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Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government conducted an interdepartmental tabletop exercise today in preparation for the opening of Huanggang Port.

Held at Police Headquarters, the exercise aimed to bolster collaboration and emergency response capabilities across participating departments and relevant stakeholders.

The session focused on realistic simulation scenarios involving potential safety incidents and emergencies once the port commences operation.

Key scenarios tested responses to extreme weather, power failures, fires within the port building, major traffic accidents on the new connecting road or in the public transport interchange, and suspected infectious disease outbreaks among arriving passengers.

Through detailed scenario analysis and contingency reviews, participating bureaus and departments assessed their emergency response plans, interdepartmental communication mechanisms, and collaborative decision-making processes.

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung inspected the exercise and commended the participating parties for their effective co-ordination.

The exercise brought together key government bodies, including the Security Bureau, the Transport & Logistics Bureau, the Police Force, the Fire Services Department, the Immigration Department, the Customs & Excise Department, the Information Services Department, the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department, the Architectural Services Department, the Government Property Agency, the Department of Health, the Transport Department, the Highways Department, the Civil Aid Service, the Auxiliary Medical Service, and the Digital Policy Office.

Representatives from the Shenzhen side also participated in online exchanges to strengthen the notification and co-ordination mechanism between relevant units in Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to strengthen risk management to ensure the smooth and orderly operation of the port upon its official opening.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Transport Department (TD) said today (August 20) that it will progressively launch projects under the co-ordination of the AI Efficacy Enhancement Team to make effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the quality and efficiency of licensing services, and advance towards digital traffic management to promote smart mobility, thereby achieving the goals of the Transport Strategy Blueprint.

     A spokesman for the TD said, “The TD’s services are closely related to people’s livelihood. We will keep reviewing various kinds of public services and driving deeper integration of digital technologies and AI into traffic and transport to enhance our operational and travel efficiency, making services more time-saving and convenient for the direct benefit of the public.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

According to the latest labour force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for May – July 2026) released today (August 20) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.7% in May – July 2026, same as that in April – June 2026. The underemployment rate increased from 1.6% in April – June 2026 to 1.7% in May – July 2026.
 
Comparing May – July 2026 with April – June 2026, movements in the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) in different industry sectors varied. Decrease was mainly seen in the foundation and superstructure sector while increases were mainly seen in the retail sector and transportation sector. As to the underemployment rate, increase was mainly seen in the education sector.

Total employment increased by around 1 500 from 3 646 100 in April – June 2026 to 3 647 600 in May – July 2026. Over the same period, the labour force also increased by around 7 500 from 3 785 800 to 3 793 300.

The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased by around 6 000 from 139 700 in April – June 2026 to 145 700 in May – July 2026. Over the same period, the number of underemployed persons also increased by around 3 800 from 62 400 to 66 200.
​
Commentary

Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, “The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stayed at 3.7% in May – July 2026, same as that in the preceding three-month period. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate edged up by 0.1 percentage point to 1.7%. Over the same period, both the labour force and total employment increased further.”

Looking ahead, Mr Sun said, “The ongoing expansion of the local economy is expected to underpin overall labour market conditions, though fresh graduates and school leavers entering the labour market may pose some pressure on the unemployment rate. The potential impacts of external headwinds on corporate hiring sentiments also continue to warrant attention.”

Further information

The unemployment and underemployment statistics were compiled from the findings of the continuous General Household Survey.

In the survey, the definitions used in measuring unemployment and underemployment follow closely those recommended by the International Labour Organization. The employed population covers all employers, self-employed persons, employees (including full-time, part-time, casual workers, etc.) and unpaid family workers. Unemployed persons by industry (or occupation) are classified according to their previous industry (or occupation).

The survey for May – July 2026 covered a sample of some 25 000 households or 65 000 persons, selected in accordance with a scientifically designed sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong. Labour force statistics compiled from this sample represented the situation in the moving three-month period of May to July 2026.

Data on labour force characteristics were obtained from the survey by interviewing each member aged 15 or over in the sampled households.

Statistical tables on the latest labour force statistics can be downloaded at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode200.html). More detailed analysis of the labour force characteristics is given in the “Quarterly Report on General Household Survey” which is published four times a year. The latest issue of the report contains statistics for the quarter January – March 2026 while the next issue covering the quarter April – June 2026 will be available by end August 2026. Users can also browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1050001&scode=200).

For enquiries about labour force statistics, please contact the General Household Survey Section (3) of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 5508 or email: ghs@censtatd.gov.hk).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

　　The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (August 20) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for July 2026. According to the Composite CPI, overall consumer prices rose by 1.7% in July 2026 over the same month a year earlier, smaller than the corresponding increase (2.0%) in June 2026. The smaller increase was mainly attributable to the Government’s provision of rates concession in July 2026 as compared with July 2025 without such concession, whereas the concession was in place in June of both years. 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 July 2026 was 1.9%, the same as that in June 2026. 

　　On a seasonally adjusted basis, the average monthly rate of increase in the Composite CPI for the 3-month period ending July 2026 was 0.2%, and that for the 3-month period ending June 2026 was 0.1%. Netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures, the corresponding rates of increase were both 0.2%.

　　Analysed by sub-index, the year-on-year rates of increase in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 1.2%, 1.8% and 2.0% respectively in July 2026, as compared to 1.8%, 2.1% and 2.2% respectively in June 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 1.6%, 2.0% and 2.1% respectively in July 2026, as compared to 1.5%, 2.0% and 2.1% respectively in June 2026.

　　On a seasonally adjusted basis, for the 3-month period ending July 2026, the average monthly rates of change in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were all 0.2%. The corresponding rates of change for the 3-month period ending June 2026 were 0.0%, 0.1% 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 July 2026 were all 0.2%, the same as those for the 3-month period ending June 2026.

　　Amongst the various components of the Composite CPI, year-on-year increases in prices were recorded in July 2026 for electricity, gas and water (10.8%), transport (5.0%), miscellaneous services (4.9%), miscellaneous goods (2.3%), meals out and takeaway food (0.9%), clothing and footwear (0.6%), alcoholic drinks and tobacco (0.1%), and housing (0.1%).

　　On the other hand, year-on-year decreases in the components of the Composite CPI were recorded in July 2026 for durable goods (-0.2%), and basic food (-0.2%).

　　Taking the first 7 months of 2026 together, the Composite CPI rose by 1.7% over the same period a year earlier. The respective increases in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were 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%, 1.4%, 1.7% and 1.8% respectively.

　　For the 3 months ending July 2026, the Composite CPI rose by 1.9% over the same period a year earlier, while the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) rose by 1.6%, 2.0% and 2.1% respectively. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.9%, 1.5%, 2.0% and 2.1% respectively.

　　For the 12 months ending July 2026, the Composite CPI on average rose by 1.5% over the same period a year earlier. The respective increases in the CPI(A), CPI(B) and CPI(C) were all 1.5%. The corresponding increases after netting out the effects of all Government’s one-off relief measures were 1.4%, 1.3%, 1.4% and 1.5% respectively.

Commentary

　　A Government spokesman said that the underlying Composite CPI rose by 1.9% in July over a year earlier, same as the preceding month. Inflation of fuel-related items stayed high, with some showing accelerated increases. Yet, overall inflation remained moderate, as price pressures on other components were generally contained.

　　Looking ahead, the continued feed-through of higher international oil prices to fuel-related components will pose upward pressure to consumer price inflation. While the lingering geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remain a key source of uncertainty, overall inflation should continue to stay moderate as price pressures on other fronts remain broadly in check.

Further information

　　The CPIs and year-on-year rates of change at section level for July 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.

　　More detailed statistics are given in the “Monthly Report on the Consumer Price Index”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1060001&scode=270).

　　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). 

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 19) detected a suspected money laundering case involving about $35 million in crime proceeds, subsequent to a follow-up investigation of a dangerous drugs case identified in 2025. Two 33-year-old local men suspected to be connected with the case were arrested.
 
In August last year, Customs detected a dangerous drugs case involving about $8.3 million worth of drugs and arrested a 33-year-old local man suspected to be connected with the case. A subsequent financial investigation and fund-flow analysis revealed that there were numerous suspicious transactions amounting to a total of about $35 million in the personal bank accounts of the arrested person and another 33-year-old local man between January 2024 and August 2025. The funds were suspected to be crime proceeds.
 
Upon further investigation, Customs yesterday took enforcement action and arrested the two men for “dealing with property known or reasonably believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence” (commonly known as money laundering) under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance (OSCO).
 
An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
 
Under the OSCO, a person commits an offence if he or she deals with any property knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe that such property, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly represents any person’s proceeds of an indictable offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and imprisonment for 14 years, while the crime proceeds are also subject to confiscation.
 
Members of the public may report any suspected money laundering 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 Information Services

Overall consumer prices rose 1.7% in July year on year, a smaller increase than the 2% rise recorded in June, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation rate was 1.9% in July, unchanged from the previous month.

Compared to July 2025, price increases were recorded across several categories, including electricity, gas and water; transport; miscellaneous services; miscellaneous goods; meals out and takeaway food; clothing and footwear; alcoholic drinks and tobacco; and housing.

Meanwhile, year-on-year decreases were recorded for durable goods and basic food.

The Government noted that while inflation for fuel-related items stayed high with some showing accelerated increases, overall inflation remained moderate as price pressures on other components were generally contained.

Looking ahead, the continued feed-through of higher international oil prices to fuel-related components will exert upward pressure on consumer price inflation. While ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remain a key source of uncertainty, overall inflation should stay moderate as price pressures on other fronts remain broadly in check.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Transport Department announced today a series of artificial intelligence (AI) projects to streamline licensing services, cut renewal processing times to a single day, and implement adaptive traffic signals across roughly 50 junctions to enhance smart mobility.

The department is preparing for the launch of the Easy Licence Application Approval project by the end of this year. Using advanced large language model technology, this system will automatically recognise, cross-check and verify application documents for online vehicle licence renewals.

The initiative aims to push the proportion of automatic approvals past 90% and markedly reduce processing times from up to 10 working days to one.

The application approval project will also cover two cross-boundary driving schemes – Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles and Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles. The department targets boosting the ratio of cross-boundary driving permit applications automatically approved by AI to over 50%, shortening manual processing times by about 20%.

For counter services, the department deployed an AI-enabled anti-bot solution and dynamic identification technology in late June for the online appointment booking system for direct issue of the Hong Kong Full Driving Licence.

By identifying and blocking automated bot scripts and mitigating non-human operations, the technology ensures fair and orderly access. As a result, the maximum waiting time for applicants successfully entering the booking system dropped significantly from up to two hours to within 45 minutes.

To promote smart mobility, the department is implementing the Real-time Adaptive Traffic Signal System (RTATSS) at about 50 suitable independent signalised junctions across the city in phases.

A pilot Smart Traffic Signals project will roll out in the first quarter of 2027 at the junction of Gloucester Road and Great George Street in Causeway Bay. RTATSS sensors will detect real-time vehicular and pedestrian traffic flows, computing signal timings through AI to dynamically allocate more green time for pedestrians and reduce maximum pedestrian waiting time by 15 to 20 seconds.

Furthermore, the department is studying the establishment of an AI-powered Traffic Management Platform to identify traffic bottlenecks. This platform will help formulate contingency plans to rapidly respond to special traffic conditions, minimising delays during major events, adverse weather or unexpected incidents.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

To ensure that toys are safe to purchase and use, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) and the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs jointly held a press conference on August 12. The BSMI explained toy inspection requirements and the relevant management system, while the TIPO outlined regulations concerning trademarks and copyright.

The BSMI explained that, under the national standards, a toy is defined as any product designed, manufactured, sold, displayed, or labeled for play by children under 14 years of age. At present, 31 categories of toys are subject to mandatory inspection. Before importation or release from the factory, such products must comply with inspection requirements and bear the Commodity Inspection Mark before they may be placed on the domestic market. Major inspection items include chemical properties, such as phthalate plasticizers and heavy metals; mechanical and physical characteristics, such as small parts and sharp edges; electrical properties, such as short-circuit protection and insulation; biological properties, such as aerobic plate count; and warnings as well as labeling. These requirements are intended to ensure toy safety and reduce risks to children during use.

The BSMI emphasized that it conducts annual market surveillance and sample-purchase testing on products in circulation, with particular attention to newly emerging and popular toys. Products found to have bypassed required inspection procedures are subject to fines of NT$200,000 to NT$2 million. Where the total value of the noncompliant products is less than NT$100,000, a fine of NT$10,000 to NT$100,000 may be imposed, together with an order to recall and rectify the products within a specified period. Failure to complete the recall and corrective action by the deadline may result in an additional fine of NT$100,000 to NT$1 million.

The BSMI noted that information on defective toys announced overseas, including notices from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the EU Safety Gate, is published on the BSMI’s Product Safety Information website. The BSMI also notifies the Ministry of Health and Welfare to alert the public and relevant childcare institutions to stop using such products immediately. Domestic e-commerce platforms are also requested to remove such products as a precautionary measure, helping prevent unsafe toys from circulating and jointly strengthening the safety net for children.

The BSMI further stated that, as toy products continue to diversify and new products are constantly introduced, a wide range of usage risks may arise. It will continue to monitor developments in international standards, assess the characteristics and potential hazards of emerging products, and review inspection requirements on a rolling basis to further strengthen children’s safety.

With respect to intellectual property protection, the TIPO reminded the public that toys or their packaging bearing unauthorized artistic designs constitute pirated goods under the Copyright Act, and the importation or sale of such goods may infringe copyright. Likewise, the use of the same or a similar registered trademark on goods without the consent of the trademark owner may constitute trademark infringement. Furthermore, the quality of such pirated toys is highly questionable. Members of the public who discover suspected infringing goods may submit relevant evidence and report the matter to the Intellectual Property Rights Investigation Corps of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, National Police Agency, Ministry of the Interior; local police authorities or police stations; or by calling the 110 emergency hotline.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs urges all sectors to support genuinely licensed toys and jointly protect intellectual property rights. When purchasing toys, consumers should select products that bear the Commodity Inspection Mark, have complete Chinese-language labeling, and are suitable for the child’s age. Before use, consumers should carefully read the Chinese labeling and warnings. Children should not be allowed to bite or chew toys to avoid ingesting harmful substances, and attention should be paid to potential hazards involving small parts, magnets, batteries, cords, sharp edges, and sharp points. After use, children should be reminded to wash their hands, and the toy should be checked for integrity. If any damage, loose parts, or other abnormal condition is found, use should be discontinued immediately. In addition, toy safety awareness videos and a handbook on common toy hazards have been prepared and published on the BSMI website for public reference.

Related Information
1. Product Safety Information: https://safety.bsmi.gov.tw
2. Video Section (animated safety videos on Buckyballs, slime, expanding toys, etc.):
https://www.bsmi.gov.tw/wSite/lp?ctNode=9349&CtUnit=3677&BaseDSD=7&mp=1
3. Handbook on Common Toy Hazards
https://www.bsmi.gov.tw/wSite/public/Data/f1737018164988.pdf

Contact Person (Toy Inspection): Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection, MOEA – Deputy Division Director Cheng
Tel.(O):+886-2343-1700 ext. 1211
Contact Person (Intellectual Property Rights): Taiwan Intellectual Property Office, MOEA – Division Director Hung
Tel.(O):+886-2376-7135