The popular northbound cross-border scheme allowing Hong Kong vehicles to travel to Guangdong province has been extended by five years, mainland authorities have announced, as the initial three-year implementation period is set to expire. Under the “Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles” scheme, eligible private car owners in Hong Kong can drive into Guangdong via…
Hong Kong’s treasury minister has said authorities will shelve a proposed levy on private cars crossing the border into mainland China, citing feedback from lawmakers and members of the public. Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui Ching-yu told the Legislative Council on Friday that the government had decided not to go ahead…
Hong Kong’s construction industry body has begun distributing 3,000 rigorously tested scaffolding nets from a 12,000-unit shipment to 11 contractors overseeing 19 renovation sites, following the suspension of hundreds of projects after the deadly Tai Po inferno. The Construction Industry Council (CIC) said on Thursday that it had received 12,000 centrally procured nets from Guangdong…
The company behind Qdama, a mainland Chinese meat and fresh produce chain known for its hefty discounts that rise by the hour every evening until the products are completely sold out, is planning to go public in Hong Kong. Qdama International, set up in 2014, has grown to become the mainland’s largest meat and fresh…
Hong Kong contractors will be able to start installing new scaffolding nets to resume renovation works as early as next week after the deadly Tai Po blaze triggered the citywide removal of mesh at around 420 buildings, an industry body has said. The Construction Industry Council planned to procure 50,000 scaffolding nets, costing HK$170 (US$21.80)…
The director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong has been picked to lead the government body coordinating the Northern Metropolis, after authorities previously pledged to fast-track the megaproject’s development. The government announced on Friday that Linda So Wai-sze would become the director of the Northern Metropolis Coordination Office from Monday next…
Activity in Hong Kong’s ultra-luxury residential market is picking up, with Swire Properties selling two homes in Deep Water Bay for a whopping HK$2.2 billion (US$283 million). The two three-storey units at 6 Deep Water Bay Road had saleable areas of about 9,600 sq ft and 5,300 sq ft, with the transactions set to be…
Chinese authorities have intercepted 430kg (948lbs) of cocaine aided by tip-offs by the United States, a sign of possible progress on the issue following an agreement on counternarcotics cooperation reached by the leaders of the two countries in October. Chinese authorities had found the drug in an international container at the Yantian port in Shenzhen,…
Beijing’s state media has praised the swift rescue and relief efforts by the Hong Kong government after the city’s worst fire in decades, commending its leadership and pledging support in its first editorial commentary on the disaster. The commentary by Xinhua, which typically reflects the stance of the central government, published on Sunday focused on…
Internet users in Hong Kong poured out condolences for victims and their families affected by the city’s worst fire in decades, expressing shock and disbelief on the second day of the tragedy on Thursday. Many sent messages of grief and condolences on social media, with several posts offering material support and blood donations. As of…