kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
SCED: Unimpeded trade solution to economic recovery (with photos)
9.11.2021

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, highlighted the significance of unimpeded trade as the solution to global economic recovery at the virtual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting held in the evening yesterday (November 8) and today (November 9). Citing Hong Kong's record highs in trade and investment in recent years, Mr Yau pointed out that the remarkable results achieved by Hong Kong demonstrated that free and open trade and investment is the impetus of growth amid global and regional economic challenges. He called on APEC member economies to stand against protectionism by taking concrete steps to strengthen the rules-based multilateral trading system, with a view to delivering a more open, reliable and predictable trade environment for a robust economic recovery in the region. Mr Yau lauded the smooth and swift ratifications of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) for full implementation by January 1, 2022, saying that high-standard free trade agreements are key to trade-supported recovery. He reiterated Hong Kong's readiness to join with RCEP members in extending this important trade agreement among like-minded economies, and to accelerate progress towards the realisation of Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific. The Ministerial Meeting focused on measures to support and accelerate economic recovery as the world emerges from the pandemic. Mr Yau stressed that international collaboration is of paramount importance in charting the roadmap to a sustainable and inclusive recovery. On sustainable growth, he shared Hong Kong's green initiatives to facilitate a strong, sustainable and inclusive economic recovery, including the recently announced Hong Kong Climate Action Plan 2050 and the development of green finance. He urged member economies to work together on trade and economic policies that could contribute to tackling climate change and environmental challenges for a green recovery. Noting that the new normal in the post-pandemic era will be technology-driven, Mr Yau reiterated Hong Kong's support for extending the World Trade Organization's moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmission in the upcoming 12th Ministerial Conference. The moratorium will provide an enabling environment for the development of the digital economy, which will be a powerful engine of economic growth in the post-COVID-19 era. Furthermore, Mr Yau said that Hong Kong will continue to promote the use of online dispute resolution (ODR) and the implementation of the APEC Collaborative Framework for ODR in the Asia-Pacific region as a concrete initiative to facilitate the participation of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the digital economy. Following the meeting, a joint ministerial statement that represents APEC's renewed commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in pursuing a resilient and sustainable long-term recovery from the pandemic will be issued.
Hong Kong participates actively in fourth China International Import Expo (with photos)
5.11.2021

The fourth China International Import Expo (CIIE) is being held starting from today (November 5) at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. About 240 Hong Kong enterprises participate in it to promote a wide array of quality Hong Kong products and services to exhibitors and buyers from around the world. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, said, "The CIIE is an important platform for Hong Kong enterprises to explore the domestic market. Hong Kong has been participating in it since its launch in 2018. The number of participating Hong Kong enterprises has increased from over 160 in the first edition to about 240 this year, up by 50 per cent, reflecting that Hong Kong enterprises attach great importance to the market potential of the Mainland and the golden opportunity presented by the CIIE to reach new clients." Among the participating Hong Kong enterprises this year, 57 of them showcase their products and services at the Hong Kong Services Zone and the Hong Kong Product Zone set up by Hong Kong Trade Development Council at the CIIE venue. These include food, logistics, infrastructure and construction, design, licensing, information and communication technologies, innovative technologies and professional services. The Hong Kong Services Zone, under the theme "Channelling Global Business through Hong Kong", highlights the opportunities and role of Hong Kong under the National 14th Five-Year Plan. The exhibition area of Invest Hong Kong in the Zone underlines Hong Kong's advantages and role as a connecting platform under the national dual circulation strategy, while that of Hong Kong Tourism Board promotes Hong Kong's diverse tourism appeals. "As our country's development has progressed to a new pattern of domestic and international dual circulation, Hong Kong's role has evolved in tandem to become a connecting platform under the national dual circulation strategy, channelling international flow of merchandise trade, logistics, services, talents, capitals, investments, collaborations, etc. with our country. Hong Kong can help Mainland enterprises enter overseas markets, and at the same time help bring in global products to meet the demand of the huge Mainland market," said Mr Yau. Furthermore, in response to the China International Import Expo Bureau's invitation, Hong Kong also participates in the people-to-people and cultural exchange comprehensive image exhibition for the first time to introduce the diverse intangible cultural heritage of Hong Kong. Hong Kong young people who are studying in the Eastern China region are invited to serve as volunteers to receive visitors at the Hong Kong exhibition area. The CIIE will run for six days until November 10.
SCED continues to brief foreign chambers of commerce on Hong Kong's business outlook
29.10.2021

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, continued to brief foreign chambers of commerce in Hong Kong on the city's business outlook and initiatives in "The Chief Executive's 2021 Policy Address" today (October 29). Attending a business luncheon organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong, Mr Yau said that the local economy is on the track of recovery alongside the improving global economic conditions and the receding local epidemic. For the first half of 2021 as a whole, real GDP grew by 7.8 per cent year on year. In respect of trade, Hong Kong's global ranking in terms of total merchandise trade value rose to sixth place last year. The value of Hong Kong's total merchandise trade also hit a record high of $7,433.7 billion for the first nine months of this year. Furthermore, according to the results of the two latest annual surveys conducted by Invest Hong Kong and the Census and Statistics Department, the number of business operations in Hong Kong with parent companies overseas or in the Mainland reached 9 049 and the number of start-ups in Hong Kong was 3 755 in 2021, both reaching record highs. These figures demonstrate that Hong Kong's business outlook remains stable and vibrant. Mr Yau noted that Hong Kong is a free and open economy with a robust legal system, a highly internationalised business environment and a superior geographic location, making it an ideal gateway for business and investment in Mainland China and the Asia-Pacific region. Hong Kong will continue to strive to help businesses, both local and international, grasp the tremendous opportunities arising from the development of Mainland China as well as its integration with the region and the global market. The Indian business community in Hong Kong can also make the best use of the city's international platform to open up markets. In 2020, India was Hong Kong's ninth largest trading partner, while the total merchandise trade between Hong Kong and India amounted to $154.8 billion. Hong Kong is also an important entrep&ocirc;t for merchandise trade between India and the Mainland of China. Re-export trade between the two economies through Hong Kong amounted to $77.3 billion in 2020.
SCED briefs European Union trade commissioners and chambers of commerce on business outlook and Policy Address (with photos)
19.10.2021

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, updated the European Union (EU) trade commissioners and representatives of European chambers of commerce in Hong Kong on the city's business outlook and initiatives related to commerce and trade in "The Chief Executive's 2021 Policy Address" at a business breakfast organised by the EU Office to Hong Kong and Macao today (October 19). Mr Yau said that the EU is one of Hong Kong's largest trading partners in goods and services, and has established close trade relations with Hong Kong over the years. He noted that Hong Kong is a free and open economy with a robust legal system and a highly internationalised business environment. Being an ideal gateway for business and investment in Mainland China and the Asia Pacific region, Hong Kong will continue to strive to help businesses, both local and international, grasp the tremendous opportunities arising from the development of Mainland China as well as its integration with the region and the global market. Mr Yau cited the results of the two latest annual surveys conducted by Invest Hong Kong and the Census and Statistics Department to demonstrate the vibrant business environment of Hong Kong. The number of business operations in Hong Kong with parent companies overseas or in the Mainland reached 9 049 and the number of start-ups in Hong Kong was 3 755 in 2021, both reaching record highs. These figures demonstrate fully that despite the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, Hong Kong remains an ideal place for companies to set up or expand their businesses, and for start-ups to flourish. Hong Kong's trade performance displayed resilience despite the COVID-19 epidemic. Last year, Hong Kong's global ranking in terms of total merchandise trade value rose to sixth place. Benefitting from stable supply chains maintained through effective control of the epidemic in the Mainland, the value of Hong Kong's total merchandise trade has rebounded since the fourth quarter of last year and hit a record high of $6,509.9 billion for the first eight months of this year. Mr Yau also highlighted the support measures for the convention and exhibition (C&E) industry in the Policy Address. The validity period of the Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme has been extended for six months to the end of 2022. Funds have also been allocated under the Scheme to provide one-off immediate relief to eligible private exhibition organisers. In the long run, the Government will expand C&E facilities. The meeting also provided an opportunity for participants to have an informal and open exchange on various issues of interest to the EU business community. Mr Yau will continue to brief representatives of a foreign chamber of commerce on initiatives related to commerce and trade in the Policy Address tomorrow (October 20).
SCED briefs members-elect of Election Committee Textiles and Garment Subsector on Policy Address initiatives (with photos)
11.10.2021

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, today (October 11) met with members-elect of the Election Committee Textiles and Garment Subsector to brief them on initiatives related to commerce and trade in "The Chief Executive's 2021 Policy Address" and exchange views on the development of the industry. Noting that the nation is the major growth engine and driving force for the global economy, Mr Yau said that the14th Five-Year Plan, the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the Plan for Comprehensive Deepening Reform and Opening Up of the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Co-operation Zone, the economic development pattern of not only greater domestic circulation but also domestic and international dual circulation, as well as the Belt and Road Initiative, have brought unlimited opportunities for enterprises and professional services providers in Hong Kong. Hong Kong must seize these opportunities and leverage its advantages. Mr Yau said that the Government would seek more liberalisation measures for Hong Kong enterprises under the framework of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, as well as work with Mainland organisations to attract foreign investment and promote multilateral co-operation along the Belt and Road to explore overseas markets under the national strategy of dual circulation. He also highlighted the support measures for small and medium-sized exporters and the convention and exhibition (C&E) industry in the Policy Address. He noted that despite adversity, the total value of Hong Kong's merchandise trade rose to the sixth place in the world last year and hit a record high in the first eight months of this year. Against this background, the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation will roll out a number of measures to strengthen support for small and medium-sized exporters, including launching the Export Credit Guarantee Scheme on a pilot basis early next year, offering a more flexible indemnity ratio to enhance insurance coverage and expediting credit limit approval, so that the exporters will be in a better position to secure orders and market share. The C&E industry is crucial to Hong Kong as an international trade centre. To help the industry cope with the challenges brought about by the prolonged epidemic, the validity period of the Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme has been extended for six months to the end of 2022. Funds have also been allocated under the Scheme to provide one-off immediate relief to eligible private exhibition organisers with a view to enhancing confidence in staging C&E events in Hong Kong and injecting impetus into the trade. In the long run, the Government will expand C&E facilities. Mr Yau will brief representatives of a foreign chamber of commerce on major initiatives in the Policy Address tomorrow (October 12).
Hong Kong's start-up ecosystem to unlock potential for German businesses (with photo)
7.10.2021

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, today (October 7) shared his insights with start-up and business professionals from Germany on the strengths and benefits that Hong Kong can offer to the German start-up community at a webinar organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin. Mr Yau and the President of the German Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong (GCCHK), Mr Bjoern Lindner, gave keynote speeches at the event. Mr Yau reassured participants that despite the disruption brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Hong Kong will remain a reliable partner for the German business community with a strong track record as an international business and investment centre, citing various rankings of Hong Kong by renowned international institutions, such as the Canada-based Fraser Institute, which has named Hong Kong the freest economy in the world annually since 1996, the World Bank Group's Doing Business 2020 Report that ranks the city as the world's No. 3 in the category "Ease of Doing Business", and the World Investment Report 2021 by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development that ranks Hong Kong as the third largest recipient of foreign direct investment in 2020. Mr Yau highlighted the enormous potential of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) for foreign direct investment. With a consumer market of a total population of over 86 million and home to many of China's most innovative businesses, high-end manufacturing, research and development facilities, the GBA is a strong advantage for Hong Kong. "Hong Kong has been a perfect testing ground and launch pad for start-ups, with everything a start-up needs: funding, markets, infrastructure, talent, a simple tax regime and a business-friendly environment," said Mr Yau, summing up Hong Kong's strengths. With various measures in place to nurture the economy, including the start-up scene, the number of start-ups in 2021 was 3 755, up an impressive 68.5 per cent over 2017. "I hope and I am confident that more German start-ups will join us in creating opportunities and values," Mr Yau added. Supported by the GCCHK, Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the webinar is a satellite event of the AsiaBerlin Summit 2021 to bring together communities within the start-up ecosystems across Asia and Berlin on a collective platform.
Numbers of overseas and Mainland companies and start-ups in Hong Kong reach record high
7.10.2021

According to the latest results of annual surveys, the number of business operations in Hong Kong with parent companies overseas or in the Mainland has risen to 9 049 and the number of start-ups in Hong Kong has increased to 3 755 in 2021, both reaching record highs. The record high figures demonstrate fully that Hong Kong's business environment remains favourable, which makes Hong Kong an ideal place for companies to set up or expand their businesses. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, said, "Despite the social and economic challenges faced by Hong Kong over the past two years, Hong Kong remained resilient and maintained our unique advantages and attractiveness to the international and Mainland business community. The start-up community in Hong Kong has also flourished with impressive growth in numbers. With these remarkable achievements, the Government will continue to strengthen efforts in investment promotion with a view to attracting more overseas and Mainland companies to do business in Hong Kong, and strive to nurture start-ups, with a view to injecting new impetus into our economy." According to the 2021 Annual Survey of Companies in Hong Kong with Parent Companies Located outside Hong Kong, jointly conducted by Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Census and Statistics Department, the number of overseas and Mainland companies in Hong Kong increased by 10 per cent from 8 225 in 2017 to 9 049 in 2021. The 9 049 companies comprised 1 457 operating as regional headquarters, 2 483 as regional offices and 5 109 as local offices. In terms of jobs, the total number of people engaged by the overseas and Mainland companies reached 473 000, up by 7 per cent compared to 443 000 in 2017. In terms of source country/territory, the Mainland ranked first with 2 080 companies, followed by Japan (1 388), the United States (1 267), the United Kingdom (667) and Singapore (449). By sector, import/export trade, wholesale and retail topped the list (4 294), followed by financing and banking (1 728) and professional, business and education services (1 361). In addition, results of the 2021 Annual Startup Survey conducted by InvestHK showed that Hong Kong's start-up scene remained vibrant, with the number of start-ups increasing by 68.5 per cent from the 2017 figure to 3 755. These start-ups engaged 13 804 persons, up by 118 per cent compared to 2017's figure. They spanned different business sectors, such as financial technology, e-commerce, supply chain management and logistics technology, as well as professional or consultancy services.
SCED speaks on film censorship regulatory framework (with video)
24.8.2021

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, on the film censorship regulatory framework at a media session with the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Creative Industries), Mr Clement Leung, today (August 24): Reporter: I would like to know how do you determine the red line? What is contrary to the interests of the national security? Is there any guideline for the industry? The amendments empower the Chief Secretary for Administration to direct the Film Censorship Authority to revoke certificates previously issued for films if the exhibition would be against national security interests. So does that mean this amendment can apply retrospectively, like a film got a green light to be played five years ago might not be played in Hong Kong again? Does that mean Hong Kong can no longer watch films like "Ten Years" or like "è¡¨å§, å¦³å¥½å¢!" ("Her Fatal Ways")? The third question, is the amendment stripping away the appeal process available to filmmakers? Is it fair when filmmakers would only have the choice to take matters to the court? Thank you. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: For the first question, I think the legislative amendment does not change the film censorship system. Basically, for films, for public viewing, for exhibition, it will still be subject to the same system where they can send in a copy for consideration, categorisation, grading or other conditions to be imposed. Of course, with the enactment of the National Security Law (NSL) and also the update of the administrative guidelines issued in June, we have, in fact, given much clearer guidelines regarding the application of national security consideration in the film censorship processes. So, the main reference, of course, is the NSL and we have to go into more detail in covering, for instance, acts or activities which might endorse, support, promote, glorify, encourage and incite activities that might endanger national security. As to your second question, the empowerment given to the Chief Secretary (for Administration) is to revoke certain certificates which have been approved before. We need this provision to cater for circumstances that there might be chances that a film, which was graded or approved before, but given the new law enacted and the new guidelines issued, needs to be reconsidered. We need such legal power to cater for such circumstances. Your last question (is about) the appeal. The appeal mechanism still exists because it is still in the law. We have not and are not going to make any changes to that part of the appeal. That means administrative decisions would still be subject to the review board, except in the circumstances where such cases involve national security - then we will disapply the power given to the board for obvious reasons which we have explained. But still, I think all administrative decisions taken in Hong Kong's system would be subject to judicial review as usual. Thank you. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)