Leading Swiss precious metals firm opens new office, marking next phase of Hong Kong's growth as regional headquarters and global trading hub
Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced that MKS PAMP, a global Swiss precious metals firm, inaugurated its new regional headquarters in Hong Kong today (October 30), leveraging the city's position as a premier international gold trading centre to expand its footprint in the Asia-Pacific region. The inauguration was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by senior executives from MKS PAMP, representatives of InvestHK, and key stakeholders from the financial and precious metals sectors.
MKS PAMP has maintained a substantial presence in Hong Kong for many years, with established offices and deep client relationships in the region. Building on this foundation, the inauguration of its new regional headquarters in the Central district represents an important expansion of the company's regional footprint. This strategic development elevates Hong Kong to the status of one of the company's three global trading hubs, alongside Geneva and New York. This provides seamless, round-the-clock coverage across all major time zones and assures the highest level of service to its regional clientele.
Acting Director-General of Investment Promotion of InvestHK Ms Loretta Lee said, "We are delighted to support MKS PAMP's expansion in Hong Kong. This decision not only reinforces the city's status as a leading international financial centre but also aligns with the Government's ongoing efforts to promote the city as an international hub for gold trading. MKS PAMP's expansion is a testament to Hong Kong's attractiveness as a destination for global businesses seeking to grow in the Asia-Pacific region."
The Chief Executive Officer of MKS PAMP, Mr James Emmett, said, "Hong Kong's world-class infrastructure and established role as a global financial centre make it a natural choice for this expansion. We see Hong Kong not only as a vital link to the Chinese Mainland's gold market but also its position at the nexus of Asia Pacific's precious metals market."
He added, "We value the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's ongoing initiatives to strengthen its status as an international gold trading centre. This vision aligns seamlessly with our own, with Hong Kong consequently playing a strategic role in our regional and global aspirations."
He further explained, "As part of its regional growth strategy, MKS PAMP is expanding its team in Hong Kong and across the Asia-Pacific region. The Hong Kong headquarters will serve as the regional hub for the company's comprehensive suite of precious metals trading and financial services. Core functions based here will include regional sales and client relationship management, precious metals trading, treasury activities, and operational support."
For more information about MKS PAMP, please visit www.mkspamp.com.
For a copy of the photo, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720329862261.
Leading Swiss precious metals firm opens new office, marking next phase of Hong Kong's growth as regional headquarters and global trading hub Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Re-launch of Reporting Scheme for Unauthorised Building Works in New Territories Exempted Houses
Following the direction of earlier proposals, the Buildings Department (BD) announced today (April 1) the re-launch of the Reporting Scheme for Unauthorised Building Works (UBWs) in New Territories Exempted Houses (NTEHs). The reporting period will last for one year from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
"In view of the history and unique circumstances of the NTEHs (commonly known as village houses), the Government launched a one-off administrative reporting scheme in 2012 as a special arrangement. Under the scheme, owners could report to the BD about UBWs that were erected before June 28, 2011, posed lower risks or constituted less serious contravention of the law. The reporting period ended in December 2012. The Development Bureau (DEVB) put forward proposals to amend the Buildings Ordinance in December 2024, which included rationalising the policy for handling UBWs. The DEVB also pointed out that in response to the views of villagers and Legislative Council members that the reporting period was too short, the Government prepared to re-launch the Reporting Scheme to allow owners who at that time did not report their UBWs to do so," a spokesman for the BD said.
Relevant stakeholders and Legislative Council members generally considered the above proposals practical and feasible, and they welcomed the proposals. The DEVB and the BD have also consulted Heung Yee Kuk on the relevant implementation arrangements.
The re-launched Reporting Scheme will maintain the original criteria, including:
(1) The types of UBWs that can be reported and their erection dates are the same as the original Reporting Scheme, meaning that only UBWs erected before June 28, 2011, posed lower risks or constituted less serious contravention of the law and were not the First Round Targets (Note) are eligible. Examples include signboards projecting from the external walls of village houses; enclosed rooftop structures with a coverage of not more than 50 per cent of the roofed-over area of the main building.
(2) Same as the original Reporting Scheme, owners are required to conduct safety inspections on the reported UBWs every five years.
"The BD will not require the immediate removal of the reported UBWs unless their structures become obviously dangerous. Regarding UBWs in village houses, the BD is prioritising the handling of First Round Targets. If any relevant UBWs remain not reported after the application deadline of March 31, 2027, the BD will, after dealing with the First Round Targets, take priority enforcement action against the non-reported UBWs. The BD will formulate enforcement strategy for the reported UBWs at a later stage in accordance with the risks and the actual situation," the spokesman added.
To enhance the efficiency of processing applications, reports must be submitted via the electronic platform on the BD's website by technically competent persons or registered professional engineers appointed by owners. In accordance with the user-pays principle, an administrative fee of $600 is payable for each application. Upon successful reports, owners must also pay the relevant administrative fee when conducting safety inspections of the reported UBWs every five years.
Details of the re-launched Reporting Scheme are available on the BD's website at https://www.bd.gov.hk/en/safety-inspection/ubw/UBW-in-new-territories-exempted-houses/index_relaunch_reporting_scheme.html; Villagers who wish to report can call 2626 1616 for enquiry. The BD will also use different channels such as distributing leaflets and posters to Rural Committees to enable villagers to know more about the re-launch of the Reporting Scheme.
Owners who had successfully participated in the Reporting Scheme in 2012 are not required to submit reports again. However, they must continue to comply with the requirements of the original Reporting Scheme, including conducting safety inspections of the reported UBWs every five years, submitting safety certificates and paying administrative fees to the BD.
Note: The First Round Targets refer to UBWs with higher potential risks and more serious nature, such as village houses of four storeys or more, and enclosed rooftop structures covering more than 50 per cent of the roofed-over area.
Source: AI-found images
