Hong Kong’s civil service chief has pledged to deliver a “reasonable and attractive” pay adjustment once the economy and public finances improve, following the legislature’s approval of a flat 2 per cent pay rise for civil servants this year. The Legislative Council’s finance committee on Friday scrutinised HK$6 billion (US$773 million) in spending for the…
The United States’ top envoy in Hong Kong has expressed optimism about US-China relations and pledged to continue seeking pragmatic and constructive ways to engage with the city’s officials. US Consul General Julie Eadeh made the remarks at her first media briefing since assuming the post last August, held during an American Independence Day event…
More than 50 restaurants and shops have joined a “tourism everywhere” initiative to promote Hong Kong’s bustling Central district among residents and tourists and boost local spending. The Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises Association on Friday revealed the programme to promote hidden delicacies and goods in Central, aligning with the government’s objective to turn…
Hong Kong’s investments in the Middle East will not be derailed by ongoing conflicts, the commerce minister has said, expressing confidence in the region’s economic prospects and urging businesses to take a long-term view. “The geopolitical situation has a temporary impact, but in the long term, we remain hopeful about development in the Middle East,”…
Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu has met European Union representatives to discuss opportunities for cooperation, with the chief executive saying both sides highlighted a shared belief in multilateralism amid increasing tensions and market turmoil. Ambassador Harvey Rouse, head of the EU Office in Hong Kong, called for both sides to work together, describing the…
Hong Kong’s 21 ministerial-level officials spent more than HK$46.6 million (US$5.9 million) on trips over the past three financial years, with finance chief Paul Chan Mo-po accounting for nearly a quarter of the total. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah was the most frequent traveller, making 50 trips in the past three…
Hong Kong should leverage its position as a “safe haven for investment” to attract foreign capital amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the head of InvestHK has said, noting that more companies using Dubai as a hub have shifted to the city to diversify risk. The call came as finance chief Paul Chan…
The Hong Kong government is prepared for greater global market volatility and risks, as well as increased trade costs and shifting commodity prices, caused by the joint US–Israel attack against Iran, according to the city’s finance chief. Shortly after Iranian state media confirmed that supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the attacks, Financial…
Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison Holdings has vowed to pursue all possible legal action, both domestically and internationally, to protect its interests, calling Panama’s move to take over its two ports unlawful. The conglomerate, led by the family of Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing, issued the warning in its second statement in a week after the…
Hong Kong’s finance chief will unveil new measures in his budget to strengthen the city’s growing intellectual property (IP) economy, focusing on nurturing top-tier talent and helping local tech firms evaluate their patents, the South China Morning Post has learned. The initiatives, expected to be announced on Wednesday, come as Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po…