Grading of beach water quality released
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (December 20) released the latest grading of water quality for six gazetted beaches that are open all year round for swimming.
Three beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1), and three as Fair (Grade 2).
Grade 1 beaches are:
Clear Water Bay Second Beach |
Golden Beach |
Deep Water Bay Beach |
Grade 2 beaches are:
Casam Beach |
Silverstrand Beach |
Lido Beach |
Compared with the grading released last week, there was no change in the grading for these beaches.
Under the present grading system, beaches are classified into four grades, namely Good (Grade 1), Fair (Grade 2), Poor (Grade 3) and Very Poor (Grade 4), according to the level of E. coli in the water. Grades are calculated on the basis of the geometric mean of the E. coli counts on the five most recent sampling occasions.
While the ratings represent the general water quality at the beaches, an EPD spokesman reminded members of the public that water quality could be temporarily affected during and after periods of heavy rain. Bathers should avoid swimming at beaches for up to three days after a tropical cyclone or heavy rainfall.
A summary of beach grades is published weekly before the weekend. The latest beach grades based on the most current data may be obtained from the EPD's website on Beach Water Quality (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666. Members of the public can also obtain the latest daily water quality forecast information for all beaches that are open for swimming through the EPD's dedicated webpage on the beach water quality forecast (www.epd.gov.hk/en/BWQForecast).
HKMA and CBUAE deepen financial market co-operation between Hong Kong and UAE
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) held the second bilateral meeting in Hong Kong today (December 20), further solidifying co-operation and connectivity between the financial services sectors of the two jurisdictions.
Following the first bilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi in May 2023, the HKMA and the CBUAE have continued engaging in in-depth discussions covering several major areas, including cross-border debt capital market connectivity, financial infrastructure development, and investment outlook and opportunities in both the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and Mainland China.
In this connection, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed today by the Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue,and the Governor of the CBUAE,H.E. Khaled Mohamed Balama, to strengthen and formalise the co-operation arrangements. Under the MOU, the two authorities have agreed to establish connectivity of the debt capital markets and the related financial market infrastructures between Hong Kong and the UAE with a view to facilitating cross-border debt securities issuance and investment activities.
Mr Yue said, "We are delighted to welcome the CBUAE delegation to Hong Kong. Today's discussions strengthened the financial collaboration between the two central banks in several important areas. The MOU, in particular, will further enhance mutual co-operation and the exchange of expertise between the HKMA and the CBUAE in debt capital markets, and reinforce Hong Kong's strategic role as a gateway to both the Renminbi and international debt markets. There is significant potential for the financial sectors of both sides to explore new business opportunities. We look forward to our continued collaboration with the CBUAE to strengthen investment and financial market connectivity between the Middle East and Asia."
H.E. Khaled Mohamed Balama said, "I am glad to see encouraging progress made today between the two central banks in agreeing on the way forward on debt capital market development and collaboration. We aim at unlocking the potential of the two debt capital markets to allow seamless and cost-effective cross-border debt securities issuance, trading, investment, settlement as well as collateral management. This initiative will help the UAE become the gateway for issuers and investors in the MENA region to have efficient access to the China and Asian debt markets, whilst also, allowing Chinese and Asian issuers and investors to gain direct access to the MENA debt market through the UAE."
HKMA and CBUAE deepen financial market co-operation between Hong Kong and UAE Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKMA and CBUAE deepen financial market co-operation between Hong Kong and UAE Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
