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HKETO San Francisco hosts New Year Reception in California (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

HKETO San Francisco hosts New Year Reception in California  
     Guests attending the event included consuls-general, mayors, supervisors, academia, business and community leaders as well as representatives of cultural institutes in the San Francisco Bay Area.
 
     Speaking at the reception, the Director of HKETO San Francisco, Mr DC Cheung, provided an overview of Hong Kong’s latest business environment and highlights of new government initiatives, including the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global and the Economic and Trade Express as well as the development of the Northern Metropolis.
 
     “While the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global aims at providing one-stop customised support services to Mainland enterprises venturing overseas through Hong Kong, the Economic and Trade Express is a new functional platform supporting Hong Kong’s small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups to explore high-potential overseas markets,” he said.
 
     “The Northern Metropolis is another new engine for Hong Kong’s economic development and holds immense potential. The Government will accelerate its development and formulate preferential policy packages covering land grants, land premiums, financial subsidies and tax incentives to attract high value-added industries and high-potential enterprises to set up businesses in Hong Kong, particularly in the Northern Metropolis,” he added.
 
     “Beyond business, Hong Kong also offers unforgettable experiences for visitors, including world-class arts, culture and sports competitions and shows. Hong Kong is a must-visit global city not only for business, but also for fun and new experiences,” Mr Cheung said.
 
     The reception concluded on a high note with a recital on sanxian, a traditional Chinese string instrument, by Hong Kong musician and ethno-musicologist Stella Chan.
Issued at HKT 7:10

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Import of poultry meat and products from Gifu Prefecture in Japan suspended

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (January 22) that in view of a notification from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza in Gifu Prefecture in Japan, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 1 540 tonnes of frozen poultry meat and about 219.73 million poultry eggs from Japan in the first nine months of last year.

“The CFS has contacted the Japanese authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

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HKPF holds Hong Kong Police Negotiation Cadre 50th Anniversary Commemorative Symposium and Exhibition (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

HKPF holds Hong Kong Police Negotiation Cadre 50th Anniversary Commemorative Symposium and Exhibition       
     Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming, stated that since its establishment in 1975, the Police Negotiation Cadre (PNC) has provided round-the-clock support on a secondary duty basis. Initially tasked with handling counter-terrorism and serious crime cases, the PNC later expanded its duties to include suicide intervention. In recent years, it has actively collaborated with stakeholders from different sectors, including the Education Bureau, the Hospital Authority, as well as the education and social welfare sectors, to strengthen schools’ capability in handling crises and promote psychological resilience among students. The PNC also shoulders the important mission of safeguarding national security, ensuring the harmony and stability of Hong Kong.
      
     Mr Chow added that with over 100 members, the PNC has consistently upheld the motto “Who Cares Wins” and has successfully resolved crises and saved lives through calm analysis, active listening, and strong teamwork. He expressed his gratitude to the PNC members over the years for their selfless dedication and efforts, and to the various units for their support. He hoped that the symposium would facilitate in-depth exchanges and foster collaboration among all parties to move forward together.
      
     The symposium has invited over 500 representatives engaged in negotiation and crisis management from Chinese Mainland, Cambodia, Dubai, Indonesia, Macau, Singapore, and Switzerland, as well as local representatives from the education and social welfare sectors.
      
     The first day of the symposium focused on sharing local and overseas experience in crisis management, negotiation, and solutions. The PNC, together with representatives from Mainland public security authorities and the international negotiation community, explored co-operation in crisis management and exchanged views on strengthening public safety and enhancing community resilience through negotiation work. These discussions strengthened international and regional partnerships and chart a forward‑looking roadmap for negotiation development in Hong Kong. The symposium tomorrow will engage local professional groups and academia in exploring the development of school support networks, the prevention of youth suicides, and the role of artificial intelligence in the course of negotiation.
      
     Also held at the venue was the PNC 50th Anniversary Commemorative Exhibition, showcasing the contributions of the PNC in saving lives and maintaining social stability through historical photographs, memorabilia and significant negotiation cases. Looking ahead, the PNC will continue to work hand in hand with local, Chinese Mainland and international partners to resolve crises through dialogue, striving to ensure Hong Kong remains one of the safest and most stable cities in the world.
Issued at HKT 18:37

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FEHD releases third batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in January

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

FEHD releases third batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in January 

District

District     Among the third batch of First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering 14 survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering eight survey areas in January, all were below 10 per cent.

     The FEHD has so far released three batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in January 2026, covering 38 survey areas; most of the areas recorded 0 per cent, indicating that the distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes was not extensive.     Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of chikungunya fever (CF) transmission.

     Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever (DF). After reviewing the present DF and CF vector surveillance programme, the FEHD has expanded the coverage for monitoring Aedes albopictus mosquitoes starting from 2026. The number of survey areas set up in the community has been revised to 62, with some survey areas renamed. Additional gravidtraps will also be set up at different locations across the territory to strengthen the monitoring of the breeding of mosquitoes. Under the present surveillance mechanism, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#Issued at HKT 17:35

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HKPF showcases policing professionalism at Expo (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) is participating in the Education & Careers Expo 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai from today (January 22) for four consecutive days, to showcase the professionalism of the Force while providing comprehensive information on the latest recruitment opportunities.
 
During the exhibition, Recruitment Division officers and the Recruitment Spokespersons address police aspirants’ enquiries regarding policing, career development and training, entry requirements, remuneration and benefits. Uniforms of various Police units and information of Volunteer Secondary Duty Cadres are on display, illustrating the diversity and prospect of police career and enhancing the public’s understanding.
 
Members of the public are welcome to visit the HKPF’s booth at Hall 1D (booth number: B14). Persons with aspirations to join the Police may submit their applications for Probationary Inspector, Recruit Police Constable or Police Constable (Auxiliary) positions on site. For details, please visit the Police recruitment webpage (www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/15_recruit).

           

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Consumer Price Indices for December 2025

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (January 22) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for December 2025. According to the Composite CPI, overall consumer prices rose by 1.4% in December 2025 over the same month a year earlier, larger than the corresponding increase (1.2%) in November 2025. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rate of increase in the Composite CPI (i.e. the underlying inflation rate) in December 2025 was 1.2%, also larger than that in November 2025 (1.0%). The larger increase was mainly due to the increases in the charges for package tours as well as inbound and outbound transport fares. 

     On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average monthly rate of increase in the Composite CPI for the 3-month period ending December 2025 was 0.2%, and that for the 3-month period ending November 2025 was 0.1%. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the corresponding rates of increase were 0.2% and 0.1%.

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HKPF urges public to stay vigilant against phishing SMS messages and fake “eTraffic Ticket Platform” websites (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

HKPF urges public to stay vigilant against phishing SMS messages and fake “eTraffic Ticket Platform” websites (with photo)      
     The HKPF sternly clarifies that the relevant fraudulent websites as listed in the fraudulent electronic traffic ticket SMS messages (https://etraffictickot.top/hk/, https://etrafticket.one/hk) are not official platforms. Members of the public are reminded not to click on any hyperlinks.
      
     The Platform of the HKPF (https://www.etrafficticket.gov.hk      
     The HKPF reiterates that all electronic FPNs SMS messages will only be issued under the HKPF sender name “#HKPF-eTT”. Please note that the FPNs, whether issued via SMS messages or email, will never contain any hyperlinks.
      
     Members of the public are reminded to stay vigilant if they receive SMS messages from unknown sources. Do not click on any hyperlinks, log in to suspicious websites, or provide any personal information. Any member of the public who has provided personal information to the relevant websites should dial 18222 to contact the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre officers of the HKPF. For any enquiries regarding the Platform, please call 181 181.
      
     The HKPF also appeals to the public with the following anti-deception tips: 
Issued at HKT 16:12

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Starry Lee Wai-king resigns as Convenor of Working Group on Patriotic Education

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Starry Lee Wai-king resigns as Convenor of Working Group on Patriotic Education      
     Dr Lee has served as Convenor of the Working Group since its establishment in April 2024. Following her election as President of the Eighth Legislative Council, she has tendered her resignation. The Chief Secretary for Administration and CBLPSC Chairman, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, expressed his sincere thanks for Dr Lee’s valuable contributions. He said, “Dr Lee has proactively led the work of the Working Group and provided a wealth of valuable advice to the Government on promoting patriotic education and enhancing the sense of patriotism and national sentiment of the public. She has made significant contributions to the work of the Working Group.”
      
     The Government will appoint a new Convenor to the Working Group and announce the appointment in due course.
      
     The Working Group on Patriotic Education is responsible for advising the Government on the overall programme and strategy for promoting patriotic education, the implementation of related work, co-ordination and collaboration between government departments and non-governmental organisations, as well as other relevant matters.
Issued at HKT 15:30

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HKMA publishes Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance Phase 2A

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

HKMA publishes Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance Phase 2A 
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) published today (January 22) the Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance (Hong Kong Taxonomy) Phase 2A, marking an important step in facilitating green and sustainable capital flows and supporting the region’s transition to a low‑carbon economy.
      
     The HKMA has been developing the Hong Kong Taxonomy in phases to provide a robust and transparent framework for classifying economic activities that contribute to green and sustainable development. Following the release of Phase 1 in May 2024, the HKMA launched a public consultation on the Phase 2A prototype      
     The HKMA received numerous submissions from a diverse group of stakeholders, including banks, professional associations, asset managers, corporates, non-government organisations, think tank, and the public sector. Respondents generally supported the expansion in taxonomy coverage and the addition of transition elements and climate change adaptation category, and welcomed the further enhancement in clarity and practicality of the Hong Kong Taxonomy by the HKMA. 
      
     Drawing on the feedback gathered from the public consultation, the HKMA has refined the prototype for publication as the Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance Phase 2A. The HKMA also released a consultation report, which summarises the consultation feedback and the HKMA’s responses.
      
     The Hong Kong Taxonomy is a living document. Development of the next phase is underway and will continue to be informed by market developments, government policies, industry priorities, and the latest technological advancements. The HKMA remains committed to actively engaging with market participants and broader stakeholders throughout the development process.
      
     The Hong Kong Taxonomy Phase 2AIssued at HKT 15:00

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Hong Kong Flower Show’s flower replanting scheme invites applications

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     Schools, environmental groups and non-governmental organisations are invited to apply for this year’s “Give the Flowers a New Home!” Jockey Club Flower Re-planting Scheme of the Hong Kong Flower Show by February 27. The application form can be downloaded from the flower show webpage at www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/hkfs/2026/flower.html.

     Every year after the flower show, showground flowers suitable for replanting are sent to Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) parks for replanting. To encourage replanting in the community and raise environmental awareness among the public, the flower replanting scheme has been running since 2014. Upon successful application, organisations and schools may receive potted plants by either on-site collection from the showground or free delivery by the organiser. The type and number of plants will be assigned by the organiser. For details, please visit the above-mentioned webpage.

     Organised by the LCSD, this year’s flower show will be held from March 20 to 29 at Victoria Park, featuring the stock as its theme flower, under the theme “A Fragrant Journey through Hong Kong”. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust is supporting the flower show for the 14th consecutive year and has been its major sponsor since 2014.