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Feb exports value down 0.8%

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The value of Hong Kong’s total exports decreased to $284.1 billion in February, down 0.8% on the same month last year, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.   The value of imports of goods fell 1.8% to $325.7 billion for the same period.   A trade deficit of $41.7 billion, or 12.8% of the value of imports, was recorded in February.   Comparing the three-month period ending February with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of exports rose 5.5%, while that of imports also increased 3.3%.   The Government noted that taking the first two months of the year together to remove the volatility caused by the difference in timing of the Lunar New Year, the value of exports posted a 16.6% growth against a very low base of comparison a year ago.   Exports to the Mainland and the US rose notably, while those to the European Union fell. Those to other major Asian markets recorded a mixed performance.   Looking ahead, the Gove

PRH income, asset limits set

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The Housing Authority’s Subsidised Housing Committee today endorsed the proposed income and asset limits for applicants of different household sizes for 2024-25. The adjusted limits will take effect from April 1.   The committee endorsed freezing the income limits for one-person and four-person households at the existing levels, while adjusting upwards the income limits for households with two persons, three persons and five persons or above.   The authority said the adjustments were made after taking into account such factors as the current economic outlook and previous practices in reviewing the income limits. As regards asset limits, they will be adjusted upwards by 3% for all household sizes.   Public rental housing income limits are derived using a household expenditure approach, which takes into consideration housing costs and non-housing costs, plus a 5% contingency provision. The asset limits, meanwhile, are adjusted with reference to movements in the Consumer Pr

Treasure exhibition reopens

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The Treasures from Sacred Hill Exhibition at the MTR Sung Wong Toi Station will reopen on March 22 upon the exhibit’s renewal.   The exhibition is curated by the Antiquities & Monuments Office (AMO) and this is the first renewal since its launch in 2021.   In addition to renewing the exhibits of the existing Song-Yuan Archaeological Discoveries at Sung Wong Toi section, the renewed exhibition also features a new Sung Wong Toi & Maritime Trade section.   On display will be a total of more than 500 archaeological finds unearthed during the construction of the station.   Such displays include Longquan-type celadons, Qingbai and pale celadon ware, writing implements, architectural components, bronze coins, incense burners and ceramic ware with ink writing of the Song-Yuan period. Most of them are being displayed for the first time.   The Sung Wong Toi & Maritime Trade section showcases the export ware of China such as the celadon ware of Longquan, black-glaz

Sports park to open in 2025: Govt

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In view of the current construction process, the Government expects that Kai Tak Sports Park’s major facilities will be completed by the end of 2024, Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Raistlin Lau told lawmakers today.   Test runs and test events will be arranged when the construction works, as well as defect rectification and statutory testing are completed, he said, adding that upon satisfactory completion of various testing procedures, Kai Tak Sports Park will be open in the first half of 2025.   A venue booking mechanism that will include creating priority arrangements for sports activities is being formulated, he highlighted.   As the largest sports infrastructure project in Hong Kong to date, the 28-hectare sports park will bring impetus to the Government’s commitments to promoting sports in the community, supporting elite sports, maintaining Hong Kong as a centre for major international sports events, enhancing professionalism, and developing sports

FS welcomes strategic enterprises

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Allow me to congratulate you on choosing Hong Kong to expand your business in this region. Whether you are setting up a global R&D (research and development) centre or regional headquarters, rolling out new trade, or developing Web3 payment services or production facilities for green and low-carbon construction technologies, Hong Kong is where you want to be.    We have a comprehensive and sophisticated financial ecosystem to support your funding needs at all stages of development. Our world-class academic and research institutions and their R&D capabilities offer boundless opportunities for collaboration. The "one country, two systems" arrangement is here for the long run. It guarantees openness and global connectivity, the rule of law, the free flow of capital, data, talent, as well as seamless alignment with best international business practices.   Strategic enterprises are our highly valued partners. By expanding your operations here, you will bring invest

Lecture on Chinese philosophies held

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Peking University Prof Wang Bo delivered a lecture titled “Confucianism & Daoism: Goodness & Blank-leaving” at the Civil Service College today.   The lecture is part of a programme on “one country, two systems” and contemporary China organised by the college in collaboration with the university's Institute for Hong Kong & Macau Studies.   Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung said that the Chief Executive had announced in his 2023 Policy Address that the Government would roll out patriotic education to enhance understanding of the country’s history, culture, and current affairs, and ensure the continuity of Chinese culture from generation to generation.   Ms Yeung emphasised that the civil service, as an integral part of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s system of governance, and bearing responsibility for its administration, should consist of staunch patriots.   She added that the college will continue to enhance training and actively pro

Linda Lam named EOC Chairperson

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The Chief Executive has appointed Linda Lam as Equal Opportunities Commission Chairperson for a three-year term commencing April 11, the Government announced today.   Ms Lam has served in the Department of Justice for 29 years, and was the Law Officer (International Law) before retirement, providing legal advice on the implementation of bilateral and multilateral international obligations, trade and investment law, and the management of consular corps and their privileges.      The Government pointed out that Ms Lam has a wealth of experience in public service, adding that she is highly capable and possesses proven leadership skills.   Furthermore, it said it trusts that Ms Lam will lead the commission to make new and further contributions in its work in promoting equal opportunities and eliminating discrimination in the city.   The Government thanked incumbent chairperson Ricky Chu for his invaluable contributions made over his five-year leadership at the commission, i