FS to attend World Economic Forum

19-1-2025

Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart tomorrow for Davos, Switzerland, to attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting.

Taking place from January 20 to 24, this year’s meeting, themed “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age”, covers topics such as rebuilding trust internationally and within so...

145k firms newly registered in 2024

17-1-2025

The total number of local companies registered in Hong Kong stood at 1,460,494 at the end of 2024, with 145,053 having been newly registered during the year, the Companies Registry announced today.

In 2024, altogether 1,079 non-Hong Kong companies registered a newly established place of business in Hong ...

Sun Dong concludes Shanghai visit

15-1-2025

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong visited various technology facilities on the final day of his Shanghai trip today.

Prof Sun explored the Zhangjiang Science City's Life Science Hub to discover more about the three 10-year development history of an innovative research and ...

I&T fund views sought

15-1-2025

The Innovation, Technology & Industry Bureau and the Innovation & Technology Commission today invited the market to submit expressions of interest (EOI) for the Innovation & Technology Industry-Oriented Fund (ITIF).

The invitation outlines the preliminary proposed ITIF framework to facilitate...

AI a new engine for economic growth

14-1-2025

The 18th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) continued today at the Convention & Exhibition Centre with a keynote luncheon on the development, application and governance of artificial intelligence (AI).

Prof Stuart Russell, Co-chair of the World Economic Forum’s Council on AI, delivered a keynote speech, s...

CE meets forum speakers

14-1-2025

Chief Executive John Lee today met another visiting senior official of a foreign government who was one of the speakers at the 18th Asia Financial Forum.

Mr Lee met Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers - Head of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic Adylbek Kasymaliev this afternoon.

Tech chief tours Shanghai university

14-1-2025

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong visited Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) today.

In the morning, Prof Sun toured the university's GrandneoBay Sci-tech Innovation Park and the 1km Incubator exhibition hall.

Prof Sun received a briefing on the construction and dev...

Gulf-HK financial ties explored

14-1-2025

The first-ever Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Chapter was successfully held at the Asian Financial Forum today to explore further collaboration between Hong Kong and the GCC countries in the financial services sector.

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui and GCC Secret...

Saudi visa-on-arrival for HK citizens

14-1-2025

From January 15, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders can apply for a tourist visa upon arrival through six designated control points in Saudi Arabia, the Immigration Department announced today.

The tourist visa can be either a single-entry visa for a maximum stay of 30 days, or a mul...

HK maintains stability, prosperity

13-1-2025

The 18th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened at the Convention & Exhibition Centre today. 

Themed “Powering the Next Growth Engine”, about 3,600 financial and business ...

Sun Dong tours Shanghai, Suzhou

13-1-2025

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong began his visit to Shanghai and Suzhou today.

In the morning, Prof Sun visited the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, where he was briefed on the construction of this national laboratory's permanent base, its research frontiers a...

Finance, business key to growth: CE

13-1-2025

Good morning. Welcome to Hong Kong and the 18th Asian Financial Forum.

I am delighted to join you today - some 3,600 of you from more than 50 countries and regions. You are influential financial and business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs, senior policymakers, academics, economists, and a great man...

Opportunities for all in HK: FS

13-1-2025

We have been witnessing a rapidly changing global political and economic landscape. Higher for longer interest rates, geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts and climate change are expected to pose more uncertainty and volatility in the global economy and financial markets. Clearly, the seat belt sign is on,...

Sun Dong to visit Shanghai, Suzhou

12-1-2025

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong will depart for a visit to Shanghai and Suzhou today to strengthen Hong Kong's co-operation in innovation and technology (I&T) with such cities.
     
As part of his agenda, he will inspect the construction and developme...

"Immersive Hong Kong" exhibition a success in Dubai

10-1-2025

To introduce to the people of the Middle East the unique potential for business, investment and tourism in Hong Kong, the Information Services Department (ISD) has staged the "Immersive Hong Kong" roving exhibition in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), during the year-end festive season, attracting over 200,00...

Tourism committee meeting held

10-1-2025

The Tourism Strategy Committee held its third meeting today to discuss the newly announced Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0 (Blueprint 2.0) and Blueprint for Arts & Culture & Creative Industries Development.

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law, who ...

Fiscal consolidation path recognised

10-1-2025

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recognised Hong Kong's position as an international financial centre and fiscal consolidation path in its concluding statement released today.

The IMF Staff Mission published its assessment on the concluding statement after the completion of the 2024 Article IV Consu...

FS begins visit to Indonesia

9-1-2025

Financial Secretary Paul Chan promoted Hong Kong’s advantages and opportunities at a symposium attended by local leaders from various sectors on the first day of a visit to Jakarta, Indonesia.

At the Think Business, Think Hong Kong Symposium, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)...

FS promotes HK-ASEAN ties

9-1-2025

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today met Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Hou Yanqi, and an ASEAN top official in Jakarta.

In the morning, Mr Chan called on Ms Hou to learn about the connections and co-...

Companies amendment bill passed

8-1-2025

The Government welcomed the Legislative Council's passage of the Companies (Amendment) Bill 2024 today to enable listed companies incorporated in Hong Kong to hold shares bought back in the treasury and dispose of them under certain restrictions, and promote paperless corporate communication for both listed an...

'Concerts to bring economic benefits'

8-1-2025

With the commissioning of the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), more large-scale concerts bringing significant economic benefits can be held in Hong Kong, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law said today.

Replying to questions from legislator Chow Man-kong in the Legislative Council, Miss Law...

1 residential site set for sale

7-1-2025

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn today announced that the Government will put up for tender a residential site in Tung Chung, providing a supply of about 745 flats.

Unveiling the Land Sale Programme for...

15 pre-sale consents issued in Q4

7-1-2025

The Lands Department announced today that it issued 15 pre-sale consents for residential developments involving 8,114 units in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Among the residential developments, 13 are phased developments.

One of the developments in Kowloon Tong involving three phases providing ...

New investment scheme enhanced

7-1-2025

The Government today announced enhancement measures for the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) which will take effect on March 1, including the relaxation of the applicants' asset assessment and calculation requirements.

With the enhancements, an applicant under the New CIES is only ...

FS to promote HK in Indonesia

6-1-2025

Financial Secretary Paul Chan will tomorrow depart for Indonesia, where he will attend a symposium and dinner in Jakarta on Wednesday to promote Hong Kong’s roles and advantages as a "super connector" and "super value-adder".

Mr Chan will also highlight how Hong Kong can help Indonesian enterprises cre...

3 sports events awarded ‘M’ Mark

3-1-2025

The Major Sports Events Committee today said it awarded "M" Mark status to the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HK Section) Half Marathon, 2025 IBF World Cup and IBF Para Bowling World Championships.

Committee Chairman Wilfred Ng s...

Nov retail sales down 7.3%

2-1-2025

The value of total retail sales in November, provisionally estimated at $31.7 billion, decreased 7.3% compared with the same month in 2023, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of...

Mortgage loans up 27.7%

31-12-2024

The value of residential mortgage loans approved in November was $24.2 billion, a 27.7% increase compared with October, the Monetary Authority announced today.

Mortgage loans financing primary market transactions increased 46.2% to $7.9 billion, while those financing secondary market transactions rose 20...

Alerts to help with suspicious calls

30-12-2024

The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) today announced that, starting from tomorrow, local mobile service providers will send voice alerts to users of local mobile and fixed services when they pick up calls made from newly activated local pre-paid SIM cards. The move is aimed at encouraging the publ...

Startup ecosystem hits new heights

27-12-2024

Hong Kong's startup ecosystem has been steadily maturing in recent years, leading to a surge in early-stage firms with significant potential.

According to the latest statistics from Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the number of startups in the city reached a record high of 4,694 this year, a 10% increase c...

10% rise in non-local firms hailed

20-12-2024

According to the latest annual survey jointly conducted by Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Census & Statistics Department, this year Hong Kong hosted 9,960 firms with parent companies located outside of the city, a record high number and a 10% increase on the previous year. Meanwhile, the numbe...

November sees 1.4% inflation

20-12-2024

Overall consumer prices rose 1.4% year-on-year in November, the same increase as in October, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, underlying inflation was 1.2%, also the same as in October.

Compared with Novem...

Sun Dong promotes cybersecurity

19-12-2024

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong today officiated at the Cybersecurity Symposium 2024 and shared the latest government efforts in safeguarding cybersecurity in Hong Kong.

The symposium was co-organised by the Digital Policy Office (DPO) and the Hong Kong Internet Registra...

Base rate lowered to 4.75%

19-12-2024

The Monetary Authority announced today that it has decreased the base rate to 4.75% with immediate effect.

The decrease, according to a pre-set formula, follows a 25-basis point downward adjustment in the target range for the US federal funds rate on December 18.

The base rate is the interest rate ...

Gold market working group set up

18-12-2024

The Government today announced the establishment of the Working Group on Promoting Gold Market Development.

The move follows the Chief Executive's announcement in the 2024 Policy Address to establish a working group under the Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau to comprehensively review all aspe...

Carbon credits settlement welcomed

18-12-2024

The Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau today said it welcomes Cathay Pacific Airways’ settlement of 50,000 tonnes of voluntary carbon credits using Core Climate, a carbon marketplace on the Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing.

The transaction is part of the carrier’s voluntary carbon offset ...

Budget to reflect public views: CE

17-12-2024

(To watch the media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive John Lee said today that Financial Secretary Paul Chan will consider all the opinions gathered by public consultation as he prepares next year’s Budget.

Ahead of the Executive Council meeting this m...

Company figures reach record high

17-12-2024

The Government today announced that the number of companies in Hong Kong with overseas or Mainland parent companies rose to 9,960 in 2024, while the number of startups in Hong Kong increased to 4,694, both reaching record highs.

The figures were released in the 2024 Annual Survey of Companies in Hong ...

79 companies awarded

16-12-2024

Seventy-nine local companies were commended today at the 2023-24 Hong Kong Awards for Industries Presentation Ceremony.

Chief Executive John Lee addressed the ceremony in a video message, while Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing attended it as an officiating guest.

In his message, Mr Lee commen...

Public consultation on Budget starts

15-12-2024

The public consultation exercise for the 2025-26 Budget has started, the Government announced today.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan stressed that Hong Kong must manage public finances more prudently in light of a continuously uncertain external environment, a complex and changing global political and econ...

Infrastructure bond results released

13-12-2024

The Government today announced the subscription and allocation results for its retail infrastructure bond.

In all, 127,594 valid applications were received for a total of $17.77 billion in principal amounts of bonds.

Applicants seeking 100 or fewer lots will be awarded in full, while those seeking ...

HK commits to crypto-asset reporting

13-12-2024

The Government informed the Global Forum on Transparency & Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) today of Hong Kong's commitment to implementing the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) for enhancing international tax transparency a...

HK strengths promoted in Indonesia

13-12-2024

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui concluded his visit to Jakarta by meeting Financial Services Authority of Indonesia Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Mahendra Siregar today.

They shared insights on boosting the development of virtual assets and other new financial...

Tech voucher programme to end

13-12-2024

The Innovation & Technology Commission announced today that the Technology Voucher Programme (TVP) will cease accepting applications after December 31.

The Innovation & Technology Fund (ITF), set up more than 20 years ago, has made significant contributi...

Elders digital inclusion scheme set

13-12-2024

The Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Fund (SIE Fund) today launched the "Smart Silver" Digital Inclusion Programme for Elders, starting a new chapter in the pursuit of digital inclusion for the elderly.

Among the guests at the launch ceremony were 75 elderly volunteers who join...

GBA business conference held

11-12-2024

The two-day Second Business Conference on Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development opened today at the Convention & Exhibition Centre.

It attracted about 1,000 business leaders and representatives of enterprises from Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macau, as well as from other Mainland cities ...

Christopher Hui starts Indonesia visit

11-12-2024

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui today started his visit to Jakarta, Indonesia by meeting financial officials and industry leaders to strengthen financial co-operation between Hong Kong and Indonesia.

At his meeting with Indonesian Ministry of the State-Owned Enterprise...

Christopher Hui to visit Indonesia

10-12-2024

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui will depart on a visit to Jakarta today and return to Hong Kong on December 13.

Mr Hui will attend and speak at a lunch seminar jointly organised by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Jakarta, the Indonesia Chamber of Commerce ...

Disclosure roadmap launched

10-12-2024

The Government today launched a roadmap on sustainability disclosure in Hong Kong.

The roadmap sets out Hong Kong's approach to require publicly accountable entities (PAEs) to adopt the International Financial Reporting Standards - Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards). It provides a well-...

Open Lab boosts textile sustainability

5-12-2024

With the increasing awareness of environmental protection, people nowadays want to live a greener lifestyle, which makes the sustainable development of the textile and fashion industry that much more of a concern.

In the view of this trend, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles & Apparel (HKRI...

Stablecoins issuer regulation mooted

6-12-2024

The Stablecoins Bill, which seeks to put in place a regulatory regime for issuers of fiat-referenced stablecoins (FRS) in Hong Kong, was published in the Government Gazette today.

The Government made the announcement and explained that bill aims to enhance the regulatory framework for virtual asset (VA) ...

Algernon Yau visits Xinjiang

5-12-2024

Leading a business delegation to visit Urumqi, Xinjiang, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau today met CPC Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Regional Committee Secretary Ma Xingrui in Urumqi.

He also met Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Chairman Erkin Tuniyaz, and Kazakhstan Deputy P...

Boost for regional IP trading leader

5-12-2024

With the support of our country through the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is committed to becoming a regional intellectual property (IP) trading centre.

And we are on our way. To illustrate with an example: a Hong Kong-based startup, specialising in electricity-free cooling technology, has attr...

CE witnesses tech pact signing

3-12-2024

Chief Executive John Lee and China Association for Science & Technology (CAST) President Wan Gang today witnessed the signing of the Co-operation Framework Agreement on Supporting Hong Kong in Becoming an International Hub for High-calibre Talents & Jointly Serving High-level Self-reliance in Science &...

Algernon Yau to visit Xinjiang

3-12-2024

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau will lead a business delegation to depart for Urumqi in Xinjiang tomorrow to promote Hong Kong’s business opportunities.

Mr Yau will meet government officials of Xinjiang and Kazakhstan to strengthen economic and trade co-operation among th...

Mega ACE Fund enhanced

30-11-2024

The Government today announced details about the enhancement of the operation of the Mega Arts & Cultural Events (ACE) Fund and its application arrangements.

Taking into consideration the latest developments in Hong Kong's arts and culture sector and ecology, as well as various views from different p...

Oct retail sales down 2.9%

29-11-2024

The value of total retail sales in October, provisionally estimated at $32.9 billion, decreased 2.9% compared with the same month in 2023, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of ...

Multiple-entry scheme to resume

29-11-2024

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said it warmly welcomes and is grateful for the central government's support in resuming the multiple-entry Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) for Shenzhen permanent residents and implementing a new arrangement to expand the multiple-entry IVS to Shenzhen...

Mortgage loans up 9.5%

29-11-2024

The value of residential mortgage loans approved in October was $19 billion, a 9.5% increase compared with September, the Monetary Authority announced today.

Mortgage loans financing primary market transactions dropped 2.4% to $5.4 billion, while those financing secondary market transactions rose 14% to ...

Market participation in dev’t vital: CE

29-11-2024

Hong Kong is a key gateway - a super connector and super value-adder - between the Mainland market and a world of investors. And the Northern Metropolis is a geographical manifestation of this very important role.

The Northern Metropolis enjoys an unparalleled geographical advantage of seamlessly connect...

HK delegation concludes GBA trip

27-11-2024

The delegation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and business sector representatives led by Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki concluded a three-day visit to the Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) today.

Mr Chan led the delegation from Dongguan to Hu...

Arts, culture blueprint released

26-11-2024

The Government today released the Blueprint for Arts & Culture & Creative Industries Development, which sets out a clear vision, principles and strategic directions for the future development of the arts, culture and creative industries.

Promulgating the blueprint at a press conference thi...

Govt rejects US slander

26-11-2024

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said it strongly disapproves of and firmly rejects a letter from members of the US House of Representatives to the US Secretary of the Treasury.

It strongly disapproved of and firmly rejected the letter's malicious slander of Hong Kong's reputa...

CS, delegation visit 3 GBA cities

26-11-2024

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today led a delegation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and business sector representatives on the second day of a visit to Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

In the morning, the delegation attended the Foshan-Hon...

Delegation starts GBA visit

25-11-2024

A delegation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and senior representatives of the business sector, led by Chief Executive John Lee, arrived in Guangzhou today.
 
Such a mission marks the commencement of a three-day visit to Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Grea...

Innotech support scheme opens

25-11-2024

The Innovation & Technology Commission is inviting applications for the 2024/25 Innovation & Technology Support Programme (Platform & Seed) from today until February 28, 2025.

The programme provides funding support for platform and seed research and development (R&D) projects under...

Delegation to visit GBA cities

22-11-2024

A delegation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and senior representatives of business sectors will visit five Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) from November 25 to 27.

Chief Executive John Lee will lead the delegation to Guangzhou on November ...

Innotech talent commended

22-11-2024

The Hong Kong ICT Awards 2024 presentation ceremony was held today to recognise and promote outstanding local information and communications technology (ICT) innovations and applications.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan presented prizes to the team formed by the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) Corporati...

Inflation at 1.4% in October

21-11-2024

Overall consumer prices rose 1.4% year-on-year in October, a smaller rate of increase than the 2.2% seen in September, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, underlying inflation was 1.2%, larger than that recorded in...

Loop development outline announced

20-11-2024

The Government promulgated the Development Outline for the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone today.

The Innovation, Technology & Industry Bureau explained that the development outline comprehensively and systematically outlines the vi...

Mega events set for 1st half of 2025

19-11-2024

At least 93 mega events will be held in Hong Kong in the first half of 2025, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong announced today.

At a press conference announcing the calendar of mega events, Mr Wong said the Government will continue to take a proactive role in promoting and attracting differe...

Algernon Yau hosts trade reception

19-11-2024

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau today hosted a cocktail reception to update guests on the continuous efforts of the overseas Hong Kong Economic & Trade Offices (ETOs) and the Mainland Offices in promoting Hong Kong’s strengths and opportunities.

About 200 guests inclu...

Vice Premier attends finance summit

19-11-2024

State Council Vice Premier He Lifeng today attended and delivered a keynote speech at the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit held in Hong Kong.

Mr He said President Xi Jinping and the central government attach much importance to the development of Hong Kong. He also pointed out that with the s...

Peru trip yields fruitful results: CE

17-11-2024

Chief Executive John Lee said his visit to Peru and participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting achieved three results.
 
He made the statement while meeting the media in Peru, telling reporters that the trip demonstrated Hong Kong’s commitment to promoting regional econo...

CE speaks at APEC meetings

17-11-2024

Chief Executive John Lee attended the 31st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Lima, Peru, where he exchanged views with leaders of other economies.
 
This year, APEC adopted the theme “Empower. Include. Grow”. As such, Mr Lee and other participants discussed ...

HK and Peru sign free trade pact

16-11-2024

Hong Kong and Peru signed a free trade agreement (FTA) on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Lima, Peru, on November 15.

In the witness of Chief Executive John Lee and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development A...

CE starts Peru visit

15-11-2024

Chief Executive John Lee started his visit programme to Lima, Peru.

Yesterday, he received President Xi Jinping who arrived to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting and visit Peru.

Mr Lee then called on a firm specialising in alpaca fibres to learn about it...

Algernon Yau joins APEC meeting

15-11-2024

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau attended the 35th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting in Lima, Peru, to share Hong Kong’s efforts to promote digitalisation, and inclusive and sustainable growth of trade.

At a discussion session titled “Innovati...

Retail infrastructure bond launched

15-11-2024

The Government today announced the launch of a retail infrastructure bond for subscription by Hong Kong residents.

The target issuance size of the bond is $20 billion, with each lot offered at $10,000 and a tenor of three years. Interest will be paid semi-annually at a rate linked to inflation in ...

HK 7th in digital competitiveness

14-11-2024

Hong Kong ranks seventh globally in the latest World Digital Competitiveness Ranking (WDCR) 2024 published by the International Institute for Management Development, up three places from last year, the Government announced today.

Among the three factors in WDCR 2024, Hong Kong continued to perform well i...

Sun Dong chairs tech meeting

12-11-2024

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong and Vice Minister of Science & Technology Lin Xin co-chaired the 18th meeting of the Mainland/Hong Kong Science & Technology Co-operation Committee in Xi'an today.

Prof Sun also called on Xi'an Municipal Government Mayor Ye Niuping...

John Lee thanks Xia Baolong

12-11-2024

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive John Lee today thanked CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong for highlighting what he thinks are t...

John Lee to depart for Peru

12-11-2024

Chief Executive John Lee will depart for Peru tomorrow to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting and other related activities in Lima.

This year, APEC has adopted the theme “Empower. Include. Grow”, with discussions focused on three priorities that include trade...

CE thanks Xia Baolong

12-11-2024

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive John Lee today thanked CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong for highlighting what he thinks are t...

CE urges mutual respect relations

12-11-2024

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive John Lee said that all countries and economies should respect the fact that Hong Kong seeks to develop win-win trade relations with the principle of mutual respect.

Mr Lee made the statement whil...

Rosy future for ETF market: FS

12-11-2024

The Tracker Fund’s significance extends well beyond its market size and liquidity. It carries a unique historical weight for the Hong Kong financial industry. The creation of the fund was for the orderly and non-disruptive disposal of a substantial portfolio of shares acquired by the Government in a decisive...

Meeting on low-altitude economy held

12-11-2024

The Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy, headed by Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, convened its first meeting today to discuss the overall strategies and work plan for developing a low-altitude economy (LAE).

The working group identified four work directions.

First, starting ...

Sun Dong visits Xi'an

11-11-2024

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong, and a delegation he led, began his visit to Xi’an today.

He exchanged views on the development of innovation and technology (I&T) in Hong Kong and Shaanxi when he called on CPC Shaanxi Provincial Committee Secretary Zhao Yide and sh...

17 strategic enterprises come to HK

11-11-2024

The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) today hosted the OASES Partnership Signing Ceremony to welcome a new batch of strategic enterprises to set up or expand their operations in Hong Kong.

At the ceremony witnessed by Financial Secretary Paul Chan, 17 strategic enterprises signed...

Sun Dong headed to Xi’an

10-11-2024

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong will lead a Hong Kong delegation to Xi'an tomorrow for the 18th meeting of the Mainland/Hong Kong Science & Technology Co-operation Committee.

The committee is tasked with organising and co-ordinating technological exchange and co-oper...

Meeting on tourist hotspots held

8-11-2024

The Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots, led by Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing, held its first meeting today to discuss how to identify and develop tourist hotspots of high popularity and with strong appeal in various districts.

Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan city endowed with a wealth of ...

Base rate lowered to 5%

8-11-2024

The Monetary Authority announced today that it has decreased the base rate to 5% with immediate effect.

The decrease, according to a pre-set formula, follows a 25-basis point downward adjustment in the target range for the US federal funds rate on November 7.

The base rate is the interest rate form...

SFST concludes Swiss visit

8-11-2024

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui met Swiss financial officials and top management of the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Bern and Lausanne, respectively, on the last day of his visit in Switzerland.

On Thursday morning, Mr Hui met State Secre...

Financial reporting body chair named

8-11-2024

The Government announced today that the Chief Executive has, pursuant to the Accounting & Financial Reporting Council Ordinance, appointed David Sun as Chairman of the Accounting & Financial Reporting Council (AFRC) for two years starting January 1, 2025.

Mr Sun was Director of Audit between 2012...

Silver economy meeting held

7-11-2024

Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing today chaired the first meeting of the “Working Group on Promoting Silver Economy” to commence co-ordination of relevant bureaus’ work plans.

The Chief Executive announced in the 2024 Policy Address that a working group, chaired by the Deputy Chief Secretary, ...

Sun Dong visits research institution

7-11-2024

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong yesterday visited the University of Waterloo, in Canada, to learn about its work in transforming research outcomes into viable applications.

A research-intensive institution, the University of Waterloo ranked 21st in computer science and i...

SFST attends UN experts’ session

7-11-2024

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui attended the 41st session of the Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting & Reporting (ISAR) organised by the UN Conference on Trade & Development in Geneva yesterday.

At the meeting, Mr...

HK’s advantages promoted in Ottawa

6-11-2024

Continuing a visit to Canada, Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong delivered a keynote speech at a Seminar on Life Science & Global Health, held at the Parliament Building in Ottawa.

Prof Sun said that while Canada is a long-recognised powerhouse in the field of life and ...

CE meets Shanghai leaders

6-11-2024

Chief Executive John Lee today met Shanghai leaders and exchanged views with representatives from enterprises as well as talent who have newly settled in Hong Kong.

Continuing his visit to Shanghai with a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government delegation, Mr Lee spoke to the enterprises and t...

HK participates in import expo

5-11-2024

The seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) is being held from today to November 10 at the National Exhibition & Convention Center in Shanghai.

Over 300 Hong Kong enterprises are participating in this year's CIIE to promote quality Hong Kong products and services, representing almost one-tenth...

Public R&D centres merger proposed

5-11-2024

To implement the development plans set out in the Hong Kong Innovation & Technology Development Blueprint, the Government has proposed to merge the two research and development (R&D) centres - the Hong Kong Applied Science & Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) and the Nano & Advanced Material...

Sun Dong begins Canada visit

5-11-2024

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong began his visit to Toronto, Canada, by touring an innovation hub, the University of Toronto and a startup.

In the morning of November 4, Prof Sun visited MaRS Discovery District and met its Chief Executive Officer Alison Nankivell to recei...

SFST promotes HK in Zurich

5-11-2024

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui yesterday began a visit to Switzerland, where he is promoting Hong Kong's status as an international centre for asset, wealth and risk management.

In Zurich, Mr Hui met Swiss Re Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Solutions Ivan...

Proper use of AI necessary: Govt

28-10-2024

The Government today issued a policy statement on the responsible application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial market, in which security-related issues will be duly considered in the adoption of AI in the financial services industry.

Noting that the application of AI in the financi...

Blockchain, AI shaping fintech: FS

28-10-2024

Hong Kong is emerging fast as one of the most attractive global fintech hubs. In the first half of this year, among the top 10 fintech deals in the Asia-Pacific region, three were in the Mainland and two in Hong Kong. That means, ladies and gentlemen, you are in the right spot to search for the fintech opportu...

FinTech Week starts

28-10-2024

Hong Kong FinTech Week 2024 opened today with its co-organiser, the Monetary Authority (HKMA), outlining a series of initiatives to spearhead fintech development in Hong Kong.

On asset tokenisation, the HKMA has ...

CE to attend Shanghai expo

29-10-2024

Chief Executive John Lee will lead a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government delegation to visit Shanghai on November 4 and attend the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE).
   
Apart from attending the opening ceremony of the CIIE and the Hongqiao International Economic For...

Expo seeks to boost SMEs' growth

29-10-2024

A fair aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to undertake digital transformation is being held today and tomorrow.

Held annually, “SME ReachOut: FUND Fair plus Tech Sourcing 2024” is organised by the Productivity Council’s SME ReachOut and supported by the Trade &...

US tech investment curbs rejected

29-10-2024

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today rejected a US measure restricting investment in China, including the Hong Kong SAR, on semiconductors and microelectronics, quantum information technologies, and artificial intelligence systems.

In a statement this evening, the Hong Kong SAR Go...

Economic, trade policies explained

29-10-2024

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau today briefed members of the Trade & Industry Advisory Board on major initiatives related to economic and trade developments in the 2024 Policy Address.

Mr Yau said that the Policy Address announced a series of initiatives, including a re...

FS visits Saudi Arabia

30-10-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan led a delegation from the financial and innovation sectors on a visit to Saudi Arabia and attended the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh.

While participating in a panel discussion during the conference, Mr Chan stated that Hong Kong is actively promoting the development...

FS explores opportunities in Riyadh

31-10-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan, currently leading a delegation on a visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, yesterday attended the listing ceremony for the first Saudi exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks Hong Kong stocks on the Saudi stock exchange.

The fund is the result of collaboration between Albilad Bank o...

Mortgage loans down 20.6%

31-10-2024

The value of residential mortgage loans approved in September was $17.3 billion, a 20.6% drop compared with August, the Monetary Authority announced today.

Mortgage loans financing primary market transactions dropped 27.2% to $5.6 billion, while those financing secondary market transactions decreased 15....

Economy grows 1.8% in Q3

31-10-2024

Hong Kong’s economy grew 1.8% in the third quarter of 2024 over the same period a year earlier, down from a 3.2% increase in the second quarter, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

According to the advance estimates, gross domestic product (GDP) decreased by 1.1% in real terms in th...

FS concludes Riyadh trip

1-11-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan completed the final day of his visit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, yesterday by participating in several events at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) with his delegation.

Speaking at a themed session at the conference, Mr Chan highlighted that Hong Kong is actively developing...

Talent and migration plans refined

1-11-2024

The Government today launched three measures to enhance the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) and the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), following the announcement of reforms to the talent admission regime in the 2024 Policy Address.

The first measure calls for expanding the list of eligible univers...

HK to host Olympics body meeting

1-11-2024

The 2024 General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) announced yesterday the successful bid of Hong Kong, China to host the 2026 ANOC General Assembly.

The ANOC comprises 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and is responsible for protecting and advancing the interests of ...

GBA data flow measure extended

1-11-2024

The extension of the facilitation measure on the Standard Contract for the Cross-boundary Flow of Personal Information Within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Mainland, Hong Kong) to all sectors started today.

The Digital Policy Office (DPO) made the announcement and explained that the mov...

Sep retail sales drop 6.9%

1-11-2024

The value of total retail sales in September, provisionally estimated at $29.6 billion, decreased 6.9% compared with the same month in 2023, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume o...

CS sends off polar expedition team

1-11-2024

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki attended the send-off event of China's 41st Antarctic expedition team at the Guangzhou Nansha International Cruise Home Port this morning.

The expedition team is travelling to Antarctica aboard the icebreakers Xuelong and Xuelong 2, which have visited Hong Kong before.

...

Wealth scheme brokers set

1-11-2024

The China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Securities & Futures Commission of Hong Kong issued announcements respectively today on the first batch of brokers eligible to participate in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect Pilot Scheme.

The Ho...

SFST headed to Switzerland

3-11-2024

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui will depart on a visit to Switzerland today, and will return to Hong Kong on Friday.

In Geneva, Mr Hui will attend and speak at the 41st session of the Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting &...

Sun Dong to visit Canada

3-11-2024

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong will depart today on a visit to Canada, where he will stop in Toronto, Ottawa and Waterloo and seek to strengthen co-operation between Hong Kong and Canada in areas such as innovation and technology (I&T).

Prof Sun will meet leaders of...

HK a dynamic fintech hub

25-10-2024

The Government is committed to promoting fintech development in Hong Kong, to enhance the competitiveness of its financial services industry and accelerate digitalisation.

To support the Government’s strategy, Invest Hong Kong actively assists enterprises in the sector in setting up or expanding their...

FS bound for Saudi Arabia

27-10-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan will lead a 110-strong delegation to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, tomorrow to strengthen Hong Kong-Middle East connections in areas such as trade, finance, and innovation and technology (I&T).

The delegation will aim to promote Hong Kong on multiple fronts, tell good stories ab...

Sports chief to visit Portugal

27-10-2024

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung will depart for Portugal tomorrow, along with a delegation from the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, to attend the 2024 General Assembly of the Association of the National Olympic Committees (ANOC).

Mr Yeung will take t...

InnoCarnival 2024 opens

26-10-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today officiated at the opening ceremony of the InnoCarnival 2024, which is being held from now until November 3 at the Hong Kong Science Park.

Organised by the Innovation & Technology Commission (ITC), the event features exhibits showcasing local innovation and t...

Asset management task force set up

25-10-2024

The Task Force on Promoting the Development of Asset & Wealth Management, chaired by Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui, was established and convened its first meeting today.

The 2024 Policy Address has set out the need to further enhance Hong Kong's status as an inte...

FS concludes US visit

25-10-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan wrapped up his visit in New York yesterday by meeting representatives from several family offices and touring a technology accelerator and venture capital platform.

In the morning, Mr Chan held a breakfast meeting with representatives from several family offices, introducing...

Updated IT rules explained

23-10-2024

The latest version of the Government’s IT Security Guidelines aims to strengthen the security barrier of its internal information network system and does not involve a “blanket ban” on the use of relevant communication tools, the Digital Policy Office has said.

The office made a statement in respon...

FS promotes HK's advantages in US

24-10-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan delivered a speech and held discussions with President of the National Committee on United States-China Relations Steve Orlins as he continued a visit to New York, the US.

Mr Chan gave his speech at a lunch co-hosted by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in New York a...

Passage of rating bill welcomed

23-10-2024

The Government welcomed the passage of the Rating (Amendment) Bill 2024 by the Legislative Council today, which gives effect to the progressive rating system for domestic tenements.

The bill will take effect from the fourth quarter of this financial year, ie January to March 2025, to uphold the “afford...

FS begins New York visit

23-10-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan has begun a visit to New York by delivering a keynote speech at the Bloomberg Global Regulatory Forum on the theme of how to build a future-proof financial system.

Mr Chan outlined that despite facing various challenges in recent years, Hong Kong’s economic and financial f...

FS speaks at APEC meeting

22-10-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan spoke on various topics while attending day two of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers' Meeting (FMM) and related activities in Peru yesterday.

The topics included global and regional economic and financial outlooks, sustainable finance, sustainabl...

September sees 2.2% inflation

22-10-2024

Overall consumer prices rose 2.2% year-on-year in September, a smaller rate of increase than the 2.5% seen in August, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, underlying inflation was 0.9%, also smaller than that record...

SFC report welcomed

22-10-2024

The Government today welcomed the publication of the annual report by the Process Review Panel for the Securities & Futures Commission (SFC), covering the panel’s work in 2023-24.

The Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau said the panel had conducted a thorough review of the SFC’s i...

FS attends APEC meeting in Peru

21-10-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan began his visit in Lima, Peru, to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers' Meeting and related activities.

Yesterday morning, he attended the Finance Ministers' Retreat, a meeting focused on discussing the fiscal policies of economies and severa...

Silver Bond allocations announced

21-10-2024

The subscription and allocation results for the latest batch of Silver Bonds were released today.

A total of 300,413 valid applications, seeking a total of $69.9 billion in bond principals, were received.

More than half of the applications, 166,177, were for 23 units or fewer. These applicants will...

FS to visit Peru and the US

18-10-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart for Peru this evening to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting and other related events in the country's capital Lima, before heading to New York City in the US.

Under the banner “Sustainable + Digital + Resilient = AP...

More measures to support SMEs

18-10-2024

The Monetary Authority (HKMA), together with the banking sector, introduced multiple measures today to further support, through financing as well as banking products and services, the continuous development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The HKMA said around 20,000 SMEs have benefitted fro...

Christopher Hui to visit Beijing

18-10-2024

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui will depart for Beijing tomorrow to attend the Annual Conference of the Financial Street Forum 2024, before returning to Hong Kong the following day.

More than 500 guests from over 30 countries and regions worldwide will take part in the...

Mortgage loan measure explained

17-10-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today said he is confident that the Government’s adjustment of the maximum loan-to-value ratio for all properties to 70% will be conducive to the healthy and stable development of the Hong Kong property market.

Elaborating on the measure, announced in yesterday’s Policy ...

HK ranked world's freest economy

16-10-2024

The Fraser Institute's Economic Freedom of the World 2024 Annual Report published today has ranked Hong Kong as the world's freest economy among 165 economies, up by one place from 2023.

Among the five areas of assessment in the report, the city ranked top in "Freedom to trade internationally" and "Regul...

HK hones its financial edge

16-10-2024

Chief Executive John Lee unveiled bold plans in his 2024 Policy Address for consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre.

Upon highlighting the fact that Hong Kong is an international financial centre, ranking third globally and first in investment environment, he...

I&T will drive city’s development: CE

16-10-2024

Delivering his 2024 Policy Address, Chief Executive John Lee said today that Hong Kong must harness new quality productive forces and technological innovation as it seeks to achieve high-quality economic development.

Mr Lee outlined that in its efforts to become an international centre for innovation and...

Govt to launch committee for talent

16-10-2024

Chief Executive John Lee today revealed that the Government will set up a Committee on Education, Technology & Talents to promote Hong Kong as an international hub for high-calibre talent.

Unveiling a raft of measures aimed at building the city’s capacity in terms of knowledge, talent and opportuni...

Metropolis project to be expedited

16-10-2024

Chief Executive John Lee says the Government will expedite the implementation of economic and housing-related projects in the Northern Metropolis while maintaining a prudent fiscal position, highlighting that some 60,000 housing units will be completed in the next five years.

Unveiling his third Pol...

New SFC chairman appointed

14-10-2024

The Chief Executive has, pursuant to the Securities & Futures Ordinance, appointed Kelvin Wong as Chairman of the Securities & Futures Commission (SFC) for a term of three years from October 20, 2024, to October 19, 2027, the Government today announced.

Mr Wong was a non-executive director of the...

New trade in services pact signed

9-10-2024

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Ministry of Commerce today signed the Second Agreement Concerning Amendment to the Mainland & Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) Agreement on Trade in Services (Amendment Agreement II).

Chief Executive Jo...

Family office collaboration unveiled

9-10-2024

The Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau today announced the establishment of the Hong Kong Family Office Nexus, a strategic collaboration between the bureau and Bloomberg L.P.

The partnership is aimed at attracting family offices from around the world to establish or expand their presence in Hon...

FinTech Week to kick off on Oct 28

8-10-2024

The ninth edition of Hong Kong FinTech Week (HKFW), themed “Illuminating New Pathways in Fintech” will take place from October 28 to November 1, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced today.

HKFW 2024 will place a significant emphasis on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intel...

AI subsidy scheme opens

7-10-2024

The Government launched the Artificial Intelligence Subsidy Scheme and began accepting applications today.

Eligible organisations are welcome to submit applications to Cyberport. A hybrid information session will be held on October 10.

To promote the development of an artificial intelligence...

3 pre-sale consents issued in Q3

7-10-2024

The Lands Department announced today that it issued three pre-sale consents for residential developments involving 213 units in the third quarter of this year.

Such pre-sale consents were issued for three residential developments.

Two of the developments are expected to be completed this year. One ...

Telling good stories through stamps

4-10-2024

A rich treasure trove of postal artefacts can be found on the first floor of the Hongkong Post Building in Kowloon Bay.

The new Postal Gallery spans approximately 200 sq m, a quarter larger than the previous 160 sq m gallery at the General Post Office in Central.

“Unlike the open display of the ...

InnoCarnival showcase set

4-10-2024

The Innovation & Technology Commission will hold InnoCarnival 2024 from October 26 to November 3 to showcase local innovation and technology (I&T) achievements. A diverse line-up of about 150 workshops and webinars across various subjects will also be available during the carnival.

Themed ...

HK a top place to do business

3-10-2024

Hong Kong is among the top 10 performers of 50 economies covered in the first Business Ready 2024 Report published by the World Bank Group (WBG) today, the Government said today.

In a statement, the Government said the WBG Report has given recognition to Hong Kong as an international trading centr...

August retail sales dip 10.1%

3-10-2024

The value of total retail sales in August, provisionally estimated at $29.2 billion, decreased 10.1% compared with the same month in 2023, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of ...

Fintech measures discussed

3-10-2024

Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui today chaired the fourth meeting of the Coordination Group on Implementation of Fintech Initiatives.

During the meeting, he held discussions with representatives from the financial regulators, the fintech sector, academia and research in...

Performing arts scheme launched

2-10-2024

The Government announced today the launch of the Signature Performing Arts Programme Scheme for selecting performing arts productions with potential and nurturing them to become representative and large-scale local productions for long-running performances.

Each...

Financial services growing apace

19-9-2024

Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Charles Ng says Hong Kong’s financial services sector is currently undergoing accelerated growth, thanks to the ongoing recovery seen in the city’s overall economy, as well as favourable government policies.

In the first eight months of this year, In...

Mortgage loans down 12.2%

30-9-2024

The value of residential mortgage loans approved in July was $ 21.8 billion, a 12.2% drop compared with July, the Monetary Authority announced today.

Mortgage loans financing primary market transactions dropped 11.7% to $7.6 billion, while those financing secondary market transactions decreased 13.7% to ...

FS speaks to UK business sector

28-9-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan spoke to the UK’s political and business communities to promote Hong Kong as he attended a roundtable meeting and a luncheon in London on the final leg of his visit.

Mr Chan joined a roundtable meeting organised by The CityUK, an industry-led body representing UK-based fin...

SIM card registration enhanced

27-9-2024

The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) today announced that starting October 1, Hong Kong identity (HKID) card holders completing real-name registration for pre-paid SIM (PPS) cards via telecommunications service providers' online registration platforms can by default register and verify their ident...

FS begins UK visit

27-9-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan began his visit to London yesterday where he attended the annual "Hong Kong Dinner" engagement to share the latest developments in Hong Kong with participants.
 
The dinner event, with about 350 leaders from the British political and business sectors and professionals i...

Belt-Road tax forum ends

26-9-2024

The 5th Belt & Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum (BRITACOF) hosted by the Inland Revenue Department concluded successfully today.

This three-day annual mega event in the international tax community attracted about 500 tax officials, tax experts, as well as representatives fr...

Exports up 6.4% in August

26-9-2024

The value of Hong Kong's total exports increased to $381.3 billion in August, up 6.4% on the same month last year, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

The value of the city's imports rose 7.9% to $414.4 billion in the same period.

A trade deficit of $33.1 billion, or 8% of the v...

FS wraps up Spain trip

25-9-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan today wrapped up his visit to Spain by attending an exchange session organised by the IESE Business School in Madrid.

Leading a delegation of technology startups, Mr Chan met more than 10 Spanish startup entrepreneurs, representatives of venture capital funds, investors and ...

Sun Dong attends automotive summit

25-9-2024

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong attended automotive supply chain meetings in Wuhan, Hubei Province today.

In the morning, Prof Sun attended the 2024 China Automotive Supply Chain Conference & the Third China Intelligent Networked New Energy Vehicle Ecological Confere...

FS meets Spanish business leaders

25-9-2024

Continuing his visit to Madrid, Spain, Financial Secretary Paul Chan yesterday spoke at a business lunch, met Spanish officials and visited local enterprises.

Delivering a keynote speech at a lunch with about 150 leaders from Spain’s business, financial, and innovation and technology sectors, Mr Chan s...

Communication proposals get support

25-9-2024

The Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau today published the consultation conclusions on promoting paperless corporate communication for Hong Kong companies, outlining the views received during the consultation, along with the Government's response and the way forward.

The public consultat...

HK, Türkiye enter into tax pact

24-9-2024

Hong Kong today signed a comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreement (CDTA) with Türkiye.

Signing the agreement on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said the CDTA will further promote econ...

Sun Dong begins Wuhan visit

24-9-2024

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong began his visit to Wuhan, Hubei Province today.

During a meeting with Hubei Vice Governor Chen Ping on the development of innovation and technology (I&T) and new industries in Hong Kong and Hubei, Prof Sun introduced the Hong Kong Spec...

Belt-Road tax forum held

24-9-2024

The three-day 5th Belt & Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum (BRITACOF) opened today at the AsiaWorld-Expo, marking the first time for Hong Kong to host the forum.

Themed "Deepening Tax Administration Cooperation for High-Quality Belt & Road Development", the forum gathere...

HK rises to 3rd in finance hub ranking

24-9-2024

Hong Kong has been ranked third in the Global Financial Centres Index 36 Report, published today by the UK’s Z/Yen and the Shenzhen-based China Development Institute, up from fourth place in the March version of the index.
 

The city also ranked first in the Asia-Pacific region. Its overall rat...

FS promotes HK-Spain ties

24-9-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan, on a visit to Spain, has called on the Plenary of the City Council of Madrid, a local innovation and technology centre, and a Spanish innovation accelerator and venture capital fund.

Mr Chan yesterday met President of Madrid's City Council Plenary Francisco de Borja Fanjul ...

Algernon Yau visits Singapore

24-9-2024

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau met senior officials and business leaders in Singapore to deepen trade and economic ties, and explore collaboration opportunities during his visit from September 22 to 24.

​Mr Yau updated representatives from major business chambers of Sing...

FS begins Spain visit

23-9-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan arrived in Madrid, Spain yesterday and began his trip by leading a group of Hong Kong tech startups to visit the country's innovation organisation Spain Startup.

Mr Chan met Spain Startup President Maria Benjumea and representatives from its partner IE University of Spain.

Sun Dong to visit Wuhan

23-9-2024

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong will depart for a visit to Wuhan in Hubei Province tomorrow morning to learn more about the province's efforts in promoting the development of innovation and technology, and new industrialisation.

He will tour advanced manufacturing and mi...

FS to visit Spain and UK

21-9-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan will depart tomorrow for Europe, where he will visit Madrid and London before returning to Hong Kong on September 29.

Mr Chan will lead a delegation from the innovation and technology (I&T) sector on the trip. It will comprise senior executives from the Science & Tec...

Golden Week crowd control set

20-9-2024

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung today chaired an interdepartmental meeting to follow up on the preparation work for the arrival of visitors to Hong Kong during the Mainland's National Day Golden Week.

Mr Yeung noted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will ...

CE attends economic symposium

20-9-2024

Chief Executive John Lee, leading a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation, attended the 27th Beijing Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Symposium and the Hong Kong Investment Promotion Conference in Beijing today.

Themed “Leveraging mutual strengths, creating prosperity together”, the sympos...

Inflation at 2.5% in August

20-9-2024

Overall consumer prices rose 2.5% year-on-year in August, the same as that in July, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

Netting out the effects of the Government’s one-off relief measures, underlying inflation was 1.2%, also unchanged from July.

Compared with August last year,...

Algernon Yau attends ASEAN session

20-9-2024

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau and Minister of Industry & Commerce of Laos Malaithong Kommasith co-chaired the eighth Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers - Hong Kong, China (HKC) Consultation in Vientiane today.

The session discussed issue...

FS calls on Ministry of Finance

19-9-2024

Financial Secretary Paul Chan, accompanying the Chief Executive on his visit to Beijing, called on Minister of Finance Lan Fo’an today.

Mr Chan thanked the Ministry of Finance for its staunch support to Hong Kong in various areas. He then had in-depth exchanges with Mr Lan on the economic and financia...

New industrialisation pact signed

19-9-2024

Chief Executive John Lee and Minister of Industry & Information Technology Jin Zhuanglong today witnessed the signing of the Co-operation Agreement on the Development of New Quality Productive Forces & the Promotion of New Industrialisation between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government...

Base rate lowered to 5.25%

19-9-2024

The Monetary Authority today announced that it has decreased the base rate to 5.25% with immediate effect.

The decrease follows a 50-basis point downward shift in the target range for the US federal funds rate on September 18.

The base rate is the interest rate forming the foundation upon which the...

HK soars in talent ranking

19-9-2024

The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) today published its World Talent Ranking 2024, with Hong Kong returning to the top 10 for the first time since 2016 as it rose from 16th to ninth.

Hong Kong improved across all three talent competitiveness factors as compared to last year. Its ...

Algernon Yau to depart for Laos

18-9-2024

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau will depart for Vientiane, Laos, tomorrow to attend the eighth Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers - Hong Kong, China (HKC) Consultation meeting to be held on September 20.

Mr Yau and the participating economic m...

US legislation condemned

17-9-2024

(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive John Lee today condemned the US House of Representatives’ passage of the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office Certification Act, which he said will only harm US trade ties with Hong Kong.

Mr L...

CE to visit Beijing

17-9-2024

Chief Executive John Lee will lead a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government delegation on a visit to Beijing from September 19. On September 20, they will attend the opening ceremony of the 27th Beijing-Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Symposium and Beijing-Hong Kong Cooperation Promotion Conference....

Investment scheme well received

16-9-2024

Invest Hong Kong today reported a strong response to the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) which has received more than 500 applications and over 5,000 enquiries since its launch on March 1.

Citing the figures as of September 13, InvestHK expects the scheme will bring an invest...

New Industrialisation fund launched

16-9-2024

The Innovation & Technology Commission today launched a $10 billion New Industrialisation Acceleration Scheme to provide funding support for enterprises in strategically important industries to set up new smart production facilities in Hong Kong.

The Government will provide funding by suppleme...

New talent embrace HK life

13-9-2024

Cantonese as a tonal language can be difficult to learn. Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) has partnered with Hong Kong Wen Wei Management College to offer a regular Cantonese course to help newly arrived talent integrate into the community.

Through small-group teaching and interactive methods, the instruc...

HK-ASEAN ties hold huge promise

13-9-2024

Hong Kong values its strong relations with the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) region. Trade powers our deep, valued and endlessly expanding, ties. For good reason. ASEAN has been our second-largest merchandise trade partner for more than a decade. Last year, our trade reached US$145 billion. Tha...

CE meets top Vietnamese official

11-9-2024

Chief Executive John Lee today met visiting Permanent Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Hoa Binh at Government House.

Mr Lee welcomed the Vietnamese official’s visit to Hong Kong with his delegation for the Ninth Belt & Road Summit.

The Chief Executive said Hong Kong and Vietnam are imp...

HK key to Belt-Road Initiative

11-9-2024

Good morning. And welcome, one and all, to the Ninth Belt & Road Summit, an annual summit held by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

I am pleased to say that this year's summit has attracted around 6,000 high-profile individuals from so...

Algernon Yau condemns US smears

11-9-2024

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau said today that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government strongly condemned the US House of Representatives for slandering the laws on safeguarding national security in Hong Kong.

Speaking to the media after attending the Ninth ...

Opportunities abound in HK: FS

11-9-2024

Since it was first proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013, the Belt & Road Initiative has connected countries, regions and continents through advancing infrastructure development, and strengthening collaboration in trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.

Over the years, the initiative ha...

Tour group food poisoning probed

10-9-2024

The Tourism Commission expressed concern about reports of Mainland inbound tour groups seeking medical attention at hospital owing to suspected food poisoning today and immediately contacted the Travel Industry Authority (TIA) to understand the situation and provide assistance to the visitors concerned.

...

New Silver Bond batch launched

10-9-2024

The Government announced today the launch of a new batch of the Silver Bond offering a minimum interest rate of 4%, and residents who turn 60 in or before 2025 and hold a valid Hong Kong identity card are eligible for subscription.

The target issuance size of the Silver Bond is $50 billion, with e...