Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Hong Kong Customs on May 13 and yesterday (May 20) seized a total of about 55 kilograms of suspected ketamine, one suspected etomidate capsule, 4 grams of suspected cannabis buds, 0.5g of suspected cocaine and one drug-inhaling apparatus, with an estimated market value of about $21 million at Hong Kong International Airport, Kwai Chung and Yuen Long. Two people were arrested.
Through risk assessment, Customs on May 13 inspected an air cargo consignment, declared as a water purification system, arriving in Hong Kong from the Netherlands at Hong Kong International Airport. Upon inspection, Customs officers detected suspicious X-ray images in the consignment and found a total of about 55kg of suspected ketamine concealed in two water purification systems.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers conducted a controlled delivery operation yesterday and arrested a 35-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman in Kwai Chung and Yuen Long respectively. One suspected etomidate capsule, 4g of suspected cannabis buds, 0.5g of suspected cocaine and one drug-inhaling apparatus were further seized from them upon body search and premises search. The investigation of the case is ongoing.
Customs will continue to enhance enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary returns. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Director-General of Investment Promotion of Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), Ms Alpha Lau, completed her official visit to Zhengzhou, Henan Province, which took place from May 19 to 21. During the visit, she promoted to local government departments, enterprises, and the media the new opportunities for Mainland enterprises to go global using Hong Kong as a platform, aiming to deepen synergy and co-operation between Henan and Hong Kong to jointly capture global business opportunities.
This mission featured a seminar titled “Henan-Hong Kong Join Hands to Sail Global” yesterday (May 20) that attracted approximately 320 participants from different sectors in Henan Province. Co-organised by InvestHK, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Henan Province, the Henan Provincial Development and Reform Commission, and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Wuhan, the seminar was joined by Ms Lau; Deputy Director of the Henan Provincial Development and Reform Commission Ms Chen Jing; Deputy Director of the Henan Provincial Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office Mr Sun Zhaomin; and the Director of the Henan Liaison Unit of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Wuhan, Mr Bob Chui.
Ms Lau stated in her opening speech at the seminar, “Hong Kong and Henan enjoy a long-term partnership. Hong Kong is the largest contributor of foreign investment to Henan, and Henan has the highest number of enterprises from the Central Region that have gone for an IPO (initial public offering) in Hong Kong. The ties between Hong Kong and Henan are growing stronger.” She noted, “InvestHK has spared no effort in aligning its strategies with the National 15th Five-Year Plan through continued investment promotion and facilitation efforts. Following our promotion of Hong Kong as a cross-boundary supply chain management centre to Henan last year, we are setting a higher benchmark this year. We aim to elevate Hong Kong’s role from a supply chain hub into a premier springboard and platform for Henan enterprises looking to expand globally. As a core member of the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global (GoGlobal Task Force) steered by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, InvestHK stands ready to fully support Henan enterprises in leveraging Hong Kong to scale their businesses internationally.”
Ms Chen said in her remarks, “As a major economic and populous province, Henan offers a massive market and excellent transport links. Hong Kong is Henan’s largest source of foreign investment and its premier offshore financing platform. Hong Kong-backed enterprises account for about 70 per cent of foreign capital in Henan, and Henan’s investments in Hong Kong account for over 40 per cent of its total outbound investment. There remains great potential for collaboration between Henan and Hong Kong. On the inbound side, Henan will host targeted matchmaking events to better connect supply and industrial chains, with a focus on attracting Hong Kong companies in finance, technology, and low-carbon sectors. On the outbound front, Henan will support the China Henan International Cooperation Group in building a service ecosystem for local firms going global, including setting up special funds and backing well-run, reputable companies. By leveraging Hong Kong’s financial system, legal environment, and global networks, Henan aims to help its enterprises succeed overseas while advancing high-quality, open development.”
The Head of Business and Talent Attraction/Investment Promotion of InvestHK Wuhan Office, Mr Zhou Yikai, delivered a keynote speech on Hong Kong’s business environment and development trends. He highlighted Hong Kong’s core strengths in finance, law, talent, and global reach. Drawing on recent policies and statistics, he outlined InvestHK’s one-stop customised services for Mainland enterprises and encouraged Henan companies to use Hong Kong as a springboard for overseas expansion.
To further elaborate on Hong Kong’s professional strengths for Henan enterprises, and better help them leverage Hong Kong as a platform to go global, InvestHK invited experts to share their insights. The Chairman of Yushang International Business Management (Zhengzhou) Co Ltd, Mr Zhang Wei, introduced how the China Henan International Cooperation Group connects Henan companies with the resources they need to go global. The Secretary-General of the Treasury Centre Committee of the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association, Mr Sean Sun, Partner of Deloitte China Tax & Business Advisory Services Mr Leo Zhu, and Hong Kong office Partner of Haiwen & Partners Mr Edward Liu each drew on their expertise in their respective fields to provide practical guidance for Henan enterprises going global by leveraging Hong Kong’s professional services.
Following the seminar, Ms Lau met with the leaders of the Henan Provincial Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office and had detailed exchanges of views with them on Hong Kong and Henan business co-operation opportunities.
Ms Lau’s visit in Zhengzhou also included meetings with local financial institutions and leading enterprises in information technology, high-end equipment manufacturing, and intelligent computing. During these visits, she discussed with corporate leaders their plans to establish or expand businesses in Hong Kong.
The promotion event in Zhengzhou marks the 10th city visited by the GoGlobal Task Force on the Chinese Mainland for investment promotion since its establishment in October 2025.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
Attention TV/radio announcers:
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:
Here is an item of interest to swimmers.
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department said today (May 21) that, because of an oil spill, the red flag has been hoisted at Hung Shing Yeh Beach in Islands District. The beach has been closed until further notice. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May
District
District The fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May includes First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering six survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering six survey areas. Among which, six survey areas recorded gravidtrap indexes above 10 per cent, while Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau in Southern District recorded a gravidtrap index above 20 per cent. Meanwhile, the gravidtrap indexes of six survey areas, namely Kennedy Town and Shek Tong Tsui in Central and Western District; North Point and Quarry Bay in Eastern District; Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho in Eastern District; Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau in Southern District; Tai Po East in Tai Po District; and Tuen Mun South in Tuen Mun District, have recorded a decrease as compared to the indexes recorded in the last survey period, reflecting the progress of relevant mosquito control work.
With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April or May every year. The actual timing and extent of the rise are affected by factors like weather conditions and rainfall. The average temperature and rainfall recorded in April this year were higher than those in the same period last year, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. As a result, the rise in gravidtrap indexes occurred earlier this year. With the increase in rainfall in May, the gravidtrap indexes are expected to rise further. 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 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. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 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 21:17
The Government today announced it issued the red outbound travel alert for the Democratic Republic of the Congo based on public health considerations, reminding Hong Kong residents to avoid non-essential travel there.
The Government announced on May 17 the activation of the Alert Response Level in accordance with the Preparedness and Response Plan for Ebola Virus Disease. The relevant departments are fully prepared. Once a suspected case is identified, testing and comprehensive prevention and control measures will be implemented immediately in accordance with established protocols to prevent the spread of the virus in Hong Kong.
The Government emphasised that no confirmed cases of Ebola disease have ever been recorded locally. At present, the risk of Ebola disease is primarily confined to outbreak areas and the immediate public health impact to Hong Kong is currently low.
The World Health Organization recently declared that the Ebola disease epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
The Department of Health (DH) has assessed the risk of local transmission spreading to other regions as very high. The Government has therefore issued a red outbound travel alert for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Hong Kong residents in the Democratic Republic of the Congo who need assistance can call the Immigration Department (ImmD)’s 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the ImmD’s mobile app.
They can also send message the 1868 WhatsApp or 1868 WeChat assistance hotline or submit an online assistance request form.
Alternatively, they may contact the local Chinese Embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo at (243) 851474669.
Hong Kong residents are encouraged to use the online Registration of Outbound Travel Information service to register their contact details and itinerary when outside Hong Kong.
The information provided allows the DH and ImmD to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means or a timely manner when necessary.
The DH has all along conducted health screenings for inbound travellers at all boundary control points. From May 17 to 20, 11 individuals who declared having visited the relevant regions underwent health assessments by the DH. No suspected cases of Ebola disease were identified.
DH staff also provided these individuals with health information on the spot, reminding them to seek immediate medical advice at accident and emergency departments if they develop symptoms within 21 days of arrival in Hong Kong.
In collaboration with the Hospital Authority, the DH has established procedures for handling high-risk specimens related to suspected cases to ensure that, should a suspected case arise in Hong Kong, testing can be conducted as quickly as possible.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the 9th World Finance Forum Annual Conference and Dialogue of Continents 2026 High Level Seminar today (May 21):
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It is a real pleasure of mine to join you all this morning at this very esteemed Annual Conference and at the same time engage in a dialogue among continents. I thank the organisers for convening this discussion at a time when the global economy is being tested by geopolitical fragmentation, supply-chain restructuring, energy uncertainty and rapid technological change, all themes reflected in today’s programme.
In such an environment, discussions about stability and growth cannot remain abstract. Financial centres will be judged not only by their resilience, but by whether they can convert uncertainty into concrete market opportunities, practical financing channels and workable regulatory frameworks. That is precisely the direction Hong Kong is taking.
The Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government’s current approach to financial market development is therefore highly practical. It is about lowering friction in markets, widening product breadth, improving post-trade efficiency, deepening mutual access with the Mainland, and building new businesses around digital assets, family offices, corporate treasury activity and gold trading. In other words, we are working on the plumbing, the products and the policy changes needed at the same time.
Let me begin with capital markets. Hong Kong is taking forward a series of measures to strengthen listing competitiveness and trading efficiency. The Government has been working with regulators and the market on revised requirements for weighted voting right structures, facilitating secondary listings by overseas issuers, and a T+1 settlement cycle. At the same time, Hong Kong is enhancing its structured product listing framework and the regulatory regime for listed companies. These are detailed but important reforms, because they affect the speed, certainty and attractiveness of raising capital in Hong Kong.
We are also deepening mutual market access with the Mainland in tangible ways. We will expedite the launch of Mainland government bond futures in Hong Kong, pursue the inclusion of REITs (real estate investment trusts) in mutual market access, and seek inclusion of the RMB (Renminbi) trading counter under Southbound Stock Connect. Each of these steps matters. Mainland government bond futures would expand risk-management tools for investors, the inclusion of REITs would open up another investable asset class through connectivity, and bringing the RMB counter into Southbound Stock Connect would strengthen RMB product use and broaden participation in Hong Kong’s dual-counter stock market.
Hong Kong is also working to strengthen the market infrastructure that supports these flows. We will study establishing a one-stop, multi-asset post-trade securities infrastructure covering Mainland and Hong Kong equity and debt securities. That may sound technical, but it goes directly to competitiveness. Better custody and post-trade arrangements reduce operational friction, improve efficiency for international investors and also support higher trading volumes across asset classes.
Another important area is offshore RMB business. We have set out measures to reduce transaction costs for RMB and other currency conversions, attract more RMB-denominated bond issuance in Hong Kong and explore the better formation of an offshore RMB yield curve. This is highly relevant at a time when more trade and investment flows are looking for diversification in settlement and financing currency. A deeper offshore RMB ecosystem in Hong Kong would strengthen issuance, trading, hedging and liquidity management, while reinforcing Hong Kong’s unique position in connecting international capital with Chinese Mainland-related opportunities. And on this front, in fact, the Ministry of Finance of the Central Government in Beijing is going to issue green bonds for the first time in Hong Kong next week.
In asset and wealth management, the focus is equally concrete. The Government will introduce legislation to enhance the tax regime for funds and single family offices, classifying digital assets, precious metals, specified commodities, etc, as qualifying investments eligible for tax concessions. We will also better enable the privatisation of REITs, and will amend the law to provide a stamp duty waiver for the transfer of non-residential properties into REITs seeking to list in Hong Kong. Those changes are designed to encourage more fund structures, more family office activity and more REIT development in Hong Kong. In practical terms, they reduce transaction costs, improve exit flexibility and create stronger incentives to use Hong Kong as the base for managing capital and listing real asset vehicles.
For multinational groups, including those who are sitting here around us today, Hong Kong is also sharpening our offer as a treasury hub. Further enhancement measures, including a pre-approval mechanism, will be announced in the middle of this year. This is a focused effort to attract more treasury, liquidity management, financing and risk-management functions to Hong Kong, which in turn supports banking activity, foreign exchange business and professional services demand.
Our digital-asset agenda is another area where policy is moving beyond broad vision into implementation. CMU OmniClear, which is our clearing house for bonds and an important market infrastructure in Hong Kong, will establish a digital asset platform to support the issuance and settlement of digital bonds. The Government will also introduce legislation this year to establish a licensing regime for digital-asset dealing service providers and custodian service providers. This is important because the next phase of financial innovation will depend not only on experimentation, but on institutional-grade infrastructure, custody and regulatory certainty. Hong Kong’s strategy is to support innovation through proper supervision, so that tokenisation, digital bond issuance and digital-asset services can develop on a credible and sustainable basis.
There is also a targeted initiative in commodities. The Government will explore tax concessions for eligible institutions conducting gold trading and settlement in Hong Kong. This fits well with the broader objective of diversifying market activity and building new ecosystem depth in areas where Hong Kong already has strengths in logistics, finance and international connectivity.
I am also very pleased to share that the Government and the International Organization for Mediation, which is based in Hong Kong, are exploring the feasibility of establishing a special panel of mediators for commodities market disputes. This will provide a neutral, expert-led mediation mechanism for disputes arising across the commodities value chain, covering upstream mining and production, midstream trading and clearing, as well as downstream warehousing and delivery. This initiative complements our strategy to develop Hong Kong into a leading gold and commodities trading hub, and helps facilitate cross-border transactions, mitigate risks and strengthen market confidence among global market participants.
The market response to our development strategy so far has been encouraging. Our total market capitalisation at the end of April reached HK$48 trillion, which is roughly US$6.2 trillion. Average daily turnover for the first four months was HK$270 billion, equivalent to about US$35 billion, up 8 per cent year on year. These are substantial liquidity numbers by any international standard.
The primary market is also showing strong momentum. The HKEX (Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited) reported 49 new listings in the first four months of this year, raising more than HK$150 billion, or about US$20 billion, an increase of six-fold when compared with the same period last year. This matters because a healthy IPO (initial public offering) market is often the clearest sign that issuers, investors and intermediaries all see confidence in a market’s future.
Secondary-market breadth is also expanding. Our ETF (exchange-traded fund) average daily turnover in the first four months rose to about HK$40 billion, around US$5.0 billion, while Stock Connect flows remained robust. In April, Northbound Stock Connect average daily turnover reached about RMB300 billion, and Southbound average daily turnover reached over HK$100 billion, or around US$14 billion. These numbers show that Hong Kong is not only a local market. It is a gateway market, and its connectivity function is becoming more important.
These policy measures are also relevant to the broader national context. The 15th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its status as an international financial centre and in better integrating into the overall national development. For the very first time, Hong Kong will formulate its own five-year plan aligned with the national plan. We will contribute actively by strengthening offshore RMB business, broadening international capital intermediation, supporting enterprises going global, and connecting the country’s development priorities with international markets, standards and investors.
That is especially relevant to the themes of this forum today. As the world economy becomes more fragmented, efficient connectors become more valuable. As supply chains and capital flows are restructured, markets that can provide trusted rules, deep liquidity and cross-border access become more important. As technology reshapes payments, investment and financial intermediation, jurisdictions that can combine innovation with clear regulation will have an advantage. And that’s exactly what Hong Kong has offered, is offering, and will continue to offer.
On the international front, I am pleased to join the Chief Executive on his upcoming trip to Central Asia in early June. The delegation will visit Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, two major Central Asian economies with GDP of over 80 per cent of the region, rich natural resources, robust economic growth and substantial market potential. This visit underscores our commitment to international engagement, fostering government-to-government dialogue, business linkages and new co-operation opportunities in finance, trade and innovation. It reinforces Hong Kong’s role in connecting with emerging markets and advancing our position as a global financial centre under “one country, two systems”.
So when we speak about Hong Kong as an international financial centre, we should not think only in slogans. We should think in terms of the actual measures now being advanced: new connectivity products, listing reforms, settlement-cycle upgrades, better post-trade infrastructure, stronger offshore RMB tools, tax changes for funds and family offices, a more flexible REIT regime, incentives for corporate treasury centres, regulated digital-asset infrastructure and targeted market diversification initiatives such as gold trading. These are the building blocks of competitiveness.
In a divided and unsettled world like this, stability and growth will not come from wishful thinking. They will come from institutions that work, markets that evolve and policy that is specific enough to unlock real business opportunities. That is the work Hong Kong is doing now, and that is the contribution we intend to make as a global financial centre under “one country, two systems”.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Kwong Wah Hospital made the following announcement today (May 21):
A 40-year-old male patient in the surgical ward was confirmed on May 19 to be carrying Candida auris. In accordance with prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital commenced a contact tracing investigation, which identified two additional male patients (aged 76 and 83) in the same ward as carriers of Candida auris.
The three patients are now being treated in isolation. One patient has infection symptoms and is currently receiving treatment. His condition is serious due to underlying illnesses. The other two patients show no signs of infection and are in stable condition.
The hospital will continue the contact tracing investigation of close contacts of the patients in accordance with the prevailing guidelines. A series of enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted to prevent the spread of Candida auris:
thorough cleaning and disinfection of the wards, including the environment and medical equipment;
enhanced medical surveillance of the patients and screening procedures for patients and environment in the wards; and
applied stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff.
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, departed from Geneva for Zurich, Switzerland, yesterday (May 20, Zurich time) and held a roundtable meeting with local multinational pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. The meeting introduced participants to the measures put forward by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to develop Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub, enhance the drug evaluation and registration mechanism, and foster clinical trial development.
Professor Lo and his delegation held a roundtable meeting in Zurich with multinational pharmaceutical and healthcare companies to highlight the measures put forward by the HKSAR Government to develop Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub. These measures include the implementation of “primary evaluation” for new drugs, the establishment of the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute and its Real-World Study and Application Centre, and the upcoming establishment of the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation within this year.
Professor Lo encouraged pharmaceutical companies in Switzerland to leverage the “1+” drug approval mechanism to introduce newly developed drugs into the HKSAR to meet local healthcare needs, and take advantage of the measure of using Hong Kong-registered drugs and medical devices used in Hong Kong public hospitals in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to benefit patients in GBA Mainland cities. He also called on Swiss pharmaceutical companies to conduct clinical trials in Hong Kong to leverage the unparalleled advantages of the HKSAR to promote the translation and clinical application of advanced biomedical technologies.
The delegation paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Consul General in Zurich and for the Principality of Liechtenstein, Ms Chen Yun, this morning (May 21, Zurich time). Professor Lo introduced to her the latest healthcare developments of Hong Kong.
Professor Lo said, “Under the current complex international political environment, it is all the more important for Hong Kong to ensure the stability and sustainability of its healthcare system. The Health Bureau (HHB) will proactively align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan by leveraging the unique advantages and important role of the HKSAR, as well as deepening reform of the healthcare system and continuously promoting the co-ordinated reform of healthcare services, drugs and healthcare protection. This will thereby resonate in tandem with the nation’s medical reform, with a view to ensuring the sustainability of the healthcare system and safeguarding the health of our citizens.
“At the same time, the HKSAR Government will continue to strive to enhance the quality, efficiency and sustainability of Hong Kong’s healthcare system, as well as develop Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub, enhance clinical trial capabilities and facilitate the translation of innovative biomedical research results into clinical applications, thereby fostering new quality productive forces in biomedical technology. The HHB will definitely seize the opportunities to develop Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub and move at full speed to align with the policies of the National 15th Five-Year Plan. The goal is to build a ‘Healthy Hong Kong’ while better integrating into and serving national development through leveraging our distinctive advantages and important role of having strong support from the motherland and close connection with the world.”
Members of the delegation include the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam; the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, Dr Edwin Tsui; and Deputy Secretary for Health Ms Elaine Mak. They will return to Hong Kong tomorrow morning (May 22, Hong Kong time).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
In support of the National Event on the Environment Day 2026 – initiated by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) and jointly organised by Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), and the Macao SAR – and to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) and the EPD will launch the Beautiful Hong Kong Green Fest in June. Centred on four main themes, namely “Beautiful Hong Kong”, “Public Participation”, “Waste Reduction and Recycling”, and “Green Technology”, the campaign features a series of diverse experiential and hands-on activities to deepen public understanding of environmental protection and to jointly build a beautiful Hong Kong.
“Beautiful Hong Kong”
In collaboration with the EPD, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) will offer free admission to Hong Kong Wetland Park on June 5, along with free public guided tours. In addition, green facility guided tours will be held from June 2 to 7, guiding members of the public to tour the waste-to-energy facility T·PARK to understand its operation, the kNOw Carbon House to deepen their knowledge of carbon neutrality, and the Long Valley Nature Park for on-site visit to closely explore Hong Kong’s precious natural ecology.
Meanwhile, the EPD will organise ecological guided tours in June to showcase Hong Kong’s efforts in marine ecological protection. The tours will visit Mirs Bay, which was previously selected as an “Outstanding Example of Beautiful Bays”, allowing participants to appreciate the scenery of the beautiful bay, characterised by “clear water and clean beaches, thriving marine life, and harmonious coexistence between humans and the sea”.
To enhance students’ understanding of environmental protection, the EPD will partner with Ocean Park to launch on-site and school outreach activities. Through interactive games and close-range observation of the characteristics of giant pandas and marine life, these activities will provide students with opportunities for self-directed learning and exploration of nature.
“Public Participation”
The EPD and the AFCD will mobilise the community for city-wide participation by organising coastal and wilderness clean-up activities on June 6 and 7. On June 6, the EPD will participate in China’s joint eco-environmental volunteer service campaign in coastal provinces (regions and municipalities), where Hong Kong will carry out coastal clean-up actions in synchronisation with various provinces and cities on the Mainland. On the following day (June 7), the AFCD will hold clean-up activities in country parks and Hong Kong Geopark. By participating in these coastal and wilderness clean-ups, the public can experience the connection between environmental pollution and daily life, thereby promoting waste reduction at source and marine conservation. At the same time, the EPD will collaborate with primary and secondary schools, organisations, tertiary institutions, uniform groups, and non-governmental organisations to organise environmental-related activities to raise awareness of environmental protection across all sectors of society.
“Waste Reduction and Recycling”
The EPD will roll out a series of publicity and educational activities for Recycling Day, including community engagement activities, co-operative partner promotions, and a creative short film competition, with a view to encouraging public participation in waste reduction at source and waste separation and recycling, and to embedding a green living culture into the community. Members of the public who recycle at the community recycling network GREEN@COMMUNITY during the period from June 5 to 7 will earn double GREEN$ points to encourage them to continue practising green living.
“Green Technology”
The EPD will set up a limited-offer roadshow showcasing various environmental monitoring technology products at GREEN@COMMUNITY Recycling Stations, enabling the public to understand how the Government utilises innovative technology to enhance the effectiveness of environmental management, and to experience the practical application of technology firsthand.
An EPD spokesperson said, “The SAR Government calls on members of the public to actively participate in the various activities of the Beautiful Hong Kong Green Fest. We hope that these activities will raise public and community awareness of environmental protection, contributing to the building of a Beautiful China and a Beautiful Hong Kong. We express our gratitude to public and private organisations, tertiary institutions, and non-governmental organisations for their active support and promotion of environmental protection work.”
Apart from the aforementioned activities, the EPD will arrange to broadcast promotional videos of the documentary series “Beautiful Hong Kong” through various platforms and host green seminars during the festival. For event details and booking arrangements, please visit the webpage www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/news_events/events/hk_green_fest_2026.html.
The United Nations designated June 5 as World Environment Day in 1972, aiming to raise public awareness of environmental protection and calling on governments worldwide to address environmental problems. In recent years, authorities including the MEE and the Central Office of Spiritual Civilization Construction have joined local governments regularly to organise the National Event on the Environment Day, which has become an important platform to showcase achievements in promoting the development of a Beautiful China across the country and to mobilise people from all walks of life to participate in the promotion of ecological civilisation. Under the guidance of the MEE, the National Event on the Environment Day 2026 will be jointly organised by Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong SAR, and the Macao SAR under the theme “Comprehensive Green Transition and Jointly Build a Beautiful China” to actively integrate into the National 15th Five-Year Plan.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (May 21) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for April 2026. According to the Composite CPI, overall consumer prices rose by 1.7% in April 2026 over the same month a year earlier, the same as that in March 2026. 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 April 2026 was 1.6%, also the same as that in March 2026.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average monthly rate of change in the Composite CPI for the 3-month period ending April 2026 was 0.0%, and that for the 3-month period ending March 2026 was 0.2%. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the corresponding rates of change were both 0.1%.
Analysed by sub-index, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.6%, 1.8% and 1.7% respectively in April 2026, as compared to 1.6%, 1.8% and 1.8% respectively in March 2026. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.4%, 1.7% and 1.6% respectively in April 2026, as compared to 1.4%, 1.6% and 1.7% respectively in March 2026.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, for the 3-month period ending April 2026, the average monthly rates of change in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were -0.1%, 0.1% and 0.1% respectively. The corresponding rates of change for the 3-month period ending March 2026 were 0.2%, 0.2% and 0.1% respectively. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the average monthly rates of change in the seasonally adjusted CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) for the 3-month period ending April 2026 were 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.1% respectively, and the corresponding rates of change for the 3-month period ending March 2026 were all 0.1%.
Amongst the various components of the Composite CPI, year-on-year increases in prices were recorded in April 2026 for electricity, gas and water (5.5%), miscellaneous services (4.5%), transport (4.3%), miscellaneous goods (2.6%), alcoholic drinks and tobacco (2.3%), housing (1.0%), meals out and takeaway food (0.8%), and basic food (0.5%).
On the other hand, year-on-year decreases in the components of the Composite CPI were recorded in April 2026 for durable goods (-1.9%), and clothing and footwear (-0.3%).
Taking the first 4 months of 2026 together, the Composite CPI rose by 1.6% over the same period a year earlier. The respective increases in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.5%, 1.6% and 1.6% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.4%, 1.2%, 1.5% and 1.5% respectively.
For the 3 months ending April 2026, the Composite CPI rose by 1.8% over the same period a year earlier, while the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) rose by 1.6%, 1.8% and 1.8% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.6%, 1.3%, 1.7% and 1.7% respectively.
For the 12 months ending April 2026, the Composite CPI on average rose by 1.4% over the same period a year earlier. The respective increases in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.6%, 1.3% and 1.2% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.2%, 1.2%, 1.1% and 1.1% respectively.
Commentary
A Government spokesman said that the underlying Composite CPI rose by 1.6% in April over a year earlier, same as the preceding month. Prices of fuel-related components accelerated further, yet price pressures on other components were in check, thus keeping overall inflation moderate.
Looking ahead, as international oil prices remain elevated, the corresponding feed-through process to fuel-related components in consumer prices should continue in the coming months. The final impacts would hinge on the evolving situation in the Middle East. Yet, price pressures from other fronts are generally contained, which should help rein in the potential upward pressure on overall inflation. The Government will continue to monitor the development closely and will respond further as appropriate to safeguard price stability.
Further information
The CPIs and year-on-year rates of change at section level for April 2026 are shown in Table 1. The time series on the year-on-year rates of change in the CPIs before and after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures are shown in Table 2. For discerning the latest trend in consumer prices, it is also useful to look at the changes in the seasonally adjusted CPIs. The time series on the average monthly rates of change during the latest 3 months for the seasonally adjusted CPIs are shown in Table 3. The rates of change in the original and the seasonally adjusted Composite CPI and the underlying inflation rate are presented graphically in Chart 1.
Following established practice, C&SD reviews and updates the expenditure weights of the CPIs annually. In this round of annual review, C&SD has incorporated the results of the 2024/25 Household Expenditure Survey to comprehensively update the expenditure weights. Starting from the reference month of April 2026, the updated 2025 expenditure weights have been adopted in the compilation of the CPIs. This update aims to better capture recent changes in household consumption patterns, ensuring that the CPIs can more accurately reflect the inflation experienced by consumers, and fully aligns with international recommendations.
For enquiries about the CPIs, please contact the Consumer Price Index Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7374 or email: cpi@censtatd.gov.hk).