Author Archives: hksar gov

Analytical Accounts of the Exchange Fund

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

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) released today (March 14) the key analytical accounts of the Exchange Fund at the end of February 2025.
      
     Foreign assets, representing the external assets of the Exchange Fund, decreased during the month by HK$46.5 billion to HK$3,439.9 billion.
      
     The Monetary Base, comprising Certificates of Indebtedness, Government‑issued currency notes and coins in circulation, the balance of the banking system and Exchange Fund Bills and Notes issued, amounted to HK$1,975.9 billion.
      
     Claims on the private sector in Hong Kong amounted to HK$331.5 billion.
      
     Foreign liabilities amounted to HK$24.0 billion.
      
     The analytical accounts of the Exchange Fund are released in accordance with the International Monetary Fund’s Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) and are referred to as the Analytical Accounts of the Central Bank under SDDS (Annex).
 
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     At present, four press releases relating to the Exchange Fund’s data are issued by the HKMA each month. Three of these releases are issued to disseminate monetary data in accordance with the International Monetary Fund’s SDDS. The fourth press release, on the Exchange Fund’s Abridged Balance Sheet and Currency Board Account, is made in accordance with the HKMA’s policy of maintaining a high level of transparency. For the month of March 2025, the scheduled dates for issuing the press releases are as follows:
 

March 7
(Issued)		 SDDS International Reserves
(Hong Kong’s Latest Foreign Currency Reserve Assets Figures) 
March 14 SDDS Analytical Accounts of the Central Bank
(Analytical Accounts of the Exchange Fund) 
March 31 SDDS Template on International Reserves and
Foreign Currency Liquidity 
March 31 Exchange Fund Abridged Balance Sheet and
Currency Board Account 
read more

East Asia

Speech by SCED at launch event of Green360: An AI-driven ESG Platform for Businesses (English only)

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, at the launch event of Green360: An AI-driven ESG Platform for Businesses organised by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) today (March 14):
 
Agnes (Chairman of the HKGCC, Ms Agnes Chan), Jeffrey (Legislative Council Member Mr Jeffrey Lam), General Committee members, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good afternoon. It is with great honour to join the event today.
 
     Firstly, I would like to thank the HKGCC for its unwavering commitment to advancing the sustainability agenda within our business community. Initiatives like Green360 are pivotal in fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance among corporations, especially among our small and medium-sized enterprises.
 
     The introduction of Green360 comes at a crucial time as we navigate the complexities of environmental challenges and the urgent need for sustainable practices. This innovative platform not only aligns with the global movement towards a greener economy but also emphasises Hong Kong’s role as a leader in integrating advanced technology commercial development.
 
     This initiative not only pushes for compliance but also strives to exceed expectations, fostering best practices that can set Hong Kong as a global leader in promoting ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles. It aims to create a business environment that is sustainable and profitable, thus attracting and sustaining investment.
 
     Moreover, Green360 is committed to empowering businesses through education, and self-audit reporting is a constructive step for companies to embrace ESG. It promises to be a beacon of support for our businesses as they transit towards more sustainable operations, providing them with the tools and knowledge vital for this journey.
 
     Thank you, the HKGCC, for launching this initiative. Let us continue to work together, leveraging technology and shared responsibility, to make Hong Kong a sustainable, inclusive and responsible hub for commerce and innovation. Thank you. read more

East Asia

Grading of beach water quality released

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (March 14) released the latest grading of water quality for 10 gazetted beaches that are open for swimming.
 
     Nine beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1), and one as Fair (Grade 2).
 
Grade 1 beaches are:          

Big Wave Bay Beach Lido Beach
Casam Beach Repulse Bay Beach
Clear Water Bay Second Beach Silver Mine Bay Beach
Deep Water Bay Beach Stanley Main Beach
Golden Beach  
 
Grade 2 beach is:
Silverstrand Beach  
 
     Compared with the grading released last week, there was no change in the grading for these beaches.
 
     Under the present grading system, beaches are classified into four grades, namely Good (Grade 1), Fair (Grade 2), Poor (Grade 3) and Very Poor (Grade 4), according to the level of E. coli in the water. Grades are calculated on the basis of the geometric mean of the E. coli counts on the five most recent sampling occasions.
 
     While the ratings represent the general water quality at the beaches, an EPD spokesman reminded members of the public that water quality could be temporarily affected during and after periods of heavy rain. Bathers should avoid swimming at beaches for up to three days after a tropical cyclone or heavy rainfall.
 
     A summary of beach grades is published weekly before the weekend. The latest beach grades based on the most current data may be obtained from the EPD’s website on Beach Water Quality (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666.  Members of the public can also obtain the latest daily water quality forecast information for all beaches that are open for swimming through the EPD’s dedicated webpage on the beach water quality forecast (www.epd.gov.hk/en/BWQForecast). read more

East Asia