ aims to introduce the amendment bill into the Legislative Council in the second half of 2026.
Regarding Recommendations 4 and 5, the HKMAAL has completed its review of the Mediation Code and published an updated version of the Mediation Code in April 2026. The updated version addresses recent developments in mediation practices and technological advancements, while enhancing the professional standards for mediators. In parallel, the HKMAAL has updated its sample agreement to mediate for voluntary adoption by parties and mediators, further maximising the utility of the Mediation Code.
Looking ahead, the HKMAAL will review its complaint-handling and disciplinary framework to strengthen the enforcement of the Mediation Code. With due regard to the principle of confidentiality, it will also explore publishing disciplinary findings on its website to enhance transparency and public confidence in mediation. Furthermore, the HKMAAL will actively engage in global discussions on dispute resolution to promote Hong Kong mediation industry internationally.
On the policy front, the Government has, as a matter of general policy, incorporated a mediation clause in all applicable government contracts since February 6, 2025. The DoJ has been tracking the implementation of the policy across all government departments since it took effect. As reflected in the latest statistics, over 95 per cent of government contracts falling within the scope of the policy have incorporated mediation clauses in line with the policy, demonstrating that the Government is committed to promoting “mediate first” in dispute resolution by taking the lead.
The DoJ remains committed to developing a world-class mediation framework in Hong Kong.
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Decision on 2026-27 civil service pay adjustment announced
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) announced today (June 16) that the Chief Executive in Council (CE in Council) had decided to increase the pay for civil servants in the upper, middle and lower salary bands and the directorate at 2 per cent across the board for 2026-27 with retrospective effect from April 1, 2026.
In arriving at this decision, the CE in Council has thoroughly considered the staff side’s response to the pay offers and all relevant factors under the established civil service pay adjustment mechanism. This included consideration of the state of Hong Kong’s economy, changes in the cost of living, the Government’s fiscal position, the net pay trend indicators derived from the Pay Trend Survey, the pay claims of the staff side and civil service morale.
A CSB spokesman said, “Over the past year, the Hong Kong economy has seen substantial growth alongside a modest rise in living expenses and an upward trend in private sector pay. The CE in Council fully recognises the commitment and devotion of the civil service as a whole in taking forward various new and major policy initiatives and measures despite increasing workloads and challenges. Nonetheless, the Government needs to remain prudent in managing public finance to cater for future developments as well as unexpected needs arising from continuing uncertainty in geopolitical matters, which may affect people’s general livelihood within a short period of time. After holistically considering and balancing all relevant factors, the CE in Council decided to increase the civil service pay at the rate of 2 per cent across the board.”
The Government will submit the 2026-27 civil service pay adjustment proposal to the Legislative Council Finance Committee for consideration as soon as possible.
DH conducts interdepartmental exercise to enhance Government’s response capabilities on prevention and control of Ebola disease
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DH conducts interdepartmental exercise to enhance Government’s response capabilities on prevention and control of Ebola disease
The exercise consisted of two parts. The first part took place at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), simulating a scenario in which a person who had visited an Ebola disease-affected region arrived in Hong Kong by air and exhibited symptoms such as fever and vomiting at the airport after landing. Upon detection by staff from the CHP’s Port Health Division at the airport, relevant units were immediately co-ordinated to implement corresponding measures in accordance with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s Preparedness and Response Plan for Ebola Virus Disease. These included medical assessment, infection control, environmental disinfection, epidemiological investigation, and prompt transfer of the suspected Ebola patient to the Hospital Authority (HA)’s Infectious Disease Centre at Princess Margaret Hospital for isolation and treatment.
The second part of the exercise was held at Princess Margaret Hospital. The scenario simulated the HA’s Infectious Disease Centre receiving and isolating the suspected Ebola patient transferred from HKIA. It tested the relevant workflows and procedures for infection control, intensive care and arranging emergency viral laboratory testing.
Approximately 80 representatives from relevant departments and organisations participated in the exercise held by the DH today, including the Fire Services Department, the Airport Authority and the HA.
“The current Ebola outbreak is mainly concentrated in certain African areas including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The immediate impact on public health in Hong Kong remains low. So far, no confirmed cases of Ebola disease have ever been recorded in Hong Kong. Nevertheless, the HKSAR Government remains vigilant and has implemented a comprehensive set of prevention and control measures as well as a contingency deployment. This interdepartmental exercise, ‘Charoite’, is the second large-scale interdepartmental exercise organised by the DH specifically for Ebola disease, a highly pathogenic infectious disease, following the one held last November. The objective is to rigorously test the practical operations of all stakeholders at every critical stage of handling suspected Ebola cases under realistic scenarios, ensuring seamless co-ordination and efficient collaboration while identifying areas for improvement at an early stage to minimise the risk of local transmission. Through regular public health exercises and training for healthcare professionals, the DH will continue to refine the prevention and control mechanisms as well as preparedness and response plans, in order to strengthen the public health defence and make every effort to safeguard the health of the public,” the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, said.
He added that the DH has also comprehensively strengthened its prevention and educational efforts for infection control. Since May, the DH has provided training to over 60 staff members from various government departments and organisations, guiding them on the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), relevant procedures and protection principles. In addition, forums on Ebola disease have been organised for healthcare workers in both the public and private sectors, with more than 1 500 participants. Last week, the Scientific Committee on Infection Control under the CHP also convened a meeting to confirm the recommendations on the proper use of PPE across different healthcare and community settings.
Dr Lam emphasised that the DH will continue to implement a series of prevention and control measures to strictly guard against imported cases, closely monitor the development of the Ebola disease outbreak, and adjust the prevention and control strategies as necessary in response to the situation. At the same time, the DH will actively dovetail with the National 15th Five-Year Plan to improve the public health system, enhance the prevention and control of major communicable diseases, and optimise surveillance, early warning and emergency response mechanisms, with a view to further strengthening Hong Kong’s overall public health preparedness and response capacity.
The DH has previously conducted a total of 33 similar exercises and drills, simulating scenarios involving various infectious diseases, such as measles, plague, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and human infections with avian influenza, to continuously strengthen the disease prevention awareness of the community and healthcare workers and prepare for possible epidemics.
Ebola disease is caused by infection with Orthoebolavirus which belongs to the family Filoviridae. The virus is transmitted to humans through close contact with blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids of infected animals. Human-to-human transmission can result from direct contact (through wound or mucous membranes) with blood, secretions, organs or other body fluids of infected persons, and indirect contact with the environment contaminated with such body fluids. According to information from the World Health Organization (WHO), the case fatality rates from past Ebola outbreaks ranged between 25 per cent and 90 per cent, with an average of around 50 per cent.
The WHO announced on May 17 this year that an Ebola disease outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus had occurred in the DRC and Uganda in Africa, which constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. On the same day, the HKSAR Government activated the Alert Response Level, the lowest under the three-tiered response in the Response Plan
Members of the public wishing to learn more about the Ebola disease and related travel health advice may visit the CHP websiteIssued at HKT 18:15
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Hong Kong Customs detects case involving precious metals and stones dealer carrying out both specified cash and non-cash transactions without registration
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Hong Kong Customs detects case involving precious metals and stones dealer carrying out both specified cash and non-cash transactions without registration
The investigation is ongoing. The arrested person has been released on bail.
According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), unless exempted, any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in Hong Kong is required to register with Hong Kong Customs. In particular, no person other than a Category B registrant may carry out a cash transaction with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in the course of business of dealing in precious metals and stones.Issued at HKT 17:46
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CSSA caseload for May 2026
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The overall Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) caseload in May slightly dropped by 81 cases, remaining more or less the same as that of April, according to the latest CSSA caseload statistics released by the Social Welfare Department today (June 16).
The total CSSA caseload at the end of May stood at 194 367 (see attached table), with a total of 256 452 recipients.
Analysed by case nature, low-earnings cases registered a month-to-month decrease of 1.1 per cent to 1 258 cases. Permanent disability cases decreased by 0.3 per cent to 16 169 cases. Old age cases decreased by 0.1 per cent to 111 605 cases.
Ill-health cases registered an increase of 0.2 per cent to 28 321 cases. Unemployment cases increased by 0.1 per cent to 15 181 cases. Single parent cases remained steady at 17 896 cases.
AFCD reports to Expert Group on Conservation of Marine Mammals on progress of work and recommendations for strengthening protection of cetaceans
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Expert Group on Conservation of Marine Mammals held its third meeting today (June 16), where the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) reported to the expert group on the Government’s progress in strengthening the conservation of marine mammals and made recommendations for enhancing the protection of cetaceans.
The specific progress and follow-up work are as follows:
(I) Strengthening co-operation with the Chinese Mainland: In August 2025, the AFCD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Joint Rescue Mechanism for Large Aquatic Wild Animals with the Ocean Development Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality to deepen the rescue co-operation of large aquatic wild animals between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and to strengthen the exchange of experience and technology to improve the ecological safety of the adjacent waters of Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
In addition, to strengthen the protection of the Chinese White Dolphins (CWD) inhabiting the Pearl River Estuary, the AFCD signed an MOU on the CWD Conservation Co-operation Platform with the Guangdong Pearl River Estuary CWD National Nature Reserve Management Bureau in November 2025. This MOU aims to co-ordinate co-operation between the two places in areas such as CWD ecological monitoring and research, joint rescue, protected areas management and monitoring, and marine conservation education.
(II) Review of legislation: The Government has commenced a review of the legislation relating to the protection of marine mammals. Preliminary proposals include granting new powers to the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation to promptly designate “Temporary Marine Restricted Areas” (TMRAs) in Hong Kong waters where human intervention is required for the protection or rescue of cetaceans. The TMRAs would allow for the restriction or prohibition of vessels, persons, and related activities within the area, thereby minimising disturbance to cetaceans. The Government also proposes to confer legal status on the existing Code of Conduct for Dolphin Watching.
The Government is consulting with stakeholders and plans to submit an amendment bill to the Legislative Council this year.
The expert group expressed support for the relevant recommendations and work direction put forward by the AFCD. The AFCD expressed gratitude to the expert group for its constructive advice and will continue to co-operate with the expert group to enhance the conservation efforts for marine mammals.
Hong Kong’s Gross National Income and external primary income flows for the first quarter of 2026
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (June 16) the preliminary statistics on Hong Kong’s Gross National Income (GNI) and related figures for the first quarter of 2026.
Hong Kong’s GNI, which denotes the total income earned by Hong Kong residents from engaging in various economic activities, increased by 5.1% in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier to $925.7 billion at current market prices. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP), estimated at $843.9 billion at current market prices in the same quarter, recorded a 5.3% increase over a year earlier. The value of GNI was larger than GDP by $81.8 billion in the first quarter of 2026, which was equivalent to 9.7% of GDP in that quarter, mainly attributable to a net inflow of investment income.
After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, Hong Kong’s GNI increased by 3.9% in real terms in the first quarter of 2026 over a year earlier. The corresponding GDP in the same quarter increased by 5.9% in real terms.
Hong Kong’s total inflow of primary income, which mainly comprises investment income, estimated at $529.6 billion in the first quarter of 2026 and equivalent to 62.8% of GDP in that quarter, recorded an increase of 1.6% over a year earlier. Meanwhile, total primary income outflow, estimated at $447.8 billion in the first quarter of 2026 and equivalent to 53.1% of GDP in that quarter, also increased by 1.4% over a year earlier.
As for the major components of investment income inflow, direct investment income (DII) increased by 2.8% over a year earlier, mainly due to the increase in earnings of some prominent local enterprises from their direct investment abroad. Portfolio investment income (PII) recorded an increase of 7.4% over a year earlier, mainly attributable to the increase in interest income received by resident investors from their holdings of non-resident debt securities.
Regarding the major components of investment income outflow, DII increased by 2.5% over a year earlier, mainly due to the increase in earnings of some prominent multinational enterprises from their direct investment in Hong Kong. PII increased significantly by 29.4%, mainly attributable to the increase in interest payout to non-resident investors from their holdings of resident debt securities.
Analysed by country/territory, Chinese Mainland continued to be the largest source of Hong Kong’s total primary income inflow in the first quarter of 2026, accounting for 38.8%. This was followed by the British Virgin Islands (BVI), with a share of 16.0%. Regarding total primary income outflow, Chinese Mainland and the BVI remained the most important destinations in the first quarter of 2026, accounting for 30.1% and 20.6% respectively.
Further Information
GDP and GNI are closely related indicators for measuring economic performance. GDP is a measure of the total value of production of all resident producing units of an economy. GNI denotes the total income earned by residents of an economy from engaging in various economic activities, irrespective of whether the economic activities are carried out within the economic territory of the economy or outside.
Figures of GNI and primary income flows analysed by income component from the second quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2026 are presented in Table A, while selected major country/territory breakdowns of primary income inflow and outflow for the same quarters are presented in Tables B(1) and B(2) respectively.
Statistics on GDP and GNI from 2024 onwards and primary income flows from 2025 onwards are subject to revision when more data are incorporated.
More detailed statistics are given in the report “Gross National Income and External Primary Income Flows, First Quarter 2026”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1040005&scode=250).
For enquiries about GNI and related statistics, please contact the Balance of Payments Branch (2) of the C&SD (Tel: 3863 2291 or email: gni@censtatd.gov.hk).
Unemployment and underemployment statistics for March – May 2026
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for March – May 2026) released today (June 16) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.7% in March – May 2026, same as that in February – April 2026. The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1.5% in the two periods.
Comparing March – May 2026 with February – April 2026, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in different industry sectors varied. Decrease was mainly seen in the cleaning and similar activities sector while increases were mainly seen in the social work activities sector and accommodation services sector. Movements in the underemployment rate in different industry sectors also varied, but the magnitudes were generally not large.
Total employment decreased by around 8 700 from 3 648 000 in February – April 2026 to 3 639 300 in March – May 2026. Over the same period, the labour force also decreased by around 6 900 from 3 787 200 to 3 780 300.
The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 1 900 from 139 200 in February – April 2026 to 141 100 in March – May 2026. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons decreased by around 1 300 from 58 100 to 56 800.
Commentary
Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, “The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stayed at 3.7% in March – May 2026, same as that in the preceding three-month period. The underemployment rate also remained unchanged at 1.5%. Over the same period, the labour force and total employment decreased slightly.”
Looking ahead, Mr Sun said, “The ongoing economic expansion should continue to render support to the overall labour market. The Government will continue to closely monitor the evolving external uncertainties and their potential implications on the Hong Kong economy.”
Further information
The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.
In the survey, the definitions used in measuring unemployment and underemployment follow closely those recommended by the International Labour Organization. The employed population covers all employers, self-employed persons, employees (including full-time, part-time, casual workers, etc.) and unpaid family workers. Unemployed persons by industry (or occupation) are classified according to their previous industry (or occupation).
The survey for March – May 2026 covered a sample of some 25 000 households or 65 000 persons, selected in accordance with a scientifically designed sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong. Labour force statistics compiled from this sample represented the situation in the moving three-month period of March to May 2026.
Data on labour force characteristics were obtained from the survey by interviewing each member aged 15 or over in the sampled households.
Statistical tables on the latest labour force statistics can be downloaded at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode200.html). More detailed analysis of the labour force characteristics is given in the “Quarterly Report on General Household Survey” which is published four times a year. The latest issue of the report contains statistics for the quarter January – March 2026 while the next issue covering the quarter April – June 2026 will be available by end August 2026. Users can also browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1050001&scode=200).
For enquiries about labour force statistics, please contact the General Household Survey Section (3) of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 5508 or email: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk).
Volume and price statistics of external merchandise trade in April 2026
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Further to the external merchandise trade statistics in value terms for April 2026 released earlier on, the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (June 16) the volume and price statistics of external merchandise trade for that month.
In April 2026, the volume of Hong Kong’s total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 32.3% and 34.0% respectively over April 2025.
Comparing the first four months of 2026 with the same period in 2025, the volume of Hong Kong’s total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 28.0% and 32.0% respectively.
Comparing the three-month period ending April 2026 with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the volume of total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 19.0% and 20.4% respectively.
Changes in volume of external merchandise trade are derived from changes in external merchandise trade value with the effect of price changes discounted.
Comparing April 2026 with April 2025, the prices of total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 8.1% and 8.0% respectively.
As regards price changes in the first four months of 2026 over the same period in 2025, the prices of total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 5.4% and 5.3% respectively.
Price changes in external merchandise trade are reflected by changes in unit value indices of external merchandise trade, which are compiled based on average unit values or, for certain commodities, specific price data.
The terms of trade index is derived from the ratio of price index of total exports of goods to that of imports of goods. Compared with the same periods in 2025, the index remained virtually unchanged in April 2026, whereas it increased by 0.1% in the first four months of 2026.
Changes in the unit value and volume of total exports of goods by main destination are shown in Table 1.
Comparing April 2026 with April 2025, increases were recorded for the total export volume to all main destinations: Taiwan (61.7%), Vietnam (55.9%), Chinese Mainland (the Mainland) (29.5%), the USA (24.7%) and India (5.9%).
Over the same period of comparison, the total export prices to all main destinations increased: the USA (9.5%), the Mainland (8.9%), India (8.2%), Vietnam (7.9%) and Taiwan (6.8%).
Changes in the unit value and volume of imports of goods by main supplier are shown in Table 2.
Comparing April 2026 with April 2025, increases were recorded for the import volume from all main suppliers: Korea (86.2%), Vietnam (81.4%), the Mainland (35.5%), Singapore (13.2%) and Taiwan (3.3%).
Over the same period of comparison, the import prices from all main suppliers increased: Korea (18.4%), Taiwan (11.9%), the Mainland (8.6%), Singapore (6.4%) and Vietnam (4.3%).
Further information
Details of the above statistics are published in the April 2026 issue of “Hong Kong Merchandise Trade Index Numbers”. Users can browse and download the report at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1020006&scode=230).
Enquiries on merchandise trade indices may be directed to the Trade Analysis Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3863 2599).
WHO holds expert meeting on International Herbal Pharmacopoeia in Hong Kong, China
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The World Health Organization (WHO) today (June 16) convened the fifth WHO Expert Meeting on the Development of the International Herbal Pharmacopoeia (IHP) in Hong Kong, China, for three days. The meeting brings together experts from six WHO regions to discuss and advance internationally harmonised quality standards for selected herbal medicines.
The Chinese Medicine Regulatory Office of the Department of Health (DH), as the WHO Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine (WHOCC), is supporting the WHO in organising the meeting, taking part in drafting selected herbal medicine monographs and contributing to related technical work.
The WHO recognises the important role of traditional medicine in healthcare systems worldwide and the need for its evidence-based integration. The development of the IHP aims to support harmonised quality standards for herbal medicines, strengthen regulatory capacity and help ensure the quality and safety of traditional medicine products. This work aligns with Strategic Objective 2 of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034, which was endorsed by the World Health Assembly in 2025.
The Unit Head, Traditional Medicine Norms, Standards and Systems Integration Unit, Global Traditional Medicine Centre of the WHO, Dr Kim Sungchol, delivered opening remarks. He expressed the WHO’s appreciation to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government for its support for the meeting, and to the WHOCC for its close collaboration. He also acknowledged the important contributions of collaborating technical teams to the development of the IHP.
The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, said, “The HKSAR was honoured to support the WHO’s important work in developing the IHP. To align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan to advance the inheritance, innovation and high-quality development of Chinese medicine, expand and strengthen the Chinese medicine industry and promote Chinese medicine culture, the DH will continue to steadfastly promote the development of Chinese medicine and better integrate into and serve the overall national development. The DH will fully leverage the HKSAR’s expertise in developing herbal medicine standards, testing and quality control. We will work closely with the WHO and international experts to contribute to the standardisation, safety and quality of traditional herbal medicines, thereby safeguarding the health and well-being of humanity.”
Dr Lam also briefed participants on Hong Kong’s work in developing safety and quality standards for Chinese medicines, telling good stories of Hong Kong.
Dr Lam said, “The DH has developed the Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards since 2002, with 12 volumes published covering standards for 357 Chinese Materia Medica. The project has gained international recognition, with its scientific findings cited by overseas authorities and international journals. The Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute under the DH, which is equipped with advanced technology and equipment, will continue to develop Chinese Medicine testing methods and standard development capabilities and promote high-quality development of Chinese medicine in the HKSAR. Leveraging the HKSAR’s unique advantages under ‘one country, two systems’, with strong support of the motherland and close connections with the world, Hong Kong will continue to contribute to the wider global dissemination of Chinese medicine and establish the HKSAR as a bridgehead for Chinese Medicine to go global.”
The HKSAR has continued to support the WHO’s work on the development of the IHP. Following the WHO meeting organised with the support of the DH in Hong Kong, China, in November 2024 to discuss the roadmap and working mechanism for the development of the IHP, this meeting marks another important occasion on which the HKSAR supports the WHO in advancing this important international initiative.