kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
CE leads delegation to visit Guangzhou and Shenzhen
20.2.2023

​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will lead a delegation to visit Guangzhou and Shenzhen this Thursday (February 23), beginning his first visit since taking office to cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Mr Lee said that with the implementation of full resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland, he had sought to visit Guangdong Province, particularly cities in the GBA, as early as practicable. After liaison with relevant Mainland authorities, the visit to Guangzhou and Shenzhen is scheduled for Thursday. Members of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government delegation will include the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin; and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip. Mr Lee and the delegation will depart for Guangzhou in the morning to meet with leaders of Guangdong Province to exchange views on Hong Kong's co-operation with Guangdong in promoting high-quality development of the GBA. They will depart for Shenzhen in the afternoon to meet with leaders of Shenzhen to discuss the comprehensive deepening of co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Mr Lee added that he would visit other GBA Mainland cities and the Macao SAR to discuss the promotion of high-quality development in the GBA, with a view to injecting stronger impetus to the growth of Hong Kong and the entire GBA and achieving mutual benefits. Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong in the evening on February 23. During his absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will be the Acting Chief Executive. During the absence of Mr Tsang, the Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Clement Woo, will be the Acting Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs. During the absence of Mr Yau, the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development. During the absence of Dr Choi, the Under Secretary for Education, Mr Sze Chun-fai, will be the Acting Secretary for Education. Ends/Monday, February 20, 2023 Issued at HKT 18:42 NNNN
HKSAR search and rescue team returns from Türkiye to Hong Kong
18.2.2023

The search and rescue team deployed by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to the quake-stricken areas in Türkiye to assist in the search and rescue work returned to Hong Kong yesterday night (February 17) after completing its mission. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee; the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam; and the Deputy Director of Immigration (Control, Visa and Documents), Mr Benson Kwok, welcomed the team at Hong Kong International Airport. Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to every member of the search and rescue team for their commitment and praised the team for their valiant efforts to save lives, which amply demonstrated the outstanding abilities of the civil servants and also the spirit of mutual support without boundary. Upon completion of the search and rescue operation in Hatay Province, Türkiye, the China and the HKSAR search and rescue teams arrived in Beijing yesterday afternoon. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; and the Director of Fire Services, Mr Andy Yeung, welcomed the teams at Beijing Capital International Airport and flew to Hong Kong together with the HKSAR search and rescue team yesterday night. The team departed for Türkiye at night on February 8 to conduct search and rescue work in Hatay Province, one of the most devastated areas in Türkiye. During the days of operation, team members successfully rescued four survivors and found six bodies under the debris. The 59-strong search and rescue team, led by Deputy Chief Fire Officer of the Fire Services Department (FSD) Mr Yiu Men-yeung, comprises 49 members of the FSD's Urban Search and Rescue Team, which includes firemen, ambulancemen and fire services workshops personnel, as well as officers from the Security Bureau, the Immigration Department and the Department of Health. Ends/Saturday, February 18, 2023 Issued at HKT 1:19 NNNN
LegCo spring luncheon
17.2.2023

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat: The President of the Legislative Council (LegCo), Mr Andrew Leung, hosted a spring luncheon today (February 17) in the Dining Hall of the LegCo Complex for the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, Executive Council Members, senior government officials and LegCo Members. Nearly 200 guests and Members attended the luncheon to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Mr Leung said the LegCo spring luncheon this year is particularly meaningful because it is the first one held since the epidemic. It is also the first LegCo spring luncheon held after the improvement of the electoral system, the implementation of "patriots administering Hong Kong", as well as after the Chief Executive and his governing team took office. Mr Leung wished the country and Hong Kong prosperity in the Year of the Rabbit. He believed the Government and the LegCo would work hand in hand to proactively plan for Hong Kong, give full play to our strengths, help Hong Kong integrate into the overall development of the country, tell the good stories of Hong Kong and open a new chapter of good governance for Hong Kong. Ends/Friday, February 17, 2023 Issued at HKT 19:10 NNNN
CE meets Mayor of Dongguan Municipal Government
17.2.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met the Mayor of the Dongguan Municipal Government, Mr Lyu Chengxi, today (February 17) to exchange views on deepening Hong Kong's co-operation with Dongguan. Also attending the meeting were the Acting Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip. ​ Mr Lee welcomed Mr Lyu's visit to Hong Kong with his delegation. Mr Lee supported and welcomed the signing of a co-operation framework agreement between the Airport Authority Hong Kong and the Dongguan Municipal People's Government yesterday (February 16) to implement and foster the long-term development of the "sea-air intermodal cargo transshipment" mode between the two cities. He noted that Hong Kong and Dongguan will continue to promote co-operation in logistics connectivity. He pointed out that Hong Kong has always been the largest source of external investment in Dongguan, and there are more than 8 000 Hong Kong-funded enterprises operating in the city currently. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will continue to proactively assist the development of Hong Kong people and enterprises in Dongguan and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The HKSAR Government also welcomes Dongguan enterprises to make use of Hong Kong's world-class financial, commercial, management and professional services, as well as international networks, to open up and develop international markets. Mr Lee added that Hong Kong will fully leverage its unique advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, and give full play to its dual roles in "going global and attracting foreign investment" in the GBA development and the co-operation with Dongguan. Hong Kong and Dongguan will maintain close co-operation under the principles of complementarity and mutual benefits, and make greater contributions to the construction of an international first-class bay area for living, working and travelling. Ends/Friday, February 17, 2023 Issued at HKT 18:46 NNNN
CE meets Secretary of CPC Hainan Provincial Committee
15.2.2023

​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met the Secretary of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee, Mr Shen Xiaoming, today (February 15) to exchange views on deepening Hong Kong's co-operation with Hainan. Also attending the meeting were the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip. Mr Lee welcomed Mr Shen's visit to Hong Kong with his delegation. Mr Lee said the relationship between Hainan and Hong Kong has always been close, with frequent flow of people, goods and capital, in particular on the trade and economic front, and quite a number of Hong Kong enterprises operate businesses in Hainan Province, adding that Hong Kong is the largest source of external investment in the province. Noting that Hong Kong has a large pool of top talent in various professional service sectors including accountancy, finance, law and innovation and technology, Mr Lee said he held that such talent could contribute to the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port and create a win-win situation for Hong Kong and Hainan to bring mutual benefits to each other. He welcomed the People's Government of Hainan Province's proposed 10 measures to open the professional services market of the Hainan Free Trade Port to Hong Kong, holding that such a move could expand the market for Hong Kong professionals and provide greater room for their development. He encouraged Hong Kong's professional service sectors to fully grasp the precious development opportunities in Hainan. As Hong Kong has fully resumed travel with the Mainland, Mr Lee expressed the hope that youth exchange between the two places can be restarted. He mentioned that Hainan and Hong Kong had reached consensus in 2021 on introducing a thematic programme for Hong Kong youths to have internship opportunities at the Hainan branch of the Aerospace Information Research Institute under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and hoped that the programme could be launched within this year to enable Hong Kong youths to learn more about the latest developments in Hainan Province. Mr Lee pointed out that one of the key tasks of the Steering Group on Integration into National Development, the establishment of which was announced in the Policy Address, is to strengthen co-operation with various regions in the Mainland. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Guangdong of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to maintain close contact with departments of the People's Government of Hainan Province. Hainan and Hong Kong will further deepen co-operation between the two places, and bring benefits to the social, livelihood and economic development of both places in the process of jointly fostering the country's development. Ends/Wednesday, February 15, 2023 Issued at HKT 18:46 NNNN
HKSAR Government reports to Central Authorities on recent work of Government
14.2.2023

A spokesman for the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (February 14) said that the HKSAR Government is grateful to the Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, for listening to the HKSAR Government's report on the recent work of the Government and the commencement of a district administration review on District Councils and other matters, and meeting relevant people of Hong Kong society in Shenzhen recently. The HKSAR Government fully, faithfully and resolutely implements the principle of "one country, two systems" in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, maintains effective communication with the Central Authorities on the work of the Government of the HKSAR in performing his duties as the Chief Executive, with a view to enabling the Central Authorities to comprehensively understand and grasp the actual situation of Hong Kong, and ensuring the successful implementation of the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy in the HKSAR. The current term of District Councils will expire by the end of this year. Under the Chief Executive's instructions, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau have commenced a review on district administration to ensure that future arrangements will be in conformity with the Basic Law, in adherence to the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", and conducive to enhancing governance efficacy at the district level. The concerned bureaux of the HKSAR Government will continue the relevant review, and announce details in due course. Ends/Tuesday, February 14, 2023 Issued at HKT 16:40 NNNN
CE meets Mayor of Guangzhou Municipal Government
13.2.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met the Mayor of the Guangzhou Municipal Government, Mr Guo Yonghang, today (February 13) to exchange views on deepening Hong Kong's co-operation with Guangzhou. Also attending the meeting were the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip. Mr Lee welcomed the visit by Mr Guo and the delegation after the implementation of full resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland. He said that Hong Kong and Guangzhou enjoy close geographical and cultural ties, and have always maintained close co-operation among governments, the business sector and the community. Mr Lee noted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will proactively integrate into the overall development of the country, and will fully leverage the unique advantages of Hong Kong by enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under the "one country, two systems" principle, and deepening co-operation with Guangzhou and other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The HKSAR Government will fully support Nansha, Guangzhou, in promoting itself as a high-standard gateway for opening up within the GBA, while strengthening Hong Kong's co-operation with Guangzhou in areas of innovation and technology, finance, education, and youth innovation and employment, etc. "As the epidemic situation stabilises, and the travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland has resumed, I will visit Guangdong Province, particularly cities in the GBA very soon, and discuss with the leaders of the province and cities to further bring the mutual co-operation to new heights, with a view to jointly promoting the high-quality development of the GBA," said Mr Lee. Ends/Monday, February 13, 2023 Issued at HKT 18:28 NNNN
CE: Middle East journey promotes friendship, Hong Kong&apos;s advantages and investment opportunities
10.2.2023

​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, continued his visit to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on February 10 (Dubai time), and led the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) delegation to conduct business visits and attend exchange activities, with a view to promoting Hong Kong's business and investment opportunities. In the morning, Mr Lee and some members of the HKSAR delegation met the media to conclude the visit programme. Hailing the visit as a journey to promote friendship, Hong Kong's advantages and investment opportunities, Mr Lee said the visit helped enhance collaboration and connections between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia and the UAE respectively on various fronts. Noting that the Middle East region is a key link for the country's Belt and Road Initiative, Mr Lee said that leading the delegation to visit the Middle East region demonstrated the HKSAR's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, and also its implementation of the spirit of the speech delivered by President Xi Jinping in the China-Arab States Summit held last December, fostering co-operation to achieve mutual benefits and consolidating the promotion of collaboration in areas including business and commerce, energy, finance and professional services. After that, Mr Lee and the delegation attended a breakfast meeting hosted by a local alternative investment management company, Investcorp, to understand more about the company's future plan in China and Asia. Mr Lee promoted Hong Kong as an international financial hub with a rich pool of talents in professional services that can help the company further grasp the immense opportunities in the Mainland, especially in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The delegation led by Mr Lee then visited a leading enterprise in Dubai, Dubai Holding, to meet with its Chairman, HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and tour the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah under the group to understand the development of local business and tourism, as well as its business development plan. Mr Lee introduced the latest policies and measures of the HKSAR Government in attracting businesses and investments, and applauded the holding's expansion of diversified and international business. In the afternoon, Mr Lee and the delegation attended a luncheon hosted by the Chinese Business Council in UAE and exchanged views with representatives of Chinese enterprises there. Speaking at the luncheon, Mr Lee said that he believes the visit will bring the relations between Hong Kong and the Middle East region to new heights, expanding the scope of co-operation between Hong Kong and Belt and Road countries and enhancing people-to-people bonds. Mr Lee concluded his visit and will return to Hong Kong tomorrow morning. Ends/Friday, February 10, 2023 Issued at HKT 20:07 NNNN
CE meets UAE Vice President and Prime Minister in Dubai
10.2.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, continued his visit to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 9 (Dubai time), meeting with the Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Highlighting that this is his first time to lead a delegation to visit the UAE since assuming office, Mr Lee said he hopes that the trip can strengthen the ties between Hong Kong and the UAE on various fronts. He said the UAE is a key partner in the Belt and Road Initiative, which developed several major projects with China, adding that Hong Kong has the necessary supporting facilities for the projects and can provide financing support, architectural design, as well as related professional services required for those projects. Mr Lee noted that the UAE was Hong Kong's 14th largest trading partner in the world in 2021 which the bilateral trade grew to about US$12.8 billion, representing an increase of 35 per cent over 2020. Hong Kong was the UAE's 9th largest trading partner in 2020, with 4.1 per cent average annual growth rate in bilateral trade between 2017 and 2021. As at November 2022, there were 36 companies in Hong Kong representing parent companies located in the UAE, in which four of them are regional headquarters, reflecting the enormous business opportunities in these two places. Mr Lee and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation then visited the Museum of the Future. Founded by the Dubai Future Foundation (the Foundation) which was launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the museum incorporates elements of traditional exhibitions, theater and themed attractions, allowing visitors to explore how society could evolve in future using science and technology. Noting that the Central authorities are all supportive for Hong Kong's development into an international I&T hub and Hong Kong promulgated the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint last year to establish a clear development path and formulate systematic strategic planning for Hong Kong's I&T development over the next five to 10 years, Mr Lee said that he looks forward to more collaborations on I&T with the Foundation in future. During his visit, Mr Lee and the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications of UAE, Deputy Managing Director of Dubai Future Foundation, Mr Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, witnessed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the Hong Kong Cyberport and Dubai Future Foundation, forming a useful basis for technology co-operation and exchange of ideas between them. Mr Lee will continue his last day of visit in the UAE today (February 10, Dubai time). Ends/Friday, February 10, 2023 Issued at HKT 8:00 NNNN
HKSAR search and rescue team leaves for Türkiye
8.2.2023

​The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government sent a 59-strong search and rescue team to the quake-stricken areas in Türkiye tonight (February 8) to assist in the search and rescue work. The Acting Chief Executive, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; and the Director of Fire Services, Mr Andy Yeung, saw the search and rescue team off at Hong Kong International Airport. The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, also attended and showed support to the team. The team, led by Deputy Chief Fire Officer of the Fire Services Department (FSD), Mr Yiu Men-yeung, comprises 49 members of the FSD's Urban Search and Rescue Team, which includes firemen, ambulancemen and fire services workshops personnel, as well as officers from the Security Bureau, the Immigration Department and the Department of Health. The approximately eight tonnes of equipment the team is taking includes life detectors and masonry cutting machines as well as the team members' daily necessities. The team left for Türkiye on Turkish Airline flight number TK071. They will join local rescue teams to start search and rescue work on arrival. Ends/Wednesday, February 8, 2023 Issued at HKT 23:30 NNNN