The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 is 104.1 (down 0.3 against yesterday's index).

     â€‹The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) successfully intercepted a case of illegal import of hazardous electronic waste (e-waste) from the United States (US) at the Kwai Chung Container Terminals. The local importer concerned, Intech Environmental Recycling Limited, was fined $20,000 at Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (August 21) for contravening the Waste Disposal Ordinance (WDO).

     With the assistance of the Customs and Excise Department, EPD staff intercepted an imported container from the US at the Kwai Chung Container Terminals in April this year. The container was claimed to contain computer parts, but upon inspection it was found to be loaded with hazardous e-waste comprising waste printed circuit boards (PCBs), with a market value of about $360,000. The intercepted container was immediately returned to the place of origin. The EPD notified the foreign enforcement authorities concerned about the return shipment and instigated prosecution against the importer in accordance with the WDO.

     An EPD spokesman stressed that dismantled or destroyed PCBs are hazardous waste, containing various heavy metals and other toxic chemical substances. They are classified as chemical waste and are regulated under the existing laws on chemical waste disposal. To protect the environment, the EPD rigorously combats the illegal import and export activities of hazardous waste.

     The spokesman reminded importers of the waste recycling trade not to import (including import into or transshipment through Hong Kong) or export hazardous waste. According to the WDO, it is an offence for anyone to import or export hazardous waste unless obtaining a valid permit beforehand. First-time offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and six months' imprisonment. For subsequent offences, offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $500,000 and two years' imprisonment.

     Members of the public may visit the EPD's website for more information about the control of chemical waste: www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/waste/guide_ref/guide_cwc.html.

  

     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (August 21) announced that the monthly ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus for July rose to 15.7 per cent from 11.3 per cent in June, indicating that mosquito infestation was slightly more extensive in the areas surveyed. Coupled with the 16 confirmed local dengue fever (DF) cases recorded so far this month, the FEHD reminded the public to heighten vigilance and keep up effective prevention and control measures against mosquitoes, as well as to take personal protective measures to reduce the risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases through mosquito bites. The Government is actively studying the proposal to announce the ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus in a more timely manner.

     "Aedes albopictus is a kind of mosquito that can transmit DF and Zika virus. The hot and rainy weather of summer is favourable for massive mosquito breeding. In view of the fact that DF is still highly prevalent in neighbouring areas, and Hong Kong recorded 16 local DF cases so far this month, the community must work with the Government to continue to carry out effective mosquito prevention and control measures," an FEHD spokesman said.

     In order to strengthen dengue vector surveillance, the FEHD has increased the number of survey areas from 52 to 57 last month, and the survey period has also been extended from one week to two weeks every month. Among the 57 areas surveyed last month, the Area Ovitrap Index (AOI) in 15 areas reached or exceeded the alert level of 20 per cent. They were Yau Tong (45.1 per cent), Wo Che (42.6 per cent), Tseung Kwan O North (33.3 per cent), Tsuen Wan West (29.8 per cent), Tuen Mun West (28.7 per cent), Kowloon Bay (28.7 per cent), Kowloon City North (24.5 per cent), Central and Admiralty (24.5 per cent), Yuen Kong (24 per cent), Tai Wai (22.8 per cent), Wong Tai Sin Central (21.8 per cent), Ma On Shan (21.8 per cent), Lam Tin (20.8 per cent), Tsim Sha Tsui (20.2 per cent) and Ngau Chi Wan (20.2 per cent).

     As for the port areas, the monthly ovitrap index for Aedes albopictus for July also slightly rose to 2.7 per cent from 2.4 per cent in June.

     The spokesman said, "The FEHD is very concerned about mosquito infestation, and an inter-departmental anti-mosquito response mechanism has been activated in the above-mentioned areas for co-ordinating relevant departments and stakeholders to carry out effective mosquito prevention and control measures. In response to the ten odd DF cases recorded in Hong Kong recently, the FEHD has stepped up targeted mosquito prevention and control work at the relevant districts, including conducting fogging operations to reduce the number of adult mosquitoes; and applying larvicides and clearing stagnant water and disused articles to prevent mosquito breeding in areas within a 500-metre radius of the residences of the patients and the places visited by them after illness onset. The FEHD also collected samples of Aedes albopictus at the places concerned for dengue virus testing.

     “The FEHD has earlier commenced the third phase of the territory-wide anti-mosquito campaign and enhanced the mosquito control work by conducting the territory-wide all-out anti-mosquito operations for 10 weeks to concentrate on killing adult mosquitoes with a view to reducing the risk of the spread of DF. During the period, relevant departments and the Hospital Authority will also carry out the all-out anti-mosquito operations in areas under their purview, including conducting fogging operations in the scrubby areas within 200-metre radius of the residences every week to kill adult mosquitoes; carrying out inspection of venues, removing stagnant water, applying insecticide and disposing of abandoned water containers every week to prevent mosquito breeding; and trimming of grass to remove the potential habitat of adult mosquitoes and facilitate mosquito control work."

     In addition, relevant departments have individually notified the groups that had voluntarily subscribed to the ovitrap rapid alert system when the AOI reached the alert level of 20 per cent. Subscribers have been invited to post specially designed alert notices in the common parts of their premises to urge occupants and staff to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures promptly.

     The FEHD has also swiftly handled mosquito complaints and taken out prosecutions against mosquito breeding under the relevant ordinance. The FEHD set up four Pest Control Inspection Teams in May last year to step up inspection of construction sites and enforcement action against mosquito breeding. This year (as at August 19), the FEHD had instituted 139 prosecutions for mosquito breeding found in relevant premises under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap 132), comprising 133 cases involving construction sites and six cases involving other premises.

     The FEHD and relevant government departments will continue to intensify their mosquito prevention and control work covering areas under their purview, and strengthen publicity and education campaigns, including closely liaising with local organisations and widely disseminating anti-mosquito messages through their community network. In addition, the district offices of the FEHD will target areas which have 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 intensify mosquito prevention and control work. The FEHD will, immediately after each phase of the campaign, conduct special territory-wide thematic mosquito prevention and control operations so as to enhance the effectiveness of the campaign.

     As Aedes albopictus breeds in small water bodies, the spokesman reminded members of the public to continue to carry out effective mosquito prevention and control measures, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, scrubbing vases and pot plant saucers at least once a week, properly disposal of containers such as soft drink cans and lunch boxes, and drilling large holes in unused tyres. He also advised the public and estate management bodies to keep drains free of blockage and fill up all depressions to prevent puddles from forming. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

     In addition, rural areas and the vicinity of shrubby areas are the natural habitats for mosquitoes, other insects and animals. Members of the public living in rural areas may install mosquito screens on windows and doors if necessary. Those staying in the natural environment should follow appropriate personal protective measures against mosquitoes, such as avoiding staying in the vicinity of shrubby areas for a long time, wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers and applying DEET-containing insect repellent. Members of the public are reminded to make reports to the government departments via 1823 if mosquito problems are detected.

     The spokesman reiterated that effective mosquito control requires the sustained effort of all parties concerned. The community must work together with the Government to carry out effective mosquito control measures.

     The ovitrap index is divided into four levels, reflecting the infestation level of Aedes albopictus. Level 1 (< 5 per cent) indicates that infestation of the mosquito is not extensive in the area surveyed. Level 2 (5 per cent – < 20 per cent) indicates that infestation of the mosquito is slightly more extensive in the area surveyed. Level 3 (20 per cent – < 40 per cent) indicates that infestation of the mosquito exceeds one-fifth of the area surveyed. Level 4 (>/= 40 per cent) indicates that almost half of the surveyed area is infested with the mosquito. The Government will step up the scale of anti-mosquito operations according to the level of infestation as well as reports from front-line staff and the public.

     As Aedes albopictus can transmit DF and Zika virus, oviposition traps are set in 57 areas in Hong Kong for monitoring the breeding of Aedes albopictus, which is only one of the mosquito species commonly found in Hong Kong and is active only in the daytime. The index does not capture the activity of Aedes albopictus outside the 57 areas and it also does not measure the prevalence of other kinds of mosquitoes.

     The ovitrap indices for Aedes albopictus in different areas and information on mosquito prevention and control measures are available on the department website at www.fehd.gov.hk.

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

     Hong Kong Monetary Authority Exchange Fund Bills tender results
 

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     Hong Kong Monetary Authority tenders to be held in the week beginning August 27, 2018 :
 

     The 17th Meeting of the Guangdong/Hong Kong Expert Group on the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights was held in Guangzhou today (August 21). The Expert Group agreed to further strengthen co-operation, reinforce existing accomplishments, continue to promote the development of intellectual property (IP) trading and high-end service industry, foster regional scientific research achievements and innovative developments, and promote the further development of IP co-operation between Guangdong and Hong Kong through embracing the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development.
 
     Co-operation projects of the Expert Group for 2018-19 cover the following seven areas:
 
* Enhancing co-operation mechanisms on IP between Guangdong and Hong Kong;
* Strengthening co-operation on IP in the Bay Area;
* Reinforcing co-operation on protection of IP in both places;
* Promoting co-operation on IP trading in both places;
* Promoting exchange and deliberation on IP in both places;
* Strengthening guidance service on IP in both places; and
* Organising IP promotion and education activities in both places.
 
     At the meeting, the two sides reviewed the co-operation projects completed in the past year. With respect to promoting IP co-operation in the Bay Area, the Expert Group proactively explored the co-operation opportunities in the Bay Area through organising a wide array of activities, including exchange activities in relation to arbitration and mediation, a seminar with the theme of "Brand Development of Classic Old Shops/Time-honoured Brands", exchange activities organised in the Hengqin area of the Guangdong Pilot Free Trade Zone with the theme of "Supporting Young Entrepreneurs through High-end IP Services", and production of short promotional videos about IP commercialisation in the Bay Area. 
 
     Other completed projects include organising the Guangdong/Hong Kong Seminar on IP and Development of Small and Medium Enterprises; inviting Expert Group members and enterprises from the Guangdong side to attend the Business of IP Asia Forum co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Design Centre; organising exchange programmes relating to IP protection and exploitation; and organising promotion and education activities targeting the youth in both places.
 
     Key co-operation projects in the coming year include continuing to promote the development of IP trading in both places; enhancing the level and efficiency of commercialisation of scientific research achievements; organising a high-end IP symposium in the Bay Area; promoting settlement of IP disputes by arbitration or mediation; promoting collaboration of training institutes in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao on nurturing IP talents; continuing to promote the opportunities of IP commercialisation in the Bay Area through producing short videos; and facilitating sharing of IP information.
 
     As for cross-border protection on IP, law enforcement authorities in Guangdong and Hong Kong combated cross-border infringing activities through various co-operation mechanisms, including intelligence exchange, sharing of information resources, joint operations and project co-operation. In the coming year, Customs of both places will continue to focus on combating infringing activities destined for Hong Kong or for the Belt and Road countries through Hong Kong. The two sides will mount other joint project operations in a timely manner according to changing situations.
       
     During the press conference after the meeting, the Director of Intellectual Property, Ms Ada Leung, said, "The Expert Group completed 29 co-operation items in the past year and the results were encouraging. In the coming year, there are a number of co-operation items related to IP co-operation in the Bay Area. I look forward to the two sides working more closely to complement each other for mutual benefits, and to jointly promote the innovative developments of IP in the region by seizing the unprecedented opportunities arising from the development of the Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative."
       
     The Director-General of the Guangdong Intellectual Property Office, Mr Ma Xianmin, said, "Since the establishment of the Guangdong/Hong Kong Expert Group on the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights in 2003, the two sides have developed a smooth and highly efficient co-operation arrangement, the Guangdong-Hong Kong IP co-operation mechanism has continued to deepen, and Guangdong-Hong Kong co-operation items have continuously been taken forward, contributing constructively to the innovative development of the two places."
 
     The Expert Group was set up after the Sixth Plenary of the Hong Kong/Guangdong Co-operation Joint Conference in August 2003. It aims at enhancing exchanges and co-operation on various aspects of IP protection, including promotion and education, training, enforcement, research study and information dissemination.
 
     The leader of the Expert Group from the Guangdong side is the Director-General of the Guangdong Intellectual Property Office, and members include officials from the Guangdong Intellectual Property Office; the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department; the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province; the Guangdong Province Administration for Industry and Commerce; the Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television of Guangdong Province (Administration of Copyright of Guangdong Province); the Guangdong Sub-Administration of China Customs; the Patent Examination Cooperation Center of the Patent Office, the State Intellectual Property Office, Guangdong; and the Trademark Examination Cooperation Guangzhou Center of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce of the People's Republic of China. The leader of the Expert Group from the Hong Kong side is the Director of Intellectual Property, and members include officials from the Intellectual Property Department, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Customs and Excise Department.
 
     A summary of the co-operation items has been uploaded to the website of the Intellectual Property Department (www.ipd.gov.hk/eng/ip_cooperation_corner/meeting.htm).