HKSAR Government releases Infrastructure Bond Report 2025
The Government released today (December 12) the Infrastructure Bond Report 2025, which sets out the allocation of the proceeds raised from infrastructure bond issuances. Since the establishment of the infrastructure bond programme, the Government has issued infrastructure bonds totaling around HK$105.2 billion equivalent (up to March 31, 2025), with an aim of leveraging market capital to support infrastructure works projects and fostering the development of the bond market.
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, "The Infrastructure Bond Report 2025 provides comprehensive information on the allocation of proceeds raised from the Infrastructure Bond Programme. The funds raised are credited to the Capital Works Reserve Fund for investment in infrastructure projects, such as accelerating the development of the Northern Metropolis, to facilitate the early completion of projects for the good of the economy and people's livelihood, thereby enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness. Infrastructure bonds also provide a safe and reliable investment option with steady returns for the public, as well as a greater 'sense of participation' and 'sense of gain' in support of infrastructure projects for Hong Kong's long-term development."
The proceeds raised by the Government through issuances of infrastructure bonds have been fully allocated or earmarked for infrastructure projects, including 10 major infrastructure projects in the Northern Metropolis, such as San Tin Technopole (including the Loop), Kwu Tung North/Fanling North New Development Area (NDA), Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen NDA and Yuen Long South NDA.
The Infrastructure Bond Report 2025 has been uploaded to the Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk/en/infrastructurebond/infrastructurebondreport.html.
Photo source: hkgb.gov.hk
Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drugs cases and seizes suspected drugs worth about $7.95 million
Hong Kong Customs detected two dangerous drugs cases in Tseung Kwan O and Hong Kong International Airport respectively yesterday (May 21) and today (May 22), and seized a total of about 21.8 kilograms of assorted drugs with a total estimated market value of about $7.95 million. Two men and one woman, aged between 38 and 49, were arrested.
In the first case, Customs officers intercepted a 48-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman in Tseung Kwan O during an anti-narcotics operation yesterday afternoon. About 3.8kg of suspected drugs, including ketamine, methamphetamine, etomidate capsules, psilocybin mushrooms, MDMA and a batch of suspected drug packaging paraphernalia were found in their residence in the same district. They were then arrested.
In the second case, a 38-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found about 18kg of suspected ketamine inside his check-in suitcase and 33 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarette inside his carry-on baggage. The man was subsequently arrested.
The arrested man and woman in the first case have been jointly charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug and one count of possession of apparatus fit and intended for the inhalation of a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts tomorrow (May 23), while an investigation is ongoing for the second case.
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drugs cases and seizes suspected drugs worth about $7.95 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects two dangerous drugs cases and seizes suspected drugs worth about $7.95 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
