kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Arrangement for Hong Kong-Macao cross-boundary goods vehicles using the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge to implement
7.8.2023

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region today (August 7) announced the implementation of the arrangement for Hong Kong-Macao cross-boundary goods vehicles using the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), following the discussions and agreement made between the governments of Hong Kong and Macao. The cross-boundary logistics transfer facility at the HZMB Macao Port (the Macao Port transfer facility) will start operation tomorrow (August 8). Hong Kong goods vehicles can transport goods from Hong Kong to the Macao Port transfer facility using the HZMB, as well as transport goods from Macao back to Hong Kong. Macao goods vehicles can transport goods to the logistics facilities at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) via the HZMB, as well as transport goods from Hong Kong back to Macao. This arrangement will provide greater convenience for the trade to transport goods between Hong Kong and Macao. Not only does it facilitate the business development of various industries in Hong Kong, it can also benefit the general public with easier and faster delivery of goods. Besides, the clientele of the logistics facilities of the HKIA can also be expanded with the usage by the Macao goods vehicles. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said, "The relevant Hong Kong-Macao cross-boundary goods vehicle arrangement is an essential measure conducive to facilitating the exchanges between the two places and within the Greater Bay Area, stimulating the economic activities and enhancing integration. It is also a new important initiative to strengthen the logistics facilities of the two places, thereby bringing more convenience and greater benefits to the cross-boundary goods transportation between Hong Kong and Macao which mainly rely on sea transport currently. The governments of the two places have signed an agreement on the arrangement for Hong Kong-Macao cross-boundary goods vehicles." The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, said, "Hong Kong goods vehicles going to the Macao Port transfer facility via the HZMB will enjoy an exemption of the Macao business tax registration and taxes for vehicle circulation; and Hong Kong drivers are also exempted from obtaining the Macao driving licence. The initial daily cap for Hong Kong goods vehicles travelling to Macao is set at around 400 trips. The Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Liu Chun-san, today visited the Macao Port transfer facility with the representatives of various trucking industry associations and goods vehicle drivers associations, with a view to enabling the trade to understand more about the Macao Port transfer facility as well as the operational procedures for Hong Kong goods vehicles travelling to Macao. The governments of Hong Kong and Macao will continue to work closely to further promote the logistics business development as well as economic and trade exchanges, thereby facilitating exchange between the two places and maximising the function of the HZMB. Ends/Monday, August 7, 2023 Issued at HKT 21:03 NNNN
CE meets Secretary of CPC Jiangmen Municipal Committee
1.8.2023

​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met the Secretary of the CPC Jiangmen Municipal Committee, Mr Chen Anming, today (August 1) to exchange views on deepening Hong Kong's co-operation with Jiangmen. The Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip, also attended the meeting. Mr Lee welcomed Mr Chen's visit to Hong Kong with his delegation. He said that Hong Kong proactively promotes and strengthens its co-operation with Jiangmen, as well as other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to achieve complementarity and mutual benefits, contributing to the construction of an international first-class bay area for living, working and travelling. Noting that Hong Kong has strong capabilities in scientific research while the advanced manufacturing of Jiangmen has been developing rapidly, Mr Lee said he looked forward to the continued deepening of collaboration among the industry, academia and research sectors, promoting the transformation of technological outcomes, and strengthening the linkage of innovation and technology between the two places. Mr Lee said that he had led a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation to visit three member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), namely Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia last week, where he introduced Hong Kong's unique advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under "one country, two systems" to local political and business communities, and encouraged ASEAN enterprises to explore the GBA market and expand their businesses in Hong Kong and other bay area cities by making good use of Hong Kong's professional services and financing platform. Ends/Tuesday, August 1, 2023 Issued at HKT 18:00 NNNN
Policy Address consultation launched
31.7.2023

​The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region today (July 31) launched a public consultation for the Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will deliver his second Policy Address on October 25. "My team and I, with the people of Hong Kong, have come out of the pandemic in the past year. We have been carefully listening to the voices from the people along the way and implementing concrete measures to further improve governance, create strong impetus for growth, address people's concerns and difficulties in daily life as well as uniting the community, so as to build a better Hong Kong together," Mr Lee said. "Looking ahead, we will continue to work tirelessly and proactively to integrate into the overall development of the country. We will leverage Hong Kong's unique advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, with a view to better serving Hong Kong citizens and fostering the city's development. "I earnestly invite members of the public to give your views on the 2023 Policy Address. My team and I will continue to listen carefully to your views and do our utmost for the people's livelihood and the economy. We will seek to increase people's confidence through actions, narrow the gaps with concrete results and build mutual trust through achievements. Together, let's make Hong Kong a better home." The Government will conduct more than 30 consultation sessions to listen to views and suggestions of the Legislative Council Members, representatives of various sectors and members of the public. Mr Lee and his governing team will also conduct district visits to meet with members of the public and representatives of different sectors to gather views through multiple channels. Starting from today, members of the public can give their views through the Policy Address website ( www.policyaddress.gov.hk ), via the dedicated Facebook page for the Policy Address public consultation (www.facebook.com/PolicyAddress2023), or by email ( policyaddress@cepu.gov.hk ), phone (2432 1899) or fax (2537 9083). Ends/Monday, July 31, 2023 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
APEC rules and usual practice should be followed by US as host in inviting CE to attend AELM
28.7.2023

In response to media enquiries about a story published by the Washington Post quoting so-called sources that the United States (US) has decided to bar the Chief Executive (CE) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) from attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM), the HKSAR Government today (July 28) pointed out once again that the US is obliged to fulfill its basic responsibilities as a host to follow the rules and usual practice of APEC and invite the CE to attend the meeting in his capacity of the leader of Hong Kong, China. APEC has its standing rules and conventions for hosting meetings. According to the Guidelines for Hosting APEC Meetings, leaders of APEC member economies will be invited to attend the AELM. A host has the responsibilities to issue letters of invitation to APEC leaders and facilitate their attendance of the AELM. APEC meetings do not belong to any country or economy, and APEC has its rules and conventions. Any host will have the responsibilities to invite members to participate according to these rules and conventions. The HKSAR Government has publicly stated the above position on multiple occasions. Ends/Friday, July 28, 2023 Issued at HKT 10:39 NNNN
CE arrives in Kuala Lumpur to meet Prime Minister of Malaysia
27.7.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, led a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) delegation and arrived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, today (July 27). He met with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and had exchanges with leaders of local commercial and industrial sectors. In the morning, Mr Lee met with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Noting that Malaysia is Hong Kong's ninth-largest trading partner and the third-largest among member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Mr Lee said that the bilateral trade in goods between the two places last year recorded a year-on-year increase of seven per cent, reaching US$28.1 billion. He added that the HKSAR Government will further strengthen co-operation and exchanges with Malaysia in such areas as commerce and trade, investment, innovation and technology, as well as culture and tourism. He also expressed his gratitude to Malaysia for supporting Hong Kong's accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Mr Lee expressed to the Prime Minister that he welcomed and thanked the Malaysia Government's extension of the visa-free entry period for HKSAR passport holders to Malaysia from up to one month to 90 days. He said that such an arrangement provides greater entry facilitation for HKSAR passport holders to Malaysia and will further enhance the connections and mutual benefits between the two places. Mr Lee then attended a luncheon hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Malaysia, Mr Ouyang Yujing. Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Ouyang and the Embassy for the thoughtful arrangements for this visit and the support to the HKSAR Government's efforts to strive for early accession to the RCEP. In the evening, the delegation led by Mr Lee attended a dinner banquet with members of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia. Addressing the dinner, Mr Lee said that there is immense potential for strengthening co-operation between Hong Kong and Malaysia in the areas of trade, investment and beyond. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta will continue to work closely with the Chamber and the local business community to enhance bilateral relationships. Mr Lee will continue his visit programme in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow (July 28). He will visit local enterprises and attend a business luncheon jointly organised by the HKSAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to exchange views with local business leaders. Ends/Thursday, July 27, 2023 Issued at HKT 19:30 NNNN
CE continues visit in Jakarta, Indonesia
26.7.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, led a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) delegation to continue their visit in Jakarta, Indonesia, today (July 26). He visited the Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Railway, a key project under the Belt and Road Initiative. He also visited local major enterprises and attended a business luncheon to exchange views with local business leaders. In the morning, Mr Lee visited the local office of a Hong Kong insurance company, FWD Group, to understand its business development in Indonesia. Noting that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is Hong Kong's second-largest trading partner, and its market is continuously growing, Mr Lee expressed his hope that the Group could share its successful experience with other Hong Kong enterprises seeking to enter the ASEAN market. Later, Mr Lee visited an Indonesian conglomerate, Lippo Group, to learn about its developments in areas such as real estate, telecommunications and financial services. He introduced the latest economic developments of Hong Kong to the Group's representatives and encouraged them to further invest in Hong Kong and the Mainland. At noon, the delegation led by Mr Lee attended a business luncheon jointly organised by the HKSAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Addressing about 200 representatives of the Government and business leaders of Indonesia, Mr Lee introduced in his keynote speech Hong Kong's advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under "one country, two systems" and the latest development opportunities. Government departments, enterprises and institutions of Hong Kong and Indonesia also signed 15 memoranda of understanding and agreements in such areas as trading and commerce, finance, logistics, maritime services, professional services, exchange of meteorological information, and co-operation in aerospace technology. In the afternoon, the delegation led by Mr Lee visited the Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Railway to learn about the latest developments of the project. He said that the railway, which connects Jakarta and Bandung, the capital of West Java Province and the third-largest city of Indonesia, is a key project of the Belt and Road Initiative. He also said that the railway, which will be commissioned in August, bears a special meaning as this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to ASEAN, Ms Hou Yanqi. Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to the Mission of the PRC to ASEAN for its continuous support to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta, and for its assistance in promoting Hong Kong's early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Mr Lee will depart for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, tomorrow (July 27) morning to continue his visit programme and will meet with local political and business leaders. Ends/Wednesday, July 26, 2023 Issued at HKT 20:30 NNNN
2023 youthfest@HK programme officially kicks off
26.7.2023

The Acting Chief Executive, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (July 26) officiated at the 2023 youthfest@HK (festival) Kick-off Ceremony to unveil a series of exciting and diversified youth activities. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Chan remarked that since the current-term Government took office, it has attached great importance to youth development, and released the first edition of the Youth Development Blueprint (Blueprint) last year. One of the key projects of the Blueprint is the festival. Bringing together the strength of the Government and different sectors of the community, the festival engages young people to enhance their knowledge, realise their potential, share experience and enrich their lives through various activities. The theme of the festival is "Positive Thinking", and the slogan is "Ignite Youth Power". Mr Chan said that young people are the future, hope and pillars of Hong Kong, and they are also the engine that drives the long-term development of society and the economy. Cultivating positive thinking from an early age is very important for their growth and success. While ups and downs are inevitable in the long road of life, it is important to face them positively and optimistically. Only by strengthening their confidence to face difficulties can young people ride the wind and waves and set sail. Mr Chan added that under the tripartite collaboration among the Government, the business sector and the community, the festival is organising more than 100 all-encompassing activities to promote positive thinking among young people on all fronts. He encouraged young people to participate in the various festival activities and appealed to all sectors of the community to support and take part in the festival. Partner events organised by community groups and organisations in support of the festival will be included in the official event calendar upon approval of their applications, which will be uploaded to the dedicated webpage for wider publicity. Special appreciation goes to to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for its generous donation in sponsoring a number of events under the festival. Also officiating at the Kick-off Ceremony were the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam; the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung; the Commissioner for Youth, Mr Wallace Lau; the Vice-Chairman of the Youth Development Commission, Mr Kenneth Leung; the Convenor of the Action Group on Youth Festival, Youth Development Commission, Mr Andy Kwok; and Steward of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Mr Lester Huang. Representatives from various participating organisations also attended the event. For the latest updates of the events under the festival programme, please visit the thematic webpage, www.youthfest.hk . Ends/Wednesday, July 26, 2023 Issued at HKT 18:05 NNNN
CE extends gratitude to President Xi Jinping for giving reply to Secondary 4 students of Pui Kiu Middle School in Hong Kong
25.7.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (July 25) extended his deepest gratitude on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to President Xi Jinping for his reply letter to Secondary 4 students of Pui Kiu Middle School in Hong Kong.The letter conveys President Xi's earnest expectations for young people to fulfil their mission and responsibilities as the young generation of Hong Kong. Mr Lee said that the reply letter from President Xi to students of Pui Kiu Middle School in Hong Kong on their sharing of experience of participating in such activities as the burial ceremony of the remains of the Chinese People's Volunteers martyrs that returned to China from Korea, and real-time dialogue with astronauts carrying out their mission at Tiangong Space Station, shows his care and encouragement to the students. It also motivates schools in Hong Kong to actively organise diversified extra-curricular activities to help young people gain a better understanding of the history of the country and national affairs, and strengthen their affection for and sense of belonging to the country, as well as their sense of national identity. Schools are encouraged to help students transform their affection for the country and Hong Kong into action and pass on this mission from one generation to the next. Mr Lee pointed out that since the current-term HKSAR Government took office, it has adopted the contents and spirit of the important speech delivered by President Xi in Hong Kong on July 1 last year as the policy framework. On youth development, the first edition of the Youth Development Blueprint was launched at the end of last year to holistically guide young people to gain a deeper understanding of the developments of the country as well as the rest of the world, and strengthen their national pride and sense of responsibility and ownership. Mr Lee stressed that the HKSAR Government will continue to promote and strengthen patriotic education and national education, and provide a learning environment that supports the growth and development of young people in Hong Kong, so as to nurture a new generation with an affection for the country and Hong Kong and also equipped with a global perspective, an aspiring mind-set and positive thinking. It is hoped that they will unleash their full potential in society in the future, ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle in Hong Kong, and make proactive contributions to building a better Hong Kong and achieving national rejuvenation. Ends/Tuesday, July 25, 2023 Issued at HKT 19:15 NNNN
CE&apos;s delegation arrives in Indonesia to meet President of Indonesia and Secretary-General of ASEAN
25.7.2023

​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, led a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) delegation and arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia, today (July 25). He met with the President of Indonesia, Mr Joko Widodo, and the Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Dr Kao Kim Hourn, respectively to exchange views on strengthening connections with Indonesia and ASEAN member states. In the morning, Mr Lee met with the President of Indonesia, Mr Joko Widodo. Mr Lee said that Hong Kong and Indonesia have always maintained close bilateral trade and investment relations, with Hong Kong being a top-three source of foreign investment of Indonesia. He thanked Indonesia for supporting Hong Kong's accession request to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and expressed his hope for further strengthening co-operation between Hong Kong and Indonesia in various aspects such as trade, investment, finance, innovation and technology as well as culture and tourism. Afterwards, Mr Lee attended a luncheon hosted by the Charge d'Affaires ad Interim and Minister of the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, Mr Zhou Kan. Mr Lee thanked the Embassy for its support to the HKSAR Government's work, and expressed his hope to strengthen high-level connections with the Indonesian Government and promote Hong Kong's advantages and latest developments to the local business community through this visit. In the afternoon, Mr Lee met with the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr Kao Kim Hourn. Mr Lee said that Hong Kong attaches great importance to its close trade and economic ties with ASEAN, noting that ASEAN has long been Hong Kong's second-largest trading partner, with a total merchandise trade between Hong Kong and ASEAN reaching an all-time high of US$165 billion last year. With the full entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement and the related Investment Agreement between Hong Kong and ASEAN in 2021, the trade and economic ties between Hong Kong and ASEAN have been elevated to a higher level. Mr Lee also expressed his gratitude to ASEAN member states for supporting Hong Kong's accession to the RCEP, and looked forward to maintaining communication with the ASEAN Secretariat on relevant issues. Mr Lee will continue his visit programme in Jakarta tomorrow (July 26). Ends/Tuesday, July 25, 2023 Issued at HKT 19:00 NNNN