Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has announced reforms to strengthen New Zealand’s biosecurity laws, aiming to protect the NZ$61.4 billion food and fibre export sector. Key changes include higher fines for undeclared high-risk goods, flexible import health standards, faster pest management approvals, and targeted compensation for incursions. The reforms follow public consultation and aim to deter risky behaviour while supporting trade and innovation. Biofouling controls beyond territorial waters will not proceed. A draft bill is expected next year, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to strong borders and safeguarding economic growth.
At the 36th APEC Ministerial Meeting in Korea, Hong Kong's Secretary For Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau highlighted Hong Kong’s commitment to digitalisation and AI integration to drive inclusive economic growth. He outlined initiatives including advanced data infrastructure, SME digital transformation, and AI-enhanced trade systems. Emphasising a people-centred approach, Yau noted efforts to bridge digital divides and support workforce reskilling. He reaffirmed Hong Kong’s support for the WTO’s rules-based trading system and stressed the importance of resilient supply chains. Yau held bilateral talks with New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay.
Effective 1 November 2025, Hong Kong’s STV Scheme has expanded from 12 to 17 sectors, allowing more non-local talent to join short-term activities without employment visas. New sectors include Environment, Occupational Safety and Health, Maritime, Think Tanks, and others, with over 490 authorised organisations. Participants may stay up to 14 days and receive remuneration, provided activities support policy goals and don’t displace local workers. Since its 2022 launch, over 38,000 individuals have benefited, contributing to major events and reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” under “one country, two systems.” Safeguards remain to prevent abuse and ensure policy alignment.
Hong Kong’s new licence fee structure for electric private cars (e-PCs) took effect on 1 November 2025, with a four-month grace period for existing vehicle licence (VL) renewals. Fees are tiered by rated power, ranging from HK$1,500 (≤75 kW) to HK$5,000 (>225 kW). Most e-PCs fall within the lower three tiers. Disabled owners receive concessions, including full fee waivers for vehicles ≤75 kW. VLs expiring on or before 28 February 2026 may renew under current rates. The new structure aims to balance EV promotion with regional alignment and technological progress.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has officially launched its fifth runway, becoming China’s first civil airport with five commercial runways. As a core hub in the Greater Bay Area’s airport cluster, the expanded facility (see below) will support up to 140 million passengers and six million tonnes of cargo annually. The five-year, CNY53.77 billion project includes a major integrated transport center linking six high-speed rail lines, five intercity railways, two metro lines and two expressways - enabling one-hour access to other regional airports. The Greater Bay Area now hosts seven airports serving over 200 global destinations and 200 million passengers annually.
Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that Shenzhen will host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in November 2026, marking China’s third time as host. He praised Shenzhen’s transformation into a global metropolis and symbol of China’s opening-up strategy. Xi expressed hope that leaders will gather to shape Asia-Pacific’s future. Participating economies endorsed China’s hosting and vision, anticipating a successful “China Year” that will enhance regional cooperation and shared prosperity.
The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) will host the APEC CEO Summit in 2026. At the 2025 summit’s closing ceremony, CCPIT Chairman Ren Hongbin invited Asia-Pacific business leaders to attend the 2026 summit and the 4th China International Supply Chain Expo. He called for deeper regional connectivity to foster an open, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community. The 2025 summit, themed “Bridge, Business, Beyond,” drew over 1,000 political and business leaders who discussed regional integration, AI, digital innovation, global finance, and biomedicine. CCPIT also led a delegation of over 100 Chinese enterprises to the event.
