Inspection of aquatic products imported from Japan

     In response to the Japanese Government's plan to discharge nuclear-contaminated water at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Station, the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene issued a Food Safety Order which prohibits all aquatic products, sea salt and seaweeds originating from the 10 metropolis/prefectures, namely Tokyo, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Miyagi, Chiba, Gunma, Tochigi, Niigata, Nagano and Saitama, from being imported into and supplied in Hong Kong.
 
     For other Japanese aquatic products, sea salt and seaweeds that are not prohibited from being imported into Hong Kong, the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department is conducting comprehensive radiological tests to verify that the radiation levels of these products do not exceed the guideline levels before they are allowed to be supplied in the market.
 
     From noon on June 12 to noon today (June 13), the CFS conducted tests on the radiological levels of 189 food samples imported from Japan, which were of the "aquatic and related products, seaweeds and sea salt" category. No sample was found to have exceeded the safety limit. Details can be found on the CFS's thematic website titled "Control Measures on Foods Imported from Japan" (www.cfs.gov.hk/english/programme/programme_rafs/programme_rafs_fc_01_30_Nuclear_Event_and_Food_Safety.html).
 
     In parallel, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has also tested 50 samples of local catch for radiological levels. All the samples passed the tests. Details can be found on the AFCD's website (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/Radiological_testing/Radiological_Test.html).
 
     The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) has also enhanced the environmental monitoring of the local waters. No anomaly has been detected so far. For details, please refer to the HKO's website (www.hko.gov.hk/en/radiation/monitoring/seawater.html).
 
     From August 24, 2023, to noon today, the CFS and the AFCD have conducted tests on the radiological levels of 143 323 samples of food imported from Japan (including 94 237 samples of aquatic and related products, seaweeds and sea salt) and 32 790 samples of local catch respectively. All the samples passed the tests.




LegCo to consider Employment (Amendment) Bill 2025

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting next Wednesday (June 18) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Second Reading debate on the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2025 will resume. If the Bill is supported by Members and receives its Second Reading, it will stand committed to the committee of the whole Council. After the committee of the whole Council has completed consideration of the Bill and its report is adopted by the Council, the Bill will be set down for the Third Reading.

     On Members' motions, Mr Sunny Tan will move a motion on "Stimulating the vigorous development of Hong Kong's small and medium enterprises with new quality productive forces and actively dovetailing with the country's high-quality 'going global' strategy". The motion is set out in Appendix 1. Mr Erik Yim will move an amendment to Mr Tan's motion.

     Mr Adrian Ho will move a motion on "Boosting the local consumption market to inject impetus into economic development". The motion is set out in Appendix 2.

     Ms Elizabeth Quat will move a proposed resolution under section 34(4) of the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance to extend the period for amending subsidiary legislation. The proposed resolution is set out in Appendix 3.

     Members will also ask the Government 22 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.

     The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the LegCo Website (www.legco.gov.hk). Members of the public can watch or listen to the meeting via the "Webcast" system on the LegCo Website. To observe the proceedings of the meeting at the LegCo Complex, members of the public may call 3919 3399 during office hours to reserve seats.




Hong Kong’s international gourmet hub status attracts Mainland coconut chicken hot pot chain to open first restaurant in Hong Kong (with photos)

     ​Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced today (June 13) that Runseason World Trade Catering Co Ltd (Runseason), a Mainland catering brand specialising in coconut chicken hot pot, has officially opened its first restaurant in Hong Kong, marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy.
     
     The new restaurant, located in Causeway Bay, will also serve as a regional office and a strategic launch pad for the company's ambitions to enter European markets and elevate its brand on the global stage, according to Runseason co-founder Mr Huang Guangchun.
     
     Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK Mr Arnold Lau said, "Runseason's decision to establish its foothold in Hong Kong underscores the city as the premier choice for Mainland brands to go global. It also highlights Hong Kong's unique advantages as a launch pad for food and beverage companies aiming to expand internationally. We are delighted to support Runseason in leveraging Hong Kong's vibrant market and international connectivity to achieve its ambitious expansion goals."
     
     Mr Huang said, "Hong Kong's status as an international culinary hub, with its mature market and diverse consumers, makes it the ideal base for Runseason to refine its product offerings, strengthen its supply chain resilience, and enhance its digital services. Aligning with the company's 'family standards and conscientious quality' philosophy, the Hong Kong restaurant will develop a replicable model for global expansion, showcasing its signature coconut chicken hot pot and innovative dishes to a global audience."
     
     He added, "Hong Kong, as an international city where East meets West, provides an unparalleled opportunity for Runseason to introduce our coconut chicken – a delicacy rooted in Eastern dietary wisdom – to international markets. By leveraging Hong Kong's diverse consumer base and its reputation for culinary excellence, we aim to transform this regional specialty into a global cultural symbol of healthy and sustainable dining."
     
     Founded in 2009, Runseason is a subsidiary of Shenzhen Runyuan Four Seasons Catering Co Ltd, offering its signature coconut chicken hot pot, in which the brand sources fresh ingredients directly from its own coconut plantations and Wenchang chicken breeding farm in Hainan, ensuring a premium dining experience. It operates over 20 restaurants across Mainland China, bringing its beloved hot pot to an ever-growing customer base. 
     
     For more information about Runseason, please visit mp.weixin.qq.com/s/Cn8mevI9TxnrmaIT72fksA.
     
     For a copy of the photos, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720326792123.

Photo  Photo  Photo  



Quotations invited for tenancies at Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port

     The Government Property Agency (GPA) is inviting two separate quotations for the government properties at (i) Shop No. 503 and (ii) Shop Nos. 519 and 527D, on the First Floor, Passenger Clearance Building, 33 Shun Fai Road, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port, Lantau, Hong Kong, each for a three-year tenancy subject to the provisions for renewal for a further term of two years.

     Both premises should only be used for general retail and/or services purposes excluding storage, sale or display of:

(1) dutiable goods as defined under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), unless the premises have been issued with a warehouse licence under the ordinance;

(2) duty-paid goods as defined under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109); and

(3) goods, merchandise or commodities that are from time to time prohibited from import into Hong Kong under the laws of Hong Kong.

     The decision of the landlord as to what constitutes goods, merchandise or commodities under (3) above shall be final, conclusive and binding on the Tenant. All references in the Forms of Tenancy Agreement to the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109) shall include any regulations made thereunder and any amending legislation. Details are available in the respective quotation notices and Forms of Tenancy Agreement.

     The quotation notices were uploaded today (June 13) to the GPA Property Portal: www.gpaproperty.gov.hk/en/index.html. Quotation documents are available for collection at the GPA, 9/F, South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, during the period from 9am to 6pm from Monday to Friday, except public holidays. The documents can also be downloaded from the GPA Property Portal.

     Interested bidders who wish to conduct a site inspection of the premises should make a prior appointment with the GPA by calling 3842 6916 or 3842 6915 by June 19.

     Bidders must submit their quotations by placing them in the GPA Quotation Box placed at the Ground Floor Lobby, South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, before noon on July 4. Late quotations will not be accepted.




Tenders invited for lease of government property

     The Government Property Agency (GPA) is inviting tenders for a five-year lease of the government property at Shop No. 15 on Podium Level 2 of the Lee On Shopping Centre, 32 Lee On Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, subject to the provisions for renewal for a further term of three years.

     The property should only be used for the operation of a supermarket, retail or provision of services (excluding interest or learning classes, hair salon, beauty centre, TV or Internet game centre, off-course betting centre and mahjong school).

     The tender notice was uploaded today (June 13) to the GPA Property Portal: www.gpaproperty.gov.hk/en/index.html. Tender documents are available for collection at the GPA, 9/F, South Tower, West Kowloon Government Offices, 11 Hoi Ting Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, during the period from 9am to 6pm from Monday to Friday, except public holidays. The documents can also be downloaded from the GPA Property Portal.

     Interested tenderers who wish to conduct a site inspection of the property should make a prior appointment with the GPA by calling 3842 6777 by July 11.

     Tenderers must submit their tenders by placing them in the Government Logistics Department Tender Box situated on the Ground Floor, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong, before noon on July 23. Late tenders will not be accepted.