Author Archives: hksar gov

     According to the report “Hong Kong Innovation Activities Statistics 2023” released today (December 23) by the Census and Statistics Department, the gross domestic expenditure on research and development (GERD) in Hong Kong has been on the rise and reached $33,006 million in 2023, representing an increase of about 10 per cent compared with the corresponding figure in 2022 ($30,138 million). The GERD as a ratio to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has also further increased to 1.11 per cent in 2023. In addition, the number of research and development (R&D) personnel showed a steady increase over the years and reached 43,403 in 2023 (compared with 39,710 in 2022).

     A government spokesman said, “The country indicates clear support in the National 14th Five-Year Plan for Hong Kong to develop into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre. Promoting I&T development has always been one of the key policy areas of the current-term Government. In recent years, the Government has been focusing on encouraging innovation activities, developing I&T infrastructure, strengthening basic research and promoting commercialisation of R&D outcomes, attracting and nurturing talent, supporting start-ups, etc. Moreover, since taking office, the current-term Government has been actively enhancing the local I&T ecosystem by consolidating our strengths in upstream basic research, accelerating the midstream transformation and realisation of scientific research outcomes, and supporting industry development in the downstream. Various initiatives have achieved good progress. It is encouraging to see that the GERD and the GERD as a ratio of the GDP have recorded satisfactory growth in 2023. We will continue to promote I&T development in Hong Kong at full steam following the development directions and major strategies as set out in the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint.”

     The spokesman also stated that a series of measures have been announced in the 2024 Policy Address, including promoting the development of new industrialisation, preparing for the establishment of the third InnoHK research cluster, launching the Pilot I&T Accelerator Scheme, setting up a $10 billion I&T Industry-Oriented Fund, etc., to achieve high-quality economic development through technological empowerment. In addition, the Government promulgated the Development Outline for the Hong Kong Park (the Park) of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone in November this year to foster the development of the Park.

     “The Government will continue to take forward various policy measures to create favourable conditions for Hong Kong’s I&T development, with a view to further promoting the development of I&T and new quality productive forces in Hong Kong, and realising the vision of developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre,” the spokesman added. read more

     According to the statistics on Hong Kong innovation activities released today (December 23) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the gross domestic expenditure on research and development (GERD) of Hong Kong… read more

     The Transport Department (TD) today (December 23) reminded the public that the following special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented on December 24 and 25 to facilitate the celebrations on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
 
Road closures

     Road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented in the vicinities of Lan Kwai Fong in Central, Tsim Sha Tsui and West Kowloon Cultural District in phases from 2pm onwards on December 24. The Tsim Sha Tsui East (Mody Road) Bus Terminus, Star Ferry Bus Terminus in Tsim Sha Tsui and China Ferry Terminal Bus Terminus will be suspended from 5.30pm, 6.30pm and 11pm respectively on that day until the re-opening of closed roads for traffic. To facilitate the road closure arrangements, the bus and green minibus (GMB) routes operating in the affected areas will be subject to diversion or suspension, and the associated bus and GMB stops located within the affected areas will be suspended or relocated accordingly. 

Public transport services on December 24 will be adjusted as follows:
 

1. The service levels of MTR lines (except Airport Express and Disneyland Resort Line) will be strengthened gradually from 3pm;
2. MTR lines (except Airport Express, Disneyland Resort Line and East Rail Line section between Sheung Shui – Lok Ma Chau/Lo Wu) and Light Rail route nos. 505, 507, 610, 614P, 615P, 706 and 751 will provide overnight services;
3. The operating hours of MTR bus route nos. 506, K51 and K54 will be extended;
4. Three special bus services (KMB route nos. N64P, N243 and N272) will be operated in the small hours on December 25. The service level and operating hours of 23 KMB routes in Kowloon and New Territories will be strengthened or extended;
5. The operating hours of four GMB routes in Kowloon and one GMB route in New Territories will be extended; and
6. Tram services will be extended to 1.30am on the following day and will also be strengthened subject to passenger demand.

 
Central to Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System Services

     The operating hours of the Central to Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System on December 24 and 25 will be extended to 1am on the following day.
 
     For details of the special traffic and public transport arrangements, members of the public may visit the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk) or its mobile application “HKeMobility”. Passengers may also refer to the passenger notices displayed by the relevant public transport operators.
 
     Members of the public are advised to make use of public transport services as far as possible to avoid traffic congestion and unnecessary delays. The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures when necessary. The Police may adjust the traffic arrangements, subject to the prevailing crowd and traffic conditions in the areas. The public should pay attention to the latest traffic news through radio, television or “HKeMobility”. read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:      The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (December 23) published the December 2024 issue of its Quarterly Bulletin. This issue of Quarterly Bul… read more

     Police will implement crowd safety management measures and special traffic arrangements on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon from December 24 (Tuesday) to December 25 (Wednesday) to facilitate the public to celebrate the festive season.
 
Hong Kong Island
———————
 
A. Crowd safety management measures
 
     As a large number of people is expected, crowd management measures will be implemented in Lan Kwai Fong area. Please follow the Police’s instruction and queue patiently.
    
     Members of the public are urged not to bring or discharge aerosol spray in the vicinity as it may be hazardous to people nearby. Members of the public are also reminded to look after the accompanying children and elderly.
 
B. Road closure
 
     The following roads will be closed from 2pm on December 24 to 5am on December 25:
 
– D’Aguilar Street between Wyndham Street and Wellington Street;
– Lan Kwai Fong;
– Wing Wah Lane;
– Wo On Lane;
– Wellington Street between Wyndham Street and D’Aguilar Street; and
– On Lan Street.
 
     Depending on the crowd situation, the following roads may be closed:
 
– Stanley Street between D’Aguilar Street and Cochrane Street;
– Wyndham Street between Glenealy and Queen’s Road Central;
– D’Aguilar Street between Queen’s Road Central and Wellington Street;
– Wellington Street between D’Aguilar Street and Cochrane Street;
– Cochrane Street between Wellington Street and Stanley Street;
– Lyndhurst Terrance; and
– Queen’s Road Central between Pedder Street and Pottinger Street.
 
     In order to facilitate the dispersal of worshippers from St. Joseph’s Church after the Christmas Eve Mass, the rightmost lane of Garden Road between Kennedy Road and Upper Albert Road will be closed to all vehicular traffic at anytime, depending on the crowd conditions.
 
C. Suspension of on-street parking spaces
 
     All on-street parking spaces on the following streets will be suspended from 1pm on December 24 to 5am on December 25:
 
– Stanley Street near D’Aguilar Street;
– On Lan Street; and
– Wyndham Street between Arbuthnot Road and D’Aguilar Street.
 
Kowloon
———-
 
A. Crowd safety management measures
 
     Christmas Eve celebration is expected to attract a large number of people to the Tsim Sha Tsui area. Depending on the prevailing situation, Police will implement crowd safety management measures.
 
B. Road closure and traffic diversions
 
Phase I (from 6pm on December 24)
 
     The following roads will be closed:
 
– Hung Hom Bypass between Salisbury Road and Hung Hom Road;
– Hung Hom Bypass between Salisbury Road and Metropolis Drive;
– Southbound Salisbury Road between Hong Chong Road and Hung Hom Bypass;
– Salisbury Road and Salisbury Road Underpass between Science Museum Road and Kowloon Park Drive;
– The U-turn slip road leading from eastbound Salisbury Road to westbound Salisbury Road;
– Hong Wan Path;
– Mody Lane;
– Mody Road;
– Mody Square;
– Granville Square;
– Granville Road between Chatham Road South and Science Museum Road, except for franchised buses and green minibuses (GMBs);
– Southbound Chatham Road South between Cheong Wan Road and Salisbury Road;
– Southbound Chatham Road South between Cheong Wan Road and Granville Road, except for franchised buses and GMBs;
– Northbound Chatham Road South between Granville Road and Salisbury Road;
– Carnarvon Road between Granville Road and Nathan Road;
– Hau Fook Street;
– Cameron Lane;
– Cameron Road;
– Humphreys Avenue;
– Prat Avenue;
– Hart Avenue;
– Hanoi Road;
– Bristol Avenue;
– Minden Row;
– Minden Avenue;
– Blenheim Avenue;
– Middle Road;
– Northbound Nathan Road between Austin Road and Salisbury Road;
– Southbound Nathan Road between Granville Road and Salisbury Road;
– Southbound Kowloon Park Drive between Canton Road and Salisbury Road;
– Southbound Canton Road between Kowloon Park Drive and Salisbury Road;
– Ashley Road;
– Hankow Road;
– Lock Road;
– Haiphong Road;
– Ichang Street;
– Peking Road;
– The slip road near Xiqu Centre leading from westbound Austin Road West (at-grade section) to eastbound Austin Road West;
– The left lane of Austin Road West leading to Austin Road West roundabout;
– The slip road near The Harbourside leading from eastbound Austin Road West (at-grade section) to westbound Austin Road West;
– Museum Drive; and
– Cultural Drive.
 
     During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:
 
– Traffic along southbound Hung Hom Road will be directed from Hung Hom Bypass to Cheong Tung Road roundabout;
– Traffic along eastbound Metropolis Drive cannot turn right to southbound Hung Hom Bypass;
– Traffic along southbound Hung Hom Bypass must turn right to westbound Metropolis Drive;
– Traffic along westbound Cheong Wan Road leading to Chatham Road South must turn right to northbound Chatham Road South or go straight to westbound Austin Road, except for franchised buses and GMBs;
– Franchised buses and GMBs along southbound Chatham Road South must turn left to eastbound Granville Road;
– Franchised buses along southbound Nathan Road must turn right to westbound Public Square Street or westbound Jordan Road;
– Traffic along westbound Jordan Road cannot turn left to southbound Canton Road, vehicles must go straight to Nga Cheung Road direction or turn left to southbound Wui Man Road;
– Traffic along southbound Canton Road must make a U-turn to northbound Canton Road outside China Hong Kong City;
– Traffic along northbound Kowloon Park Drive cannot turn left to southbound Canton Road;
– Traffic along eastbound Salisbury Road must turn left to northbound Kowloon Park Drive;
– Traffic along northbound Kowloon Park Drive cannot turn right to Peking Road;
– Westbound Granville Road between Nathan Road and Carnarvon Road will turn to eastbound contraflow, while traffic along southbound Nathan Road will be instructed to turn left to eastbound Granville Road;
– Traffic along Science Museum Road cannot turn to Mody Road and Granville Road;
– Traffic along southbound Salisbury Road near Hong Chong Road will be diverted to Tsim Sha Tsui East;
– Traffic along eastbound Granville Road must turn left to northbound Chatham Road South;
– Traffic along eastbound and westbound Austin Road West cannot enter the slip roads of Austin Road West; and
– Traffic along southbound Nga Cheung Road cannot turn to Museum Drive. Vehicles will be directed to eastbound Austin Road West or northbound Nga Cheung Road.
 
Phase II (from 6.30pm on December 24)
 
     The following roads will be closed:
 
– Northbound Kowloon Park Drive between Canton Road and Salisbury Road; and
– Salisbury Road between Canton Road and Kowloon Park Drive.
 
Phase III (from 11.45pm on December 24)
 
     Canton Road between Austin Road and Kowloon Park Drive will be closed. The following traffic diversions will be implemented:
 
– Traffic along southbound Canton Road cannot go straight. Vehicles must turn left to eastbound Austin Road or turn right to westbound Austin Road West;
– Traffic along eastbound Austin Road West cannot turn right. Vehicles must turn left to northbound Canton Road or go straight to eastbound Austin Road; and
– Traffic along northbound Gateway Boulevard must leave from northbound Kowloon Park Drive.
 
Contingency plan
 
     If necessary, the following roads will be closed:
 
– Nathan Road between Jordan Road and Austin Road;
– Eastbound Bowring Street between Pilkem Street and Nathan Road;
– Eastbound Tak Shing Street between Tak Hing Street and Nathan Road;
– Southbound Nathan Road between Austin Road and Granville Road;
– Pine Tree Hill Road;
– Hillwood Road;
– Carnarvon Road between Kimberley Road and Granville Road;
– Shun Yee Street;
– Granville Circuit;
– Northbound Chatham Road South between Observatory Road and Granville Road;
– Kimberley Road between Nathan Road and Observatory Road;
– Kimberley Street;
– Granville Road between Nathan Road and Chatham Road South;
– Austin Road West roundabout between Austin Road West and the exit and Museum Drive;
– Nga Cheung Road between Jordan Road and Austin Road West;
– Hung Luen Road between Wa Shun Street and Hung Lok Road;
– Oi King Street; and
– Kin Wan Street.
 
     During the above road closure period, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:
 
– Traffic along southbound Nathan Road must turn right to westbound Jordan Road;
– Traffic along westbound Jordan Road cannot turn left to southbound Nathan Road;
– Traffic along westbound Austin Road and southbound Cox’s Road cannot turn to Pine Tree Hill Road;
– Traffic along Observatory Road cannot enter westbound Kimberley Street;
– Traffic along northbound Pilkem Street cannot turn right to eastbound Bowring Street;
– Traffic along eastbound Bowring Street must turn to northbound Pilkem Street;
– Traffic along westbound Jordan Road  heading to Nga Cheung Road will be diverted to Kowloon Station Public Transport Interchange;
– Traffic along westbound Austin Road West must go straight to Nga Cheung Road elevated road;
– Traffic along southbound Nga Cheung Road entering Austin Road West roundabout must turn left to eastbound Austin Road West;
– Traffic along westbound Hung Luen Road must turn left to eastbound Wa Shun Street;
– Traffic along Wa Shun Street must turn right to eastbound Hung Luen Road;
– Traffic along southbound Hung Lok Road cannot turn left to eastbound Hung Luen Road; and
– Traffic along eastbound Hung Luen Road must turn left to northbound Hung Lok Road.
 
C. Suspension of bus termini

     The following bus termini will be suspended until the crowd has dispersed and traffic resumes normal:

     The Tsim Sha Tsui East (Mody Road) Bus Terminus will be suspended from 5.30pm on December 24.

     The Star Ferry Bus Terminus will be suspended from 6.30pm on December 24.

     The China Hong Kong City Bus Terminus will be suspended from 11pm on December 24.
 
D. Suspension of car parks
 
     All car parks within the above closed road area will be suspended until the road closure is lifted.
 
     All vehicles parked illegally during the implementation of the above special traffic arrangements will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing. 
 
     Actual implementation of traffic arrangements will be made depending on traffic and crowd conditions in the areas. Members of the public are advised to exercise tolerance and patience and take heed of instructions of the Police on site.

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