Author Archives: hksar gov

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Friday, October 23, 2026 is 100.2 (up 0.1 against yesterday’s index). read more

     The Buildings Department approved 10 building plans in August, with five on Hong Kong Island, three in Kowloon and two in the New Territories.

     Of the approved plans, seven were for apartment and apartment/commercial developments, two were for factory and industrial development, and one was for community services developments.

     In the same month, consent was given for works to start on eight building projects which, when completed, will provide 70 908 square metres of gross floor area for domestic use involving 1 442 units, and 24 556 sq m of gross floor area for non-domestic use. The department has received notification of commencement of superstructure works for six building projects.

     The department also issued 21 occupation permits, with seven on Hong Kong Island, five in Kowloon and nine in the New Territories.

     Of the buildings certified for occupation, the gross floor area for domestic use was 138 920 sq m involving 1 531 units, and 37 040 sq m was for non-domestic use.

     The declared cost of new buildings completed in August totalled about $7.7 billion.

     In addition, seven demolition consents were issued.

     The department received 3 350 reports about unauthorised building works (UBWs) in August and issued 487 removal orders on UBWs.

     The full version of the Monthly Digest for August can be viewed on the Buildings Department’s homepage (www.bd.gov.hk). read more

     ​A man was sentenced today (October 23) at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts to four weeks’ imprisonment for illegally importing 25 600 alternative smoking products. The Department of Health (DH) welcomed the verdict and reminded members of the public and visitors not to bring alternative smoking products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products or herbal cigarettes into Hong Kong, and not to use any alternative smoking products.

     The Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the DH was notified by Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 22) that 25 600 alternative smoking products had been intercepted in the luggage of the aforesaid man arriving from Japan. TACO immediately arrested and prosecuted the individual.

     Since the amendments to the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, which conferred arrest powers on TACO inspectors, took effect on September 19, 2025, TACO has prosecuted 33 cases involving the importation of large quantities of alternative smoking products. Thirty-six persons have been convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from four weeks to eight months.

     According to the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60), a person who imports alternative smoking products, including electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years; or liable on conviction on indictment to a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

     Under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371), no person may promote, manufacture, sell, or possess for commercial purposes alternative smoking products. An offender is liable to a fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for six months.

     TACO will continue to closely monitor and enforce the law to combat related offences.

     In addition, the DH also cautions the public that alternative smoking products are addictive and are not effective smoking cessation or harm reduction tools. E-cigarettes may increase the risk of cancer, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Smokers are urged to quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. For assistance, please call the DH’s Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline on 1833 183, or visit www.livetobaccofree.hk for information on quitting. read more

     ​Hongkong Post announced today (October 23) that, as advised by the postal administration of North Macedonia, mail delivery services previously affected by a power cut at a mail processing centre have returned to normal. read more

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

     Result of the tenders of RMB Sovereign Bonds held on October 23, 2026: