MIL Asia Pacific Publishing Engine

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Following is the speech by the Acting Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, at the Greater Bay Area Conference 2025 today (October 23):

Mr Zhou (Deputy Editor-in-Chief of China Daily, Mr Zhou Li), my dear panel members, ladies and gentlemen, 

     Good morning. I am pleased to join you all today at the Greater Bay Area Conference.

     Hong Kong proudly serves as a dynamic bridge linking the Chinese Mainland, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and the global market. I would like to take this opportunity today to highlight three key pillars that underpin Hong Kong’s leadership in this new era of collaboration: our robust legal framework, our world-class legal services and our pioneering advances in legal co-operation through the GBA framework.

First pillar 

     Hong Kong’s legal framework is the bedrock of financial innovation and sustainable economic development. Hong Kong’s common law system offers certainty, transparency, and credibility, qualities highly prized by international investors and financial institutions. This robust legal infrastructure protects property rights and effectively enforces contracts, fostering confidence in developing advanced financial products and fintech innovations.

     We are also conscious of the need to be agile and forward-looking, responding to evolving market needs in a timely manner. For instance, recent refinements to the paperless securities markets enhance efficiency on the one hand and provide better investor protection and transparency on the other. 

     Additionally, the Stablecoins Ordinance, which took effect in August, establishes a clear licensing regime for issuers of fiat-referenced stablecoins. The Ordinance introduces rigorous safeguards against financial stability risks, promotes investor protection while encouraging financial innovation.

     These initiatives demonstrate our proactive approach in adapting our regulatory framework to new financial realities, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as the freest economy in the world and the preferred hub for both traditional and cutting-edge financing.

Second pillar 

     Of course, a sophisticated financial system is only as strong as the legal expertise that supports it. This brings me to the second pillar: how Hong Kong’s legal services empower Chinese Mainland enterprises to go global confidently. 

     Our legal sector is robust and diverse, with about 1 700 barristers and over 11 000 solicitors across more than 900 firms, many having a strong presence on the Chinese Mainland and in other parts of the world. Furthermore, over 1 600 foreign lawyers from about 40 jurisdictions and 80 foreign firms also operate here. This extensive and diverse talent pool is consistently ranked among the world’s best in practice areas like capital markets, corporate law and dispute resolution. 

     Specifically, as a place of arbitration, Hong Kong is the world’s second most preferred seat for arbitration and tops Asia-Pacific in the latest international survey. This is a vivid testament to the international credibility of our arbitration regime. 

     Unique legal arrangements with the Chinese Mainland further strengthen our position. Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction where parties can seek interim measures like freezing orders directly from the Chinese Mainland courts and benefit from a comprehensive mechanism for reciprocal enforcement of judgments, including intellectual property cases.

     Meanwhile, Hong Kong-invested companies in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and other Chinese Mainland cities in the GBA enjoy greater flexibility in choosing Hong Kong law or Hong Kong as the place of arbitration regardless of ownership ratios. This offers the credibility and predictability of Hong Kong’s common law system when investors leverage the immense opportunities in the GBA –  a truly “best of both worlds” advantage.

Third pillar

     Building on our foundation of expertise, our third pillar is to facilitate integration and collaboration in the GBA. Taking the area of commercial dispute resolution as an example, we are actively working to set up a platform for GBA commercial mediation and arbitration. This will bring together mediation and arbitration institutions in GBA to adopt the unified GBA Standards. Currently, established GBA Standards cover mediator and arbitrator qualifications, harmonised mediation rules and a panel of mediators. By setting up a clear roster of institutions that implement the GBA standards, we send a strong signal to the market about where to find efficient and trusted dispute resolution services in the GBA.

     In conclusion, Hong Kong’s stable and dynamic legal environment is a pillar of its strength as an international financial centre, and a catalyst for deeper collaboration and integration in the GBA. With a world-class financial regulatory environment, unparalleled legal expertise and effective legal co-operation with the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong solidifies our indispensable role as the premier gateway for finance, business and investments in the GBA and beyond.

     On this note, I wish the Conference a great success. Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs conducted a joint anti-illicit cigarette publicity campaign with members of the Southern District Council, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health and the Housing Department (HD) at Ap Lei Chau Estate in Southern District today (October 23).

Customs officers distributed promotional items to residents and introduced to them Customs’ enforcement actions against illicit cigarettes and the latest amendments to illicit cigarette-related legislation, including an increase in the maximum penalty for offences related to duty-not-paid cigarettes from a $1 million fine and two-year imprisonment to a $2 million fine and seven-year imprisonment. Customs also explained to estate security personnel how to deal with suspected illicit cigarette activities.
 
If public rental housing units are found to be involved in illicit cigarette crimes, Customs will notify the HD for follow-up action after the conclusion of court proceedings. Customs reminds members of the public, especially young people, not to buy or sell illicit cigarettes or distribute illicit cigarette leaflets to avoid creating a criminal record that could affect their future.
 
Customs will continue its risk assessment and intelligence analysis for interception at source as well as through its multipronged enforcement strategy targeting storage, distribution and peddling to spare no effort in combating illicit cigarette activities. Also, Customs will strengthen publicity and education to remind the public not to take part in unlawful acts related to illicit cigarettes.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years. Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette 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/).

In accordance with the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person shall distribute any smoking product advertisement (including any promotional leaflets). Any person who contravenes the regulation is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000. Members of the public may report any suspected activities of illicit cigarette leaflets distribution to TACO’s hotline 2961 8823.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore (Singapore ETO) and the renowned Hong Kong creative brand Chocolate Rain are jointly presenting a community arts exhibition at Enabling Village, Singapore, from today (October 23) to October 26. This vibrant showcase welcomes art lovers from all walks of life and serves as a platform to foster cultural exchange between Hong Kong and Singapore.

     Led by founder Ms Prudence Mak, the Chocolate Rain team has curated a dazzling collection of exhibits that bring together the iconic landmarks and culinary delights of the two places. Visitors can marvel at giant inflatables of Hong Kong’s beloved egg tarts, fish balls, and Hong Kong-style French toasts, alongside whimsical 3D figurines of Hong Kong’s panda, taxi, and ferry, as well as Singapore’s landmarks, the Merlion and Marina Bay Sands.

     At the opening ceremony, the Director of the Singapore ETO, Mr Owin Fung, remarked, “Hong Kong is a city where creativity flourishes, with our cultural and creative industries gaining recognition both at home and on the international stage. As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Singapore ETO alongside the 10th anniversary of Enabling Village, this milestone provides a meaningful opportunity to share the vibrancy of Hong Kong’s creativity and artistry with our friends in Singapore.”

     He added, “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to advancing the city’s arts, cultural, and creative industries, with the aim of positioning Hong Kong as an East-meets-West hub for international cultural exchange. By bringing our brands and creative spirit abroad, including Chocolate Rain, the Singapore ETO aspires to build closer connections, enrich cultural exchanges, and deepen mutual understanding between the people of our two communities.”

     Beyond the captivating installations, the exhibition features a series of 12 engaging DIY art and upcycling workshops conducted by Mak and her team. Participants can unleash their creativity and bring home complimentary Hong Kong-and-Singapore-themed souvenirs. Local social service agencies are also specially invited to participate, providing opportunities for persons with disabilities and their caregivers to engage in artistic creation and experience the joy of self-expression. Mr Fung and heads of social service agencies also took part in a workshop, where they experienced first-hand the joy of creating upcycled art alongside participants, and shared in the spirit of inclusiveness and creativity that the exhibition seeks to promote.

     Founded in 2000, Chocolate Rain is a Hong Kong-based creative brand dedicated to crafting unique stories and exhibitions filled with imagination and sincerity. The brand inspires young people to care for the environment, spread positive energy, and embrace their creativity. Over the years, Chocolate Rain has showcased its works across the globe, including on the Chinese Mainland and in the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Australia.

     The Singapore ETO and Chocolate Rain are delighted to hold the exhibition at Enabling Village with the support of its administrator SG Enable, Singapore’s focal agency for disability inclusion, joining hands to foster social inclusion in the community. Enabling Village is an inclusive community space that brings together social businesses, community services, training providers, and lifestyle amenities within a welcoming environment that celebrates the abilities of all.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hongkong Post today (October 23) announced the latest air mail posting dates for Christmas this year. While the dates are provisional, they have been calculated based on the requirements of respective postal administrations, and are for reference only. These dates and services are subject to availability of flights, and may be altered at short notice. The public are advised to post earlier than the dates shown. Members of the public may visit the web page at (https://www.hongkongpost.hk/en/about_us/whats_new/index.html) on the service availability for various destinations before posting.
 

Destination	Letters and packets		Parcels
————-	———————–		——–
Chinese Mainland	December 9		December 9
Taiwan	December 5		December 4
Asia and the Middle East
Bangladesh	December 4		November 28
Brunei Darussalam	December 3		November 28
India	November 28		November 27
Indonesia	December 8		December 5
Iran	December 3		December 2
Israel	December 4		*
Japan	December 9		December 8
Jordan	December 4		December 3
Korea	December 2		December 2
Lao People’s Dem. Rep.	December 9		December 8
Lebanon	November 26		November 25
Malaysia	December 3		December 1
Myanmar	December 4		*
Nepal	November 20		November 19
Pakistan	December 9		December 2
Saudi Arabia	December 3		December 2
Singapore	December 2		December 1
Sri Lanka	December 9		*
Thailand	December 2		December 2
The Philippines	December 2		December 1
United Arab Emirates	December 9		December 8
Viet Nam	December 8		December 5
Other destinations in Asia and the Middle East	December 4		December 2
Central, South and North America
Destination		Letters and packets	Parcels
————-		———————–	——–
Argentina		November 18	November 17
Brazil		November 28	November 28
Canada		December 4	November 28
Chile		November 28	November 27
Costa Rica		November 18	*
Guyana		December 2	December 1
Mexico		December 2	December 1
Panama		December 3	December 2
Peru		December 3	December 2
United States of America #		December 5	December 5
Uruguay		November 28	*
Other destinations in Central, South and North America		November 28	November 26
Europe
Destination		Letters and packets	Parcels
————-		———————–	——–
Austria		December 2	December 1
Belgium		December 2	December 1
Cyprus		December 4	December 2
Czech Republic		November 18	November 18
Denmark		December 2	December 1
Estonia		December 4	December 3
Finland		December 5	December 1
France		December 3	December 3
Germany		December 5	December 4
Gibraltar		December 8	November 25
Greece		December 2	December 1
Hungary		December 3	December 2
Iceland		December 2	*
Ireland		December 5	December 1
Italy		December 2	December 1
Latvia		December 1	December 1
Lithuania		December 4	December 3
Malta		December 2	December 1
Netherlands		December 3	December 2
Norway		December 2	December 1
Poland		December 3	December 2
Portugal		December 2	November 28
Romania		December 8	December 1
Russia		November 25	November 17
Serbia		December 2	December 1
Slovakia		December 4	December 1
Spain		December 2	December 1
Sweden		December 5	December 4
Switzerland		December 8	December 4
Türkiye		December 3	December 2
United Kingdom		December 5	December 5
Other destinations in Europe		November 25	November 25
Oceania
Destination		Letters and packets	Parcels
————-		———————–	——–
Australia		December 9	December 8
Fiji		December 1	November 28
French Polynesia		December 2	December 1
Nauru		December 1	*
New Caledonia		November 27	November 27
New Zealand		December 2	December 1
Papua New Guinea		November 26	*
Solomon Islands		December 2	*
Tonga		December 3	December 2
Other destinations in Oceania		December 2	November 26
Africa
Destination		Letters and packets	Parcels
————-		———————–	——–
Egypt		December 9	December 8
Eswatini		December 4	*
Kenya		December 2	*
Malawi		December 4	*
Mauritius		December 2	November 24
Morocco		December 4	December 1
South Africa		November 21	November 20
Other destinations in Africa		December 4	December 1
* Service under suspension
# Postal services available for items containing document only

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Legendary cellist Mischa Maisky will take the stage together with his daughter, pianist Lily Maisky, at Hong Kong City Hall on November 22 (Saturday) as the finale of Great Music 2025, presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). This year also marks the 20th anniversary of their first performance as a duo. This recital offers music fans an opportunity to witness the profound musical synergy that has been built between them, united by artistry. This programme is also part of the third Asia+ Festival. 

     The recital will open with Beethoven’s Seven Variations on “Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen” from the opera “Die Zauberflöte” by Mozart, which is one of the works that the duo played in their first concert 20 years ago, followed by Shostakovich’s “Sonata for Cello and Piano in D minor, Op. 40”. The second half of the recital showcases music in German Romanticism. It features music from Brahms’ lieder, namely “Liebestreu, Op. 3, No. 1”, “Immer leiser wird mein Schlummer, Op. 105, No. 2” and “Lerchengesang, Op. 70, No. 2”. The duo will also perform works from the much-loved song cycles by Schumann, including four selected pieces from “Dichterliebe” (namely “Im wunderschönen Monat Mai”, “Ich will meine Seele tauchen”, “Hör’ ich das Liedchen klingen” and “Am leuchtenden Sommermorgen”), and “Widmung”, the opening piece of “Myrthen” (arranged by Mischa Maisky). Schumann’s “Romance for Oboe and Piano, Op. 94, No. 1” (arranged by Walter Despalj) and “Fantasiestücke, Op. 73” will also be performed, showcasing the beauty of classical music to audiences with Romantic masterpieces. 

     Mischa Maisky has the distinction of being the only cellist in the world to have studied with both Mstislav Rostropovich and Gregor Piatigorsky. He has collaborated with numerous internationally renowned conductors, musicians and orchestras. His recordings have earned worldwide critical acclaim by winning awards including the Record Academy Prize in Tokyo, the Echo Deutscher Schallplattenpreis in Germany, the Grand Prix du Disque and the Diapason d’Or of the Year in France, as well as receiving several Grammy nominations. Mischa was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Istanbul Music Festival in 2018. A year later, he was awarded an Honorary Membership of the Royal Academy of Music, an honour that is limited to 300 living persons at a time, recognising him alongside maestros such as Mendelssohn, Liszt, Stravinsky and Casals.

     Lily Maisky began playing the piano at the age of 4 with Lyl Tiempo, and has received musical advice from various renowned artists including Martha Argerich, Dmitri Bashkirov and Vitalij Margulis. Concert appearances have taken her throughout Europe, and she regularly tours Asia, North and South America. She has been invited to many of the great music festivals, and has performed concertos under the batons of internationally acclaimed conductors. Lily has formed a regular piano and cello duo with her father Mischa since 2005. The duo has released “Adagietto” and “Twentieth Century Classics” to critical acclaim.

     “Duo Recital by Mischa Maisky (Cello) and Lily Maisky (Piano)” will be staged at 8pm on November 22 (Saturday) at the Concert Hall of Hong Kong City Hall. Tickets priced at $280, $480, $680 and $880 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. Discount schemes are available for the programmes under the third Asia+ Festival and the Great Music 2025. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7321 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/programs_1861.html.

     A pre-concert talk entitled “Dynamic Interpretations: Mischa Maisky’s Unique Style” (in Cantonese) will be held at 6.45pm on November 22 at the Committee Room North, 7/F, High Block, Hong Kong City Hall. The speaker will be music practitioner Albert Ho. Admission is free, with limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.

     The third Asia+ Festival is being held from September to November with an aim to create a sustainable platform for arts and cultural exchanges. Focusing on Asia, the Festival also connects with Belt and Road countries and regions in Europe, Africa and the Americas. This year, artists from more than 30 countries and regions, including 12 new participating countries, will take part in the Festival, featuring over 100 performances and activities. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit www.asiaplus.gov.hk/2025/en.

     The LCSD’s Great Music 2025, running from June to November this year, brings together world-class musicians and a celebrated orchestra for a spectacular lineup of performances, showcasing the city’s unique charm as an international centre of arts and culture. For more details, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/groups_1840.html.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Following is the video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Greater Bay Area Conference 2025 today (October 23):
 
Honourable Vice-Chairman C Y Leung (Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Chief Convenor of the Hong Kong Coalition), Mr Qu Yingpu (Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of China Daily), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
Good morning. It gives me great pleasure to join you virtually at the Greater Bay Area Conference 2025. To those visiting Hong Kong, a very warm welcome to all of you.
 
Let me begin by congratulating China Daily and the Hong Kong Coalition for co-organising this meaningful event. Your dedication to fostering dialogue and collaboration across industries has drawn professionals and industry leaders to today’s event.
 
Today’s conference will help to create important momentum to the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a cluster city development that brings together Hong Kong, Macao, and nine Mainland cities in Guangdong.
 
With an area of some 56 000 square kilometres, the Greater Bay Area has a population of over 87 million. At last count, its GDP has surpassed US$ 2 trillion. In other words, this piece of land occupying under 1 per cent of our country’s landmass, and inhabited by under 6 per cent of the country’s population, has a GDP that closely rivals that of the world’s tenth largest economy.
 
Hong Kong is the only world city that converges both the China advantage and the global advantage. It stands as a premier gateway for co-operation, bridging people, trades, businesses, cultures and values across the region. As a core city of the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong is dedicated to leveraging its advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle to promote high-quality collaborations worldwide.
 
Hong Kong boasts a long and established tradition of the rule of law. We maintain a common law system that dovetails with most global financial hubs. Our tax system is simple, and our tax rate is as low as it is competitive. Our workforce is multi-talented, hard-working, and well-versed with the business language of both the Mainland and the world.
 
Given the ever-changing global trade order, and our country’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism, there is fast-growing demand around the globe for “Made in China” products. I see growing opportunities in helping Mainland companies go global through Hong Kong’s world-class professional services.
 
In my Policy Address last month, I announced the establishment of a task force focused on supporting Mainland enterprises in going global. This GoGlobal Task Force has already been launched earlier this month, by bringing together the overseas offices of Invest Hong Kong and the Trade Development Council, as well as Hong Kong offices on the Mainland.
 
It is given a simple and important mandate: to assist Mainland companies in taking their businesses globally. And, through the process, create important value for both our country and Hong Kong. For a better tomorrow of us all.
 
That tomorrow is certainly innovation-driven. The Government is expediting Hong Kong’s development as an international I&T (innovation and technology) centre. We will make available land resources for the rapid development of technology and technological transformation.
 
The Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, an area that radiates beyond our boundary with Shenzhen, officially enters its operational phase this year.
 
We are working closely with Mainland authorities to promote the efficient cross-boundary flow of innovation elements in the Co-operation Zone on a pilot basis. With the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster ranking first, for the very first time, in this year’s Global Innovation Index Ranking of the World’s Top 100 Innovation Clusters, I am confident that our collective strength in the Greater Bay Area will boost the country’s global competitiveness.
 
On nurturing talent, I highlighted in my Policy Address that the integrated development of education, technology and talent is a foundational and strategic pillar for progress in the new era. It enables Hong Kong to build rich talent resources, knowledge reserve, and capacities for scientific and technological innovation, thereby enhancing our competitiveness.
 
The Government is pressing ahead with efforts to build Hong Kong into an international education hub, leveraging our distinctive advantage of being home to five universities ranked among the world’s top 100. We will promote the “Study in Hong Kong” brand, increasing the number of self-financing places for non-local students at our post-secondary institutions to 50 per cent. That, ladies and gentlemen, will create a more diverse and international student body for our education hub.
 
Culture is our root – it connects people and enriches communities. Hong Kong thrives as an east-meets-west centre for international cultural exchange. Through extensive people-to-people ties in the region, we are building cultural bridges that connect Hong Kong with different cities across the Greater Bay Area and the rest of the world.
 
In less than three weeks, the 15th National Games will be held. I hope all of you will take the opportunity to discover and experience Hong Kong’s dynamic spirit, vibrant energy and warm hospitality. I am confident that your time here will lead to meaningful connections and lasting impressions.
 
Ladies and gentlemen, I encourage you to share your insights on the future of the Greater Bay Area. Your perspectives are vital to shaping a more connected, innovative, and prosperous region. A better bay area for the enjoyment of a world of visitors.
 
I wish the Conference every success and all participants a fruitful and rewarding day. Thank you.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs on October 17 received two accolades at the virtual award ceremony for the 2024-2025 Asia Environmental Enforcement Recognition of Excellence (AEEE) organised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The accolades include the “Impact” Award and the “Collaboration” Award that was jointly shared with the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of Shanghai Customs. The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, and the Deputy Commissioner of Customs and Excise (Control and Enforcement), Mr Mark Woo, received the awards on behalf of the department.

The AEEE, established by the UNEP, is conferred upon institutions and individuals that demonstrate excellent contributions to tackling transboundary environmental crimes across Asia. It is authoritative and recognised in the area of international environmental enforcement.

The “Impact” Award recognises Hong Kong Customs’ integration of financial investigations with law enforcement against an endangered species case in July 2022, which demonstrates significant enforcement effectiveness. In its financial investigations related to the case that involved 231 kilogrammes of scheduled live corals, the department discovered substantial suspicious transactions involving $6.7 million of laundered proceeds, ultimately leading to a landmark conviction under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance, with an offender sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment.

In his remarks, Mr Chan affirmed the department’s commitment to environmental protection and its important role in safeguarding biodiversity. He emphasised that environmental enforcement was not just about interception but also about protection, prevention, and partnership. He highlighted the need for continued innovation and regional co-operation in countering the increasingly sophisticated trafficking networks.

The “Collaboration” Award celebrates the success of Operation “Secure Harbour 2024-2025”, a joint initiative launched in 2024 with the Anti-smuggling Bureau of Shanghai Customs. The operation led to the interception of nearly 9 tonnes of scheduled shark products shipped from Hong Kong to Shanghai and the arrest of seven suspects on the Chinese Mainland, dismantling a large-scale smuggling syndicate.

While expressing gratitude to the UNEP for its recognition, Mr Woo pointed out that the joint operation was not merely law enforcement, but also a shared mission between the departments of the two places to protect endangered species and uphold the rule of law. He added that the honour will inspire the department to overcome future challenges and carry on its enforcement work.
​
Hong Kong Customs will continue to liaise and work closely with other law enforcement agencies and step up enforcement work in combating the illegal trade in endangered species.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Department of Health (DH) said today (October 23) that the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (JSC) under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the DH convened a meeting early this week to discuss the use of COVID-19 vaccines in Hong Kong and updated their consensus recommendations.

Experts of the JSC opined that COVID-19 has become an endemic disease, with periodic surges in activity in Hong Kong approximately every six to nine months, primarily driven by a decrease in herd immunity and shifts in dominant SARS-CoV-2 variants. Over the past few years since 2023, hospitalisation rates, incidence rates of severe cases and mortality rates associated with COVID-19 have generally declined in a progressive manner in Hong Kong. However, the corresponding rates remain significantly higher among certain high risk groups, such as residents of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) and the elderly aged 65 years or above. Related rates for other population groups, including healthy adults aged below 65 years and younger adults with chronic illnesses, have decreased to relatively low levels.

Having reviewed the latest local epidemiology, scientific evidence on relevant vaccines, recommendations from the World Health Organization and overseas vaccination practices, experts have issued the following recommendations on the use of the COVID-19 vaccines:

1. Booster vaccination for high-risk priority groups in 2026

     A booster dose is recommended to be given at least six months after the last dose or COVID-19 infection (whichever is later), regardless of the number of doses received previously, for the following high-risk priority groups for enhanced protection:
 

• residents of RCHEs;
• elderly persons aged 65 years or above who are living in the community;
• persons aged 50 to 64 years with underlying comorbidities;
• persons with immunocompromising conditions aged 6 months or above; and
• pregnant women.

While healthcare workers face a similar risk of COVID-19 infection as the general public, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of maintaining a reliable healthcare workforce. A large number of sick healthcare workers during surges can lead to reduced manpower for patient care, placing significant pressure on the healthcare system. Hence, the JSC encouraged healthcare workers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for their personal protection.

In other words, based on scientific data, the JSC considered that individuals aged 18 to 49 with chronic illnesses, as well as healthy individuals aged 50 to 64, do not belong to the high-risk priority groups requiring booster vaccination in the next year.
 
Moreover, the JSC considered that the regimen for initial vaccination, as stipulated in the July 2024 recommendation, remained valid. Members of the public who have never received the COVID-19 vaccine are recommended to receive age-appropriate initial doses of the vaccine with reference to the schedule from respective vaccine manufacturers. For example, a person aged 5 years or above is considered to have completed initial vaccination after receiving one dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

2. Choice of COVID-19 vaccine

     Experts reviewed the distribution of SARS-CoV-2 variants detected through sewage surveillance and human infection cases. They noted that NB.1.8.1 is currently the dominant strain in Hong Kong. This strain is a descendant lineage of JN.1. There is no evidence to suggest that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe diseases.

Overseas studies showed that during periods of JN.1 descendant lineage circulation, the JN.1 vaccines provided additional protection against symptoms and severe cases of COVID-19, with protection waning over time after vaccination. Animal studies revealed that the LP.8.1 vaccine induces improved neutralising antibody responses against NB.1.8.1 and other JN.1 subvariants compared to the JN.1 vaccine.

Based on the latest scientific evidence, the JSC recommended either the JN.1 vaccine or the LP.8.1 vaccine as the vaccine choice in 2026.
 
The JN.1 vaccine, which is currently used in the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme in Hong Kong, effectively reduces the risk of serious illness and death due to COVID-19 infection. Vaccine supply remains adequate. According to the abovementioned recommendations by the JSC, the Government will commence the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines for use in 2026 and will launch a new vaccination programme in the first quarter of 2026. Details will be announced in due course.

​Details of the JSC’s recommendations are available on the CHP’s website at www.chp.gov.hk/en/static/24008.html.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Overall consumer prices rose 1.1% year on year in September, the same as in August, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation rate was 1% in September, slightly lower than that recorded in the previous month.

Compared with the year before, price increases were recorded in September in the following categories: transport; alcoholic drinks and tobacco; housing; miscellaneous services; meals out and takeaway food; miscellaneous goods; and electricity, gas and water.

Meanwhile, year-on-year decreases were logged for clothing and footwear, and durable goods.

The Government said consumer price inflation remained modest in September. It expects that overall inflation should stay modest in the near term, as domestic cost pressures remain contained and external price pressures are subdued.

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council, in partnership with the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the American State Offices Association (ASOA), hosted the 2025 U.S. Business Day in Taiwan on Sep. 23 at the Taipei International Convention Center.

U.S. Business Day serves as an important platform for enhancing trade and investment ties between Taiwan and the United States. This year’s event focused on key industries such as 5G, IoT, AI, ICT, automotive components, and next-generation communications. The event was aimed at fostering connections between U.S. and Taiwan supply chains and helping Taiwanese companies stay abreast of the latest U.S. market trends and partnership opportunities.

In his opening remarks, Director General William Liu of the International Trade Administration stated that the MOEA continues to uphold its Rooted in Taiwan, Connecting Globally trade policy, actively assisting Taiwanese businesses in diversifying their international presence and strengthening supply chain resilience. He noted that the government is promoting the Five Trusted Industry Sectors initiative and advancing key technologies such as silicon photonics, quantum computing and AI robotics. With the U.S. holding strong foundations in these fields, Taiwan–U.S. cooperation can further enhance the competitiveness of supply chain partnerships, he added.

AIT Acting Director Karin M. Lang highlighted that Taiwan and the United States share a close economic relationship. She pointed out that total trade volume between the U.S. and Taiwan’s 23 million people has surpassed that of the U.S. and India’s 1.4 billion population, making Taiwan the United States’ seventh-largest trading partner. She also noted that Taiwan’s investment in the U.S. has reached record highs and that Taiwan has sent the largest delegation to the SelectUSA Investment Summit for six consecutive years, demonstrating the strong commitment of Taiwanese enterprises to expanding their presence in the U.S. and deepening supply chain cooperation.

This year’s event welcomed representatives from Hawaii, Nevada, North Dakota, Kentucky and Missouri, who introduced the latest investment opportunities in their respective states. ASOA also organized on-site state investment consultation booths to facilitate direct exchanges with Taiwanese businesses. Fifteen major U.S. buyers also joined this year’s event, including Humax Digital, Littelfuse (joining virtually) and Telamon Corporation.

To help Taiwanese small and medium-sized enterprises expand internationally, the MOEA will also co-organize upcoming sessions of Business Day in Europe (Sept. 24) and Africa (Nov. 4) along with the Taiwan Select Global Sourcing Fair in Taichung (Oct. 1-2) and in Kaohsiung (Nov. 4). These events will bring global buyers to Taiwan to explore procurement opportunities in machinery, metals, hardware, hand tools, and fasteners, creating precise matchmaking channels that enhance the international competitiveness of local industries and SMEs.