In a first, ECI trains Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to strengthen grassroot participation by political parties Around 280 BLAs from Bihar of 10 recognised political parties take part in the 2-day training programme
Posted On: 16 APR 2025 1:17PM by PIB Delhi
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has commenced the training of Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from Bihar in view of the forthcoming elections in the State. Around 280 BLAs from the State associated with 10 recognised political parties are taking part in the 2-day training programme being organised at the India International Institute for Democracy and Election Management, IIIDEM, New Delhi.
Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi addressed the BLAs in a first of its kind training programme. The training was conceptualised during the Chief Electoral Officers (CEO) conference held on the 4th of March, 2025. The Commission underscored the importance of BLAs in the election processes and asserted that the training programme would help them fulfil their responsibilities as delineated in the Representation of People act, 1950 and 1951, Registration of Elector Rules 1960, Conduct of Election Rules 1961 and the manuals, guidelines and instructions issued by ECI from time to time.
The BLAs were given an overview of their appointment, roles, and responsibilities as per the legal framework. The training programme familiarised them with various aspects of the election processes including the preparation, updation and revision of electoral rolls and the associated forms and formats associated. BLAs are appointed by recognised political parties and play an important role in ensuring error-free electoral rolls as per the provisions of the RP act, 1950. The BLAs were also trained in the use of the provision of first and second appeals under sections 24(a) and 24(b) of the RP Act 1950 in case they are aggrieved of the final electoral rolls as published.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
With the continuous acceleration of global digital transformation, data has become an important resource driving economic growth and innovative development, as well as a new production factor in the digital economy era. The Digital Policy Office (DPO) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Data continue to jointly organise the Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Open Data Challenge 2025 (HSODC 2025) this year to inspire more innovative applications and collaborations in open data through the competition.
Under the theme “Co-creating a Data Industry Platform for the Two Cities,” the HSODC 2025 invites participants to harness the extensive open data resources available in the two cities. The goal is to inspire innovative projects and develop advanced applications that emphasise four key areas: Smart Mobility, Smart Living, Smart Environment, and Smart Economy, thereby jointly driving deeper integration and fostering synergy between the digital economies of the two cities.
Besides the competition, the organisers also hosted a forum titled “Hong Kong/Shanghai Data Co-operation – Our data Stories”. The forum brought together data scientists, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs from both cities to share their expertise in transforming complex data analyses into intuitive and compelling narratives. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong/Shanghai Data Co-operation Pavilion at the InnoEX showcased innovative data applications of the two cities across various sectors including transportation, environment, healthcare and education. These exhibits highlighted how data-driven solutions help tackle real-world challenges, create social value, and unlock new opportunities. The Pavilion also serves as a unique platform for visitors to gain an in-depth understanding of the open data resources of the two cities and the potential for groundbreaking business collaborations.
Registration for HSODC 2025 is now open until June 16. The competition is not only aimed at advancing the robust development of open data ecosystems in the two cities but also cultivating data talent. Participants will benefit from professional training to deeply explore the distinctive features and strengths of urban data resources in both cities. Shortlisted teams will receive specialised technical training from June to mid-August, culminating in an opportunity to present their innovative and unique data technology solutions at the grand finale in Shanghai this August. Exceptional projects may even be recommended to participate in the National Data Administration’s “Data Element x” national level competition. For more details, please visit the official website: www.eng.hkshadata.org. ​ The DPO orchestrated an impressive lineup of flagship innovation and technology (I&T) flagship events in April, spotlighting Hong Kong’s dynamic and thriving I&T ecosystem. Highlights include the Smart Hong Kong Pavilion at the InnoEX, the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit, hosted in Hong Kong for the first time, and the highly anticipated HSODC 2025.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by Dr the Hon Kennedy Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, in the Legislative Council today (April 16):
Question:
Regarding measures to attract inward investment, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the respective numbers of applications received, approved and rejected by the authorities under the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) since its enhancement measures took effect on the first of last month, together with a breakdown by the applicants’ place of domicile and total investment amount; and the reasons for rejecting applications under New CIES;
(2) whether it has compiled statistics on, among the approved applications mentioned in (1), the number of successful applicants who have already made investments in Hong Kong; whether it has assessed the effectiveness of the enhancement measures for New CIES in promoting the development of family offices in Hong Kong;
(3) as it has been reported that the delegation of Hong Kong deputies to the National People’s Congress has proposed to establish a dedicated remittance mechanism called “Property Purchase Capital Connect” to allow residents of the Mainland and Hong Kong to make cross-boundary remittances for purchasing properties in Hong Kong or on the Mainland, with a view to further facilitating the flow of talents and economic integration between the two places, whether the authorities will look into this proposal and communicate with the relevant Mainland authorities in this regard; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(4) as it has been reported that even though the policies adopted by some countries to combat investment immigrants’ money laundering are more stringent compared to Hong Kong, such money laundering still exists in those countries, how the authorities strike a balance between anti-money laundering on the one hand and facilitating the entry of and attracting investment immigrants to Hong Kong on the other; and
(5) as it is learnt that while persons who have been granted visas under New CIES may apply to become Hong Kong permanent residents after meeting the relevant requirements and having resided in Hong Kong continuously for seven years, there is no such arrangement for the major asset managers of family office who have also come to Hong Kong for investment, whether the authorities will consider putting in place an identical arrangement for the aforesaid major asset managers with reference to New CIES; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
In consultation with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Immigration Department (ImmD) and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the reply to various parts of the question is as follows:
(1) and (2) Since the implementation of the enhancement measures for the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (the Scheme) from March 1, 2025 up to end-March, a total of 174 applications have been received. The applications are being processed and no application has been rejected so far. Under the Scheme, applicants must invest a minimum of HK$30 million in the permissible investment assets. If all the aforementioned applications are approved, it is estimated that they will bring more than HK$5.2 billion to Hong Kong. Besides, since the Scheme opened for application from March 2024, a total of 1 092 applications have been received, having a positive impact on attracting more new capital to Hong Kong and strengthening the development of our asset and wealth management business, financial services and related professional services.
In accordance with the application procedures under the Scheme, after InvestHK has verified that the applicant fulfills the net asset requirement, he/she may submit to the ImmD an entry application for a visa/entry permit to enter Hong Kong for residence (entry application). Upon “approval-in-principle” after assessment from the immigration perspectives, the ImmD will grant a visa/entry permit to the applicant for entering Hong Kong as a visitor for not more than 180 days for making the committed investment within the period. Among the 174 applications received in March, InvestHK has approved 99 applications for Net Asset Assessment, and the ImmD has received 65 entry applications. The ImmD will generally complete the assessment of “approval-in-principle” in around three weeks, upon receipt of all needed documents. Since no application has been granted “approval-in-principle” so far, applicants have yet to commence their investments in Hong Kong. The detailed breakdown of the 65 entry applications received by the ImmD is set out in the table below:
Entry applications received by the ImmD
Guinea-Bissau
41
Vanuatu
15
Hungary
2
New Zealand
2
Australia
1
Canada
1
France
1
Greece
1
Malta
1
Total
65
Since the enhancement measures under the Scheme have only been implemented for a short period of time, the Government will continuously review the applicants’ investment arrangement and suitably evaluate its effectiveness.
(3) The Government has maintained communication with financial regulatory authorities in the Mainland on various cross-boundary remittance arrangements to seek to provide more facilitation arrangements for the convenience and benefit of the public and the business sector while ensuring that the risks are manageable. On facilitation for cross-boundary property purchases, the facilitative payment arrangement for Hong Kong and Macao residents purchasing properties in the Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), announced in January 2024, has been implemented. This arrangement applies to both newly built and second-hand residential properties purchased by individual Hong Kong and Macao residents, and allows them to remit funds in Renminbi or foreign currencies from outside the Mainland for property purchases and repayment of mortgage loans in the Mainland following the relevant procedures for settlement and payment.
For cross-boundary remittance arrangements (including that for property purchases) for Mainland residents or Mainland talents admitted to Hong Kong, since it involves different regulatory regimes (including requirements for capital inflows and outflows), the Government has been, with regard to their practical needs, exploring facilitation arrangements with the Mainland authorities concerned, with an aim to explore a gradual approach for seeking suitable policies and solutions through close collaboration between the two places within their regulatory framework and existing practices. Any facilitation arrangements will be announced in due course.
(4) Under the Scheme, an applicant is required to appoint eligible financial intermediary(ies) to manage the permissible investments in his/her designated account(s). The appointed financial intermediary(ies) is/are required to carry out customer due diligence and fulfill relevant anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), and report to InvestHK on the applicant’s continuous compliance with the Scheme Rules. When processing the applications for Assessment on Investment Requirements, InvestHK will also check the fund flow and investment arrangement of the applicant, and examine contract notes/reference letters, etc as provided by the applicant or issued by the appointed financial intermediary(ies). If necessary, InvestHK will also request the applicant to provide other supporting documents and information to certify that the applicant’s investment complies with the requirements of the Scheme.
(5) Since the enhancement measures to the Scheme effected in March 2025, applicants may make investments through eligible family-owned investment holding vehicles or family-owned special purpose entities. The Government has included experienced management professionals in asset and wealth management under the Talent List to promote the development of Hong Kong as an asset and wealth management hub. Outside talents who meet the eligibility criteria for the relevant profession (including family office professionals and asset managers) may apply for entry under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, the General Employment Policy or the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals. Persons admitted under the above various talent admission schemes who have ordinarily resided in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for a continuous period of not less than seven years may apply for the right of abode in the HKSAR in accordance with the law.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ9: Promoting pet inclusivity and enhancing animal protection Question:
As regards promoting pet inclusivity and enhancing animal protection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) whether it has compiled statistics on the number of households keeping pets, as well as the respective numbers of dogs and cats which have been microchipped and licensed, in Hong Kong;
(2) whether it has assessed the effectiveness of the Government’s promotion of public education on pet inclusivity (such as responsible pet ownership and prevention of cruelty to animals) in the past two years; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(3) given that the Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X) currently prohibits dogs (except guide dogs) from entering food premises, and it is learnt that some shopping malls have successively allowed pets to enter their areas in recent years, whether the Government will consider implementing a pilot scheme to allow dogs to enter the food premises of such shopping malls, so as to provide actual experience and data for the purposes of reviewing the existing legislation and considering the relaxation of the restriction on the entry of dogs into food premises; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
(4) as it is learnt that operators of some public transport services may decide at their discretion whether to allow passengers to board with pets, whether the Government will consider further relaxing the restriction to allow passengers to bring along their pets to use all public transport services, and formulating standard guidelines;
(5) of the number of cases received by the Government in each of the past three years involving the fatal poisoning of dogs; among such cases, (i) the number of cases in which the suspects were successfully arrested, (ii) the penalties imposed on the convicted persons, and (iii) the number of cases involving public facilities under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department; how the authorities will follow up cases of fatal poisoning of dogs, including whether they will consider installing cameras at the relevant locations to step up monitoring; and
(6) as it has been reported that many cases of fatal poisoning of dogs are suspected of involving the use of pesticides such as rodenticides, whether the Government will consider amending the legislation to require members of the public to register their real names with the Government when purchasing pesticides, so as to prevent pesticides from being abused to poison and kill animals?
Reply:
President,
Having consulted the Security Bureau, the Transport and Logistics Bureau and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), the reply to the question from the Hon Stanley Li is as follows:
(1) According to the most recent Thematic Household Survey on the household keeping of dogs and cats conducted by the Census and Statistics Department in 2018, some 241 900 households in Hong Kong were keeping cats or dogs, representing 9.4 per cent of all households. A total of some 184 100 cats and 221 100 dogs were being kept.
Under the Rabies Regulation (Cap. 421A), the keeper of a dog shall arrange his dog over the age of five months to be implanted with microchip and licensed. As at 2024, the number of dogs implanted with microchip and licensed was 158 663.
Since the transmission of rabies through cats is relatively lower than that through dogs, the legislation does not require that cats shall be implanted with a microchip and licensed. To facilitate identification of owners and assist owners to find their cats that have gone astray, since April 2024, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has stipulated the Licence Conditions that cats put up for sale by animal traders should be obtained from approved sources and microchipped. The AFCD does not maintain the number of cats implanted with microchip.
(2) The AFCD continues to promote the messages on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership through public education and publicity programmes, which include producing television promotional videos, establishing a thematic website on animal welfare and “Be a Responsible Pet Owner”, organising seminars in schools and residential estates, roving exhibitions, dog training courses, and pet adoption days, etc. The Department has also launched a series of “Duty of Care” publicity programmes, which include the production of a series of posts on social media platforms to share information on how to take proper care of animals and enhance the public’s understanding of the content and importance of “Duty of Care”. The AFCD includes questionnaires in some of its activities to evaluate their effectiveness, and the majority of participants have provided positive feedback. The Pet Adoption Day held in 2024 attracted over 10 000 attendees, demonstrating that the event was well received by the public.
To enlist wider public support and participation in fighting against cruelty to animals, the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) has implemented the Animal Watchers Programme (the Programme) since 2021 with a view to agglomerating the strengths of animal lovers at the community level in four directions of education, publicity, intelligence-gathering and investigation, raising public awareness on prevention of cruelty to animals, encouraging the public to report in a timely manner as well as providing information and clues useful for investigations. The Programme covers large-scale activities across Hong Kong for different communities and age groups, through the “Animal CARE Corners”, encouraging schools to keep animals and enhance students’ pet care skills. The Police adopts a multifaceted approach in evaluating its effectiveness by a variety of indicators, including the numbers of cases reported and persons arrested as well as the level of overall public engagement. At present, most of the cases of cruelty to animals are reported by members of the public who voluntarily offer information for investigation. This shows that the Programme has a significant impact on enhancing police-community co-operation and raising public awareness of combatting cruelty to animals.
(3) Society is divided on whether to allow pet dogs to enter food premises. The Government needs to take into account different factors when examining the relevant legislation, including public health, operating environment of food premises, and social acceptance. In particular, food premises in Hong Kong are generally cramped. It is necessary to consider the reaction of pet dogs in a crowded and cramped environment (possibly with different types of dogs), as well as the potential impact on other diners. The Environment and Ecology Bureau, together with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, is conducting research on practices and experiences in other places, and will carefully consider whether there is room for relaxing the relevant restrictions.
(4) Generally speaking, public transport has high daily patronage and limited compartment spaces. When considering whether to allow passengers to travel with pets for public transport services, the operators shall consider and balance different factors, including the actual operating situation, space and carrying capacity of the compartments, reaction of the pets in the travelling environment, as well as the potential impact on other passengers. The actual circumstances of different public transport modes vary. The Government will maintain close communication with the public transport operators and remind them to listen to different views to ensure that their services can properly cater for and balance the needs of different passengers. Currently, some public transport operators, such as ferries and taxis, may decide at their discretion whether to allow passengers to board with pets. The MTR Corporation Limited will also implement a pilot scheme that allows passengers to bring along their pet cats and dogs to take the light rail in accordance with specific requirements and at specific periods.
(5) Poisoning an animal causing unnecessary suffering is an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169). From 2022 to 2024, the number of reports on suspected cruelty to animals received by the HKPF and the AFCD, the number of persons arrested, and the relevant penalties imposed are tabulated at Annex. The Government does not maintain relevant breakdown of information on animal poisoning cases.
The Police will continue to review locations across 18 districts with higher crime rate and greater pedestrian flow, and proportionally install CCTV in these areas with a view to combating crime. Moreover, the LCSD will review and adjust the number of CCTV cameras having regard to established guidelines and the actual security and operational needs of individual venue. In the event of suspected criminal activities, the LCSD will contact the Police and take appropriate follow-up actions in light of the actual circumstances.
(6) Currently, the Pesticides Regulations (Cap. 133A) requires that all pesticide products must carry clear labels in both Chinese and English before being supplied or sold by licensed dealers. Any person using registered pesticides should thoroughly read and follow the instructions at the labels, and take all safety measures to protect the safety of the user and the public.
To enhance public understanding of the safe use of pesticides, the AFCD has distributed and uploaded relevant leaflets and guidelines for the reference of the trades and the public, and has actively disseminated messages of proper use of pesticides through various ongoing education and publicity programmes, including reminding members of the public that they should exercise caution in the purchase and use of pesticides and follow the relevant safety guidelines, so as to minimise the potential risks to human health, animal welfare and the environment. Considering that real-name registration for the purchase of pesticides would cause inconvenience to members of the public in their daily purchases of these products, and that it is difficult for law enforcement officers to identify persons with the intention to poison animals through registration records of the purchasers, the introduction of a real-name registration scheme would not be particularly effective for the prevention of animal poisoning. Issued at HKT 14:35
Sanitary waste management remains a major challenge across India, with improper disposal leading to environmental and health hazards. However, Karad, a small city in Maharashtra’s Satara district, has emerged as a role model in tackling this issue. With 100% segregation, collection, and processing of sanitary and biomedical waste, Karad has set a benchmark for effective and sustainable waste management. Ensuring the proper disposal of sanitary waste—such as sanitary napkins, diapers, and other hygiene products—has helped prevent health risks, environmental harm, and social stigma in Karad.
In Karad, approximately 300 to 350 kg of sanitary waste is collected daily from hospitals, clinics, households, and other facilities. One of the key steps taken by the administration was to break the taboo surrounding sanitary waste. This involved raising awareness and educating the community about the importance of proper sanitary waste management and the potential health risks associated with improper disposal. The city has adopted innovative strategies to educate residents on waste segregation via initiatives like workshops, community outreach programs, and public service announcements which played a key role in promoting responsible waste segregation and disposal.
Karad Municipal Council (KMC) collaborated with female residents, leading to the formation of women groups that played a pivotal role in raising awareness on proper sanitary waste disposal and segregation in the residential areas. To facilitate this, separate red bins have been installed in public toilets across the city, making it easier for women to dispose of sanitary waste responsibly.
Schools are also encouraged to install sanitary pad vending machines and disposal systems. Additionally, the city’s IEC team promote hygienic disposal practices, such as wrapping used sanitary pads in paper before discarding them. This initiative has led many schools to install incinerators, ensuring proper processing of sanitary waste, with the remaining residue sent to the biomedical waste treatment plant.
The Garbage Collection Vehicle in the city carries a separate bin for collection of sanitary waste. To ensure proper disposal, sanitation staff collect this waste separately, allowing only suitable materials to be incinerated. The sorted waste is then processed at a high-temperature incinerator, operated by the Karad Hospital Association, where it is burned at high temperatures. During incineration, organic materials are oxidized, generating heat, gas, and ash. To minimize environmental impact, the gases produced are filtered to remove harmful substances. The facility’s emissions are continuously monitored to meet air quality standards, with real-time data linked to the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) monitoring system for regulatory oversight.
To enhance sanitary waste disposal, the Karad Municipal Council (MC) has partnered with the Karad Hospital Association for the treatment of sanitary and biomedical waste. Under this agreement, KMC has allocated land for the construction of a biomedical waste treatment plant, which the hospital association is responsible for operating and maintaining. As part of the arrangement, the hospital association established the 600 kg/day ‘Common Biomedical Waste Treatment Facility’ (CBWTF) where the sanitary waste collected by the municipal council free of charge is processed. All sanitary waste in the city is incinerated at this facility, which houses a centralized incinerator capable of reaching temperatures up to 1200°C. This high-temperature incineration effectively minimizes contamination risks and health hazards, ensuring a safer working environment for sanitation staff.
The improved sanitary waste management system in Karad City has had a significant positive impact on both public health and environmental sustainability. The agreement with the Karad Hospital Association has notably reduced the financial burden on the Karad Municipal Council, as it only bears the cost of waste collection and transportation. This partnership highlights the effectiveness of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in solid waste management. The high-temperature incineration of sanitary waste has greatly minimized health risks and contamination, particularly safeguarding sanitation workers who handle the waste. By eliminating the open dumping of sanitary waste, the city has also prevented environmental degradation and curbed the spread of diseases.
By implementing proper waste segregation, increasing awareness, and developing more effective infrastructure, Karad prevented the public health and environmental hazards posed by inadequate sanitary waste management. This is not only contributed to the city’s cleanliness but also helped to improve the quality of life for the residents, particularly women, who are most directly affected by the challenges surrounding sanitary waste disposal.
In a significant step toward enhancing international cooperation and fostering global investment in India’s vibrant North East, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) organized Ambassadors’ Meet in New Delhi on April 15, 2025. Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and senior diplomatic representatives from over 80 countries participated . The event was aimed at showcasing the immense potential of the North Eastern Region (NER) and strengthening bilateral ties for sustainable development.
The Ambassadors’ Meet was graced by Hon’ble Minister of Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, who emphasized the strategic importance of the region, both economically and geopolitically. In his keynote address, the Hon’ble Minister highlighted Indian Government’s commitment to transforming the North East into a hub of connectivity, trade, and innovation. He also underlined that each of the eight states of the North East embodies unique strengths, resources and opportunities, making the region an invaluable asset in India’s growth story. From its rich cultural diversity to its natural beauty and strategic location, the North Eastern Region holds immense potential to emerge as one of the country’s leading economic powerhouses. Its proximity to Southeast Asia also positions the North Eastern Region as a gateway to South East Asian countries, aligning with India’s Act East Policy. Hon’ble Minister extended an invitation to the participating countries to explore opportunities in NER, capitalizing on the region’s rich resources and craftsmanship.
Hon’ble Minister of State, MDoNER, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, in his address highlighted the immense potential of North Eastern region. Sharing the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister, he explained how North Eastern States offers great aspects for investment opportunities and building a “Viksit Bharat” together. He highlighted the major development initiatives in the infrastructure sector that have taken place in the North Eastern Region under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister during the last 10 years, inter-alia, including expanding air, road and rail connectivity, waterways etc. He also underlined that Hon’ble Prime Minister emphasized North East as India’s Asthalakshmi, a key economic asset poised for rapid industrialization. He stated that with ample opportunities across multiple sectors, North East India welcomes investors to explore its vast potential and be part of its growth journey.
Shri Pema Khandu, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, spoke about the unique strengths of Northeast Region including Arunachal Pradesh.
Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, Shri S. Jaishankar, through a video message highlighted that NER has been at the forefront of India’s development policies. He mentioned about the importance of Kaladan multi-modal transit project and NER’s potential to be the gateway for south east Asian markets.
Secretary, MDoNER, Shri Chanchal Kumar delivered a detailed presentation on the investment opportunities in NER and highlighted untapped potential of the region. He also highlighted the opportunities available in the region in across various sectors like IT & ITES, Healthcare, Agri and allied, Education & Skill Development, Sports & Entertainment, Tourism & Hospitality, Infrastructure and logistics; Textiles, Handlooms and Handicrafts and Energy. He stated that with ample opportunities across multiple sectors, North East India welcomes investors to explore its vast potential and be part of its growth journey. He stated that MDoNER is committed to work closely with diplomatic missions, international development agencies, and global investors to channel resources and expertise toward projects that will boost employment, infrastructure, and human capital in the North Eastern Region.
Secretary(East), Ministry of External Affairs Shri Periasamy Kumaran in his address stated that the North Eastern Region shares international borders of with neighboring countries Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Nepal and Myanmar making it a strategic location and the Gateway to Southeast Asia for India. Therefore, the region can be developed as a base for India’s growing economic links not only with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) but also with neighbouring countries, viz. Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. He underlined that North Eastern Region is a treasure trove of diverse cultures, traditions, and breathtaking natural beauty. He stated that Ambassadors Meet is a crucial platform for engaging in constructive dialogues, building partnerships, and attracting investments that will drive inclusive growth and prosperity. This platform is an opportunity to come forward and explore the diverse opportunities offered by the Northeast.
The Ambassadors’ Meet was the one of the pre-summit activities of the North East Investors Summit to be organized by MDoNER on 23rd and 24th May, 2025. The event received an overwhelming response, with Ambassadors and diplomatic envoys expressing keen interest in partnering with Indian stakeholders to explore the possibilities offered by the North Eastern states – Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. The event not only fostered meaningful dialogue but also laid the groundwork for future partnerships, driving economic growth and sustainable development in the region.
The event was seniors officials Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and State Government of NER.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by Dr the Hon Tik Chi-yuen and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (April 16):
Question:
It has been reported that in recent years, a prolonged lack of external support has caused heavy physical and mental pressure to quite a number of carers and even led to unfortunate incidents. Hence, some community groups have advocated the establishment of a “register of carers”, with a view to accurately and promptly identifying high-risk cases and providing relevant support to prevent the recurrence of tragedies. In addition, the Government has proposed in the 2024 Policy Address the setting up of an inter-disciplinary and inter-organisation database for carers for early identification of high-risk cases and provision of support, and the Secretary for Labour and Welfare indicated in a media interview in February this year that the authorities were pressing ahead with the preparatory work for the database. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) how the Government defines “carers”, and what specific criteria and parameters the Government will adopt in identifying carers;
(2) of the specific benchmarks adopted by the Government for classifying “high-risk”, “medium-risk” and “low-risk” carers, including whether factors such as the carers’ physical and mental health, financial situation, social support network and care burden will be taken into account in classifying them;
(3) of the Government’s specific implementation timetable (including phased implementation arrangement) for setting up the database for carers;
(4) of the major difficulties currently faced by the Government in taking forward the setting up of the database for carers (including but not limited to challenges in areas such as cross-departmental collaboration, information collection, privacy protection and resource allocation); and
(5) apart from identifying high-risk carers, whether the Government will concurrently expand the relevant support services (including but not limited to increasing the provision of day care services and respite services for the elderly and persons with disabilities, as well as psychological support services for carers) and regularise the carer allowance schemes with the exemption from the restrictions on double benefits?
Reply:
President,
In response to the Dr the Hon Tik Chi-yuen’s question, our reply is as follows:
(1) The Government is committed to providing diversified services to support carers. To meet the needs of individuals, government bureaux and departments may define carers for individual measures in ways aligned with their specific goals and target groups to ensure appropriate support is provided to carers under their respective programmes and policy objectives.
As far as welfare policy is concerned, the Government has been progressively implementing a number of measures since 2023 to enhance support for carers of elderly persons and carers of persons with disabilities. The Labour and Welfare Bureau and the Social Welfare Department are committed to providing various services to support carers of elderly persons and carers of persons with disabilities, including financial assistance, care skills training, counselling and emotional support, and in parallel, providing the elderly and persons with disabilities with personal care, home cleaning, rehabilitation training, respite services, etc, to enhance the carers’ caring capacity and relieve their pressure.
(2) to (4) The Chief Executive announced in the 2024 Policy Address that the Government is exploring the setting up of an inter-disciplinary and inter-organisation database on carers of elderly persons and carers of persons with disabilities, with a view to identifying high-risk cases for early intervention and support. Preliminary, the database will cover older carers and low-income carers. As the purposes of data collection by different organisations may not have included the provision of social welfare support services to the persons concerned, the Government is in discussion with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data on the design of data-sharing schemes to ensure they qualify for the relevant exemptions under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO). Meanwhile, we are preparing data from various databases with the aim of carrying out pilot projects in full compliance with the PDPO.
(5) Since 2023, the Government has been progressively implementing various measures to enhance support for carers. Key support measures include:
(i) Designated Hotline for Carer Support (Carer Hotline): Launched in September 2023, the 24-hour Carer Hotline (182 183) offers immediate consultation and counselling, outreach, emergency support and referral services. It also matches respite services for care recipients in need and provides transportation allowances for carers, assisting them in escorting elderly persons or persons with disabilities to receive respite services;
(ii) Information Gateway for Carers: Launched in November 2023, the one-stop Information Gateway for Carers provides information on services for elderly persons, persons with disabilities and their carers; caring skills; and community activities and resources for carers;
(iii) Extension of the District Services and Community Care Teams – Scheme on Supporting Elderly and Carers (the Scheme): In April 2025, the Scheme extended from piloting in Tsuen Wan and Southern District to all 18 districts across the territory. Care Teams will help identify households of singleton and doubleton elderly, and carers of elderly persons and persons with disabilities, with a view to providing them with care and support services including information on social welfare services and community resources, referring eligible elderly persons and persons with disabilities to install and use the indoor emergency alarm system (known as “Safety Bell”); and referring cases in need to social welfare service units for follow-up;
(iv) Expansion of the respite service network: Starting from October and December 2023 respectively, around 20 Homes under the Bought Place Scheme (BPS) for Private Residential Care Homes for Persons with Disabilities and around 140 private residential care homes for the elderly participated in the Enhanced BPS, offering day respite services to persons with disabilities and elderly persons in need respectively when vacancies in residential respite placements arise. From December 2024, about 120 service units participating in the Community Care Service Voucher Scheme for the Elderly have expanded their day care services from center-based services that only serve voucher holders to providing day respite services for any elderly persons in need, allowing carers to select respite service points in the vicinity according to their needs;
(v) Utilising technology to relieve carer burden and stress: The Government has injected an additional $1 billion to the Innovation and Technology Fund for Application in Elderly and Rehabilitation Care (I&T Fund) in 2024-25, and expanded the scope of the I&T Fund to cover technology products suitable for household use. Eligible elderly and rehabilitation services units can apply to purchase suitable technology products for lending to elderly persons, persons with disabilities and their carers for use at home, so as to improve the quality of life of service users and relieve the burden and pressure of carers; and
(vi) Scheme on Living Allowance for Carers of Elderly Persons from Low-income Families and Scheme on Living Allowance for Low-income Carers of Persons with Disabilities (the Carer Allowance Schemes): The Carer Allowance Schemes have been incorporated into the Government’s regular assistance programmes since October 2023, providing a cash living allowance to the carers of low-income families who do not receive Comprehensive Social Security Assistance or Old Age Living Allowance, to help supplement their living expenses.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Alexander (Chief Executive Officer Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Germany of Deutsche Bank, Mr Alexander von zur Mühlen), Marco (Head of Emerging Markets of Deutsche Bank Private Bank, Mr Marco), Salman (Vice Chairman of Deutsche Bank Private Bank, Mr Salman Mahdi), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning.
It is a great pleasure to join you all at this year’s Deutsche Bank Emerging Markets Family Office Forum. My sincere thanks to Deutsche Bank for bringing to Hong Kong such a distinguished group of family principals, next-generation leaders and senior decision-makers from across the globe.
Stability, for family offices
While the focus today is on family offices, it would be remiss of me not to address a broader issue: that is, the so-called “reciprocal tariffs” imposed by the US (United States) on its trading partners. And why it further illustrates that Hong Kong is the right destination for family offices.
Much has been said about the flip-flopping of the Trump Administration and the prospects of the tariff war. For family offices, this uncertainty and unpredictability have added new complexities to their asset allocation strategies.
Currently, across the world, sovereign governments and investors are seeking to de-risk their allocations and expand their portfolios to markets that provide policy clarity, consistency and credibility. The same holds true for family offices looking to preserve and grow their wealth in a secure and predictable environment.
In this context, Hong Kong stands out as a robust destination of choice. Allow me to share a few observations.
First, our stock market. With a capitalisation of nearly US$5 trillion, it is deep and liquid, and has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Following the tariff announcements, the Hang Seng Index saw a sharp fall on Monday last week. But the market has since been regaining ground. Trading volumes have been high, indicating the strong underlying liquidity. Over the past week, the average daily turnover of our stock market was about HK$360 billion, about 2.8 times of that in 2024. That speaks volumes about investors’ interest and confidence in our market.
In fact, over the past few years, the Government, along with our financial regulators, have put in place a round-the-clock, cross-market surveillance system to detect and address potential threats associated with market volatility. We focus on whether the markets are functioning in an orderly manner, and whether there are irregularities or systemic risks that will threaten Hong Kong’s financial stability. So far, there has been no cause for concern.
Second, the Hong Kong dollar remains firm, trading on the strong side of its convertibility range, which indicates that there is no capital flight. Indeed, our bank deposits have been on a rising trend over the past year. In February, we had over US$2.2 trillion in bank deposits, rising by some 10 per cent compared to a year ago. Our Linked Exchange Rate System continues to function smoothly, underscoring the strength and stability of our monetary system.
Beyond financial security and stability, Hong Kong offers compelling reasons for family offices to anchor their operations and allocate their assets here.
First, it is the “one country, two systems” principle which provides the foundation for long-term prosperity and reinforces the IFC (international financial centre) status of Hong Kong. President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed on multiple occasions that the “one country, two systems” arrangement will remain in place in Hong Kong in the long run. Hong Kong’s unique position as a gateway between the Mainland and the world is highly cherished by the Central Authorities.
In essence, Hong Kong will continue to uphold the defining features that set us apart from the rest of China: a free port; free trade policy; free flow of capital, goods, people and information; and a freely convertible currency. We remain open, diverse, cosmopolitan and committed to welcoming capital, business and talent from around the world. This is deep in our DNA.
A crucial element of the “one country, two systems” principle is the common law system underpinned by an independent judiciary. Despite misconceptions about our city, the facts are convincing: in the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index, Hong Kong ranks ahead of the US and many European countries.
According to a recent survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong released in January this year, 83 per cent of its members expressed confidence in our rule of law. The figure has registered a consistent rise over the past two years.
Our simple, low-tax regime is another strong advantage. We impose no capital gains tax, no estate tax and no tax on dividends, offering a highly enviable environment for wealth preservation and growth.
Our international competitiveness is evident by various global rankings. We are the world’s freest economy, Asia’s top financial centre, and the fifth-most competitive economy globally.
Here in Hong Kong, your capital is safe. Protection of capital and private property is enshrined in our Basic Law. We honour our international obligations and have never implemented any sanctions unilaterally imposed by other jurisdictions.
Opportunities for investments and businesses
Ladies and gentlemen, beyond the above institutional fundamentals, Hong Kong is a city of immense opportunities. Let me highlight three points.
First, beyond the stock market that I mentioned earlier, we offer a full range of options for you to deploy your capital. Our venture capital and private equity sector manages over US$230 billion, which is second only to the Mainland. We are Asia’s No. 1 hedge fund base. Our asset and wealth management sector oversees close to US$4 trillion of assets, with over half of them sourced internationally.
Second, innovation and technology is powering Hong Kong’s next chapter. We are investing heavily to develop AI and other frontier technologies as new pillars of our economy. Our strategy encompasses building infrastructure, providing funding support, attracting strategic enterprises and talent, and engaging in international exchanges. Now, “AI+” is the name of the game, and we are working for its deep integration with various sectors and industries.
To nurture industries of tomorrow, the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited, or HKIC, was established with US$8 billion in capital. It is patient capital, focusing on deep tech, biotech and new materials, and new energy. It is guiding, channelling and leveraging market capital to support tech industries and segments at their nascent stages to help build the ecosystem. So far, the HKIC has supported over 100 projects, drawing in four dollars of private capital for every dollar it invested. We welcome family offices to form partnerships and co-invest with HKIC.
Third, Hong Kong’s synergistic development with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, or the GBA, which is home to 87 million people with a per capita GDP of US$40,000 on a purchasing power parity basis. It is a young and massive consumer market. The increasingly affluent population has a growing demand for quality financial products and services, and a need for diversified asset allocation.
The GBA is also a technology and innovation hub. Home to many tech giants and start-ups, the GBA has a highly educated workforce, and exceptional commercialisation and advanced manufacturing capabilities. In fact, Hong Kong, together with Shenzhen and Guangzhou in the GBA, is ranked the second most innovative cluster in the world for five consecutive years.
Overall speaking, the GBA is rising as a region combining the advantages of the New York Bay Area and San Francisco Bay Area.
Impact, philanthropy and living
Beyond investments, Hong Kong is also blessed with a vibrant, collaborative philanthropic community. Our financial institutions, businesses, think tanks, local and global foundations and NGOs (non-governmental organisations) have come together to form partnerships that deliver projects that are scalable, and socially and environmentally impactful.
And when it comes to lifestyle, Hong Kong is unmatched in Asia.
Over the past few weeks, the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens and Coldplay lit up our brand new Kai Tak Stadium. Indeed, from world-class performances and Michelin-starred dining to vibrant art, heritage and hiking trails, Hong Kong offers a lifestyle that global families would dream for.
This city also offers the best education for children. More than 50 international schools operate in this city, providing a wide range of curricula to meet the diverse needs of global families. Five of our universities are ranked within the global top 100.
And Hong Kong is among the safest metropolitan cities in the world.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is no surprise that Hong Kong is now home to over 2 700 family offices – half of which manage assets exceeding US$50 million. We expect that number to grow to 3 000 very soon.
To support this growth, we have introduced dedicated tax concessions for single family offices. We are currently working to expand the scope of exemptions and enlarge the eligibility for concessions. There is a bespoke service team under Invest Hong Kong to help family offices with their setup, compliance, talent sourcing, philanthropic engagement, and more. You are most welcome to approach them.
My thanks once again to Deutsche Bank for convening this meaningful Forum. I wish you all a productive forum and an enjoyable stay in Hong Kong – a city which I hope you will call home soon. Thank you very much.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Lau Kwok-fan and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (April 16):
Question:
The Labour Department has implemented the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) since September 2023, suspending the general exclusion of the 26 job categories as well as unskilled or low-skilled posts (job categories) from labour importation for two years. The ESLS will expire in September this year. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the situation of labour importation for the aforesaid job categories since the implementation of ESLS, including (i) the number of imported workers who have arrived in Hong Kong to work and (ii) the median wage of imported workers, as well as the respective (iii) local employment rates and (iv) median wages of local workers for such job categories; President,
To cope with the challenges brought about by manpower shortage and on the premise of ensuring employment priority for local workers, the Government has enhanced the mechanism for importation of labour. Apart from launching sector???specific labour importation schemes for the construction sector, transport sector, and residential care homes for the elderly and residential care homes for persons with disabilities, the Labour Department (LD) has implemented the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) since September 4, 2023, to suspend the general exclusion of the 26 job categories as well as unskilled or low-skilled posts from labour importation under the previous Supplementary Labour Scheme for two years.
In consultation with the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), our reply to the Hon Lau Kwok-fan’s questions is as follows: Employers approved to import workers under the ESLS are required to arrange for their prospective imported workers to submit visa/entry permit applications to the Immigration Department within the periods specified in the approval-in-principle letters (generally within six months from the issue dates of the letters). The time of imported workers arriving in Hong Kong depends on the progress of employers’ handling of relevant procedures. The LD does not maintain the number of imported workers who have arrived to work in Hong Kong under the ESLS.
As required by the ESLS, applicant employers must undertake local open recruitment and give priority to employing qualified local workers to fill the vacancies at a salary not lower than the median monthly wage of a comparable position in the market. The median monthly wage by major job categories is at Annex 2. The latest median monthly wage of other common posts is available in the List of Common Posts on LD’s ESLS dedicated webpage (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/plan/iwESLS.htm The C&SD does not compile statistics on local employment rate by job categories under the ESLS.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Frankie Yick and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (April 16):
Question:
It has been reported that from time to time, the Police conduct enforcement actions against specific vehicles to combat offences under the Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) Regulations (Cap. 374A). However, some commercial vehicle drivers have indicated that the Police’s enforcement actions in recent years have been too stringent (e.g. vehicles which have just passed the annual examination of the Transport Department are still subject to the issuance of vehicle examination orders or towed away for examination), thus affecting the normal operation of the trade and the livelihood of drivers. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the following information on the enforcement actions taken by the Police against various types of commercial vehicles in contravention of Cap. 374A in the past two years: the number of such actions, the number of days, the locations and the police resources involved;
(2) of the following information on the offences involving contravention of Cap. 374A in each of the past two years: (i) the number of vehicle examination orders issued, (ii) the number of vehicles towed away for examination and (iii) the number of vehicles which were not found to have contravened the regulations after examination, and set out in the table below a breakdown by vehicle class (i.e. (a) taxi, (b) public light bus, (c) student service vehicle, (d) tourist coach and (e) goods vehicle);
Vehicle class
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
2023
2024
2023
2024
2023
2024
(a)
……
(e)
(3) of the most commonly contravened offences under Cap. 374A in the past two years; whether the authorities will step up publicity and education efforts targeting at offences relating to Cap. 374A, so as to ensure road safety; and
(4) as there are views that the Police’s enforcement actions in respect of traffic offences and contraventions “take the easy way out”, focusing only on unlawful acts relating to the construction of vehicles but neglecting the harm brought about by vehicles used for illegal carriage of passengers for reward (commonly known as “white licence cars”), whether the authorities will step up enforcement actions against white licence cars; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
In respect of the questions about traffic enforcement raised by the Hon Frankie Yick, having consulted the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and the Transport Department (TD), my reply is as follows:
(1) Taking enforcement action against contraventions of the Road Traffic (Construction and Maintenance of Vehicles) Regulations (Cap. 374A) is a regular duty of the HKPF. The HKPF does not keep a breakdown of the statistics being enquired.
(2) and (3) The HKPF takes enforcement actions against vehicles which do not comply with the requirements of the Regulations or are unfit for use on road from time to time, including requiring the vehicles concerned to undergo examination to ensure road safety. The vehicle examination dates specified in the vehicle examination orders issued by the TD are normally set at three weeks after the date of issue to allow sufficient time for the vehicle owners to rectify the situation.
The number of vehicles detained and examined by the HKPF for suspected non-compliance with the Regulations or being unfit for road use, the number of vehicle examination orders issued by the TD in respect of referrals made by the HKPF (excluding those which were towed away by the HKPF for examination), and the number of such vehicles which have passed the examination on the first time in the past two years are set out at the Annex. The HKPF does not keep statistics on the most commonly contravened offences under the Regulations.
Based on the number of licensed vehicles in Hong Kong in 2023 and 2024, the number of vehicles detained and inspected by the HKPF (including all types of vehicles such as private cars and commercial vehicles) only accounted for 0.3 per cent of the licensed vehicles. As regards the number of vehicle examination orders issued by the TD in response to the HKPF’s referrals, the number of taxi, light buses, buses and goods vehicles issued with examination orders only accounted for 0 per cent to 0.5 per cent of the licensed vehicles of the respective types. Most of the taxis and light buses subject to examination were able to pass the inspection on the first time.
(4) The Government has been paying close attention to the use of vehicles for illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward. In taking traffic enforcement actions, apart from following the established guidelines, the HKPF will also consider each case on its own merits and deploy resources flexibly to take appropriate regulatory and enforcement actions. The HKPF has been taking targeted enforcement actions and gathering intelligence through various channels, with a view to combating illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward. Where sufficient evidence is found indicating that a vehicle without a valid hire car permit is suspected to be used for illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward, enforcement actions will be taken accordingly.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ14: Immigration clearance service at Hong Kong International Airport It has been reported that passenger throughput at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) reached 53.1 million last year, representing an increase of more than 30 per cent compared to 2023. However, it is learnt that many overseas visitors have to wait for a long time before they could complete immigration clearance procedures at HKIA, which has adversely affected the reputation of Hong Kong’s tourism industry. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) of the annual number of inbound and outbound passenger trips at the HKIA control point in the past three years, their average waiting time for immigration clearance (including for those using the Automated Passenger Clearance System (e-Channel) service), and the proportion of cases where the waiting time exceeded the standard of the Immigration Department’s performance pledge;
(2) whether it has conducted a survey on the specific difference in the average time taken to clear visitors between HKIA and other major international airports, including those in Japan, Korea, Thailand and Singapore; if not, whether it has plans to conduct such a survey with a view to improving the standard of Hong Kong’s immigration clearance service; and
(3) of the total annual number of visitors who used the e-Channel service at HKIA in the past three years, with a breakdown by the country and place of origin; whether it has plans to consider adjusting the eligibility criteria for visitors to register for the e-Channel service (e.g. lowering the requirement for the number of visits to Hong Kong by a visitor), thereby broadening the coverage of the service; whether it will allow visitors to opt to use facial recognition technology for self-service immigration clearance so that more visitors who meet the basic eligibility criteria can enjoy the convenience of the automated immigration clearance service; if it will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
In 2024, a total of around 298 million passengers passed through Hong Kong’s control points, representing an increase of about 41 per cent over 2023 and a return to the level in 2019. The total number of visitor arrivals was about 44.5 million, representing an increase of about 31 per cent compared to 2023. Among them, around 9.86 million visitors travelled through the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) control point, representing an increase of about 42 per cent over 2023. In response to the significant volume of passenger traffic and adhering to the spirit of striving for excellence and innovation, the Immigration Department (ImmD) keeps leveraging innovative technologies to continuously improve its immigration clearance services. Various facilitation measures have been implemented at control points in order to provide visitors with a more convenient clearance experience.
The reply to the Hon Rock Chen’s question is as follows:
(1) In the past three years, the annual number of inbound and outbound passenger trips at the HKIA control point was as follows:
Year Regarding the clearance services at the HKIA control point, the ImmD pledges to clear 95 per cent of visitors within a 15-minute waiting time. Over the past three years, an average of over 99 per cent of visitors were cleared within a 15-minute waiting time each year. During peak passenger traffic periods at the HKIA, the ImmD would flexibly deploy manpower and optimise workflows, including operating additional counters and e-Channels when necessary, to ensure smooth passenger flow.
(2) According to the open information from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, in December 2024, the rate at which the major airports in Japan (including New Chitose Airport, Haneda Airport, Narita Airport, Chubu Airport, Kansai Airport, Fukuoka Airport and Naha Airport) cleared inbound visitors within 20 minutes was 66 per cent. As for other major international airports mentioned in the question (i.e. those in Korea, Thailand and Singapore), the respective authorities have not disclosed data on the average immigration waiting time. Meanwhile, in a recent World Passenger Survey commissioned by Skytrax, an international specialist research agent in the air transport industry, the ImmD won the 2025 Skytrax Award for Best Airport Immigration Service. This marks another accomplishment of the ImmD following previous awards in 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2020, reflecting the global recognition of the services provided by the ImmD. The ImmD will continue to maintain close ties with immigration authorities worldwide, engaging in exchanges and sharing, as well as learning from their experiences and practices, with a view to introducing further visitor-friendly measures to enhance the level of clearance facilitation, thereby supporting the overall development of Hong Kong.
(3) In the past three years, the annual number of inbound and outbound passenger trips using the e-Channel service at the HKIA control point was as follows:
Year The ImmD does not maintain a breakdown of other visitors by country or place of origin.
To enhance the level of convenience for immigration clearance, the ImmD has been leveraging innovative technologies to boost the efficiency of e-Channels and broaden the service to cover more target groups.
Currently, frequent visitors to Hong Kong (typically those who have made visits to Hong Kong via the HKIA for no fewer than three times in the past 12 months) and eligible passport holders from countries that have entered into an agreement with Hong Kong for mutual use of automated clearance services (including Korea, Singapore, Germany, Australia and Thailand) can enrol for the e-Channel service. Eligible visitors to Hong Kong holding Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Travel Passes, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards or Frequent Flyer Programme membership cards issued by relevant airlines can even enrol for the e-Channel service right upon their first arrival in Hong Kong. In addition, the ImmD launched the Smart Departure e-Channels in October 2017 which utilise facial recognition technology to verify visitors’ identities, thereby enabling eligible visitors from over 100 locations to complete self-service departure clearance without prior enrolment. Also, the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Invited Persons has been launched since March 18, 2025 to provide automated clearance services for invited persons from the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
For visitors from the Mainland and Macao, the ImmD lowered the eligible age from 16 to 11 years old or above for holders of the Mainland’s electronic Exit-Entry Permits for travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao to use the e-Channel service in April 2023. The ImmD also launched the “Mutual Use of QR Code between HKSAR and Macao SAR Clearance Service” jointly with the Macao authorities in July last year, allowing eligible residents of both places to use QR Codes to pass through the automated clearance channels.
To further reduce waiting time for inbound visitors, the ImmD is actively exploring ways to enhance the e-Channel service arrangements for visitors to Hong Kong, including relaxing application requirements for frequent visitors to Hong Kong and streamlining enrolment procedures. The ImmD will also step up publicity to boost the e-Channel service enrolment rate among visitors. Additionally, the ImmD and the Airport Authority Hong Kong are exploring the feasibility of installing additional e-Channels in the HKIA arrivals hall to cater for the trend that more visitors will use automated clearance service and the increase in demand in the longer term. Taking into account the practical and unique operational needs of immigration clearance at the HKIA, the ImmD is also looking into other measures, such as optimising staff deployment, to flexibly meet service demands while ensuring quality and efficiency of service.
The ImmD will regularly review existing policies and measures, striving to balance effective immigration control with facilitating inbound visitors. Furthermore, the ImmD will continuously strive for innovation in enhancing clearance efficiency as well as broadening the e-Channel service to cover more target groups. Issued at HKT 11:58
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
With the approach of the Easter holidays, the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, Dr Edwin Tsui, today (April 16) appealed to members of the public who intend to travel to stay alert to the situation of infectious diseases at their destinations and to prevent various infectious diseases, in particular measles, dengue fever (DF) and norovirus infection.
Measles
Recently, the number of measles cases in some overseas countries has been increasing. The outbreaks in North America (including the United States and Canada), Europe and neighbouring areas (including Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines) are ongoing due to the relatively low vaccination rate. Furthermore, an increasing number of measles cases have also been recorded in Japan and Australia this year. Overseas cases mainly affected people who were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. This shows the importance of maintaining a high vaccination rate and herd immunity within the community.
Vaccination is the safest and most effective preventive measure against measles. For those who plan to travel to measles-endemic areas, they should check their vaccination records and medical history as early as possible. If they have not been diagnosed with measles through laboratory tests and have never received two doses of the measles vaccine or are not sure if they have received the measles vaccine, they should consult a doctor at least two weeks prior to their trip for vaccination. Healthy people in general can enjoy long-term, even lifelong protection after receiving the measles vaccination as recommended. Two doses of the measles-containing vaccine can confer protection of up to 97 per cent.
The incubation period of measles is seven to 21 days. Symptoms include fever, skin rash, cough, runny nose and red eyes. If such symptoms appear after returning from measles-endemic areas, people should wear surgical masks, stay home from work or school, avoid crowded places and contact with unvaccinated people, especially those with weak immune systems, pregnant women and children under 1 year old, and should consult their doctors as soon as possible.
Dengue fever
During their travels, members of the public are urged to stay vigilant against mosquito-borne diseases, including DF, Japanese encephalitis, zika virus infection, and malaria, with DF being a particular concern, and to carry out stringent anti-mosquito measures. In 2024, the World Health Organization recorded over 14 million cases of DF, which was a record number of cases. Some popular travel destinations for Hong Kong citizens, such as Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia, are also endemic areas for DF. ​ Members of the public should follow these anti-mosquito measures when travelling to areas affected by DF to reduce the chance of acquiring mosquito-borne diseases during travels and spreading the diseases to others through mosquitoes:
Wear loose, light-coloured, long-sleeved tops and trousers;
Use DEET-containing insect repellent on exposed parts of the body and clothing. For details about the use of insect repellents and key points to be observed, please refer to Tips for using insect repellents;
When engaging in outdoor activities, avoid using fragrant cosmetics or skincare products, reapply insect repellents according to instructions, and apply insect repellents after sunscreen if both are used; and
Apply insect repellent for 14 days upon returning to Hong Kong from areas affected by DF.
Norovirus infection
Norovirus is more active in winter, and the virus can be transmitted through various means, such as eating contaminated food, contacting with the vomit or excreta of infected persons, and touching contaminated objects. It may lead to an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis (AGE). With the current AGE activities in popular travel destinations for Hong Kong citizens, such as Japan, Singapore and Taiwan, being higher than during the same period last year, and with temperatures in some areas remaining low, members of the public are still at risk of infection during travels.
Norovirus is also a common cause of food poisoning and is often related to consumption of undercooked or raw shellfish. Therefore, the following points on food safety should be observed during travels:
Patronise reliable and licensed restaurants;
Avoid raw food or undercooked food, especially raw seafood or meat;
Be careful in choosing cold cuts, including sashimi, sushi and oysters in buffets;
When having hotpots or barbecuing, make sure the food is thoroughly cooked before eating;
Drink boiled water; and
Wash hands thoroughly with liquid soap and water before eating and after using the toilet.
Dr Tsui reminded returned travellers to consult a doctor promptly if they develop symptoms such as fever, respiratory symptoms, rash or gastroenteritis symptoms, and to inform the doctor of their travel history for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
“The CHP will continue to monitor the situation of infectious diseases locally and abroad and provide timely updates to members of the public to keep them informed about the development of infectious diseases and help them prepare for precautionary measures,” Dr Tsui said.
The public may visit the DH’s Travel Health Service webpage for the latest information on infectious disease outbreaks in various parts of the world and the preventive measures.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:
The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (April 16) announced the completion of a direct investigation operation into the Government’s regulation of occupational safety and health (OSH) in the construction industry, with 40 major recommendations for improvement made to the Labour Department (LD), the Buildings Department (BD) and the Development Bureau (DEVB).
In recent years, from large-scale public works, housing development and building repairs to small-scale flat renovation works, fatal industrial accidents in the construction industry have occurred frequently. The situation has attracted widespread public concern. During the six-year period from 2018 to 2023, the construction industry recorded a total of 108 fatal industrial accidents, accounting for more than 80 per cent of fatal industrial accidents in all industries.
Mr Chan said, “This direct investigation operation is by far our largest and most comprehensive direct investigation operation in many years. During the investigation, investigation staff of the Office has scrutinised over 90 000 pages of documents, including about 70 individual cases in 40 boxes, and conducted multiple in-depth site visits of different types to examine the issue thoroughly and from different perspectives.
“The construction industry undoubtedly makes significant contributions to the economic development of society and people’s living environment. All lives are priceless. Indeed, one life lost to an industrial accident is one too many. The problem must be dealt with seriously and vigorously. During our direct investigation operation, the current-term Government has proactively introduced an array of targeted improvement measures to enhance OSH in the construction industry, which include amending the relevant OSH legislation to significantly increase the level of penalties to provide greater deterrent; revising various codes of practice to enhance technical requirements; conducting a number of special enforcement operations to curb unsafe operations; updating the content of mandatory safety training courses to raise workers’ safety awareness; improving the mechanism for processing renewal of contractors’ registration; formulating proposed amendments to the Buildings Ordinance to tighten the regulation of contractors; strengthening the regulation of contractors on the approved lists with unsatisfactory safety performance; and making great efforts to promote the application of the Smart Site Safety System. While the current-term Government’s endeavours are highly commendable, heart-wrenching fatal industrial accidents still happen from time to time. The Government must continue to step up its efforts to safeguard the safety of workers at every step of work. Based on our findings, the Office considers that there is still room for improvement in different areas on the part of the three relevant departments.”
From the analysis of previous fatal accidents, complaints handled by the LD and site visits conducted by the Office, the Office found that in a number of cases concerning high-risk operations such as bamboo scaffolds, lifting appliances and lifting operations, the “competent persons” and “competent examiners” (collectively referred to as “competent persons”) had failed to properly inspect the plant or machinery before signing a prescribed form to certify its safety, or even signed multiple forms in advance. For example, a “competent person” has to sign a “Form 5” to certify that a bamboo scaffold is safe before it can be used by workers. In a site inspection, the Office found that a “competent person” had signed a “Form 5” certifying that a scaffold had been inspected and was in safe working order, but the inspection date mentioned in the form was two days after the date of the Office’s inspection. The Office even found a case where a “competent person” had already signed a form to certify the safety of a scaffold before the scaffold was actually completed.
Moreover, in its investigation into a fatal industrial accident concerning a lifting appliance, the LD found that two registered professional engineers acting in the capacity of “competent examiners” signed a few prescribed forms on different dates, one of which was after a storm, certifying that the lifting appliance was in safe working condition, but they actually had not carried out the required tests and examination.
Mr Chan said, “These ‘competent persons’ failed to carry out inspections properly or even did not carry out any inspections at all, yet irresponsibly signed forms to certify the safety of equipment. Such reckless acts pose a serious risk to the safety of workers and the public. These persons failed to uphold their obligations and meet public expectations, and they must face legal consequences and criticisms from all.” The Office considers that the LD must step up monitoring under a multipronged approach, including exploring the formulation of inspection checklist templates for different types of high-risk operations, requiring “competent persons” to maintain inspection records, and implementing a system of random checks. In the long run, the LD should explore the development of an electronic platform for contractors and “competent persons” to upload inspection records and forms to facilitate monitoring and surprise checking to curb unprofessional or even fraudulent criminal conduct, such as predating inspection forms.
The average amounts of penalty imposed on offenders of OSH legislation in the construction industry between 2018 and 2023 ranged from merely some $8,000 to some $10,500 per year. Comparing to the enormous fees and profits of construction projects, such penalty levels are obviously inadequate to have a deterrent effect. Among those offenders, the two contractors with the highest and the second-highest numbers of convictions during the six years had been convicted 77 and 56 times respectively. This shows that some disobedient contractors in the construction industry are repeat offenders, and their blatant defiance of the law and disregard for OSH are indeed staggering. The Office is pleased to learn that the current-term Government has completed amendments to the relevant OSH legislation, and the Occupational Safety and Occupational Health Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2023, which took effect on April 28, 2023, has significantly increased the penalties for contravention of OSH legislation and extended the time limit for prosecution. Since the new penalties have been in effect for only a short time, the LD should, after the new penalties have been in force for a period, conduct a systemic analysis to review the effectiveness of its prosecution work and the penalties imposed by the Court in convicted cases.
The Office’s investigation also revealed that the BD had long failed to handle cases referred by the LD for determining whether disciplinary action should be taken against contractors convicted of OSH offences. During the decade from 2011 to 2021, the BD has taken disciplinary action against only one contractor on one occasion. The Office has thoroughly examined the reason for the BD’s omission throughout the years. Under the disciplinary system, the BD may take disciplinary action against a contractor when either one of the following two criteria is met: the contractor has been convicted of five or more site safety offences relating to building works in the same construction site in six consecutive months (“Criterion 1”); or the contractor has been convicted of site safety offences relating to building works which involved fatal accidents (“Criterion 2”). The Office found that, in the past decade or so, the BD, upon receiving the monthly summary list of conviction records from the LD, only focused on handling contractors meeting Criterion 1 for consideration of disciplinary action. As regards contractors meeting Criterion 2, the BD admitted omission of follow-up action due to a mistaken belief that, in addition to a monthly summary list of conviction records, the LD would proactively provide details of individual cases for its consideration of disciplinary action.
Furthermore, in the only disciplinary case mentioned above, it took more than six years from the occurrence of the fatal accident in 2009 to the BD’s completion of disciplinary action against the contractor in 2015. The Office has examined the sequence of events of this case and found delays in different time points. For example, it took the BD a year after receiving the LD’s referral to complete analysis and seek detailed case information from the LD. And, after receiving information from the LD, the BD sought legal advice only a year later. This reflects the cumbersome and inefficient procedures for disciplinary action. The Office is glad to see that in response to its observations, the BD has implemented time indicators for handling cases of disciplinary action before the Office’s completion of this report and is striving to process previously omitted cases.
Meanwhile, relevant data shows that site safety has obviously been better maintained in public works than in the construction industry as a whole. While this is not due to luck but to effective regulation by relevant government departments, the Office considers that there is still room for improvement. The Office has selected 12 public works projects involving fatal industrial accidents between 2020 and 2023 and examined the scores that the contractors concerned (i.e. the successful tenderers) received regarding their site safety performance in the tender evaluation. The Office found in many contracts that the successful tenderer was given a rather low score regarding site safety performance, and some were even given the lowest score among all the tenderers. Yet, these successful tenderers still managed to win the bid because of their higher scores in tender price or other technical parts. Although the Office found no systemic occurrence of “the lowest bid wins” situation in the tender evaluation of public works, the case studies showed that adequate consideration had not been given to tenderers’ previous performance of site safety. This is because items relating to site safety did not weigh much, and the score gaps between tenderers were narrow, resulting in only an insignificant impact on the overall outcome.
Mr Chan said, “The Office is glad to learn that, during this direct investigation operation, the DEVB introduced in November 2023 a new tender evaluation system whereby a merit or demerit point would be applied having regard to the tenderer’s previous performance of site safety. The DEVB should continue to review the tender evaluation system for public works in a timely manner to ensure that only contractors whose performance meets the safety standards are awarded contracts.”
Another noteworthy point is that, during the six-year period from 2018 to 2023, there were 45 fatal accidents relating to renovation and repair works in total, accounting for a significant 42 per cent of all fatal accidents in the construction industry. Based on case studies and site inspections, the Office found serious inadequacies in safety measures for renovation and repair works and a lack of basic safety awareness among workers and even property management companies, property owners and residents. The Office recognises the sheer volume of renovation and repair works under way throughout the territory. The LD alone can hardly ensure the safety of this kind of small-scale works, and property management companies, owners’ corporations, property owners and residents should also take part in monitoring. In fact, property management companies, owners’ corporations, property owners and residents have clear legal responsibilities under OSH legislation and may face civil claims or even criminal liability in the event of accidents. The Office considers that the LD should step up publicity and education among these stakeholders, stressing in particular their legal liability in relation to renovation and repair works and the legal consequence (whether criminal or civil) and loss in case of accidents. This is to ensure that these stakeholders understand it is in their own interest to protect the safety of workers, and at the same time incentivise them to engage contractors and workers with a good safety record.
On the whole, the Office has made 40 recommendations for improvement in nine major areas, including the LD’s regulation of high-risk operations; the LD’s inspections; the LD’s enforcement and prosecution; the LD’s monitoring of registered safety auditors and registered safety officers; the BD’s regulation of registered contractors; the DEVB’s monitoring of public works and contractors; the use of innovation and technology; safety education and training; as well as publicity and promotion. The Office is pleased to learn that the LD, the BD and the DEVB have accepted all of its recommendations.
Mr Chan said, “To enhance OSH in the construction industry, the Government is duty bound to carry out effective regulation. However, stakeholders within or outside the industry, including contractors, workers, trade unions, various types of safety personnel, as well as owners’ corporations, property owners, residents and property management companies who are involved in renovation and repair works, all have a role to play. I hope all stakeholders will work together to safeguard site and worker safety, eradicate undesirable habits, and prevent accidents from happening for the benefit of society as a whole.”
The Office’s major recommendations for improvement to the LD are:
• explore formulating templates of inspection checklist for different types of high-risk operations and attach them to the relevant codes of practice for use by “competent persons” during inspections or examinations to tighten control;
• conduct a comprehensive review of the existing requirements for maintenance of inspection records by “competent persons” regarding different types of high-risk operations, specifying the inspection records to be maintained and the need to produce such records upon the instruction of the LD officers;
• in the long run, explore the development of an electronic platform for contractors and “competent persons” to upload inspection records and forms to facilitate monitoring and random checking to curb unprofessional or even fraudulent conduct, such as predating inspection forms;
• review the operational guidelines on the conduct of in-depth surprise inspections for more precise selection of high-risk construction sites and proper follow-up on sites inspected to ensure systemic improvement of site safety;
• continue to pursue legislative amendment work to enhance the statutory notification mechanism for construction works;
• after the new penalties for OSH offences have been in force for a period of time, conduct a systemic analysis to review its prosecution work and the penalties imposed by the Court in convicted cases;
• take more proactive steps to follow up on the performance of registered safety auditors and registered safety officers on the monitoring list by, for example, making close observations of their actual performance on the site and careful examination of the reports they submit to enhance the quality of their work;
• drawing on the painful lessons from previous fatal accidents, remind site personnel including registered safety officers and registered safety auditors of the issues to which they should pay attention during their routine inspections or safety audit to strengthen their ability to detect irregularities in site operations and enhance the quality of their work;
• step up the monitoring of course providers and trainers engaging in mandatory safety training courses and carry out surprise checks in a timely manner to ensure their quality. In case of irregularities, the Department should be decisive in taking regulatory action;
• consider co-ordinating efforts of relevant departments and organisations to set up a thematic website on OSH in the construction industry to provide a convenient platform for various stakeholders and the public to look for information they need;
• step up publicity and education among property owners, owners’ corporations, property management companies and residents through mass media and the platform of property management companies, stressing in particular their legal liability in relation to renovation and repair works and the legal consequence and loss in case of accidents; and
• enrich the content of the publications and information on analysis of accidents, adding the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders and how they can avoid accidents.
The Office’s major recommendations for improvement to the BD are:
• speed up processing of previously omitted cases and promptly refer those warranting disciplinary action to the Registered Contractors’ Disciplinary Board to bring non-compliant contractors to account; and
• set up a mechanism for internal monitoring to ensure timely follow-up on all referrals from the LD for consideration of disciplinary action against convicted contractors.
The Office’s major recommendations for improvement to the DEVB are:
• continue to review the tender evaluation system for public works in a timely manner to ensure that only contractors whose performance meets the safety standards are awarded contracts;
• continue to review the regulating requirement regarding contravention of legislation related to site safety for more effective prevention of accidents;
• after various promotional measures have been implemented for a period of time, review the adoption of the Smart Site Safety System and, with reference to the feedback from the industry, step up efforts to encourage and support wider use of the system in private development sites to enhance site safety by means of technology; and
• share with the Construction Industry Council the experience of safety training in public works for its consideration of offering subsidies as incentive, with a view to extending such safety training to private works projects to enhance site safety.
The full investigation report is available on the website of the Office of The Ombudsman at www.ombudsman.hk for public information.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Prime Minister Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa [Thursday 3rd April 2025]
Reverend Puletua Tapumanaia,
Members of Cabinet,
Representatives of our Development Partners,
Chairpersons and members of Executive Boards of Government Public Bodies, and of Agriculture in Samoa,
Heads of Government Agencies, Private Sector and Exporters, Partners of the Samoa Export Authority,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am pleased to be here to witness the official Opening of the Office of the Samoa Export Authority and to celebrate the launch of its Corporate Plan for the first 5 years of its establishment, from the Financial Year 2025/2026 to 2029/2030.
The establishment of the Samoa Export Authority has been long in the making. An interim Board was established in February 2024 to guide the establishment phase, including consultations across the country and with communities and all stakeholders in developing the policies that underpin the establishment of the Authority and a legislation to legislate and govern its operations.
The Samoa Export Authority Bill 2024 was tabled and passed in Parliament during its sitting in August 2024, and the SEA Act 2024 came into force on 22nd August 2024 when it was signed by the Head of State. The SEA Act 2024, established the Samoa Export Authority as a Body Corporate under the Public Bodies (Performance and Accountability) Act 2001.
As well as opening the new Office, we are also this morning, launching the Corporate Plan for the Authority for the period of 2025/2026 Financial Year to the 2029/2030 Financial Year. The 5-year duration of the Corporate Plan was agreed upon by the SEA Interim Board, to align with a Cabinet decision for the Authority to be established as a Public Beneficial Body in its first 5 years, after which a review should be carried out to consider it becoming a Public Trading Body. Thus the Corporate Plan we are launching today, was developed with a view towards this review mandated by Cabinet to be carried out in August 2029, 5 years after the SEA Act 2024 came into force.
But why the need for an Export Authority? Right now, Samoa spends around $1 billion tala on imported goods. Only around 10% of that amount is earned from goods we export. It is a trade imbalance that is strangling our development and a situation we urgently need to address.
The SEA Act 2024 and the SEA Corporate Plan we are launching this morning, lays out the objectives and functions of the Authority, to address the trade imbalance mentioned-above, through effectively promoting exports or export products from Samoa.
The Objectives of the Authority are:
1. To address policy and legislative requirements to enable exports development and market access;
2. To boost exports through supporting production and productivity, development of export products, and access to export services along value-chains, in partnerships with producers, manufacturers and business operators; and,
3. To establish export markets, and strengthen capacity in standards for market access.
In performing its functions, the Authority will liaise and cooperate with other relevant organizations of the Government, such as MCIL, MFAT, MAF and SROS; private sector and civil society, to ensure that strategic planning and arrangements are in place to deal with exports from Samoa.
In addition, the Authority is to:
a) facilitate and coordinate export development;
b) facilitate and coordinate an enabling environment for the revival and growth of the export sector;
c) find new markets for Samoa’s export sector;
d) promote and facilitate compliance with market requirements; and,
e) facilitate and coordinate the availability of needed capacity building for exporters and other parties of the export value chain.
Before I conclude, I would like to acknowledge the great work by the SEA Interim Board, and the support of MPE as its Secretariat, during the establishment phase of the Authority. The leadership of the Interim Board allowed for a wide consultations process in the development of a SEA legislation, and your guidance facilitated the smooth passing of the SEA legislation through Parliament. It was an achievement to be applauded, when the SEA Act 2024 came into force on 22nd August 2024. Working closely with the new CEO, you also managed to develop a Corporate Plan to guide the work of the Authority in its first 5 years of existence. The SEA Interim Board, ladies and gentlemen comprised of:
Afioga Tagaloa Eddie Wilson, the Chairperson;
Afioga Fa’amausili Dr Matagialofi Lua’iufi;
Afioga Tuisa Tasi Patea;
And two ex-officios: Afioga Saoleititi Maeva Betham-Vaai, and Pouli Dr Keneti Faulalo.
I believe the achievements of the SEA Interim Board has set a solid foundation upon which the new SEA Board, established under the provisions of the SEA Act 2024, will guide the work of the Authority moving forward.
On that note, it is with pleasure that I welcome the members of the new SEA Board that has been approved by Cabinet:
Afioga Tuia’opo Andrew Aliki, Chairman;
Afioga Tuimaseve Kuinimeri Asora-Finau;
Afioga Peseta Peter Tone;
Afioga Tagaloa Eddide Wilson; and,
Afioga Vaai Kolone Vaai.
We wish you all the best in guiding the journey of the Authority. I am confident that with strong leadership and strategic guidance, and with the commitment and drive of the SEA staff, the Authority will be effective in meeting its objectives in leading, facilitating and coordinating export development and export of products from Samoa.
I am now pleased to announce the official opening of the new Samoa Export Authority, as well as the official launch of their Corporate Plan for the first 5 years of its establishment.
May God bless the Authority in its journey and May God Bless Samoa.
Soifua ma ia Manuia!
TATALA ALOAIA LE OFISA FOU O LE PULEGA O OLOA AUINA ATU I FAFO A SAMOA MA LANA FUAFUAGA AUTASI ALUALU MAMAO
SAUNOAGA AUTU a le Afioga i le Palemia, Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa [Aso Tofi 3 Aperila 2025]
Susu lau Susuga i le Ta’ita’i o le Sauniga, lau Susuga Puletua Tapumanaia, Fa’afeagaiga o le Ekalesia EFKS, Penieli Fou, Falelauniu,
Afifio Minisita o le Kapeneta,
Sui o tatou Paaga tau Atina’e,
Afifio Ta’ita’ifono o Komiti Fa’atonu ma Sui o Komiti Fa’afoe o Fa’alapotopotoga a le Malo,
Afifio Sui o Komiti Faufautua o Fa’atoaga ma Faigafaiva,
Afifio Fa’auluuluga o Matagaluega ma Fa’alapotopotoga Tumaoti a le Malo,
Aufai Pisinisi Gaosi Oloa Auina atu i Fafo,
Sui o Paaga a le Pulega o Oloa Auina atu i Fafo a Samoa,
Le paia ma le mamalu o Samoa ua potopoto,
E talitonu o lea ua mapu i le tuasivi le faiva o manusina. Ua mae’a fo’i ona utu le uila o matagi auā le fa’amua ma le fa’asani i le Atua ma Lona agalelei. Ua utūialā le sasaga i le ūtugāvai a tausala, ma ua fa’atofolia i tatou i le malilie o sua o vai, auā manū fa’aifo mai le Tapa’au Silisili’ese i le Lagi.
Ou te manatu fo’i ua mae’a paelago pa’ia o Samoa ua potopoto e le Fofoga o le aso, o le a le toe o’o i ai se tala.
Ae e ia te a’u le mitamitaga tele i lenei taeao, ua tatou auai fa’atasi e molimauina le tatalaina aloa’ia o le Ofisa fou o le Pulega o Oloa Auina Atu i Fafo a Samoa. Ua le o po malaē i le tatou fa’atasiga, o le Pulega ua faitau tausaga ona fuafua ma fa’atalatalanoa, ma ua leva fo’i ona fai galuega mo lona tau fa’atūina, e aofia ai le faufauina o ana Faiga Fa’avae, ma sana Tulafono Autū.
Pei ona silafia, o le Tulafono o le Pulega o Oloa Auina Atu i Fafo a Samoa 2024, sa pasia lea e le Palemene i lana fonotaga i le masina o Aukuso 2024, ma sa sainia ai e lana Afioga i le Ao Mamalu o le Malō, i le Aso 22 Aukuso, 2024. O lea Tulafono, ua fa’atuina ai le Pulega, o se Fa’alapotopotoga ua Tu’ufa’atasia Fa’aletulafono (Body Corporate).
E le gata i le tatala aloa’iaina o le Ofisa fou, ae o le taeao nei, o le a fa’apea fo’i ona tatou amana’iaina ai le Fuafuaga Autasi Alualu Mamao a le Pulega (Corporate Plan) mo lona ulua’i 5 tausaga o lona fa’atūina, mai le tausaga fa’aletupe 2025/2026 se’ia o’o i le 2029/2030. O le avea o le 5 tausaga e fa’atulaga ai le Fuafuaga Autasi Alualu Mamao, ina ia o gatasi ma le fa’avae fa’ata’oto a le Malō, mo le Pulega e avea ma Public Beneficial Body i le 5 tausaga muamua mai lona fa’atuina, ona toe iloilo lea pe agava’a ona liliu e avea ma Public Trading Body.
E pei ona lau silafia, o le fa’avae autū sa a’e ai le tofā mo le fa’atuina o le Pulega, o le tau fo’ia lea o le fa’afitauli tugā, i le ova mamao o le tele o oloa fa’aulufale mai i Samoa, pe a fa’atusatusa i oloa auina atu i fafo. I le taimi nei, e tusa ma le $1 piliona Tala tupe fa’aalu a Samoa i oloa fa’aulufale mai, ae na o le 10% o lea aofa’iga, e maua mai lea i ana oloa auina atu i fafo. O se tulaga lē paleni tele lea i fefa’atauaiga o oloa, ua fa’ama’ia ai le atina’e o le tatou atunu’u, ma o se tulaga e tatau ona vave fo’ia.
O le Tulafono o le Pulega o Oloa Auina Atu i Fafo a Samoa 2024, fa’apea le Fuafuaga Autasi Alualu Mamao ua tatou patipatia i le taeao nei, o lo’o fa’ata’atitia, ma aiaia ai matafaioi tau’ave, fa’apea galuega poutū a le Pulega.
O sini ma galuega autū o le Pulega, e aofia ai le fesoasoani malosi i le fa’amaopo’opoina ma le fa’afaigofieina o le auina atu i fafo o a tatou oloa, e ala i faiga fa’apa’aga ma isi fa’alapotopotoga ‘ese’ese a le Malo ua tutusa malosi’aga, e pei o le Matagalujega o Pisinisi, Alamanuia ma Leipa (MCIL) ma le Matagaluega o le Va i Fafo ma Fefa’ataua’iga (MFAT), aemaise vaega tuma’oti e i ai le Au faifa’ato’aga ma au’aunaga e mafai ona auina atu i fafo. E aofia ai fo’i le fesoasoani malosi mo alamanuia mo le aufai fa’ato’aga lima vaivai ma alalafaga o lo o gāfātia i le galuea’ina o latou fanua ma ‘ele’ele fa’aleaganu’u, e ala lea i galuega fuafuaina a le Pulega.
O galuega tau’ave autu a le Pulega, e aofia ai le fa’ateleina o fua faifa’ato’aga e fuafua mo ‘oloa, pe o le gaosia o ‘oloa e ‘auina atu i fafo, e ala lea i le fesoasoani e sui faiga faifa’ato’aga, mai i le na o le gaosia mo taumafa fa’ale’āiga (subsistence), ae faifa’ato’aga e gaosia taumafa fa’apea le faifa’apisinisi (commercialization).
E le gata i lea, o galuega tau’ave autū a le Pulega, e aofia ai fo’i le fa’amaopo’opo ma fa’afeso’ota’iga o le ‘au faifa’ato’aga, le ‘au fa’atau’oloa, ma i latou uma o lo o faia au’aunaga mo le atina’eina o oloa auina atu i fafo, aemaise o le fa’amautinoaina o lo’o iai se si’osi’omaga talafeagai mo le auina atu i fafo o a tatou oloa. O le Pulega fo’i e na te una’ia malosi le fa’alauiloaina o a tatou oloa e auina pe fefa’ataua’i atu i fafo.
I lona aotelega, o le Pulega ua fa’atuina ina ia mafai ai ona fa’afaigofie ma fa’amaopo’opo le auina atu i fafo o ‘oloa ma au’aunaga mai Samoa. O le fa’amoemoe autū, ia mafai lea ona tele ‘oloa ma au’aunaga auina atu i fafo, ina ia manuia ai o tatou tagata, o le toatele o i latou o faifa’ato’aga mai nu’u i tua.
A o le’i fa’amutaina la’u tautalaga, ou te avatu le fa’amalō tele i le Komiti Fa’atonu Le Tumau a le Pulega, o i latou ia sa latou ta’imua i le tu’ufa’atasiga o le Tulafono mo le Pulega, ma sa ta’ita’iina fo’i galuega fai mo le fa’atuina o le Pulega, e aofia ai le fa’afouina o le Ofisa, ma sa galulue fa’atasi ma le Pule Sili, i le tu’ufa’atasia o le Fuafuaga Autasi Alualu Mamao ‘ua tatou patipatia i le taeao nei.
E fa’apea fo’i ‘ona momoli le fa’afetai tele i le Matagaluega o Fa’alapotopotoga a le Malō (MPE), sa ‘avea ma failautusi (Secretariat) a le Komiti Fa’atonu Le Tumau, i le 12 masina o le latou galuega. Fa’afetai i le Komiti Le Tumau, ‘ua ma’ea la outou galuega sa tofia ai ‘outou e le Kapeneta, fa’amalo le fai o le faiva:
I lau Afioga i le Ta’ita’ifono o le Komiti le Tumau, lau Afioga Tagaloa Eddie Wilson;
Lau Afioga Fa’amausili Dr Matagialofi Lua’iufi;
Lau Afioga Tuisa Tasi Patea;
Fa’apea sui ex-officios: Afioga Saoleititi Maeva Betham-Vaai, ma le Afioga ia Pouli Dr Keneti Faulalo.
Talitonu ‘ua ‘outou fausia se paepae maumaututū e fai ma fa’avae malosi e fa’atino ai galuega fai a le Pulega i le ta’ita’iga a le Komiti Fa’atonu fou ua fa’atuina i lalo o le Tulafono.
Ia atonu o se avanoa lelei lenei e fa’atalofa atu ai i tou Afioga i le ulua’i Komiti Fa’atonu a le Pulega, ua fa’atuina i lalo o le Tulafono.
Fa’atalofa atu:
Lau Afioga Tuia’opo Andrew Aliki, o le Ta’ita’ifono lea o le Komiti Fa’atonu;
Afioga Tuimaseve Kuinimeri Asora-Finau;
Afioga Peseta Peter Tone;
Afioga Tagaloa Eddide Wilson; ma le
Afioga Vaai Kolone Vaai
O outou māmā na. O la outou ta’ita’iga ma le galulue faʻatasi ma le Ofisa Sili ma le aufaigaluega a le Pulega, o le a mautinoa ai le ‘ausia o sini autu ma matafaioi fa’atino a le Pulega, e pei ona fa’atulagaina i le Fuafuaga Autasi Alualu Mamao mo le Tausaga Fa’aletupe 2025/2026 – 2029/2030. Ia, fa’amanuia tele le Atua i le Pulega ma le amatalia o lana folauga, ma ia fai sona ‘ai mo se manuia o tatou tagata lautele.
Ou te fiafia lava e fa’asilasila atu, ua tatala aloaia nei le Ofisa fou mo le Pulega o Oloa Auina atu i Fafo a Samoa (Samoa Export Authority), fa’apea le Fa’alauiloaina aloaia o le latou Fuafuaga Autasi Alualu Mamao (Corporate Plan) mo le ulua’i 5 tausaga o lona fa’atuina.
Soifua ma ia Manuia.
Ata Pueina – Malo o Samoa (Asuisui V. Matafeo)
TATALA ALOAIA LE OFISA FOU O LE PULEGA O OLOA AUINA ATU I FAFO A SAMOA MA LANA FUAFUAGA AUTASI ALUALU MAMAO
SAUNOAGA AUTU a le Afioga i le Palemia, Hon. Fiame Naomi Mata’afa [Aso Tofi 3 Aperila 2025]
Susu lau Susuga i le Ta’ita’i o le Sauniga, lau Susuga Puletua Tapumanaia, Fa’afeagaiga o le Ekalesia EFKS, Penieli Fou, Falelauniu,
Afifio Minisita o le Kapeneta,
Sui o tatou Paaga tau Atina’e,
Afifio Ta’ita’ifono o Komiti Fa’atonu ma Sui o Komiti Fa’afoe o Fa’alapotopotoga a le Malo,
Afifio Sui o Komiti Faufautua o Fa’atoaga ma Faigafaiva,
Afifio Fa’auluuluga o Matagaluega ma Fa’alapotopotoga Tumaoti a le Malo,
Aufai Pisinisi Gaosi Oloa Auina atu i Fafo,
Sui o Paaga a le Pulega o Oloa Auina atu i Fafo a Samoa,
Le paia ma le mamalu o Samoa ua potopoto,
E talitonu o lea ua mapu i le tuasivi le faiva o manusina. Ua mae’a fo’i ona utu le uila o matagi auā le fa’amua ma le fa’asani i le Atua ma Lona agalelei. Ua utūialā le sasaga i le ūtugāvai a tausala, ma ua fa’atofolia i tatou i le malilie o sua o vai, auā manū fa’aifo mai le Tapa’au Silisili’ese i le Lagi.
Ou te manatu fo’i ua mae’a paelago pa’ia o Samoa ua potopoto e le Fofoga o le aso, o le a le toe o’o i ai se tala.
Ae e ia te a’u le mitamitaga tele i lenei taeao, ua tatou auai fa’atasi e molimauina le tatalaina aloa’ia o le Ofisa fou o le Pulega o Oloa Auina Atu i Fafo a Samoa. Ua le o po malaē i le tatou fa’atasiga, o le Pulega ua faitau tausaga ona fuafua ma fa’atalatalanoa, ma ua leva fo’i ona fai galuega mo lona tau fa’atūina, e aofia ai le faufauina o ana Faiga Fa’avae, ma sana Tulafono Autū.
Pei ona silafia, o le Tulafono o le Pulega o Oloa Auina Atu i Fafo a Samoa 2024, sa pasia lea e le Palemene i lana fonotaga i le masina o Aukuso 2024, ma sa sainia ai e lana Afioga i le Ao Mamalu o le Malō, i le Aso 22 Aukuso, 2024. O lea Tulafono, ua fa’atuina ai le Pulega, o se Fa’alapotopotoga ua Tu’ufa’atasia Fa’aletulafono (Body Corporate).
E le gata i le tatala aloa’iaina o le Ofisa fou, ae o le taeao nei, o le a fa’apea fo’i ona tatou amana’iaina ai le Fuafuaga Autasi Alualu Mamao a le Pulega (Corporate Plan) mo lona ulua’i 5 tausaga o lona fa’atūina, mai le tausaga fa’aletupe 2025/2026 se’ia o’o i le 2029/2030. O le avea o le 5 tausaga e fa’atulaga ai le Fuafuaga Autasi Alualu Mamao, ina ia o gatasi ma le fa’avae fa’ata’oto a le Malō, mo le Pulega e avea ma Public Beneficial Body i le 5 tausaga muamua mai lona fa’atuina, ona toe iloilo lea pe agava’a ona liliu e avea ma Public Trading Body.
E pei ona lau silafia, o le fa’avae autū sa a’e ai le tofā mo le fa’atuina o le Pulega, o le tau fo’ia lea o le fa’afitauli tugā, i le ova mamao o le tele o oloa fa’aulufale mai i Samoa, pe a fa’atusatusa i oloa auina atu i fafo. I le taimi nei, e tusa ma le $1 piliona Tala tupe fa’aalu a Samoa i oloa fa’aulufale mai, ae na o le 10% o lea aofa’iga, e maua mai lea i ana oloa auina atu i fafo. O se tulaga lē paleni tele lea i fefa’atauaiga o oloa, ua fa’ama’ia ai le atina’e o le tatou atunu’u, ma o se tulaga e tatau ona vave fo’ia.
O le Tulafono o le Pulega o Oloa Auina Atu i Fafo a Samoa 2024, fa’apea le Fuafuaga Autasi Alualu Mamao ua tatou patipatia i le taeao nei, o lo’o fa’ata’atitia, ma aiaia ai matafaioi tau’ave, fa’apea galuega poutū a le Pulega.
O sini ma galuega autū o le Pulega, e aofia ai le fesoasoani malosi i le fa’amaopo’opoina ma le fa’afaigofieina o le auina atu i fafo o a tatou oloa, e ala i faiga fa’apa’aga ma isi fa’alapotopotoga ‘ese’ese a le Malo ua tutusa malosi’aga, e pei o le Matagalujega o Pisinisi, Alamanuia ma Leipa (MCIL) ma le Matagaluega o le Va i Fafo ma Fefa’ataua’iga (MFAT), aemaise vaega tuma’oti e i ai le Au faifa’ato’aga ma au’aunaga e mafai ona auina atu i fafo. E aofia ai fo’i le fesoasoani malosi mo alamanuia mo le aufai fa’ato’aga lima vaivai ma alalafaga o lo o gāfātia i le galuea’ina o latou fanua ma ‘ele’ele fa’aleaganu’u, e ala lea i galuega fuafuaina a le Pulega.
O galuega tau’ave autu a le Pulega, e aofia ai le fa’ateleina o fua faifa’ato’aga e fuafua mo ‘oloa, pe o le gaosia o ‘oloa e ‘auina atu i fafo, e ala lea i le fesoasoani e sui faiga faifa’ato’aga, mai i le na o le gaosia mo taumafa fa’ale’āiga (subsistence), ae faifa’ato’aga e gaosia taumafa fa’apea le faifa’apisinisi (commercialization).
E le gata i lea, o galuega tau’ave autū a le Pulega, e aofia ai fo’i le fa’amaopo’opo ma fa’afeso’ota’iga o le ‘au faifa’ato’aga, le ‘au fa’atau’oloa, ma i latou uma o lo o faia au’aunaga mo le atina’eina o oloa auina atu i fafo, aemaise o le fa’amautinoaina o lo’o iai se si’osi’omaga talafeagai mo le auina atu i fafo o a tatou oloa. O le Pulega fo’i e na te una’ia malosi le fa’alauiloaina o a tatou oloa e auina pe fefa’ataua’i atu i fafo.
I lona aotelega, o le Pulega ua fa’atuina ina ia mafai ai ona fa’afaigofie ma fa’amaopo’opo le auina atu i fafo o ‘oloa ma au’aunaga mai Samoa. O le fa’amoemoe autū, ia mafai lea ona tele ‘oloa ma au’aunaga auina atu i fafo, ina ia manuia ai o tatou tagata, o le toatele o i latou o faifa’ato’aga mai nu’u i tua.
A o le’i fa’amutaina la’u tautalaga, ou te avatu le fa’amalō tele i le Komiti Fa’atonu Le Tumau a le Pulega, o i latou ia sa latou ta’imua i le tu’ufa’atasiga o le Tulafono mo le Pulega, ma sa ta’ita’iina fo’i galuega fai mo le fa’atuina o le Pulega, e aofia ai le fa’afouina o le Ofisa, ma sa galulue fa’atasi ma le Pule Sili, i le tu’ufa’atasia o le Fuafuaga Autasi Alualu Mamao ‘ua tatou patipatia i le taeao nei.
E fa’apea fo’i ‘ona momoli le fa’afetai tele i le Matagaluega o Fa’alapotopotoga a le Malō (MPE), sa ‘avea ma failautusi (Secretariat) a le Komiti Fa’atonu Le Tumau, i le 12 masina o le latou galuega. Fa’afetai i le Komiti Le Tumau, ‘ua ma’ea la outou galuega sa tofia ai ‘outou e le Kapeneta, fa’amalo le fai o le faiva:
I lau Afioga i le Ta’ita’ifono o le Komiti le Tumau, lau Afioga Tagaloa Eddie Wilson;
Lau Afioga Fa’amausili Dr Matagialofi Lua’iufi;
Lau Afioga Tuisa Tasi Patea;
Fa’apea sui ex-officios: Afioga Saoleititi Maeva Betham-Vaai, ma le Afioga ia Pouli Dr Keneti Faulalo.
Talitonu ‘ua ‘outou fausia se paepae maumaututū e fai ma fa’avae malosi e fa’atino ai galuega fai a le Pulega i le ta’ita’iga a le Komiti Fa’atonu fou ua fa’atuina i lalo o le Tulafono.
Ia atonu o se avanoa lelei lenei e fa’atalofa atu ai i tou Afioga i le ulua’i Komiti Fa’atonu a le Pulega, ua fa’atuina i lalo o le Tulafono.
Fa’atalofa atu:
Lau Afioga Tuia’opo Andrew Aliki, o le Ta’ita’ifono lea o le Komiti Fa’atonu;
Afioga Tuimaseve Kuinimeri Asora-Finau;
Afioga Peseta Peter Tone;
Afioga Tagaloa Eddide Wilson; ma le
Afioga Vaai Kolone Vaai
O outou māmā na. O la outou ta’ita’iga ma le galulue faʻatasi ma le Ofisa Sili ma le aufaigaluega a le Pulega, o le a mautinoa ai le ‘ausia o sini autu ma matafaioi fa’atino a le Pulega, e pei ona fa’atulagaina i le Fuafuaga Autasi Alualu Mamao mo le Tausaga Fa’aletupe 2025/2026 – 2029/2030. Ia, fa’amanuia tele le Atua i le Pulega ma le amatalia o lana folauga, ma ia fai sona ‘ai mo se manuia o tatou tagata lautele.
Ou te fiafia lava e fa’asilasila atu, ua tatala aloaia nei le Ofisa fou mo le Pulega o Oloa Auina atu i Fafo a Samoa (Samoa Export Authority), fa’apea le Fa’alauiloaina aloaia o le latou Fuafuaga Autasi Alualu Mamao (Corporate Plan) mo le ulua’i 5 tausaga o lona fa’atuina.
[GOVT PRESS SECRETARIAT – Thursday, 03rd April 2025] – Cabinet has approved the reappointment of Agafili Tomaimanō Shem Leo to the position of Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (MPMC), and Secretary to Cabinet.
Agafili was initially appointed to this position in late 2015 and officially commenced his duties in 2016. He began his career as a teacher at Samoa College in 2001 and was promoted to the role of Principal Policy Analyst for the MPMC in 2007. He has remained with the Ministry for 18 years including nine years as CEO.
Agafili holds a Master of Arts in Governance, a Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies and a Bachelor of Education in Geography. He is a former student of Samoa College and an alumni of the University of the South Pacific in Suva.
He is an Assistant Pastor and a Bible teacher for the Laloanea Bible Fellowship. He is married with two children. He is from the villages of Tufulele, Amaile, Samusu, and Sala’ilua.
END.
TOFIAINA O AGAFILI TOMAIMANŌ SHEM LEO I LE TOFIGA OFISA SILI O PULEGA O LE MATĀGALUEGA A LE PALEMIA MA LE KAPENETA
[SO’O’UPU A LE MALO – Aso Tofi, 03 Aperila 2025] – Ua fa’amaonia e le Kapeneta le toe tofia o le tōfā iā Agafili Tomaimanō Shem Leo i le tofiga o le Ofisa Sili o Pulega o le Matāgaluega a le Palemia ma le Kapeneta, faapea le tofiga Failautusi o le Kapeneta mo le isi tolu tausaga.
Na muai tofia Agafili Tomaimanō i lenei tofiga i le faaiuga o le 2015 ma amata aloaia ai i le 2016. Na amata lana tautua i le Malo i le 2001 o se faiaoga faauuina i le Kolisi o Samoa, ona tofia lea e galue i le Matagaluega o le Palemia ma le Kapeneta i le 2007 e oo mai i le asō.
O loo umiaina e Agafili Faailoga Tau Aoaoga o le Matuaofaiva o Fa’atufugaga i Tulaga Tau Pulega [Master of Arts in Governance], Tipiloma Mauāluga i Suesuega Tau Atina’e [Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies], ma le Tikeri o Tulaga tau Aoaoga (Bachelor of Education in Geography). Sa aoaoina o ia i le Kolisi o Samoa, ma agai atu ai i le Iunivesete o le Pasefika i Saute i Fiti.
O ia o se tasi o Taitai mo le Mafutaga Faale Tusi Paia i Laloanea.
E toalua o la alo, ma o se tama fanau a afioaga o Tufulele, Amaile, Samusu, ma Sala’ilua.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by Dr the Hon Lam So-wai and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (April 16):
Question:
Regarding promoting the development of the tourism industry, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) whether it has assessed the actual effectiveness of various tourism promotional campaigns (including the “Night Vibes Hong Kong” and the “Hello Hong Kong” campaigns) in the past three years, including but not limited to (i) the growth in the number of visitor arrivals, (ii) the consumption pattern and spending of visitors, (iii) the actual economic benefits to the local retail and catering industries, and (iv) the gap between the actual effectiveness and the expected targets;
(2) whether the Government has formulated a specific timetable and effectiveness indicators for the implementation of the 133 measures in the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0 (Blueprint 2.0); if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
(3) as given that it is learnt that the tourism industry and related service industries (e.g. retail and catering industries) are currently facing the challenges of manpower shortage and digital transformation, and that Blueprint 2.0 proposes to strengthen the cultivation of talents for the tourism industry and promote the development of smart tourism, of the Government’s specific support measures (including the relevant funding arrangements) in place to assist the industry (especially small and medium-sized enterprises) in overcoming the relevant difficulties?
Reply:
President,
In respect of the question raised by the Hon Lam So-wai, in consultation with the Labour Department, the reply is as follows:
(1) With the re-opening of Hong Kong’s cross-boundary tourism activities in early 2023, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) immediately launched a large-scale global promotional campaign, “Hello Hong Kong”, in February of the same year. Through the launch of a series of promotional activities, the HKTB has made every effort to promote the recovery of tourism, spread the welcome message around the globe, reconnect with global visitors and entice them to experience the excitement and charms of Hong Kong in person.
Highlights of the large-scale global promotional campaign “Hello Hong Kong” included:
Sending the greatest welcome to the world
The HKTB invited trade representatives, celebrities and key opinion leaders (KOLs), etc, to take part in the production of more than 330 video clips featuring travel experiences in Hong Kong to send a welcome message to the world. These videos were broadcast on more than 3 000 different platforms worldwide. During the period, the “Hello Hong Kong” dance challenge launched on social media platform TikTok attracted over 1.2 million video clips from netizens with 1.5 billion global viewership. The challenge became TikTok’s promotional campaign with the highest traffic in the Southeast Asian market in the first quarter of 2023 and brought 300 000 new followers to the HKTB’s official account, increasing the total number of followers to around 2 million.
To welcome inbound visitors from all over the world, provide an additional promotional channel for local merchants and create business opportunities, the HKTB distributed about 2 million Hong Kong Goodies visitor consumption vouchers (each valued at HK$100 or more) for visitors to redeem offers or free welcome drinks at one of the 4 000 designated catering outlets, retailers or attractions across the city.
At the same time, the HKTB supported the promotion of the Airport Authority Hong Kong’s giveaway of 500 000 air tickets in various visitor source markets.
Seeing is believing – inviting guests to Hong Kong for first-hand experience
In 2023, the HKTB invited over 2 000 trade and media representatives, celebrities, KOLs and HKTB’s Hong Kong Super Fans from the Mainland, Southeast Asia and Europe, etc, to visit the city in person for tailor-made thematic itineraries to showcase Hong Kong’s diverse tourism appeal and tell good stories of Hong Kong.
Reaching out to the world – showcasing Hong Kong’s appeal
The HKTB took the initiative in leading the trade to reach out to the world by participating in more than 20 large-scale travel fairs and trade events related to meetings, incentive travels, conventions and exhibitions held in the Mainland and overseas markets in 2023, so as to demonstrate Hong Kong’s tourism appeal and help the trade explore business opportunities.
In 2024, the HKTB also actively developed diversified tourism experiences to enhance the city’s appeal as a travel destination by making use of Hong Kong movies to promote tourism, promoting panda tourism and riding on various Chinese and Western festivals such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Halloween, as well as different themes like arts and culture, neighbourhoods, great outdoors, to bring in brand-new experiences and hype up the blissful ambience.
Meanwhile, over the past two years after the pandemic, the HKTB resumed hosting of different mega events covering sports, gastronomy and entertainment elements, including the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, Hong Kong Cyclothon, Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, Hong Kong WinterFest, Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations and International Chinese New Year Night Parade, while injecting new perspectives, elements and experiences to enrich the events. HKTB organised in 2023 the first “Harbour Chill Carnival” at the Wan Chai harbourfront, featuring music shows on water stage, street performances and X-Games performances; “Summer Chill Food Lane” was set up during the 2024 Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races; “Cyclothon Carnival” was held in 2024 Hong Kong Cyclothon; and the previously four-day Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival was extended to five-day in 2024, attracting more locals and visitors.
In addition, the HKTB presented a series of drone shows and pyrotechnic displays with different themes to tie in with festivals and events in 2024 such as the Galloping Horse in the Sky drone show and Winter Harbourfront Pyrotechnics Show, which successfully created a vibrant city-wide ambience. The events attracted both local and international media exposure and active participation of both locals and visitors, reinforcing the city’s status as the Events Capital of Asia and bringing global publicity value, thereby creating a vibrant atmosphere in the city and stimulating consumption and economy.
To support the “Night Vibes Hong Kong” campaign launched by the Government in mid-September 2023, HKTB also rolled out a number of mega events and promotions to enhance ambience at night. These included the promotion support for the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, promotion of the “Hallo” Hong Kong Halloween campaign, “Hong Kong Night Treats” dining vouchers, Hong Kong Night Bus Tour visitor exclusive offers and brand-new Temple Street promotion.
The effectiveness of the HKTB’s tourism promotion work cannot be assessed entirely in quantifiable terms. Notwithstanding, the HKTB will set different indicators based on the nature of its promotions and events, such as website views, social media reach, global media exposure, participants’ satisfaction, likelihood to recommend to family and friends and intention to revisit, to measure the effectiveness. The various tourism promotions launched by the HKTB in the past three years received positive feedback. Not only have they successfully showcased Hong Kong’s return to normalcy after the pandemic, but also boosted the city vibe, creating more reasons for visitors to visit Hong Kong and attracting them to visit. The promotions have met their objectives.
(2) The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) announced on December 30, 2024, the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0 (Blueprint 2.0) outlining the overall working direction for the development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry from 2025 to 2030. Blueprint 2.0 proposes four-pronged positioning for tourism development and four major development strategies, covering product development, visitor source expansion, smart tourism and service enhancement, with a view to promoting the prosperous and healthy development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry. At the same time, Blueprint 2.0 proposes 133 specific actions and measures that are conducive to the development of tourism, with a view to stimulating the vitality of the tourism market through diversified strategies, enriching the quality and content of tourism products and services, and further mobilising different industries to jointly promote the development of Hong Kong’s tourism industry. The implementation schedule of the various measures which are categorised into short- (within three years), medium- (three to six years) and long- (more than six years) term and the related performance indicators are set out in Blueprint 2.0.
(3) The CSTB has been maintaining liaison with tourism-related parties, including the HKTB, the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong (TIC), the Travel Industry Authority (TIA), the Hong Kong Hotels Association and the Federation of Hong Kong Hotel Owners, to understand the existing situation of manpower resources among different job categories in the industry and explore feasible remedial measures in a bid to cope with the short, medium and long-term needs of manpower resources.
Blueprint 2.0 sets out the overall working direction and strategy in the next five years and one of the development strategies is to enhance the service quality and support of the tourism industry on all fronts, and to cultivate talents, which covers 31 measures.
Following the related strategy, the CSTB will continue to maintain close communication with the tertiary institutions that provide hotel and tourism-related curriculum, encourage collaboration among tertiary institutions and the trade in organising career expos and seminars to enhance young people’s understanding of the development prospects of the tourism industry, make good use of various tourism volunteer and youth ambassador programmes to nurture more aspiring youth to join the tourist guide profession, as well as continue to explore with the relevant bureau further expansion of the Vocational Professionals Admission Scheme to cover hotel management, tourism and hospitality related programmes.
On the other hand, the Government allocated $100 million in 2022-23 to subsidise the training and development of travel trade practitioners. The TIA will continue to utilise the funding to support training for travel trade and implement measures to attract more talents to pursue a career in the tourism industry and enhance the professional standards of the trade including assessing the manpower requirement for tourist guides, tour escorts and different job categories in travel agents through data collection, so that a more detailed and comprehensive manpower resources strategy can be formulated; supporting students of tertiary educational institutions to obtain a tourist guide licence; reviewing and streamlining the curriculum and requirements of the licensing examination and pre-examination training courses; launching a docent-to-tourist guide bridging programme and a specialised tourist guide licensing programme to increase the supply of professional tourist guides in the market; and engaging the TIC as a partner for placement opportunity and talents matching to improve talent supply and demand in the industry.
Besides, the Labour Department has implemented the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) since September 4, 2023, to alleviate the manpower shortage across different industries (including the accommodation services industry). Employers of the hotel sector may apply under ESLS to import workers at technician level or below to fill vacancies which they have genuine difficulties in recruiting suitable staff locally. As at March 31, 2025, employers of the accommodation services industry were approved to import 1 633 workers under ESLS, mainly for posts such as room attendant, waiter/waitress and receptionist.
On assisting the industry in digital transformation, the Government allocated a total of $70 million to the TIC under 2016-17, 2018-19 and 2023-24 Budgets to launch the Information Technology Development Matching Fund Scheme for Travel Agents, under which funding support is provided on a matching basis to each eligible travel agent. Funded projects include efficiency and productivity enhancement through big data, promotion of digital marketing, security of information technology system, development of mobile apps and website enhancement, to encourage the industry to make use of technology for upgrading and transformation, and to enhance the ability of travel agents to expand their business through information technology.
The CSTB will work closely with the relevant bureaux/departments and executing organisations to actively alleviate the manpower shortage in the travel trade and the challenge of digital transformation, thereby improving service quality. This ensures that visitors get to experience Hong Kong’s zealous hospitality, thereby shaping a more attractive tourism brand.
Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Treatments Continues in Kona
Posted on Apr 15, 2025 in Main
April 15, 2025 NR25-08
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture (HDOA), with the assistance of the County of Hawai‘i Public Works Department, have been working collaboratively since January 2025 to combat the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) after detections in the Kona area. The HDOA and Hawai‘i County crews completed the latest round of treatments on palm trees last week at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport in the continuing effort to protect the island from CRB infestations.
“The staff of the Department of Agriculture remains dedicated to stopping the further spread of the coconut rhinoceros beetle, with emphasis in areas that are not known to be infested,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture. “We truly appreciate the concern and assistance of Mayor Kimo Alameda and the county’s public works crew in providing the resources to prevent CRB from taking hold on Hawai‘i Island. We also appreciate all the various agencies and organizations that work tirelessly in the fight against invasive species.”
Mayor Alameda emphasized the importance of the state and county working collaboratively to protect the island from the invasive species. “The introduction of the coconut rhinoceros beetle is a major concern, and we are committed to doing everything we can—alongside HDOA and our other partners—to stop its spread,” he said.
In September 2024, HDOA Plant Pest Control (PPC) personnel found a single CRB in a trap during routine monitoring in Waikoloa. This was the first detection of CRB on the island since October 2023 when a Waikoloa resident found six grubs (larvae) in a decaying palm tree stump. Increased surveillance continued throughout the island and more intensely on the Kona side.
In January 2025, Mayor Alameda and the County of Hawai‘i offered their resources and assistance to HDOA, including the use of their 75-foot boom truck to treat the crowns of palm trees. On January 14, the team treated a total of 38 trees in the Waikoloa area via crown treatments and 24 trees were treated via an injection system which provides systemic protection against CRB. HDOA’s Pesticides Branch was also at the site to assist. So far, there have been no further detections of CRB in Waikoloa.
On March 3, 2025, the Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC) reported one adult CRB in a detection trap along the boundary of the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport. A day later, two more adult CRBs were found in traps at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i (NELHA).
After the detections, HDOA, county crews and airport staff targeted treatments at the airport over a period of three days in March. The county provided the use of two boom trucks and the team treated 128 trees on the airport grounds and injected 12 more trees that were inaccessible to the boom trucks. So far, there have been no further detections at the airport.
Last week, on April 7 and 8, crews began work at NELHA and treated 58 trees via crown treatments with about 14 trees treated via injections due to their close proximity to water.
All palms that were treated were tagged and surrounded with yellow tape to indicate treatment. Coconuts from treated trees should not be consumed. Questions regarding pesticide use may be addressed to HDOA’s Pesticides Branch at 808-973-9402.
Surveillance for CRB continues around Hawai‘i Island by HDOA, BIISC, University of Hawai‘i, the County of Hawai‘i and the state Department of Health Vector Control Branch.
Residents on all islands are asked to be vigilant when purchasing mulch, compost and soil products, and to inspect bags for evidence of entry holes. CRB grubs breed in decomposing plant and animal waste. An adult beetle is about 2-inches long, all black and has a single horn on its head.
Residents may go to the CRB Response website at: https://www.crbhawaii.org/ to learn more about how to detect the signs of CRB damage and how to identify CRB life stages. Reports of possible CRB infestation may also be made to the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at 808-643-PEST (7378).
# # #
CRB treatment at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport
CRB treatment at Kona Airport
Waikoloa tree injection treatment
Waikoloa CRB treatment using boom truck
Tagging of treated trees – do not consume coconuts
What you need to know: The passage of Proposition 1 by California voters adds rocket fuel to Governor Gavin Newsom’s transformational overhaul of the state’s behavioral health system. These reforms refocus existing funds to prioritize Californians with the most serious mental health and substance use issues, who are too often experiencing homelessness. They also fund more than 11,150 new behavioral health beds and supportive housing units and 26,700 outpatient treatment slots.
LOS ANGELES – Today, April 15 is the deadline for property owners to submit a Right of Entry (ROE) form to LA County in order to have debris removed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
“This recovery is moving quickly and it is critical that all fire survivors sign up for this important program.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
Nearly 500 crews of expert heavy equipment operators are working around the clock to rapidly clear ash, soot, and fire debris from structures damaged by the Eaton and Palisades fires. More than 2,200 parcels have already been completed and signed off by the county and hundreds more have been cleared of debris and are now just awaiting erosion controls, tree removal, and final inspection.
Debris Removal at a glance
Federally funded debris removal is available to residents of single-family and owner-occupied multi-family units.
All disaster impacted property owners should submit a ROE form by today, April 15, 2025 to opt-in or opt-out of the debris removal program.
If a property owner opts out of the USACE debris removal program, they become responsible for all permits, inspections, and other associated debris removal requirements and costs.
There is no out-of-pocket cost to have debris removed by USACE, however the program is unable to duplicate other forms of funding specific to debris removal. If a property owner has insurance for debris removal, residual funds not used by the property owner may be remitted to the county to offset the cost of debris removal at a later date.
Commercial and multi-family buildings now included
Last week, at Governor Newsom’s request, the Federal Emergency Management Agency agreed to expand the scope of cleanup to a number of facility types that were not previously eligible for debris removal, including owner occupied condominiums, multi-family units, and certain commercial properties.
Under Governor Newsom’s leadership, California has expedited the cleanup process by cutting red tape and eliminating bureaucratic barriers, allowing highly trained crews to enter impacted communities sooner and help survivors rebuild their lives faster.
Debris removal from private commercial property is typically the responsibility of property owners and is usually not eligible for federal programs.
Commercial properties – including multi-family rental properties – will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The criteria for these properties being included in the USACE debris removal program is based upon:
An immediate threat to public health and safety due to debris.
Barriers to the commercial entity completing debris removal independently.
Insurance coverage and status of claim.
Economic impact of debris removal on the commercial entity and community.
Debris removal and insurance
Residents have the option to opt-in to the government-sponsored debris removal program at no direct cost or manage the cleanup independently by opting out by the end of the day. Whether you are insured, uninsured, or underinsured, the program comes at no direct cost to eligible homeowners.
Submit your form to LA County
To find other forms of assistance and track progress in wildfire recovery visit: https://www.ca.gov/LAfires/
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Derby City Council is pleased to announce its acceptance of £3.920 million in funding from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) under Household Support Fund 7 (HSF7). This crucial funding will provide support to vulnerable households struggling with the cost of living from April 2025 to March 2026.
The grant aims to assist households in Derby that are facing financial hardship by addressing essential needs, including food, energy, and housing costs.
Key Support Initiatives Under HSF7 include:
Free School Meals Support: Over 16,400 Derby city households with children receiving benefit-related free school meals will be supported with supermarket food vouchers, delivering approximately 1,070,000 meals during school term breaks between April 2025 and March 2026.
Food Vouchers: Eligible households in financial crisis can apply for supermarket food vouchers through an online application form. Two rounds of funding will be available. Round 1 will be from May 2025 to September 2025 and Round 2 will be available from October 2025 to March 2026. Only one award will be made per eligible household in each round, with a total allocation of £600,000.
Warm Welcome Hubs: Financial support is being provided to over 40 community organisations across Derby to maintain and enhance a cost-of-living support network. These hubs offer warm spaces, hot meals, guidance on reducing energy bills, and help accessing other services. In summer 2024/25, the hubs received over 37,300 visits from adults and more than 4,050 children.
Energy Support: Vulnerable households and those in financial crisis can access PayPoint energy vouchers via the Warm Welcome Hubs. The energy scheme will open in September 2025 and run through to March 2026, or until the allocated £195,000 is awarded.
Pensioner Support: Up to 2,000 low-income pensioner households not receiving pension credit (and thus missing out on the winter fuel payment) but who do receive Council Tax Support or Housing Benefit will automatically receive a £100 direct payment by February 2026. These households do not need to apply; payments will be sent directly to their bank accounts. Pensioners can also access support at Warm Welcome Hubs.
Essential Household Items: Support may include energy-efficient appliances and warm clothing or bedding for eligible households in financial distress.
Financial Wellbeing Workshops: Workshops will run to equip Derby residents with money management skills.
Leaving Care and Crisis Support: Targeted support will also be delivered for young people leaving care and for households experiencing specific crises.
Assistance for families in temporary housing situations.
Councillor Sarah Chambers, Cabinet Member for Cost of Living, Equalities and Communities, said:
I am thrilled that we have managed to secure this funding for Derby. The Household Support Fund continues to be a lifeline for many households in Derby, particularly those experiencing significant financial challenges. This latest round of funding ensures we can continue to provide targeted assistance where it is most needed, helping families and individuals maintain stability.
I strongly encourage anyone who is struggling with the cost of living to take a look at what is on offer and to take full advantage of the resources and support that is available. HSF7 could be what you or your family need to find your way through the rising cost of living.”
The impact of previous Household Support Fund initiatives has been widely recognized. A recent Department for Work and Pensions audit highlighted Derby City Council as a model of effective fund management and community support, praising its strategic approach to alleviating poverty and deprivation.
Further details about HSF7, including eligibility criteria and application processes, will be shared in the coming weeks. For more information on the Household Support Fund 7 and how to access support, please visit our Household Support Fund webpage.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The infrastructure of the reunited regions is being updated through the joint efforts of federal customers and the sponsor regions. The work is being carried out in a comprehensive manner: roads, housing and communal services facilities and social institutions are being repaired. This approach is also being implemented in the city of Torez in the Donetsk People’s Republic. There, 12 infrastructure facilities will be restored in 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin reported.
“The city of Torez in the DPR is one of many examples of the joint work carried out by the sponsor regions and federal customers in the new regions. All of it is aimed precisely at raising the quality of life in them to the average Russian level as quickly as possible, and creating the necessary conditions for this. “The Single Customer” will repair the educational building of the medical college and the student dormitory here, Primorsky Krai will carry out repairs in school No. 24, modernize more than 7 km of water supply, renew the pressure sewer collector, put in order five sections of the city’s street and road network and the pedestrian zone on Pionerskaya Street,” said Marat Khusnullin.
The Deputy Prime Minister added that more than 800 students will be able to study in comfortable conditions in the college’s educational building, and more than 150 people will be able to live in the renovated dormitory.
“The college’s academic building and student dormitory were built in the 1970s and have never undergone major repairs since then. The builders will carry out work to strengthen the load-bearing structures of the buildings, repair the interior spaces, and renew the roof and utility systems,” said Karen Oganesyan, CEO of the public-law company “Single Customer in Construction.”
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Question for written answer E-001418/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Catherine Griset (PfE)
In order to strike at the financial interests of Elon Musk, far-left groups in the United States have set up an anonymous website that publishes the personal data of Tesla owners (names, addresses and telephone numbers)[1].
These same individuals also blew up a Tesla in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas and regularly set fire to charging stations and vehicles of this brand in the United States.
The US Attorney General, Pam Bondi, did not hesitate to describe these criminal acts as ‘domestic terrorism’[2].
This violence is now spreading across Europe, particularly in Member States whose governments are highly indulgent of violent far-left groups. In France, in particular, a Tesla dealership near Toulouse and Tesla vehicles in Niort have been set on fire. The French headquarters of the manufacturer has also been vandalised in recent days.
1.Is the Commission aware of attacks against this company and its customers in other Member States?
2.Can Europol, as part of its mission to support Member States and third countries against terrorism, provide assistance in stopping these violent groups?
Question for written answer E-001455/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Waldemar Buda (ECR)
The current agreement on the temporary suspension of import duties and quotas on Ukrainian exports to the EU – struck to support Ukraine’s economy in the face of Russian aggression – expires on 5 June 2025. The Commission has made it clear that rather than prolonging this temporary measure, it aims to find a permanent solution for liberalisation of trade with Ukraine by revising Article 29 of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement[1]. However, little has been shared about the state of play and progress in negotiations with Ukraine.
Clarity on the situation is needed, also for the economic stability of Member States, particularly these bordering Ukraine.
1.What is the current state of play and how are negotiations with Ukraine on Article 29 of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement progressing?
2.With less than two months left before the current temporary measures expire and no agreement on the permanent solution in sight, what is the Commission’s backup plan?
3.How will the Commission ensure the right balance and adequate protection of European industry and agriculture?
Submitted: 9.4.2025
[1] Association Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/agree_internation/2014/295/oj.
Question for written answer E-001428/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Thomas Pellerin-Carlin (S&D), Lídia Pereira (PPE)
Improving electric vehicle battery recycling in the EU is crucial to enhancing the Union’s autonomy and resilience in critical raw materials. Valorising black mass, which contains valuable raw materials such as nickel, cobalt and lithium, is strategically important for the EU economy, particularly for the battery, defence and circular economy sectors. However, it is concerning that, at present, exporting black mass to non-EU countries is often easier than transporting it within the EU. This is due, in part, to a lack of harmonisation of regulations across Europe, and sometimes even within the same country, which makes it difficult to move black mass within the EU. The Commission’s recent decision to classify black mass from batteries as hazardous waste is a step in the right direction, as it will help to prevent easy exports to non-EU countries that are not members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), yet currently a large share of black mass is exported to South Korea, which is an OECD country.
What steps does the Commission plan to take to further harmonise rules on the transportation of black mass within the EU, to increase black mass retention in the EU and to improve the economic model for recycling black mass within the EU?
on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012 on certain measures for the purpose of the conservation of fish stocks in relation to countries allowing non-sustainable fishing
–having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2024)0407),
–having regard to Article 294(2) and Articles 43(2) and 207 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C10‑0098/2024),
–having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
–having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 22 January 2025[1],
–having regard to Rule 60 of its Rules of Procedure,
–having regard to the report of the Committee on Fisheries (A10-0070/2025),
1.Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;
2.Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it replaces, substantially amends or intends to substantially amend its proposal;
3.Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.
Amendment1
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 1
Text proposed by the Commission
Amendment
(1)In line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 19821(‘UNCLOS’) and the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks of 4 August 19952(‘UNFSA’), the management of certain straddling and highly migratory fish stocks requires the cooperation of all the countries whose fleets exploit that stock.
(1)In line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 19821(‘UNCLOS’) and the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks of 4 August 19952(‘UNFSA’), the management of certain straddling and highly migratory fish stocks requires the cooperation of all the countries whose fleets exploit that stock.Such cooperation may be established in the framework of regional fisheries management organisations (‘RFMOs’) or by means of ad hoc arrangements among the countries having an interest in the fishery concerned.
__________________
__________________
1United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, OJ L 179, 23.6.1998, p. 3, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/convention/1998/392/oj.
1United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, OJ L 179, 23.6.1998, p. 3, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/convention/1998/392/oj.
2Agreement for the implementing of the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the conservation and management of straddling stocks and highly migratory fish stocks, OJ L 189, 3.7.1998, p. 17.
2Agreement for the implementing of the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the conservation and management of straddling stocks and highly migratory fish stocks, OJ L 189, 3.7.1998, p. 17.
Amendment2
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 3
Text proposed by the Commission
Amendment
(3)In accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012 a country may be identified as allowing non-sustainable fishing if, among others, it fails to cooperate in the management of a stock of common interest in full compliance with the provisions of the UNCLOSandthe UNFSA, or any other international agreement or norm of international law and if it fails to adoptnecessaryfishery management measures.
(3)In accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012 a country may be identified as allowing non-sustainable fishing if, among others, it fails to cooperate in the management of a stock of common interest in full compliance with the provisions of the UNCLOS,the UNFSA, or any other international agreement or norm of international law and if it fails to adoptrelevantfishery management measures.
Amendment3
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 4 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission
Amendment
(4a)‘Best available scientific advice’ should be understood to refer to publicly available scientific advice that is supported by the most up-to-date scientific data and methods and that has either been issued or reviewed by an independent scientific body that is recognised at Union or international level.
Amendment4
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 5
Text proposed by the Commission
Amendment
(5)It is also necessary to clarify that a country may be considered as allowing non-sustainable fishing if it does not implementthe necessaryfishery managementmeasures, and that those measures includecontrol measures.
(5)It is also necessary to clarify that a country may be considered as allowing non-sustainable fishing if it does not implement, comply with or enforce the relevantfishery management, conservation orcontrol measures, including those agreed in the framework of a RFMO.
Amendment5
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 6
Text proposed by the Commission
Amendment
(6)It is also appropriate to reinforce the procedures prior and subsequent to the adoption of measures in respect to countries allowing non-sustainable fishing.
(6)It is also appropriate to reinforce the procedures prior and subsequent to the adoption of measures in respect to countries allowing non-sustainable fishing, including for countries within the framework of RFMOs.
Amendment6
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point -1 (new)
Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point b
Present text
Amendment
(-1)in Article 2, point (b) is replaced by the following:
(b)‘associated species’ means any fish that belongs to the same ecosystem as the stock of common interest and that preys upon that stock, is preyed on by it, competes with it for food and living space or co-occurs with it in the same fishing area, and that is exploited or accidentally taken in the same fishery or fisheries;
“(b)‘associated species’ means any fish that belongs to the same ecosystem as the stock of common interest and that preys upon that stock, is preyed on by it, competes with it for food and living space or co-occurs with it in the same fishing area, and that is exploited, bycatchor accidentally taken in the same fishery or fisheries;“;
(32012R1026)
Amendment7
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point -1 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point f
Present text
Amendment
(-1a)in Article 2, point (f) is replaced by the following:
(f)‘unsustainable state’ means the condition where the stock is not continuously maintained at or above the levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield or, if these levels cannot be estimated, where the stock is not continuously maintained within safe biological limits; the stock levels determining whether the stock is in an unsustainable state are to be determined on the basis of best available scientific advice;
“(f)‘unsustainable state’ means the condition where the stock is not continuously maintained at or above the levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield or, if these levels cannot be estimated, where the stock is not continuously maintained within safe biological limitsin line with the precautionary approach to fisheries management as referred to in Article 6 of UNFSA; the stock levels determining whether the stock is in an unsustainable state are to be determined on the basis of best available scientific advice;“;
(32012R1026)
Amendment8
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point i – introductory part
Text proposed by the Commission
Amendment
(i)‘failure to cooperate’ means the failure to engage in good faith and have meaningful consultations, in which substantial effort is made, with a view to reaching an agreement on the adoption of necessary fishery management measures; examples of failure to cooperate include, but are not limited to:
(i)‘failure to cooperate’ means the failureby third countriesto engage in good faith and have meaningful consultationswith all the relevant coastal States and/or fishing parties, including within RFMOs, with a view to reaching an agreement on the adoption of necessary fishery management measures; examples of failure to cooperate include, but are not limited to:
Amendment9
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point i – point 4
Text proposed by the Commission
Amendment
(4)undue delays;
(4)undue delaysin replying to requests or engaging in consultations;
Amendment10
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point i – point 5
Text proposed by the Commission
Amendment
(5)unreasonable informationrequests;
(5)unreasonablerequests forinformationor actions to be taken, including unreasonable deadlines to reply or act;
Amendment11
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point i – point 8
Text proposed by the Commission
Amendment
(8)systemically insisting uponown positions;
(8)consistently maintaining theirown positionsover an extended period, regardless of the flexibilities and concessions offered by other parties during the consultations;
Amendment12
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point i – point 10 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission
Amendment
(10a)adopting unreasonable and unjustified unilateral measures or quotas which are not in line with the measures or quotas agreed bilaterally or multilaterally;
Amendment13
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point i – point 10 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission
Amendment
(10b)implementing discriminatory measures that impact the fleets of third countries, while granting a partial or full exemption from those measures for their own fleet, leading to stocks being in an unsustainable state;
Amendment14
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1
Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012
Article 2 – paragraph 1 – point i – point 10 c (new)
Text proposed by the Commission
Amendment
(10c)lack of transparency in the consultations with all the relevant coastal States or fishing parties, including within RFMOs.
Amendment15
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2
Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i
Text proposed by the Commission
Amendment
(i)it fails to adoptorimplementnecessaryfishery management measures, including control measuresin order to ensurethe effective conservation and management of stocks of common interest; or;
(i)it fails to adopt,implement, comply with or enforce relevantfishery management measures,or those agreed bilaterally or multilaterally,including control measuresensuringthe effective conservation and management of stocks of common interestor associated species, including measures adopted in the framework of an RFMO; or
Amendment16
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012
Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point b – point i a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission
Amendment
(2a)in Article 3, point (b), the following point is inserted:
“(ia)it systematically fails to comply with bilateral or multilateral agreements, by failing to take effective or timely action against its nationals or flagged vessels, which were deemed to have carried out illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing or acted contrary to the fishery management measures established by such agreements, leading to stocks being in an unsustainable state; or”
Amendment17
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012
Article 6 – paragraph -1 (new)
Text proposed by the Commission
Amendment
(aa)the following paragraph is inserted:
“-1.The Commission shall respond within 90 days of receiving a request, from a Member State or the European Parliament, to identify a country as a country allowing non-sustainable fishing and shall outline what actions it intends to take, if any.”;
Amendment18
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a b (new)
Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012
Article 6 – paragraph 1
Present text
Amendment
(ab)paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:
1. Where the Commission considers that it is necessary to adopt measures referred to in Article 4, it shall notify the country concerned of the intention to identify it as a country allowing non-sustainable fishing. In such cases, the European Parliament and the Council shall be immediately informed.
“1.Where the Commission considers that it is necessary to adopt measures referred to in Article 4, it shall notify the country concerned of the intention to identify it as a country allowing non-sustainable fishing. Prior to that notification, the Commission shall also register, as set out in Regulations (EU) 2016/10361aand (EU) 2016/10371bof the European Parliament and of the Council, all imports of products of the country under investigation that may be targeted pursuant to Article 4. In such cases, the European Parliament and the Council shall be immediately informed.“;
_________
1aRegulation (EU) 2016/1036 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on protection against dumped imports from countries not members of the European Union (codification) (OJ L 176, 30.6.2016, p. 21, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/1036/oj).
1bRegulation (EU) 2016/1037 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on protection against subsidised imports from countries not members of the European Union (codification) (OJ L 176, 30.6.2016, p. 55, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2016/1037/oj).
(32012R1026)
Amendment19
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a c (new)
Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012
Article 6 – paragraph 2 a (new)
Text proposed by the Commission
Amendment
(ac)the following paragraph is inserted:
“2a.When the stock of common interest falls under the scope of an RFMO and the non-compliance by a third country results in that country being identified as a country allowing non-sustainable fishing under Article 3, prior to adopting measures referred to in Article 4, the Commission shall raise the matter of a third country allowing non-compliance within the relevant body, to seek timely rectification of the non-compliance.”;
Amendment20
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point a d (new)
Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012
Article 6 – paragraph 2 b (new)
Text proposed by the Commission
Amendment
(ad)the following paragraph is inserted:
2b.In the event that, despite the actions taken under paragraph 2a, the country is still identified as a country allowing non-sustainable fishing in accordance with Article 3, the Commission shall take action on the basis of the measures referred to in Article 4.
Amendment21
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point b
Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012
Article 6 – paragraph 3
Text proposed by the Commission
Amendment
3.Prior to adopting measures referred to in Article 4, the Commission shall provide the country concerned witha reasonableopportunity to respond to the notification in writing and to provide any relevant information.;
3.Prior to adopting measures referred to in Article 4, the Commission shall provide the country concerned withtheopportunity to respond to the notification in writing and to provide any relevant information.
Amendment22
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point c
Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012
Article 6 – paragraph 4
Text proposed by the Commission
Amendment
4.The Commission shall give to the country concernedadequate timeto reply to the notification and areasonable timeto remedy the situation.
4.The Commission shall give to the country concerneda maximum of 90 daysto reply to the notification and afurther maximum of 90 days from the date of that replyto remedy the situation.
Amendment23
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point c
Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012
Article 6 – paragraph 5
Text proposed by the Commission
Amendment
5.Following the adoption of measures pursuant to Article 4, the Commission shall continue to engagewiththe country concerned, with a view to that countryceasing to allow non-sustainable fishing.
5.Following the adoption of measures pursuant to Article 4, the Commission shall continue to engageand maintain an open dialogue and shall promote cooperation bilaterally, multilaterally, or with the compliance body of the relevant RFMO, with a view tothe country concerned ceasing to allow non-sustainable fishing.
Amendment24
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 – point c
Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012
Article 6 – paragraph 6
Text proposed by the Commission
Amendment
6.Where the country concerned enters into consultations with the Union in good faith, the Commission shall engage in such consultationsexpeditiously..
6.Where the country concerned enters into consultations with the Union in good faith, the Commission shall engage in such consultationspromptly.
Amendment25
Proposal for a regulation
Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012
Article 7 – paragraph 1
Present text
Amendment
(3a)in Article 7, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following :
1.The measures referred to in Article 4 shall cease to apply when the country allowing non-sustainable fishing adopts appropriate corrective measures necessary for the conservation and management of the stock of common interest and those corrective measures:
“1.The measures referred to in Article 4 shall cease to apply when the country allowing non-sustainable fishing adopts appropriate corrective measures necessary for the conservation and management of the stock of common interest and those corrective measures:
(a)have either been adopted autonomously or have been agreed in the context of consultations with the Union and, where applicable, other countries concerned; and
(a)have either been adopted autonomously or have been agreed in the context of consultations with the Union and, where applicable, other countries concernedor within the framework of RFMOs; and
(b)do not undermine the effect of measures taken by the Union either autonomously, or in cooperation with other countries, for the purpose of the conservation of the fish stocks concerned.
(b)do not undermine the effect of measures taken by the Union either autonomously, or in cooperation with other countriesor within the framework of RFMOs, for the purpose of the conservation of the fish stocks concerned.”
(32012R1026)
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
This regulation is a vital tool within the EU’s international fisheries governance framework, designed to reinforce its mechanisms that ensure sustainable management of fish stocks. It serves as a cornerstone fostering international cooperation in sustainability, addressing non-compliance and safeguarding the long-term interests of EU fishers.
The aim of the rapporteur, among others, is to enhance thepotentialof this instrument. The rapporteur seeks to ensure that the EU is equipped with a robust and comprehensive framework to confront current and future challenges posed byallbilateral and multilateral partners, while also leveraging the role of compliance bodies within regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs). This report therefore aims to strengthen the EU’s international fisheries governance strategy and secure its long-term objectives for sustainable and equitable fisheries management.
The rapporteur commends the Commission’s proposed changes to Article 3 on the identification of countries allowing non-sustainable fishing, as well as Article 6 establishing actions to be taken prior and subsequently to the adoption of measures, and has decided tointroduce clearer and more comprehensive provisions to strengthenaccountability.
Among others, the rapporteur highlights the importance of counteringunreasonable demandsfrom third countries, which could jeopardize the strategic interests of the EU and its fishers. Provisions aimed at preventing unjustified requests and deadlines safeguard the fairness of negotiations and protect the interests of EU fishers. Additionally, the rapporteur amendments address non-compliance by our partners, thereby upholding international sustainability efforts to protect our oceans, while also protecting the interests of EU fishers. Collectively, these changes establish a more comprehensive and strategic negotiating framework with our partners.
The rapporteur considers critical to strengthen the role of compliance bodies withinRFMOsand deems that the Commission underutilises this tool of international fisheries governance. Before taking further action, the EU can better leverage international cooperation in sustainable fisheries management, by holding accountable, within these multilateral bodies, third countries that allow non-sustainable fishing. The proposed amendments aim to integrate more effectively RFMOs as a compliance tool within the EU’s international fisheries governance strategy, unlocking their full potential to combat non-sustainable fishing practices.The rapporteur underscores the importance of these legislative changes in driving tangible action by the Commission to enhance the effectiveness of RFMOs, improve environmental sustainability and ensure social justice for EU fishers.
The introduction of a cleardefinition of “best available scientific advice”addresses a critical gap in existing legislation. This amendment ensures greater consistency and clarity across all provisions, while preventing ambiguity in decision-making. By grounding fisheries management decisions in sound scientific principles, the EU strengthens both the legal and scientific rigor of conservation actions. This, is turn, improves the long-term effectiveness of the EU’s sustainability efforts.
In conclusion, the rapporteur believes that the proposed amendments have the potential to make this regulation a stronger, more comprehensive and future-proof instrument for the EU. It would further advance our efforts towards a proactive, resilient, and equitable approach to fisheries management, consolidating the EU’s position as a global leader in international sustainable fisheries governance.
Question for written answer E-001424/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Elena Kountoura (The Left)
By means of Law 3446/2006, Greece designated the Joint Inspection Teams (Μικτά Κλιμάκια Ελέγχου), which are made up of representatives from various control bodies and operate under the responsibility of the Regions, as the competent body for carrying out checks on road transport. However, in practice, these teams have essentially ceased to function effectively since 2017, due to the inability of the Regions to cover operational and staffing costs[1]. Therefore, checks are limited to the fragmented actions of the Greek police, customs authorities and the coast guard, with there being insufficient checks to meet the needs in all areas of the country[2].
This situation has serious consequences, such as tax evasion, unfair competition, illegal transport[3], undeclared goods, illegal cabotage, posted work, uncontrolled fuel movements and risks to public health. In view of the fact that the Commission has in the past initiated infringement proceedings against Greece in relation to this matter:
1.Is it aware of the inadequate functioning of the Joint Inspection Teams in Greece and of the impact thereof on the implementation of EU road transport law?
2.Does it intend to intervene, either authoritatively or by offering support, to restore the functioning of a full and effective control mechanism?
3.What measures does it intend to take to ensure that Greece complies with European legislation and that adequate checks are carried out on road transport?
Submitted: 8.4.2025
[1] They do not have sufficient staff and are unable to cover the necessary costs relating to travel, overtime and field operations.
[2] At the border, as well as in the inner parts of the country, there is no competent control mechanism to conduct checks effectively to ensure that freight consignments are transported legally and that the employment and work postings of drivers meet legal requirements.
[3] The issue of illegal transport, mainly carried out by foreign trucks, is one of the most critical issues in road transport, as, according to industry professionals, the poor functioning of control mechanisms has led to a dramatic increase in this phenomenon in the last ten years at least. Illegal transport by lorries registered outside Greece results in unfair competition and distortion of the domestic market. At the same time, there are multiple financial infringements and a loss of public revenue resulting from the lack of effective control mechanisms for transported goods.
Question for written answer E-001502/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Jadwiga Wiśniewska (ECR)
The German PCK GmbH refinery in Schwedt, located 10 km from the Polish border, is the only one in this region of Europe to burn fuel waste for energy production, making it extremely carbon-intensive compared to other plants.
The refinery has been granted a permit by the State Office for Environment, Health and Consumer Protection in Brandenburg to increase sulphur dioxide emissions to 1 000 mg/Nm³ as a daily average value The permit is valid until the end of 2027.
Given the impact of SO₂ on the climate, European law only allows SO₂ emissions of 1 000 mg/Nm³ in exceptional cases, and permits for such emissions are subject to notification to the Commission. According to press reports, the permits granted to the PCK refinery have not been notified and are raising concerns regarding their environmental impact.
In light of the above:
1.Has the Commission received notifications from Germany regarding permits to increase SO₂ emissions, and do they meet the formal and substantive requirements?
2.Does the Commission plan to take any action regarding the PCK refinery?
3.What sanctions can be imposed on a company or Member State if national permits to increase SO₂ emissions are not in line with EU law?
Happy Easter from the waste and recycling service!
Household waste and recycling collections will continue as usual over the long Easter weekend, with collections as normal on Good Friday and Easter Monday.
The bulky waste and free re-use collection service is still available over this period also. Book your slot online.
The Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) at Lynnbottom and Afton Marsh will also be operating normal hours, but you must book your visit online beforehand. You can also book yourvisit via the council’s website.
Top tips for a waste free Easter
This Easter think Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Here’s some tips to get you started.
Reduce
How about buying flowers or vegetable seeds instead of an Easter egg?
If you want to give an egg, look for ones with minimal plastic or why not make your own?
Send an e-card: save paper by sending an electronic greeting to friends and family, or make your own collage card from scraps of paper.
Get crafty: make your own Easter decorations such as turning a can into an Easter rabbit.
Reuse
Food waste: With the average family throwing away more than £700 worth of perfectly edible food each year, advice on food waste reduction and recipes for leftovers can all be found at www.lovefoodhatewaste.com
Try not to over-estimate the amount of food you’ll need over the Easter break. The Love Food Hate Waste website has great ideas for some delicious Easter leftovers inspiration. But what about the food waste you can’t eat, such as egg shells or the base of a lettuce? These can go in your food waste caddy.
If you don’t have an indoor/outdoor food caddy, you can order one at www.iow.gov.uk/waste or contact the waste team at (01983) 823777.
Recycle
Recycle as much you can; choose Easter eggs that come in less packaging, or at least in recyclable packaging. Plastic goes in your green bin/reusable sack and cardboard in your paper/card insert or blue reusable sack.
If you do opt for a traditional card, ensure it does not have any glitter or bows on it as this means it cannot be recycled. Plastic wrappers (the sort with coloured plastic and foil attached) are unable to be recycled so goes in your black bin/black sack. This is because we are currently unable to separate the foil from the coloured plastic during the recycling process.
At the fashion lifestyle exhibition area of the ongoing 5th China International Consumer Products Expo in Haikou, capital of south China’s Hainan Province, six brands under Volkswagen Group China, including Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche and Bentley, showcased the latest advancements in luxury and electric mobility.
This marks the third consecutive year that the German automaker has participated in the expo.
Liu Yunfeng, executive vice president of Volkswagen Group China, said that the presence of 11 models from the company’s various brands at this year’s expo fully demonstrates their long-term commitment and strong confidence in the Chinese market.
Meanwhile, as part of the strategic cooperation between the company and Hainan, projects in the fields of energy and charging are progressing steadily.
Liu said that the company places great importance on the Chinese market and is optimistic about the potential of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP). The group will continue to strengthen communication and cooperation with Hainan.
Leveraging the opening policies of the Hainan FTP, the group will steadily advance strategic cooperation across several fields, contributing jointly to the development of Hainan in sustainable mobility, he added.
Looking ahead, Liu noted that Volkswagen Group China will continue to deepen its engagement with the Chinese market, offering a rich product range and forward-looking technological solutions to provide local consumers with an even better electric mobility experience.
Volkswagen Group China plans to launch about 40 new models in the Chinese market from 2025 to 2027, with more than half of them being new energy vehicles. By 2030, the group will release over 30 pure electric models in the Chinese market.
Ducati, a leading motorcycle brand of Volkswagen Group China, showcased two classic motorcycle models this year, which captivated the attention of many visitors. Fabio Lambertini, CEO of Ducati China, said it was the third time that Ducati had participated in the expo.
“The Chinese market is making continuous evolution,” said Lambertini, noting that Ducati is thus shaping an “in China, for China” strategy that perfectly fits the local needs.
Regarding Hainan, Lambertini believed the province is a vital hub for China and for Ducati as well, adding that Hainan’s excellent roads along the seaside and in the mountains could offer an opportunity to invest further on the island.
As the largest consumer products exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region, the expo is being held in Hainan from April 13 to 18, drawing participation from over 4,100 brands across 71 countries and regions.
China’s retail sales of consumer goods, a major indicator of the country’s consumption strength, expanded 4.6 percent year on year in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, as government pro-consumption policies paid off, official data showed on Wednesday.
This growth pace is 1.1 percentage points faster than the 2024 level, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Total retail sales of consumer goods reached 12.47 trillion yuan (about 1.73 trillion U.S. dollars) in the January-March period.
In March alone, retail sales of consumer goods rose 5.9 percent year on year, accelerating from the 4 percent growth recorded in the first two months, according to the NBS.
China’s online retail sales went up 7.9 percent year on year during the first quarter, sustaining relatively fast growth. Backed by the government’s consumer goods trade-in program, sales of communication devices surged 26.9 percent, while that of home appliances and audio equipment went up 19.3 percent.
China has positioned the boosting of spending and expansion of domestic demand as a priority in this year’s economic work agenda. The country unveiled a comprehensive pro-spending policy package last month, which aimed to strengthen consumer confidence via measures including the promotion of income growth and a reduction of financial burdens.
In a broader push to bolster domestic demand, China also renewed its consumer goods trade-in program in 2025, increasing funding from last year’s 150 billion yuan to 300 billion yuan through ultra-long special treasury bonds and extending subsidies to more electric gadgets and home appliances, such as smartphones, tablets and smartwatches.
“Given the current situation, these policies are taking effect and their impact is becoming increasingly evident,” Sheng Laiyun, deputy head of the NBS, told a press conference on Wednesday.
He cited data from the commerce ministry which shows that as of April 7, Chinese consumers had purchased 35.71 million units of home appliances through the trade-in program and submitted 2.085 million applications for automobile trade-in subsidies.
Notably, services consumption expanded even faster than that of goods, with retail sales of services growing by 5 percent in the first quarter of 2025 compared with a year earlier.
Sheng, in particular, noted the double-digit growth in consumption related to upgrading of consumption structure. In the first three months of this year, China’s per capita expenditure on transportation and communications grew by 10.4 percent year on year, while that on education, culture and entertainment increased by 13.9 percent.
“Services spending is a key sector to support future consumption growth, which boasts substantial growth potential,” Sheng told the press.
Wednesday’s data also revealed that China’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.4 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2025. The country’s economy grew 5 percent year on year in 2024, and the Chinese government has targeted full-year economic growth at around 5 percent for 2025.
China’s industrial production posted strong growth in March, as the country’s economic recovery gained momentum amid the government’s efforts to support growth and counter external economic headwinds.
The country’s value-added industrial output expanded 7.7 percent year on year in March, according to data the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released on Wednesday.
During the January-March period, the value-added industrial output increased 6.5 percent year on year, accelerating from a rise of 5.9 percent registered in the first two months of the year.
The country’s industrial production in March climbed 0.44 percent month on month, according to the NBS.
The NBS uses the value-added industrial output to measure the activity of large enterprises boasting an annual main business turnover of at least 20 million yuan (about 2.77 million U.S. dollars).
A breakdown of the data showed that the equipment and high-tech manufacturing sectors are making greater contributions to industrial output, signaling ongoing progress in the country’s efforts to make industry smarter, greener and more high-end, NBS deputy head Sheng Laiyun told a press conference.
Output of the equipment manufacturing sector, which took up 33.7 percent of the overall industrial output, climbed 10.9 percent in the first quarter of the year.
The high-tech manufacturing sector, which accounted for 15.7 percent of the total industrial output, saw its value-added output climb 9.7 percent year on year during this period. The production of new energy vehicles and industrial robots increased by 45.4 percent and 26 percent, respectively, according to the NBS data.
Wednesday’s data also showed that China’s GDP grew 5.4 percent year on year in the first quarter, compared with an annual growth of 5 percent last year. The country has set its full-year economic growth target at around 5 percent for 2025.
