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

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (August 7) that the official foreign currency reserve assets of Hong Kong amounted to US$421.6 billion as at the end of July 2023 (end-June 2023: US$417.3 billion) (Annex).

     There were no unsettled foreign exchange contracts at end-July and end-June 2023.

     The total foreign currency reserve assets of US$421.6 billion represent over five times the currency in circulation or about 40 per cent of Hong Kong dollar M3.
 
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     At present, four press releases relating to the Exchange Fund's data are issued by the HKMA each month. Three of these releases are issued to disseminate monetary data in accordance with International Monetary Fund's Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS). The fourth press release, on the Exchange Fund's Abridged Balance Sheet and Currency Board Account, is made in accordance with the HKMA's policy of maintaining a high level of transparency. For the month of August 2023, the scheduled dates for issuing the press releases are as follows:
 

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Monday, August 7, 2023 is 104.6 (up 0.3 against last Saturday's index).

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Saturday, August 5, 2023 was 104.3 (down 0.2 against last Friday's index).

     In support of the country's designation of August 15 as National Ecology Day starting this year, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and non-governmental organisations will launch various special activities and offers for the public to participate on this special day.
 
     On August 15, the Hong Kong Wetland Park will offer free admission, workshops, and guided tours. There will also be nature interpretation service provided by eco-guides at eight popular scenic spots in country parks on that day for the public to learn about the beautiful and unique nature ecology of Hong Kong. Members of the public can also enjoy a special discount of 18.5 per cent off for gift redemption at GREEN@COMMUNITY's Recycling Stations, Recycling Stores (excluding Recycling Spots), gift redemption units at the smart recycling network under the Environmental Protection Department as well as on the Green$ mobile application on August 15.
 
     In addition, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Environmental Association, WWF-Hong Kong, Green Power, the Conservancy Association, the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, Hong Kong Wetlands Conservation Association, and Hong Kong Ocean Park will also provide a series of free activities and offers, including free admission, free guided eco-tours, night safari, workshops, seminars and distribution of souvenirs.
 
     A spokesman for the Environment and Ecology Bureau said, "The above-mentioned activities and offers aim at enhancing the public's awareness of ecological civilisation and their consciousness of the need for action to protect our environment, with a view to echoing our country's continuous efforts in advancing ecological civilisation construction and promoting the modernisation of harmonious coexistence between man and nature. We are very grateful for the relevant organisations' participation and appeal for the public's active participation in these activities."
 
     Details of the relevant special activities and offers have been uploaded to the Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub website of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (bih.gov.hk/en/education-programmes/programmes/index.html) as well as the websites or social media platforms of participating organisations.

     Hongkong Post announced today (August 7) that, as advised by the postal administration of Canada, mail delivery services to the province of Nova Scotia in Canada previously impacted by flooding have returned to normal.

     The Labour Department (LD) is investigating a fatal work accident that happened in Kwai Chung this morning (August 7) in which a man died.

     The LD immediately deployed staff to the scene upon receiving a report of the accident, and is now conducting an investigation to look into its cause.