The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (March 26) that it has completed the Rodent Activity Survey (RAS) for the first half of 2024 in five districts. The Rodent Absence Rate (RAR) of the five districts are tabulated below:
 

 
     The spokesman said, "The aim of the RAS is to assist the FEHD in monitoring the situation and trend of rodent infestation in each district, enabling adjustments to anti-rodent strategies and allocation of resources. Based on the survey data, the FEHD will implement targeted rodent prevention and control measures, including the use of rodenticides and trapping devices as well as filling rat holes, in areas with frequent rodent infestation. If there are facilities or venues managed by other government departments, private buildings or housing estates in the vicinity, the FEHD will also invite relevant government departments, organisations or property management groups to conduct joint operations, thereby strengthening the effectiveness of rodent control."
      
     The FEHD has fully adopted thermal imaging cameras with artificial intelligence technology for conducting the RAS, replacing the original Rodent Infestation Survey from 2024 onwards. The RAS will be conducted in 19 districts of the FEHD across the territory once every six months. Compared with the traditional survey method using sweet potato baits, the new method has greater sensitivity and precision, with a more comprehensive coverage and a lower risk of interference by environmental factors. Therefore, it is more effective in reflecting the distribution and severity of rodent infestation in districts.
 
     When conducting the RAS, the FEHD will take into account a basket of factors, including information verified from investigation of rodent-related complaint cases, the number of live rodents caught and dead rodents collected, inspection results and the views of local representatives. This is done to identify about 300 locations with potential rodent problems in each district as the sampling frame. For each survey, based on factors such as geographical distribution and verified complaint figures, etc, approximately 100 locations will be selected from the sampling frame via stratified random sampling for installation of thermal imaging cameras, in order to effectively deploy resources and ensure the representativeness of the sampled locations. The thermal imaging camera will capture two thermal images at every two-minute interval from 7pm to 7am the following day for three consecutive nights. Artificial intelligence will be utilised to analyse the images and identify the presence of rodents. The FEHD will consolidate the analysis results of artificial intelligence for each individual district and enumerate an RAR for that district. The RAR is calculated by the following formula:
 

     The RAS of the first half of 2024 in other districts is still underway. After collating and analysing the data, the FEHD will announce the results in the second and third quarters of this year progressively.

     The spokesman stressed that effective rodent prevention and control hinges on co-operation between government departments, relevant sectors, stakeholders, as well as members of the public to strengthen anti-rodent work from their respective areas. Members of the public should maintain environmental hygiene and eliminate the three fundamental survival conditions of rodents, namely food, harbourage and passages, i.e. the elimination of the food sources and hiding places of rodents as well as blockage of their dispersal routes.

     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, today (March 26) expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of Dr Eddy Li.

     Mr Chan said, "Over the years, Dr Li had been committed to promoting  Hong Kong's commercial and industrial developments. Dr Li served as the President of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, the President of the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Association, and in various advisory and statutory bodies of the Government. He actively provided wise counsel and supported the Government's administration of policies, and made valuable contributions to the development of Hong Kong's industrial and business community. I am deeply saddened by Dr Li's passing. I extend my sincere condolences to his family."

     The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, today (March 26) led a Hong Kong delegation to attend the Mainland and Hong Kong Construction Forum 2024 in Guangzhou.
 
     With the theme of "Deepening the Collaboration of the Construction Industry in the Mainland and Hong Kong, Building a High Quality Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Taking Forward the Belt and Road Initiative Together", the forum was jointly organised by the Centre of Science and Technology Industrial Development (CSTID) of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MOHURD), the Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Guangdong Province (DHURDGP) and the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, under the steer of the MOHURD, the People's Government of Guangdong Province and the Development Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government.
 
     Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms Linn said that Hong Kong's infrastructure development has been widely acclaimed and is one of the keys to maintaining the city's competitiveness. As one of the priority industries of Hong Kong, the construction industry must be strengthened to create strong impetus for Hong Kong's development and economic growth, and to contribute to the country. Hong Kong's construction industry has rich experience in undertaking large-scale infrastructure projects, and its professional engineering service standards have been well recognised internationally. Hong Kong construction and engineering-related professionals participated in numerous overseas infrastructure projects in the past, working together with Mainland enterprises in support of the Belt and Road Initiative. She hoped that the forum would serve as a cross-regional and high-level exchange platform for the construction industry of the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao to draw on collective wisdom, with a view to enhancing the construction and infrastructure standards of the Greater Bay Area (GBA).
 
     Before the forum, Ms Linn met with Vice-Minister of the MOHURD Mr Wang Hui, and Vice-Governor of the People's Government of Guangdong Province Mr Zhang Shaokang, to exchange views on various areas of co-operation for construction works.
 
     The Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau, and Deputy Director-General of the DHURDGP Mr Liu Genghui, signed the Letter of Intent on Strengthening Guangdong-Hong Kong Cooperation in Construction and Related Engineering Sectors on behalf of both sides.
 
     Ms Linn said, "The Letter of Intent will deepen the co-operation in construction and engineering sectors between Guangdong and Hong Kong on various fronts, including promoting synergistic development of the Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) industry in the GBA to build a Guangdong-Hong Kong industry chain. Going beyond encouraging application, it enhances research and development, quality accreditation and international marketing for MiC. The Letter of Intent will also support the joint formulation of GBA standards for technologies and products as well as personnel training in the construction and engineering sectors between Guangdong and Hong Kong." The Letter of Intent will also support the two places to explore further facilitation for relevant Hong Kong enterprises and professionals to set up businesses in GBA Mainland cities; and promote the selection of more suitable GBA projects to adopt Hong Kong's project management model and draw on Hong Kong's international experiences, so as to enhance the quality of construction and project management in the GBA together and foster high-quality development of the GBA.
 
     In addition, industry representatives of Guangdong and Hong Kong signed a number of co-operation agreements, including the Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Hong Kong and the CSTID of the MOHURD, the co-operation agreement between the Construction Industry Council and several training institutes in Guangdong Province, and the joint advocacy statement by construction and engineering associations, institutes and chambers of commerce from the two places.
 
     The forum attracted over 800 industry practitioners from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. Government representatives from 26 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions also attended the forum. The Hong Kong delegation comprised more than 350 members, including representatives from the construction industry, relevant chambers of commerce and professional institutes. The Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Michael Fong, and the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Eric Pang, also attended the forum.
 
     Ms Linn said that Guangdong and Hong Kong will further strengthen co-operation in promoting the compatibility of rules and alignment of mechanisms to higher standards, in a wider range of areas, and to a deeper level, in order to foster joint development of enterprises in Hong Kong and other GBA cities, and build the GBA into an internationally renowned bay area and a pioneer for advanced construction industry.
 
     Ms Linn returned to Hong Kong this afternoon after the visit.

          

     Following are the closing remarks by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the Milken Institute's Global Investors' Symposium today (March 26).

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     It is my great honour to deliver the closing remarks for the Milken Institute's Global Investors' Symposium here in Hong Kong. I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Milken Institute for selecting our city to host this prestigious event. This speaks volumes about Hong Kong's continued status as a leading international financial centre and our unwavering commitment to fostering global collaboration and innovation.

     During the symposium today, we have had the privilege of hearing from some of the brightest minds in global finance, investment, technology, and sustainability. You have shared your invaluable insights, cutting-edge expertise, and visionary perspectives for the future – a future that is increasingly interconnected, dynamic, and rife with both formidable challenges and immense opportunities.

     As a global financial hub with deep roots in the Asia-Pacific region, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to serve as a vital bridge, connecting capital, ideas, and innovations around the world. I want to share this unique positioning with you using a "3C" framework showcasing the three crucial connections we can offer. Firstly, it is connecting finance with green and sustainable development, secondly connecting global investors with the Mainland market, and finally connecting wealth with diverse investment opportunities.

     Firstly, on the critical topic of green and sustainable finance, the imperative could not be clearer. According to industry research, the Asian region will require a staggering US$66 trillion in climate investment over the next three decades to fund the transition to a low-carbon economy and build resilience against the impacts of climate change. As a global financial centre, Hong Kong is stepping up to the plate, solidifying our position as the top international green and sustainable finance centre. Vibrant market activities vividly illustrate our leading position, as we have a market share of over one-third as a green and sustainable bond arranger in Asia in 2022.

     To support this burgeoning sector, the Hong Kong Government has put in place the impactful Green and Sustainable Finance Grant Scheme, which has already provided subsidies to eligible bond issuers and loan borrowers for the issuance of more than 340 green and sustainable debt instruments, totaling over US$100 billion. And just yesterday, we issued a vision statement to assist companies and financial institutions in enhancing their sustainability reporting and data analysis practices, elucidating our vision of promoting green and sustainable finance as a key strategic priority.

     These initiatives are all part of our steadfast commitment to channeling capital towards climate-resilient projects, fostering positive change, and facilitating the global green transition. As a leading international financial centre, we have a unique responsibility to be at the forefront of sustainable finance, harnessing our influential position to drive global progress on the critical environmental challenges of our time. In addition, we also seek to explore the synergy between Web3.0 development and green finance, and issued the second batch of tokenised green bonds in early February this year, worth a total of $6 billion and denominated in Hong Kong dollars, Renminbi (RMB), US dollars and Euro. This is the world's first-ever multi-currency tokenised bond issuance, and has attracted overwhelming subscription by global institutional investors.

     Secondly, the connectivity between Hong Kong and Mainland China's financial markets continues to deepen and expand in both scope and capacity. Programmes like Bond Connect, the Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect Scheme, the inclusion of ETFs (exchange-traded funds) in Stock Connect, and the launch of Swap Connect are providing ever-greater access and investment opportunities for both Mainland and international investors.

     Looking ahead, we are in active discussions with our counterparts in the Mainland to further broaden and enhance these pioneering connectivity channels. This includes the introduction of block trading, the inclusion of RMB-denominated stocks under the Southbound Trading of Stock Connect, and the expansion of the mutual market access regime to cover Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). By bridging the Mainland and global markets, Hong Kong is truly becoming the "super connector" for capital flows, offering unparalleled benefits to investors on both sides.

     Thirdly, Hong Kong's role as an international asset and wealth management centre is firmly established and well recognised. With over US$3.9 trillion in assets under management, we are Asia's largest hedge fund hub and the second-largest centre for private equity management after Mainland China. Currently, there are more than 250 open-ended fund companies and 780 limited partnership funds registered in our city, testament to our status as a global hub for the asset and wealth management industry.

     To further drive the continued development of this dynamic sector, the Hong Kong Government is taking several strategic actions. We will be extending our grant schemes for open-ended fund companies and REITs for an additional three years, and setting up a dedicated task force to discuss with the industry measures for enhancing the overall asset and wealth management ecosystem.

     Attracting global family offices and high-net-worth individuals to establish a presence in Hong Kong is another key priority. In fact, a recent market study estimated there are over 2 700 single-family offices currently in Hong Kong, and it presents a solid ground for us to further grow the sector. To this end, we have implemented a number of measures, including providing tax concessions for qualifying transactions of family-owned investment holding vehicles managed by single-family offices in Hong Kong, and streamlining the suitability assessment when dealing with sophisticated professional investors. We also have launched the new Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, which provides eligible investors who invest HK$27 million or more in qualifying assets and place HK$3 million into a new investment portfolio the opportunity to reside in and pursue development in our city. This initiative will help strengthen our advantages in developing the asset and wealth management industry and related professional service sectors in Hong Kong, while also supporting the growth of our thriving innovation and technology sector. I am also glad to share with you that the response to the scheme is encouraging, with over 1 000 enquiries received.

     In addition, we will further enhance the preferential tax regimes for related funds, single family offices, and carried interest, including reviewing the scope of the tax concession regimes, increasing the types of qualifying transactions, and improving flexibility in handling incidental transactions. These measures are all designed to attract more funds and family offices with the potential to establish a robust presence in Hong Kong. Moreover, we will be hosting the second edition of the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit, a flagship event for the Financial Mega Event Week later this week, curating a platform to showcase Hong Kong's unique advantages and engage with the world's leading family offices and asset owners.

     Distinguished guests, through the Financial Mega Event Week, we aim to showcase to the international market Hong Kong's pivotal role in the global financial landscape. As an international financial centre with deep, multifaceted connections to the vast and dynamic Mainland China market, we are uniquely positioned to be a hub for green finance, cross-border investment, and asset management excellence.

     The Milken Institute's Global Investors' Symposium has provided an invaluable occasion for surfacing the key issues, emerging trends, and exciting opportunities facing regional and global markets. I trust that the robust discussions, insightful presentations, and forward-looking ideas generated here will help guide the way forward as we navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global market environment.

     Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong's role as a global financial hub has never been more vital. By leveraging our unique "3Cs" – connecting finance, markets, and wealth – we are poised to play a central role in addressing the world's most pressing challenges and seizing the opportunities of the future. The Milken Institute's Global Investors' Symposium has been an invaluable platform for advancing this vision, and I am confident that our continued partnership and co-operation will yield tremendous benefits for all.

     On behalf of the Hong Kong SAR (Special Administrative Region) Government, I thank you all for your active participation and invaluable contributions to the discussions and dialogues in the symposium, one of the key events for our Financial Mega Event Week. I wish you a safe journey home, and look forward to our continued collaboration in the years ahead as we work together to build a more sustainable, prosperous, and interconnected future.

  

     In response to the Japanese Government's plan to discharge nuclear-contaminated water at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Station, the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene issued a Food Safety Order which prohibits all aquatic products, sea salt and seaweeds originating from the 10 metropolis/prefectures, namely Tokyo, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Miyagi, Chiba, Gunma, Tochigi, Niigata, Nagano and Saitama, from being imported into and supplied in Hong Kong.
 
     For other Japanese aquatic products, sea salt and seaweeds that are not prohibited from being imported into Hong Kong, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will conduct comprehensive radiological tests to verify that the radiation levels of these products do not exceed the guideline levels before they are allowed to be supplied in the market.
 
     As the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water is unprecedented and will continue for 30 years or more, the Government will closely monitor and step up the testing arrangements. Should anomalies be detected, the Government does not preclude further tightening the scope of the import ban.
 
     From noon on March 25 to noon today (March 26), the CFS conducted tests on the radiological levels of 210 food samples imported from Japan, which were of the "aquatic and related products, seaweeds and sea salt" category. No sample was found to have exceeded the safety limit. Details can be found on the CFS's thematic website titled "Control Measures on Foods Imported from Japan" (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/programme/programme_rafs/programme_rafs_fc_01_30_Nuclear_Event_and_Food_Safety.html).

     In parallel, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has also tested 50 samples of local catch for radiological levels. All the samples passed the tests. Details can be found on the AFCD's website (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/Radiological_testing/Radiological_Test.html).
 
     The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) has also enhanced the environmental monitoring of the local waters. No anomaly has been detected so far. For details, please refer to the HKO's website
(www.hko.gov.hk/en/radiation/monitoring/seawater.html).
 
     From August 24 to noon today, the CFS and the AFCD have conducted tests on the radiological levels of 38 645 samples of food imported from Japan (including 25 785 samples of aquatic and related products, seaweeds and sea salt) and 10 630 samples of local catch respectively. All the samples passed the tests.