The Government of India accords high priority for Indian Muslims to undertake the annual Haj pilgrimage.
As a result of its efforts, the country allocation for India which was 136,020 in 2014 has gradually increased to 175,025 in 2025. These quotas are finalized by the Saudi authorities closer to the time of the pilgrimage.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) through the Haj Committee of India manages arrangements for the bulk of the quota allotted to India, which is 122,518 in the current year. All the necessary arrangements including flight schedules, transportation, Mina camps, accommodation, and additional services have been taken up and completed as per the Saudi requirements, within the given timelines.
The balance of the quota was allotted, as is customary, to Private Tour Operators. Due to changes in Saudi guidelines, more than 800 Private Tour Operators were consolidated into 26 legal entities termed Combined Haj Group Operators (CHGOs), by MoMA this year. Addressing legal challenges, the Haj quota was allocated by MoMA to these 26 CHGOs well in advance. However, despite reminders, they failed to comply with the necessary timelines set by the Saudi authorities and failed to finalise the mandatory contracts, including for Mina camps, accommodation and transport of pilgrims, as required under the Saudi regulations.
Government of India has been continuously engaging on this matter with the concerned Saudi authorities, including at the Ministerial level.
The Saudi Haj Ministry highlighted its concerns for the safety of the pilgrims, particularly in Mina, where Haj rituals have to be completed under extreme summer heat conditions in a limited space. It also underlined that due to delays, the available space in Mina became occupied. The Saudi authorities have further conveyed that they were not extending the timelines for any country this year.
Due to the Government’s intervention, the Saudi Haj Ministry has agreed to re-open the Haj Portal (Nusuk Portal) to all CHGOs to complete their work in respect of 10,000 pilgrims based on the current space availability in Mina.
Directions have been issued by MoMA to CHGOs to do so urgently. India would naturally appreciate any gesture by Saudi authorities to accommodate more pilgrims.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Speech by PSCST at press conference of French May Arts Festival and French GourMay 2025 (English only) Mrs Cheng (Co-chairman of the Board of French May Arts Festival, Mrs Mignonne Cheng), Mrs Drulhe (Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Mrs Christile Drulhe), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is my great honour to join you all at the press conference of this year’s French May Arts Festival and French GourMay.
Since its inception in 1993, French May has spanned over 30 years and established itself as one of Hong Kong’s, and even Asia’s, most prestigious arts and cultural celebrations. Stepping into the 32nd edition, French May Arts Festival will as always bring together world-class artists and programmes with rich French characteristics to the community, further adding vibrancy to the cultural landscape of Hong Kong.
I’m glad to know that this year’s French May will feature more than 60 events spotlighting over 200 French and Hong Kong artists. Highlights include the ongoing exhibition, “Picasso for Asia - A Conversation”, which is co‑presented by French May, Musée National Picasso-Paris and M+, and presents more than 60 masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, together with 130 works of contemporary Asian artists. This project, which is supported by the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, is a good example of initiatives which promote East-West cultural exchanges.
Just last month, we had our Super March welcoming globally renowned arts and cultural programmes and visitors from around the world. And I must thank French May for your commitment to creating a platform for arts and cultural exchanges and bringing about opportunities for the industry and community. Your invaluable contributions complement the Government’s wide-ranging efforts in developing Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong, and all the collaborating organisations and artists that work together to bring this year’s Festival to life. I’m also glad to note that French GourMay will return this year, with French spirits as well as Hong Kong’s nightlife and bars, being the spotlights of the Festival.
I have no doubt that this year’s French May Arts Festival and French GourMay will be another resounding success for all. Thank you. Issued at HKT 12:25
India contributes 7.1% to global GDP through its automotive sector and ranks 4th in global vehicle production.
Despite a strong manufacturing base, India holds only 3% share in global traded auto components,highlighting a vast scope for expansion.
The Vision 2030 roadmap aims to scale production to $145bn, exports to $60bn, and generate 2–2.5 million jobs.
Government schemes like FAME, PM E-Drive, and PLI have mobilized ₹66,000+ crore to support EVs and localization.
With targeted reforms and GVC integration, India can raise its global component trade share from 3% to 8% by 2030.
On 11th April 2024, NITI Aayog released a report titled ‘Automotive Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains’, launched by Vice Chairman Shri Suman Bery, senior members, and the CEO of NITI Aayog. The report outlines India’s Global Value Chain (GVC) potential in the automotive sector and highlights strategic pathways for global leadership.
India’s automotive industry is a cornerstone of the nation’s manufacturing and economic growth, contributing 7.1% to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 49% to manufacturing GDP. As the fourth-largestautomobileproducer globally, India possesses the scale and strategic depth to emerge as a global leader in the automotive value chain. The sector spans a vast ecosystem, from vehicle assembly and auto component manufacturing to deep interlinkages with critical industries such as steel, electronics, rubber, IT, and logistics. In recent years, India has seen exponential growth in vehicle production, with over 28 million units manufactured in 2023–24 alone. The industry’s contribution goes beyond industrial output, and it supports millions of direct and indirect jobs, spurs innovation, and is central to India’s green mobility transition, industrial ambitions, and trade strategy.
The global automotive component market was valued at $2 trillion in 2022, with $700 billion traded across borders. Despite India’s strong manufacturing base, its share in the globally traded auto component market remains at just 3% (~$20 billion), highlighting a vast scope for expansion. India’s trade ratio in auto components is near-neutral (~0.99), with exports and imports nearly balancing each other. This also underlines the domestic sector’s limited penetration in high-value, high-precision segments such as engine and engine components, along with drive transmission and steering systems, where India holds just 2–4% of the global trade share. Bridging this gap requires structural reforms, strategic investments, and a coordinated industrial policy approach. With the right enabling conditions, India can triple exports to $60 billion, generate a $25 billion trade surplus, and create over 2-2.5 million direct jobs by 2030, propelling it toward becoming a globally competitive, innovation-driven manufacturing hub.
Strategic Importance of the Automotive Sector
Contributes 7.1% to India’s GDP and 49% to manufacturing GDP.
Employs millions and supports critical linkages across steel, electronics, and IT sectors.
India’s current share in globally traded auto components is approximately 3% or 20 billion.
India’s Vision for Automotive Industry
This vision aligns with India’s aspirations to become a global manufacturing hub under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Global Trends Shaping the Sector
1. Rise of Electric Vehicles (EVs):
EVs are reshaping manufacturing priorities, with China producing over 8 million EVs in 2023.
The EU and the US are accelerating EV adoption through regulatory mandates and subsidies.
EVs are increasing the demand for batteries, semiconductors, and advanced materials.
2. Digital and Advanced Manufacturing:
Integration of AI, robotics, digital twins, Internet of Things (IoT), and 3D printing is driving efficiency.
Many global automakers are investing heavily in creating smart factories, where AI, IoT, and robotics are integrated into every aspect of the production process. Countries like Germany and South Korea are leading in smart factory adoption.
3. Sustainability and Circular Economy:
Automakers are moving toward carbon neutrality, material recycling, and energy efficiency.
Examples: BMW’s EV battery recycling and Volkswagen’s renewable energy sourcing.
4. Sectoral Interdependence:
Auto industry is a major consumer of steel, electronics, rubber, glass, textiles, and IT services.
Increasing reliance on semiconductors and AI-driven software for innovative mobility solutions.
Major Government Interventions
1.Make in India:Launched in 2014, the Make in India initiative has provided a significant boost to the country’s manufacturing sector, particularly in automobiles. This policy promotes domestic manufacturing, reduces reliance on imports, and encourages foreign direct investment.
2.Atmanirbhar Bharat:The Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative aims to foster self-sufficiency in manufacturing and reduce the country’s dependence on foreign components. In the automotive sector, this has resulted in increased domestic production of critical components such as engines, transmissions, and EV batteries. The government has also extended support to start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the automotive space, helping them integrate into global supply chains.
3.FAME India Scheme (Phases I & II):The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme has been pivotal in promoting clean mobility in India. Phase II, with an outlay of ₹11,500 crore, focuses on demand incentives for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, buses, and the development of public charging infrastructure. It also aims to promote technology platforms for EVs and create a robust domestic EV ecosystem.
4. PM E-Drive Scheme (2024–26):Launched to accelerate EV adoption and reduce urban pollution, this scheme has a budget of ₹10,900 crore and targets large-scale procurement of electric vehicles:
24.79 lakh electric two-wheelers
3.2 lakh electric three-wheelers
Procurement of 14,028 electric buses by State Transport Undertakings (STUs)/public transport agencies
₹2,000 crore earmarked for national-level charging infrastructure expansion.
5. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Auto and ACC Batteries:With a total allocation of ₹44,038 crore (PLI scheme- INR 25,938 crore, PLI scheme for ACC Battery Storage- INR 18,100 crores), this flagship initiative aims to boost the domestic manufacturing of advanced automotive technologies, including EVs, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and advanced battery storage solutions. It provides financial incentives to OEMs and component manufacturers for investing in cutting-edge technologies, achieving economies of scale, and integrating into global supply chains. The scheme also prioritises domestic value addition, export readiness, and job creation through technology-driven innovation.
Key Challenges Hindering the Global Value Chain’s Integration
10%cost disadvantage for India versus China due to:
Higher raw material and machinery costs
100% depreciation rate vs 50% in China (~3.4% cost burden)
High logistics, financing, and energy costs
Underperformance in high-precision segments:
India’s global share: Only 2–4% in engine and engine components, along with drive transmission and steering systems
Inadequate R&D ecosystem and limited IP ownership
Proposed Interventions for GVC Integration
Fiscal Measures:
Operational Expenditure (Opex) Support: To scale up manufacturing capabilities, with a focus on capital expenditure (Capex) for tooling, dies, and infrastructure.
Skill Development: Initiatives to build a talent pipeline critical for sustaining growth.
R&D, Government facilitated IP transfer and Branding: Providing incentives for research, development, international branding to improve product differentiation and empowering MSMEs through IP transfers.
Cluster Development: Fostering collaboration between firms through common facilities such as R&D and testing centers to strengthen the supply chain.
Non-Fiscal Reforms:
Industry 4.0 Adoption: Encouraging the integration of digital technologies and enhanced manufacturing standards to improve efficiency.
International Collaboration: Promoting joint ventures (JVs), foreign collaborations, and free trade agreements (FTAs) to expand global market access.
Ease of Doing Business: Simplifying regulatory processes, worker hour flexibility, supplier discovery & development and improving business conditions for automotive firms.
Conclusion
India’s automotive sector stands at a decisive inflection point, where focused reforms, policy clarity, and industry alignment can elevate it into the league of global leaders in automotive manufacturing. With the world shifting rapidly towards clean, smart, and connected mobility, India must accelerate its integration into global value chains by building competitiveness in high-precision components, fostering innovation, and deepening its export footprint. Over the next five years, the effective execution of planned interventions—ranging from skilling and infrastructure to R&D and global partnerships- will determine whether India becomes a hub for high-value auto components or remains a low-cost player in traditional segments. With the right mix of ambition and action, India can become a globally recognised supplier of next-generation mobility solutions.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Lands Department (LandsD) announced today (April 15) that it registered 17 lease modifications and four land exchanges in the Land Registry during the quarter ending March 2025, of which four were modifications of a technical nature involving nil premium.
Among these 21 land transactions, nine are located on Hong Kong Island, five are in Kowloon and seven are in the New Territories. The transactions exclude Small House cases.
A further two lots were granted by private treaty during the period. One was granted for the development of innovation and technology park and the talent accommodation in the Loop; and the other one was granted for an electricity substation in Yuen Long.
There were no lot extensions registered during the quarter.
The above land transactions realised a total land premium of about $2,069.406 million.
Transaction records of the lease modifications, land exchanges, private treaty grants and lot extensions, including those registered recently, are uploaded to the LandsD website (www.landsd.gov.hk/en/land-disposal-transaction/land-transaction.html) on a monthly basis. Details of the transactions may be obtained by searching the registered documents in the Land Registry.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HAD opens temporary heat shelters The temporary heat shelters will remain open for people to take refuge from the heat when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force. From 10.30pm to 8am the next day, the temporary heat shelters will also provide bedding and a sleeping place for people in need. The shelters are manned by duty attendants.
For further information, please call the department’s hotline before midnight on 2572 8427.
The heat shelters are located at:
Hong Kong Island: ———————
Central and Western – Sai Ying Pun Community Complex Community Hall 3/F, Sai Ying Pun Community Complex 2 High Street, Sai Ying Pun
Eastern – Causeway Bay Community Centre 3/F, 7 Fook Yum Road, Causeway Bay
Southern – Lei Tung Community Hall Lei Tung Estate, Ap Lei Chau
Wan Chai – Wan Chai Activities Centre LG/F, Wan Chai Market, 258 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai
Kowloon: ——————
Kowloon City – Hung Hom Community Hall 1/F, Kowloon City Government Offices 42 Bailey Street, Hung Hom
Kwun Tong – Lam Tin (West) Estate Community Centre 71 Kai Tin Road, Lam Tin
Sham Shui Po – Shek Kip Mei Community Hall G/F, Block 42, Shek Kip Mei Estate
Wong Tai Sin – Tsz Wan Shan (South) Estate Community Centre 45 Wan Wah Street, Tsz Wan Shan
Yau Tsim Mong – Henry G Leong Yaumatei Community Centre 60 Public Square Street, Yau Ma Tei
New Territories: ————————–
Islands – Tung Chung Community Hall G/F, Tung Chung Municipal Services Building, 39 Man Tung Road, Tung Chung
Kwai Tsing – Cheung Fat Estate Community Centre 6 Tam Kon Shan Road, Tsing Yi
North – Cheung Wah Community Hall Cheung Wah Estate, Fanling
Sai Kung – Hang Hau Community Hall G/F, Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Government Complex, 38 Pui Shing Road, Hang Hau, Tseung Kwan O
Sha Tin – Lung Hang Estate Community Centre Lung Hang Estate, Sha Tin
Tai Po – Tai Po Community Centre 2 Heung Sze Wui Street, Tai Po
Tsuen Wan – Lei Muk Shue Community Hall G/F, Hong Shue House, Lei Muk Shue Estate, Tsuen Wan
Tuen Mun – Butterfly Bay Community Centre Butterfly Estate (near Tip Sum House), Tuen Mun
Yuen Long – Long Ping Community Hall Long Ping Estate, Yuen Long
Yuen Long – Tin Yiu Community Centre Tin Yiu Estate, Tin Shui Wai
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
SFST welcomes London Metal Exchange’s approval of first batch of approved warehouses in Hong Kong Mr Hui said, “The LME included Hong Kong as an approved delivery point within its global warehousing network in January this year, and began accepting applications from warehouse operators to become approved storage entities of LME-registered brands of metals. The approval of the first batch of applications in merely a few months indicated the efforts of the Government and the industry in exploring new growth areas, and allowed LME-approved warehouse operators and local warehouse operators to begin the process of establishing operations early.”
He added, “In his 2024 Policy Address, the Chief Executive emphasised the need to explore new growth areas, and the establishment of a commodity trading ecosystem is a new growth point to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre. The establishment of LME-approved warehouses in Hong Kong will provide convenient, cost-effective and safe delivery channels for metals trading in the region. This will not only attract relevant enterprises to establish a presence in Hong Kong, turning our city into an operation centre for international commodity trading, storage and delivery, shipping and logistics, risk management, but also promote the development of related financial transactions such as futures, thereby injecting new impetus into consolidating Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre. I hope the approved warehouses will commence operations as soon as possible, and I look forward to seeing more successful cases of approval for operators to become approved warehouses to foster the growth of local commodity trading-related services.”
The Government understands that other operators are applying to become approved warehouses of the LME. Relevant bureaux and departments will continue to maintain communication with relevant industry players and provide assistance on technical matters as appropriate.
Union Health Minister Shri JP Nadda presides over 5th Convocation Ceremony of AIIMS Rishikesh Convocation ceremony is a special occasion which marks recognition for the achievements made by students: Shri JP Nadda
“The government is focused on providing healthcare which is not only curative but also preventive, palliative and rehabilitative”
“1.75 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are operational across the country. In the last 10 years, medical colleges have seen an increase of 101%. There has been a 130% increase in MBBS seats while PG seats have seen an increase of 138% in the last 10 years”
Inaugurates several healthcare facilities including Integrated Medicine in the Ayush Department, a PET scan machine in the Nuclear Medicine Department, PACS facility in the Radiology Department and a Centre for Advanced Pediatrics in Pediatric Care
AIIMS Rishikesh is providing advanced medical treatment like robotic surgery, neuro surgery and radiation therapy to patients: Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami
434 Students Awarded Degrees during the convocation
Posted On: 15 APR 2025 2:29PM by PIB Delhi
Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda presided over the fifth convocation ceremony of AIIMS Rishikesh, today. He was joined by Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister, Uttarakhand; Shri Dhan Singh Rawat, Health and Education Minister, Uttarakhand; Members of Lok Sabha, Shri Ajay Bhatt, Shri Ajay Tamta and Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat; and Smt. Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, Speaker of Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly.
Addressing the gathering, Shri JP Nadda stated that “convocation ceremony is a special occasion which marks recognition for the achievements made by students.” He said providing affordable and quality healthcare to every poor person in the country is a priority of the central government.
Shri JP Nadda highlighted the achievements of AIIMS institutes across the country in medical education and services. He stated that “till the advent of this century, India only had on AIIMS in the country. Today, there are 22 AIIMS operating in the country.” He stated that AIIMS Rishikesh has carved a unique identity among healthcare institutes due to its superior services.
He reiterated the central government’s commitment to providing world-class healthcare for the citizenry. “The government is focused on providing healthcare which is not only curative but also preventive, palliative and rehabilitative”, he stated.
Highlighting the achievements of the Union Government in the health sector, Shri Nadda stated, “today, 1.75 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are operational across the country providing a range of services pertaining to healthcare and wellness. In the last 10 years, there has been a 101% increase in medical colleges, totaling 780 across the country. There has been a 130% increase in MBBS seats while PG seats have seen an increase of 138% in the last 10 years”. “Similarly, to cater to the paramedics, 157 nursing colleges are also being established, to be co-located with the medical colleges”, he further stated.
The Union Health Minister appreciated AIIM Rishikesh for effectively utilizing the helicopter and drone services by rescuing 309 critical patients using the services. He also congratulated AIIMS Rishikesh for being one of the best institutes in the country for using digital services like telemedicine (eSanjeevani) to serve the remote and underserved areas of the state.
Shri Nadda concluded his address by encouraging students to approach their work with compassion, integrity, and dedication. Emphasizing that the government spends between Rs. 30-35 lakh for every MBBS student, he urged the new doctors to shoulder more responsibilities as they embark on their professional careers.
During the event, Shri Nadda inaugurated several healthcare facilities to enhance the institute’s medical services, including Integrated Medicine in the Ayush Department, a PET scan machine in the Nuclear Medicine Department, PACS facility in the Radiology Department, and a Centre for Advanced Pediatrics in Pediatric Care.
During the ceremony, Shri Nadda awarded gold medals and degrees to 10 medical students from MBBS, DM, MSc Nursing, BSc Nursing, and BSc Allied Health Sciences programs. A total of 434 students received degrees during the convocation including 98 MBBS students, 95 BSc (Hons) Nursing students, 54 BSc Allied Health Sciences students, 109 MD/MS/MDS students, 17 MSc Nursing students, 1 MSc Medical Allied student, 12 Master of Public Health students, 40 DM/MCh students, and 8 PhD students.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami said that India’s healthcare sector has seen a significant uplift in the last decade with the launch of initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and establishment of new AIIMS and medical colleges.
He stated that AIIMS Rishikesh is providing quality and affordable healthcare services and facilities to people from across the state. He stated that the institute is providing advanced medical treatment like robotic surgery, neuro surgery and radiation therapy to patients. He also highlighted the inauguration of Heli-ambulance services in AIIMS Rishikesh.
Shri Dhami also highlighted that today more than 5,000 Gram Panchayats in Uttarakhand are TB free. He stated the government is working to set up a medical college in every district of the state and expand the network of Jan Aushadi Kendras in the state.
The event was also attended by AIIMS Rishikesh President, Prof. Samiran Nandy; Executive Director, Prof. Meenu Singh; Dean Academics, Prof. Jaya Chaturvedi; Medical Superintendent, Prof. B. Satya Shri; Deputy Director (Administration), Col. Rajiv Sen Roy; Dean Examinations, Prof. Prashant Patil; Financial Advisor, Lt. Col. S. Siddharth; Organizing Committee Chairperson, Prof. Latika Mohan; heads of various departments, faculty members, officers, and medical and nursing students.
*****
MV
HFW/ HFM AIIMS Rishikesh Convocation/15 April 2025/1
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Volume and Price Statistics of External Merchandise Trade in February 2025 Due to the difference in timing of the Chinese New Year holidays, it is more appropriate to analyse the trade figures for January and February taken together in making year-on-year comparison.
Comparing the first two months of 2025 with the same period in 2024, the volume of Hong Kong’s total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 4.6% and 3.6% respectively.
In February 2025, the volume of Hong Kong’s total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 13.8% and 9.9% respectively over February 2024.
Comparing the three-month period ending February 2025 with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the volume of total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 6.5% and 1.8% respectively.
Changes in volume of external merchandise trade are derived from changes in external merchandise trade value with the effect of price changes discounted.
As regards price changes in the first two months of 2025 over the same period in 2024, the prices of total exports of goods and imports of goods both increased by 1.8%.
Comparing February 2025 with February 2024, the prices of total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 1.5% and 1.6% 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 2024, the index decreased by 0.2% in February 2025 and 0.1% in the first two months of 2025.
Changes in the unit value and volume of total exports of goods by main destination are shown in Table 1.
Comparing February 2025 with February 2024, increases were recorded for the total export volume to Vietnam (112.0%), Taiwan (63.4%) and the mainland of China (the Mainland) (28.7%). On the other hand, the total export volume to the USA (-19.6%) and India (-27.2%) decreased.
Over the same period of comparison, the total export prices to Taiwan (5.7%), the USA (1.5%), Vietnam (1.0%) and the Mainland (0.8%) increased. On the other hand, the total export prices to India decreased by 2.5%.
Changes in the unit value and volume of imports of goods by main supplier are shown in Table 2.
Comparing February 2025 with February 2024, increases were recorded for the import volume from Taiwan (38.1%), the Mainland (19.3%) and Singapore (1.3%). On the other hand, the import volume from Japan (-3.5%) and Korea (-37.3%) decreased.
Over the same period of comparison, the import prices from Korea (9.6%), Singapore (2.6%), Taiwan (2.2%) and Japan (0.2%) increased. On the other hand, the import prices from the Mainland decreased by 0.3%.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
April 2025 issue of “Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics” now available Apart from providing up-to-date statistics, this issue also contains a feature article entitled “An Overview of Water Supplies in Hong Kong”. Statistics presented in the “An Overview of Water Supplies in Hong Kong” article are based on the data source from the Water Supplies Department.
“An Overview of Water Supplies in Hong Kong”
Water is the lifeblood of mankind. Our community’s survival and prosperity depend on it. In Hong Kong, the provision of water supply services falls under the ambit of the Water Supplies Department of the Government. This feature article briefly describes selected major aspects of water supplies in Hong Kong. These include a general profile of the water supply system and its service coverage, consumption of fresh water, and supply of raw water.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the 2025 World Tourism Cities Federation Hong Kong Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit today (April 15):
Honourable Governor Maurizio Rasero of Asti Province and Mayor of Asti City, Italy, Honourable Executive Vice Chair Sima Hong of the World Tourism Cities Federation Council and Vice Mayor of Beijing, Honourable Deputy Director Qi Bin of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Honourable Deputy Commissioner Pan Yundong of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, honourable city mayors, vice mayors and institutional leaders from around the world, distinguished guests and friends from the global tourism community, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. Welcome to Hong Kong, and to the 2025 World Tourism Cities Federation Hong Kong Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit.
Fragrant Hills, as you would all know, is a scenic area in Beijing, where the World Tourism Cities Federation is headquartered. “Fragrant hills” also makes me think of Hong Kong as a “fragrant harbour” – the Chinese name of Hong Kong can literally be translated as “fragrant harbour”.
“Fragrant”, let me add, because of Hong Kong’s redolent history as a major trader for incense, particularly agarwood incense and the wood’s varied byproducts.
Over the centuries, the sweet aroma of agarwood, of incense, drifted from harbour to city – and all around the world. From incense and fragrance, to merchandise and capital, Hong Kong has always been a bridge between cultures, cities and continents, bringing out the best of our products on the global arena.
Today, Hong Kong remains a major global trading centre, a centre of free trade. That’s thanks, too, to the Hong Kong Port in our harbour, to the Hong Kong International Airport, and to our varied and seamless transport links to China, our country.
These seamless links, and our singular status as the city where East has long met West, are not going to change. In a world beset by trade woes and geopolitical crises, Hong Kong is determined to continue its dedication to free and open trade.
That has also led us to become one of the world’s greatest centres for tourism. So it is an honour that the World Tourism Cities Federation has chosen Hong Kong for this year’s Fragrant Hills Tourism Summit. The Federation, after all, is the world’s first international tourism organisation to focus its mission and mandate on cities.
Not surprising, then, that this Summit welcomes city mayors, vice mayors and other city officials and delegations from over 40 cities from the Mainland and around the world. Together, we embody the spirit of collaboration beyond geographical boundaries. Together, we unite for the future of tourism.
The theme of this year’s Summit, “Innovate City Branding to Elevate Tourism Excellence”, gives us a good start to discuss how our cities could, through collaboration, achieve high-quality development in tourism and more.
For Hong Kong, long an international metropolis, one key development opportunity certainly comes from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
This cluster city development brings together Hong Kong, Macao and nine southern cities in the Guangdong province, and boasts a population of over 86 million. It also has a combined GDP (Gross Domestic Product) that rivals that of the world’s 10th largest economy.
What it means is a consumer market, and source of tourists, that is over 10 times as large as our own city. What it also means, with our country’s facilitation measures for travellers, is that visitors who choose to visit this part of the world have much more cities to add to their itinerary. We are fast developing in multi-destination tourism for an interconnected world. From a six-day visa for visitors in tour groups led by a Hong Kong travel agent, to the visa-free policy for cruise ship travellers along the country’s coastline.
That said, you can well begin in Hong Kong, where there’s something happening everywhere you look – and at our Victoria Harbour. You need only to see for yourself how open, welcoming and endlessly amazing our city is, to a world of tourism – to you.
Start with Victoria Harbour, and enjoy the refreshing views with our skyline and green hills rising from both sides of the harbour. And do take the Star Ferry. For more than a century, it’s been one of the world’s most unforgettable harbour passages. Leisure travel, timeless memories – in Hong Kong – and for well under US$1 a trip. It’s really good value for money.
Hong Kong, after all, is the world’s mega event city. Last week, UK (United Kingdom) band Coldplay performed four sold-out concerts at our brand-new, state-of-the-art Kai Tak Sports Park. And through next Monday, it’s the 49th Hong Kong International Film Festival.
Art lovers will want to catch the exhibition “Picasso for Asia: a Conversation”, at M+ museum, in the West Kowloon Cultural District – one of the world’s largest cultural developments. More than 60 masterpieces by Picasso are shown alongside artworks by Asian artists. Also there, is the Hong Kong Palace Museum, which is now showcasing an exhibition that brings together treasures from Beijing’s Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles in Paris.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong is where cultures meet and thrive, where creativity is well and alive. And you can also count on hills and sea coasts alive with fabulous hiking, and biking trails. After all, country parks make up some 40 per cent of Hong Kong’s total land area.
And when you’re all hiked and biked out, settle into one of our nearly 80 Michelin-starred restaurants, do yum cha (tea and food) with half of Hong Kong, then toast your good fortune at a local brew pub, or get cozy with milk tea at a classic dai pai dong, our traditional cooked food stalls. And don’t leave Hong Kong without a sky-high cocktail, or two, at hotel and city lounges rising from either side of Victoria Harbour. From dim sum dreams to boozy nights, our food paradise glows with true delights.
Ladies and gentlemen, I’m sure this year’s Fragrant Hills will bring about global thrills. My thanks to the World Tourism Cities Federation, and this Hong Kong Summit. I’m confident we’ll find a wellspring of innovative and inspiring ways to work together, to reimagine travel for this 21st century packed with promise for global tourism – and for each and every one of our proud and magnificent cities.