kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Transcript of remarks by SCED at media session
27.6.2023

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, at a media session after hosting a cocktail reception for local and foreign chambers of commerce today (June 27): Reporter: According to your understanding, what are the biggest concerns among different chambers of commerce in Hong Kong's recovery after COVID? My second question is how do the chambers see about the import of workers? Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: I spoke to various chambers from different countries. They are full of confidence about Hong Kong, and actually their intention to expand their businesses is far more than you expected. They are also telling very good stories about Hong Kong back in their countries. For the import of labours, I think this is a measure introduced by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government for the business and economy. We need the labour's support for businesses to grow. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SCED continues visit in Japan (with photos)
20.6.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, today (June 20) continued his visit in Tokyo, Japan, and met with a number of Japanese business leaders and government officials to promote Hong Kong's unique advantages and potentials as well as the immense opportunities brought about by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development. He stressed that with the "one country, two systems" principle, underpinned by an open and free market, a fine tradition of the rule of law, Hong Kong continues to be recognised as the world's freest economy with the best investment environment, a global financial centre and one of the most competitive economies around the globe. ã He welcomed the Japanese political and business leaders to visit Hong Kong to learn about its latest developments and favourable business environment, and also experience the vibrancy of the city. Meanwhile, he reiterated that Hong Kong's early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) would definitely further strengthen the already close economic and mutually beneficial relations with Japan, and deepen co-operation with the RCEP economies in the region. ã During his visit today, Mr Yau first had a breakfast meeting with key business partners from various sectors and met with the Chairman of Japan External Trade Organization, Mr Ishiguro Norihiko, to keep them abreast of the latest trade and economic developments in Hong Kong as well as the new measures for attracting enterprises and investment. ã He then proceeded to visit NEC Corporation (NEC) which is a renowned multinational information technology and electronics company. He met with the Executive Advisor of NEC, Dr Nobuhiro Endo, who is also the Vice Chair of Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), to exchange views on enhancing business co-operation between Hong Kong and Japan. ã In the afternoon, Mr Yau met with State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan Ms Fusae Ota, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Mr Shunsuke Takei, to give them an update on Hong Kong's latest developments and exchange views on promoting closer bilateral relation and deepening regional co-operation. ã Mr Yau was also invited to attend a media luncheon of "World of Winners" ticket giveaway launch in Japan organised by the Airport Authority Hong Kong in support of the "Hello Hong Kong" Campaign. ã Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong tomorrow morning (June 21).
SCED officiates at reception in Japan to mark 35th anniversary of establishment of Tokyo ETO (with photos)
19.6.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, today (June 19) officiated at a reception to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo (Tokyo ETO), during his visit to Tokyo, Japan. Speaking at the reception, Mr Yau thanked more than 300 guests from various sectors, including Japanese political and business sectors, academia, the media and community groups, for their support to Tokyo ETO's work over the years. He noted that among the 14 overseas ETOs set up by Hong Kong around the world, the Tokyo ETO is one of the earliest, demonstrating the close economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and Japan all along. "In the first four months of 2023, Hong Kong visitors were the third largest source of Japan's inbound visitors. The total amount of their consumption during the first quarter of 2023 was about 105 billion yen, coming to the fourth place and accounting for more than 10 per cent of Japan's revenue from foreign tourists," Mr Yau said. Meanwhile, Mr Yau pointed out that Hong Kong has always been a preferred location for foreign companies including Japanese companies. "In 2022, around 9 000 overseas and Mainland Chinese companies have established a presence in Hong Kong. Out of those, about 1 400 are Japanese companies, making Japanese companies the largest foreign business community in Hong Kong," he said. Mr Yau stressed that against the headwind of the pandemic and social unrest earlier, Hong Kong continues to enjoy unrivalled advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle, and is on track to become a gateway for foreign businesses to tap into the huge market potential of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. He also called for support from Japanese stakeholders for Hong Kong's early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), adding that Hong Kong's prospective membership in the RCEP will bring more business and investment opportunities to the business communities of RCEP member economies. He added that according to a survey conducted recently, nearly 80 per cent of responding Japanese companies based in Hong Kong anticipated more benefits to come upon Hong Kong's accession to RCEP. In addition to attending the reception, Mr Yau today briefed Japanese enterprises on Hong Kong's business environment and advantages during a business roundtable with members of the Japan-Hong Kong Business Cooperation Committee organised by the Keidanren (Japan Business Federation). He also hosted lunch for Japanese lawmakers of the Japan-Hong Kong Parliamentarian League to exchange views on various trade and economic issues. Mr Yau also paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Ambassador to Japan, Mr Wu Jianghao, to give him an update on Hong Kong's latest developments. Mr Yau will continue his visit in Tokyo tomorrow (June 20).
SCED to visit Japan
17.6.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, will depart for a visit to Tokyo, Japan, tomorrow (June 18) afternoon to update the Japanese political and business sectors on Hong Kong's latest development with a view to forging closer economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and Japan, and deepening regional co-operation. During his stay in Tokyo, Mr Yau will meet with senior government officials of Japan and business leaders to promote Hong Kong's business advantages and opportunities. He will also officiate at a reception to mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo. Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong on June 21 afternoon. The Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development during Mr Yau's absence.
SCED promotes Hong Kong's advantages and business opportunities in Hungary (with photos)
9.6.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, highlighted Hong Kong's unique advantages and vast potential for Hungarian companies and entrepreneurs during his two-day visit (June 8 and 9, Budapest time) to Budapest, Hungary. ãã After attending the Ministerial Council Meeting of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in Paris, France, Mr Yau proceeded to Budapest to meet with Hungarian government officials and the business community to update them on Hong Kong's latest trade and economic developments, and exchange views on further collaboration in various areas. ãã Mr Yau said that Hong Kong has all along maintained close bilateral trade relations with Hungary. In 2022, bilateral merchandise trade between Hong Kong and Hungary amounted to HK$17.8 billion. Hungary was Hong Kong's seventh largest trading partner among the European Union Member States. Around 11.4 per cent (HK$13.3 billion) of the total merchandise trade between Hungary and Mainland China routed through Hong Kong. ãã He stressed that with Hong Kong's unique advantages under "one country, two systems", Hong Kong is an ideal gateway for Hungarian companies to tap into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area markets and participate in the Belt and Road Initiative. He also briefed Hungarian government officials and business leaders on Hong Kong's new initiatives on attracting enterprises and investments to create strong impetus for growth. ãã Mr Yau today (June 9 Budapest time) met with the Deputy Governor of the Hungarian National Bank, Mr Csaba Kandr&aacute;cs; the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Mr Levente Magyar; and the State Secretary for Economic Development and National Financial Services of Hungary, Mr M&aacute;t&eacute; L&oacute;ga, to learn more about Hungary's economic development and monetary and fiscal policy. He also took the opportunity to visit Q Contemporary, which is an art museum founded by a Hong Kong-born businesswoman. ã On June 8 (Budapest time), Mr Yau attended a roundtable luncheon with members of the Hungary-Hong Kong Business Association followed by the meetings with the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary, Mr Istv&aacute;n Jakab, and the President of Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr L&aacute;szl&oacute; Parragh, to exchange views on fostering closer economic and trade co-operation between the two places. He also took the opportunity to meet with the Acting Chinese Ambassador to Hungary, Mr Yang Chao, at a dinner meeting to keep him abreast of the latest developments in Hong Kong. ãã Mr Yau will then depart for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to attend the 10th Arab-China Business Conference on June 11 (Riyadh time). He will return to Hong Kong on June 12.
SCED attends OECD meeting in Paris (with photos)
8.6.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, attended the Ministerial Council Meeting of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in Paris, France on June 7 (Paris time). Speaking at a discussion session on trade policies for resilient and inclusive growth, Mr Yau stressed the importance of fighting against any form of protectionism as the world is walking out from the pandemic. "Trade is not, and should never be seen as, a 'zero-sum' game. We must continue to provide a free, fair, open, non-discriminatory, transparent and predictable environment for trade and investment to thrive," he said. "Commitments to forging regional trade agreements that are inclusive and open, that seek to deepen economic integration, and that promote economic and technical co-operation will overcome divisions and bolster connectivity," he added. He also highlighted that ongoing dialogues and exchanges between governments and also with various stakeholders should be promoted. In addition, Mr Yau called on participating ministers to uphold the rules-based multilateral trading system and drive forward the World Trade Organization's discussions about restoring a fully and well-functioning dispute settlement system, the Joint Statement Initiatives on E-Commerce and Investment Facilitation for Development, etc. On the sidelines of the meeting, Mr Yau met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, Mr Bui Thanh Son, to exchange views on enhancing bilateral relationships. He also had a breakfast meeting with the France-Hong Kong Business Association to promote Hong Kong's advantages and business opportunities. Mr Yau will proceed to Budapest, Hungary on June 8 (Paris time) for a two-day visit.
SCED to attend OECD meeting in France
5.6.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, will depart for Paris, France, tonight (June 5) to attend the Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). He will also visit Hungary to forge closer economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and Hungary. ãã At the MCM of the OECD in Paris on June 7 (Paris time), Mr Yau will join a discussion session with participating ministers on trade policies for resilient and inclusive growth. He will also meet with the French business sector to promote Hong Kong's advantages and business opportunities. ãã After the OECD meeting, Mr Yau will visit Budapest, Hungary, from June 8 to 9 (Budapest time). He will attend a roundtable luncheon with Hungarian business leaders and also meet with senior officials to have exchanges on economic and trade co-operation issues. Mr Yau will then depart for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to attend the 10th Arab-China Business Conference on June 11 (Riyadh time). Under the theme of "Collaborating for Prosperity", the event aims to promote co-operation between China and the Arab nations in the areas of economy, trade and investment. Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong on June 12. The Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development during Mr Yau's absence.
SCED calls on APEC members to support more sustainable and inclusive regional economy (with photos)
27.5.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, spoke at a discussion session entitled "Fostering Sustainable and Inclusive Trade in the Region, and other issues" at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting in Detroit, the United States, today (May 26, Detroit time). Mr Yau stressed that Hong Kong sees the need to ensure that trade could benefit all in a sustainable manner and is committed to ensuring its policies are green and sustainable in the face of climate change and other challenges. "To this end, to accelerate our development to becoming an international green technology and finance centre, Hong Kong will set up a Green Technology and Finance Development Committee to formulate an action agenda for future endeavours," he said. He added that Hong Kong is also developing an active market for green and sustainable debt, including both bonds and loans, with the total amount issued in Hong Kong increased by over 40 per cent from 2021 to US$80.5 billion in 2022. On inclusive development, Mr Yau said Hong Kong is stepping up support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them grow, innovate and embrace future opportunities. Those support measures include funding programmes to support SMEs' brand building, operation upgrading and export marketing activities as well as their adoption of innovation and technology. Besides SMEs, Hong Kong is also strengthening support for the development of women and youth. Mr Yau also shared his insights on how to achieve a resilient transition to a more sustainable and inclusive regional economy. "The collective efforts in deepening economic integration, embodied by comprehensive regional undertakings such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, hold great promise for overcoming divisions and bolstering connectivity," he added. He also called on member economies to keep up the momentum and accelerate discussion on the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific. On the margins of the meeting, Mr Yau held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru, Mr Juan Carlos Matthews Salazar, to discuss various trade and economic issues. Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong on Sunday morning (May 28, Hong Kong time).
SCED urges to restore fully functional WTO dispute settlement system at APEC ministers responsible for trade meeting (with photos)
26.5.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, stressed the importance of restoring a fully functional World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement system at a discussion session entitled "Supporting the Multilateral Trading System" at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Detroit, the United States today (May 25, Detroit time). Noting that the WTO, the cornerstone of the multilateral trading system, is facing challenges, Mr Yau called on APEC member economies to continue to work constructively and expeditiously with all other WTO members in order to meet the mandate of the WTO twelfth Ministerial Conference in restoring, by 2024, a fully and well-functioning dispute settlement system accessible to all members. Mr Yau also highlighted the importance of bringing early into force WTO-negotiated outcomes to demonstrate that the WTO is working for the benefits of people. He said that Hong Kong recognises the key role of investment in post-pandemic growth and recovery of the global economy, and is strongly committed to facilitating investment from various dimensions, including its active participation in the Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) on Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD). He urged all APEC member economies to play active part in bringing this JSI to fruition. Mr Yau also encouraged APEC member economies to join the JSI on E-commerce and work together to extend the WTO moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions with a view to preserving an enabling, tariff-free environment for e-commerce. On the margins of the MRT meeting today, Mr Yau met with the Minister at Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II of Brunei Darussalam, Yang Berhormat Dato' Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, as well as the Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia, Mr Liew Chin Tong, to exchange views on various issues of mutual concerns. APEC has adopted the theme "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All" this year, with discussions on topics under three priorities, namely interconnected, innovative, and inclusive. Mr Yau will continue to join the MRT Meeting tomorrow (May 26, Detroit time).
SCED to attend APEC trade ministers meeting in US
22.5.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, will depart for Detroit, the United States, tomorrow morning (May 23) to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting. Under the theme "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All" for APEC this year, the meeting will focus discussions on topics under three priorities: interconnected, innovative, and inclusive. During the two-day meeting (May 25 and 26), Mr Yau will participate, with trade ministers of other member economies, in discussion sessions entitled "Supporting the Multilateral Trading System" and "Fostering Sustainable and Inclusive Trade in the Region, and other issues". On the margins of the MRT Meeting, Mr Yau will meet with other trade ministers to exchange views on regional co-operation and issues of mutual interest. Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong on Sunday morning (May 28). During his absence, the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development.
55th APEC SME Working Group meeting successfully held in Hong Kong (with photos)
5.5.2023

The 55th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Small and Medium Enterprises Working Group (SMEWG) meeting, organised by the Trade and Industry Department, successfully concluded today (May 5). During the two-day meeting, around 100 delegates from APEC member economies and other guests had fruitful exchanges on issues concerning the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and actively participated in useful discussions on the SMEWG's Strategic Plan for supporting SMEs in the Asia-Pacific region. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, expressed his appreciation for the great efforts made by the SMEWG in addressing the pressing and emerging concerns related to the growth and recovery of SMEs. "These efforts by the Working Group are particularly essential in the post-pandemic era, as new challenges and uncertainties remain ahead for SMEs. On the other hand, there are also numerous opportunities that will allow SMEs to flourish in the evolving business landscape. It is thus imperative to support SMEs in seizing these opportunities, and facilitate and foster their sustainable growth," Mr Yau stressed. Mr Yau added that Hong Kong, China was committed to supporting SMEs in their efforts to achieve a swift post-pandemic recovery and capitalise on new business opportunities. After the resumption of normalcy, Hong Kong, China has already staged several major international conferences and exhibitions, attracting tens of thousands of business travellers and tourists from around the globe. In her welcoming remarks on May 4 morning, the Director-General of Trade and Industry, Ms Maggie Wong, underscored the significance of SMEs as the backbone of the economies in the Asia-Pacific region, stressing the vital importance of their vitality and business performance. "With APEC economies' unwavering commitment to supporting SMEs, the Asia-Pacific region as a whole will remain a vibrant and thriving hub for SMEs' growth and prosperity," Ms Wong added. APEC is an intergovernmental forum comprising 21 economies in the Asia-Pacific region. The SMEWG is the main forum where APEC member economies exchange information, views, best practices and analysis concerning SMEs in the APEC region for the inclusive development of sustainable, resilient and innovative SMEs.