Author Archives: hksar gov

The following is issued on behalf of the Minimum Wage Commission:
     
     The Minimum Wage Commission (MWC) today (April 22) commenced an eight-week public consultation to invite views from various sectors of the community, including members of the public and stakeholders, on the review of the Statutory Minimum Wage (SMW) rate.

     The MWC adopts an evidence-based approach in conducting the review of the SMW rate. Apart from research and analysis of relevant statistical data, the MWC conducts extensive consultation to fully consider the views from various sectors of the community on the review of the SMW rate.

     Relevant reference information and data have been uploaded to the MWC’s website (www.mwc.org.hk). The information and data are for reference only and do not imply that the MWC has any preconceived stance or has come to any conclusion on its recommendation about the SMW rate. Reference can also be made to the 2019 Report on Annual Earnings and Hours Survey released by the Census and Statistics Department available at the department’s website (www.censtatd.gov.hk).

     Members of the public and stakeholders are welcome to express their views on the review of the SMW rate in writing to the MWC by e-Form  (www.mwc.org.hk/en/consultation/index.html) on the MWC’s website; by fax (2110 3518); by email (mwc@labour.gov.hk); or by post (Minimum Wage Commission, 1/F, Harbour Building, 38 Pier Road, Central), on or before June 16. The public can also contact the Secretariat of the MWC at 2852 3864.

     Pursuant to the Minimum Wage Ordinance (Cap. 608), the MWC is tasked to report to the Chief Executive in Council its recommendation about the SMW rate. In performing its function, the MWC must have regard to the need to maintain an appropriate balance between the objectives of forestalling excessively low wages and minimising the loss of low-paid jobs, and the need to sustain Hong Kong’s economic growth and competitiveness.
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     The Education Bureau (EDB) today (April 21) issued a circular memorandum to all private schools offering non-formal curriculum (PSNFCs) (commonly called "tutorial schools") inviting them to apply for a relief gra… read more

     Police today (April 21) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing.      Lin Hanxiang, aged 51, cannot be reached by his friend since he was last contacted on April 20 nigh… read more

     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) announced today (April 21) that, in light of the latest development of COVID-19 and to reduce social contact, the barbecue sites and campsites in country parks will continue to be closed until May 7 (11.59pm of Thursday night).
 
     There are currently 163 barbecue sites and 41 campsites under the management of the AFCD, and all of them have been closed since 6pm on March 28 until April 23. In view of the latest development of the epidemic, the Department decided to continue extending the closure until May 7. Details of these sites are available on the AFCD’s website (www.afcd.gov.hk). During the closure of the above facilities, no one should carry out barbecuing or camping activities in country parks. Staff of the AFCD will step up patrols of the sites concerned. Violation of relevant regulations may be subject to prosecution. In the past two weeks, the AFCD has taken enforcement action against 34 persons who carried out barbecuing or camping activities in country parks in contravention of the regulations.
 
     The AFCD will continue to closely monitor the situation and review the above arrangement as appropriate. For enquiries, please call 1823. For the latest updates on the facilities in the country parks, members of the public can also visit the “Enjoy Hiking” website (www.hiking.gov.hk).
 
     The AFCD would like to remind visitors to country parks to ensure personal and environmental hygiene and maintain social distancing. Visitors should properly handle used masks and waste and take their litter home. read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The strong-side Convertibility Undertaking (CU) of HK$7.75 to US$1 under the Linked Exchange Rate System (LERS) was triggered today (April 21) during the Hong Kong trading hours. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) sold HK$1,550 million to the market in exchange for US dollars, and the Aggregate Balance will increase by the same amount. Taking into account the reduction of HK$5 billion of Exchange Fund Bills issuance earlier today, the Aggregate Balance will increase to HK$60.6 billion on April 23. This is the first triggering of the strong-side CU since October 2015.
 
     The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue said, “The Hong Kong dollar exchange rate has been on a strengthening bias recently, mainly driven by increases in market carry-trade activities and equity-related demand for Hong Kong dollars. In addition to the current strong market demand for Hong Kong dollars, increases in fiscal spending will also raise demand for Hong Kong dollars. Upon triggering of the strong-side CU, the HKMA bought US dollars from and sold Hong Kong dollars to the market. This was conducted in accordance with the design of the LERS, which has been operating effectively.”
 
     “As risks posed by the COVID-19 on global economy are still evolving, financial markets will continue to see considerable volatility. The HKMA will continue to closely monitor the market situation and ensure Hong Kong’s money and foreign exchange markets operate smoothly. We will also maintain our currency stability in accordance with the LERS,” he added.
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