News

URA takes role of redevelopment facilitator

They will assist in the urban renewal and tackle the problem of urban decay in old dilapidated areas.

URA takes role of redevelopment facilitator

They will assist in the urban renewal and tackle the problem of urban decay in old dilapidated areas.

Hong Kong International Airport flight movements rose 15.5% in March 2011

Flight movements rose to a monthly high of 28,140 and a new single-day record of 971 flight movements was also set on March 31.

Trace amount of iodine, caesium detected in King's Park

The minute amount of artificial radionuclide Iodine-131 and caesium-137 has been detected in an air sample collected at King's Park.

Cathay Pacific and Dragonair March passenger volume down 2.8%

Fall in demand on Japanese route after the devastating earthquake contributed to the slight dip in number of passengers.

Exchange Fund foreign assets down $5.6B

Foreign assets of the Exchange Fund's shrank by $5.6 billion from February to $2.0869 trillion in March, according to the Monetary Authority.

Legislators approve proposal to give $6000 to each adult Hong Kong permanent resident

The proposal was passed by 34 votes, with 11 abstentions and none opposed.

Financial secretary warns of property bubble

Tsang is cautious of the surge in overall property prices in February that surpassed the 1997 peak as he pledged to observe developments in the property market.

Expense limit for CE election raised to $13mn

The proposal takes into account the 12.8% inflation adjustment since the limit was set back in 2001.

Contract staff will be given paid rest days

Companies tendering for government service contracts must comply with the statuory minimum wage rate, and include one paid rest day a week.

Overall business payment performance in Hong Kong improves

Yet future uncertainties brought about by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and repercussions from Japan earthquake may bring down overall confidence in buyers’ payment ability.

HKMA warns rapid credit growth unsustainable

The agency plans to boost monitoring of the business plans and funding strategies of authorised institutions as banks’ HK dollar loan-to-deposit ratio rose from 71% to 78%.

Hospital Authority to recruit 330 doctors

Secretary for Food & Health Dr. York Chow says the Hospital Authority plans to recruit about 330 doctors in the current fiscal year.

Higher tax registration to contain private car growth

Private cars are a less efficient mode of transport, said the Transport & Housing Bureau.

Construction of cruise terminal now underway

The foundation stone laying ceremony for the Cruise Terminal Building at Kai Tak today, which will berth the largest cruise vessels in the world, was officiated by Chief Executive Donald Tsang. He was joined by Acting Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Gregory So and Secretary for Development Carrie Lam.   The Government funded its design and construction. The terminal and first berth will open in mid-2013 and will be leased for management and operation. The second berth will be commissioned in 2014 after dredging works on the seabed are completed.   The terminal will feature environmentally friendly facilities to provide world-class services to passengers, with a commercial area of 5,600 square metres and a landscaped deck with open space for public enjoyment.  

Consumers spending remains strong

Retail sales value grew to 18.8% in the first two months, which was strong by any measures.

Hong Kong’s foreign currency reserve assets down by US$.2bn

The Monetary Authority of the world’s 10th largest holder of foreign currency reserves said there were no unsettled forward contracts at the end of March and February.

Lands Department issues 3 pre-sale consents

The department had 20 applications for pre-sale consent for uncompleted residential units and 4 for uncompleted commercial developments at the end of March..