Mosquito Infestation Declines in October, FEHD Reports 2.9% Gravidtrap Index Amid Ongoing Control Efforts

Monthly gravidtrap index for Aedes albopictus mosquitoes drops further in October

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (November 12) announced that the monthly gravidtrap index (MGI) for Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in October was 2.9 per cent, lower than the 5.2 per cent in September. This reflects the efforts by the FEHD and relevant government departments to intensify mosquito prevention and elimination operations, resulting in the further improvement of the overall mosquito infestation situation this month.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. Photo source: reference image

In October, among the 62 survey areas, all recorded an area gravidtrap index (AGI) lower than the alert level of 20 per cent. The decreases in the MGI and the AGI are attributable to the continuous and intensified mosquito prevention and elimination operations by various government departments and stakeholders, and may also have been affected by factors such as weather. Overall, the MGI for Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in October was 2.9 per cent, at Level 1 (indicating the distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in the survey areas was not extensive). Relevant departments and stakeholders will persistently intensify mosquito prevention and elimination operations.

Moreover, the monthly density index for Aedes albopictus in October was 1.1, which represented that an average of 1.1 Aedes albopictus adults were found in the Aedes-positive gravidtraps, indicating that the number of adult Aedes albopictus was not abundant in the survey areas. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department's website at www.fehd.gov.hk.

A spokesman for the FEHD said, "Since August last year, the FEHD has extended its intensified mosquito control work, which was originally initiated when the AGI of an area had reached 20 per cent (Level 3), to cover areas with the AGI falling between 10 and 20 per cent (Level 2). The continuous drop in gravidtrap indexes in recent months has reflected that the overall situation of mosquito infestation is under control. Nevertheless, cases of dengue fever (DF) and chikungunya fever (CF) were still recorded in neighbouring areas, meaning the risk of imported mosquito-borne diseases and secondary transmission remains. The FEHD will maintain the current arrangements, initiating intensified mosquito control work whenever the AGI of an area reaches 10 per cent or above, until further notice."

The spokesman added, "Last year, in response to the CF situation, the FEHD strengthened information dissemination by announcing area indexes in batches through press releases, in addition to publishing the AGI on its webpage. Starting from this November, the FEHD will resume releasing the monthly gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus, as well as relevant information on mosquito prevention through monthly press releases and social media upon completing the gravidtrap surveillance and consolidated analysis every month, enabling members of the public to grasp the overall condition of mosquito infestation. The FEHD will also continue to regularly publish the latest AGI on the department's webpage."

The spokesman reminded that although autumn has arrived, the weather remains warm with occasional showers, which is favourable for mosquito breeding. The FEHD continues to execute mosquito prevention and control measures in all districts, and will implement rapid response measures and deploy targeted actions together with relevant departments and stakeholders to intensify the mosquito prevention and control work in areas under the purview of therelevant government departments, including eliminating mosquito breeding places, applying larvicides, conducting fogging operations to eradicate adult mosquitoes, and placing mosquito trapping devices at suitable locations. The FEHD will also conduct site inspections with relevant departments, and provide them with professional advice and technical support to assist them in formulating and implementing effective anti-mosquito measures swiftly. At the same time, the FEHD has strengthened publicity and education. The FEHD will closely monitor the mosquito infestation and the effectiveness of mosquito control work in various districts, dynamically adjust prevention and control strategies in accordance with actual circumstances, and implement targeted mosquito prevention and elimination measures.

The FEHD continues to conduct a three-phase Anti-mosquito Campaign this year. The third phase of the Anti-mosquito Campaign ended on October 23. During the period, the district offices of the FEHD targeted residences, schools, construction sites, public housing estates, hospitals, illegal cultivation sites, waterfront public and private cargo working areas, land boundary control points, typhoon shelters and cross-boundary ferry terminals to remove accumulated water and carry out mosquito prevention and control work. To further enhance the effectiveness of mosquito control, the FEHD and relevant government departments launched the first and second phases of the All-out Anti-mosquito Operations on March 25 and April 30 respectively. Relevant departments will continue with the work of phase one, including eliminating potential mosquito breeding places and arranging for necessary structural repairs to minimise mosquito breeding places, and will consistently carry out the work of phase two by conducting regular ultra-low volume fogging operations at places with mosquito infestation to control the mosquitoes. The FEHD calls on property management entities to continue actively participating in the All-out Anti-mosquito Operations.

The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under plant pots at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and disposable meal boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and estate management bodies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.

Aedes albopictus is a kind of mosquito that can transmit DF and CF. DF and CF are commonly found in countries in tropical and subtropical regions, and the risk of importation persists in many countries in Southeast Asia. The FEHD calls on members of the public to check the situation at their destinations before travelling abroad, especially when travelling to Southeast Asian countries. If travellers feel unwell after returning to Hong Kong, they should seek medical advice immediately and provide their travel history to the doctor.

Photo source: AI-created image

Speech by SFST at Family Office Summit in Hong Kong

Following is the speech by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, at the session "Local Insights - Hong Kong's Commitment to Building the Family Office Ecosystem" of the Family Office Summit in Hong Kong today (November 12):

Emanuele (Joseph L Gidwitz Professor of Finance and Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business (Chicago Booth), Mr Emanuele Colonnelli), John (Director of the Institute of Politics of the University of Chicago, Mr John Kirby), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Good afternoon. It is an absolute privilege to join you today at the Chicago Booth Hong Kong campus for the inauguration of the Family Office Summit in Hong Kong. I want to express my sincere appreciation to Chicago Booth and its Family Office Initiative for choosing Hong Kong as your very first host location outside the United States. This choice is a strong vote of confidence in Hong Kong. It also reflects the growing recognition that Hong Kong is not only an international financial centre, but also a leading global hub for family offices, cross-boundary wealth management, innovation and long-term value creation.

Hong Kong is now the world's largest cross-boundary wealth management centre. We are proud of this position, but we do not take it for granted. We see it as a responsibility to provide a stable, transparent and trusted platform where global capital can meet Asian opportunities, and where families can plan not only for this generation, but for generations to come.

In an increasingly complex and uncertain world, Hong Kong delivers a predictable and forward-looking environment where wealth can thrive amid uncertainty. Our common law system, free flow of capital, simple and competitive tax regime, deep capital markets, robust regulatory framework and unrivalled connectivity with both the Chinese Mainland and global markets give families the confidence to plan, invest and build for the long term.

Hong Kong's asset and wealth management business reached US$5.4 trillion as at the end of 2025. Importantly, 54 per cent of the funding came from investors outside Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. This demonstrates Hong Kong's role as a trusted bridge between global capital and opportunities across Asia.

Hong Kong's private banking and private wealth management business attributable to family offices and private trust clients also amounted to US$272 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 37 per cent. This is clear evidence that family capital is increasingly choosing Hong Kong as its home.

The results speak for themselves. The Government set a target to facilitate at least 200 family offices to set up operations or expand their business in Hong Kong between 2022 and 2025, and we achieved this target ahead of schedule. According to research findings early this year, there were more than 3 380 single family offices operating in Hong Kong as at the end of 2025. This represents an increase of about 680 offices over the past two years, or growth of more than 25 per cent.

This is not simply a number. Behind every family office are entrepreneurs, innovators, philanthropists, next-generation leaders and long-term investors. Their presence strengthens Hong Kong's financial ecosystem, creates high-value jobs, supports professional services, and contributes to the vibrancy of our economy. In fact, the latest market study estimates that single family offices in Hong Kong contribute approximately US$1.6 billion annually to the local economy through operating expenditure alone, and directly employ more than 10 000 full-time professionals. I am sure some of them are here today.

Hong Kong's success is not accidental. In March 2023, the Government issued the Policy Statement on Developing Family Office Businesses in Hong Kong, setting out our policy stance and a comprehensive set of measures to develop a conducive and competitive environment for global family offices and asset owners.

First, we have introduced profits-tax exemption for family-owned investment holding vehicles, managed by single family offices in Hong Kong, with effect from any year of assessment commencing on or after April 1, 2022.

We are now taking this further. We have introduced legislation to further enhance the preferential tax regimes for funds, single family offices and carried interest, which we aim to pass by the end of this year. The proposed enhancements will expand the types of qualifying investments eligible for tax concessions, including loans and private credit, digital assets, precious metals and more. Our aim is to broaden the investment options available to family offices and ensure that Hong Kong remains at the forefront of evolving investment trends.

Second, we established the Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy in November 2023 under the Financial Services Development Council. The Academy provides a platform for collaboration, networking, knowledge sharing and relevant training for the family office sector, asset owners and wealth inheritors.

Third, we launched the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme in March 2024 to further enrich Hong Kong's talent pool and attract more capital. Over 5 000 applications have been received since the launch of the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme. If all applications are approved, they are expected to bring over HK$150 billion, or around US$19 billion, to Hong Kong. This serves as a clear pathway for more family offices and high-calibre talent to settle in the city.

Looking ahead, the Government will strive to further facilitate at least 220 family offices to set up operations or expand their business in Hong Kong from 2026 to 2028, and our previous target was 200, now we have increased by 10 per cent. This is an ambitious target, but we are confident. With our multipronged approach, and the concerted efforts of the Government, regulators and the industry, Hong Kong will continue to flourish as a leading family office hub in the region.

Lastly, I would also like to recognise the important role of the University of Chicago and Chicago Booth's Family Office Initiative. Research, education and international dialogue are essential to the long-term development of the family office sector. We look forward to working with Chicago Booth, its faculty, alumni and global network to deepen research, nurture talent, and foster a new generation of responsible stewards of family capital.

Family offices are not only custodians of wealth. They are custodians of values, knowledge and responsibility across generations. Hong Kong is committed to being a place where those values can flourish.

Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong's commitment is clear. We welcome family offices from around the globe to set up in Hong Kong, tap into our unique advantages, and seize the immense opportunities. We invite you to see Hong Kong not merely as an investment destination, but as a long-term home for your families, your capital, your ideas and your legacy. Thank you.

Source: AI-found images