Government sells Tai Po site for purpose of electric vehicle fast charging station
The Government announced today (September 5) the sale of Tai Po Town Lot No. 264 at Nos. 1M and 1N Kwong Fuk Road, Tai Po, New Territories, for conversion to a fast charging station (FCS) for electric vehicles (EVs) through public tendering. The tender invitation will close on November 14.
A spokesperson for the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) said, "To promote green transformation of vehicles and to achieve zero vehicular emissions and carbon neutrality before 2050, the Government announced that there would be no new registration of fuel-propelled private cars (including hybrid vehicles) in 2035 or earlier. To cope with the rapid demand for charging facilities with the increase of EVs, the Government has expedited the expansion of the charging network for different types of EVs (including commercial EVs). The Government sold through open tender last year the first two petrol filling station (PFS) sites in Kowloon East and New Territories East for FCS purposes. The Government will, subject to actual market needs, select suitable PFS sites for conversion into FCSs in a timely manner."
Tai Po Town Lot No. 264 has a site area of about 683.8 square metres and is designated for EV FCS purposes. Land sale documents including the forms of tender, tender notice, conditions of sale and sale plan of the lot are now available on the Lands Department (LandsD) website (www.landsd.gov.hk) for downloading. The sale plan is available for inspection by the public from today until the close of the tender. The sale plan in hard copy form may also be purchased from today until the close of the tender at the Survey and Mapping Office of the LandsD, 6/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point, Hong Kong. The particulars of the tender have also been gazetted today.
The spokesperson continued, "In order to encourage owners of taxis and public light buses to expedite the adoption of electric taxis (e-taxis) and electric public light buses (e-PLBs), and by reference to the current arrangement of dedicated liquefied petroleum gas filling stations, a charging ceiling price mechanism will be established for e-taxis and e-PLBs at designated FCSs. The operators of designated FCSs cannot charge a price that is higher than the ceiling price to be announced by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) on a monthly basis. The charging price for other EVs will be determined by the market. For details about the calculation of charging ceiling prices for e-taxis and e-PLBs, please refer to the EEB website (www.eeb.gov.hk/sites/default/files/en/node78/Ceiling_price_calculation_e.pdf)."
Details of the charging ceiling price will be announced regularly on the EPD website (www.epd.gov.hk) and the "EV-Charging Easy" app when the designated FCSs are in operation. In addition, the charging ceiling price will be posted at each FCS to enable trade practitioners to monitor the changes in charging prices.
Source: AI-found images
Speech by SFST at Hong Kong Federation of Insurers Cocktail Party 2026: A Grateful Beginning in Unity
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers (HKFI) Cocktail Party 2026: A Grateful Beginning in Unity today (January 16):
Ellick (Chairman of the HKFI, Mr Ellick Tsui), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, and fellow colleagues in the insurance sector,
Good evening. As we gather here tonight at the HKFI Cocktail Party 2026, I would like to begin by wishing each of you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. May 2026 bring you renewed energy, meaningful achievements, and continued success in all that you do.
Tonight's theme, "A Grateful Beginning in Unity", captures the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose that has always defined our industry. Hong Kong remains one of the world's most open and dynamic insurance centres. We are currently home to around 160 authorised insurers, which 95 incorporated locally, with 65 from the Mainland and over 20 overseas jurisdictions. Remarkably, six of the world's top 10 insurers are authorised to operate here. This strong international presence reaffirms Hong Kong's position as a premier hub for insurance and risk management.
Supported by the National 14th Five-Year Plan, we are actively strengthening our roles as an international financial centre and a global risk management centre within the "dual circulation" framework. As a "super connector" and "super value-adder", Hong Kong serves as a vital two-way bridge on helping Mainland enterprises go global while attracting overseas firms to establish and grow their presence here.
I'm delighted to share some exciting recent developments. Hong Kong now hosts six captive insurers, with two new ones established last year alone. This steady growth highlights the strong and sustained appeal of our city for captive solutions. We will continue to proactively invite Mainland and international enterprises to set up captives here, further enhancing our risk management ecosystem.
Another significant milestone came in November last year with the establishment of an independent, commercial marine specialty risk pool. From early 2026, this pool will provide dedicated coverage for Hong Kong and Mainland vessels. It strengthens contingency protection for shipowners, unlocks new business opportunities under the Belt and Road Initiative, drives growth in our maritime and insurance sectors, and solidifies Hong Kong's status as a leading international financial and shipping centre.
Ladies and gentlemen, these achievements are the fruit of our collective dedication and unity.
Before I close, I must express my deep appreciation for the industry's outstanding response to the recent tragic Tai Po fire incident. All of you acted swiftly, activating claims processes and relief measures without delay, so that every affected family received timely and comprehensive support. Your actions not only eased immense hardship but also powerfully demonstrated the professionalism, solidarity, and profound social responsibility that define our sector.
As we look to the year ahead, let us build on this grateful beginning: continuing to innovate, serve our community, and elevate Hong Kong as Asia's and the world's premier insurance and risk management hub.
I wish you all a wonderful evening filled with meaningful connections and renewed inspiration. Thank you.
