The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 is 104.7 (up 0.2 against yesterday's index).

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 today (September 12) that the Environmental Protection Department has classified the water quality at Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung District as Grade 2, which means the water quality has improved and the beach is suitable for swimming. The red flag was hoisted at the beach earlier on due to the water quality being classified as Grade 4 and unsuitable for swimming.

     However, the red flag at the beach is still hoisted due to big waves. Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.

     Two orders made by the Chief Executive in Council under the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) to implement the Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreements (CDTAs) with India and Finland will be gazetted on September 14.

     "The CDTAs ensure that investors will not have to pay tax twice on a single source of income. The CDTAs will bring tax savings and a greater certainty on taxation liabilities for the residents of the treaty partners when they engage in cross-border trade and investment activities," a Government spokesman said.

     Highlights of the CDTAs with India and Finland are set out in the Annex.

     The two orders will be tabled at the Legislative Council on October 10 for negative vetting. The CDTAs will enter into force after both Hong Kong and the treaty partners have completed their ratification procedures.

     Hong Kong signed the CDTAs with India and Finland in March and May 2018 respectively.

     The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, today (September 11, San Francisco time) continued his visit in San Francisco, the United States.

     In the morning, Mr Wong first went to the John A Legnitto Environmental Learning Center opened by American resource recovery company Recology and toured the material recovery and sorting facilities to learn more about its waste reduction and clean recycling work. He also paid a visit to the Artist in Residence Program, a studio space at Recology's transfer station, where artworks made by local artists designed with salvaged materials are displayed.

     In the afternoon, Mr Wong met with experts of a global leading information technology enterprise and was briefed on their efforts in promoting deeper decarbonisation and a circular economy. He also visited the Google San Francisco Office to understand its sustainability measures and green energy policies.

     In the evening, Mr Wong dined with the Directors of the Hong Kong Association of Northern California.

     Mr Wong will attend the Steering Committee meeting of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group and the Cities4Climate conference tomorrow (September 12, San Francisco time).

              

Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations,

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at suitable intervals:

     The Tourism Commission has announced that due to the issuing of Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 by the Hong Kong Observatory, "A Symphony of Lights" will be cancelled tonight (September 12).