The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today (October 4) welcomed the amendment made by the European Union (EU) on October 2 to its watchlist on tax co-operation in recognition of Hong Kong's latest efforts in participating in the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters (the Convention). 
 
     "As an international financial centre, Hong Kong has all along been supportive of the efforts of the international community in enhancing tax transparency and combating cross-border tax evasion. We are confident that Hong Kong will meet the prevailing standards on international tax co-operation, and will continue to closely liaise with the EU," a government spokesman said. 
 
     In 2017, Hong Kong made commitments to the EU on participation in the Convention and implementation of the automatic exchange of financial account information in tax matters (AEOI). Such commitments were set out in the watchlist published by the EU last year.
 
     The Convention came into force in Hong Kong on September 1, 2018 to allow Hong Kong to effectively implement the AEOI and the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting package promulgated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. In view of such developments, the EU has updated its watchlist. Furthermore, Hong Kong smoothly conducted the first exchanges under the AEOI with the relevant jurisdictions in September this year. 

     In December 2017, the EU put some 40 tax jurisdictions, including Hong Kong, on the watchlist, on the consideration that the jurisdictions concerned had demonstrated commitment to international tax co-operation, while the EU would follow up on the implementation status of their commitments.

     One more nomination for the Legislative Council Kowloon West geographical constituency by-election was received by the Returning Officer today (October 4).
 
     This brings the total number of nomination forms received to three since the start of the nomination period on October 2. The nomination period will continue until October 15.
 
     Particulars of the nominees are available on the election website (www.elections.gov.hk/legco2018kwby/eng/nominat.html).
 
     If the number of validly nominated candidates is more than one at the by-election, a poll will be held on November 25, 2018 (Sunday).

     Hong Kong Customs seized about 500 grams of suspected cocaine with an estimated market value of about $520,000 at Hong Kong International Airport on October 1.

     Customs officers inspected a parcel from Chile on October 1 and found the suspected cocaine inside a metal gear.

     After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers yesterday afternoon (October 3) arrested a 35-year-old man suspected to be involved in the case in Sham Shui Po.

     Investigation is ongoing.

     Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

     Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

  

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Thursday, October 4, 2018 is 105.3 (up 0.4 against yesterday's index).

The following is issued on behalf of the Road Safety Council:

     The Road Safety Council (RSC), New Territories North Traffic Headquarters of the Hong Kong Police Force and the Hong Kong Road Safety Patrol (New Territories North) will jointly hold an Elderly Pedestrian Safety Campaign at 2.30pm tomorrow (October 5) in Tai Po Civic Centre. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

     Highlights will include a music performance by the Hong Kong and Kowloon Kaifong Women's Association Sun Fong Chung College Silver Band, an elderly drama performance by Tuen Mun District Elderly Police Call, a music performance by the NTHYK Tai Po District Secondary School Chinese Orchestra, a marching performance by Sam Shui Natives Association Huen King Wing School and a music performance by the Promotion Officer of the Hong Kong Road Safety Patrol, Ms Susan Tse.

     The ceremony will be officiated by a member of the RSC, Dr Liu Kai-ming; the Senior Superintendent of Traffic New Territories North of the Hong Kong Police Force, Mr Lee Chi-wai; Superintendent of Police and Divisional Commander of Tai Po Division of the Hong Kong Police Force Mr Ma Sing-yuen; the Regional Commander of the Hong Kong Road Safety Patrol (New Territories North), Mr Alarie Lai; Ms Tse; the Assistant District Officer (Tai Po) of the Home Affairs Department, Ms Iris Lee; and the Chairman of the Traffic and Transport Committee of the Tai Po District Council, Dr Lau Chee-sing.