The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Monday, January 11, 2021 is 100.7 (up 0.2 against last Saturday's index).

  The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Saturday, January 9, 2021 was 100.5 (same as last Friday's index).    

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

     US Dollar Liquidity Facility tender notice:
 

 
Note: Licensed Banks interested in participating in the tender for the first time are encouraged to provide US dollar settlement instructions by email (settlementsection@hkma.gov.hk) to the HKMA's Settlement Team in advance, preferably two days prior to the tender. Required information includes name of corresponding bank, name of final beneficiary (must be the Licensed Bank participating in the tender), and account or CHIPS number of a US dollar bank account to be settled in the US. Such information needs to be provided once only, unless there is further change.

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

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public in Hong Kong to a suspected fraudulent website with the domain name https://eastechbank.com/. The website is operated by an alleged Eastech International Bank N.D.
      
     The public should be aware that Eastech International Bank N.D. is not authorised by the Monetary Authority (MA) under the Banking Ordinance to carry on banking business or the business of taking deposits in Hong Kong, nor does it have the MA’s approval to establish a local representative office.
      
     The HKMA has referred the case to the Hong Kong Police Force for further investigation. Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the website or has conducted any financial transactions through the website should contact any local Police Station or the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
      
     Given the global nature of the Internet, members of the public are reminded to verify the status of any organisation making use of the Internet to solicit deposits from the public. A list of authorised institutions is available on the HKMA's website (www.hkma.gov.hk). Members of the public may also check the status of any entity in Hong Kong which solicits deposits from the public with the HKMA by emailing its public enquiry service (publicenquiry@hkma.gov.hk).

     A fresh round of the Sports Premises Subsidy Scheme launched under the Anti-epidemic Fund will open for applications on January 14. The Scheme aims to provide a one-off subsidy of $100,000 to each sports premises with a view to easing their cash flow pressure and alleviating their financial burden arising from their closure starting from December 10, 2020, as directed under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Requirements and Directions) (Business and Premises) Regulation (Cap. 599F).
 
     The deadline for applications is February 17. Applications will be processed during the application period and will be assessed on the basis of all the information provided. To avoid delays in processing, applicants should ensure the accuracy of the information submitted.
 
     The Home Affairs Bureau (HAB) has commissioned the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China to assist in the implementation of the Scheme. For enquiries concerning the Scheme and the application procedure, please call 2504 8440 or send an email to aefsps@hkolympic.org. The application form and guidelines can be downloaded from the website of the HAB (www.hab.gov.hk/en/policy_responsibilities/fitness/aefv4spss.htm).
 
     According to the Regulation and the application guidelines of the Scheme, eligible sports premises must possess a fixed address and an individually-operated premises in Hong Kong where its principal and substantive business is to provide indoor or outdoor sporting activities as promoted by the respective national sports associations or sports organisations recognised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

     The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (January 11) congratulated the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Andrew Cheung Kui-nung, on his assumption of office, and pledged her continued support for the Judiciary.

     "The rule of law is the cornerstone of Hong Kong's success, and judicial independence is the linchpin in upholding the rule of law. The Basic Law clearly stipulates that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) shall enjoy independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. Our courts shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference."
 
     "As the Chief Executive responsible to both the Central People's Government and the HKSAR, I will continue to steadfastly safeguard judicial independence. As I mentioned in my 2020 Policy Address, there is no conflict between an executive-led system and an independent Judiciary."
 
     "The Government has all along been giving full support to the Judiciary to ensure its effective operation. Over the past decade, the Government has acceded to the Judiciary's requests for funding and staffing resources in full. The Government has also made progress in the relocation of the High Court Building and the construction of a new District Court Complex to address the long-term accommodation needs of courts since announcement of these two major capital works projects in the 2017 Policy Address. The Government will continue to provide all the needed support."
 
     "I congratulate Chief Justice Cheung on his assumption of office today. I am confident that, under Chief Justice Cheung's leadership, the Judiciary will continue to be a bulwark of the 'One Country, Two Systems' policy and our judges will continue to safeguard the law and administer justice without fear or favour," Mrs Lam said.