kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Chief Executive in Council approves Star Ferry&apos;s application for fare increases
8.12.2020

The Chief Executive in Council approved today (December 8) The "Star" Ferry Company, Limited (Star Ferry)'s application for fare increases for its two franchised ferry services, "Central-Tsim Sha Tsui" and "Wan Chai-Tsim Sha Tsui" (details of new fares in Annex). Star Ferry submitted an application for fare increases in April 2019, seeking to increase the fares of the two ferry services by $0.3 to $0.5 per trip (Note). When considering Star Ferry's application for fare increases, the Government had taken into account all factors including the financial position of the ferry operator; forecasts of changes in operating costs, revenue and return; past performance of the ferry operator in the provision of ferry services; public acceptability of the proposed fares, and measures implemented by the ferry operator to save costs and generate additional revenue. A Government spokesman said, "Star Ferry has suffered losses since 2018. As Star Ferry is a transport mode much preferred by visitors, in the fallout of public order events and the COVID-19 pandemic, its patronage and thus farebox revenue dropped significantly in 2019 and 2020, and would unlikely return to the previous level in the short-to-medium run. Moreover, since the last fare increase in July 2017, there was a continuous rise in Star Ferry's operating costs. In light of the uncertain economic situation, its non-farebox revenue (including rental and advertising income) could not be guaranteed. Therefore, there is a need for Star Ferry to adjust its fare." The spokesman continued, "On the other hand, the service performance of Star Ferry has all long been satisfactory. It has also been actively taking forward measures to enhance service, reduce costs and generate additional revenue, such as replacing pier facilities and rationalising fleet deployment. Notwithstanding its dire financial situation, Star Ferry continues to press ahead with its commitment to promote green ferry services by converting its franchised ferries to more environmental propulsion systems." The maximum fares that could be charged by Star Ferry are set out in the Ferry Services (The "Star" Ferry Company, Limited) (Determination of Fares) Order (Cap. 104C). The amendment will be tabled at the Legislative Council on December 16 for negative vetting. Upon completion of the procedures, the new fares will take effect from February 9, 2021. The Government consulted the Legislative Council Panel on Transport on December 20, 2019, and the Transport Advisory Committee on January 21, 2020, on Star Ferry's application for fare increases. Note: Taking all fare types into consideration, the average fare increase rate is around 16.5 per cent. Ends/Tuesday, December 8, 2020 Issued at HKT 18:18 NNNN
Chief Executive briefs international community on Policy Address
26.11.2020

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (November 26) met with members of the Consular Corps and the International Business Committee, briefing them on the 2020 Policy Address announced yesterday. More than 80 members attended. Mrs Lam began by referring to the details in the dedicated chapter on Upholding "One Country, Two Systems" in the Policy Address, and reiterated the importance of having a clear understanding of the constitutional order of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). She highlighted that the implementation of the National Security Law had restored stability in Hong Kong and stressed that individuals' rights and freedoms would continue to be upheld. "Hong Kong has all along been and will continue to be an international city. International connectivity is one of our key strengths, through which Hong Kong has developed into the international financial, trade and business centre it is today. This unique strength will also enable the HKSAR to play its role in the nation's 'dual circulation' economic strategy and integrate better into the national development. We are determined to strengthen our international connectivity in order to maintain our competitiveness." Mrs Lam elaborated on the seven major policy directions supported by the Central People's Government. She welcomed the overseas business community to take part in the many exciting opportunities, such as those arising from initiatives to enhance Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre, international aviation hub and international innovation and technology hub. "Since the announcement in the 2020 Policy Address of the HKSAR's pledge to strive to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050, we have received through our overseas Economic and Trade Offices very positive feedback from our international counterparts. The Environment Bureau will spare no time and efforts in drawing up more proactive strategies and measures to reduce carbon emissions, and we welcome experience sharing from overseas jurisdictions." Ends/Thursday, November 26, 2020 Issued at HKT 19:23 NNNN
Abolition of Doubled Ad Valorem Stamp Duty on non-residential property transactions
25.11.2020

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, announced today (November 25) in her Policy Address the introduction of amendments to the Stamp Duty Ordinance to abolish the Doubled Ad Valorem Stamp Duty (DSD) on non-residential property transactions, with effect from tomorrow (November 26) (the Effective Date). The Inland Revenue Department will revert the ad valorem stamp duty rates chargeable on non-residential property transactions to the Scale 2 rates on and after the Effective Date. DSD was introduced in 2013 against the backdrop of an overheating property market with hectic trading activities and soaring prices. The measure was necessary to dampen the demand for non-residential properties in order to maintain stability in the property market. As a result of the economic downturn and uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, prices and transactions for non-residential properties have eased noticeably for a period of time, signalling a slackening of market demand. The Government considers that now is the appropriate time to abolish DSD as a demand-side management measure. The abolition of DSD could facilitate selling of non-residential property by businesses that are encountering financial predicament or liquidity needs because of the economic downturn, mitigating the impact of the pandemic on Hong Kong’s economy and business activities. The Stamp Duty (Amendment) Bill 2020 (the Bill) gives effect to the abolition. To allow the relevant property owners to benefit from the abolition of DSD as soon as possible, the Chief Executive has made the Public Revenue Protection (Stamp Duty) Order 2020 (the Order) by exercising her statutory powers to give full force and effect of law to the Bill so long as the Order remains in force. The Order and the Bill will be published in the Gazette today and on November 27 respectively, and introduced into LegCo on December 2. Any instruments executed before the Effective Date remain chargeable to ad valorem stamp duty at the DSD rates. Ends/Wednesday, November 25, 2020 Issued at HKT 17:00 NNNN
Government provides additional support to tourism industry
25.11.2020

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, delivered "The Chief Executive's 2020 Policy Address" today (November 25) and announced the provision of close to $600 million of additional support to further help the tourism industry, which has been among the hardest hit by the pandemic, to tide the industry over the prolonged challenges in the future. Additional support measures include the following: (1) to provide each licensed travel agent with a cash subsidy; the subsidy level for travel agents with 10 staff members or less will be at a flat rate of $100,000 each; the subsidy level for travel agents with 11 staff members or more will be directly proportional to the number of staff members they have, using a subsidy level of $10,000 per staff member as the basis of calculation. Some 1 700 travel agents are expected to benefit from this measure; (2) to provide each travel agent's staff and freelance accredited tourist guide and tour escort whose main occupation is tourist guide and tour escort a one-off subsidy of $15,000. Some 19 000 persons are expected to benefit from this measure; and (3) to provide each driver of a tour service coach mainly serving tourists a one-off subsidy of $6,700. Some 3 400 drivers are expected to benefit from this measure. The disbursement arrangement of the above support measures will be announced in due course. Tourism is one of Hong Kong's pillar industries. According to a preliminary estimate, the tourism industry's share of GDP is around 4 per cent. In view of the proliferation of the pandemic around the world, cross-border travel has ground to a halt. The tourism industry has been one of the hardest hit sectors during the epidemic. Given the tourism industry will continue to face grave and prolonged challenges for quite some time in the future, the Government has decided to roll out additional relief measures for the industry. The Government introduced three rounds of Anti-epidemic Fund to provide financial support to the tourism industry, with a total commitment of around $1.76 billion. Coupled with other helping measures including the Travel Agents Incentive Scheme and the Green Lifestyle Local Tour Incentive Scheme rolled out earlier, as well as this round of additional measures, the Government has provided support to the tourism industry with a cumulative commitment of about $2.6 billion in total. The Government has also been making every effort to explore and identify business opportunities for the tourism industry, such as the conditional exemption for licensed travel agents to organise local group tours of not more than 30 persons (inclusive of working staff) under the group gathering restrictions as stipulated in the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G), which extended support to the tourism industry and practitioners of the related sectors (e.g. tourist guides and tour escorts, the transport trade and even the catering sector). Ends/Wednesday, November 25, 2020 Issued at HKT 13:30 NNNN
CE attends APEC Economic Leaders&apos; Meeting
20.11.2020

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2020 Economic Leaders' Meeting via video conferencing tonight (November 20), where she exchanged views with leaders of the other economies on fighting against COVID-19, boosting the economic recovery and promoting sustainable and inclusive development. The theme of APEC this year is "Optimising Human Potential towards a Resilient Future of Shared Prosperity: Pivot. Prioritise. Progress". Owing to the epidemic situation, this was the first virtual Economic Leaders' Meeting that has been held. It was hosted by the Prime Minister of Malaysia and Chair of APEC 2020, Mr Muhyiddin Yassin. Mrs Lam and leaders of the other economies were first briefed by the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Ms Kristalina Georgieva, on the global economic outlook after which followed the meeting. Noting in her remarks that COVID-19 has brought about unprecedented challenges to the world, Mrs Lam said that it is the duty of various economies to resolutely direct the fight against the virus and that in doing so, the decisions must be based on science and the interests of the people, rather than political considerations. She said that the disadvantaged are the ones who often suffer the most in difficult times and that governments should pay special attention to their needs. Pointing out that Hong Kong has operated in an open and transparent manner throughout the pandemic with the extensive use of innovative technology and continuous enhancement of virus testing, she said the results have been largely successful to date. Given the volatile development of the epidemic, the city has to stay vigilant, she said. Mrs Lam stressed that reviving the economy calls for co-operation among economies and that they must stand firm against unilateralism and protectionism. She congratulated the 15 member economies on the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which is a testament to free trade and regional co-operation. She said that as a separate customs territory and a member of the World Trade Organization, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region supports the principles of the Agreement. She expressed the hope that Hong Kong can join the Agreement early and appealed for the support of member economies. Mrs Lam and leaders of the other economies launched the Putrajaya Vision 2040. Noting that APEC's long-standing commitment to a rule-based, multilateral trading system fully reflects Hong Kong's belief in strong, sustainable and inclusive growth, she said she hopes that various economies would work collectively to embrace the Vision on the path to recovery. Ends/Friday, November 20, 2020 Issued at HKT 23:17 NNNN
Statement by CE
16.11.2020

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, was deeply saddened that the fire in Yau Ma Tei last night (November 15) caused a number of deaths and injuries. She has already instructed the relevant departments to do their utmost to save and care for the injured people and deal with the aftermath properly, including investigating the cause of the fire and the heavy casualty. Ends/Monday, November 16, 2020 Issued at HKT 0:29 NNNN
CE officiates at third day of 2020 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony
16.11.2020

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, presented honours and awards to 234 recipients at the third day of the 2020 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony at Government House today (November 16). Among the recipients, one received the Bronze Bauhinia Star and 233 the Chief Executive's Commendation for Government/Public Service. The 2020 Honours List was issued earlier on October 1 ( www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202010/01/P2020093000315.htm ). Ends/Monday, November 16, 2020 Issued at HKT 17:00 NNNN
CE officiates at second day of 2020 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony
15.11.2020

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, presented honours and awards to 185 recipients at the second day of the 2020 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony at Government House today (November 15). Among the recipients, 177 received the Chief Executive's Commendation for Community Service and 8 the Chief Executive's Commendation for Government/Public Service. The 2020 Honours List was issued earlier on October 1 ( www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202010/01/P2020093000315.htm ). Ends/Sunday, November 15, 2020 Issued at HKT 18:15 NNNN
CE officiates at first day of 2020 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony
14.11.2020

The 2020 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony is being held at the ballroom of Government House starting from today (November 14) for three consecutive days. The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, presented honours and awards to 220 recipients at the first day of the Ceremony. Among the recipients, 4 received the Grand Bauhinia Medal, 12 the Gold Bauhinia Star, 4 the Medal for Bravery (Gold) (three were family members of respective recipients), 16 the Silver Bauhinia Star, 7 the Medal for Bravery (Silver), 14 the Distinguished Service Medal for the disciplined services and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), 36 the Bronze Bauhinia Star, and 8 the Medal for Bravery (Bronze). In addition, 45 recipients received the Meritorious Service Medal for the disciplined services and the ICAC, and 74 the Medal of Honour. The 2020 Honours List was issued earlier on October 1 ( www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202010/01/P2020093000315.htm ). Ends/Saturday, November 14, 2020 Issued at HKT 19:00 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by Acting CE at media session before ExCo meeting
10.11.2020

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting this morning (November 10): Reporter: Referring to the report saying that the NPCSC will take steps to disqualify several pro-democracy lawmakers, can you just confirm, does the Government know anything about it? And also if that's true, what could be the legal basis of such action and will the Government be involved in handling the matter? And also if that's true, is Beijing and Hong Kong Government basically turning LegCo into a rubber stamp and that it will no longer allow any dissent in LegCo, and if that's true what sort of impression do you think this will give to the international society about Hong Kong? And secondly, the US has imposed sanctions on four more Mainland and Hong Kong officials, saying they have helped dismantle Hong Kong's freedoms and threaten the city's autonomy. What's the Government's stance? Do you have any response to that? Thank you. Acting Chief Executive: On the first question I did answer it in Chinese already that we don't comment, we're not in a position to comment on speculative reports in the media, so I'm afraid you'll have to excuse us at this stage, you know, we have nothing to offer, nothing to comment. On the second question about US sanctions against four officials, two from the Mainland Government and two from Hong Kong, we've stated our position clearly when the first batch of officials were sanctioned, that is absolutely unacceptable, this is absolutely unacceptable. This is blatant, this is grossly outrageous - I would use the word "barbaric" - interference in Hong Kong's internal affairs, of course, in our Motherland's internal affairs, in the Central People's Government's internal affairs. Absolutely unreasonable, unacceptable and, you know, we are doing our job to protect, safeguard Hong Kong in national security, in the nation's security, absolutely it's incumbent on Hong Kong officials to do that, incumbent on Hong Kong people to safeguard national security. It's our obligation, we are obliged to do it, we should do it. So we are not going to be intimidated by any of these actions. In fact this is clearly breaching international practice, apart from international law, alright. So, my comment is very simple, that this action is entirely unacceptable, outrageous, and I would use the word "barbaric" - interference in Hong Kong's internal affairs. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, November 10, 2020 Issued at HKT 12:30 NNNN
CE expresses sorrow over passing of Mr Payson Cha
9.11.2020

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (November 9) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mr Payson Cha. "Mr Cha was a successful businessman, achieving excellence in various areas, and was held in high regard in the business sector. He was also committed to social services. He was the Chairman of the Board of the Ocean Park Corporation, and appointed as an independent non-executive director to Hongkong International Theme Parks Limited to tender advice on the development of the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, making tremendous contributions to the development of tourism and the economy in Hong Kong over the years. He also served on the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, contributing to the advancement of the country. "I am saddened by the passing of Mr Cha. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Monday, November 9, 2020 Issued at HKT 11:03 NNNN
CE to visit Macao
7.11.2020

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will depart for Macao in the afternoon on Monday (November 9) to attend the opening ceremony of the First Conference of the International Science, Technology and Innovation Forum of Boao Forum for Asia the next day where she will deliver a speech. The Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Alfred Sit, and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will join the visit. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong in the afternoon on November 10. During her absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be the Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Saturday, November 7, 2020 Issued at HKT 14:34 NNNN
CE to visit Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen
2.11.2020

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will visit Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen from tomorrow (November 3) to Saturday (November 7). The Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan; the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan; the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Alfred Sit; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will join the visit. Mrs Lam will depart for Beijing via Shenzhen tomorrow afternoon. She will hold meetings with relevant ministries during her stay in Beijing. She will depart for Guangzhou in the evening on November 6 and will meet with the leaders of Guangdong Province and Shenzhen in Guangzhou and Shenzhen respectively the next day to discuss how to take forward the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development and Hong Kong-Shenzhen co-operation. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong in the evening on November 7. During her absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be the Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Monday, November 2, 2020 Issued at HKT 14:15 NNNN
CE exchanges views with major chambers of commerce and professional bodies on Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development
30.10.2020

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, held a meeting via video conferencing with representatives of major chambers of commerce and several professional bodies in the afternoon today (October 30) to exchange views with them on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)’s participation in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and better integration into the overall development of the nation to prepare for her visit to Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen next week. In addition to Mrs Lam, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; and the Under Secretary for Development, Mr Liu Chun-san, also attended the meeting. More than 10 representatives from local chambers of commerce and professional bodies in relation to construction, finance and arbitration joined via video conferencing. Mrs Lam welcomed the participation of the representatives of various bodies to give their views further to their attendance at the 2020 Policy Address consultation sessions earlier. This shows that all of them are dedicated to working towards Hong Kong's economic recovery and attach great importance to the opportunities brought about by Hong Kong's integration into the overall development of the nation, she said. The participants put forward to Mrs Lam a number of proposals to boost the flows of people, goods and capital within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and expressed the hope that there would be more facilitation measures for access of Hong Kong enterprises and professionals to the Mainland market in the future. Most of the participants said that they looked forward to the early implementation of cross-boundary travel between the people of the two places with exemption from compulsory quarantine, thereby allowing the gradual resumption of necessary commercial activities. Mrs Lam said that Hong Kong, with unique advantages, will continue to strengthen its competitiveness. She will strive for more measures that would help enhance the economic integration of the Mainland and Hong Kong to enable the Hong Kong economy to regain momentum. Ends/Friday, October 30, 2020 Issued at HKT 22:17 NNNN