Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (November 2) that due to big waves, red flags have been hoisted at Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island; and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at these beaches.

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

     The Federal Open Market Committee of the United States Federal Reserve (the Fed) announced early today (Hong Kong time) after its two-day meeting that it had decided to keep the target range for the federal funds rate unchanged at 5.25-5.5 per cent.

     The Fed's future interest rate decisions will continue to be dependent on the latest economic data and the impact of continual rate hikes during the past year on the economy. It is therefore premature to conclude whether the US rate hike cycle has been completed, and the high interest-rate environment is likely to last for some time.

     The financial and monetary markets of Hong Kong continue to operate in a smooth and orderly manner. The Hong Kong dollar exchange rate remains stable, and the Hong Kong dollar interbank rates might remain high for some time. The public should carefully assess and manage the relevant risks when making property purchase, mortgage or other borrowing decisions. The HKMA will continue to closely monitor market developments and maintain monetary and financial stability.

     Hongkong Post announced today (November 2) that, as advised by the postal administration of Mexico, mail delivery services to the following areas in Mexico are suspended due to Hurricane Otis.

     The Trade and Industry Department (TID), the Small and Medium Enterprises Committee (SMEC) and the Shenzhen Liaison Unit of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government led a delegation to Shenzhen today (November 1) to help Hong Kong small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and members of the industrial and commercial sectors learn about the latest development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), especially in Qianhai.
 
     The delegation was received by officials of the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen Municipality, and had an exchange session with representatives of Hong Kong enterprises and young entrepreneurs who have commenced businesses in Qianhai to learn about the development strategies, related policies and business environment in Qianhai.
 
     The delegation visited SmartMore Corporation Limited, which was founded by a Hong Kong entrepreneur. Accompanied by an official of the United Front Work Department of the Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, the delegation also visited CMGE Technology Group Limited. The above visits allowed the delegation to understand the operation and development of local enterprises engaged in advanced technology and creative industries. 
 
     The delegation also visited the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) GBA Support Centre in Shenzhen to understand the support services provided by HKTDC to assist Hong Kong enterprises in developing business in the GBA, and met with Hong Kong young entrepreneurs who have successfully launched their businesses in the GBA.
 
     The delegation was led by the SMEC Chairman, Mr Michael Hui and the Director-General of Trade and Industry, Ms Maggie Wong; and accompanied by representatives of the Shenzhen Liaison Unit. The delegation comprises around 60 participants, including members of the SMEC, Programme Management Committee of the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales, Vetting Committee of the Trade and Industrial Organisation Support Fund and the Customer Liaison Group for SMEs under the TID; as well as representatives of Hong Kong's major trade and industrial organisations and SME associations.

        

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesman for the Hospital Authority (HA) made the following announcement today (November 1) regarding the quality of cable trunking coating materials used in Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) redevelopment project:

     The HA attaches great importance to the quality of hospital works. In the contract for KWH redevelopment project, it has stipulated that the thickness of the cable trunking coating materials must comply with relevant standards, with proper examination by accredited laboratory; and certificates are verified by on-site professional to ascertain the standards of the materials when they are delivered to the works site. In addition, the HA required project contractors to strictly follow relevant regulations and to properly supervise the works so as to ensure the quality of works project.

     Upon receiving media enquiries regarding the thickness of the cable trunking coating installed in KWH new building, the HA immediately launched a series of investigations, including instructed the main contractor to conduct a thorough investigation in the building, entrusted an independent expert to conduct review and arranged to dismantle part of the trunking for testing in accredited laboratory:

1. On October 18, upon request of the HA, the contractor conducted random testing of cable trunkings at various locations in the building;
2. On October 20, the main contractor appointed an authorised person to conduct review and test;
3. On October 29, the HA entrusted an independent expert to conduct re-inspection, including to conduct sampling thickness test for the cable trunking coating, to review the testing instruments and measurement methodology used by the main contractor, etc; and
4. Independent expert will take sample from the site for thorough testing in accredited laboratories later, including to measure the weight and thickness of the cable trunking coating materials with sophisticated laboratory equipment to verify their quality standards.

     The coating of cable trunking is mainly used for rust prevention, which does not affect building structural, patient and staff safety. For prudence, the HA entrusted an independent expert to review and analyse the relevant data. A formal report to the HA will be submitted by the independent expert later. The HA has also written to the main contractor to request a report to explain the standard of the materials in details and to ensure the quality of the project in accordance with the requirements stipulated in contract terms.

     The HA attaches great importance to the quality of works project. If any incompliance of standard is found in the materials, the HA will strictly pursue relevant liabilities and require the main contractor to take necessary remedial measures following the contract. If the incident involves criminal elements, the HA will report to law enforcement authority for further actions.