kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
CE encourages police officers to live up to President&apos;s expectations
9.7.2022

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (July 9) attended the passing-out parade of the Hong Kong Police College and encouraged the graduates to live up to the expectations of President Xi Jinping, and dedicate themselves to safeguarding national security and maintaining Hong Kong’s stability. He said a stable society could promote Hong Kong’s long-term development and ensure the steady and successful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems". Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Lee said that, as President Xi mentioned in his important speech on July 1, "Hong Kong cannot afford to be in chaos", thus precautions are necessary. He added that stability is the foundation of everything, development will be impossible, and the true value of people's aspirations will not be brought into play without stability. While recalling that Hong Kong had encountered unprecedented difficulties and shocks in 2019, the Chief Executive said that it was heartbreaking to see the riots, advocating for “Hong Kong independence” and interferences by external forces, had caused extensive damage to Hong Kong. Although there were enormous challenges for the policing work over the past few years, he praised the Force for always standing fast and fulfilling duties without fear. He pointed out that safety has been restored after the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. The Force has made remarkable achievements in strictly enforcing the law and proactively promoting the concept of law-abiding, as the number of cases of wounding, serious assault, snatching, pickpocketing, etc., fell to the lowest in a decade. Last but not least, Mr Lee opined that the Force has developed from a disciplinary force to maintaining law and order into a law enforcement force to safeguarding national security and ensuring Hong Kong’s stability. He also encouraged the graduates to strive for excellence and do their best to make Hong Kong remain one of the safest cities in the world. It is the first time that the Chinese-style foot drill has been adopted in the passing-out parade of the Hong Kong Police College. A total of 31 probationary inspectors and 83 recruit constables passed out today. Ends/Saturday, July 9, 2022 Issued at HKT 14:32 NNNN
New book &quot;Our Yau Tsim Mong Stories&quot; published in celebration of 25th anniversary of establishment of HKSAR
6.7.2022

​The Yau Tsim Mong District Office (YTMDO) and Professor Lee Chi-kin's team of the Education University of Hong Kong have jointly planned the new book "Our Yau Tsim Mong Stories", which is published by the Chung Hwa Book Company and has been formally launched. The YTMDO said today (July 6) that the book covers local stories as told by persons having ties with Yau Tsim Mong. The editors hope that this book, as one of Yau Tsim Mong's projects in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, will present the uniqueness of Yau Tsim Mong from different perspectives, and the links of the district with national developments. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, remarks in the foreword of "Our Yau Tsim Mong Stories" that the book is a good example of collaboration between a district and the education sector in promoting community involvement. He believes that district influences will contribute to making Hong Kong more liveable, more open, more energetic, more inclusive, and more united. Apart from community leaders and youngsters, interviewees of the book include persons who have resided, worked or studied in Yau Tsim Mong. They include the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; Executive Council and Legislative Council member Mr Tommy Cheung; Legislative Council member Mr Vincent Cheng; the Museum Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, Dr Louis Ng; and Olympic medalists Soo Wai-yam and Lee Ho-ching. Other personalities who have written forewords in the book include Mr Raymond Tam, Dr Joseph Lee, Dr David Wong, and the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Alice Cheung. Moreover, 12 leaders of statutory bodies and major organisations have provided words of recommendation, and over 100 persons from different sectors (including members of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Executive Council members, Legislative Council members, and individuals from the cultural and business sectors) have given congratulatory remarks to the book. The editorial team and some interviewees of "Our Yau Tsim Mong Stories" will share the content of the book at a talk under the annual theme of the coming Hong Kong Book Fair. The talk will be held at Conference Room S426-427, Hong Kong Conference and Exhibition Centre at 6pm on July 24. Details can be found at hkbookfair.hktdc.com/tc/Events/Event-Schedule.html (Chinese only). For enquiries, please call the YTMDO at 2399 2746 or the Education University of Hong Kong at 2948 8280. Ends/Wednesday, July 6, 2022 Issued at HKT 17:00 NNNN
HAD presents &quot;Clansmen Culture Exhibition&quot;
6.7.2022

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Home Affairs Department (HAD) proudly launched today (July 6) the "Clansmen Culture Exhibition" at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The exhibition features the exquisite cultures, arts and crafts of Chinese provinces and counties with a view to enhancing the public's understanding of their hometowns. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, officiated at the opening ceremony of the exhibition. In his speech, Mr Lee said that the exhibition, themed "Connecting Ancestors; Seeking Origins", carries great significance in that it is the first of its kind organised by the Government in collaboration with various clansmen associations. He expressed the hope that the public would learn more about the historical landmarks, local customs, history and cultures of their hometowns through the exhibition, thereby deepening their understanding of Chinese culture and recognition of national identity. Mr Lee also thanked the 28 participating clansmen associations for their assistance in organising the special exhibition, which has made this year's celebration even more delightful. Other officiating guests at the ceremony included Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR Mr He Jing; the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam; the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Alice Cheung; and the Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), Mr Philip Chen. The "Clansmen Culture Exhibition" is one of the signature events celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. It is organised by the HAD and solely sponsored by the HKJC. The exhibition showcases some 300 national, provincial and municipal intangible cultural heritage exhibits, including inkstones, porcelain, cloisonné, bronze drums, iron artwork, Ding ware, thangka paintings and traditional fabric figures, as well as various items of embroidery, brocade, sculpture, bronze technology and national costumes. Every piece of intangible cultural heritage or handicraft highlights the unique culture and long history of its originating land. Furthermore, daily performances and workshops with different cultural characteristics will be featured during the exhibition. Members of the public may join and experience the making of traditional handicrafts and hometown snacks by themselves. The exhibition is running from July 6 to 12. Members of the public may visit the exhibition for free by going to Hall 3C of the HKCEC at 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. For details of the exhibition, please visit the website of the HAD at www.had.gov.hk/en/whats_new/news_20220608.htm . Ends/Wednesday, July 6, 2022 Issued at HKT 15:30 NNNN
CE calls on National Development and Reform Commission
20.12.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, called on the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and met with its Party Secretary and Chairman, Mr Zheng Shanjie, in Beijing today (December 20) to exchange views on the proactive integration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) into national development. Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to the NDRC's support for Hong Kong's efforts in consolidating and realising its development of the "eight centres" as outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan. He also thanked the NDRC for its support all along for Hong Kong's participation in and promotion of such national strategies as the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the Belt and Road Initiative. The NDRC's support has facilitated Hong Kong's better integration into national development, providing new and greater contribution to the high-quality development of the country, Mr Lee said. He said that the HKSAR Government is committed to consolidating and continuously enhancing Hong Kong's development of the "eight centres" under the 14th Five-Year Plan to provide impetus for the city's competitiveness and sustainable economic growth, including developing "headquarters economy" to explore the immense opportunities brought about by the national and international dual circulation; capitalising on and unleashing the city's advantages in financial services and deepening mutual access with the Mainland's financial market; expanding the city's global economic and trade networks and promoting regional co-operation; promoting the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint and adopting an industry-oriented approach to promote new industrialisation in Hong Kong; and actively promoting the development of cultural and creative industries by capitalising on the city's advantages as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. Mr Lee said the HKSAR Government has published the Northern Metropolis Action Agenda, which adopts an industry-driven approach as its key planning axle in forging Hong Kong's deeper integration into the overall development of the GBA. He added that the development of the Northern Metropolis will facilitate Hong Kong's closer co-operation with other GBA cities, creating a strong growth impetus for Hong Kong and injecting new vigour into the development of the entire GBA. The HKSAR Government renders its full support to the Development Plan for Shenzhen Park of Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone promulgated by the Central Government, and will work with the Shenzhen Municipal Government to foster the synergistic development of the Hong Kong Park and the Shenzhen Park and achieve complementarity. Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to the NDRC for its continuous support for the HKSAR Government's proactive efforts in taking forward the above work. Mr Lee departed for Hong Kong this afternoon. Ends/Wednesday, December 20, 2023 Issued at HKT 16:18 NNNN
CE to go on duty visit to Beijing
15.12.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will pay a duty visit to Beijing from December 17 to 20 to brief state leaders on the latest economic, social and political situations in Hong Kong. The Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip, and the Private Secretary to the Chief Executive, Mr Kevin Choi, will join the visit. During Mr Lee's absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will be the Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Friday, December 15, 2023 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
CAD and AAHK host welcoming ceremony for aircraft C919 and ARJ21
13.12.2023

To receive the home-developed aircraft C919 and ARJ21 on their first visit to Hong Kong, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) and Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) hosted a welcoming ceremony at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) this morning (December 13). Addressing the welcoming ceremony, Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd (COMAC) for arranging the visit of the aircraft C919 and ARJ21 to Hong Kong. Mr Lee was elated to receive the home-developed aircraft duo and pointed out that the first visit of the two domestic aircraft was a full manifestation of the country's great importance bestowed upon the development of Hong Kong's aviation industry as well as the city's status as an international aviation hub. Mr Lee took pride in the participation of a Hong Kong CAD flight expert in the aircraft C919 certification process, and invited members of the public to witness the country's extraordinary accomplishment in the civil aircraft manufacturing industry at both sides of Victoria Harbour this Saturday (December 16). After his speech, Mr Lee joined other officiating guests including the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Zheng Yanxiong, and Deputy Administrator of the CAAC Mr Cui Xiaofeng to board and visit the aircraft C919. They were greeted by crew members from the COMAC inside the cabin and were briefed on the features of the airliner. The aircraft C919 and ARJ21 arrived at HKIA yesterday (December 12) and were received by a ceremonial water salute. For the next two days, the C919 and the ARJ21 will be on static display at HKIA. If weather permits, the C919 will conduct a flight demonstration over Victoria Harbour on Saturday (December 16) for members of the public to witness the C919's first appearance over Hong Kong skies. For more details regarding the visit of the C919 and the ARJ21, please refer to the following website: https://www.cad.gov.hk/english/comac.html . Ends/Wednesday, December 13, 2023 Issued at HKT 17:09 NNNN
CE meets Secretary of CPC Zhuhai Municipal Committee
12.12.2023

​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met the Secretary of the CPC Zhuhai Municipal Committee and Secretary of the Hengqin Working Committee of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, Mr Chen Yong, today (December 12) to exchange views on further deepening Hong Kong's co-operation with Zhuhai and promoting the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Also attending the meeting were the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung; and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip. Mr Lee welcomed Mr Chen's visit to Hong Kong with his delegation. Mr Lee said that Hong Kong and Zhuhai have been working together to promote the development of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB). The implementation of Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles on July 1 this year is an important measure that boosts the interconnectivity and economic integration within the GBA, and brings about more impetus for the development of the western parts of the Pearl River Delta region. Hong Kong will continue to work closely with Zhuhai to jointly seize the opportunities brought by the HZMB. Noting that the National 14th Five-Year Plan and the Outline Development Plan for the GBA have indicated clear support for consolidating Hong Kong's position as an international aviation hub, Mr Lee said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been continuously working with the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) to enhance the competitiveness of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). He said he is grateful that after joint discussions between the AAHK and the Zhuhai Municipal Government, the "Fly-Via-Zhuhai-Hong Kong" direct passenger service has officially launched today. Mr Lee said he hopes that the service can effectively integrate the aviation networks of the two airports in Hong Kong and Zhuhai, serving as another evidence of promoting complementary advantages and mutually beneficial co-operation in both cities. He also thanked the Zhuhai Municipal Government for its support for the HKSAR Government's Labour Importation Scheme for Transport Sector launched in July this year. The support includes co-operation in accommodation and transportation to facilitate the same-day return for workers living in Zhuhai to travel to HKIA via the HZMB, enabling the smooth implementation of the scheme. Mr Lee said that Hong Kong and Zhuhai have always been close partners in such aspects as economy and trade, investment, transportation and aviation. The HKSAR Government will continue to leverage the unique advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under "one country, two systems" to strengthen co-operation with Zhuhai and the entire GBA, with a view to creating strong impetus for growth and jointly making greater contributions to the country's development. Ends/Tuesday, December 12, 2023 Issued at HKT 19:02 NNNN
Hong Kong signs MoU with Saudi Arabia on investment promotion
7.12.2023

​Invest Hong Kong and the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today (December 7) to foster co-operation on investment promotion exchange and support. Witnessed by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia, Mr Khalid Al-Falih, the MoU was signed by the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau, and the Associate Office Director-China of the MISA, Mr Ayidh Alyami. "In February this year, I led a high-level delegation to visit the Middle East region, and promoted Hong Kong's unique advantages to the governments and business sectors in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. During the visit, Hong Kong and the enterprises and institutions of the two countries signed a total of 13 high quality MOUs or letters of intent, building a solid foundation for the long-term development of Hong Kong businesses in the Middle East region, while simultaneously attracting Middle Eastern businesses and capital to invest in Hong Kong," Mr Lee said. "The signing of the MoU between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia today marks a new milestone between the two places in terms of investment promotion exchanges. Under 'one country, two systems', Hong Kong has the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. Hong Kong is also an important investment hub in the Asia-Pacific Region. We will make good use of our roles as a 'super connector' and a 'super value-adder' to assist Mainland and overseas enterprises to respectively tap into the Mainland market and "go global". Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is a leading economy in the Gulf Region and an important source of foreign direct investment in the world. I am confident that following the signing of the MoU, there will be deeper and further co-operation on investment promotion between the two places," Mr Lee added. The MOU aims at enhancing co-operation on investment promotion between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia. It strengthens the economic relations between the two places in the field of promotion of direct investment by encouraging exchange of visits and expertise, organisation of events such as meetings and conferences, as well as exchange of information related to business and investment climate etc. Apart from signing the MoU, Hong Kong has also launched formal negotiations with Saudi Arabia on an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA), and both sides are intending to conclude the negotiations as soon as possible. The IPPA aims to protect, enhance and open investment and helps strengthen investor confidence and increase bilateral investment flows for boosting closer economic relations between Hong Kong and trade partners. Ends/Thursday, December 7, 2023 Issued at HKT 22:00 NNNN
CE meets Director General of World Intellectual Property Organization
7.12.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (December 7) met the Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Mr Daren Tang. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, and the Director of Intellectual Property, Mr David Wong, also attended the meeting. Mr Lee welcomed the visit by Mr Tang and the high-level delegation from the WIPO to Hong Kong to attend the Business of Intellectual Property Asia Forum on December 7 and 8. The National 14th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong to develop into a regional intellectual property (IP) trading centre. Mr Lee said that under the "one country, two systems" framework, Hong Kong thrives as an international hub for trade and finance, and is the only common law jurisdiction within the country. As announced in the Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will leverage the institutional advantages of Hong Kong's legal and IP protection systems, and carry out a number of new measures including enhancing the IP legal regime, implementing the "patent box" tax incentive, planning for regulatory arrangements on patent agent services, and boosting the trading of local original works, with a view to strengthening Hong Kong's status as a regional IP trading centre. Mr Lee paid tribute to the WIPO for playing a crucial role in promoting and facilitating global IP development. He said that the HKSAR Government will continue to maintain close communication with the WIPO and explore more co-operation to promote IP development. Ends/Thursday, December 7, 2023 Issued at HKT 16:30 NNNN
Speech by CE at ceremony of Asia+ Festival
12.11.2023

Following is the video speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the ceremony of Asia+ Festival today (November 12): Consuls-General, representatives of overseas cultural organisations, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon. It is with great pleasure that I address you at the inaugural edition of Asia+ Festival, a brand new arts festival with a focus on Asia. At the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation last month, President Xi Jinping remarked that the Belt and Road Initiative has opened up a new path for exchanges among countries, and established a new framework for international co-operation. Belt and Road co-operation, the President has noted, is based on the principle of "planning together, building together, and benefitting together". Under the unique "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong is the only city in the world which converges the China advantage and the global advantage. Hong Kong is not only a city deeply rooted in Chinese culture, it is also a metropolis known for its dynamic fusion of the cultures of Asia and other parts of the world. We have a unique role to play in fostering people-to-people exchanges along the Belt and Road. With the support of the National 14th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong is fully dedicated to developing into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. The Hong Kong SAR Government is expediting the advancement of Hong Kong's cultural scene, and connecting our city with other parts of the world by leveraging our own strengths and advantages. With that in mind, we have launched the Asia+ Festival this autumn. Our aim is to celebrate the cultural diversity of Asia, the Middle East, and elsewhere along the Belt and Road, and explore the endless possibilities of cultural collaboration. The colourful calendar of this year's Asia+ Festival features 11 exciting events. They include stage performances, exhibitions, and even an outdoor carnival, with over 20 countries joining hands to present their unique cultures and arts. I am confident that the two-month festival will promote cultural appreciation, and strengthen Hong Kong's ties with the world. We hope to turn the festival into a regular annual event, to showcase our Asian talents, and to build it as a platform for sustainable cultural exchange. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all the Consuls-General and representatives of overseas cultural organisations in Hong Kong, for your enthusiastic support on this new initiative with their wonderful programmes. I wish the festival a resounding success and all of you an enjoyable afternoon. Thank you very much. Ends/Sunday, November 12, 2023 Issued at HKT 14:00 NNNN