The HOUSING · I&T Summit opened today, bringing together experts, scholars and industry leaders in public housing from over 15 countries and cities worldwide to participate.

The summit, being held over four days, is themed “Pioneering Innovative Housing for a Sustainable Future” and was organised by the Housing Bureau and the Housing Authority.

Under the HOUSING · I&T initiative this year, the bureau has organised a series of events, including today's international symposium, a construction robotics competition in May and a secondary school housing construction robotics design competition in September to foster the development of the construction technology industry.

The first two days of the summit are being held at the Sham Shui Po Leisure & Cultural Building, featuring a symposium, alongside an intelligent technology exhibition area for participants to exchange ideas and explore innovation and developments in housing construction technology.

In her welcoming remarks at the opening ceremony this morning, Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho said: “We are delighted to bring together experts and industry leaders from around the world to explore how innovative technology can drive sustainable housing construction and development.

“Hong Kong will continue to play the roles of a 'super connector' and 'super value-adder' to foster cross-regional collaboration, building safer, more livable and quality homes for our people.”

The summit sessions this morning, under the theme “Smart · Housing”, brought together global perspectives and local experiences to discuss shaping the future of housing and urban development. The afternoon sessions, focusing on “Smart · Innovation”, explored how intelligent innovations like artificial intelligence (AI), component-based construction and advanced materials are transforming the construction and real estate industries.

During the summit, Ms Ho and other guests visited the intelligent technology exhibition area to interact with participants and learn about the active research and developments in innovative technology by tech companies. They also viewed the Better Housing Exhibition on display at the Sham Mong Road Playground. This mobile exhibition is organised and instructed by the Ministry of Housing & Urban-Rural Development's Centre of Science & Technology Industrial Development, technically supported by the ministry's smart low-carbon construction technology innovation centre and whole-house smart key laboratory.

To capitalise on Hong Kong's distinctive advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world as well as its prime location linking the Greater Bay Area, the Housing Bureau and the Housing Authority have arranged for over 50 participants, including those from Portugal, Australia, the UK, Cambodia, Macau and Hong Kong to visit Zhuhai on the third day of the summit for site visits to a smart factory.

They will tour advanced production lines featuring high automation and robotics applications, gaining insights into the production processes for both concrete and steel-structured Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), alongside high-quality supervision and inspections.

The itinerary also includes visits to an outdoor product exhibition hall and a construction technology pavilion, allowing participants to experience firsthand how advanced construction technology and MiC are shaping the future of housing. A sharing session will be held before concluding the visit to facilitate experience exchanges between participants and factory representatives, jointly exploring future directions for housing construction technology.

On the fourth day of the summit, over 60 participants will conduct site visits in Hong Kong. Their first stop will be the Housing Bureau's Light Public Housing (LPH) site at Olympic Avenue, Kai Tak, and Choi Hing Road LPH, Ngau Tau Kok, to understand how the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government employs standardised, simple designs and steel-structured MiC technology to build LPH swiftly, addressing the needs of families urgently requiring improved living environments.

The project team will conduct demonstrations of modern construction technologies, including the smart inspection, logistics and installation monitoring system for MiC, developed in collaboration with the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Hong Kong's iLab, enabling participants to learn about the latest achievements in public housing developments and gain insights into the latest technologies such as MiC and 4S Smart Site Safety System.

Click here for details of the summit.

I still remember that when I addressed the inaugural Summit in 2022, a time when the world was emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, I said the event showed that Hong Kong was onstage again.

Three years on, I am proud to say that Hong Kong now shines on the global stage, radiating prosperity, confidence and much-needed reassurance.

Do not just take my word for it. In September, the Canadian-based Fraser Institute ranked Hong Kong as the freest economy in the world – that is number one in economic freedom. Also this September, the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD), in its World Talent Ranking, rated us fourth in the world and first in Asia – our highest-ever ranking in the report.

Still with the IMD, Hong Kong finished third in its World Competitiveness Yearbook this year, up two places from 2024. And in the Global Financial Centres Index, we placed third in the world, just one point back of London, and two behind New York.

Ladies and gentlemen, you are here, some 300 global financial leaders from all over the world, including more than 100 group chairpersons and CEOs, to see Hong Kong for yourselves. You are here, too, to get the latest financial and investment insight and intelligence, from the summit's high-profile speakers, and to network with a world of like-minded aficionados of finance.

I am sure you enjoyed last night's Welcome Dinner at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, where East meets West in a dazzling integration of modern architecture and traditional Chinese cultural elements. Because more than global rankings, Hong Kong also dazzles with cultural diversity.

The theme of this 2025 Summit, "Trekking through Shifting Terrain", resonates with yet another facet of Hong Kong's inimitable appeal. I am talking about our remarkable network of prized hiking trails. You can explore them in our 25 country parks, covering about 40% of Hong Kong's total land area. Waiting for you, and your hiking boots.

Trekking through trails, marked and unmarked, shares a good many similarities with what financial leaders – all of you here today –  face every day in this time of geopolitical uncertainty, market volatility and headlong technological advance.

I am here to tell you that there's firm footing in Hong Kong, your steadfast partner. We offer certainty and clarity, together with confidence and opportunity, for global investors and businesses seeking to diversify their assets and minimise risks.

For the next few minutes, allow me to put a spotlight on two elements of compelling interest to all of you here: our financial markets and fintech.

Hong Kong's financial markets remain vibrant, despite the uncertain global outlook. Our stock market has soared over 30%, year-to-date, while average daily turnover has exceeded US$32 billion, nearly double that of last year.

In the first ten months of the year, Hong Kong recorded 80 initial public offerings (IPOs), raising over US$26 billion – and that, I am pleased to say, puts us number one in IPO fundraising worldwide.

To maintain the momentum, we are pressing ahead with reforms to the listing regime, enabling the financing of overseas companies, enhancing trading and risk management efficiency, and promoting the trading of stocks in renminbi.

In September, we published a Roadmap for the Development of Fixed Income & Currency Markets. It is designed to attract primary market issuance, boost secondary market liquidity, expand our offshore renminbi business, and develop next-generation infrastructure.

It will offer global investors more choices, as they seek to re-allocate assets, and help companies raise funds in these mutable times.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong is poised to become the world's largest cross-boundary wealth management centre in the next few years. To fast track that development, we are enhancing the preferential tax regimes for funds, single-family offices and carried interest, to make the sector all the more attractive.

We are also pursuing new growth areas, including building an international gold trading market. That rides on the substantial global demand for gold as a hedging investment product and reserve asset.

Then there is financial technology. Blockchain and artificial intelligence are reshaping financial markets at an unprecedented pace. They can bring tangible benefits to financial markets and the real economy, enhancing efficiency and reducing transaction costs.

Hong Kong is home to more than 1,200 fintech companies. In September's Global Financial Centres Index, we ranked number one, globally, in fintech.

No surprise to the 37,000 professionals here from more than 100 economies, for Hong Kong Fintech Week and the StartmeupHK Festival, which opened yesterday. It is, by the way, the 10th anniversary editions of both international gatherings, drawing in fintech and startup enthusiasts to our enterprising city.

In June, we published our second policy statement on digital asset development, a refreshed take on our determination to establish Hong Kong as a global hub for digital assets.

We are working with our regulators on a future-proof regulatory regime, key to enabling the healthy and sustainable development of digital assets in Hong Kong.

Licensing aside, our sandboxes allow promising fintech applications to be tested in controlled environments. Among them, Project Ensemble explores the tokenisation of assets, and the development of common industry standards.

The Monetary Authority will promote live transactions of tokenised assets, exploring tokenisation's potential in digital trade and other areas.

Trekking through shifting terrain is not a recommended solitary behaviour, for companies or for economies. It is why I am grateful for the continuing support of market leaders – of all of you here today.

Hong Kong was built on reaching out, on seeking international partnerships and mutual opportunities. Our unique "one country, two systems" framework enables that, allowing Hong Kong to reach out to a world of prospects, while maintaining unparalleled access to China, our country.

I have just returned, this Sunday, from Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting. There, I had the pleasure of representing Hong Kong, China, a full and separate member of APEC, and meeting and working with leaders from a world of economies, to advance the important cause of open trade and multilateralism.

Later today, I will depart for Shanghai to attend the China International Import Expo. Also joining the expo will be 380 Hong Kong companies, which will promote their products and services, and put a bright spotlight on the Hong Kong brand.

The Shanghai trip will also mark the first major promotional event by the newly established GoGlobal Task Force. The task force will make it easy for Mainland companies to find foreign markets and global capital, as the world looks to our country for its quality products and services.

In finance, the term "leverage" refers to the use of borrowed funds for further investments. Here in Hong Kong, we leverage more than funds. We leverage our financial prowess for the benefit of investors, economies and, importantly, humanity.

I am pleased to note that the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) announced, just yesterday, that it will set up an office in Hong Kong. The AIIB is a multilateral development bank that supports developing countries in infrastructure improvements.

As a committed member of the AIIB, Hong Kong will do all we can to support its establishment of an office here. That includes leveraging our vibrant capital markets, world-class professional services, and diversified products. We will also help the AIIB in project financing, bond issuance, investment management, and much more.

These examples, ladies and gentlemen, are more than business missions, meeting dignitaries and commercial operations. They are "one country, two systems" hard at work. They are shining examples of how the principle – how Hong Kong – helps connect the world with the Chinese market.

My thanks to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, this summit's main organiser, and to each and every one of you for your invaluable presence.

When you are here, do make the most of all that Hong Kong has to offer. That includes the scenic hiking trails I have mentioned. That also includes this very hotel we are at, which I am glad to say has just been crowned number one in the World's 50 Best Hotels ranking. And our many Michelin-starred restaurants and award-winning bars – one of which came first in the World's 50 Best Bars last month, recognised as the world's best bar.

Asia's best, world's best – all here for you to experience. To eat, drink, sleep, and spend some good time in. Some good money in!

Chief Executive John Lee gave these remarks at the Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit on November 4.

Hong Kong ranks fourth globally in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking (WDCR) 2025, published by the International Institute for Management Development.

The city’s latest ranking is up three places, having also risen three places last year.

Among the three factors under consideration, Hong Kong remains in third place on technology and fifth on knowledge, while its ranking on future readiness improved by five places to tenth.

At the sub-factoral level, Hong Kong ranks top on technological framework and adaptive attitudes, and ranks in the top five on talent and on training and education.

The Government highlighted that the ranking continues to recognise Hong Kong as one of the most digitally competitive economies in the world.

It outlined that the country supports Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre, adding that the Government is striving to enhance the strategic layout of the city’s I&T infrastructure through establishing three major I&T parks and five key research and development institutions to drive I&T development and cultivate new quality productive forces.

Hong Kong enjoys staunch national support, strong international prospects, a thriving start-up ecosystem, a free, open and fair business environment, and a simple, low tax system, making it well positioned to attract enterprises, talent and technology from around the world, the Government said.

In his 2025 Policy Address, the Chief Executive announced a series of measures aimed at realising Hong Kong’s development as an international I&T centre.

Moreover, the Hong Kong Park area of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone will commence operations this year. The Conceptual Outline of the Development Plan for the Innovation &Technology Industry in the San Tin Technopole will also be published this year. 

The Government stressed that going forward it will continue to promote closer collaboration with various sectors, consolidate and enhance its competitive edge in the global market, and foster the cultivation of new quality productive forces.

The Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) today recorded one new local case of chikungunya fever (CF) involving a 45-year-old man living in Kwai Tsing District and working in Sheung Wan.

According to the CHP, the patient developed a fever, joint pain and rash on October 30, and sought medical attention from a private doctor on November 1. He was then referred to Princess Margaret Hospital’s accident and emergency department and admitted for treatment in a mosquito-free environment that day. He is in a stable condition. His blood sample tested positive for the chikungunya virus.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the patient had no travel history in the preceding three months. The CHP has classified it as a local case.

The investigation also found that during the incubation period, the patient did not visit Wong Tai Sin where two other local CF cases were logged. However, there is an overlap in the patient’s residence and usual activity areas with certain imported cases. As such, the CHP will carry out a genome analysis to ascertain whether the new case has an epidemiological linkage with the earlier imported cases.

In response to the new local case, the CHP today had an inter-departmental meeting with various departments and relevant organisations, including the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and Kwai Tsing District Office to ensure that all units implement preventive and control measures in a speedy and orderly manner. The CHP and FEHD also inspected various locations in the vicinity of the patient’s residence, as well as conducted vector investigations and mosquito control operations in order to minimise the risk of local transmission.

Additionally, the CHP will set up health consultation booths at Kwai Fong Estate, Cheung Hang Estate and Sheung Wan tomorrow to provide assessments to citizens with relevant symptoms.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government welcomed the announcement by Mainland authorities today of a series of new measures to support high-level opening up and high-quality development.

One of these measures is the expansion of application of the exit endorsement for talent to Tianjin, Hebei Province, Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province and Anhui Province, as well as all pilot free trade zones across the country from this Wednesday.

Noting that more than 74,000 arrivals in Hong Kong were visitors holding the talent exit endorsement as of last month, the Hong Kong SAR Government said expanding the application of the talent exit endorsement will attract and bring more Mainland talent to Hong Kong for exchanges, thereby enhancing the city's attractiveness in pooling talent and strengthening its unique role as the country's international talent hub.

In addition, facial recognition intelligent exit-entry clearance will be implemented at various ports in the Chinese Mainland, including the Huanggang, Luohu, Liantang, Futian and Wenjindu Ports in Shenzhen, as well as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port.

This arrangement allows travellers to complete clearance without presenting their physical travel documents, making cross‑boundary travel more convenient and efficient.

The Hong Kong SAR Government also welcomed the implementation of a series of measures at the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone’s Shenzhen Park, which facilitate Hong Kong-Shenzhen innovation and technology collaboration and the efficient cross-boundary flow of factors of production. 

At the same time, the Mainland authorities will add four ports connecting Hong Kong as the entry ports under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. The Hong Kong SAR Government noted it will attract international visitors to take Hong Kong as their entry stop or transit point in their multi-destination travel itineraries to the country, and fully leverage Hong Kong's position as an international tourism hub.

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today officiated at the unveiling ceremony of the East Kowloon Cultural Centre (EKCC), marking its formal opening.

Addressing the ceremony, Mr Chan said that the EKCC, as a new cultural landmark, is not only a major milestone in the Government's efforts to promote the development of arts and culture, but also represents a key element in consolidating Hong Kong's status as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges.

He also said that the Hall of the EKCC is specifically reserved for long-running performances to facilitate the staging of iconic productions for a longer period of time and foster the sustainable development of the performing arts industry.

The EKCC is the Leisure & Cultural Services Department’s first performance venue committed to promoting world-class integration of arts and technology, equipped with cutting-edge professional stage technology and flexible stage setups to facilitate experimentation and innovation.

It provides five performing facilities with 120 to 1,200 seats -The Hall, which is ideal for large-scale events; The Theatre, with a thrust stage; The Turns, which facilitates full-wall projection; The Beats, equipped with professional audio mixing and amplifying systems; and The Lab, which is a versatile arts technology testbed studio.

From November to February 2026, the EKCC Opening Season will present 17 programmes, including HighLights - The Memories of Charles Kao premiering on November 15.

The Development Bureau today issued a notification to the contractor involved in a November 2 fatal industrial incident at a non-governmental construction site in Sau Mau Ping, suspending it from tendering for public works contracts in the buildings category with immediate effect.

The bureau noted that the contractor was on the List of Approved Contractors for Public Works.

The contractor must conduct an independent safety audit to review its safety management system, submit an improvement action plan and implement improvement measures with a view to demonstrating that its safety management system is effective before the lifting of the suspension can be considered.

The suspension from tendering is not only limited to tender exercises within the suspension period, but is also applicable to tender exercises which have been initiated but not concluded.

The Labour Department is investigating the industrial incident and will handle it in accordance with the law.

Subject to the investigation findings, the bureau may impose further regulating actions on the contractor, which may include extending the suspension period and even removal from the list.

Chief Executive John Lee will lead a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government delegation to Shanghai tomorrow and attend the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE), before returning to Hong Kong on Thursday.

​Mr Lee will attend the opening ceremony of the expo and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum on Wednesday, and will visit the Hong Kong exhibition area to show support for Hong Kong enterprises.

The delegation includes Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau and Director of the Chief Executive's Office Carol Yip.

Mr Lee noted that the CIIE attracts international attention and will feature participation from over 3,200 enterprises across more than 110 countries and regions in the Enterprise & Business Exhibition, offering vast business opportunities for Hong Kong enterprises.

​“Hong Kong has always actively participated in and supported the CIIE. In addition to senior government officials, over 350 Hong Kong enterprises from various industries are exhibiting at the expo this year.

“This record-high participation reflects that Hong Kong enterprises consider the expo the premier platform for tapping into the domestic market and showcasing Hong Kong brands and their innovative strengths.”

The Chief Executive will officiate at the Hong Kong - The Ideal Platform for Mainland Enterprises in Going Global Promotion Conference hosted by the Hong Kong SAR Government.

It will be the first large-scale publicity event on the Mainland organised by the newly-established Task Force on Supporting Mainland Enterprises in Going Global, bringing together cross-sector speakers to highlight the city’s strengths as an international platform for going global.

Mr Lee will also meet Shanghai leaders to deepen Hong Kong-Shanghai co-operation, and engage with people and representatives of Hong Kong enterprises there.

During his absence, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki will be Acting Chief Executive.

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today welcomed the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank's (AIIB) plan to set up an office in Hong Kong to address its growing business needs and is committed to assisting the bank in further promoting the sustainable development of infrastructure in Asia.

Noting that the Chief Executive announced in his Policy Address that the AIIB will be actively invited to set up an office in Hong Kong, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said the Hong Kong SAR Government will actively meet the AIIB's needs to render support for the establishment of the office.

As an AIIB member, Hong Kong, China is committed to assisting the bank in fully leveraging the city’s vibrant capital markets, world-class professional services, and diversified financial products to support the bank's operations in project financing, bond issuance, and investment and financial management, among others, Mr Hui said.

Hong Kong, China will continue to capitalise on its unique advantages of connectivity with both the Mainland and the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, with a view to making an active contribution to the AIIB's long-term development, he added.

The AIIB was established in January 2016, and Hong Kong, China has formally been a member since June 2017.

Ahead of the official opening of the 15th National Games (NG) on November 9, a torch relay was held today in Hong Kong, with 50 torchbearers participating.

The relay was jointly staged for the first time by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau. Fifty torchbearers were involved, representing various sectors, including sports, sponsors, volunteers, youth, people with disabilities and ethnic minorities.

A launch ceremony was held at 9am in Shenzhen, followed by ceremonies in Hong Kong, Macau and Guangzhou at 9.30am. The torch relays in each place started simultaneously.

The total route length in Hong Kong was approximately 10 kilometres, divided into five segments.

Starting from the Central Government Offices in Tamar, with Hong Kong table tennis athlete Wong Chun-ting serving as the first torchbearer, the route passed through the Central & Western District Promenade (Central Section), the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade, the Monument in Commemoration of the Return of Hong Kong to China, and Golden Bauhinia Square.

The second section saw the torch cross Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry, then proceed to the third section, in Tsim Sha Tsui. It passed from the Star Ferry Bus Terminus to Salisbury Road and Mody Lane, taking in the Cultural Centre and Hong Kong Museum of Art along the way.

Torchbearers on the fourth section took an open-top bus to the bus terminal at the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP). After entering KTSP, bearers on the fifth section passed by the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground and the Kai Tak Sports Avenue before arriving at Kai Tak Sports Park Central Square. The last torchbearer, Hong Kong fencer Kaylin Hsieh, lit the cauldron and the closing ceremony took place.

Addressing the launch ceremony, Acting Chief Executive Chan Kwok-ki said the simultaneous torch relay events were not only a great innovation but also demonstrate the unique advantages of the Greater Bay Area.

He added that the bay area cities will work together to achieve integrated development and establish a world-class city cluster.

Representatives of the four cities are scheduled to return their flames to Guangzhou after the torch relay. A flame-gathering ceremony will be held in the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center ahead of the lighting of the main torch at the opening ceremony for the 15th NG.

Mr Chan said the biggest highlight of the 15th NG torch relay was the collaboration between the four cities, which demonstrated the unique feature of the 15th NG's joint hosting, from the lighting of the “source flame” in Nansha, Guangzhou by representatives of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau to the simultaneous torch relay events in four locations today.

Hong Kong has placed significant emphasis on smart transformation and development in recent years – and its efforts have not gone unrecognised. Published recently, the Polytechnic University’s 2025 Smart City Index ranked Hong Kong in eighth position among 73 global cities.

The study analyses smart city development across different cities, with reference to six key dimensions: citizens, environment, social landscape, economy, infrastructure and governance.

Top-ranking city 

On governance, Hong Kong performs particularly strongly in terms of smart city policy and plans, as well as its development of e-government initiatives, ranking number one in these areas.

Additionally, in the area of data transparency, Hong Kong leads on willingness to develop open data and the diversity of its open data categories.

Polytechnic University Smart Cities Research Institute Director John Shi is responsible for the Smart City Index. Commenting on Hong Kong’s high ranking, he said: “This is truly an outstanding achievement – a reflection of Hong Kong’s position as one of the leading smart cities globally.”

According to Mr Shi, Hong Kong’s top strength is its economy: he praised the city’s robust business environment, high-tech supporting systems and overall value.

He also pointed to its good governance, highlighting the city’s advances in e-governance, data openness and initiatives such as the Common Spatial Data Infrastructure Portal, which facilitates data sharing among the public and private sectors. In addition, he said the city’s education, research and innovation sectors are vital elements that support its ongoing development as a smart city.

Enhanced efficiency 

Among the various smart city measures rolled out by the Government, the one most widely accessed by residents is the one-stop personalised digital services platform “iAM Smart”.

Since its launch, over 3.8 million users have registered for iAM Smart, and an average day now involves more than 180,000 interactions with the platform. 

iAM Smart accounts are currently available in two versions: iAM Smart and iAM Smart+. The latter version offers the advantage of a digital signature function. In recent months, new features have been introduced to enhance user convenience. This includes instant bill viewing and expanded support for digital documentation. 

More functions 

Digital Policy Office Senior Systems Manager Ray Cheung said that by downloading the latest version of the iAM Smart app, users can easily check their water bill balances issued by the Water Supplies Department, view speed post bills from Hong Kong Post and make payments using the Faster Payment System.

He stressed that iAM Smart is a key digital infrastructure component, and a key initiative for driving the full digitalisation of online government services and accelerating smart government development.

The Digital Policy Office has in fact been working closely with bureaus and departments to achieve the goal of a single portal for online government services. Moreover, it has been collaborating with the governments of Guangdong Province and Shenzhen to drive the Cross-boundary Public Services initiative, so that residents can access different government services from either side of the boundary.  

Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, together with Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang and Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak, today led community outreach efforts to promote the 2025 Legislative Council General Election at a promotional booth outside Kwai Fong MTR station.

Highlighting that the nomination period for the LegCo General Election is underway, Mr Chan urged outstanding individuals who have an affection for the country and Hong Kong, proven capabilities, a sense of responsibility and a passion to serve the public to submit their nominations before the nomination period closes on November 6.

He stressed that each vote in the upcoming LegCo election is very important, and called on all electors to fulfil their civic responsibility by casting their votes to elect legislators who are committed to the good governance, progress and prosperity of Hong Kong, so that people can live and work in contentment.

Mr Chan, Mr Tsang and Miss Mak spoke to the public and distributed promotional leaflets and souvenirs featuring "Ballot Box Family" mascots. They also reminded members of the public to reserve the necessary time to vote on December 7.

The promotional booth event was organised by the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau in collaboration with a youth organisation. The Government will set up more booths in various districts to promote electoral messages, with further participation from principal officials.

Chief Executive John Lee attended the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting Retreat in Gyeongju, South Korea, today, engaging in various exchanges with regional leaders on issues including the development of artificial intelligence and demographic change.

Speaking at the morning session, Mr Lee highlighted that the Asia-Pacific region is undergoing profound changes, from digital and green transitions to sweeping demographic changes, and that it is essential to grasp the opportunities brought by these shifts in order to build future-ready economies.

Mr Lee proposed that APEC members remain steadfast in their commitment to a multilateralism that is grounded on the principles of inclusivity, equality and co-operation; leverage the innovative power of AI as a key driver of economic growth; and make good use of APEC as a platform to expand co-operation and unlock new and inclusive drivers of growth.

Participating economies jointly issued the 2025 APEC Leaders' Gyeongju Declaration, addressing the shared opportunities and challenges facing the region and expressing support for APEC as an important platform for regional economic co-operation, the strengthening of regional connectivity, and the building of resilient supply chains.

Mr Lee said he looks forward to pursuing practical co-operation with fellow member economies in these areas, and to working together to advance high-quality economic development in the Asia-Pacific region.

Speaking to the media in Gyeongju this afternoon, the Chief Executive mentioned five achievements from participating in the APEC meeting.

He highlighted that Hong Kong contributed to the promotion of free trade and economic integration.

“First of all, the APEC economies jointly adopted and issued the Leaders’Declaration, which is very important because it emphasises economic co-operation, connectivity, and also the building of resilient supply chains.

“The second achievement is that, through participation in these APEC meetings and activities, we have further strengthened our ties with the host country, Korea.”

Mr Lee highlighted that Korea is Hong Kong's fifth-largest trading partner, and that trade has been increasing at a rate of 20% year on year between the two places. On tourism, Hong Kong welcomed, in 2024, 850,000 visitors, double the previous year's figure.

He said that with the Kai Tak Sports Park now open, Hong Kong has been welcoming a lot of K-pop performances, and looks forward to welcoming more Korean visitors.

“The third thing is we have strengthened relations and exchanges with various Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries.

“In regards to the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (ETO), which we want to set up in Malaysia, I am glad to be informed that in my discussion with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, both of us are very keen and optimistic that the ETO will be in operation before the end of this year in Kuala Lumpur.

“The fourth achievement is that we have deepened exchanges and co-operation with the Middle East.

“And the fifth achievement is that we have strengthened exchanges with the International Monetary Fund.”

The Chief Executive will return to Hong Kong tomorrow.

The value of total retail sales in September, provisionally estimated at $31.3 billion, was up 5.9 % compared with the same month in 2024, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate for the month was 4.8% higher year-on-year.

Online sales accounted for 12.5% of the total retail sales figure for the month. Provisionally estimated at $3.9 billion, the value of online retail sales rose 27.3 % compared with a year earlier.

Meanwhile, the value of sales of electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified increased by 31.3 %.

There were also increases in the value of sales in the following categories: supermarkets (+2%); “other consumer goods not elsewhere classified” (+6.9%); jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts (+9.1%); food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (+3.9%); medicines and cosmetics (+7.6%); commodities in department stores (+2.8%); and optical shops (+1.5%).

By contrast, the value of sales of wearing apparel decreased by 5.4% for the period. Also down were sales of motor vehicles and parts (-4.1%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (-5.3%); fuels (-13.4%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-10.2%); furniture and fixtures (-17.3%); and Chinese drugs and herbs (-2.4%).

The Government said the retail sector continued to recover in September. Looking ahead, improving local consumer sentiment and sustained growth in inbound tourism should continue to render support to retail businesses.

Chief Executive John Lee today continued his visit to Korea to participate in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) activities and met leaders from Singapore, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In the morning, Mr Lee joined the APEC Economic Leaders' Informal Dialogue with Guests, in which he said Hong Kong will uphold the rules-based multilateral trading system and promote regional economic co-operation in developing an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community.

During a meeting with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the UAE, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Chief Executive said Hong Kong's simple and low tax regime provides an excellent business environment and encouraged more talent, businesses and capital from the UAE and the Middle East to establish a presence in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone.

In the afternoon, Mr Lee attended the APEC Business Advisory Council Dialogue with APEC Economic Leaders. Hong Kong, China's representatives to the APEC Business Advisory Council Mary Huen and Geoffrey Kao were also present.

The Chief Executive also met Managing Director of the IMF Kristalina Georgieva and thanked the IMF for consistently reaffirming Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre

Noting that Hong Kong is one of the world's major financial centres, he said the city will harness the asset-reallocation wave of global investors to continuously reform its capital markets, facilitate corporate fundraising, enhance market liquidity and promote financial innovation.

Mr Lee met Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong afterwards. He welcomed Singaporean enterprises to invest in the city's Northern Metropolis, thereby strengthening co-operation in frontier technology fields and tapping into the Greater Bay Area's vast market potential.

Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles will initially be open to applications from Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, and Jiangmen in Guangdong Province and approved Guangdong vehicles will enter Hong Kong from December 23.

Chief Executive John Lee expressed gratitude for the staunch support of the central government and the Guangdong Provincial Government in jointly taking forward and realising the Southbound Travel Scheme.

He noted that the Southbound Travel Scheme and Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles complement each other and are important measures to promote the integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), facilitating mutual engagement between residents of Guangdong and Hong Kong.

Mr Lee highlighted that the Southbound Travel Scheme will also achieve a higher level of mutual flow of people and goods and even open up a new model for Mainland residents to visit Hong Kong, which in turn brings opportunities to such sectors as tourism, retail, and catering in Hong Kong.

Under the strategies of ensuring safety, effective diversion, well-equipped supporting facilities and streamlined application, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is taking forward the Southbound Travel Scheme in a steady manner, with a view to benefitting Hong Kong residents and society as a whole, as well as sharing the fruitful achievements of the integrated development of the GBA, he added.

Under the Southbound Travel Scheme, eligible and approved private cars from Guangdong may enter Hong Kong directly via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge from December 23, starting with 100 vehicles per day for a stay of up to three days per Guangdong vehicle.

Interested applicants must first register for computer-based balloting through Guangdong's information platform of the Southbound Travel Scheme before formally submitting their applications starting from December 9.

Designated drivers have to hold a valid Hong Kong driving licence, their Guangdong vehicles have to be inspected according to Hong Kong regulations and obtained valid third-party risk insurance.

Also as part of the Southbound Travel Scheme, approved Guangdong vehicles may park at the automated carparks on the artificial island at the Hong Kong Port via the Zhuhai Port of the HZMB, after which the drivers and passengers may transfer to a flight via Hong Kong International Airport or enter into urban area by taking Hong Kong local transportation.

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The Airport Authority Hong Kong's (AAHK) automated "Park & Fly" carpark will start operations from 0.00am on November 15.

Providing 1,800 parking spaces for 24-hour automated parking, drop-off and pick-up services, the carparks will be open for application starting from 9am tomorrow.

The AAHK has launched a one-stop booking platform, allowing eligible applicants from Guangdong to book a parking space for each trip on a first-come, first-served basis.

For vehicles with a successful booking, "Park & Fly" travellers having their documents and air tickets verified, will take a bonded bus to the SkyPier Terminal to check in with their baggage, and then proceed directly to the terminal for boarding without going through the Hong Kong immigration clearance in the process.

Upon their return to Hong Kong, travellers will only need to confirm their booking at Transfer Desk E2 in the restricted area of Terminal 1 before proceeding to the SkyPier Terminal to take the bonded bus bound for the "Park & Fly" carpark to retrieve their vehicles.

As for drop-off or pick-up, designated drivers may, in accordance with the respective booking, drive to the "Park & Fly" carpark to transfer to a flight, or from the "Park & Fly" carpark back to the Mainland, without having to use the automated parking system.

To ensure orderly implementation, both parts of the Southbound Travel Scheme will initially be open to applications from Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, and Jiangmen, to be gradually extended to other cities in Guangdong Province after six months.

Hong Kong's economy in the third quarter increased 3.8% year-on-year, picking up from the 3.1% growth in the preceding quarter.

The Census & Statistics Department announced the figures today as it released its advance estimates on gross domestic product (GDP) for the third quarter.

On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter basis, real GDP rose further by 0.7%.

Commenting on the figures, the Government said Hong Kong's economy staged a robust performance in the third quarter, driven by a continued surge in exports and sustained expansion in domestic demand.

Total exports of goods continued to grow markedly in the third quarter, propelled by strong demand for electronic-related products and buoyant regional trade flows.

Exports of services also expanded notably, mainly supported by continued growth in inbound tourism and vibrant cross-boundary financial activities amid rises in global stock markets.

Domestically, private consumption expenditure grew further. Overall investment expenditure saw an accelerated increase alongside the economic expansion and stabilisation in the residential property market.

Looking ahead, the Hong Kong economy should see further solid growth for the rest of 2025. Sustained moderate growth of the global economy in the near term, together with the persistent stellar demand for electronic-related products of late, should provide further support to Hong Kong's exports of goods.

Continued increase in visitor arrivals and vibrant financial market activities should provide further impetus to exports of services.

On the domestic front, the renewed interest rate cuts in the US since last month are conducive to boosting asset market sentiment.

Coupled with a gradual recovery in consumption confidence and also a visible improvement in business sentiment from earlier this year, these developments should lend support to local consumption and investment activity.

The Government's various measures to develop the economy and diversify markets will also provide support.

Nevertheless, external uncertainties, especially those arising from the ongoing impacts of trade barriers on the global economy, international trade and financial conditions still warrant close monitoring, the Government added.

From tomorrow, the Government will expand the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Sectors, enabling more non-local talent to participate in specified short-term activities as visitors without the need to apply for employment visas/entry permits.

Specifically, the scheme will cover five new sectors, ie “Environment”, “Occupational Safety & Health”, “Maritime”, “Think Tanks” and “Others”, with the addition of more authorised organisations and specified short-term activities in seven existing sectors.

The Immigration Department explained that the “Others” sector aims to enable policy bureaus/departments to invite non-local talent to come to Hong Kong under the scheme to take part in events or activities they host, co-host and/or support as necessary, thereby helping more non-local talent to visit Hong Kong for exchanges.

Following the expansion, the scheme will cover 17 sectors with a total of some 490 authorised organisations. Other arrangements will remain unchanged after the expansion.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan concluded the final day of his visit to Saudi Arabia.

In the morning, Mr Chan met Governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) Yasir Al-Rumayyan to exchange views on deepening ties in investment and innovation and technology development. Mr Chan noted that over the past few years, Hong Kong and the PIF have built a solid foundation for co-operation across various sectors. He expressed hope that future collaboration can be further strengthened to contribute to the Belt & Road Initiative and support the development goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Mr Chan also led the Hong Kong delegation on a visit to New Murabba, a flagship urban development project in Riyadh. During the visit, Mr Chan met New Murabba Development Company Chief Executive Officer Michael Dyke, and attended a business exchange session.

Remarking that Hong Kong possesses internationally recognised strengths in urban planning, architectural design, engineering consultancy, construction technology innovation, as well as project management and financing, Mr Chan noted the keen interest of Hong Kong professionals in participating in large-scale urban development projects abroad. He invited New Murabba Development Company to conduct a roadshow in Hong Kong to identify partners and explore financing opportunities.

The finance chief also attended two networking events, including a high-level luncheon hosted by local bank SAB, and the Hong Kong – Saudi Business Dinner co-organised by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Dubai and Invest Hong Kong, where he delivered keynote speeches.

Mr Chan emphasised that with the unique advantages of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong serves as a two-way platform connecting the Chinese Mainland with the rest of the world. He added that Hong Kong’s strengths in finance, commerce, logistics, and innovation and technology, together with its integration with the Greater Bay Area, offer significant potential for broader collaboration with Saudi Arabia. He welcomed members of the Saudi business community to come and explore co-operation opportunities and expand their business.

The visit to Saudi Arabia yielded fruitful outcomes, including the signing of five agreements or memoranda of understanding between members of the Hong Kong delegation and local partners. Mr Chan witnessed several of the signing ceremonies.

The projected private flat supply for the next three to four years is 102,000 units, 1,000 more than the previous estimate.

The Housing Bureau today said there were 26,000 unsold units in completed projects at the end of September.

There were also 62,000 units under construction, excluding those pre-sold by developers; and 14,000 units from disposed sites where construction may start anytime.

The number of flats under construction in the third quarter was 800, while 3,300 units were completed during the period.

The value of residential mortgage loans approved in September was $31.4 billion, a 9.4% increase compared with August, the Monetary Authority announced today.

Mortgage loans financing primary market transactions increased 17.5% to $12.6 billion, while those financing secondary market transactions rose 6.1% to $15.5 billion.

Loans for refinancing decreased 2.4% to $3.2 billion.

Mortgage loans drawn down during September amounted to $20.9 billion, a 9.7% rise from August.

The number of mortgage applications in September dropped 1.1% month on month to 8,316.

The outstanding value of mortgage loans increased 0.2% month-on-month to $1.8914 trillion at end-September.

The Government today launched an open tender for the Smart & Green Mass Transit System (SGMTS) in Kai Tak, the first of its kind to be introduced in Hong Kong.

The closing time for tenders to be received is noon on July 3, 2026. The mass transit system is targeted to be commissioned in 2031.

The Kai Tak SGMTS is approximately 3.5km long, with six stations. With its termini connected to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and MTR Kai Tak Station respectively, the system will provide a convenient feeder transport service linking the former runway area of Kai Tak to MTR Kai Tak Station, in order to strengthen connectivity among residential and commercial developments, tourism, culture and recreation, sports and community facilities within the area.

To encourage participation of local, Mainland and overseas investors and operators, a Build-Operate-Transfer model is adopted for selecting a franchisee to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the Kai Tak SGMTS through an open tender, the Transport & Logistics Bureau explained.

It further noted that since the estimated profit from the operation of the SGMTS would not be able to cover the capital investment for construction and subsequent asset replacement, funding support will be provided through a transit-oriented development approach, where property development rights of three sites in the vicinity of the SGMTS would be granted to the future franchisee for holistic planning and development. Tenderers will be required to propose a fixed sum payable to the Government for the grant of the franchise and property development rights of the sites.

A two-envelope approach will be adopted in the tender assessment, with the non-price proposal carrying 60% and the price proposal carrying 40%. The Government will consider both the non-price and price proposals comprehensively, with a view to selecting the proposal which best fits the project intent.

Interested parties with the capability of delivering the project can make a request for obtaining the tender documents through the project website. Call 3842 7087 for enquiries.

The Government today reiterated that all regulatory bodies of healthcare professions have the responsibility to handle complaints against professionals through a fair, impartial, transparent and efficient investigation and disciplinary mechanism to ensure healthcare professional standards and patient safety, and to foster mutual trust between patients and healthcare professionals.

The Government made the statement in response to the recent decision of the Medical Council of Hong Kong (MCHK) to stay the proceedings of an inquiry case permanently, noting that healthcare professions have all along observed the principle of professional autonomy, with the statutory bodies responsible for regulating the healthcare professions, upholding and uplifting their professional standards and ethical conduct, thereby protecting the interest of patients.

The Secretary for Health has written to the MCHK Chairman, requesting the council to provide an account on the mechanism in handling complaint investigation and disciplinary inquiries, and to carry out a holistic review and introduce improvement recommendations in light of the complaint case to respond to the expectation of society and the public concerning the standard and ethical conduct of healthcare professionals.

The MCHK must uphold its mission of ensuring justice, maintaining professionalism and protecting the public, the statement said, adding that the Health Bureau expressed regards to the patient and parents involved, and will follow up with relevant departments on the patient’s medical and welfare needs.

A delegation of 10 overseas government officials completed their visit to Hong Kong today, with a better understanding of the city's strengths, potential and opportunities under the "one country, two systems" arrangement.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited officials of foreign ministries from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan for a visit aimed at enhancing co-operation between Hong Kong and their countries.

During their stay in Hong Kong, they met Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, Acting Financial Secretary Michael Wong and Acting Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan. They exchanged views and learnt more about Hong Kong's unique advantages of having connections to both the Mainland and the world under "one country, two systems", as well as its role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder".

They also met Acting Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Bernard Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Joseph Chan, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Lillian Cheong, as well as representatives of a number of institutions.

Additionally, the delegation toured the Science Park and West Kowloon Cultural District to learn about the city's latest developments and opportunities in finance, trade, innovation and technology, and arts and culture.

The delegation also visited Shenzhen to learn more about the integrated development of the Greater Bay Area.

Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing today chaired the first meeting of the AI Efficacy Enhancement Team, co-ordinating policy bureaus and departments in using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to boost governmental efficiency and spur technological innovation, as well as discuss its work plan.

Mr Cheuk noted that to implement the objective of strengthening governance as outlined by the Chief Executive in the Policy Address, the AI Efficacy Enhancement Team will make use of co-ordination to steer departments to effectively apply AI technology to their work, explore process re-engineering, and promote technological reform to improve efficacy.

He said the team will identify departments that can use AI to enhance performance having regard to certain directions.

First is departments with greater interface with the public. Second is departments with services drawing much public attention. Third is changes that can bring about notable improvements in work efficiency. Fourth is that people can see obvious changes brought by the enhanced efficacy.

Mr Cheuk added that the team will identify departments with services closely related to citizens' livelihood and work out the implementation details, with the aim of rolling out related projects gradually after six months.

The team discussed its key focuses and initial work plan. A briefing was given by the Digital Policy Office on the AI toolboxes that can be used in common administrative procedures such as data collection and analytics, customer service and paperwork.

Chief Executive John Lee began his visit in Korea this morning in Busan by receiving President Xi Jinping who will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting and pay a state visit to Korea.

In the afternoon, Mr Lee met Hong Kong people and business representatives based in Korea to learn more about their daily lives. He encouraged them to leverage their strengths to tell the good stories of Hong Kong and contribute to the economic and trade co-operation, as well as people-to-people exchanges between the two places.

Accompanied by Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau, Mr Lee then attended a dinner with Hong Kong, China's representative to the APEC Business Advisory Council in Gyeongju to discuss various issues including the promotion of Hong Kong's advantages and the enhancement of regional co-operation.

The Chief Executive will participate in the APEC Economic Leaders' Informal Dialogue with Guests, the APEC Business Advisory Council Dialogue with APEC Economic Leaders, and the Gala Dinner hosted by the organiser for participating leaders tomorrow.

A total of 400 stalls were let out at the 2026 Victoria Park Lunar New Year (LNY) Fair open auction which concluded today, with a total revenue of $9,030,526.

The Food & Environmental Hygiene Department said the stalls included 170 for regular size dry goods, 46 for large size dry goods, 180 for wet goods, and four for fast food. The successful bids for the dry goods stalls ranged from $8,540 to $60,000.

Separately, the department said the auction for stalls of the Tat Tung Road Garden LNY Fair in Tung Chung will be held tomorrow from 9am at Assembly Hall, 2/F, Lai Chi Kok Government Offices, 19 Lai Wan Road, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon.

The auctions for stalls of the LNY fairs in Fa Hui Park in Sham Shui Po, Cheung Sha Wan Playground in Sham Shui Po, Kwun Tong Recreation Ground in Kwun Tong and To Kwa Wan Recreation Ground in Kowloon City will be held at the above-mentioned venue from November 3 to 6. The morning session will run from 9am to 12.30pm, and the afternoon session will start at 2pm.

The Primary Healthcare Commission announced the Community Drug Formulary (CDF) mechanism and promulgated the Guidelines of Practice for Community Pharmacy today.

The move establishes a clear framework for the services of community pharmacies and their pharmacists, with a view to paving the way for the launch of the Community Pharmacy Programme (CPP) in the fourth quarter of next year.

According to the mechanism of the CDF, drugs listed therein will be mainly selected from the Hospital Authority (HA) Drug Formulary. The HA will co-ordinate the procurement through a collaborative mechanism established between the Government and the HA.

The CDF will cover drugs commonly used in primary healthcare, including preventive drugs, drugs for managing chronic diseases, and drugs for treating episodic illnesses.

It will be classified into three tiers, each with different drug inclusion mechanisms, scope of applications, as well as co-payment models. Tier 1 will mainly comprise non-patented drugs, Tier 2 will cover individual patented drugs and specified drugs, and Tier 3 will consist of drugs classified as special category.

The drug application of the CDF will be launched in the second half of next year in an orderly manner. By then, citizens participating in the Government's primary healthcare programmes, such as the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme (CDCC Pilot Scheme), can be provided with primary healthcare drugs listed in the CDF with doctors' prescriptions under a co-payment model through doctors under the programmes or community pharmacies participating in the CPP.

The PHC Commission is currently formulating the CDF drug list, and establishing procurement agreements with drug suppliers and pressing ahead with the preparatory work of relevant information systems through the HA.

The CDF will be based on the drug list of the CDCC Pilot Scheme and cover over 100 drug items upon its launch. It will be gradually expanded based on patient needs, with the long-term scope of covering up to 200 to 400 drug items. The Government will review the drug list in a timely manner and allow flexibility to include new drugs in the future to meet the needs of the society.

Meanwhile, the Guidelines of Practice for Community Pharmacy promulgated today, devise clear standards and establish a service framework, with a view to promoting community pharmacies and their pharmacists to play a more crucial role in the healthcare system, enhancing professional standards and service quality, and ensuring members of the public can receive consistent, high-quality and safe care services.

The guidelines will serve as the fundamental standard for the CPP and cover four key areas of community pharmacies.

They are standards for management and staff involved in the operation; requirements for the premises; daily operation procedures; and scope of services. The guidelines stipulate the operation models and practical guidance of service provisions of a community pharmacy under the existing legal and regulatory framework in a systemic manner.

In the long term, only registered pharmacies that have been vetted by the Government as meeting the service standards and quality assurance requirements outlined in the guidelines will be recognised as community pharmacies under the primary healthcare service network.

The guidelines will initially apply to community pharmacies participating as service outlets in the District Health Centre network.

The PHC Commission will launch the CPP in phases starting from the fourth quarter of next year. The CPP will adopt two service models - the Community and the Residential Care Homes (RCH).

Under the CPP (Community), participating community pharmacies will dispense designated drugs in batches to patients of the HA's Family Medicine Out-patient Services eligible for drug dispensing services before their next follow-up consultation with a view to enhancing patients' drug compliance and avoiding excess storage of drugs, thereby reducing risks and potential wastage.

As for patients enrolled in primary healthcare programmes, such as the CDCC Pilot Scheme, they may also opt to obtain drugs from community pharmacies under the CPP, offering them a convenient alternative for obtaining drugs and medication counselling services other than their family doctors' clinics.

Under the CPP (RCH), HA-prescribed drugs will be regularly dispensed to HA patients residing in RCHs for the elderly and persons with disabilities to improve the current practice of daily drug sorting and distribution by RCH staff, with a view to enhancing patients' drug compliance and reducing the risks associated with overstocking of drugs. The services of the CPP (RCH) include drug distribution, reconciling, and prepackaging of the daily required drugs.

In addition, pharmacists will assist RCHs in adopting information technology for drug management to enhance drug safety in RCHs.

Pharmacies participating in the CPP will also provide a range of professional value-added pharmaceutical services according to the actual needs of patients and RCHs. Apart from general drug consultations and counselling, drug reconciliation and drug safety information, pharmacies under the CPP (Community) also provide services such as drug management, chronic disease management, smoking cessation and oral health promotions.

As for the CPP (RCH), value-added services include the establishment of drug administration systems, drug management and storage for RCHs, health education and staff training, thereby ensuring safe and accurate drug administration, as well as enhancing management of drug safety in RCHs.

The first-stage tender exercise for the CPP (Community) will commence in the fourth quarter of this year, with phased implementation starting from the fourth quarter of next year.

In the initial phase, the CPP (Community) will be piloted at four districts, each with approximately four to five community pharmacies, and will be extended to cover all 18 districts across the city by the fourth quarter of 2027.

Meanwhile, the first-stage tender exercise for the CPP (RCH) is expected to commence in the first quarter of next year, with phased implementation beginning in the first quarter of 2027.

The Security Bureau today launched the "Andy & Bear KinderFest" school tour, which will involve workshops being organised in kindergartens to disseminate national security messages and help students to grow into law-abiding citizens with an affection for the country and Hong Kong.

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung said at the launch ceremony that Andy & Security Bear have received a good response as characters since the launch of national security comics featuring them.

Accompanied by volunteers from the Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum, the two characters will visit kindergartens to interact with students. Through storytelling and games, the workshops are designed to teach children basic concepts of national security in a fun and engaging environment.

Together with Under Secretary for Education Sze Chun-fai, Mr Tang appointed some 90 members of the leaders forum as "fest  leaders" and witnessed 30 representatives committing to the mission of national security promotion and education.

Mr Tang and Mr Sze were joined by Permanent Secretary for Security Patrick Li and Under Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk in launching the Andy & Bear KinderFest school tour.

Concluding the ceremony, Mr Tang appealed to the people to cast their votes in the 2025 Legislative Council General Election to be held on December 7.

On a visit to Saudi Arabia, Financial Secretary Paul Chan, leading a delegation, participated in activities of the Future Investment Initiative, engaged in exchanges with local political and business leaders, visited local innovation and technology (I&T) institutions, and viewed urban planning and conservation projects.

In the morning, Mr Chan attended a breakfast session of the Future Investment Initiative and took part in a fireside chat to share his views on the prospects for strengthening economic, trade and financial ties between Hong Kong and the Middle East.

Mr Chan noted that against the backdrop of increasing global geopolitical and economic fragmentation, economic and financial links between China as well as other parts of Asia and the Middle East continue to deepen, and Hong Kong will further leverage its role to support Mainland enterprises in going global, expanding their industrial and supply chains, and tapping into overseas markets.

Hong Kong, while standing ready to offer capital and professional services to Middle Eastern businesses seeking to enter the Mainland and Asian markets, is well placed to promote cross-border capital flows as well as provide diversified infrastructure financing models, he stressed.

The finance chief added that Hong Kong is accelerating cross-border financial and I&T collaboration with the Middle East, with a number of startups and tech companies from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area establishing a presence in the Gulf.

Later in the day, the Financial Secretary and the delegation met Saudi National Bank’s senior management. The Hong Kong delegates introduced their respective businesses and conveyed interest in connecting with financial institutions, investors and enterprises in Saudi Arabia in order to explore business opportunities. In concluding remarks, Mr Chan highlighted Hong Kong’s active role in supporting investment and capital flows with Saudi Arabia.

The delegation called on the Digital Cooperation Organization in the afternoon. Its Director-General Hajar El Haddaoui expressed interest in facilitating greater exchanges between startups and innovative enterprises from its member states and the Hong Kong delegation.

The delegation also visited The Garage, an I&T incubation platform under the King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology, to understand its operations and the local government’s policies in nurturing startups. Both sides discussed potential collaboration in areas such as incubation, talent exchanges and scientific research.

Afterwards, the Hong Kong group toured Diriyah and the At-Turaif district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to learn about urban revitalisation initiatives there.

In the evening, Mr Chan attended a welcome dinner hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade for Chinese and Saudi business communities.