kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
SCED speaks on Hong Kong-Singapore Air Travel Bubble
4.5.2021

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, at a media session after attending an event today (May 4): Reporter: (On whether the epidemic situation will change the travel bubble arrangement between Hong Kong and Singapore.) Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: Under the agreed arrangement for the bilateral travel between Hong Kong and Singapore, we have additional safeguards built in. We will closely observe the trend and the situation. At the moment, I think Hong Kong is enjoying a relatively stable and low-risk situation. We have seen the number of cases, particularly those unlinked local cases, come down to a very low level. We hope this will be maintained. At the same time, we are also seeing Singapore, despite some cases, by and large staying within the range that we have agreed upon for the suspension or resumption. So, at the moment, we are keeping an eye on this development and see how things would go. The most recent agreement has additional built-in safeguards, including additional three-day observation on the daily number of unlinked local cases at a lower level, and the requirement to stay in the respective cities for 14 days before embarking on the travel bubble without counting the quarantine requirement for those passengers coming from a third place. All these are the measures that we have put in. Of course we will stay very alert. If circumstances go worse, we will see whether there is a need to adjust; if things are going smoothly, stably and safely, I think it is everybody's wish to have the scheme proceed as planned to be launched on May 26. Thank you. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SCED holds briefing session on improvements to electoral system of Hong Kong (with photos)
13.4.2021

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, today (April 13) briefed representatives from sectors including broadcasting, film, music and performing arts on the amended Annex I to the Basic Law on Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Annex II to the Basic Law on Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and its Voting Procedures as approved by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. At the meeting, Mr Yau reiterated the necessity and urgency of improving the electoral system, highlighting its importance to creating a stable business environment and ensuring Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. He called on attendees to fully support the relevant amendments. Mr Yau stressed that by improving the electoral system, the excessive politicisation in society and the internal rifts that have torn Hong Kong apart can be effectively mitigated, thereby enhancing the governance capability of the HKSAR. The HKSAR will then be able to focus on addressing economic and livelihood issues, and developing the economy to achieve long-term prosperity and stability through leveraging its unique advantages and the staunch support of the Central Authorities. In the past two weeks, Mr Yau has briefed various sectors, including the import and export, industrial, small and medium enterprises, tourism, hotel, wholesale and retail, textiles and garment, and publishing sectors, on the relevant amendments.
SCED meets with publishing sector on improvements to electoral system of Hong Kong (with photos)
12.4.2021

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, today (April 12) briefed representatives from the publishing sector on the amended Annex I to the Basic Law on Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Annex II to the Basic Law on Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and its Voting Procedures as approved by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. At the meeting, Mr Yau reiterated the necessity and urgency of improving the electoral system, highlighting its importance to creating a stable business environment and ensuring Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. He called on attendees to fully support the relevant amendments. Mr Yau stressed that by improving the electoral system, the excessive politicisation in society and the internal rifts that have torn Hong Kong apart can be effectively mitigated, thereby enhancing the governance capability of the HKSAR. The HKSAR will then be able to focus on addressing economic and livelihood issues, and developing the economy to achieve long-term prosperity and stability through leveraging its unique advantages and the staunch support of the Central Authorities. Mr Yau will brief sectors including the broadcasting, film, music and performing arts sectors on the relevant amendments tomorrow (April 13).
SCED meets with textiles and garment sector on improvements to electoral system of Hong Kong (with photos/video)
9.4.2021

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, today (April 9) briefed representatives from the textiles and garment sector on the amended Annex I to the Basic Law on Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Annex II to the Basic Law on Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and its Voting Procedures as approved by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. At the meeting, Mr Yau reiterated the necessity and urgency of improving the electoral system, highlighting its importance to creating a stable business environment and ensuring Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. He called on them to fully support the relevant amendments. Mr Yau stressed that by improving the electoral system, the excessive politicisation in society and the internal rifts that have torn Hong Kong apart can be effectively mitigated, thereby enhancing the governance capability of the HKSAR. The HKSAR will then be able to focus on addressing economic and livelihood issues, and developing the economy to achieve long-term prosperity and stability through leveraging its unique advantages and the staunch support of the Central Authorities. Mr Yau will give briefings for the telecommunications, broadcasting, film and performing arts, and publishing sectors on the relevant amendments next week.
SCED holds briefing session on improvements to electoral system of Hong Kong (with photos/video)
8.4.2021

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, today (April 8) briefed representatives from the wholesale and retail sector on the amended Annex I to the Basic Law on Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Annex II to the Basic Law on Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and its Voting Procedures as approved by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. At the meeting, Mr Yau reiterated the necessity and urgency of improving the electoral system, highlighting its importance to creating a stable business environment and ensuring Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. He called on them to fully support the relevant amendments. Mr Yau stressed that by improving the electoral system, the excessive politicisation in society and the internal rifts that have torn Hong Kong apart can be effectively mitigated, thereby enhancing the governance capability of the HKSAR. The HKSAR will then be able to focus on addressing economic and livelihood issues, and developing the economy to achieve long-term prosperity and stability through leveraging its unique advantages and the staunch support of the Central Authorities. Mr Yau will conduct more briefing sessions in the coming days for textiles and garment, telecommunications, broadcasting, film and performing arts, and publishing sectors respectively on the relevant amendments.
SCED briefs various sectors on improvements to electoral system of Hong Kong (with photos/video)
7.4.2021

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, today (April 7) hosted three sessions to brief representatives of small and medium enterprises and the tourism and hotel sectors on the amended Annex I to the Basic Law on Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Annex II to the Basic Law on Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and its Voting Procedures as approved by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. At the meeting, Mr Yau reiterated the necessity and urgency of improving the electoral system, highlighting its importance to creating a stable business environment and ensuring Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. He called on them to fully support the relevant amendments. Mr Yau stressed that by improving the electoral system, the excessive politicisation in society and the internal rifts that have torn Hong Kong apart can be effectively mitigated, thereby enhancing the governance capability of the HKSAR. The HKSAR will then be able to focus on addressing economic and livelihood issues, and developing the economy to achieve long-term prosperity and stability through leveraging its unique advantages and the staunch support of the Central Authorities. Mr Yau will conduct a number of such briefing sessions in the coming days to brief wholesale and retail, textiles and garment, telecommunications, broadcasting, film and performing arts and publishing sectors respectively on the relevant amendments.
SCED meets with industrial sector on improvements to electoral system of Hong Kong (with photos/video)
1.4.2021

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, today (April 1) briefed representatives of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries on the amended Annex I to the Basic Law on Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Annex II to the Basic Law on Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and its Voting Procedures as approved by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. At the meeting, Mr Yau reiterated the necessity and urgency of improving the electoral system, highlighting its importance on creating a stable business environment and ensuring Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. He called on different sectors of the community, including the industrial sector, to fully support the relevant amendments. Mr Yau stressed that establishing a political structure that upholds the "one country, two systems" principle, reflects the actual situation of Hong Kong and ensures "patriots administering Hong Kong" is the only way to fully safeguard the HKSAR's constitutional order established by the Constitution and the Basic Law, restore order from chaos, ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of "one country, two systems" and achieve the long-term stability and safety of Hong Kong. He said that by improving the electoral system, the excessive politicisation in society and the internal rifts that have torn Hong Kong apart can be effectively mitigated, thereby enhancing the governance capability of the HKSAR. The HKSAR will then be able to focus on addressing economic and livelihood issues, and developing the economy to achieve long-term prosperity and stability through leveraging its unique advantages and the staunch support of the Central Authorities. Mr Yau will conduct a number of such briefing sessions next week to brief various sectors on the relevant amendments, including small and medium enterprises, tourism, hotel, wholesale and retail, textiles and garment, telecommunications, broadcasting, film and performing arts, and publishing.
SCED briefs commercial and industrial sectors on improvements to electoral system of Hong Kong (with photos/videos)
31.3.2021

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, today (March 31) briefed representatives of the Hong Kong Chinese Importers' and Exporters' Association and the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong on the amended Annex I to the Basic Law on Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Annex II to the Basic Law on Method for the Formation of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and its Voting Procedures as approved by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. At the meeting, Mr Yau reiterated the necessity and urgency of improving the electoral system, highlighting its importance on creating a stable business environment and ensuring Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. He called on different sectors of the community, including the commercial and industrial sectors, to fully support the relevant amendments. Mr Yau stressed that establishing a political structure that upholds the "one country, two systems" principle, reflects the actual situation of Hong Kong and ensures "patriots administering Hong Kong" is the only way to fully safeguard the HKSAR's constitutional order established by the Constitution and the Basic Law, restore order from chaos, ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of "one country, two systems" and achieve the long-term stability and safety of Hong Kong. He said that by improving the electoral system, the excessive politicisation in society and the internal rifts that have torn Hong Kong apart can be effectively mitigated, thereby enhancing the governance capability of the HKSAR. The HKSAR will then be able to focus on addressing economic and livelihood issues, and developing the economy to achieve long-term prosperity and stability through leveraging its unique advantages and the staunch support of the Central Authorities. In the coming two weeks, Mr Yau will conduct a number of such briefing sessions to brief various sectors on the relevant amendments, including industrial, small and medium enterprises, tourism, hotel, wholesale and retail, textiles and garment, telecommunications, broadcasting, film and performing arts, and publishing.
Auction to be held for 325 MHz of spectrum in various frequency bands
30.3.2021

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (SCED) and the Communications Authority (CA) announced today (March 30) their decisions, made after carrying out public consultations, that a total of 325 MHz of spectrum in various frequency bands will be auctioned in the fourth quarter of this year. Interested parties may apply to participate in the auction. A spokesman for the CA said that among the 325 MHz of spectrum, there is 220 MHz of new spectrum in the 600 MHz, 700 MHz and 4.9 GHz bands, and 105 MHz of re-assigned spectrum in the 850 MHz and 2.5/2.6 GHz bands. The available spectrum will meet the needs of various innovative applications, in particular those for the fifth generation mobile (5G) services, in terms of speed, capacity and coverage. The arrangements for the above spectrum are summarised in the table in the Annex. The CA will provide details nearer the time of auction. The spectrum utilisation fee (SUF) will be determined by auction. The auction reserve prices will be set by the SCED nearer the time. To enable greater financial flexibility for spectrum assignees, the assignees are allowed to choose to pay the SUF either by lump sum payment up front or by annual instalments. For details about the decisions made by the SCED and the CA on individual frequency bands, please refer to the four joint statements issued today: For the 600/700 MHz bands: www.cedb.gov.hk/ccib/en/consultations-and-publications/consultation-papers/joint_statement_600_700MHz_2021.pdf www.coms-auth.hk/filemanager/statement/en/upload/558/600_700_mhz_statement.pdf For the 850 MHz band: www.cedb.gov.hk/ccib/en/consultations-and-publications/consultation-papers/joint_statement_850MHz_2021.pdf www.coms-auth.hk/filemanager/statement/en/upload/557/850_mhz_statement.pdf For the 2.5/2.6 GHz band: www.cedb.gov.hk/ccib/en/consultations-and-publications/consultation-papers/joint_statement_2.5_2.6GHz_2021.pdf www.coms-auth.hk/filemanager/statement/en/upload/556/2_5_2_6_ghz_statement.pdf For the 4.9 GHz band: www.cedb.gov.hk/ccib/en/consultations-and-publications/consultation-papers/joint_statement_4.9GHz_2021.pdf www.coms-auth.hk/filemanager/statement/en/upload/555/4_9_ghz_statement.pdf
Tourism Commission launches City in Time tourism project (with photos)
25.3.2021

The Tourism Commission today (March 25) launched the City in Time tourism project, which integrates augmented reality (AR) and multimedia technologies to present perfect combinations of historical panoramas and real-life surroundings. Together with lively animations and special sound effects, the project lets locals and tourists travel through time and enjoy enriched visual and audio experiences with their smartphones. To experience 360-degree historical panoramas featuring heritage photos or illustrations by young Hong Kong artists, locals and tourists can scan the AR markers installed at designated locations using their smartphones with the "City in Time" mobile app downloaded. The mobile app is also equipped with a selfie function that enables users to share their City in Time experience with their friends on social media platforms. They can also understand more about the history of Hong Kong by browsing photos and information of the iconic spots with the mobile app. "City in Time is a key project to promote cultural, creative and smart tourism, in which locals and tourists can enjoy a unique 360-degree AR experience easily with a dedicated mobile app along with redesigned visitor sign poles. Despite the disruptions to travel as a result of the epidemic, we will continue to strengthen the appeal of Hong Kong's attractions to prepare for the return of visitors by showcasing the city's distinctive culture and history," the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, said. The first phase of the City in Time project has been rolled out in seven designated locations in Central and six designated locations in Tsim Sha Tsui. The seven locations in Central are Edinburgh Place, Chater Road (near the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong), Des Voeux Road Central (near Chater Garden), Statue Square, Pedder Street (near World-Wide House), Hollywood Road (near PMQ) and Pottinger Street (near Tai Kwun), while the six locations in Tsim Sha Tsui are Kowloon Park Drive (near the YMCA of Hong Kong), Nathan Road (near the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers), Salisbury Garden, Salisbury Road (near the Hong Kong Cultural Centre), the Former Kowloon-Canton Railway Clock Tower and the Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront Promenade. The AR markers are installed on redesigned visitor sign poles at these locations. Each sign pole has a different colour combination to complement elements of local architecture and reflect the tastes of Hong Kong. The mobile app is available for free download at the Apple App Store and Google Play. Locals and tourists can also embark on virtual journeys on the City in Time website ( cityintime.hk ). The Yeung Kin Man Chair Professor of Media Art at the City University of Hong Kong, Professor Jeffrey Shaw, and his team were commissioned by the Tourism Commission to develop and produce the City in Time project, which will be gradually rolled out in other locations.
CEDB's internship programmes for youth achieving good progress
18.3.2021

Five more international chambers of commerce in Hong Kong will join the Future International Talent (FIT) programme organised by the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) and are ready to provide more job opportunities for young people apart from the six existing partner chambers. The five newly-joined chambers of commerce are the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Macao, the Dutch Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. In January this year, the CEDB launched the FIT programme and another internship programme, the Telecommunications Opportunities Programme (TOP), in collaboration with six international chambers of commerce in Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) respectively to create full-time entry-level job opportunities for young people in the creative industries and telecommunications sectors. Under the two programmes, the Government provides monthly salary subsidies under the Job Creation Scheme funded by the Anti-epidemic Fund at $5,610 per fresh graduate or to-be graduate with no work experience and $10,000 for young people with no more than five years of work experience, for a maximum of 12 months. "FIT and TOP provide much-needed job opportunities for our young people at this difficult time, offering them global perspectives and wider exposure through work. Thanks to the support and collaboration of the participating partner chambers and the HKFYG, the two programmes are proceeding well and making very good progress," the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, said today (March 18). "I am delighted to have five new partner chambers on board for FIT. I am confident that their comprehensive networks and knowledge of the trade will add to the success of the programme," he said. At present, 92 member companies of the existing partner chambers (viz. the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong; the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong; the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong; the German Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong; the Hong Kong Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry; and the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong) have offered a total of 160 job and internship positions. The companies concerned are now preparing for their respective recruitment exercises. For the new participating chambers, the CEDB has opened a second round of applications for their member companies ending on March 31 with a view to announcing the results by mid-April 2021 and commencing recruitment thereafter. The TOP programme is also achieving good progress since its launch. With the smooth execution by the HKFYG and support from over ten telecommunications-related companies, some 120 job vacancies in the telecommunications sector have been created so far. The participating companies are now conducting recruitment exercises and interns are expected to commence work from April 2021.