Business
Business stories from Hong Kong and beyond.
Hong Kong skyscraper The Center sold for record HK$40.2 billion – report
Communist Party mouthpiece People’s Daily launches English news app in soft power push
Maternity leave extension will take three years, so don’t wait, says Labour Secretary
Hong Kong’s first land sale featured some unusual, but familiar, names
Link Reit accused of exploiting ‘grey area’ to let estate parking spaces to outsiders
As China restricts home sales, netizens ask if it serves the people’s needs
Gov’t to charge nominal HK$1,000 land premium in deal to transfer Express Rail Link assets to KCRC
China’s internet regulators fine major companies for failing to purge banned content on social networks
China rust belt opens door wider to foreign investors
Standard & Poor’s slashes Hong Kong’s top-notch credit rating following China cut
Carrie Lam says Myanmar stability is the top concern for HK investors, amid ‘genocide’ of Rohingya Muslims
Hong Kong Chief Exec. Carrie Lam talks trade in Myanmar, amid ‘ethnic cleansing’ of Rohingya Muslims
Flow English bookshop eyes relaunch as it inherits over 1,000 books from the late Sir David Tang
Gov’t to implement temporary measures to deal with week-long strike by paper recycling firms
Explainer: Will China turn off North Korea’s oil?
New Chinese sharing economy app lets users rent sex dolls for up to a week
MTR Corporation accused of stealing ‘fast exit’ idea from mobile app
Use Chinese currency as well as Hong Kong dollars for locally listed stocks, says Executive Councillor Joseph Yam
Trump blocks acquisition of US semiconductor firm by Chinese state-owned firm
Apple says US$999 iPhone X is the ‘biggest leap forward since the original iPhone’
China jails 26 over US$7.6bn Ezubao Ponzi scheme
‘Belt and Road’ countries to get priority when negotiating free trade deals with Hong Kong, says commerce chief
Facebook staffs up in China despite being blocked
Hong Kong Observation Wheel saved from demolition at eleventh hour as parties reach agreement
Cost of local stamps to rise to HK$2, as Hongkong Post cites ‘severe’ competition
Plan to dismantle Observation Wheel is unreasonable and damaging to environment, advisor says
BBC ‘disappointed’ after Hong Kong’s RTHK replaces World Service with state-run Chinese station
Hong Kong Observation Wheel faces demolition in preparation for new tenant
Chinese tech firms are at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence — but at what cost?
‘Smile to Pay’: China’s KFC operator pilots facial recognition payment system
Hong Kong ferris wheel grinds to a halt as operator’s land license expires
Oh Canada: The roaring silence around trade talks with China
Uber Hong Kong faces backlash from riders after minimum fare hikes of up to 80%
China’s solar panels shine spotlight on North Korea trade, despite US pressure to limit commerce
US in ‘economic war’ with China, says Donald Trump strategist Steve Bannon
‘Hangzhou No Trouble Looking for Trouble Internet Technology’: China to ban long, odd company names
Troubled Cathay Pacific loses HK$2.05 billion in first half 2017, as airline struggles against competition
China warns against ‘trade war’ with US, as Trump set to launch intellectual property investigation
China regulators tame ‘grey rhinos’ after foreign shopping sprees
Donald Trump orders probe of China’s intellectual property rules – officials
What’s behind the success of satirical media in Hong Kong?
Facebook discreetly tests photo-sharing app in China
RTHK to replace BBC World Service Radio with state-run Mandarin-language station
RTHK to formally pull plug on digital radio broadcasting after Hong Kong axes service
Former Executive Council member Barry Cheung to face fraud charges
Video: China’s Taobao vendors sell personalised messages from African children amid claims of racism
Vision in a time of turbulence: Lessons for a post-Brexit Britain from Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s Carrie Lam one of two ‘strong ladies’ in Asia, alongside Suu Kyi, says Thai foreign minister
Donald Trump’s sanctions on China likely to earn broad support
Drop ‘miserly’ fiscal policy to allow for budget deficits and boost economy – top financial adviser Joseph Yam
Washington planning trade measures against China to force intellectual property crackdown – report
Circle K criticised for imposing ‘excessive’ rules on convenience store workers
China now the top IPO market, but economists fear for ordinary investors
‘I self-censor to survive’: Chinese writers navigate restrictions to make a living via apps
Protesters barred from Link REIT meeting amid rumours of largest-ever asset sale
Satirical media outlet 100Most seeks listing on Hong Kong Stock Exchange
Interview: Media tycoon Jimmy Lai’s aide defends sale of investigative magazine
Going cashless: China cashes in as mobile payments soar
‘Talented but controversial’: Justin Bieber joins long list of pop stars banned in China
Chinese labour activist questions his arrest while investigating Ivanka Trump brand
Chinese president Xi Jinping calls for more imports and more ‘open economy’
New Next Magazine owner says employees biased against him cannot stay
Labour union fears outspoken Next Magazine may face censorship after HK$500m sale
Apple Daily owner sells off tabloid Next Magazine for HK$500m
Hong Kong businessman sparks backlash after blaming Muslims for his restaurant’s failure in Malaysia
Sunrise and sunset of a Shanghai-style barber shop in Hong Kong
Shake Shack to shake up Hong Kong burger scene in 2018
Over 100 Apple Daily staff leave desks to protest outsourcing plan
Journalism watchdog laments rise of media ‘confessions’ and ‘red capital’ in Hong Kong
HK20: Is there a long-term future for expats in a fast-changing city?
After Taiwan, staff at Hong Kong’s Apple Daily also urged to leave and become freelancers
Hong Kong and China account for 86% of fake goods globally, says Europol
Apple Daily Taiwan encourages reporters to leave and become freelancers
KMB bus Roadshow TV ads scrapped, screens to broadcast passenger info instead
Chinese bankers flock to Hong Kong as expats retreat
HKFP Lens: The timeless charm of Sheung Wan’s decades-old neighbourhood shops
China fines Emirates US$4.2k for flying at wrong altitude, barred from adding China routes for 6 months
Gov’t admits overtime pay proposal is far from meeting labour unions’ demands
World record: Parking space in Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong sold for HK$5.18 million
Hong Kong youth ‘too comfortable’ and don’t care about innovation, says ex-finance chief Antony Leung
Chefs receive HK$200k in unpaid wages after management threaten to sue protesters
‘Deliberately breaking the law’: Hong Kong gov’t bureau slams Uber in strongly-worded statement
Funding to be reduced for gov’t ‘cash for bids’ plan at Kai Tak Sports Park, says lawmaker
China police say activists investigating Ivanka Trump brand used illegal devices, passed info to foreign groups
Wonderland Villas: A tale of Hong Kong’s property rollercoaster
New gov’t tests uncover no problems with intercity bridge, despite falsified safety results scandal, CY says
The world’s freest economy? Just take a look at Hong Kong’s supermarkets, utility firms or taxis!
Activist probing Ivanka Trump’s brands in China arrested – rights group
Facebook apologises after ‘mistakenly’ banning 1989 Tiananmen massacre profile tribute
China scrambles to tame booming bike rental business, as sharing apps cause havoc
TVB to replace LeTV as English FA Cup final broadcaster; lawmaker calls for probe
‘We can see light’: Flow bookstore to finalise reopening date after meeting fundraising goal
Video: Tsim Sha Tsui’s Coffee Academics engulfed in flames
New border shopping mall aims for 45% local shoppers, rejects ‘parallel trading hub’ concerns
Moody’s downgrades Hong Kong’s credit rating citing closer ties to China
Food stall on Hong Kong’s highest peak under licensing threat, as gov’t promises talks
‘Fake’ lab tests at mega bridge project damage trust in gov’t, lawmakers warn
Moody’s downgrades China’s credit rating on debt fears
Biggest shake-up in 20 years: Cathay Pacific sacks 600 staff amid losses
What’s at stake in China’s plan to blow up islands in the Mekong River?
The slow death of minimum wage protection: Market failure meets political failure
Beijing’s new weapon in an economic war: Chinese tourists
Flow: The endangered bookshop where profit takes second place to building relationships
Flow bookstore launches online fundraiser, with hours to go until possible closure
Time Out Hong Kong to relaunch print edition as a giveaway
‘It is pretty crazy’: Henderson Land tycoon pays HK$23.28 billion for land plot in Central
Taiwan sees 42% drop in tourists from mainland China, as relations with Beijing worsen
Four more Chinese airlines ban shark fin shipments
‘Project of the century’: China’s Xi Jinping seeks to rewrite global trade rules as US retreats
Flow bookstore saved from ‘death sentence’ as landlord grants 7-day extension on overdue rent
Hong Kong’s popular Tam Chai Yunnan Noodle to be bought by Japanese group
China’s president Xi Jinping decries protectionism, touts Silk Road during global summit
‘A gathering of great minds’: China hosts Silk Road summit in shadow of North Korean missile
Flow secondhand bookstore on its last legs, as owner makes urgent last-minute public appeal
What is China’s role in the global avocado shortage?
For one Chinese city, new ‘Silk Road’ leaves old problems unsolved
Video: China tells the world bedtime stories in propaganda drive
China champions globalisation with new Silk Road summit
Chinese media mogul revealed as owner of Hong Kong broadcaster TVB, in potential regulatory breach
Facebook users experience second technical glitch in a week
Sister of Donald Trump’s senior adviser solicits Chinese investment
Key milestone as Made-in-China jet takes maiden flight
Made-in-China passenger jet set to take wing
Legislature approves HK$5.45 billion of taxpayers’ money for Hong Kong Disneyland expansion, despite opposition
Video: Business-savvy migrants from war-torn Yemen, Iraq and Syria make a new life in China
Non-performing loans and capital outflow: Is China on the verge of a banking crisis?
Air China resumes North Korea flights after speculation
South Korea tourist numbers plummet amid China boycott
Gov’t confiscation of privately-owned farmland may leave 100 homeless by Friday
New bike-sharing app suspects competitors or ‘powerful figures’ behind damage to its bikes
Xi Jinping’s ambitious dream for the Xiongan New Area draws sceptical responses
Gingko House: Where hiring seniors is good for employees, customers and business
FedEx slammed for ‘lack of sincerity’ in banning shark fin shipments
i-Cable news to retain editorial freedom amid staff layoff, says future owner
Beleaguered TV network i-Cable to be sold to new Hong Kong investors
Big Brother rides with you: Lawmakers propose security cameras in taxis to improve service
‘Positive and healthy sports programme’: Alibaba backs decision to add video games to ‘Asia Olympics’
Artist Ai Weiwei says HSBC refused his request to open an account in Hong Kong
Beleaguered TV network i-Cable takes ‘small but important step’ towards survival
Hong Kong Vinyl Record Store Guide 2017
In Pictures: Kai Tak’s new cruise terminal – another white elephant, or travel hub in the making?
China’s economy grows 6.9% in first quarter of 2017 – gov’t
In Pictures: China live streaming – Would-be internet stars boost a billion-dollar market
Internet celebrities: How Hongkongers are turning social media influence into gold
How can western universities operating in China ignore human rights? A legal perspective
In Pictures: The slow death of Home Ownership estate Tin Ma Court
Air China to suspend Beijing-Pyongyang flights as tensions rise
Cathay Pacific shares rise after management shakeup
Open information database suggests widespread signs of bid-rigging
Video: George Town’s gentleman barber is a cut above the rest
Rampant bid-rigging in housing repair projects? A study of three Hong Kong estates
Emergence of digital media prompts minor improvement in Hong Kong press freedom, watchdog says
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett becomes the face of Cherry Coke in China
New English-language TV channel launched in Hong Kong
Traditional art or brutal industry? LegCo panel debates plan to phase out ivory trade by 2021
Hong Kong leader must cooperate with China, says city’s richest man Li Ka-shing
Li Ka-shing’s CK Hutchison says 2016 profit up 6 percent, above forecast
Roadshow TV advertisements on Hong Kong’s KMB buses set to end in June; commuters rejoice
Lower property prices? Some Chinese pin their hopes on a property tax
A safe bet? Macau sees renaissance after mass market win
Cathay Pacific pledges to slash staff costs after first loss in eight years
China’s ‘biggest online encyclopedia’ apologises for selling fake entries on its open platform
Chinese state TV attacks Nike on consumer rights
i-Cable presses on with launch of Fantastic TV, despite owners pulling plug on funding
Cathay Pacific swings to HK$575 million loss as passenger numbers fall and competition rises
Family of Donald Trump’s son-in-law in US$4bn deal with Chinese insurance group Anbang
Sun, sea and mahjong: Retirees flock to ‘China’s Florida’
Likely end of Cable News a blow to independent, quality reporting in Hong Kong
Following drop in profits, HSBC appoints new chairman in management overhaul
Trade war will only bring ‘pain’, China says
Women and work: How to translate the hype of International Women’s Day into real, lasting action
‘God save i-Cable’: Journalists, politicians lament potential blow to Hong Kong media diversity
Do not adjust your set: i-Cable TV faces uncertain future as sale fails and parent firm pulls the plug
Alibaba’s Jack Ma blames ‘outdated and unrealistic’ laws for ‘encouraging’ fake products
Shark fin labelled as ‘seafood’ and ‘fish’ still being delivered to Hong Kong despite shipping ban
Localist digital media outlet Local Press survives funding scare as new shareholder jumps on board
Gov’t strips tech startup of gov’t IT award amid controversy over eligibility
Gov’t says it ‘will consider’ setting minimum limit on apartment sizes if ‘nano-flat’ trend continues
Alibaba launches HK$11m lawsuit against blogger following alleged criticism of products
2017 Budget: Constitutional requirement to balance books should not be a constraint, says finance chief
2017 Budget: Tax sweeteners proposed as Hong Kong expected to enjoy surplus of HK$92.8 billion
HSBC says 2016 net profit plunged 82% to US$2.48bn
Restaurants in major Hong Kong malls exploit license loophole to profit from public space
China halts North Korean coal imports for the rest of the year following missile test
China’s economy headed downhill? Hong Kong’s (relatively) clear skies say so
Chinese say authorities are going after the little guy with curbs on foreign exchange
China, New Zealand pledge support for free trade to counter global protectionism
China accuses US of violating WTO rules – media
Exile, jail, abduction: the hazardous lives of China’s rich
Hard work, not ‘Confucian’ mentality, underpins Chinese success overseas
Stocks linked to ‘abducted’ Chinese billionaire Xiao Jianhua plunge in Shanghai
Hong Kong: The worst place in the world for a startup to open a bank account?
Cathay Pacific to cut emissions with switch to biofuels made from landfill rubbish
Wellcome supermarket criticised for failing to provide seats for on-duty cashiers
Embassy denies Chinese companies were involved in torture, illegal killings of donkeys in South Africa
China accuses EU of protectionism over new steel taxes
Apple takes legal fight over royalties with chipmaker Qualcomm to China
China’s IT Ministry says VPN crackdown will not affect normal operations of foreign companies
