kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo meeting
7.5.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting this morning (May 7): Reporter: Mrs Lam, is there anything you possibly can do to resolve the deadlock now, because you have said time and again that you want to improve your relationship with the LegCo and the atmosphere of society. Is it worth it to destroy everything you have built up because of the extradition laws? Chief Executive: If I may put it the other way, improving or enhancing the relationship between the Executive and the Legislature, and between myself and all the members of the Legislative Council, especially the non-pro-establishment members, remains my objective. But that doesn't mean that I will refrain from dealing with contentious issues or I will accommodate the wishes, no matter how unreasonable these wishes are, from the non-pro-establishment members, in order to appease them or establish a good relationship, because my responsibility is to the people of Hong Kong, and of course also to the Central People's Government. As you all know, I have dual accountability, so I am doing things in the overall public interest. But, if there is any desire to sit down and discuss with us that we can have better ways and provisions and arrangements to achieve the dual objectives of this particular legislative amendment, and if my personal intervention does help, then of course as the Chief Executive of Hong Kong I will not turn down that request. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, May 7, 2019 Issued at HKT 12:58 NNNN
CE meets Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan
2.5.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met with the visiting Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan, Mr Keiichi Ishii at Government House this afternoon (May 2). The Ambassador and Consul-General of Japan in Hong Kong, Mr Mitsuhiro Wada; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau; and the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, also attended the meeting. Mrs Lam welcomed Mr Ishii's visit to Hong Kong, noting that Hong Kong and Japan enjoy close ties and that she had visited Japan twice since assuming office. She said that her visit last October had laid a solid foundation for co-operation between the two places in various aspects, while the trip early last month was the first joint overseas promotion by the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao after the promulgation of Outline Development Plan for Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and is testimony to the importance Hong Kong attaches to relations with Japan. Pointing out that 2019 is "Hong Kong-Japan Tourism Year", she said she had also participated in tourism promotion activities during her visit to Japan last year. She expressed the hope that more Japanese tourists will visit Hong Kong and other Greater Bay Area cities on multi-destination itineraries. Mrs Lam said that Hong Kong has always invested heavily in infrastructure to improve the livelihood of the general public and maintain the long-term competitiveness of the city. Given the high quality of their work, their advanced technology and their concern for industrial safety, she encouraged Japan's construction companies to actively participate in Hong Kong's works projects. She added that the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has set up the Construction Innovation and Technology Fund and would promote the wider adoption of innovative construction methods and technology by the construction industry to meet the challenges presented by labour shortage and an ageing workforce in Hong Kong. Ends/Thursday, May 2, 2019 Issued at HKT 20:11 NNNN
Speech by CE at dedicated session on Hong Kong at thematic forum on sub-national co-operation of second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing
25.4.2019

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the dedicated session on Hong Kong themed "Belt and Road: Hong Kong IN" at the thematic forum on sub-national co-operation of the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing this afternoon (April 25): Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), I welcome you all to this "Hong Kong IN" session. Hong Kong is not only one of the most competitive cities in the world, but also a multicultural city in the heart of Asia. Under the unique "One Country, Two Systems" principle and enjoying unique strengths and advantages, we are a key link and a prime platform for the Belt and Road. For the past few years, the Hong Kong SAR Government has been playing the roles of "facilitator" and "promoter" in taking forward the Belt and Road Initiative, and we are pleased that various sectors in Hong Kong are all very enthusiastic to join this challenging and worthy cause. Today's session will be moderated by Mrs Laura Cha, Chairperson of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, and joined by six delegates from Hong Kong who are among the most accomplished in their respective sectors. Over the next 40 minutes, they will share their insights on our city's position as the Belt and Road hub in many aspects - ranging from finance and investment, legal and dispute resolution services, business and trade, professional services and capacity building to cultural exchange - as well as on how to leverage Hong Kong's strengths and advantages in professional services and international expertise in enhancing regional co-operation. In short, today's session will shed light on how Hong Kong can contribute to the Belt and Road, and hopefully will give you an extra boost of confidence in partnering with Hong Kong. Before I pass back to Laura, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the organisers of this thematic forum - the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the People's Government of Beijing Municipality. My thanks also go to ministries and departments that have rendered us strong assistance, in particular the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council. I wish you all a very rewarding session of the "Belt and Road: Hong Kong IN". Thank you very much. Ends/Thursday, April 25, 2019 Issued at HKT 18:38 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo meeting
30.4.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting this morning (April 30): Reporter: Mrs Lam, you are calling on lawmakers to make some constructive proposals to alleviate people's concern, but would there be any new proposals or changes from the Government to address people's concern, and whether you will meet pan-democratic lawmakers to discuss their concerns? Chief Executive: As far as meeting with Legislative Council members from across the political spectrum, as you will all recall, since taking office, I have taken a very forthcoming and positive attitude, not only in increasing my attendances at the Legislative Council to once or twice a month, but also welcoming meetings with different political parties, including of course from the pan-democratic camp. But I have to understand the purpose of their latest request for meeting on this particular subject, because if the meeting's main purpose is to pressurise me to withdraw the bill, then there is no purpose for that sort of meeting. But if the purpose of meeting is to go into the safeguards in the proposed legislation, then I think the best platform to do that is the Bills Committee of the Legislative Council and not a closed-door meeting with the Chief Executive. As far as new proposals, let me just make it very clear that we have taken quite a bit of time to come up with these latest legislative proposals since the matter came to surface early last year, because this is a very complicated matter. The policy team in the Security Bureau and the legal team in the Department of Justice have been working very hard to study our domestic legislation, to look at overseas jurisdiction's practice, before they present these proposals to the public and to the Legislative Council. But I of course cannot rule out the possibility of good proposals to be suggested by the Bills Committee. As I have said yesterday and repeated just now, we will listen very attentively to what the members have to say on the content of the bill, and if there are good suggestions, practical proposals that could allay the fears and the anxiety of some members of the public, but at the same time achieve the two objectives of this legislative exercise, then we will certainly follow up on that score. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, April 30, 2019 Issued at HKT 13:16 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session at Hong Kong International Airport
29.4.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session at the Hong Kong International Airport this afternoon (April 29): Reporter: Mrs Lam, what will you do if the amendment is not passed during the current legislative term? Would you consider using a sunset clause to deal with the Chan Tong-kai case on a one-off basis? And do you care about the opposition from almost 100 000 of people who protested yesterday? Chief Executive: The so-called "sunset clause" will not achieve the two objectives that I have just mentioned and repeatedly mentioned in public about doing this particular amendment exercise – that's point number one. Point number two is I realised at the very outset that this is not an easy task, it is going to be controversial and contentious, and that's why we have taken up this task with very serious attention, very comprehensive analysis before we present the legislative amendments to the Legislative Council. The third point I want to say is Hong Kong is a very free society. We respect the expression of opinions by the people of Hong Kong in an orderly manner, and we are always willing to listen to opinions in Hong Kong and see whether we could do more, explain more, to allay those concerns and anxieties. At the end of the day, we have to ask ourselves whether we will continue to tolerate this loophole in our system on the return of fugitive offenders to the extent that we will be making Hong Kong a haven for all these offenders of serious crimes from all over the world. We remain very convinced and committed to doing this not-easy task and I hope that we will have the support of society and the understanding and co-operation of members of the Legislative Council. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Monday, April 29, 2019 Issued at HKT 20:45 NNNN
CE attends opening ceremony of 2019 Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition
28.4.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (April 28) attended the opening ceremony of the 2019 Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition in Beijing. She visited the Hong Kong Garden and other gardens. Other government officials attending the opening ceremony included the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Under Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Jack Chan; the Director of Architectural Services, Mrs Sylvia Lam; and the Director of the Office of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Beijing, Mr John Leung. The theme of the Expo is "Live Green, Live Better". It will be held in Yanqing District of Beijing from tomorrow (April 29) to October 7. The exhibition covers an area of 503 hectares with multiple exhibition areas. The Hong Kong Garden, located in the Chinese Garden Exhibition Zone, has an area of about 2 000 square metres. The theme of the Hong Kong Garden is "City of Contrast". It reflects Hong Kong's contrasting urban and rural settings and raises people's awareness on urban greening. The Hong Kong Garden mainly comprises three components, namely the Architectural Pavilion, the Artistic Feature Wall and the Horticultural Garden. The steel-frame architectural feature and the intersecting greenery showcase the contrast of the hyper-dense cityscape and urban greening in Hong Kong. The unique cityscape of Hong Kong is expressed abstractly on the Artistic Feature Wall, enabling visitors to learn more about the iconic buildings in Hong Kong. The Home Affairs Bureau is responsible for co-ordinating the project. Planning and construction are led by the Architectural Services Department, while the Leisure and Cultural Services Department provides seasonal flowers for planting and display. Ends/Sunday, April 28, 2019 Issued at HKT 21:32 NNNN
Appointment of members of Equal Opportunities Commission
26.4.2019

The Government announced today (April 26) that the Chief Executive has appointed three new members and re-appointed 11 incumbent members to the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) for a term of two years with effect from May 20, 2019. The newly appointed members are: Mr Vincent Cheng Wing-shun Ms Anna Thompson Mr Gary Wong Chi-him The re-appointed members are: Professor Cecilia Chan Lai-wan Professor Andy Chiu Man-chung Professor Susanne Choi Yuk-ping Mr Mohan Datwani Miss Maisy Ho Chiu-ha Ms Elizabeth Law Ms Juan Leung Chung-yan Ms Shirley Marie Therese Loo Dr Henry Shie Wai-hung Dr Rizwan Ullah Miss Yu Chui-yee "We are grateful for the contribution of all incumbent members to the work of the EOC in the past two years. They have displayed enthusiasm and commitment in assisting the promotion of equal opportunities. They have also provided valuable input to the various areas of work of the EOC," said the government spokesperson. "The membership of the EOC continues to represent a balanced mix of expertise and sectors, including women, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, members from the employment, social services, legal, accounting, academic and education sectors, and the community at large. Their experience and expertise will be instrumental to the work of the EOC in promoting equal opportunities. "We would like to take the opportunity to thank Mr Holden Chow Ho-ding, Dr Trisha Leahy and Professor Joseph Lee Kok-long, who will be stepping down from the EOC after six years of service. We are grateful for their staunch support for the work of the Commission. "We look forward to effective collaboration of all EOC members under the leadership of the newly appointed Chairperson, Mr Ricky Chu Man-kin, to take new strides in implementing the four existing anti-discrimination ordinances through the promotion of equal opportunities and elimination of discrimination in the community," the spokesperson added. Brief background information on the newly appointed members is at Annex. Ends/Friday, April 26, 2019 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
CE to visit Beijing
18.4.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will depart for Beijing on April 24 to attend the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and the 2019 Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition. The theme of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation this year is "Belt and Road Cooperation, Shaping a Brighter Shared Future". Mrs Lam will lead a delegation comprising members of various sectors in Hong Kong including the political, business, professional services and innovation and technology sectors, as well as academics and people involved in public and community services, to attend the forum. She will participate and deliver opening keynote addresses in the thematic forums on financial connectivity and regional co-operation on April 25, and will attend the opening ceremony and the high-level meeting on April 26. Mrs Lam will depart for the Yanqing district on April 28 to attend the opening ceremony and related events of the 2019 Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition. During her stay in Beijing, she will also visit the All-China Women's Federation on April 27 as invited to exchange views with relevant leaders. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong on April 29. During her absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Thursday, April 18, 2019 Issued at HKT 17:10 NNNN
HKSAR delegation to participate at second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation
18.4.2019

The second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation will be held in Beijing from April 25 to 27. The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will lead a high-level Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation to participate at the Forum. Under the theme of "Belt and Road Cooperation, Shaping a Brighter Shared Future", the Forum aims to bring about high quality Belt and Road cooperation. Development policy co-ordination, infrastructure connectivity, sustainable development and other topics of common interest will be discussed. Twelve thematic forums will be held, focusing on policy, infrastructure, trade, financial and people-to-people connectivity, think-tank exchanges, clean silk road, digital silk road, green silk road, silk road of innovation, regional cooperation, and economic and trade cooperation zone promotion. The Hong Kong delegation comprises senior government officials and members from various sectors of Hong Kong, including the political, business, professional services, innovation and technology sectors, and academia as well as public and community services. They will participate at thematic forums and the CEO conference on April 25, and the opening ceremony and high-level meeting on April 26. Official members of the delegation include the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC; the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau; and the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip. The delegation list is available in the Annex. "The Government attaches great importance to the work in taking forward the Belt and Road Initiative. Hong Kong's participation at the Forum will enhance our role and position as the prime platform and a key link for the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as foster our integration into the overall development of the country," Mrs Lam said. "I look forward to our delegates sharing with other Forum participants and the international community on Hong Kong's contributions in respect of promoting global connectivity and win-win development, and having proactive interactive exchanges on Hong Kong's work in the Belt and Road," she added. Mrs Lam will deliver the opening keynote address at the thematic forums on financial connectivity and regional cooperation, with the latter dedicated session on Hong Kong themed "Belt and Road: Hong Kong IN". The session will be moderated by the Chairman of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Mrs Laura M Cha. Six Hong Kong delegates, from the finance, legal and dispute resolution, business and commerce, risk management, infrastructure and cultural sectors, will have an in-depth discussions on how Belt and Road related countries and regions may leverage Hong Kong's professional services and international connections in participating in the Initiative and pursuing regional co-operation. Ends/Thursday, April 18, 2019 Issued at HKT 16:53 NNNN
Report on the prohibition of the operation of the &quot;Hong Kong National Party&quot; submitted by the CE to the CPG
18.4.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (April 18) released to the public the report she submitted to the Central People's Government (CPG) on the prohibition of the operation of the "Hong Kong National Party" by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in accordance with the law and related circumstances. The CPG issued a letter to the Chief Executive on February 26, 2019, in support of the HKSAR Government's action to prohibit the operation of the "Hong Kong National Party" in accordance with the law. The letter reiterates that in accordance with the Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the Basic Law, the HKSAR has the constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security in accordance with the law. It is the duty of the HKSAR Government, and the shared obligation of all Chinese people, including the compatriots in Hong Kong, to safeguard the sovereignty and unity as well as territorial integrity of the country. The CPG requested the Chief Executive to submit a report to the CPG regarding the prohibition of the operation of the "Hong Kong National Party" in accordance with the law and related circumstances. The Chief Executive submitted the report on the prohibition of the operation of the "Hong Kong National Party" and related circumstances to the CPG on April 16, 2019. Content of the report includes the case background and summary of the process, etc. Upon the advice of the Department of Justice, in order to avoid affecting any possible legal proceedings in future, the report released to the public today contains the main body of the report (see the English translation attached). Ends/Thursday, April 18, 2019 Issued at HKT 15:24 NNNN
CE meets Commander-in-chief of Hong Kong Garrison
17.4.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met the Commander-in-chief of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, Major General Chen Daoxiang, at Government House this afternoon (April 17). The Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, also attended the meeting. Mrs Lam welcomed Major General Chen's assumption of office in Hong Kong this month. She said that the Hong Kong Garrison has been performing its functions and responsibilities in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in strict accordance with the Basic Law, the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Garrisoning of the HKSAR and other relevant laws, serving as a solid backup for maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of the HKSAR. She said that the Hong Kong Garrison has always been well-disciplined and law-abiding and actively participating in community and charitable activities as well as organising frequently such activities as open days for its military sites and summer camps for youths, which are well received by members of the public. She said she believes that the Hong Kong Garrison, under the leadership of Major General Chen, will continue to uphold its excellent tradition and contribute to the HKSAR. Ends/Wednesday, April 17, 2019 Issued at HKT 16:56 NNNN