Posts

Posted on

CHP continues to follow up on cluster of hepatitis A infection associated with men who have sex with men

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CHP continues to follow up on cluster of hepatitis A infection associated with men who have sex with men 
     “Given the relatively long incubation period of hepatitis A infection, the transmission chain within a specific group may persist for several months to a year. To control the transmission chain, the CHP will continue to provide two doses of hepatitis A vaccine free of charge to MSM to safeguard public health. The CHP has launched an online booking platform 
Latest data on hepatitis A infection
——————————————
 
     The CHP recorded seven and eight cases of hepatitis A infection in February and March respectively, which are fewer than in January (15 cases). The CHP’s epidemiological investigations showed that all eight cases recorded in March involved males, aged between 28 and 61. Two of them self-identified as MSM. The residential locations and restaurants patronised by these eight cases did not overlap with those of previous cases. Genetic analysis by the CHP revealed that the virus in three of the new hepatitis A cases harboured an identical genetic sequence to that of the cluster previously reported to be associated with MSM. As of March 31, this cluster involved a total of 27 cases (25 men and two women). Due to the long incubation period of hepatitis A, the CHP will continue to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate follow-up measures to interrupt the hepatitis A transmission chain within this group.
  
Hepatitis A vaccination
————————–
 
     “In light of the infection cluster among a specific group during the past six months, the CHP has offered an appointment service since March 12 to provide MSM with two doses of hepatitis A vaccine free of charge with the aim of controlling the transmission chain. In less than a month, over 60 people have made appointments for vaccination. The CHP urged MSM to book their vaccination as soon as possible through the newly launched online booking platform 
     Hepatitis A virus is primarily transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water, or contaminated hands before eating. The virus can also be transmitted through high-risk sexual contact. The incubation period of hepatitis A is usually 14 to 28 days, though it can last up to 50 days. Due to the long incubation period, symptoms such as fever, malaise, abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhoea and jaundice may not appear until one to two months after infection.
 
     Scientific literature indicates that, apart from foodborne transmission, hepatitis A outbreaks have occurred among MSM populations in many regions worldwide in the past. Due to the long incubation period, outbreaks transmitted through person-to-person contact tend to persist longer. Between 2015 and 2017, Hong Kong also experienced hepatitis A transmission chains involving MSM, which were successfully interrupted by vaccinating the affected groups at risk. According to the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases under the CHP, individuals in high-risk groups (including MSM) should consult their doctors about receiving hepatitis A vaccination to protect their personal health.
 
     Dr Tsui said that the CHP will continue to monitor and investigate hepatitis A infection cases, and cautiously consider the epidemiological situation and transmission risks when determining the duration of the ad hoc vaccination service, in order to provide comprehensive protection for public health. He also reminded doctors to remain vigilant about hepatitis A cases and to provide relevant recommendations on hepatitis A vaccination to high-risk groups.
 
     The CHP will continue, through its Red Ribbon Centre and in collaboration with non-governmental organisations, to raise awareness and provide education on hepatitis A prevention to MSM, and to encourage them to receive timely vaccinations.
 
     For more information on hepatitis A, please visit the CHP’s websiteIssued at HKT 15:30

NNNN

Posted on

Company fined $105,000 for contravening Employment Ordinance

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Company fined $105,000 for contravening Employment Ordinance 
     The company wilfully and without reasonable excuse contravened the requirements of the EO, failing to pay three employees’ wages within seven days after the expiry of the wage periods, totalling about $438,000.

     “The ruling will disseminate a strong message to all employers that they have to pay wages to employees within the statutory time limit stipulated in the EO,” a spokesman for the LD said.Issued at HKT 14:42

NNNN

Posted on

Come and join “Drug-free Camp” pop-up anti-drug game booth

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Come and join “Drug-free Camp” pop-up anti-drug game booth      
     The booth features three games where participants can take on the role of Guardians of Life. They will learn to distinguish between healthy and harmful items, identify and refuse dangerous drugs, and discover ways to maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Upon completing the challenges, participants will “level up” to become Anti-drug Pioneers and receive souvenirs. Photo props will also be available at the venue. Parents are welcome to accompany their children to the game booth.
      
     The game booth will operate from 11am to 7pm on the following dates and at the following locations. Admission is free.
 

Date     The locations of the pop-up booth will be updated monthly. For the latest news regarding the game booth, members of the public can visit the ND’s official accounts (narcotics.divisionhk) on FacebookIssued at HKT 12:00

NNNN

Posted on

Special Envoy and Foreign Minister Lin leads trade and investment delegation to Marshall Islands, bolstering diplomatic ties and bilateral cooperation

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Special Envoy and Foreign Minister Lin leads trade and investment delegation to Marshall Islands, bolstering diplomatic ties and bilateral cooperation

Date：2026-04-07
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

April 7, 2026  
No. 132  

At the invitation of the government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands—one of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in the Pacific—Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, serving as special envoy of President Lai Ching-te, is leading a trade and investment delegation to the Marshall Islands from April 7 to 9. 

The delegation includes Hu Chi-chuan, Deputy Director General of the International Trade Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs; Tsai Shu-chen, Deputy Director General of the Food and Drug Administration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare; Shyy Li-jun, Deputy Secretary General of the International Cooperation and Development Fund; and members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs drone diplomacy task force. The delegation also comprises over 60 representatives from Taiwan’s fisheries, shipping, cold-chain logistics, medical devices, food processing, clean energy, and ICT industries. 

The delegation aims to leverage public-private partnerships and a model of larger enterprises leading smaller ones to match more Taiwanese businesses with investment opportunities in the Marshall Islands and thereby advance the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project.

Furthermore, to implement the Taiwan-Marshall Islands economic cooperation agreement, which entered into force on January 15, 2025, the first preparatory consultation for the agreement and a Marshall Islands investment opportunities briefing will be held, opening a new chapter in the expansion of bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

During his stay, Special Envoy Lin will meet with Marshall Islands President Hilda C. Heine, Nitijela Speaker Brenson Wase, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani Kaneko, other prominent political figures, and traditional leaders. The trip will also include visits to important sites of bilateral cooperation projects, such as the Majuro Track and Field Stadium (Micronesian Games host venue), the Majuro Hospital AI and Telemedicine Center, and a poultry farm. (E)

Posted on

MOFA welcomes US congressional delegation led by Chairman Nunn of the RSC National Security Task Force

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA welcomes US congressional delegation led by Chairman Nunn of the RSC National Security Task Force

Date：2026-04-06
Data Source：Department of North American Affairs

April 6, 2026  
No. 128  

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung extends a sincere welcome to the US congressional delegation led by Zach Nunn (R-IA), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC) National Security Task Force of the US House of Representatives. Noting that the delegation’s visit, which runs from April 5 to 11, coincides with the 47th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, Minister Lin thanks the US Congress for its long-standing, concrete support of Taiwan.
 
The delegation also includes Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), Julie Fedorchak (R-ND), and Jefferson Shreve (R-IN). During their stay, they will meet with President Lai Ching-te and high-level government officials to exchange views on such issues as Taiwan-US relations, regional security, economic and trade cooperation, and the situation across the Taiwan Strait. 
 
The RSC is the largest conservative caucus in the US House of Representatives. The National Security Task Force, responsible for national security policy issues within the RSC, focuses on the core principle of peace through strength to address national security challenges posed by countries such as China, Russia, and Iran. 
 
Chairman Nunn has long paid close attention to Taiwan-US security cooperation and economic exchanges. Last year, together with bipartisan members of Congress, he co-introduced Taiwan-friendly legislation, including the Fortifying US Markets From Chinese Military Aggression Act and the US-Taiwan Defense Innovation Partnership Act, demonstrating his firm stance on promoting bilateral cooperation and countering threats from China.
 
Minister Lin states that Taiwan and the United States are important economic and trade partners steadily deepening cooperation in such domains as security, technology, and supply chain resilience. Building on this solid foundation, Taiwan will continue to advance its mutually beneficial partnership with the United States and work hand in hand with the United States and other like-minded countries to jointly safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region. (E)

Posted on

MOFA response to joint statement by leaders of Japan and France emphasizing importance of cross-strait peace and stability

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to joint statement by leaders of Japan and France emphasizing importance of cross-strait peace and stability

Date：2026-04-02
Data Source：TAIWAN-JAPAN RELATIONS ASSOCIATION

April 2, 2026  Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung affirms and welcomes the joint statement released by the leaders of Japan and France on April 1, in which they underlined the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.The joint statement was issued following a summit meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Tokyo on the same day. It marked the first time that Japan and France had used such a statement to express their high regard for peace across the Taiwan Strait.In addition, both countries urged all relevant parties to peacefully resolve differences through constructive dialogue. They reiterated their profound concern regarding the situation in the East and South China Seas, strongly opposed any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion, and pledged to strengthen cooperation to implement their respective Indo-Pacific strategies.Peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are key to security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes any actions taken by the international community that contribute to cross-strait peace. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue its policy of integrated diplomacy to bolster cooperation with like-minded partners, such as the United States, Japan, and Europe, jointly safeguard the rules-based international order, and advance democracy, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

Posted on

MOFA response to Polish government publicly expressing opposition to unilateral attempts to change cross-strait status quo

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA response to Polish government publicly expressing opposition to unilateral attempts to change cross-strait status quo

Date：2026-04-01
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

April 1, 2026The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sincerely welcomes and appreciates the fact that recently the government of Poland for the first time publicly expressed its concern about growing tensions across the Taiwan Strait and its opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. These statements were made by Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Władysław Bartoszewski in a written response to an interpellation by Kacper Płażyński, member of the Sejm, which was published on the Sejm website.Taiwan and Poland share such universal values as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Building on this foundation, the two countries have steadily strengthened bilateral relations in recent years. MOFA will continue to promote substantive cooperation and exchanges with Poland and other like-minded countries so as to jointly uphold the rules-based international order and safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and across the world.

Posted on

MOEA Establishes Panel-Level Packaging Ecosystem to Position Industry for US$2 Billion Market Growth

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) is showcasing 14 cutting-edge innovations at the Innovation Technology Pavilion during the Electronic Equipment Exhibition of 2026 Touch Taiwan, starting April 8. Among the highlights is a next-generation panel-level packaging (PLP) metallization technology developed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), which aims to accelerate the transformation of Taiwan’s display industry into advanced semiconductor packaging.

To help panel makers tap into the emerging PLP market, ITRI’s technology addresses key bottlenecks in high aspect ratio metallization and coating processes. By introducing a fully wet processing approach, the solution improves coating continuity in fine structures while reducing overall production costs by 30%. The technology has already attracted leading Taiwanese companies, including TPK Holding, SynPower, Jetchem International, and Asahi-Utou Technology, fostering the development of a localized supply chain for materials and equipment and laying the foundation for a robust PLP ecosystem.

According to DoIT Deputy Director General Chung-Pin Chou, the global semiconductor industry continues to expand, driven by demand from artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and smart manufacturing. Based on market research by Global Information, the PLP market is projected to grow from US$400 million in 2025 to US$2 billion by 2030-a fivefold increase. Over the years, MOEA has supported the development of semiconductor equipment and key modules through national R&D programs, thereby strengthening domestic capabilities and enabling Taiwanese companies to enter high-value global supply chains.

The Innovation Technology Pavilion highlights three key breakthroughs supported by MOEA programs. ITRI’s next-generation PLP metallization technology overcomes bottlenecks in through-glass via copper filling and high aspect ratio coating by adopting a fully wet process, improving coating continuity and reducing production costs by 30%, attracting leading Taiwanese companies to accelerate ecosystem development. In addition, ITRI’s wafer-based plasma sensing system integrates 19 micro-sensors and intelligent algorithms onto a 12-inch wafer, enabling real-time, in-line monitoring of plasma uniformity without interrupting production, and improving measurement efficiency by up to tenfold to enhance yield and process stability. Meanwhile, the Metal Industries Research & Development Centre (MIRDC) has developed a low vapor pressure precursor vaporization and delivery system that ensures stable gas flow for uniform thin-film deposition, supports high aspect ratio (20:1) anti-etch coatings, improves process yield by 2-3%, and significantly reduces annual maintenance costs, further driving the advancement of Taiwan’s domestically developed semiconductor equipment capabilities.

Looking ahead, DoIT will continue to invest in national science and technology programs and the A+ Industrial Innovation R&D Program to support research institutes in advancing semiconductor equipment and key module technologies. Through close collaboration between industry and research organizations, MOEA aims to help Taiwan’s semiconductor equipment sector overcome technical barriers and expand into global markets, positioning Taiwan as a trusted strategic partner in advanced manufacturing and further strengthening its leadership in the global supply chain.

Posted on

Government announces short-term targeted measures to address rising fuel prices

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Government announces short-term targeted measures to address rising fuel prices       
     In view of the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East region, the Chief Executive has earlier directed the establishment of the Task Force to monitor and assess geopolitical changes and fuel supply and prices, to ensure the stability of Hong Kong’s energy supply, and to examine the impact of oil price fluctuations on various industries. The Task Force is led by the Financial Secretary, and its members include the Deputy Financial Secretary, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, the Government Economist, and the Chairman of the Competition Commission.
      
     The Acting Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, briefed the Chief Executive at the meeting on the local fuel supply situation and the trend movements of international energy price, as well as the measures already taken by the HKSAR Government. The key points of the briefing and related measures are as follows:
      
(1) Ensure a robust energy supply. Currently, around 80 per cent of Hong Kong’s oil products come from the Chinese Mainland. The HKSAR Government has maintained close communication with the Central Government and various Mainland authorities to ensure that Hong Kong’s energy supply remains stable with the country’s support.
      
(2) Request local stakeholders to maintain a stable fuel supply. The Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) has met with major local auto-fuel suppliers, requesting them to maintain a stable auto-fuel supply in Hong Kong. All suppliers indicated that the auto-fuel supply in Hong Kong is currently normal and that they will continue to strive to maintain a stable supply. The EEB has also confirmed with the two power companies and the Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited that the fuel supplies for electricity and town gas production remains normal.
      
(3) Facilitate the public to monitor changes of local retail auto-fuel prices. Starting from April 1, the EEB releases, on a weekly basis, the trend movements of the seven-day moving average retail prices, after walk-in discounts, of unleaded petrol and diesel from local oil companies, together with the trends in international benchmark prices of refined oil products for the same period, to enhance the transparency of market and price. The Competition Commission has also met with the fuel companies, emphasising the importance of fair competition and information transparency. The Competition Commission will continue to closely monitor the market for any instances of price collusion or unfair competition to ensure fair market operations.
      
(4) Continue to closely monitor the international situation and energy price trends. The situation in the Middle East has driven up international oil prices. The price of crude oil at one point surged to nearly US$120 per barrel. As the situation has developed further this week, crude oil prices have shown a gradual decline. However, the price of refined oil remained high, and the market is closely monitoring the latest developments in the Middle East.
      
     The Task Force recommended that in formulating support measures, the Government shall have regard to the following principles:

(1) Given that fluctuations in crude oil prices have a broad impact across society and considering the Government’s fiscal constraints, priority should be given to the operational sectors that are most severely affected and that involve public services;      
     As the short-term trajectory of oil prices remains uncertain, the Task Force, after considering the above principles and prudently balancing various factors, including the Government’s fiscal position and the principle of prudent use of public funds, recommends implementing four targeted temporary measures. They are:
      
(1) Subsidising diesel prices to alleviate the impact of high oil prices on public services provided by relevant industries. Although international crude oil prices have slightly receded recently, the pump prices of motor vehicle diesel remains high, and the future price movements is highly uncertain. This has placed an additional burden on commercial vehicles (including trucks, franchised and non-franchised buses, and minibuses) and vessels (including ferries, passenger ships, work boats and fishing vessels) that mainly run on diesel, exerting a substantial impact on the economy and people’s livelihood. Therefore, the Task Force has proposed a two-month subsidy of HK$3 per litre of diesel to support public and commercial vehicles and vessels and related industries that use diesel as fuel, with a view to reducing their operating costs and alleviating pressure to raise prices. The relevant subsidy measures is estimated to cost approximately HK$1.8 billion. The EEB will work with the Competition Commission to monitor the pricing practices of each fuel company to ensure that they do not take advantage of the occasion.
      
     As for the majority of taxis and public light buses, they primarily use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as fuel, the price of which currently remains stable. The Task Force will continue to monitor price movements and consider the matter further where appropriate.
      
(2) Tunnel toll reduction for non-private cars. The government will reduce tunnel tolls by 50 per cent for all commercial vehicles (including goods vehicles, buses, minibuses, and taxis) using government-operated toll tunnels, excluding private cars and motorcycles. The measure will last for two months and is expected to result in a revenue reduction of approximately HK$160 million. The government will work with toll service providers to adjust the toll collection systems in order to implement the reduction as soon as possible.
      
(3) Establishing a Working Group on Public Transport Service Special Applications to expedite and assist public transport operators (including public buses and ferries) in their applications relating to responding flexibly to rising fuel costs
      
     The Task Force recommends establishing a Working Group on Public Transport Service Special Applications under its purview. The Working Group will maintain communication with public transport service operators. Taking into account the overall operating environment, operators’ costs, and public affordability, while maintaining the stability and normal operations of public transport services, the Working Group will assist in expediting the approval of relevant applications submitted by public transport operators in response to rising fuel costs. This includes considering ways to enhance overall operational efficiency through service integration and introducing energy-saving measures. The Working Group will be chaired by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, with the Secretary for Environment and Ecology as deputy chair. Members include the Commissioner for Transport and the Government Economist.
      
(4) Dynamically monitoring the evolving situation and changes in oil prices, and adjusting measures according to actual circumstances
      
     The impact of the situation in the Middle East on Hong Kong’s overall economy largely depends on whether the military conflict continues, expands, or escalates. The Task Force will continue to conduct dynamic assessments, co-ordinate bureaux and departments to prepare contingency plans, and formulate forward-looking strategies. The Task Force will also study different measures to alleviate the impact of rising oil prices.
      
     The Chief Executive has accepted the four recommendations of the Task Force and has instructed the Task Force to implement the measures as soon as possible, while continuing to monitor developments and the latest situation.
      
     The relevant subsidy measure requires the funding approval by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council (LegCo). The Government will liaise with the LegCo with a view to scheduling a meeting under the Finance Committee as soon as possible so as to facilitate the early implementation of the concerned measure.
Issued at HKT 22:20

NNNN

Posted on

Brussels ETO promotes Hong Kong cinema at Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival in Belgium

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Brussels ETO promotes Hong Kong cinema at Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival in Belgium       
     Addressing guests at a networking reception hosted by the Brussels ETO on April 7, the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Yung, expressed appreciation for BIFFF’s long-standing collaboration with Hong Kong and reaffirmed Hong Kong’s commitment to bringing more high-quality Hong Kong films to European audiences.

     Ms Yung noted that the two selected films are a strong testament to the distinctive creativity and enduring appeal of Hong Kong cinema, reflecting compelling narratives that transcend eras and highlighting Hong Kong’s role as a bridge between cultures. Ms Yung shared that Hong Kong is home to one of the largest and most dynamic film industries in the world. Government-backed initiatives, such as the Film Development Fund and the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market, not only promote cultural exchanges but also create new opportunities for international collaboration.
      
     Beyond the film industry, Ms Yung highlighted Hong Kong’s rich cultural offerings, adding that Hong Kong films are a powerful reflection of the city’s dynamic and diverse culture. She invited guests to visit Hong Kong and experience its seamless blend of history, creativity and modernity firsthand.
      
     BIFFF is one of the most important fantastic film festivals in Europe. This year, more than 100 films from the fantasy, horror, thriller and science-fiction genres are being showcased. 
Issued at HKT 21:27

NNNN