News Release - September 2020

Government establishes Governance Committee of Hong Kong Growth Portfolio September 30, 2020 - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government announced today the establishment of the Governance Committee of Hong Kong Growth Portfolio. The Financial Secretary will chair the Governance Committee, with six non-officials who have rich experience in investment appointed as members for a term of two years, from October 1, 2020, to September 30, 2022.
Hong Kong’s Exchange Fund at US$533.4 billion September 30, 2020 - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority announced today that the total assets of the Exchange Fund amounted to HK$4,160.7 billion (US$533.4 billion) as at August 31, 2020. This is HK$4.6 billion (US$589 million) higher than that at the end of July 2020. Hong Kong dollar assets increased by HK$6.3 billion (US$807 million) while foreign currency assets decreased by HK$1.7 billion (US$217 million).
Provisional statistics of retail sales for August 2020 September 30, 2020 - The Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government released the latest figures on retail sales today.
Financial results for the five months ended August 31, 2020 September 30, 2020 - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government announced today its financial results for the five months ended August 31, 2020.
Latest legislative amendments, directions and specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance gazetted September 29, 2020 - Having regard to the development of the COVID-19 epidemic situation in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government gazetted today the latest legislative amendments, directions and specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance (Cap. 599) in order to combat the epidemic more effectively.
Cybersec Infohub officially launched to strengthen defence against cyber attacks September 29, 2020 - The Cybersec Infohub Launching Ceremony cum Members Professional Workshop was held today, highlighting the collaboration between the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) and the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited (HKIRC) in running the formalized Partnership Programme for Cyber Security Information Sharing, which is also known as the Cybersec Infohub. The OGCIO and the HKIRC will encourage members to share cyber security information, advice and insights with cyber security experts from different sectors via the cyber security information sharing and collaborative platform (Cybersechub.hk) under the program. Through the sharing of the latest intelligence, members will get timely alerts and be prepared to defend against cyber attacks effectively.
Full resumption of face-to-face classes at all schools in Hong Kong September 29, 2020 - Subsequent to the smooth resumption of face-to-face classes of Secondary One, Five and Six and Primary One, Five and Six as well as Kindergarten Three for schools in Hong Kong on September 23, the remaining levels (namely Secondary Two to Four and Primary Two to Four as well as Kindergarten One and Two) also resumed face-to-face classes today (September 29).
Free Trade Agreement and Investment Agreement between Hong Kong and ASEAN enter into force for Brunei Darussalam September 28, 2020 - A Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government spokesman said today that the part relating to Brunei Darussalam under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Investment Agreement (IA) between Hong Kong and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will enter into force on October 20.
Hong Kong students excel at International Mathematical Olympiad September 28, 2020 - Hong Kong students continue to attain good results in international competitions related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. A team of six students representing Hong Kong achieved outstanding results in the 61st International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO 2020), winning three silver medals and three bronze medals.
Financial Secretary attends APEC Finance Ministers’ Meeting 2020 September 25, 2020 - Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) 2020 today. The event was, for the first time, convened virtually due to the global spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Global Financial Centres Index Report September 25, 2020 - Hong Kong was ranked fifth in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) 28 Report published by the Z/Yen from the United Kingdom and the China Development Institute from Shenzhen.
Hong Kong students triumph at 32nd International Olympiad in Informatics September 24, 2020 - A team of Hong Kong students has brought home one gold and two bronze medals against contestants from 87 countries or regions from all over the world at the 32nd International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI 2020). The contest is the most recognized worldwide computer science competition aimed at secondary students under 20 years of age.
Government to launch Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme to subsidize venue rental for convention and exhibition activities September 24, 2020 - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government announced today that, in light of the gradual stabilization of the epidemic situation and the progressive resumption of convention and exhibition activities, a 100 per cent venue rental subsidy for organizers of exhibitions and international conventions held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and AsiaWorld-Expo under the Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme will be launched on October 3.
Specifications under Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation to be gazetted September 24, 2020 - In view of the developments of the COVID-19 epidemic situation worldwide and in Hong Kong, the Government will gazette the latest specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H) today (September 24) to more effectively combat the epidemic.
External merchandise trade statistics for August 2020 September 24, 2020 - The Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government released today (September 24) the external merchandise trade statistics for August 2020. In August 2020, the values of Hong Kong's total exports and imports of goods both recorded year-on-year decreases, at 2.3% and 5.7% respectively.
Government announces expiry of option in respect of site adjacent to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort at Penny's Bay September 23, 2020 - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government announced today (September 23) that while it continues to fully support the existing expansion plan for Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) despite the prevailing worldwide tourism downturn, the Government will not extend the option for Hongkong International Theme Parks Limited (HKITP) to purchase the site adjacent to HKDL at Penny's Bay (the Site), having taken into account the current economic conditions.
Chief Justice of Court of Final Appeal issues Statement September 23, 2020 - In view of the number of commentaries, opinions and criticisms that have recently been made in relation to various decisions of the courts and judges, the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Geoffrey Ma Tao-li, today issued a Statement to explain some fundamental principles regarding the administration of justice in Hong Kong, with particular emphasis on criminal cases. It is crucial for these principles to be firmly borne in mind when commenting on the work of the courts and judges. These principles all originate from the Basic Law which guarantees the exercise of independent judicial power. The Basic Law states in express terms that judicial power is to be exercised independently, free from any interference.
Government extends social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance September 23, 2020 - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will gazette directions and specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F), the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) and the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I) today (September 23) to largely maintain the social distancing measures currently in place. The relevant measures will take effect at 0.00am on September 25 for a period of seven days till October 1.
Financial Secretary attends webinar to reaffirm Hong Kong’s role as gateway to Mainland September 22, 2020 - Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, attended a webinar entitled “How Hong Kong continues to be a gateway to China” today (September 22) to reaffirm to European entrepreneurs that Hong Kong continues to be the unique business bridge between the Mainland and the rest of the world.
Consumer Price Indices for August 2020 September 21, 2020 - The Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government released today the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures for August 2020. According to the Composite CPI, overall consumer prices fell by 0.4% in August 2020 over the same month a year earlier. The decrease was smaller than the corresponding decrease (-2.3%) in July 2020, as effect of the Government's payment of public housing rentals and waiver of two-thirds of rent for tenants of Group B estates by Hong Kong Housing Society in July dissipated in August.
Recruitment for four civil service graduate grades September 19, 2020 - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government started a recruitment exercise today for appointment as Administrative Officer, Executive Officer II, Assistant Trade Officer II and Transport Officer II in 2020-21.
Common law and judicial independence bedrocks of Hong Kong’s success September 19, 2020 - In response to media enquiries, a Government spokesman today (September 19) emphasized the importance of upholding the common law system and judicial independence in Hong Kong.
Government stays vigilant to cope with next wave of COVID-19 epidemic September 18, 2020 - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today announced its work plan and a range of preparations for preventing and combating the next wave of COVID-19 epidemic.
Chief Executive participates in 2020 PPRD Regional Co-operation Chief Executive Joint Conference September 18, 2020 - The 2020 Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) Regional Co-operation Chief Executive Joint Conference was held in Sanya, Hainan today. To take charge of disease prevention and control in Hong Kong, the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, and the relevant officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government participated in the Joint Conference through video conferencing in Hong Kong.
Volume and price statistics of external merchandise trade in July 2020 September 17, 2020 - Further to the external merchandise trade statistics in value terms for July 2020 released earlier on, the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region released today the volume and price statistics of external merchandise trade for that month.
Unemployment rate remains at 6.1% September 17, 2020 - According to the latest labor force statistics (i.e. provisional figures for June - August 2020) released today by the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 6.1% in June - August 2020, the same as that in May - July 2020. The underemployment rate increased from 3.5% in May - July 2020 to 3.8% in June - August 2020.
Financial Leaders Forum convenes thirteenth meeting September 16, 2020 - The Financial Leaders Forum, chaired by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, held its thirteenth meeting today.
HKSAR Government formally takes issue with US Government over its new requirement on origin marking September 16, 2020 - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today formally took issue with the United States (US) Government over the new requirement announced by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on August 11 in respect of the origin marking of Hong Kong products, and requested that the requirement be withdrawn immediately.
Government continues to relax social distancing measures in a gradual and orderly manner September 15, 2020 - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will gazette directions and specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F), the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) and the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I) on September 16 to continue to relax social distancing measures in a gradual and orderly manner. The relevant measures will take effect at 0.00am on September 18 for a period of seven days till September 24.
Chief Secretary at UN Human Rights Council session stresses National Security Law contributes to Hong Kong’s progress September 15, 2020 - The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, in his capacity as the deputy head of the China delegation, delivered a video message on the situation in Hong Kong and the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (National Security Law) at the 45th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council held in Geneva, Switzerland today (September 15).
Nine young talents awarded Hong Kong Jockey Club Music and Dance Fund scholarships September 15, 2020 - The Hong Kong Jockey Club Music and Dance Fund (the Fund) announced today the award of scholarships, totaling HK$3.26 million (US$ 417,948), to nine young talents in music and dance to support them in continuing their studies in Hong Kong or abroad.
Universal Community Testing Programme concludes successfully September 14, 2020 - The 14-day Universal Community Testing Programme (UCTP) concluded successfully today. A total of about 1,783,000 persons have registered at the community testing centers around the territory for COVID-19 testing since the launch of the UCTP on September 1.
“Bruce Lee: Kung Fu · Art · Life” exhibition extended to 2026 September 14, 2020 - The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today announced that, with mutual consent between the Hong Kong Heritage Museum and the Bruce Lee Foundation in the US, the “Bruce Lee: Kung Fu · Art · Life” exhibition being held at the museum will be revamped and the show period will be extended until 2026.
EPD wins Special Achievement in Geographical Information System Award 2020 September 14, 2020 - The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been awarded the “Special Achievement in Geographical Information System (SAG) Award 2020” by the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI). The award recognizes the department’s positive application of Geographical Information System (GIS) technology with innovative ideas to provide better services for the public.
Government to distribute second CuMask+™ to residents for free September 11, 2020 - The Innovation and Technology Bureau (ITB) announced today that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will distribute the second adult-sized CuMask+™ to eligible citizens for free starting next Monday (September 14).
Government to resume normal public services September 10, 2020 - In view of the latest developments of the epidemic situation, a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government spokesman announced today that government departments will fully resume normal public services from September 15 subject to the implementation of targeted measures to reduce social contact and the application of infection control measures.
Hong Kong once again ranked as world’s freest economy September 10, 2020 - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today welcomed that the Fraser Institute once again ranked Hong Kong as the world’s freest economy in the Economic Freedom of the World 2020 Annual Report. Hong Kong has gained the top rank since the inception of the report. Among the five areas of assessment, Hong Kong was ranked top in “Freedom to Trade Internationally” and “Regulation”.
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development attends webinar to share insights on global trade after COVID-19 pandemic September 9, 2020 - Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, attended a webinar entitled “Global trade in transition? The world after COVID-19” today to share his insights on global trade after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Universal Community Testing Program extended for three days to September 14 September 9, 2020 - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has decided to extend the Universal Community Testing Program (UCTP) for three days to September 14 after reviewing the data and experiences from the operation of the community testing centers as well as the public’s demand for the testing service. The whole UCTP will run for 14 days.
Government continues to relax social distancing measures under Prevention and Control of Disease Ordinance in a gradual and orderly manner September 8, 2020 - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will gazette today amendments, directions and specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F), the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) and the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I) to continue to relax social distancing measures in a gradual and orderly manner. The relevant measures will take effect at 0.00am on September 11 for a period of seven days till September 17.
Foreign currency reserves at US$450 billion September 7, 2020 - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority announced today that the official foreign currency reserve assets of Hong Kong amounted to US$450 billion as at the end of August 2020, unchanged from end-July’s figure.
Universal Community Testing Program extended for four days to September 11 September 4, 2020 - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has decided to extend the Universal Community Testing Program (UCTP), which was launched on September 1, for four days to September 11 after reviewing the data and experience from the operation of the community testing centers as well as the public's demand for the testing service.
Government to join COVID-19 vaccine Global Access Facility September 4, 2020 - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today announced that it had submitted the expression of interest to participate in the COVID-19 vaccine Global Access Facility (COVAX Facility), being part of Hong Kong’s two-pronged strategy for procurement of vaccines.
Statistics on vessels, port cargo and containers for second quarter of 2020 September 3, 2020 - The Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today released the statistics on vessels, port cargo and containers for the second quarter of 2020.
Government continues to relax social distancing measures in a gradual and orderly manner September 2, 2020 - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will gazette today (September 2) directions and specifications under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F), the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) and the Prevention and Control of Disease (Wearing of Mask) Regulation (Cap. 599I) to continue to relax social distancing measures in a gradual and orderly manner. The above directions and specifications will take effect at 0.00am on September 4 for a period of seven days till September 10.
First day operation of community testing centers is smooth September 1, 2020 - The Universal Community Testing Program (UCTP) was launched today, with all the 141 community testing centers operating smoothly as a whole. A total of about 126,000 people attended and registered at the centers for specimen taking. Appropriate infection control and social distancing measures have been put in place at various testing centers, ensuring that the testing is safe, convenient and quick.
Provisional statistics of retail sales for July 2020 September 1, 2020 - The value of total retail sales in July 2020, provisionally estimated at HK$26.5 billion (US$3.3 billion), decreased by 23.1% compared with the same month in 2019. The revised estimate of the value of total retail sales in June 2020 decreased by 24.7% compared with a year earlier. For the first seven months of 2020 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales decreased by 32.1% compared with the same period in 2019.
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