kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Reassignment arrangements of spectrum in 850/900 MHz and 2.3 GHz bands and related spectrum utilisation fee
2.5.2023

The Communications Authority (CA) announced today (May 2) its decision to reassign 20 MHz of spectrum in the 850/900 MHz bands and 90 MHz of spectrum in the 2.3 GHz band by way of auction upon the expiry of their existing assignments. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (SCED) also announced his decision on the method for determining the related spectrum utilisation fee (SUF). The existing assignments of the relevant spectrum in the 850/900 MHz and 2.3 GHz bands are due to expire on May 31, 2026, and March 29, 2027, respectively. In arriving at the decisions about the reassignment arrangements and the related SUF, the CA and the SCED have considered thoroughly the views and comments received in the public consultation conducted between November 2022 and January 2023. "The superb radio propagation characteristics of the spectrum in the 850/900 MHz bands are conducive to operators' provision of wide network coverage in a cost-effective manner, while the spectrum in the 2.3 GHz band has good radio propagation characteristics for providing good network coverage and wider bandwidth capable of supporting higher transmission capacity," a spokesman for the CA said. Prospective spectrum assignees are expected to make use of the spectrum to provide mobile services adopting the fourth or the fifth generation (4G or 5G) or other emerging advanced technologies in meeting the demand for innovative mobile communications and applications in the new term of 15 years commencing from June 1, 2026 (for spectrum in the 850/900 MHz bands), and March 30, 2027 (for spectrum in the 2.3 GHz band). Subject to the completion of amendments to the relevant subsidiary legislation, the CA targets to conduct the auction in 2024. On the SUF relating to the above reassignment exercise, 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 reassignment period of 15 years," a spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said. For details of the arrangements for spectrum reassignment and the related SUF, please refer to the joint statement published by the CA and the SCED today, which is available at www.coms-auth.hk/filemanager/statement/en/upload/621/joint_statement_20230502.pdf and www.cedb.gov.hk/assets/resources/cedb/consultations-and-publications/joint_statement_850_900_MHz_2.3_GHz_2023en.pdf .
SCED visits Beijing (with photos)
19.4.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, today (April 19) met with officials of the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and the State Post Bureau respectively in Beijing to exchange views and strengthen co-operation in relevant scopes of work. Accompanied by the Director of Intellectual Property, Mr David Wong, Mr Yau met with the Commissioner of the CNIPA, Dr Shen Changyu, this morning. Mr Yau said that under the auspices of the National 14th Five-Year Plan in supporting Hong Kong to develop into a regional intellectual property (IP) trading centre, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) has been committed to protecting IP rights and promoting IP trading, in line with the national strategy to develop IP. Mr Yau thanked the CNIPA for its support to the HKSARG all along. The CNIPA and the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau signed the Co-operation Arrangement in the Area of Intellectual Property in June 2017, and have agreed to extend the Arrangement to June 2027 for further collaboration in grasping the new opportunities in IP arising from the national strategy of building an IP powerhouse. In addition, the CNIPA has been providing technical assistance to the Intellectual Property Department in patent examiner training and substantive patent examination. A pilot project was also launched on January 1 this year for prioritising examination of qualified invention patent applications filed by Hong Kong applicants on the Mainland. Mr Yau then met with the Director General of the State Post Bureau, Mr Zhao Chongjiu, to discuss further collaboration, as accompanied by the Postmaster General, Miss Leonia Tai. Mr Yau said that in order to seize the opportunities brought about by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) development, Hongkong Post will leverage the advantages of Hong Kong's logistics network and vigorously promote cross-boundary delivery services, in particular e-commerce products, to strengthen economic development. Hongkong Post is also pressing ahead with the redevelopment of Hong Kong's Air Mail Centre and will utilise its cold chain logistics facilities to develop cross-boundary premium logistics business in the GBA. Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong this evening.
Updated commitments on trade in services under Free Trade Agreement between Hong Kong and Chile to enter into force on April 6
4.4.2023

The updated commitments on trade in services under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Hong Kong and Chile will enter into force on April 6. The high-quality updated commitments will further strengthen and deepen trade co-operation between the two economies as they create more opportunities for businesses and investors in Hong Kong and Chile. Signed in January 2022, the updated commitments improve existing commitments under the FTA and open up more service sectors of both sides. Of note is that Chile has made commitments in over 50 new service sectors, encompassing priority service sectors in which Hong Kong has traditional strengths or has potential for priority development, such as professional and business services, technical testing and analysis services, convention services, computer and related services, communication services including audio-visual services, distribution services and education services. Relevant Hong Kong services as well as their providers, subject to specific exceptions or conditions, will be able to enjoy access to the Chilean market and treatment no less favourable than that for Chile's local service providers. Details of the FTA and the updated commitments, including the full text, are available on the Trade and Industry Department website ( www.tid.gov.hk/english/ita/fta/hkclfta/index.html ). "We welcome the entry into force of the updated services commitments that comes at an opportune time when world trade is reviving after the pandemic. The updated commitments will create better opportunities for our businesses and investors in diversifying their markets. It also demonstrates the Government's dedicated efforts in seeking more favourable access to international markets as well as promoting the strengths of Hong Kong's services sectors overseas," the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said. "Hong Kong's service providers can now enjoy deepened and broadened access to the Chilean market. I encourage our traders and service providers to seize this invaluable opportunity to unleash the untapped business opportunities in Chile, which is our first FTA partner in Latin America as well as a gateway to the Latin American markets," Mr Yau added. Since the FTA came into force in 2014, bilateral merchandise trade between Hong Kong and Chile recorded an average annualised growth of over 10 per cent from 2015 to 2022, notwithstanding the challenges posed by the pandemic and external environment in recent years. To date, Hong Kong has signed eight FTAs with 20 economies, namely the Mainland, the Macao Special Administrative Region, the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Australia, Chile, the four member states of the European Free Trade Association, Georgia and New Zealand, all of which have entered into force.
SCED to visit Greater Bay Area
19.3.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, will join a delegation organised by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region this afternoon (March 19) to visit four cities, namely Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Dongguan, in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to keep abreast of the latest development of the GBA for better integration into the overall development of the nation. Other delegation members include Consuls-General, foreign chambers of commerce, representatives of multinational enterprises and financial institutions. Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong in the evening on March 23. The Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development during Mr Yau's absence.
Transcript of remarks by SCED at media session (with photos)
16.2.2023

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, at a media session today (February 16) after visiting Wan Chai Post Office to view the operation of the support service for real-name registration for SIM cards: We encourage all citizens to register their SIM cards with their real name to comply with the legislation. The deadline is February 23. After the deadline, the (non-registered) cards will not be usable anymore, which will create inconvenience. In this case, I appeal to all citizens, especially the elderly, to register as soon as possible. We have service counters at 18 designated post offices and 25 designated MTR stations to offer assistance. They can also go to the (outlets of their) service providers for registration. It's very handy and easy - just use your ID card, the SIM card and a portable phone that can receive SMS (notifications), and the registration will just take about a few minutes. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Sydney ETO holds reception in Sydney to celebrate Year of the Rabbit (with photos)
7.2.2023

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney (Sydney ETO) hosted a reception in Sydney, Australia, today (February 7) to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit. Over 300 guests from various sectors including political and business circles, media, academic and community groups as well as government representatives attended the reception. Among them were the Minister for Finance and Employee Relations of New South Wales (NSW), Mr Damien Tudehope; the Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly, Mr Jonathan O'Dea; and the Acting Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Sydney, Mr Mi Bin. Addressing the reception in a virtual speech, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, highlighted that the economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and Australia have remained strong despite the challenges of the pandemic. He added that Hong Kong is looking at a bright year ahead and is expecting a visible rebound of the economy this year with the solid support by the country under the National 14th Five-Year Plan and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development. In the international arena, Mr Yau said that Hong Kong is actively pursuing early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, the world's largest free trade agreement to date. "Hong Kong has hit the ground running and is going to embrace the world of opportunities as one of the most important financial centres as well as the only place where China's advantages and the world advantages converge under the 'one country, two systems' principle," Mr Yau said. Mr Yau highlighted the proactive initiatives covered in the 2022 Policy Address to attract enterprises, investment and talents, including the setting up of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises and the launch of the Top Talent Pass Scheme to widely entice talents to pursue their careers in Hong Kong. The Director of the Sydney ETO, Miss Trista Lim, said in her welcoming remarks that Hong Kong has resumed its seamless connections to Mainland China and the world. "The Hello Hong Kong campaign launched by our Government last week sends the best signal to every corner in Australia and the world. Hong Kong is back and we heartily welcome everyone, no matter if you are coming for businesses or leisure," Miss Lim said. In addition to the Sydney reception, the Sydney ETO will host Chinese New Year receptions in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth in Australia, and Auckland in New Zealand, to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with communities.
SCED expresses sorrow over passing of Dr Reinaldo Maria Cordeiro
14.1.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, today (January 14) was saddened by the passing of Dr Reinaldo Maria Cordeiro (Uncle Ray). Mr Yau said, "Dr Cordeiro (Uncle Ray) made significant contributions to the broadcasting industry in the past 70 years and was held in high regard in the sector. He was the host of the longest-running radio programme in Hong Kong, 'All the Way with Ray', with great success. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Dr Cordeiro for his lifelong contributions to the broadcasting industry, and extend my deepest condolences to his family. We will fondly remember him."
SCED: Hong Kong seeks to forge closer trade partnership with Vietnam (with photos)
10.1.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, today (January 10) continued to meet with the Vietnamese political and business community to promote Hong Kong's vast business opportunities during his trip in Hanoi, Vietnam. Noting that Hong Kong and Vietnam have enjoyed cordial relations over many years, Mr Yau said at a business forum and networking luncheon that their bilateral trade has grown significantly at an average annual growth rate of 11.8 per cent from 2017 to 2021 and Vietnam has become Hong Kong's seventh largest trading partner. Hong Kong's total merchandise trade with Vietnam in 2021 amounted to $220 billion, up 19 per cent from 2020, putting Vietnam as the second largest trading partner of Hong Kong among the 10 member states of Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Bilateral trade in the first half of 2022 continued to perform strongly, amounting to $125 billion, up 21 per cent compared with the corresponding period in 2021. "Hong Kong has made a request to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) of which Vietnam is a member. Hong Kong's prospective membership in the RCEP will further deepen the bilateral relations between Hong Kong and Vietnam, and bring more business and investment opportunities to the business communities of both places," he said. ã He also shared his insights with more than 300 guests, including government officials and representatives from the local business sector, on the latest trade and economic developments in Hong Kong, especially the new measures to attract enterprises and investments, as well as Hong Kong's unique advantages under "one country, two systems". A Hong Kong business delegation jointly organised by a number of Hong Kong chambers of commerce also attended the event. "With the 'one country, two systems' principle, underpinned by an open and free market, a robust institutional framework, free movement of capital, a simple and low tax regime, a deep pool of multicultural talents, as well as a fine tradition of the rule of law and an independent judiciary, Hong Kong has made impressive achievements on multiple fronts. "Hong Kong's financial and professional services adhere to the best global practices and standards. I encourage Vietnam businesses to make use of Hong Kong's excellent services and platform to expand in the region, in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Mainland China and beyond," he added. After the business forum and networking luncheon, Mr Yau met with the Minister of Planning and Investment of Vietnam, Mr Nguyen Chi Dung, and the Minister of Science and Technology of Vietnam, Mr Huynh Thanh Dat, respectively to exchange views on issues of mutual interest and explore collaboration opportunities. Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong this evening.
SCED highlights Hong Kong's business advantages and opportunities on visit to Vietnam (with photos)
9.1.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, today (January 9) met with senior government officials and business leaders in Hanoi, Vietnam, to update them on Hong Kong's latest trade and economic development and explore collaboration opportunities in various areas. During his first official visit to Vietnam, Mr Yau met with the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, Mr Tran Quoc Khanh, to have exchanges on various trade and economic issues. At the meeting, Mr Yau underlined the close trade and economic relations between Hong Kong and Vietnam, adding that Hong Kong is keen to take the economic integration with Vietnam to the next level by joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). He also expressed gratitude to the continued support from Vietnam for Hong Kong's admission. Mr Yau also met with members of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry to promote Hong Kong's business advantages and investment opportunities, highlighting a number of measures announced in the Chief Executive's Policy Address to attract enterprises and investments more proactively and aggressively. He appealed to the Vietnamese enterprises to leverage Hong Kong's unique advantages to explore the tremendous opportunities in the Mainland. A Hong Kong business delegation jointly organised by a number of Hong Kong chambers of commerce also attended the meeting. Mr Yau also paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr Xiong Bo, this afternoon to update him on the latest economic situation in Hong Kong. Joined by the Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong, Dr Jonathan Choi, and the Consul-General of Vietnam in Hong Kong, Mr Pham Binh Dam, Mr Yau yesterday (January 8) visited Hung Yen Industrial Park and met with government officials to know about the latest development of local enterprises and investment opportunities. He also visited the ULIS - Jonathan KS Choi Cultural Centre in Vietnam National University in Hanoi to get a better understanding of Vietnam's education development and cultural exchange. Mr Yau will continue his visit in Hanoi tomorrow (January 10) before returning to Hong Kong in the evening.
SCED to visit Vietnam
6.1.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, will depart for a visit to Hanoi, Vietnam, tomorrow (January 7) afternoon to forge closer economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and Vietnam, and provide the Vietnamese business sector an update on Hong Kong's new initiatives to attract enterprises and investments. During his stay in Hanoi, Mr Yau will meet with senior government officials of Vietnam and business leaders to have exchanges on economic and trade co-operation issues. He will also visit an industrial park to keep abreast of the latest industrial development in Vietnam. In addition, he will attend a business seminar and luncheon to promote Hong Kong's business advantages and opportunities as well as the vast potential of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area market, with a view to fostering investment co-operation between Hong Kong and Vietnam. âMr Yau will return to Hong Kong in the evening on January 10. The Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development during Mr Yau's absence.
SCED meets with British Consulate-General representative
23.5.2024

âA spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau issued the following statement today (May 23). The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, met with the Deputy Consul-General of the United Kingdom (UK) in Hong Kong (the Consul-General is not in Hong Kong today) this afternoon on the incident regarding the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (ETO) in London. Mr Yau reiterated the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's concern about the incident, especially the death of a person who was arrested by the UK Police and reportedly a UK immigration officer, and demanded the UK side to give an open account of the incident as soon as possible to let the public know the truth and prevent unwarranted speculation. Mr Yau also reiterated that the UK should fairly handle the matter, protect the legitimate rights and interests of the arrestees, and ensure the normal operation of the ETO. Mr Yau stressed again that the duties of ETOs are to maintain close liaison with interlocutors in the local government, business, think tanks and various sectors, with a view to enriching bilateral ties in different areas such as trade, investment, arts and culture, enhancing local people and enterprises' knowledge of Hong Kong's unique strengths, and promoting the economic and trade interests of Hong Kong. As part of their routine work in discharging the abovementioned duties, ETOs organise a wide range of activities and make security arrangements to ensure their smooth proceedings. ETOs also co-ordinate and arrange duty visits by HKSAR officials. To ensure smooth and safe visits by HKSAR officials, where necessary, ETOs will arrange local security companies to provide security services and co-ordinate transport arrangements for the visits. Besides, ETOs also make appropriate security arrangements to ensure the safety of their office premises and staff. All ETO activities have been conducting in accordance with law. The UK government is obliged to ensure the normal work and activities of the ETO are free from interruption and conducted in an orderly manner.
Public urged to stay alert to WhatsApp messages purported to be sent by SCED
20.5.2024

A spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) today (May 20) appealed to members of the public to stay alert to fraudulent WhatsApp messages purported to be sent by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (SCED). The spokesman stressed that CEDB and SCED have no connection with the fraudulent messages, and has reported the case to the Police. Members of the public are reminded to stay alert to suspicious messages and not to disclose any personal information.