News

Gov’t sets final issuance amount of its 7th silver bond at $45b

It's higher than its target issuance amount of $35b.

Gov’t removes quarantine requirement for aircrew

They can leave the airport upon their arrival if they obtain a negative test result.

Gross value of construction works rises 3.8% YoY to $59.5b in Q2

Of the total, $15.2b were from construction works performed at private sector sites.

Situation of SMEs improves but remains unfavourable

The diffusion index (DI) on business receipts amongst SMEs rose to 45.4 in August.

HK is still the world’s freest economy: Fraser Institute

It held the top rank since the inception of the annual economic freedom report.   Despite a 0.28 point drop in its rating, Hong Kong still ranked first in the latest Economic Freedom of the World report by the Fraser Institute, making it the freest economy in the world.   According to the Fraser Institute, Hong Kong has held the top rank in the index since the inception of its annual economic freedom report in 1980. Frasers Institute issued the report in 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, 2015, 2019, and 2020, with the latter being the latest edition.   Fraser Institute measures the degree of economic freedom in five areas – the size of government, legal system and property rights, sound money,  freedom to trade internationally, and regulation.   Hong Kong got a rating of 8.24, 7.5, 9.65, 8.73, and 8.84 in the five areas, respectively.   The government, for its part, welcomed the Fraser Institute's ranking, adding that the result affirms the city’s “commitment to maintaining an efficient, free, open and fair business environment.”   The government added that it will continue to consolidate Hong Kong's strengths ---  free flow of capital, free trade, judicial independence, and more  ---  to provide a conducive environment for businesses.

Business receipts of major service industries ‘improve’ in Q2

This is thanks to the moderated epidemic and eased health measures. 

BOC Hong Kong arranges $115.8m green-linked loan for China Overseas Land & Investment

COLI will enjoy savings in borrowing costs should it meet performance targets.

Hong Kong reports first monkeypox case

The patient came from the Philippines.

Citi Hong Kong names Vicky Wong as consumer business manager

She was Standard Chartered’s regional head of wealth management for Greater China, North Asia, and Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific, PolyU partner in new cadet pilot programme 

They aim to train 1,000 cadet pilots by 2025. 

Port cargo throughput dips 5.0% YoY in Q2

The decrease in both inward and outward port cargo drove the overall decline.

Property sales jump 4.8% in August

Compared to August 2021, however, sales were lower.

CE Lee unveils reverse quarantine plan for Mainland-HK travel

The plan allows HK citizens to fulfil Mainland’s quarantine requirements in the city.