kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
SCED urges APEC member economies to reaffirm commitment to eventual realisation of FTAAP (with photos)
19.5.2024

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, called on Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies to reaffirm the goal of an eventual Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) that fulfils the promise of shared prosperity at a discussion session of APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Arequipa, Peru on May 18 (Arequipa time). Speaking at the session entitled "Trade Liberalisation: FTAAP", Mr Yau pointed out that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership have long been recognised as possible pathways to the FTAAP. "As a testament to our commitment to regional economic integration towards the FTAAP, Hong Kong is actively seeking early accession to the RCEP and expanding our trade agreement network, including negotiating a new free trade agreement with Peru," Mr Yau added. He called on all APEC member economies to commit to promoting greater openness and inclusiveness in regional economic integration initiatives, ensuring these efforts are accessible and can benefit all member economies; and addressing traditional, current and emerging trade issues that are of shared interests. At another discussion session themed "Trade Facilitation and Trade and Inclusion", Mr Yau stressed that Hong Kong is steadfastly committed to ensuring that the benefits of trade are accessible to all, particularly traditionally underrepresented groups such as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and women. He briefed other trade ministers on a number of funding schemes and initiatives Hong Kong has been implementing to facilitate trade and assist MSMEs and women entrepreneurs in developing overseas markets, undertaking e-commerce and capitalising on digitalisation. Those initiatives included the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales (BUD Fund), "E-Commerce Easy" under the BUD Fund and the Trade Single Window. Also, the US$2.6 million (HK$20 million) Women Empowerment Fund seeks to support women's development and realise their full potential. On the sidelines of the MRT Meeting, Mr Yau met with the Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia, Mr Liew Chin Tong, to exchange views on various trade and economic issues. The two-day MRT Meeting concluded. Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong on May 22 morning.
SCED: Hong Kong remains steadfast in supporting rules-based multilateral trading system (with photos)
18.5.2024

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, spoke at a discussion session entitled "Trade Liberalisation: World Trade Organization (WTO)" at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Arequipa, Peru on May 17 (Arequipa time). ãã At the discussion session, Mr Yau shared his insights with the participating trade ministers on how to reinforce the WTO's credibility and ensure its continued relevance in the evolving global trade landscape. Mr Yau stressed that a pressing priority is to restore by 2024 a fully and well-functioning dispute settlement system accessible to all WTO members. He called on APEC member economies to expedite discussions in an inclusive and transparent manner so as to achieve concrete outcomes as they agreed in the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi. ãã Meanwhile, Mr Yau said that the WTO must demonstrate its capability to formulate rules addressing the complex challenges of today's global trading scene, citing the Joint Statement Initiative on E-Commerce and the successful conclusion of the negotiations for the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement. ãã He added that the extension of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions at MC13 preserved the facilitating environment for all businesses, in particular for micro, small and medium enterprises and women-led enterprises, to continue pursuing cross-border trade and deepening their presence in the global market which is now deeply ingrained in E-commerce. In the morning, Mr Yau and trade ministers of other APEC member economies also attended a joint meeting with Ministers Responsible for Women to discuss women's economic empowerment through trade. ã Mr Yau said that lowering the cost of doing business or streamlining procedures through the use of technology, and wider digitalisation of trade can help women to start and develop their businesses. Noting that Hong Kong has been implementing various measures on this front, he called on APEC member economies to help accelerate this transformation through collaborative efforts so as to open up new opportunities for women to participate in trade. ãã On the margins of the meeting, Mr Yau took the opportunity to meet with the Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, Mr Taku Ishii, and the Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations of Singapore, Ms Grace Fu, to exchange views on issues of mutual concern. Mr Yau will continue to join the MRT Meeting on May 18 (Arequipa time).
Hong Kong and Peru substantially conclude free trade agreement negotiations (with photos)
17.5.2024

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, today (May 16, Arequipa time) met with the Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru, Ms Elizabeth Galdo Mar&iacute;n, and jointly announced the substantial conclusion of negotiations of the free trade agreement (FTA) between Hong Kong and Peru on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting in Arequipa, Peru. "The negotiations, which began in 2023, cover trade in goods, trade in services (including e-commerce), investment and other related areas. I am pleased to note that our shared objectives in achieving a high-quality and comprehensive bilateral FTA are met," Mr Yau said. "Peru is Hong Kong's important trading partner in Latin America. The FTA will enhance the trade and investment ties between the two sides, provide Hong Kong products, enterprises and investors with legal certainty and better access to the Peruvian market, and bring mutual benefits to our two economies," he added. The two sides aim to finish the few remaining issues and the respective internal procedures with a view to signing the FTA within this year. Details of the agreement will then be announced. In 2023, Peru ranked fifth among Hong Kong's merchandise trading partners in Latin America. The total merchandise trade between Hong Kong and Peru amounted to HK$5,231 million in 2023 and grew at an average annual rate of four per cent from 2019 to 2023. Hong Kong has so far signed eight FTAs with 20 economies, including the Mainland of China, New Zealand, the member states of the European Free Trade Association (i.e. Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), Chile, Macao, the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (i.e. Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam), Georgia and Australia. All FTAs have entered into force. In addition to the FTA with Peru, Hong Kong will continue to actively expand economic and trade network, such as seeking early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and exploring FTAs or investment agreements with other potential partners in the Middle East and other regions along the Belt and Road.
SCED to attend APEC trade ministers meeting in Peru
11.5.2024

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, will depart for Arequipa, Peru, tomorrow evening (May 12) to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting. APEC this year has adopted the theme "Empower. Include. Grow", with discussions on topics under three priorities, namely trade and investment for inclusive and interconnected growth; innovation and digitalisation to promote transition to the formal and global economy; and sustainable growth for resilient development. During the two-day (May 17 and 18) meeting, Mr Yau and trade ministers of other member economies will participate in sessions entitled "Trade Liberalisation: World Trade Organization", "Trade Liberalisation: Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific" and "Trade Facilitation and Trade and Inclusion". They will also attend a joint meeting with the Ministers Responsible for Women to discuss women's economic empowerment through trade in the Asia-Pacific region. On the margins of the MRT Meeting, Mr Yau will meet with other trade ministers to exchange views on issues of mutual interest. Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong on May 22 morning. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development.
SCED expresses sorrow over passing of Dr Eddy Li
26.3.2024

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, today (March 26) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr Eddy Li. Mr Yau said, "Dr Li was an outstanding industrialist and a successful entrepreneur who spared no effort to promote the development of trade and industry in Hong Kong. As a business leader for years, he was the President of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong and President of the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Association, and was well respected in the business sector. He was deeply committed to public services with excellent performance, having served on various advisory boards such as the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Productivity Council and offered invaluable advice, making significant contributions to the development of trade and industry. Under his leadership, his business group was dedicated to promoting various charitable causes and made admirable contributions to society." "I would like to express my sincere thanks to Dr Li for his contributions to the community, and extend my deepest condolences to his family," Mr Yau said.
Public urged to stay alert to emails purported to be issued by SCED office
21.3.2024

A spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) today (March 21) appealed to members of the public to stay alert to fraudulent emails purported to be issued by the office of the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (SCED). The spokesman said that the emails, containing a suspected link to a malicious file, falsely claim to be issued by the office of the SCED. The CEDB has reported the case to the Police for investigation. Members of the public are reminded not to open any suspicious emails. Anyone who has provided personal information to the email senders or clicked the link in the emails is advised to contact the Police.
Hong Kong draws growing interest from Ibero-American businesses and tourists (with photos)
12.3.2024

âInvest Hong Kong (InvestHK) today (March 12) hosted the Ibero-American Community Networking Reception for the Ibero-American business community in recognition of their lasting support of the city. Nearly 300 representatives from the consulates, chambers of commerce and companies from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Spain, Portugal and Venezuela joined the celebration. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, and the Doyen of the Ibero-American consular corps and the Consul-General of Chile in Hong Kong, Mr Osvaldo Alvarez, delivered opening remarks. Mr Yau said, "Hong Kong prides itself on being a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and opportunities, a characteristic that we share with the vibrant nations of Ibero-America. We warmly welcome more Ibero-American enterprises to explore the vast opportunities that Hong Kong has to offer, reinforcing our role as a premier destination and 'super-connector' for business and innovation." He added that under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong has the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the Motherland and being closely connected to the world. It positions Hong Kong as an ideal hub for Ibero-American businesses aiming to tap into the vast markets of Mainland China and the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region, offering a stable, predictable, and advantageous business landscape. Mr Alvarez stated, "It's necessary to recognise the significant and growing interest in Hong Kong from Ibero-American businesses, not just at the business level but also as a destination that captivates tourists with its unique blend of culture, history, and modernity. This interest is a testament to Hong Kong's allure and global reputation as a hub of innovation and a centre of cultural wealth." InvestHK will continue to focus on promoting Hong Kong in the Ibero-American region to attract more strategic enterprises to do business in and through Hong Kong.
Arrangements for assignment of spectrum in 6/7 GHz band and related spectrum utilisation fee
1.3.2024

âThe Communications Authority (CA) announced today (March 1) its decision to assign a total of 400 MHz of spectrum in 6570-6770 MHz and 6925-7125 MHz band (the 6/7 GHz band) by way of auction for the provision of public mobile services. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (SCED) also announced his decision on the method for determining the related spectrum utilisation fee (SUF). The 6/7 GHz band is the remaining largest block of the mid-band spectrum that supports mobile services. It is vital to the deployment of the fifth generation mobile networks and services with speed and capacity as well as the future sustainable development of the digital economy and mobile broadband connectivity in Hong Kong. In arriving at the decisions about the assignment arrangements of the aforementioned spectrum and the related SUF, the CA and the SCED have considered thoroughly the views and comments received in the public consultation conducted between July and August last year. "Spectrum in the 6/7 GHz band is the mid-band spectrum which provides comparatively longer range propagation than high-band spectrum above 7 GHz, and offers wider bandwidth than the low-band spectrum below 1 GHz. Hence, it is very suitable for supporting cost effective provision of mobile broadband services to meet both coverage and capacity demands," a spokesman for the CA said. The CA considers that there are likely competing demands for the spectrum in the 6/7 GHz band, and hence the spectrum will be assigned by way of auction. The CA, subject to the completion of amendments to the relevant subsidiary legislation, aims to conduct the auction before the end of this year. On the relevant SUF, the SCED decided to prescribe that it will be determined by auction, with the auction reserve price to be specified nearer the time of the auction after taking into account all relevant factors. To provide greater financial flexibility to spectrum assignees, the assignees will be given a choice to pay the SUF either by lump sum payment upfront or by annual instalments in the assignment period of 15 years. For details of the arrangements for the spectrum assignment and the related SUF, please refer to the joint statement published by the SCED and the CA today.
Telecommunications (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 gazetted
1.3.2024

The Government published in the Gazette today (March 1) the Telecommunications (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 (the Amendment Ordinance) to provide legal basis for the Communications Authority (CA) to grant authorised access for mobile network operators to install and maintain mobile communications facilities (MCFs) in reserved space in specified new buildings (including new and redeveloped commercial, industrial, residential and hotel buildings). The above Amendment Ordinance was passed in the Legislative Council on third reading on February 21 this year. "We are grateful to the Legislative Council for promptly scrutinising and passing the relevant bill, enabling the successful implementation of the initiative proposed in the 2022 Policy Address to enhance the fifth generation (5G) mobile services infrastructure, which helps institutionalising the arrangement for installing MCFs in specified buildings and streamlining the approval process, with a view to further expanding Hong Kong's 5G network coverage and facilitating Hong Kong's development into a smart city," a spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said. To implement the Amendment Ordinance, the CA will issue a code of practice to provide detailed information and guidance for mobile network operators, building developers, construction professionals, etc, on the minimum standards and requirements of the infrastructure for the installation of MCFs in specified new buildings. Relevant government departments including the Buildings Department and the Lands Department will also revise administrative guidelines/codes of practice/practice notes under their respective purview to implement the relevant proposal. Upon completion of the relevant work, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development will specify the commencement date of the relevant provisions by notice published in the Gazette to allow sufficient time for relevant stakeholders to prepare and adapt to the new requirements. The Amendment Ordinance also adapts the Telecommunications Ordinance (Cap. 106) and its regulations to bring them into conformity with the Basic Law and with Hong Kong's status as a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. The relevant adaptation amendments commence with immediate effect.
SCED: e-commerce has become key driving force for global trade and economic growth (with photos)
1.3.2024

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, continued to attend the 13th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, on February 29 (Abu Dhabi time). Speaking at the session on e-commerce, Mr Yau said that e-commerce is rapidly developing and has become a key driving force for global trade and economic growth, highlighting the importance of maintaining an enabling environment for international e-commerce to flourish. Noting that the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmission has played a pivotal role in underpinning the stability and predictability for e-commerce in the past quarter century, Mr Yau reaffirmed Hong Kong's strong support for the extension of the moratorium, and called on WTO members to answer the calls of the global business community to ensure a predictable and tariff-free environment for the continued development and prosperity of digital trade. Meanwhile, Mr Yau held a bilateral meeting with the Federal Minister of Labour and Economy of Austria, Dr Martin Kocher, to exchange views on issues of mutual interests on the sidelines of the MC13. After attending the MC13, Mr Yau will proceed to Manama, Bahrain on March 2.
Dubai ETO hosts spectacular dinner reception to celebrate Chinese New Year (with photos)
29.2.2024

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai (Dubai ETO), in collaboration with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, hosted a Chinese New Year dinner reception in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on February 28 (Abu Dhabi time). Speaking to some 150 guests from the local government and business community, the Director-General of the Dubai ETO, Mr Damian Lee, welcomed the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, to the dinner reception, who has been visiting Abu Dhabi to attend the 13th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference. Delivering the keynote address for the evening, Mr Yau highlighted the significance of the visit made by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr John Lee, to the UAE in February last year, which laid the groundwork for deeper and more frequent co-operation between the two economies. Mr Yau also spoke about the latest developments in Hong Kong's business environment and the opportunities it offers. Hong Kong is known for being one of the freest, most competitive, and open economies in the world. It has been making strides in developing its economy in emerging sectors with strong support from the Mainland. Building on its traditional strengths as an international financial and trading centre, Hong Kong is also becoming a hub for innovation and technology, as well as an arts and cultural centre where Eastern and Western cultures seamlessly merge. The event featured a performance by musical group Windpipe Chinese Music Ensemble, which mesmerised the audience with a fusion of Chinese musical instruments and skilful presentation of traditional Chinese works, Western classics and even Arabic tunes, putting Hong Kong's unique East-meets-West culture on full display. The musical group received enthusiastic applause from the audience. To celebrate the Chinese New Year, the Dubai ETO also sponsored the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival by the shores of Dubai earlier in the month. The festival provided an opportunity for competitors and spectators to learn more about Hong Kong's latest tourist attractions, arts and culture offerings and mega sports events.
SCED: Revitalising a fully and well-functioning dispute settlement system serves interest of all WTO members (with photos)
29.2.2024

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, called on the World Trade Organization (WTO) members to support the restoration of a fully and well-functioning dispute settlement system during the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, on February 28 (Abu Dhabi time). At the meeting on dispute settlement reform, Mr Yau said that the dispute settlement system has been the cornerstone that contributes to the predictability of global trade, adding that to have a fully and well-functioning system by 2024, as mandated at MC12, would serve the interest of all the WTO members, as well as the business community. He stressed that with a view to restoring the full function of the dispute settlement system, Hong Kong, China has been involved in every stage of the reform process and will continue with active participation. Speaking at another meeting on development, Mr Yau said that the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement is a pro-development agreement. It helps the WTO members attract more and better investments, thereby addressing developmental issues and promoting sustainable development. On the sidelines of the MC13 on February 28 and 27 (Abu Dhabi time), Mr Yau held bilateral meetings with the Minister of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica, Mr Manuel Tovar Rivera, and the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia, Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, respectively to exchange views on various trade and economic issues. He also attended a lunch reception on February 27 to mark the entry into force of the WTO Services Domestic Regulation disciplines. These disciplines aim to promote and facilitate global services trade by enhancing transparency and predictability of the regulatory environment. For details, please see www.tid.gov.hk/english/trade_relations/tradefora/domestic_regulation.html . Mr Yau is continuing to attend meetings of the MC13 today (February 29, Abu Dhabi time).