Coin Collection Programme
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Photo source: reference image
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (May 7) announced a new service schedule of the two Coin Carts under the Coin Collection Programme, for the period of June 1, 2026 up to August 16, 2026. The schedule and other details of the Programme are shown on the HKMA webpage (coincollection.hkma.gov.hk).
Since the launch of the Programme in October 2014 up to April 30, 2026, the two Coin Carts had carried out 1 489 000 transactions, collecting 1 129 million coins with a total face value of HK$1,828 million during the period. The collected coins are re-circulated to meet demand.
The Coin Carts provide service at locations that are convenient to the public without affecting the normal flow of traffic and pedestrians. Locations that have suitable power supply facilities, such as the Leisure and Cultural Services Department mobile library service locations, are preferred so as to reduce the need for using the Coin Carts' own stand-by generators. This makes the Programme more environmentally friendly. In selecting the service locations, the HKMA has taken into consideration comments and suggestions given by District Councils and members of public, and has consulted the Transport Department and the Hong Kong Police Force as necessary.
The two Coin Carts collect coins from members of public in the 18 districts of Hong Kong on a rotating basis. Under normal circumstances each Coin Cart will stay at a location for a week, subject to availability of the parking space and the maintenance schedule of the Cart. Service hours are from 10am to 7pm Each vehicle is equipped with two coin counting machines and operational staff will be present to provide assistance. An electrical wheelchair lift is available for use. Users can choose to exchange coins for banknotes or adding value to their stored value facilities, such as Octopus Cards or e-wallets (including AlipayHK, Octopus Wallet, Tap&Go and WeChat Pay). There is also a Community Chest donation box inside each vehicle. The coin collection service is free of charge.
The HKMA will review the Programme from time to time, and will regularly update the service schedule to give advance notice to the public.
The coin cart, Photo source: HKMA
SFST calls on Central Bank of Uzbekistan and Stock Exchange in Tashkent
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, called on the Central Bank of Uzbekistan and Stock Exchange on May 6 (Tashkent time) in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, to explore opportunities for financial collaboration.
At the national level, Uzbekistan is a major gold producer and trader. During his meeting with the Deputy Director of the International Reserves Management Department of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, Mr Kamol Alimukhamedov, Mr Hui highlighted that Hong Kong is pressing ahead with the development of a gold trading market highly aligned with the international market, including establishing at full steam a gold central clearing system in Hong Kong for commencing trial operations within this year. Hong Kong also has a clear goal of enhancing gold storage facilities to exceed 2 000 tonnes of storage capacity within three years. The Airport Authority of Hong Kong has launched a project to expand warehousing to a thousand-tonne scale. Mr Hui anticipated that both sides could use gold as a starting point to deepen co-operation with Belt and Road countries and other international market players, thereby extending the historical legacy of the ancient Silk Road in driving trade and economic integration.
On the same day, Mr Hui also visited the Tashkent Stock Exchange and met with its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Fayzulla Tashov. He noted that Hong Kong, as an international financial centre, has been connecting overseas markets. Currently, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange has included 20 overseas stock exchanges on its list of recognised stock exchanges. At a time when Uzbek enterprises are encouraging international capital investment, Mr Hui welcomed Uzbek enterprises to leverage Hong Kong's role as a major capital formation centre for equity and bond financing, such as issuing Renminbi (RMB) bonds for RMB trade settlement and other RMB-related financial transactions, thus facilitating economic and trade relations between Uzbekistan and the Mainland.
Mr Hui also met with the Deputy Advisor to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Strategic Development, Mr Sarvar Khamidov, on the same day. They discussed ways to enhance financial co-operation between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan, including the early commencement of negotiations on a Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement.
During his brief stay in Tashkent, Mr Hui paid a courtesy call on the Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Uzbekistan, Mr Wang Jiwei. He expressed his gratitude for the continued concern and support from the Central Government for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. He mentioned the fruitful and deep exchanges with other members on regional development, common challenges, and coping strategies during the Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank over the past few days. He also highlighted to the members that Hong Kong is the only city where Mainland advantages and international advantages converge, making it the best gateway connecting the world and the Mainland markets. Hong Kong will continue to contribute to the nation's development as a financial powerhouse by consolidating its international financial centre status through the exploration of new growth drivers such as developing gold and commodities markets.
Central Asia is an important component of the Belt and Road Initiative. Hong Kong will continue to deepen its financial co-operation with the region.
Mr Hui arrived in Hong Kong today (May 7, Hong Kong time).
SFST calls on Central Bank of Uzbekistan and Stock Exchange in Tashkent Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SFST calls on Central Bank of Uzbekistan and Stock Exchange in Tashkent Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SFST calls on Central Bank of Uzbekistan and Stock Exchange in Tashkent Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SFST calls on Central Bank of Uzbekistan and Stock Exchange in Tashkent Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SFST calls on Central Bank of Uzbekistan and Stock Exchange in Tashkent Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
