The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (November 12) announced that the monthly gravidtrap index for Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in October remained at 2 per cent, which was at the lowest Level 1, indicating that the distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in the areas surveyed was not extensive.

     In October, all the 64 survey areas were recorded with a gravidtrap index lower than the alert level of 20 per cent. Moreover, the monthly density index for Aedes albopictus in October was 1.1, which represented that an average of 1.1 Aedes albopictus adults were found in the Aedes-positive gravidtraps, indicating that the number of adult Aedes albopictus was not abundant in the survey areas. The gravidtrap and density indices for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures are available on the department website at www.fehd.gov.hk.

     A spokesman for the FEHD said, "The FEHD has continued to intensify mosquito prevention and control work with relevant government departments in areas under their purview, including eliminating mosquito breeding places, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and placing mosquito trapping devices at suitable locations. The FEHD has also provided government departments with professional advice and technical support to assist them in swiftly formulating and implementing effective anti-mosquito measures while strengthening publicity and education at the same time. Under the concerted efforts and collaboration of various parties, the index in October remained at the lowest level. The FEHD will continue to monitor the mosquito infestation in all districts, and will conduct prompt and effective mosquito prevention and control work."

     The FEHD has conducted a three-phase Anti-mosquito Campaign this year. The third phase of the territory-wide campaign, lasting 12 weeks, was conducted from August 5 to October 27. During the period, the district offices of the FEHD targeted areas that had drawn particular concern, such as public markets, cooked food centres and hawker bazaars, single-block buildings, streets and back lanes, common parts of buildings, village houses, construction sites, vacant sites and road works sites, to remove accumulated water and carry out mosquito prevention and control work. To further enhance the effectiveness of mosquito control, the FEHD and relevant government departments have carried out the second phase of the All-out Anti-mosquito Operations since May 2 to focus on intense adult mosquito control by means of regular ultra-low volume fogging operations, to continue to eliminate potential mosquito breeding places, and called on property management offices to arrange necessary repairs to their premises to minimise mosquito breeding places. 

     The FEHD appeals to members of the public to work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, properly disposing of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes, and drilling large holes in unused tyres. The FEHD also advises members of the public and estate management bodies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

     Aedes albopictus is a kind of mosquito that can transmit dengue fever (DF). DF is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and has become endemic in many countries in Southeast Asia. Based on the latest surveillance data from the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, there has been an increase in DF cases in some places in Asia thus far, compared with the corresponding period of last year. The Americas (including Brazil, Argentina and Mexico) have recorded about 12 million cases, which is a record number, since the beginning of 2024. According to the Health Commission of Guangdong Province, the number of DF cases recorded in Guangdong Province continued to increase in the past three months. Most of the cases were locally acquired infection. Information from the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention further showed that in the past week from October 28 to November 3, more than 1 700 local DF cases were recorded, with the highest numbers of cases recorded in Guangzhou, Foshan, Shenzhen, Zhanjiang and Zhongshan. The dengue activity in neighbouring areas is high, and Hong Kong has recorded 127 imported DF cases and four local DF cases so far this year. Members of the public should continue to carry out effective mosquito prevention and control measures proactively.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     Exchange Fund Bills tender results:
 

 
*"Pro rata ratio" refers to the average percentage of allotment with respect to each tender participant's tendered amount at the "highest yield accepted" level.

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     Hong Kong Monetary Authority tenders to be held in the week beginning – November 18, 2024:
 

     Further to the external merchandise trade statistics in value terms for September 2024 released earlier on, the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (November 12) the volume and price statistics of external merchandise trade for that month.

     In September 2024, the volume of Hong Kong's total exports of goods increased by 1.2%, while the volume of imports of goods decreased by 1.2% over September 2023.

     Comparing the first nine months of 2024 with the same period in 2023, the volume of Hong Kong's total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 6.4% and 3.5% respectively.

     Comparing the third quarter of 2024 with the preceding quarter on a seasonally adjusted basis, the volume of total exports of goods decreased by 3.1%, while the volume of imports of goods increased by 2.3%.

     Changes in volume of external merchandise trade are derived from changes in external merchandise trade value with the effect of price changes discounted.

     Comparing September 2024 with September 2023, the prices of total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 3.1% and 2.4% respectively.

     As regards price changes in the first nine months of 2024 over the same period in 2023, the prices of total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 3.9% and 3.4% respectively.

     Price changes in external merchandise trade are reflected by changes in unit value indices of external merchandise trade, which are compiled based on average unit values or, for certain commodities, specific price data.

     The terms of trade index is derived from the ratio of price index of total exports of goods to that of imports of goods. Compared with the same periods in 2023, the index increased by 0.7% in September 2024 and 0.5% in the first nine months of 2024.
 
     Changes in the unit value and volume of total exports of goods by main destination are shown in Table 1.

     Comparing September 2024 with September 2023, increases were recorded for the total export volume to Vietnam (29.6%) and the mainland of China (the Mainland) (7.9%). On the other hand, the total export volume to the USA (-7.1%), Taiwan (-20.6%) and India (-22.8%) decreased.

     Over the same period of comparison, the total export prices to the USA (5.4%), the Mainland (3.9%), Vietnam (2.7%) and Taiwan (2.7%) increased. On the other hand, the total export prices to India decreased by 2.1%.

     Changes in the unit value and volume of imports of goods by main supplier are shown in Table 2.

     Comparing September 2024 with September 2023, declines were recorded for the import volume from Singapore (-5.2%) and the Mainland (-1.1%). On the other hand, the import volume from Korea (8.3%), Japan (8.6%) and Taiwan (12.6%) increased.

     Over the same period of comparison, the import prices from all main suppliers increased: Korea (5.3%), Singapore (3.8%), the Mainland (2.3%), Taiwan (2.0%) and Japan (1.1%).

Further information

     Details of the above statistics are published in the September 2024 issue of "Hong Kong Merchandise Trade Index Numbers". Users can browse and download the report at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1020006&scode=230).

     Enquiries on merchandise trade indices may be directed to the Trade Analysis Section of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 4918).

     The Chief Executive announced in the 2024 Policy Address to establish the Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy (the Working Group). The Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, convened the first meeting as the Head of the Working Group today (November 12).
      
     In the meeting, the Working Group discussed the overall strategies and work plan for developing the low-altitude economy (LAE). The relevant work directions are as follows:
 

• Regulatory Sandbox (Sandbox): the Government will take forward Sandbox pilot projects progressively, starting from early next year, in collaboration with industry and partner organisations. The first phase is expected to mainly cover drone deliveries, with restrictions on "flying beyond visual line of sight" to be relaxed. The scope of low-altitude flying applications will be expanded and enriched progressively;

• Enhancements to legislation: the Government will amend the relevant existing civil aviation legislation by making reference to the legislation and standards on the Mainland and other areas, having full regard to the current and long-term development need. This includes reviewing the regulatory regime applicable to larger-sized unmanned aircraft (i.e. those weighing more than 25 kilograms). The plan is to submit the proposal to the Legislative Council in the first half of 2025;

• Study and plan for low-altitude infrastructure: the Government will embark on technical studies and planning for low-altitude infrastructure, including take-off/landing points, communication networks, air route networks, low-altitude surveillance and management systems; and 

• Greater Bay Area (GBA) low-altitude cross-boundary corridor: the Government will promote an interface with the Mainland to facilitate cross-boundary low-altitude flying activities within the GBA.

     Mr Wong said, "The LAE will bring new opportunities to Hong Kong and promote the development of the economy and various industries. Adopting a forward-thinking mindset and from the perspective of a facilitator, the Working Group will enable the simulation of diversified scenarios, multiple air routes and overarching low-altitude airspace management through the Sandbox pilot projects. Operational data and experience accumulated will guide our work on different fronts including regulations, infrastructure and applications. We will make good use of market forces and actively communicate and co-operate with the Mainland to jointly promote the development of the LAE."
      
     In today's meeting, the Working Group has also formulated the details of the Sandbox pilot projects, including eligibility and procedures for application, as well as factors for evaluating and prioritising applications. The Transport and Logistics Bureau will carry out the Sandbox pilot projects by batches. The first batch will be open for applications starting from tomorrow (November 13) with the deadline on December 31 this year. Relevant details have been uploaded to the website of the Transport and Logistics Bureau (www.tlb.gov.hk/eng/highlights/transport/low-altitude.html).
      
     The Secretary for Transport and Logistics is the Deputy Head of the Working Group. Other members include the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism; the Secretary for Development; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; the Secretary for Security and other relevant Heads of Departments.

     In addition, a Project Facilitation Task Force (the Task Force) will be established under the Working Group, comprising members from relevant government technical departments. The Task Force is responsible for taking forward technical matters for the development of the LAE. The Working Group also agreed to appoint the Hong Kong Productivity Council as technical partner, whereas the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited will be the venue partners to provide suitable places and supporting facilities for pilot projects.
      
     The terms of reference of the Working Group, as well as the membership of the Working Group and the Task Force, are set out in the Annex.

      

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 is 106.3 (up 0.5 against yesterday's index).