Hong Kong and Singapore Boost Jewellery Industry Collaboration at Networking Luncheon

Singapore ETO co-organises networking luncheon for Hong Kong jewellery mission visiting Singapore under Economic and Trade Express initiative

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore (Singapore ETO), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Invest Hong Kong, co-organised a networking luncheon in Singapore today (November 11) for the visiting HKTDC jewellery mission. The event aimed to promote exchanges and business collaboration between the jewellery industries of Hong Kong and Singapore. The Singapore mission is a key promotional activity under the Economic and Trade Express initiative, which helps Hong Kong companies seize overseas opportunities while attracting more enterprises to invest and establish operations in Hong Kong.

Speaking at the luncheon, the Director of the Singapore ETO, Ms Elsa Hung, highlighted Hong Kong's strengths as an international jewellery trading hub. With its distinctive advantages under "one country, two systems", Hong Kong serves as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" between the Chinese Mainland and overseas markets. In the first eight months of 2026, the value of Hong Kong's exports of jewellery, goldsmiths' and silversmiths' wares rose by more than 47 per cent year-on-year to around US$31 billion, while jewellery imports grew by over 50 per cent to US$40 billion. The two international jewellery shows held in Hong Kong also attracted around 4 000 exhibitors from more than 40 countries and regions.

Ms Hung also outlined the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan) and the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address. Unveiled in September 2026, Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan sets out a clear roadmap to strengthen Hong Kong's core advantages and advance the "four centres and one hub", reinforcing its status as an international financial, maritime and trade centre and international aviation hub, and as an international innovation and technology centre and a global hub for high-calibre talent.

In particular, she highlighted that Hong Kong is building a comprehensive jewellery and precious-metals ecosystem by accelerating the development of an international gold trading market, which includes a central clearing and settlement system for gold to be formally launched in the first quarter of 2027, and enhanced cross-border connectivity with the Shanghai Gold Exchange. To fully support the development of this ecosystem, the city is implementing targeted initiatives such as establishing a dedicated Gold Hotline to provide one-stop support for overseas gold traders, and expanding storage and refining capacities.

The luncheon also featured a panel discussion on market development trends and collaboration opportunities in the Hong Kong and Singapore jewellery sectors, bringing together around 80 business leaders, industry representatives and buyers from both regions. Following the luncheon, the mission also held one-on-one business matching meetings with local buyers.

Led by the HKTDC, the mission comprised 25 representatives from Hong Kong's jewellery industry and visited Singapore from November 10 to 13 to engage with local industry players, gain insights into the latest market trends, and explore potential collaboration opportunities.

Singapore ETO co-organises networking luncheon for Hong Kong jewellery mission visiting Singapore under Economic and Trade Express initiative Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Singapore ETO co-organises networking luncheon for Hong Kong jewellery mission visiting Singapore under Economic and Trade Express initiative Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Singapore ETO co-organises networking luncheon for Hong Kong jewellery mission visiting Singapore under Economic and Trade Express initiative Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Singapore ETO co-organises networking luncheon for Hong Kong jewellery mission visiting Singapore under Economic and Trade Express initiative Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

DH clarifies COVID-19 vaccination arrangements

In response to comments from a medical organisation about a lack of stock of COVID-19 vaccines and concerns about low COVID-19 vaccination rates, as well as related media enquiries, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (November 11) issued the following clarification:

Scientific evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccines are effective in reducing the risk of severe disease and death. Following the recommendations of the World Health Organization, and the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases(Joint Scientific Committee) under the CHP, the CHP has continuously encouraged the public to receive the vaccine at appropriate times to minimise the risk of severe disease and death after being infected by COVID-19. Thanks to the government's and relevant sectors' continuous efforts to promote vaccination, the uptake rate of the initial doses of COVID-19 vaccine in Hong Kong exceeds 90 per cent, which is considered high internationally.

Regarding COVID-19 booster vaccination, the Joint Scientific Committee recommended them only for high-risk priority groups. Besides, one must receive a vaccine booster at least 180 days after their last dose or COVID-19 infection (whichever is later). Therefore, the vaccination rate is expected to be relatively low. Due to reinfection or vaccination, many people infected with COVID-19 experience milder symptoms and chose not to seek medical care. The Government faces limitations in collecting and reviewing the latest infection figures. As a result, the actual vaccination rates for high-risk priority groups cannot be accurately determined.

The CHP previously announced that the shelf life of the LP.8.1 vaccine for children and adults would expire in mid-July and early September of this year respectively, and that the production and shipment of COVID-19 vaccines containing new ingredients would take time. Starting October 29, the CHP has been providing the Spikevax XFG mRNA vaccine to childrenaged 6 months to 11 years. The first shipment of the new batch of Spikevax XFG vaccine for individuals aged 12 or above is expected to arrive in Hong Kong next month (December). By then, market supply will resume and private doctors will be able to order from pharmaceutical companies as usual. During this transitional period while awaiting vaccine production and delivery, the absence of COVID-19 vaccinations for adults is normal and temporary.

Regarding COVID-19 vaccination venues, the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines currently in use require complex cold-chain handling and have a limited shelf life after thawing. To provide convenience to the public, minimise vaccine wastage and ensure vaccine efficacy, the Government has set up a total of 75 COVID-19 vaccination venues across Hong Kong, including Specialist Out-patient Clinics (SOPCs) and Family Medicine Clinics (FMCs) in public hospitals, private clinics, Maternal and Child Health Centres, etc. Given that patients co-infected with seasonal influenza and COVID-19 are at a higher risk of severe complications and death, the CHP all along recommends that priority groups receive both seasonal influenza vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination booster to reduce the risk of serious illness and death.Eligible persons can receive both COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations at all current COVID-19 vaccination venues, including SOPCs and FMCs of the concerned public hospitals, as well as private clinics. Therefore, the CHP considers that there is currently no need to further expand the number of COVID-19 vaccination venues.

According to a survey conducted by the medical organisation concerned, nearly 40 per cent of the doctors surveyed do not proactively remind patients to receive COVID-19 vaccination. The CHP expressed concern about this and urged healthcare professionals to proactively remind patients of the importance of receiving COVID-19 vaccination in a timely manner. Even if their clinics do not provide vaccination services, healthcare professionals can still provide patients with information about the Government's COVID-19 Vaccination Programme to help safeguard public health.

The CHP will continue to strengthen publicity and education efforts through various online and offline channels to encourage priority groups to receive COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible once the COVID-19 vaccines for persons aged 12 or above is available.

For more information about the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, please visit the CHP's website.

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