Tag Archives: China

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 16) investigating a case of invasive meningococcal infection, a communicable disease transmitted by direct contact with droplets from carriers or infected persons.

     The case involves a 46-year-old male, who was found unconscious on June 13 and was sent to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital on the same day. He was admitted for treatment and his clinical diagnosis was meningococcaemia. The patient is now in stable condition. His cerebrospinal fluid sample tested positive for Neisseria meningitidis upon laboratory testing.

     Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His household contacts have remained asymptomatic so far. The CHP’s investigation is continuing.

     “Meningococcal infection is caused by a bacterium known as meningococcus. It is mainly transmitted by direct contact through respiratory secretions, including droplets from the nose and throat, from infected persons. The incubation period varies from two to 10 days, and is commonly three or four days,” a spokesman for the CHP said.

     The clinical picture may vary. Severe illness may result when the bacteria invade the bloodstream (meningococcaemia) or the membranes that envelop the brain and spinal cord (meningococcal meningitis).

     Meningococcaemia is characterised by a sudden onset of fever, intense headache, purpura, shock and even death in severe cases. Meningococcal meningitis is characterised by high fever, severe headache and a stiff neck followed by drowsiness, vomiting, fear of bright light, or a rash. It can cause brain damage or even death. The brain damage may lead to intellectual impairment, mental retardation, hearing loss and electrolyte imbalance. Invasive meningococcal infection can be complicated by arthritis, inflammation of the heart muscle, inflammation of the posterior chamber of the eye or chest infection.

     Meningococcal infection is a serious illness. Patients should be treated promptly with antibiotics.

     To prevent meningococcal infection, members of the public are advised to take heed of the following measures:
 

• Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly, especially when they are dirtied by respiratory secretions, e.g. after sneezing, and clean hands with alcohol-based handrub when they are not visibly soiled;
• Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, hold the spit with a tissue, dispose of nasal and mouth discharge in a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands immediately;
• Avoid crowded places;
• Avoid close contact with patients who have a fever or severe headache;
• Travellers to high-risk areas may consult doctors for meningococcal vaccination; and
• Travellers returning from high-risk areas should seek medical advice if they become ill, and should discuss their recent travel history with their doctor.

     â€‹The public may visit the CHP’s website for more information on meningococcal infection. read more

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

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced today (June 16) that a tender of 15-year Government Bonds (Bonds) through the re-opening of existing 15-year Government Bond issue 15GB3801 under the Institutional Bond Issuance Programme will be held on June 28, 2023 (Wednesday), for settlement on June 29, 2023 (Thursday).

     An additional amount of HK$0.5 billion of the outstanding 15-year Bonds (issue no. 15GB3801) will be on offer. The Bonds will mature on January 12, 2038, and will carry interest at the rate of 3.74 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrears. The Indicative Pricings of the Bonds on June 16, 2023, are 99.25 with an annualised yield of 3.848 per cent.

     Under the Institutional Bond Issuance Programme, tender is open only to Recognized Dealers which are appointed as Primary Dealers. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the current published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk. Each tender must be for an amount of HK$50,000 or integral multiples thereof.

     Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, the Refinitiv screen (HKGBINDEX), and Bloomberg (GBHK <GO>) not later than 3pm on the tender day.

HKSAR Government Institutional Bond Issuance Programme Tender Information
—————————————————————————————–
     Tender information of re-opening of 15-year Government Bonds under the Institutional Bond Issuance Programme:
 

Issue Number	:	15GB3801 (Re-open)
Stock Code	:	4258 (HKGB 3.74 3801)
Tender Date and Time	:	June 28, 2023 (Wednesday) 9.30am to 10.30am
Issue and Settlement Date for Tender Amount	:	June 29, 2023 (Thursday)
Amount on Offer	:	HK$0.5 billion
Maturity	:	15 years
Remaining Maturity	:	Approximately 14.55 years
Maturity Date	:	January 12, 2038
Interest Rate	:	3.74 per cent p.a. payable semi-annually in arrears
Interest Payment Dates	:	July 12, 2023 January 12, 2024 July 12, 2024 January 13, 2025 July 14, 2025 January 12, 2026 July 13, 2026 January 12, 2027 July 12, 2027 January 12, 2028 July 12, 2028 January 12, 2029 July 12, 2029 January 14, 2030 July 12, 2030 January 13, 2031 July 14, 2031 January 12, 2032 July 12, 2032 January 12, 2033 July 12, 2033 January 12, 2034 July 12, 2034 January 12, 2035 July 12, 2035 January 14, 2036 July 14, 2036 January 12, 2037 July 13, 2037 January 12, 2038
Method of Tender	:	Competitive tender
Tender Amount	:	Each competitive tender must be for an amount of HK$50,000 or integral multiples thereof. Any tender applications for the Bonds must be submitted through a Primary Dealer on the current published list.   The accrued interest to be paid by successful bidders on the issue date (June 29, 2023) for the tender amount is HK$860.71 per minimum denomination of HK$50,000.   (The accrued interest to be paid for tender amount exceeding HK$50,000 may not be exactly equal to the figures calculated from the accrued interest per minimum denomination of HK$50,000 due to rounding).
Other Details	:	Please see Information Memorandum available on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk or approach Primary Dealers.
Expected commencement date of dealing on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited	:	The tender amount is fully fungible with the existing 15GB3801 (Stock code: 4258) listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.

 
     Price/Yield Table of the Government Bonds at tender (for reference only*):
 

Yield-to-Maturity	Price	Yield-to-Maturity	Price
2.848	110.81	3.848	99.20
2.898	110.19	3.898	98.66
2.948	109.58	3.948	98.13
2.998	108.96	3.998	97.60
3.048	108.36	4.048	97.07
3.098	107.76	4.098	96.54
3.148	107.16	4.148	96.02
3.198	106.56	4.198	95.51
3.248	105.97	4.248	94.99
3.298	105.39	4.298	94.48
3.348	104.81	4.348	93.97
3.398	104.23	4.398	93.47
3.448	103.66	4.448	92.97
3.498	103.09	4.498	92.47
3.548	102.52	4.548	91.98
3.598	101.96	4.598	91.49
3.648	101.40	4.648	91.00
3.698	100.84	4.698	90.52
3.748	100.29	4.748	90.04
3.798	99.75	4.798	89.56
3.848	99.20	4.848	89.09

 
* Disclaimer: The information provided here is for reference only. Although extreme care has been taken to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date, the HKMA does not warrant that all, or any part of, the information provided is accurate in all respects. You are encouraged to conduct your own enquiries to verify any particular piece of information provided on it. The HKMA shall not be liable for any loss or damage suffered as a result of any use or reliance on any of the information provided here. read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 16) reported the latest number of dengue fever (DF) cases, and urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

     From June 9 to yesterday (June 15), the CHP recorded one imported DF case. The patient had been to Uganda and Japan during the incubation period.

     As of yesterday, 12 imported cases of DF had been recorded in 2023. In 2022, 26 imported cases of DF were recorded.

     The latest surveillance data shows that there is an increase in DF cases noted in some countries and areas in Southeast Asia and South America compared to the same period last year, and the trend is rising. Members of the public, while travelling abroad, should stay vigilant and carry out effective mosquito prevention and control measures. Detailed information on the latest DF situation in Hong Kong, as well as neighbouring and overseas countries and areas, has been uploaded to the CHP’s website (www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/df_imported_cases_and_overseas_figures_eng.pdf).

     “Apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF should apply insect repellent for 14 days upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor,” a spokesman for the CHP said.

     The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
 

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

     â€‹DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
 

• Read the label instructions carefully first;
• Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
• Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
• Re-apply only when needed and follow the instructions.

* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.

     The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems and may visit the following pages for more information: the DF page of the CHP and the Travel Health Service, the latest Travel Health News, tips for using insect repellents, and the CHP Facebook Page and YouTube Channel. read more

     The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (June 16) the preliminary statistics on Hong Kong’s Gross National Income (GNI) and related figures for the first quarter of 2023.
 
     Hong Kong’s GNI, which denotes the total income earned by Hong Kong residents from engaging in various economic activities, increased by 6.8% in the first quarter of 2023 over a year earlier to $756.1 billion at current market prices. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP), estimated at $716.6 billion at current market prices in the same quarter, recorded a 4.6% increase over a year earlier. The value of GNI was larger than GDP by $39.4 billion in the first quarter of 2023, which was equivalent to 5.5% of GDP in that quarter, mainly attributable to a net inflow of investment income.
 
     After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, Hong Kong’s GNI increased by 4.1% in real terms in the first quarter of 2023 over a year earlier. The corresponding GDP in the same quarter increased by 2.7% in real terms.
 
     Hong Kong’s total inflow of primary income, which mainly comprises investment income, estimated at $434.1 billion in the first quarter of 2023 and equivalent to 60.6% of GDP in that quarter, recorded a significant increase of 21.2% over a year earlier. Meanwhile, total primary income outflow, estimated at $394.7 billion in the first quarter of 2023 and equivalent to 55.1% of GDP in that quarter, also increased significantly by 17.8% over a year earlier.
 
     As for the major components of investment income inflow, direct investment income (DII) increased by 4.8% over a year earlier, mainly due to the increase in earnings of some prominent local enterprises from their direct investment abroad. Portfolio investment income (PII) recorded a significant increase of 19.3% over a year earlier, mainly attributable to the increase in interest income received by resident investors from their holdings of non resident debt securities.
 
     Regarding the major components of investment income outflow, DII increased by 7.7% over a year earlier, mainly due to the increase in earnings of some prominent multinational enterprises from their direct investment in Hong Kong. PII decreased by 1.9%, mainly attributable to the decrease in dividend payout to non-resident investors from their holdings of resident equity securities.
 
     Analysed by country/territory, the mainland of China continued to be the largest source of Hong Kong’s total primary income inflow in the first quarter of 2023, accounting for 47.9%. This was followed by the British Virgin Islands (BVI), with a share of 12.8%. Regarding total primary income outflow, the mainland of China and the BVI remained the most important destinations in the first quarter of 2023, accounting for 28.8% and 22.6% respectively.
 
Further information
 
     GDP and GNI are closely related indicators for measuring economic performance. GDP is a measure of the total value of production of all resident producing units of an economy. GNI denotes the total income earned by residents of an economy from engaging in various economic activities, irrespective of whether the economic activities are carried out within the economic territory of the economy or outside.
 
     Figures of GNI and primary income flows analysed by income component from the second quarter of 2021 to the first quarter of 2023 are presented in Table A, while selected major country/territory breakdowns of primary income inflow and outflow for the same quarters are presented in Tables B(1) and B(2) respectively.
 
     Statistics on GDP and GNI from 2021 onwards and primary income flows from 2022 onwards are subject to revision when more data are incorporated.
 
     More detailed statistics are given in the report “Gross National Income and External Primary Income Flows, First Quarter 2023”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1040005&scode=250).
 
     For enquiries about GNI and related statistics, please contact the Balance of Payments Branch (2) of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7054 or email: gni@censtatd.gov.hk). read more

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

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) published today (June 16) statistics of payment cards issued in Hong Kong for the first quarter of 2023.
      
     The payment card statistics (see Annex) include quarterly data on credit and debit cards issued in Hong Kong under the credit and/or debit card schemes of the eight payment card scheme operators (Note 1). The HKMA began to publish the payment card statistics on a quarterly basis in June 2010 to enhance transparency of the payment card industry in Hong Kong, in line with international practice.
      
     According to the quarterly statistics, the total number of credit cards in circulation (Note 2) was 19.70 million by the end of Q1/2023. The figure represents a 1.1 per cent increase from the previous quarter and a 2.8 per cent increase from the previous year. The number and value of credit card transactions (including retail sales and cash advances) (Note 3) are susceptible to seasonal factors and the general economic environment, making the trends more prone to fluctuation. The total number of credit card transactions was 259.59 million for Q1/2023, representing a 4.8 per cent increase from the previous quarter and a 17.9 per cent increase from the same period in 2022. The total value of credit card transactions was HK$231.8 billion for Q1/2023, representing a 7.4 per cent increase from the previous quarter and a 34.7 per cent increase from the same period in 2022. Of the total transaction value, HK$179.5 billion (77.4 per cent) was related to retail spending in Hong Kong, HK$43.3 billion (18.7 per cent) in retail spending overseas and HK$8.9 billion (3.9 per cent) in cash advances.
      
     The total number of debit cards in circulation is not available due to overlapping of debit card brands in a single card. Like the number and value of credit card transactions, the number and value of debit card transactions in relation to retail sales and bills payments (Note 4) are also affected by seasonal factors. On a quarterly basis, the total number of debit card transactions in relation to retail sales and bills payments decreased 2.3 per cent to 46.51 million while the total value increased by 4.3 per cent to HK$79.2 billion in Q1/2023. When compared to the same period in 2022, the total number increased by 6.0 per cent and the total value rose by 5.1 per cent in Q1/2023.
 
Note 1: The payment card statistics are compiled from data on credit and debit cards issued in Hong Kong by both authorized institutions (AIs) and non-authorized institutions (non-AIs) under the credit and/or debit card schemes of the eight payment card scheme operators (“the card operators”). The card operators, in alphabetical order, are American Express International, Inc., Discover Financial Services (Hong Kong) Limited, EPS Company (Hong Kong) Limited (EPSCO), JCB International (Asia) Ltd, Joint Electronic Teller Services Ltd. (JETCO), MasterCard Asia/Pacific Pte. Ltd., UnionPay International Co. Ltd and Visa Worldwide Pte. Limited. 

Note 2: A credit card issued in Hong Kong only carries one credit card brand. The total number of credit cards in circulation refers to the total number of credit cards (i.e. cards with a credit function) issued in Hong Kong under the credit card schemes of card operators (but excluding EPSCO and JETCO, which do not operate a credit card scheme). Some of these credit cards carry debit card functions, i.e. the credit card can be used for making purchases/payments or cash withdrawal at ATMs through directly debiting cardholders’ bank accounts.

Note 3: The total number/value of credit card transactions refer to the total number/value of transactions made via credit card accounts of credit cards issued in Hong Kong under the credit card schemes of card operators (excluding EPSCO and JETCO). Starting from March 2015, a Hong Kong/overseas spending breakdown of credit card retail sales transactions is provided.

Note 4: The total number/value of debit card transactions in relation to retail sales/bill payments refers to the total number/value of those transactions made via debiting cardholders’ bank accounts. Some of the eight card operators do not operate a debit card scheme. Care should be exercised in combining the credit card retail sales figures and the debit card retail sales/bills payment figures because of the possibility of double counting.  read more