Tag Archives: China

Attention TV/radio announcers: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:      Here is an item of interest to swimmers.      The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced toda… read more

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

     The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (the HKSAR Government) today (June 4) announced the successful pricing of approximately HK$27 billion worth of green bonds (the Green Bonds) and infrastructure bonds (the Infrastructure Bonds) denominated in Hong Kong dollars (HKD), Renminbi (RMB), US dollars (USD), and euro (EUR) under the Government Sustainable Bond Programme and the Infrastructure Bond Programme.

     Following a virtual roadshow on June 2, 2025, the Green Bonds and Infrastructure Bonds were priced on June 3, 2025 as follows:
 

• HKD1.5 billion 30-year infrastructure tranche at 3.85 per cent;
• RMB4 billion 20-year green tranche at 2.60 per cent;
• RMB4 billion 30-year infrastructure tranche at 2.70 per cent;
• USD1 billion 5-year green tranche at 4.151 per cent; and
• EUR1 billion 8-year green tranche at 3.155 per cent.

     The offering attracted participation from a wide spectrum of investors from more than 30 markets across Asia, Europe, Middle East, and the Americas, with total order amounting around HK$237 billion equivalent, representing a subscription ratio of around 3.3 to 12.5 times. In particular, the HKD 30-year bond was offered for the first time by the HKSAR Government, and is the longest tenor HKD bond issued by the HKSAR Government so far. The 20-year and 30-year RMB bonds, which were first introduced last year, also received overwhelming support, doubling in issuance size from last year.

     The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said, “The issuance of green bonds by the HKSAR Government aims to attract and channel market capital to support green projects, promoting the sustainable development in Hong Kong. The issuance of infrastructure bonds helps to accelerate the development of projects such as the Northern Metropolis and facilitate the early completion of projects for the good of the economy and people’s livelihood. Global institutional investors responded enthusiastically to the subscription, fully reflecting their confidence in Hong Kong’s sound public finance and long-term development. Among which the inaugural offering of the 30-year HKD government bonds helps to extend the HKD benchmark yield curve, further promoting the development of the local bond market.”

     The Green Bonds and the Infrastructure Bonds are expected to be settled on June 10, 2025 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. The Green Bonds and the Infrastructure Bonds have been assigned credit ratings of AA+ by S&P Global Ratings and AA- by Fitch. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority acted as the HKSAR Government’s representative in the Green Bonds and Infrastructure Bonds offering.

     The Green Bonds and the Infrastructure Bonds are being issued in accordance with the HKSAR Government’s Green Bond Framework and Infrastructure Bond Framework respectively. Proceeds raised will be credited to the Capital Works Reserve Fund to finance or refinance eligible green projects and infrastructure projects in accordance with the relevant frameworks.

     The HKSAR Government published its Green Bond Framework in March 2019, which sets out how green bond proceeds will be used to fund projects to improve the environment and facilitate the transition to a low carbon economy. This framework was subsequently updated in February 2022, reflecting the HKSAR Government’s latest commitments and strategy in combatting climate change and aligning with the latest international standards and practices in the green bond market. Vigeo Eiris, which is now part of Moody’s ESG Solutions, has provided a Second Party Opinion for both the original and updated Green Bond Framework. The Green Bonds have also received the Green and Sustainable Finance Certificate (Pre-issuance Stage) from the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency. The HKSAR Government has since published five annual reports on the allocation of the proceeds from previous green bond issuances and the expected environmental benefits of the projects financed.

     The HKSAR Government published the Infrastructure Bond Framework in September 2024, setting out how it intends to issue infrastructure bonds under the Infrastructure Bond Programme to fund projects that are conducive to the long-term development of Hong Kong. Allocation of proceeds from the infrastructure bond issuances and other relevant details are expected to be published in the annual Infrastructure Bond Report.

     The list of Joint Global Coordinators, Joint Bookrunners, Joint Lead Managers, Joint Green and Sustainable Bond Structuring Banks, and Joint Infrastructure Bond Structuring Banks for the Green Bonds and Infrastructure Bonds offering are set out at the attached Annex.

Investors’ Distribution by Category
 

Category	HKD Bonds	RMB Bonds	USD Bonds	EUR Bonds
Banks	14%	75%	44%	43%
Central banks, sovereign wealth funds and international organisations	13%	3%	19%	21%
Fund managers, private banks, insurance companies and others	73%	22%	37%	36%

     Note: The HKD, RMB, and EUR Bonds were offered in Reg S format, and the USD Bonds in 144A / Reg S format (Note).

DISCLAIMER:
     
     NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, AUSTRALIA OR JAPAN OR IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION WOULD BE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

     THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT MADE BEING MADE AVAILABLE IN, AND IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, AUSTRALIA OR JAPAN OR IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION WOULD BE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

     THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED, AS AN OFFER OF, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, SECURITIES IN THE UNITED STATES OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.

     THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR THE LAWS OF ANY STATE OF THE UNITED STATES, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD WITHIN THE UNITED STATES EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE STATE LAWS. THERE WILL BE NO PUBLIC OFFERING OF SUCH SECURITIES IN THE UNITED STATES.

Note: Reg S pertains to offerings of securities made outside of the United States. Rule 144A pertains to placements of securities to qualified institutional buyers in the United States meeting the requirements of that Rule. read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (June 4) is investigating two probable cases of botulism involving patients who received injections of botulinum toxin on the Mainland. The CHP reminded the public that they should only receive botulinum toxin injections as prescribed and performed by registered doctors after clinical assessment.

     The first case involves a 49-year-old female patient. She presented with generalised weakness, blurred vision and difficulty in breathing since May 24. She attended a hospital in Shenzhen on May 26 and was admitted on the same day. She returned to Hong Kong and attended North District Hospital on May 28 due to persistent symptoms. She is hospitalised in the intensive care unit and is in critical condition.
 
  The second case involves a 50-year-old female patient. She presented with generalised weakness, bilateral ptosis and swallowing difficulty since May 27. She was admitted to United Christian Hospital on June 3 and is now in stable condition.
 
     Both patients were clinically suspected to have botulism caused by botulinum toxin injection.
      
     The preliminary investigation revealed that the two patients are friends. They claimed to have received injections of botulinum toxin for cosmetic purposes in private premises in Shenzhen around mid-May. They believed that the person who performed the injections was not a healthcare professional. Epidemiological investigations are still ongoing.
 
    In Hong Kong, botulinum toxin injections should only be performed by a locally registered doctor. Customers should verify the doctor’s full name against the list of registered doctors of the Medical Council of Hong Kong as well as their professional qualifications and relevant experience. When receiving injections outside Hong Kong, pay special attention to ensure the provider is qualified or registered with relevant jurisdictions for practice. In case of injections offered from suspicious sources, refrain from receiving them. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice from eligible medical professionals as soon as possible.
 
     Due to the weakening of the associated muscles and the fact that botulinum toxin may spread and affect other areas beyond the injection site, affected patients may have drooping eyelids, double or blurred vision, problems with chewing, hoarseness, or even difficulties in swallowing, speaking or breathing, which may happen hours, days or weeks after the injection.
 
     The CHP urged the public to observe the following health advice before receiving botulinum toxin injections:
 

• Injections in Hong Kong should only be performed by locally registered doctors;
• Understand the procedure, potential risks and possible complications before receiving injections. Consult a doctor for an informed decision;
• Do not receive injections from suspicious sources;
• Do not receive an injection in the case of a history of allergy to botulinum toxin, or if there is an infection or inflammation on the injection site;
• Request the full name of the doctor in writing if referred by a beauty service provider for the procedure, as well as the professional qualifications and relevant experience; and
• If symptoms develop after injections, such as muscle weakness or feeling unwell, seek medical attention immediately.

 
     The public may visit the DH’s webpage on the differentiation between medical procedures and beauty services, the Drug Database of the Drug Office and the CHP’s botulism page for more information.​ read more

     The Transport Department (TD) today (June 4) reminded members of the public that the following special traffic and transport arrangements are implemented in Tsim Sha Tsui East to facilitate the holding of the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races near Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade on June 7 and 8.

1. Suspension of landing steps
     
     Tsim Sha Tsui Landing No. 1 will be suspended from 8am on June 6 to noon on June 9, and Tsim Sha Tsui Landing Nos. 2 and 5 have been suspended until noon on June 9.

2. Relocation of berthing point of ferry service

     The berthing point of the “water taxi” ferry service at Tsim Sha Tsui East will be relocated from Tsim Sha Tsui Landing No.1 to Kowloon Public Pier from 11.20am on June 6 to 11.20am on June 9.

3. Suspension of pick-up/drop-off points
     
     Part of the non-franchised bus pick-up/drop-off points on Salisbury Road westbound opposite Wing On Plaza will be suspended from noon on June 5 to 11pm on June 8.

4. Temporary bus stop arrangements
     
     The bus stops of KMB route Nos. 5A, 8P, 92R, 260X, 268B, 269B, HK1 and Citybus route Nos. 796X, A25, H1 on Salisbury Road westbound opposite Wing On Plaza will be suspended from 7.30am to 7.30pm on June 7 and from 7.30pm to 6pm on June 8.

     For details of the special traffic and public transport arrangements, members of the public may visit the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk) and its mobile application “HKeMobility” or refer to the passenger notices issued by the relevant public transport operators.
 
     The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures when necessary. The public should pay attention to the latest traffic news through radio, television or “HKeMobility”. read more

     â€‹Following is a question by the Hon Tony Tse and a written reply by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, in the Legislative Council today (June 4):
      
Question:     

     There are views that good public open space and green space design will help enhance Hong Kong’s living environment, physical and mental health of its citizens, as well as increase its appeal to tourists from home and abroad, and that landscape architect profession can play a significant role in this regard. However, some members of the industry have reflected that the Government has failed to attach importance to and optimise the use of the landscape architect profession when launching related projects (such as construction of parks) or consultancy services. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
(1) whether guidelines have been drawn up to specify that the relevant government departments will fully consult their in-house landscape architects when inviting tenders for the planning, design or construction contracts for projects or consultancy projects focusing on public open space or green space, or those with landscape design accounting for a significant proportion; if so, what are the contents of the guidelines and their implementation status; if not, whether it will consider formulating relevant guidelines;

(2) whether it will formulate uniform guidelines to specify that, when inviting tenders for projects focusing on public open space or green space, or those with landscape design accounting for a significant proportion, professional landscape consultancy companies should be allowed to bid in an independent capacity, and that they should not only act as sub-consultants of other professional consultancy companies; if not, the reasons for that; and

(3) of the policies and measures in place to further optimise the use of and give full play to the profession of landscape architects, so as to make Hong Kong an even better city for living, working and travelling?

Reply:

President,

(1) Currently, the Government works departments’ project administration handbooks and various technical circulars state that professional advice from landscape architects within the Government should be sought for projects related to public open spaces and landscape greening at various stages, including planning, design, engagement of consultants, and tendering for works contracts. As part of a multidisciplinary project team, landscape architects provide professional advice on greening and landscape matters at various stages of the project, including reviewing or formulating landscape and visual impact assessments, tree preservation and removal proposals, and landscape master plans during the planning and design stage; evaluating the professional qualifications and technical proposals from tenderers during the selection of consultants and contractors; designing and preparing contract specifications for the arrangement of green spaces and recreational facilities during the design and tender documentation stage. Subsequently, they assist in monitoring the greening and landscape works of consultants and contractors during project implementation.
     
     In addition, some landscape architects take on project management roles, co-ordinating various types of projects such as public open spaces and government buildings, overseeing project planning, construction, environmental compliance, cost control, and monitoring progress and quality. Landscape architects also provide professional advice in vetting assessment reports related to landscape and visual impacts under the Town Planning Ordinance and the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance.

(2) During the consultant selection process for public works projects, the Government follows the guidelines set out in the Architectural and Associated Consultants Selection Board Handbook or the Engineering and Associated Consultants Selection Board Handbook to ensure value for money, while maintaining open and fair competition. The Government’s List of Consultants of the Architectural and Associated Consultants Selection Board includes a Landscape Architectural category. Eligible landscape architectural consultants are invited to bid independently as lead consultants for design and research projects related to greening and landscape, such as formulation of greening master plans, public open spaces designs, the Street Tree Selection Guide, the Guidelines on Soil Improvement, and similar initiatives. Departments will invite respective consultants from relevant categories to bid based on the project’s overall nature and practical requirements.

(3) The Government has consistently strived to enhance liveability through various initiatives with the aim to build a liveable, sustainable and inclusive Hong Kong. The Hong Kong 2030+ outlines long-term strategies for green spaces, so as to strengthen blue-green infrastructure, and integrate such elements into both new and existing development areas. Through practice notes, technical circulars, etc, the Government promotes sustainable green building designs in both public and private developments, requiring 20 per cent to 30 per cent green coverage and the provision of public open spaces in private developments, etc. The professional expertise of landscape architects plays a crucial role in implementing these greening policies and measures.
     
     Landscape architects in the Government play a key role in greening and landscape matters, in particular after the establishment of the Greening and Landscape Office under the Development Bureau (DEVB) in 2010. Landscape architects of the office are responsible for the central co-ordination of the Government’s greening and landscape planning and design efforts. Landscape architect posts in various departments have gradually increased to meet the increasingly complex project requirements. For example, landscape architect posts were introduced to the DEVB’s Harbour Office to advance waterfront open space projects, and to the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to enhance public play spaces. The number of landscape architects managed by the DEVB has increased from about 60 to about 100, and three directorate posts at the rank of Chief Landscape Architect were created in 2017 and 2018. These measures demonstrate the importance that the Government attaches to the landscape architectural profession. To further strengthen the team’s capabilities, we also provide systematic training for landscape architects, covering professional knowledge, project management, and innovative technologies. This continuous professional development supports Hong Kong’s transformation into a sustainable and liveable city.

     Furthermore, the Government maintains close collaboration with the landscape architectural industry and stakeholders, including the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects and the Association of Landscape Consultants Hong Kong through meetings, and inviting practitioners from the landscape industry to join relevant committees (such as the Urban Forestry Advisory Panel, the Arboriculture and Horticulture Industry Development Advisory Committee, the Harbourfront Commission, etc) to gather professional opinions and facilitate exchange. To further advance the development of the landscape architectural profession, we will explore with relevant departments and encourage greater involvement of landscape architectural consultants in greening and public open space projects, while maintaining ongoing communication with various professional teams and stakeholders. read more