
Hong Kong suspends drinking water supply deal with mainland Chinese firm, calls police
The Government Logistics Department said on Saturday that it doubted Xin Ding Xin Trade Company could fulfil its obligations under the 36-month contract requiring the supply of bottled drinking water to government offices on Hong Kong Island and some outlying islands, starting from the end of June.
It was the first contract of its kind granted to a mainland firm, beating long-time supplier, AS Watson.
'Due to operating information recently obtained about Xin Ding Xin Trade Company, the Government Logistics Department does not believe that the company will be able to continue performing the contract and has decided to suspend it according to the terms of the contract,' it said.
'The department will continue to follow up on the case seriously, so it could take further action, including whether to terminate the related contract. The Government Logistics Department has already referred the matter to the police for investigation.'
The department noted that AS Watson would temporarily take over and supply water to the affected government offices from the next week.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


South China Morning Post
a minute ago
- South China Morning Post
Authorities should strictly follow the law when probing business figures
When it comes to entrepreneurship, China's successful private entrepreneurs should rank among the world's most resilient. To thrive in an environment where they are treated as second-class citizens compared to state-owned enterprises, they must navigate significant challenges : limited access to markets and bank credit, unpredictable government policies, sudden and severe regulatory crackdowns, bureaucrats exploiting power for personal gain, frequent harassment from administrative agencies like health and fire safety departments, and societal and ideological pressures because of their wealth. However, even the most resilient have their limits. Since April, at least five prominent business leaders in their 50s in Zhejiang, Hubei and Guangdong provinces have reportedly taken their lives by jumping to their deaths. This has sparked concern and soul-searching across China about how to support the beleaguered private sector and protect its entrepreneurs. Among them, the death of Wang Linpeng, the 57-year-old billionaire chairman of Easyhome, China's leading home furnishing company, has drawn significant attention. Not only is Easyhome a household name , the circumstances surrounding Wang's death are particularly disconcerting. According to company announcements and mainland media reports, Wang died by suicide on July 27, just days after being released by Hubei authorities. On April 17, Easyhome disclosed that Wang had been detained by anti-corruption investigators, with his company shares frozen. On July 23, just days before his death, the company announced that his detention had been lifted and he had resumed his duties.


The Standard
an hour ago
- The Standard
Tourists flock to HK landmarks as summer travel boom continues
From fans to families: Kai Tak records over 20pc surge in retail sales since March opening


The Standard
an hour ago
- The Standard
HK sets World Games record with six medals as Kwan claims drone racing silver
From fans to families: Kai Tak records over 20pc surge in retail sales since March opening