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Housing Bureau awards two operation and management contracts of Light Public Housing projects (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Housing Bureau awards two operation and management contracts of Light Public Housing projects  
The third contract covers the operation and management of the LPH project at Tsing Fuk Lane, Tuen Mun (i.e. Tuen Mun Area 3A), providing about 1 900 units. The fourth contract covers the operation and management of the LPH project at Olympic Avenue, Kai Tak (Phase 1), providing about 3 000 units. Both projects are anticipated to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year. The operating organisations will need to work at full capacity to carry out the pre-management works effectively, so as to ensure the smooth handling of LPH applications and intake arrangements, and to provide various services and ancillary facilities for the residents and local communities immediately upon intake.
 
The Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, said, “Under the steer of the HB, the first LPH project at Yau Pok Road, Yuen Long, is progressing towards full intake, while the project at Choi Hing Road, Ngau Tau Kok, will commence intake in phases by the end of next month. With the appointment of the third and the fourth operating organisations for LPH today, this social project has further taken a significant step forward, and more citizens in need will benefit from the LPH.”
 
     “I look forward to working closely with various operating organisations in the coming years to ensure effective operation and management, thereby allowing the residents and nearby communities to benefit from the projects’ ancillary facilities and community services. We are also inviting tenders for two other operation and management contracts, covering the four school conversion projects and the Sheung On Street project in Chai Wan. I would like to appeal to other organisations that are interested in operating LPH projects to actively participate in the tenders and work together with the Government to improve the living environment of the grassroots and help them in their pursuit of happiness,” she added.
 
In addition to providing accommodation, the LPH projects will also offer various services and facilities for the residents and the local community. Therefore, unlike general property management contracts, the requirements for LPH’s operation and management services, not only cover occupant management, property management, and daily maintenance, but also a range of social services, as well as the management and operation of ancillary facilities.
 
To ensure service quality, the HB has, in the assessment process, carried out a technical assessment based on a series of criteria including the management capability and relevant experience of the tenderers, as well as the proposed modes of operation and management, social services to be provided, exit plan and the use of innovation and information technology. The tender price was then comprehensively evaluated to decide on the most suitable operating organisation.
 
The Chief Executive announced the construction of about 30 000 LPH units by 2027-28. The HB and the Architectural Services Department have been working at full steam to take forward the related works. The LPH Phase 1 and Phase 2 applications, covering about 4 400 and 5 060 units respectively, have received an overwhelming response, with about 21 900 applications received by the end of May this year.
Issued at HKT 18:30

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President Lai leads industrial listening tours to Taichung and mobilizes the government to help Businesses tackle U.S. Tariff Challenges.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

President Lai Ching-Te led a delegation on April 11 to the Taichung Industrial Park under the Bureau of Industrial Parks(BIP) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs(MOEA) as part of the “Industry Listening Tour.” Accompanied by Secretary-General to the President Pan Men-An, Executive Yuan Secretary-General Kung Ming-Hsin, Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Jyh-Huei, Export-Import Bank of the Republic of China Chairman Tai Teng-shan, and other MOEA officials, President Lai held in-depth discussions with central Taiwan enterprises leaders to understand firsthand the challenges and needs arising from recent changes to U.S. tariff policy.
On April 10, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause and reduction of reciprocal tariffs to 10%. President Lai emphasized that this presents a crucial opportunity for Taiwan to engage in strategic negotiations and adjustments. He reassured the industry that the government would seize this opportunity and work side-by-side with enterprises to secure Taiwan’s best benefits. President Lai noted that Taiwan was among the first countries globally to respond with concrete actions, including launching industry consultations and proposing specific measures. These include pursuing tariff negotiations, increasing procurement and investment in the U.S., removing trade barriers, and combating country-of-origin misrepresentation. Addressing the impact of the reciprocal tariff, President Lai stated, “When the roots of the tree are stable, there’s no fear of the typhoon shaking its branches,” and outlined a new strategy: “rooted in Taiwan, expand global presence, strengthened ties with the U.S., and market worldwide.” He emphasized a dual transformation approach-smart and global-to enhance Taiwan’s industrial competitiveness.
The MOEA explained that the government had launched an NT$88 billion support program for export supply chains in response to the U.S. tariff policy. The plan targets nine key areas and includes 20 measures such as enhanced export credit guarantees, enhanced SME financing, transformation R&D subsidies, and overseas market expansion, aimed at strengthening industry resilience and adaptability.
During the session, company representatives actively shared insights and suggestions, covering topics such as international trade shows, logistics arrangements for U.S. shipments, financing needs, mechanisms to prevent origin fraud, and tax credit incentives for Taiwan-based operations. The President and officials responded directly and promptly to each concern, underscoring the government’s determination and responsiveness.
President Lai concluded by noting that Taiwan is already included in the U.S.’s first list for tariff negotiations. He assured attendees that the government is fully prepared to engage in talks. This “listening tour,” he emphasized, is not only about hearing from the industry-it also marks the start of concrete government action, backed by targeted policies and resources to support businesses amid global change.

Spokesman: Mr. Liu Chi-Chuan (Deputy Director General, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-7-3613349, 0911363680
Email: lcc12@bip.gov.tw

Contact Person: Chi, Shih-Tsung (Director of Taichung Branch, BIP)
Contact Number: 886-4-26581215, 0905287377
Email: chist@bip.gov.tw

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Speech by SCST at Luxury Symposium 2025 (English only)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Speech by SCST at Luxury Symposium 2025 (English only) 
Mr Alain Li (President of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
Good afternoon. It is truly my pleasure to be here at Luxury Symposium 2025, where leaders, experts and innovators from the global luxury industry gather together in the metropolitan city of Hong Kong to explore the future of luxury. And indeed, my activities today are intertwined. I met with the Hong Kong Retail Management Association just now, then I came to this Symposium, then I will go back for a meeting to prepare for our next peak of visitor arrival. This pretty much shows the importance of tourism and luxury spending and luxury sales on my radar screen.
 
This year marks the 10th anniversary and this is the ninth edition of the Luxury Symposium series. Since its inception in 2016, the Symposium has established itself as a renowned platform for exploring the evolution of luxury and fostering meaningful dialogue. I’m most pleased to welcome distinguished speakers, world-class brands and passionate participants, many of you would be our old friends while some may have come our way for the first time. For this special milestone, the return of Luxury Symposium 2025 to Hong Kong is a firm testimony of Hong Kong’s unique position as Asia’s Events Capital, an international hub for arts and culture, and a shopper’s paradise.
 
Hong Kong has a long and rich East-meets-West historical legacy. And with the strong support of the Central People’s Government, Hong Kong is striving to further develop this unique asset for the benefit of fostering deepened international cultural co-operation. Specifically, our role is the “super-connector” between our motherland and the rest of the world. 2025 has been nothing short of remarkable for Hong Kong’s cultural and creative scene. We have successfully hosted iconic international events like Art Basel and Art Central, which were warmly received by over 100 000 participants, including artists, galleries, art collectors and enthusiasts, and about 50 per cent of them were from outside of Hong Kong.
 
Indeed, in the last couple of years, and indeed even right now, our M+ museum in West Kowloon and our Museum of Art have been staging exquisite exhibitions with modern and unique curation of Yayoi Kusama, I M Pei, Pablo Picasso, Renoir and Cézanne. These exhibitions are primarily in the area of visual arts, and an ability for Hong Kong people and our visitors to appreciate, and an instinct to achieve beauty and awe, is the fundamental driver for the creation and acquisition of sublime art pieces, many of which actually take the form of luxurious goods. Hong Kong has long been aware of the importance of, and actively fosters, the development of arts, culture and creative industries. Last year in November, we have introduced the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development. And “Develop Diverse Arts and Culture Industries with International Perspective” was one of the four strategic directions. I’m glad to see that Luxury Symposium 2025, by applying a unique perspective from global leaders of the industry, will generate innovative and inspirational ideas that benefit the long-term development of the luxury and relevant industries here in Hong Kong and globally.
 
Apart from showcasing brilliant arts talent, we have also brought world-class fashion to our shores. An iconic example was the unforgettable Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Pre-fall fashion show in Hong Kong in end November 2023, which was the first ever runway show to stage against our iconic Victoria Harbour and the spectacular skyline along the Avenue of Stars. With the Government’s full facilitation, the event reached over 560 million views worldwide, showcasing Hong Kong’s unique allure to a global audience. Another one would be Chanel’s Cruise 2024/25 Show which creatively took place in the Hong Kong Design Institute in November 2024. The event not only successfully drew a big crowd of celebrities and fashion icons to Hong Kong, but also connected cinema lovers through film-related talks and happenings at Shaw Studios, taking note of the fact that cinema has always been at the heart of the brand. The event reaffirms the brand’s commitment to the city through celebrating the heritage and spirit of the collection, all the while paying tribute to the culture of Hong Kong.
 
We certainly welcome more mega events, including luxurious brand events, with open arms and will be most happy to act as a strong facilitator. Of course, apart from government action, it takes joint efforts and collective wisdom from both local and international stakeholders, to cultivate an organic ecosystem for the development of arts, culture and creative industries on Hong Kong’s fertile soil. 
 
Luxury should not just be about expensive art pieces or goods that are beyond the reach of ordinary people. Everyone needs and deserves a bit a luxury, be it peace of the mind, ample me-time, tranquil lifestyle, a super fine culinary experience, or just a bit of glitter once in a while. It is more about things in life that bring a joy so special or satisfying that it cannot be replaced by much else, so that one feels a desire to own it, to touch it and to come to it. It can mean different things to different people. And some of the things might be ultra expensive, but some are simply one of a kind, treasurable, without being overly costly. 
      
The theme of this year’s Symposium is “Hong Kong Zoom in, Zoom out – The Asia edition”. Let us now zoom in a little bit and zoom out a little bit to see what Hong Kong has to offer. 
 
Zooming in, Hong Kong is dedicated to advancing our infrastructure and enriching the content of our offering to drive new experiences and visitor engagement. The newly opened state-of-the-art Kai Tak Sports Park which hosted world-class events like Coldplay concerts and the Hong Kong International Rugby Sevens provide unforgettable excitement while fresh tourism initiatives announced last week like Hong Kong Industrial Brand Tourism, in-depth travel in Kowloon City and Old Town Central, rejuvenation of the Former Yau Ma Tei Police Station etc. There is no shortage of fun and nostalgia of Hong Kong’s cultural legacy.
 
Zooming out, we are strengthening global connections by actively initiating, supporting or participating in platforms for arts and cultural exchange, to name a few, the Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum where cultural administrators exchange views of cultural policies, and the Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo newly launched in 2024 that brought together global arts institutions and practitioners for business partnerships and promotion of the industry all in one go. The Luxury Symposium is another precious piece in this puzzle – it is a platform for Hong Kong to connect with international peers, exchange ideas, gain experience, and explore opportunities for collaboration and innovation. These initiatives are introduced not only by the Government, but also the industries and various institutions.
 
Ladies and gentlemen, rapid and vigorous changes have been taking place in our current world, and definitely to the luxury industry. It has come to my attention that a specific part on tackling talent challenges will be presented in our Symposium later today. Apart from talent, shifting market trends and customer preference, as well as technological advancement, all pose challenges to the luxury industry, particularly in this volatile age of geopolitical tension. Faced with evolving challenges of changing spending patterns and tourist behaviours every day, I always advocate an active approach to discover the opportunities that come with the challenges. At this year’s Luxury Symposium, we all have the privilege to learn about insightful thoughts on the future of luxury from leaders of the industry, academia and a wide range of related sectors with diversified backgrounds. When rivers of thought converge, civilisations bloom in shared moonlight, and the potential of the industry can then be fully unleashed. It is through collaboration, creativity, and shared wisdom that we can unlock one another’s potential as a vibrant, global industry.
 
Before I close, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong for your unwavering dedication in organising the Luxury Symposium year after year. Your effort continues to strengthen the bond between Hong Kong and France while enriching cultural exchange on a global scale. My special thanks also go to the distinguished speakers, participating brands, collaborating organisations and amazing attendants like every one of you here and online. I wish Luxury Symposium 2025 a resounding success and all of you a fruitful journey of discovery, innovation and luxury in Hong Kong.
 
Thank you.
Issued at HKT 17:06

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EMSD releases latest lift maintenance cost information of private residential and commercial premises

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

EMSD releases latest lift maintenance cost information of private residential and commercial premises 

Lift travel levelPrivate commercial buildings
 

Lift travel level​The cost information is available in the Responsible Persons’ Corner on the EMSD website (www.emsd.gov.hk/en/lifts_and_escalators_safety/responsible_persons_corner/index.html* sample contracts for procurement of lift maintenance services;
* a guidebook for persons responsible for lifts;
* guidelines for selection of registered contractors for provision of maintenance services;
* guidelines for modernisation of existing lifts;
* guidelines for management of lift maintenance works;
* a checklist for building management staff to conduct daily safety inspection of lifts; and
* common questions and answers on lift management.Issued at HKT 16:42

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External merchandise trade statistics for April 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

External merchandise trade statistics for April 2025 
In April 2025, the value of total exports of goods increased by 14.7% over a year earlier to $434.5 billion, after a year-on-year increase by 18.5% in March 2025. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 15.8% over a year earlier to $450.5 billion in April 2025, after a year-on-year increase by 16.6% in March 2025. A visible trade deficit of $16.0 billion, equivalent to 3.6% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in April 2025.
 
For the first four months of 2025 as a whole, the value of total exports of goods increased by 11.9% over the same period in 2024. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 11.4%. A visible trade deficit of $96.9 billion, equivalent to 5.7% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in the first four months of 2025.
 
Comparing the three-month period ending April 2025 with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of total exports of goods increased by 13.8%. Meanwhile, the value of imports of goods increased by 12.6%.
 
Analysis by country/territory
 
Comparing April 2025 with April 2024, total exports to Asia as a whole grew by 20.8%. In this region, increases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations, in particular Malaysia (+61.5%), Vietnam (+48.3%), Taiwan (+24.1%), the mainland of China (the Mainland) (+23.0%) and India (+22.5%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of total exports to Korea (-26.7%).
 
Apart from destinations in Asia, decreases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations in other regions, in particular the Netherlands (-38.4%) and the United Kingdom (-24.1%). On the other hand, an increase was recorded in the value of total exports to Germany (+30.8%).
 
Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from most major suppliers, in particular Vietnam (+107.3%), the United Kingdom (+59.5%), Taiwan (+50.6%) and the Mainland (+14.8%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of imports from Korea (-21.3%).
 
For the first four months of 2025 as a whole, increases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations, in particular Vietnam (+63.7%), Taiwan (+36.3%) and the Mainland (+18.1%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of total exports to the United Arab Emirates (-28.6%).
 
Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from some major suppliers, in particular Vietnam (+78.9%), the United Kingdom (+57.9%), Taiwan (+53.1%), Malaysia (+35.8%) and the Mainland (+6.9%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of imports from Korea (-23.0%).
 
Analysis by major commodity
 
Comparing April 2025 with April 2024, increases were registered in the values of total exports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $33.5 billion or +18.7%) and “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $19.5 billion or +46.0%).
 
Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $29.9 billion or +16.8%) and “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $19.5 billion or +67.1%).
 
For the first four months of 2025 as a whole, increases were registered in the values of total exports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $106.2 billion or +72.1%) and “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $76.4 billion or +11.2%).
 
Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $94.2 billion or +84.7%) and “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $82.4 billion or +12.3%).
 
Commentary
 
A Government spokesman said that the value of merchandise exports grew visibly by 14.7% in April over a year earlier. Exports to the Mainland and many other Asian markets grew visibly. Exports to the United States rose marginally, while exports to the European Union fell.
 
Looking ahead, as international trade tensions have eased somewhat of late, the headwinds and uncertainties in the external environment have lessened to some extent. The sustained steady growth in the Mainland economy, together with Hong Kong’s proactive efforts in enhancing economic and trade ties with different markets, should help buttress trade performance. The Government will continue to closely monitor changes in the external environment and stay vigilant to the potential impacts brought about by shifts in trade policies.
 
Further information
 
Table 1 presents the analysis of external merchandise trade statistics for April 2025. Table 2 presents the original monthly trade statistics from January 2022 to April 2025, and Table 3 gives the seasonally adjusted series for the same period.
 
The values of total exports of goods to 10 main destinations for April 2025 are shown in Table 4, whereas the values of imports of goods from 10 main suppliers are given in Table 5.
 
Tables 6 and 7 show the values of total exports and imports of 10 principal commodity divisions for April 2025.
 
All the merchandise trade statistics described here are measured at current prices and no account has been taken of changes in prices between the periods of comparison. A separate analysis of the volume and price movements of external merchandise trade for April 2025 will be released in mid-June 2025.
 
The April 2025 issue of “Hong Kong External Merchandise Trade” contains detailed analysis on the performance of Hong Kong’s external merchandise trade in April 2025 and will be available in early June 2025. Users can browse and download the report at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1020005&scode=230 
Enquiries on merchandise trade statistics may be directed to the Trade Analysis Section of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 4691).
Issued at HKT 16:30

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One-off extra allowance ready

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

A one-off extra allowance, equal to one half of the monthly payment or allowance, will be provided to eligible recipients of social security payments, including recipients of the standard rate of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance, Old Age Allowance, Old Age Living Allowance and Disability Allowance, the Government announced today.

 

Similar arrangements will apply to households receiving the Working Family Allowance (WFA).

 

Starting today, the payment will be credited to the designated Hong Kong bank accounts of the eligible recipients/households. No separate application is required.

 

Recipients who were eligible for social security payments on April 30, 2025, as well as the households for which WFA applications were made within the period from October 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025, and approved, would be eligible for the extra allowance.

 

It is estimated that about 1.71 million social security recipients and about 56,000 WFA households would benefit, involving a total of about $3,084 million in extra expenditure.

 

For enquiries, recipients of social security payments may call 2343 2255 or contact the respective Social Security Field Unit.

 

For enquiries from households in receipt of the WFA, call 2558 3000.

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Speech by Secretary for Health at Plenary Session: Shaping a More Equitable and Sustainable Health System of Asia Summit on Global Health (English only) (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, at the Plenary Session: Shaping a More Equitable and Sustainable Health System of the Asia Summit on Global Health today (May 26):

Distinguished guests, healthcare leaders, ladies and gentlemen,