Posts

Posted on

Tender of one-year HONIA-indexed Floating Rate Notes to be held on August 12

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced today (August 6) that a tender of 1-year HONIA-indexed Floating Rate Notes (Notes) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, for settlement on Thursday, August 13, 2026.

A total of HK$1.5 billion 1-year HKD Notes will be tendered. The Notes will mature on August 13, 2027 and will carry interest indexed to the Hong Kong Dollar Overnight Index Average (HONIA), payable quarterly in arrear.

Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Notes on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk. Each tender must be for an amount of HK$50,000 or integral multiples thereof. 

Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day.

HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Information

Tender information of 1-year HONIA-indexed Floating Rate Notes:
 

Issue Number : 01GH2708001
Stock Code : 4207 (HKGB FRN 2708)
Tender Date and Time : Wednesday, August 12, 2026
9.30am to 10.30am
Issue and Settlement Date : Thursday, August 13, 2026
Amount on Offer : HK$1.5 billion
Issue Price : At par
Maturity : 1 year
Maturity Date : Friday, August 13, 2027
Interest Rate : Indexed to the sum of the annualised compounded average of daily HONIA in each interest period and the highest accepted spread at tender, subject to a minimum of 0 per cent per interest period. Details on calculation of interest rate are available at the Institutional Issuances Information Memorandum of the Infrastructure Bond Programme and Government Sustainable Bond Programme (Information Memorandum) published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.
Interest Period End Dates : November 13, 2026
February 15, 2027
May 14, 2027
August 13, 2027 
Interest Payment Dates : November 17, 2026
February 17, 2027
May 18, 2027
August 17, 2027 
Method of Tender : Competitive tender
Tender Amount : Each competitive tender must be for an amount of HK$50,000 or integral multiples thereof. Any tender applications for the Notes must be submitted through a Primary Dealer on the latest published list.
Other Details : Please see the Information Memorandum available on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website or approach Primary Dealers. 
Expected commencement date of dealing on
the Stock Exchange
of Hong Kong Limited		 : Friday, August 14, 2026
Use of Proceeds : The Notes will be issued under the institutional part of the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Proceeds will be invested in infrastructure projects in accordance with the Infrastructure Bond Framework published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.
Posted on

Record of discussion of meeting of Exchange Fund Advisory Committee Currency Board Sub-Committee held on July 2

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Record of discussion of meeting of Exchange Fund Advisory Committee Currency Board Sub-Committee held on July 2 
(Approved for Issue by the Exchange Fund Advisory Committee on July 15, 2026)
 
Report on Currency Board Operations (April 23 – June 22, 2026)
————————————————————————

     The Currency Board Sub-Committee (Sub-Committee) noted that the Hong Kong dollar (HKD) traded within a range of 7.8289 – 7.8397 against the US dollar (USD) during the review period. The HKD remained broadly stable, with fluctuations largely driven by flows related to Southbound Stock Connect and other capital market activities. While HKD interbank rates (HIBORs) generally tracked their USD counterparts under the Linked Exchange Rate System, they were also influenced by the local supply and demand of HKD funding. The overnight HIBOR recorded occasional upticks, reflecting month-end and capital market-related funding demands, while HIBORs at longer tenors increased modestly during the reporting period. The Convertibility Undertakings were not triggered and the Aggregate Balance was stable at around HK$54 billion. No abnormality was noted in the usage of the Discount Window. Overall, the HKD exchange and interbank markets continued to trade in a smooth and orderly manner. 
Monitoring of Risks and Vulnerabilities
——————————————-     ​
     The Sub-Committee noted that in Hong Kong, economic growth accelerated in Q1, driven by broad-based strengthening in both domestic and external demand, with the momentum continuing into Q2. Inflation picked up but stayed in check, while the labour market remained broadly stable. Meanwhile, the housing market maintained its upward momentum, supported by positive market sentiment. The commercial real estate markets remained under pressure, though there were some signs of improvement in the Grade A offices in prime districts. Looking ahead, the economy was expected to remain resilient, although the outlook remained subject to downside risks stemming from the Middle East conflict, the sustainability of the AI investment boom, evolving global trade policies and the US policy rate path.   
 
Fast Interface for New Issuance (FINI) and the HKD Interbank Market During Initial Public Offerings (IPOs)
———————————————————————————————————————–
 
     The Sub-Committee noted a paper that examined how FINI helped reduce IPO-related interbank fund transfers and moderate short-term HIBOR fluctuations.
Issued at HKT 16:30

NNNN

Posted on

Public urged to keep up anti-mosquito efforts

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (August 7) announced that the monthly gravidtrap index for Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in July was 9.6 per cent, at Level 2, indicating that the distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in the survey areas was fairly extensive. The FEHD and relevant government departments have continuously stepped up mosquito prevention and control actions. 

     In July, among the 62 survey areas, the area gravidtrap indexes (AGI) in three areas exceeded 20 per cent. The gravidtraps were mostly located in the vicinity of private residential areas, public housing estates, schools, hospitals/clinics, recreational and sports facilities and public places. The FEHD has collaborated with relevant government departments to take immediate action to strengthen mosquito prevention and control work in the areas concerned. In July this year, the FEHD conducted over 69 000 inspections, initiated 17 prosecutions following the discovery of mosquito breeding, and issued 69 statutory notices requiring the clearance of stagnant water or stagnant water containers. 

Posted on

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $1.2 million at airport (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 6) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport. About 6 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $1.2 million were seized.

A 46-year-old Mainland male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday. During Customs clearance, the suspected cannabis buds, weighing about 6kg in total, were found in 20 bags in his carry-on suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested.

The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (August 8).

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

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).

     

Posted on

CE meets Secretary-General of ASEAN (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CE meets Secretary-General of ASEAN (with photo)      
     Mr Lee welcomed Dr Kao’s visit to Hong Kong. Mr Lee said that Hong Kong has maintained close trade and economic ties with ASEAN, and ASEAN has been Hong Kong’s second-largest trading partner since 2010. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is pressing ahead at full steam with the formulation of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan. As an international financial, shipping and trade centre, Hong Kong is actively developing into an international innovation and technology centre and an international hub for high-calibre talent. Hong Kong will continue to deepen exchanges and co-operation with ASEAN member states in areas such as trade, investment, finance, logistics and innovation and technology, to jointly promote regional economic development and achieve mutual benefits and win-win outcomes.
      
     Mr Lee said that Hong Kong is a functional platform for the Belt and Road Initiative. Under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys the unique advantage of having the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. It will proactively serve as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder”, and leverage its role in “bringing in and going global” by providing ASEAN enterprises with a high-quality business environment and diversified professional services. Through the Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, the HKSAR Government supports Mainland enterprises in expanding into markets including ASEAN, to promote the two-way flow of trade and investment in the region. He added that the HKSAR Government set up an Economic and Trade Office (ETO) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last year, which is the fourth ETO established by the HKSAR Government in ASEAN member states, to further promote economic and trade exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and the region.
      
     Mr Lee said that Hong Kong will continue to maintain close exchanges with the ASEAN Secretariat and solicit support from other stakeholders for Hong Kong’s early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Issued at HKT 15:23

NNNN

Posted on

HKMCA introduces new insurance company as referral partner

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

HKMCA introduces new insurance company as referral partner      
     Executive Director and the Chief Executive Officer of the HKMCA, Mr Daniel Leong, said, “The HKMCA is committed to developing the local annuity market. This collaboration with BOC Life enables a greater number of licensed insurance intermediaries to help the public better understand the critical roles that the HKMC Annuity Plan plays in retirement planning. We are looking forward to working closely with more institutions to empower the public to achieve their long-term sustainable retirement goal.”
      
     For enquiries or to verify the identity of designated licensed insurance intermediaries, please contact the HKMCA customer service hotline at 2512 5000.
Issued at HKT 12:00

NNNN

Posted on

Proposed works of water recreation and yacht bay development gazetted

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Proposed works of water recreation and yacht bay development gazetted      
     The notice and its related plan are posted near the site. The plan is also available for inspection at:
 
* Survey and Mapping Office of the Lands Department (6/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong) (where copies can be purchased on order);
 
* Islands Home Affairs Enquiry Centre (Tung Chung) of the Islands District Office (1/F, Tung Chung Post Office Building, 6 Mei Tung Street, Tung Chung, Lantau Island); and
 
* Lands Department’s website (www.landsd.gov.hk 
     Any person who considers that he has an interest, right or easement in or over the foreshore and seabed involved may submit a written objection to the Director of Lands, 20/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong, within two months from the gazette date, i.e. on or before October 7. The objector shall describe in the notice of objection his interest, right or easement, and the manner in which he will be allegedly affected.
Issued at HKT 11:45

NNNN

Posted on

DH continues crackdown on illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     ​The Department of Health (DH) today (August 6) continued to conduct operations across multiple districts in Hong Kong to crack down on the illegal sale or possession of unregistered medicine, seizing more than 140 boxes of suspected unregistered medicine claimed to have pain-relieving effects. Most of the products were labelled in Japanese. Additionally, two men were arrested on suspicion of violating the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Chapter 138) (the Ordinance).

Following yesterday’s unannounced inspections in various districts, including Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, Sheung Shui and Yuen Long, DH officers conducted enforcement operations in Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok today. At three retail outlets, DH officers seized more than 140 boxes of suspected unregistered medicine claimed to have pain-relieving effects. Most of the products were labelled in Japanese and did not bear a Hong Kong pharmaceutical product registration number. They are suspected to be medicine containing Ibuprofen and dihydrocodeine. Two men aged 36 and 40 were arrested by the Police on suspicion of contravention of drug-related offences, including illegal possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part 1 Poisons etc.

The DH will continue to investigate and follow up on the case, and will prosecute other individuals involved in the case when sufficient evidence is available.

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain killer and its side effects include nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort and peptic ulcers. Dihydrocodeine is an opioid analgesic used as a cough suppressant and for pain relief, and its side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation and drowsiness. Medicines containing Ibuprofen and dihydrocodeine are Part 1 poisons and should only be supplied by a pharmacy under the supervision of a registered pharmacist or upon the advice of a medical practitioner.

The DH has an established mechanism to monitor the sale of pharmaceutical products in the market (including the Internet). If the DH detects any suspected illegal sale or possession of pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons, the DH will promptly investigate, and, if necessary, refer the case to other law enforcement agencies to follow up, or conduct joint operations with other law enforcement agencies, and any irregularities so found will be dealt with in accordance with the law. Illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products or Part 1 poisons are criminal offences under the Ordinance, which upon conviction, are subject to a fine of up to $100,000 and an imprisonment for two years.

According to the Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be legally sold in the market. The DH reminded the public that all registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of “HK-XXXXX”. The safety, quality and efficacy of unregistered pharmaceutical products are not guaranteed.

The DH strongly urged members of the public to consult healthcare professionals before consuming any medication. Do not purchase or consume products of doubtful composition, or from unknown sources, as their safety, quality and efficacy are not guaranteed. The DH has prepared some safety information for consumers regarding the purchase and use of medicines, namely Be Cautious when Buying Medicines on Internet, General Knowledge on Registered Medicines, Be Cautious When Buying Medicines Overseas.

     

Posted on

Tender of 7-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds through re-opening to be held on August 13

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Tender of 7-year RMB HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds through re-opening to be held on August 13      
     An additional amount of RMB1.25 billion of the outstanding 7-year Bonds (issue no. 07GB3306001) will be on offer. The Bonds will mature on June 29, 2033, and will carry interest at the rate of 1.78 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear. The Indicative Pricings of the Bonds on August 7, 2026, are 100.99 with a semi-annualised yield of 1.627 per cent.
      
     Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk      
     Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day. 

Issue Number9.30am to 10.30amRemaining Maturity:Approximately 6.87 yearsthe Stock Exchange
of Hong Kong LimitedIssued at HKT 17:00

NNNN