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12 new biometric e-Channels launched in HK airport for document-free entry
Twelve additional biometric e-Channels began operating at the arrival halls of Hong Kong International Airport on Tuesday, allowing eligible Hong Kong residents to complete clearance procedures without presenting identity documents or a QR code. 

HK public pools reopen for summer season, beaches resume lifeguard services
Forty-four public swimming pool complexes across Hong Kong reopened on Wednesday as the city entered the summer swimming season, with some facilities set to close temporarily for maintenance works.

Eight days of rain ahead as showers loom over Ching Ming Festival
The Hong Kong Observatory has forecast an extended spell of unsettled weather, with rain expected for the next eight days and showers likely to affect the Ching Ming Festival holiday.

Government to issue weekly fuel price updates from April
The Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) will begin publishing weekly updates on local fuel prices every Wednesday from April 1, in a move aimed at enhancing price transparency amid uncertainties in the Middle East.

HK's average overnight visitor stay shortens by 0.1 night despite rise in numbers
Hong Kong saw a decrease in the average length of stay for overnight visitors to 3.1 nights last year, despite their numbers increasing by 6 percent year-on-year to 23.19 million, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).

Business Today

Hong Kong February retail sales beat estimate with 19.3pc surge
Hong Kong's February total retail sales increased by 19.3 percent year on year, beating the estimate of 12.200 percent.

China's yuan firms as Iran war de-escalation hopes dent dollar appeal
China's yuan firmed to its strongest level in a week against the dollar on Wednesday, as expectations of a near-term end to the Middle East war reduced the greenback's appeal.

Macau gaming revenue rises 15pc in March, beats expectations
Macau's gaming revenue rose 15 percent year-on-year to 22.61 billion Pataca (HK$21.96 billion) in March, beating expectations of 11 percent by analysts, supported by an increased number of visitors from entertainment events.

Dollar stays stable after Trump says Iran war could finish soon
The dollar was largely steady ​on Wednesday, with gains from safe-haven demand fading, as U.S. President Donald Trump said the war with ‌Iran could wind down within weeks, though conflicting signals on the conflict kept investors on edge.

Most Chinese automakers records increases in deliveries in March
Most Chinese automakers saw an increase in deliveries compared to February, however, companies including BYD (1211) and Xpeng (9868) recorded a year-on-year sales decline amid growing competition in the Chinese auto market.

World/China

Several Chinese airlines to raise domestic fuel surcharges from April 5
Several Chinese airlines, including top carrier Air China, said on Wednesday that they would raise fuel surcharges for domestic flights from April 5, as the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran drives up jet fuel prices.

China was ready for an oil shock and now investors are reaping the rewards
China's readiness for an energy shock has helped its financial markets to turn in a world-beating month and has global investors looking to boost their exposure as the Iran war drags on.

Iran FM says not responded to US plan, 'no negotiations'
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said there were no negotiations with the United States and that Tehran had not responded to a reported 15-point proposal from Washington to end the war.

Baidu robotaxi outage in Wuhan caused by 'system failure', police say
A "system failure" caused a robotaxi outage involving multiple vehicles operated by Baidu's Apollo Go in central Chinese city of Wuhan, local police said on Wednesday, re-igniting safety concerns over the fast-growing service. 

Philippines eyes 'deepening cooperation' with Iran on energy
The Philippines is committed to "deepening cooperation" with Iran, particularly on energy, Manila's foreign secretary said on Wednesday as the import-dependent archipelago jockeys with other regional countries for desperately needed oil.