The Home Affairs Department, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and the Lands Department (LandsD) today (November 18) launched a joint enforcement operation at the Permitted Burial Ground (PBG) of Fo Tan … read more
The Transport Department (TD) said that, starting from today (November 18), applicants for the new issue or renewal of 21 driving and vehicle licences must provide a verified Hong Kong mobile phone number or email address as the e-contact means (ECM) before the TD processes the relevant licence/permit applications.
The TD encourages the public to submit applications online, so that they can provide and instantly verify their ECM during the application process, thereby saving time and enjoying convenience. If a paper application is necessary, members of the public must provide a verified ECM via a one-time password on the TD’s designated online platform within three months before submission, and provide the same verified ECM in the application form before submitting the application.
A spokesman for the TD said that those planning to submit licence/permit applications are having their ECM verified, and such arrangements have been proceeding smoothly so far. The spokesman reminded the public that the record of verified ECM is valid for three months and it can be used for more than one licensing application within the validity period. Moreover, a correct, frequently-used and verified Hong Kong mobile phone number or email address should be provided to ensure timely receipt of notifications of the Police and the TD in future. The public should also note that the verified ECM will only be automatically updated in the applicant’s records of driving licence and/or all vehicle(s) registered under his/her name after the application concerned has been approved.
A total of 30 Licensing Service Ambassadors have been deployed at the four Licensing Offices at United Centre in Admiralty, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, Sha Tin Government Offices and Kowloon East Government Offices in Kwun Tong as well as the Cross Boundary Unit at Harbour Building in Central to assist the public in verifying their ECM and submitting applications. The TD will issue letters in batches to about 300 000 registered vehicle owners and driving licence holders whose licences will expire in the following four months, drawing their attention to the legal requirements.
For any change of ECM, a licence holder must notify the TD within 72 hours through the online services in “GovHK” or by submitting form TD559. Any person in contravention of such requirement without reasonable excuse commits an offence and is liable to a fine of $2,000 upon conviction.
The public may refer to the TD’s thematic webpage, HKeMobility mobile application and Agent T Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AgentT.hk), or call the hotline at 2804 2600 for details.
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited relating to fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens, which have been reported to the HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website.
The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the websites or login screens concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012. read more
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
HKMC Insurance Limited announced that the enhancements to the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme (SFGS) as set out in the “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address” will take effect today (November 18). The measures allow borrowing enterprises under the SFGS to apply for principal moratorium for up to 12 months, for both existing and new loans. The application period will last for 12 months, and end on November 17, 2025. In addition, the maximum loan guarantee periods of the 80% and 90% Guarantee Products will both be extended by three years, to ten years and eight years respectively. The partial principal repayment options will be offered to new loans under the two guarantee products. These measures aim to alleviate the repayment pressure on borrowing enterprises, helping them address challenges brought about by economic restructuring.
Borrowing enterprises in need may approach the relevant participating lenders to discuss specific arrangements. For details, please refer to the SFGS website (www.hkmc.com.hk/sfgs). read more
​Following is the opening address by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, at the Hong Kong Global Maritime Trade Summit: Risk & Resilience in an Age of Disruption today (November 18):
Chairman Grimaldi (Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping, Mr Emanuele Grimaldi), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It is my great privilege be in an array of distinguished speakers, opening the Hong Kong Global Maritime Trade Summit. First and foremost, let me congratulate the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) for staging this prestigious global maritime event. It can only be right to choose Hong Kong as the host city for these important dialogues among government ministers and industry leaders of maritime and trade. Thank you to the ICS, and welcome to all of you.
In today’s forum, we will witness the passion of the distinguished moderators, panellists and speakers, united under one common goal, in fostering dialogues and collaboration on important issues facing the world. The open and candid sharing of insights is a testament to their dedication to the future of maritime trade. Geopolitical dynamics, trade protectionism and climate change are undoubtedly pressing agendas that demand the international community’s urgent action. The discussions today have prompted all of us to ponder upon the challenges and opportunities lying ahead, and better equipped governments and industry leaders to respond.
Hong Kong is committed to the common goals shared by the international community. Our city is proudly named the freest economy in the world by the Fraser Institute, thanks to our simple and attractive tax regime, highly efficient trade infrastructure, free flow of capital, people and information day-to-day. Over 9 000 overseas and Mainland companies have chosen Hong Kong as their base of operations. For long, Hong Kong has fully leveraged the advantages of a free market, and maintained a free, open, effective and fair business environment. As a staunch supporter for free trade, Hong Kong is a founding member of the World Trade Organization and an active participant in regional forums such as the APEC.
In the face of escalating climatic risks and growing needs for energy transition, we are committed to developing Hong Kong into a green shipping centre. Hong Kong is the first flag administration to introduce a green incentive scheme offering cash reward for Hong Kong registered ships attaining rating A or B in IMO (International Maritime Organization)’s carbon intensity indicator. We have promulgated last Friday the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering and will take forward the related infrastructural development such as green maritime fuel bunker terminals, promote port emissions reduction, offer incentives to encourage green maritime fuel usage, co-operate with neighbouring ports and set up green shipping corridors with major partners. All these underscore our strong commitment to supporting the IMO’s decarbonisations efforts and joining the global energy transition trend for a greener and more sustainable maritime future.
We also recognise the importance of nurturing maritime talent to support the needs of the industry. We will step up our partnerships with mainland and overseas institutions in grooming maritime manpower and talent through more collaborated training and talent exchange programmes, with a view to nurturing high-quality talent for our global maritime pillar. All in all, Hong Kong welcomes every opportunity to collaborate and work with the international maritime communities.
The fruitful dialogues and discussions today will remind us all about the collective efforts required across governments and industry leaders to address the multifaceted challenges of our sector. Hong Kong’s commitment to building a more sustainable, prosperous, and interconnected maritime future is unwavering. As an international maritime centre, we are determined to set an exemplary model and be a “super-connector” that draws important players in the international maritime community together.
Lastly, on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, I would like to thank you all for your participation. There are also a host of other exciting events during the rest of Hong Kong Maritime Week 2024, and we look forward to welcoming you there. I hope you enjoy the momentum and hospitality of our city. Thank you.
