kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Treasury Building officially opens (12.3.2024)
12.3.2024

The opening ceremony of the Treasury Building in Sham Shui Po District was held today (March 12), marking the official commissioning of the new office building. The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, attended and delivered a speech at the ceremony. Located at 3 Tonkin Street West in Cheung Sha Wan, the 22-storey Treasury Building is the headquarters of the Treasury. The building also accommodates offices of more than 10 government departments, including the Audit Commission, the Registration and Electoral Office, the Office of the Communications Authority and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer. Moreover, there are also community facilities, including a family medicine clinic, a day care centre for the elderly, a child care centre and a recruitment centre under the Labour Department to provide various services to members of the public. Located close to Cheung Sha Wan and Nam Cheong MTR stations and served by bus and minibus services nearby, the building is accessible to the public. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Chan said that the design of the Treasury Building echoed the history of Cheung Sha Wan as the centre of Hong Kong's textile and garment industry. He also noted that the building has adopted a number of green and sustainable designs, and has won several architectural awards and certifications, making it a truly outstanding green building. Mr Chan said, "Green and sustainable development has become a global trend, which is also an essential path to promote high-quality development. In last year's Budget, I proposed to develop Hong Kong into an international green technology and green finance hub. This year's Budget continues to realise the vision of green development and accelerate Hong Kong's pace towards a green future." The Budget this year has proposed a number of initiatives on promoting a green city, including the Pilot Scheme on Building-Integrated Photovoltaics to explore photovoltaic technology applications on the facades of government buildings. He added that promoting digital economy development is another highlight of the Budget. He also stated that government departments should set an example by embracing the trend and rolling out more digital services. Also officiating at the opening ceremony were the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Treasury), Miss Cathy Chu; the Director of Accounting Services, Ms Susanna Cheung; the Government Property Administrator, Mr Eugene Fung, and the heads of relevant departments. Ends/Tuesday, March 12, 2024 Issued at HKT 19:00 NNNN
FS reviews Fire Services passing-out parade (8.3.2024)
8.3.2024

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, reviewed the Fire Services passing-out parade for 10 station officers, 99 firemen and 33 ambulancemen at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy today (March 8). Mr Chan commended members of the Fire Services Department (FSD) for their dedicated efforts in protecting Hong Kong and saving people's lives and property. When participating in the rescue mission in the quake-stricken areas of Türkiye last year, members never hesitated and went all out to brave the harsh conditions even in an unfamiliar country. He mentioned that the FSD has been introducing advanced equipment and applying innovative technology to enhance operational efficiency. In October last year, a male student went missing in the hills for days. The FSD deployed drones using technologies including artificial intelligence analysis and eventually located him. Moreover, the FSD received an award from the World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance last year for its commitment to exploring and applying innovative technology in enhancing the effectiveness of mountain search and rescue operations. Mr Chan said, "The FSD frequently conducts exchanges and mutual visits with its fire and rescue counterparts on the Mainland and overseas, and a regular mechanism for exchanges and observation has been created in particular with cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. In addition to conducting joint exercises, mutual visits, seminars and other activities from time to time, the Greater Bay Area Fire and Rescue Knowledge Management Platform was established which serves as a means to share experiences and information, thus strengthening mutual learning among counterparts of the area." He also pointed out that the FSD has strived to enhance members' understanding of national security, and established a steering committee to co-ordinate activities on national affairs and national security to be participated in by all members. The graduates also attended a national studies course on the Mainland during the training period. He encouraged the graduates to deepen their understanding of the country's development and current situation, as well as its history and culture, in order to become the backbone for members who love both the country and Hong Kong. The graduates could then work together with colleagues from various disciplinary forces and play a crucial role in safeguarding national security. The parade was followed by a demonstration of firefighting and rescue techniques by the graduates. The 142 graduates will be posted to various fire stations and ambulance depots. Ends/Friday, March 8, 2024 Issued at HKT 17:50 NNNN
Director of Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of CPC Central Committee and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council Mr Xia Baolong studies financial and economic development in Hong Kong (26.2.2024)
26.2.2024

The Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, today (February 26) continued his inspection visit to Hong Kong. Accompanied by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; and the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, Mr Xia reviewed the financial and economic development of Hong Kong. In the morning, he had a session with more than 20 representatives from the financial sector to exchange views on the latest developments of the financial market and consolidating and strengthening Hong Kong's position as an international financial centre. At noon, Mr Xia had a working lunch with the senior management of the financial regulators of Hong Kong to exchange views on financial development and regulation. Representatives from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Securities and Futures Commission, the Insurance Authority, the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority, the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council and the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) attended the meeting. In the afternoon, accompanied by Mr Lee, Mr Chan, and the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, Mr Xia had an engagement session with about 40 representatives from local and foreign chambers of commerce. Mr Xia, in the company of Mr Lee and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, then attended an exchange session with representatives from patriotic community groups with an affection for the country and the city. In the evening, Mr Xia met with representatives from 30 strategic enterprises, which were introduced into Hong Kong by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government over the past year and more, at the HKEX. Views were exchanged on Hong Kong's economy, investment and business prospects, as well as advantages for enterprises to set up and expand their business in Hong Kong. Mr Lee, Mr Chan, Mr Wong, Mr Hui, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, and Dr Chan were also present. Mr Xia will continue his inspection visit to Hong Kong tomorrow (February 27). Ends/Monday, February 26, 2024 Issued at HKT 22:41 NNNN
InvestHK and HKCEA collaborated a spring reception for Mainland enterprises in Hong Kong (26.2.2024)
26.2.2024

Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association (HKCEA) collaborated a spring reception this evening (February 26) receiving over 900 representatives from major Mainland enterprises in recognition of their lasting commitment and contributions to the city. Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Mr Yin Zonghua; the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau; and the Chairman of the HKCEA, Mr Miao Jianmin, attended the event, which was organised by HKCEA and co-organized by InvestHK. A toasting ceremony and a lion dance performance at the end took the celebrative mood to its height. Addressing the guests, Mr Wong thanked the HKCEA for its continued support of Hong Kong over the years. He said that the HKSAR Government will press ahead in building a vibrant economy and give full play to Hong Kong's distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under "one country, two systems". The city will strive to provide the best business environment for enterprises to flourish. Mr Miao said that since last year Hong Kong has emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic and resumed exchanges with the world, returning to the centre of the global stage. Looking to the new year, the HKCEA will continue to unite Chinese enterprises and fully support the HKSAR Government in exercising good governance, governance in accordance with the law, and achieving long-term peace and stability. The association will help Hong Kong align itself with major national strategies and strive for the economic growth. The annual spring reception marks an important occasion for InvestHK and the HKCEA. As the country and the city continue to forge closer ties, the number of Mainland companies in Hong Kong has been on the rise. In 2023, InvestHK assisted 136 Mainland companies setting up or expanding in the city, which represents the largest source market in the department's portfolio. Ends/Monday, February 26, 2024 Issued at HKT 21:16 NNNN
Financial Secretary to present Budget (26.2.2024)
26.2.2024

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat: The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on February 28 (Wednesday) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. The Appropriation Bill 2024 will be introduced into the Council for the First Reading and the Second Reading. When moving the Second Reading of the Bill, the Financial Secretary will outline the 2024-25 Budget. The Second Reading debate on the Bill will be adjourned. During the meeting, Members will also ask the Government 22 questions on various policy areas, all of which require written replies. The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the LegCo Website ( www.legco.gov.hk ). Members of the public can watch or listen to the meeting via the "Webcast" system on the LegCo Website. To observe the proceedings of the meeting at the LegCo Complex, members of the public may call 3919 3399 during office hours to reserve seats. Ends/Monday, February 26, 2024 Issued at HKT 16:20 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by FS at media session (22.2.2024)
22.2.2024

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at a media session today (February 22): Reporter: How would you interpret Director Xia's second visit to Hong Kong in such a short period of time? How would you respond to comments that the second visit may signal concerns from Beijing that the city's governance and economy is not doing as well as it should? And secondly, did Director Xia give any guidance or advice on the upcoming Budget, and did he give any key performance indicators for the Government concerning the economy? Thank you. Financial Secretary: We warmly welcome the visit by Director Xia (the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong) to Hong Kong. His visit that lasts for seven days would cover such areas as Hong Kong's economic development and district administration. Under the leadership of the Chief Executive, along with the Deputy Financial Secretary and six other Policy Secretaries, we reported to Director Xia about the economic and financial situation in Hong Kong; our development in innovation and technology and commerce; as well as work related to land and housing supply. We had very good exchange of views. He understands the situation of Hong Kong very well. During the discussion, he encouraged us to continue with our good work. He is confident with this Government and appreciates our work. Going forward, the whole team in the Government will continue to work hard to develop our economy. In the process, we will make good use of the various policy support measures from the Central Authorities. As to your question about the possible measures that benefit Hong Kong, I think if there are any such measures, they would be announced at the appropriate time. Thank you. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Thursday, February 22, 2024 Issued at HKT 21:34 NNNN
Government appoints directors to HKEX Board (16.2.2024)
16.2.2024

The Government announced today (February 16) that the Financial Secretary has appointed Mr Chan Kin-por and Mr Peter Yan King-shun as members of the Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) in place of Mrs Laura Cha May-lung and Mr Benjamin Hung Pi-cheng; and re-appointed Mrs Susan Chow Woo Mo-fong as a member of the Board of Directors of the HKEX. The terms of the appointments and re-appointment are around two years, from the conclusion of the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the HKEX until the conclusion of the 2026 AGM. The Government expressed gratitude to Mrs Cha and Mr Hung for their contributions during their tenure of service. The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said, "During her chairmanship of the HKEX, with the support of the Government, Mrs Cha has proactively enhanced the HKEX's fundraising capabilities, including launching new listing regimes for innovative and specialised technology companies as well as special purpose acquisition companies, facilitating overseas companies and "China concept stocks" to list in Hong Kong, deepening and expanding the mutual market access with the Mainland financial markets, improving the trading mechanism for Hong Kong Dollar-Renminbi dual-currency securities products, etc. She has made remarkable accomplishments and achieved outstanding results for the development of Hong Kong's securities market and as an international financial centre. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Mr Hung for his dedicated service and valuable contributions during the last six years." Mr Chan added, "For the three appointees, they are all familiar with the financial market, and are leaders in their respective professional fields. They also have vast experience in public services. I look forward to their collaborative efforts with other Board members to assist the HKEX in developing an increasingly diversified market development strategy, providing enhanced services to corporations on fundraising, accelerating the adoption of more innovative technological applications, and further strengthening its risk management framework. I am confident that the Board of Directors of the HKEX will continue to promote the development of Hong Kong into a more vibrant, upscale, broader and deeper international fundraising platform." The above appointments are made in accordance with section 77 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance. The Board of Directors of the HKEX comprises a maximum of six directors appointed by the Financial Secretary, a maximum of six directors elected by shareholders, and the Chief Executive of the HKEX. The other incumbent directors appointed by the Financial Secretary are Ms Nisa Leung Wing-yu, Mr Carlson Tong Ka-shing and Mr Joseph Yam Chi-kwong. Ends/Friday, February 16, 2024 Issued at HKT 21:13 NNNN
Appointment of Executive Director to SFC (7.2.2024)
7.2.2024

The Government announced today (February 7) that the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, under the authority delegated by the Chief Executive pursuant to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571), has appointed Dr Eric Yip Chee-hang as the Executive Director (Intermediaries) of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), for a term of three years from May 2, 2024, to May 1, 2027. A spokesman for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said, "Dr Yip is a seasoned financial professional having in-depth knowledge of the operation and regulation of the securities and futures markets in Hong Kong. We are confident that he will contribute towards the effective performance of the SFC's statutory functions to foster market development and regulation." Dr Yip has extensive experience in the financial services industry and held senior executive positions in respect of banking, private and public equity. Dr Yip was selected through an open recruitment exercise led by a selection panel chaired by the Chairman of the SFC. Ends/Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Issued at HKT 16:30 NNNN
Task Force on Promoting Elderly-friendly Building Design holds first meeting (6.2.2024)
6.2.2024

The Chief Executive announced in the 2023 Policy Address that in order to promote elderly-friendly building design, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, will co-ordinate with relevant bureaux to incorporate more comprehensively the concepts of universal design and accessibility into the Buildings Department (BD)'s building design manual and relevant regulations and guidelines. Mr Wong convened the first meeting as the Head of the Task Force today (February 6). The Task Force will review existing legislation and elderly-friendly related design provisions in the BD's Design Manual: Barrier Free Access, and put forward proposals within this year. The directions of work are as follows: to make reference to the design requirements for elderly-friendly buildings or facilities in Hong Kong and other places, including building designs concerning common areas and private units, how to integrate technology application with user-centred designs, with a view to formulating more practicable elderly-friendly building design requirements and guidelines; to consider how to implement relevant design requirements, including which requirements should be mandated through legislative amendment, which can be advisory best practices, and which can be encouraged measures for the industry's adoption through provision of incentives; and to explore the adoption of relevant design requirements in public housing projects as pilots. Mr Wong said that in face of an ageing population in Hong Kong, the Policy Address has proposed a series of cross-sectoral policies and measures to cater for the needs of the elderly. Of which, elderly-friendly building design is a beneficial measure complementing the Government's policy of ageing in place. The Government will put forward preliminary proposals later this year and listen to the views of stakeholders to finalise the plan. At the meeting, Task Force members discussed the overall directions of the Task Force's work, as well as the upcoming work plan and arrangements. Other members of the Task Force include the Secretary for Development, the Secretary for Housing, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, the Permanent Secretary for Housing/Director of Housing, the Director of Architectural Services, the Director of Buildings, and the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Hong Kong Housing Society. The terms of reference of the Task Force are set out in the Appendix. Ends/Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Issued at HKT 18:38 NNNN
Senior appointment at Hong Kong Monetary Authority (2.2.2024)
2.2.2024

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority: The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (February 2) that the Financial Secretary, on the advice of the Governance Sub-Committee of the Exchange Fund Advisory Committee, has approved the appointment of Mr Archie Ng as Executive Director (Corporate Services) with effect from February 14, 2024. Mr Ng will succeed Mr Donald Chen who has taken over the role of Executive Director (Banking Policy) since December 2023. As Executive Director (Corporate Services), Mr Ng will be responsible for corporate development, media relations and public engagement, human resources, administration, finance, information technology and digitalisation work in the HKMA. The CV of Mr Ng is attached at Annex. Ends/Friday, February 2, 2024 Issued at HKT 16:30 NNNN
Appointments to Standing Committee on Company Law Reform (31.1.2024)
31.1.2024

The Financial Secretary has appointed three new members, Mr Jack Chan Hoi, Ms Wendy Kam Mei-ha and Mr Ernest Lee Chun-ho, to the Standing Committee on Company Law Reform (SCCLR). Five incumbent members, namely Mr Paul Chow Koon-ying, Ms Julianne Pearl Doe, Ms Sabrina Ho Shuk-ying, Mr Jason Karas, and Ms Tiffany Wong Wing-sze, have been reappointed. The appointments and reappointments are for a term of two years starting from February 1, 2024. The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said today (January 31), "With the professional knowledge of its members, the SCCLR has provided valuable advice on modernising our company law to strengthen Hong Kong's status as an international commercial and financial centre." He added, "We are grateful to the outgoing members, Mr Albert Ng Kong-ping, Mr Joe Wan Pui-lun, Ms Rachel Lam Yan-kay, SC and Ms Fion Ng Siu-mui, for their valuable contributions to the SCCLR." The SCCLR was set up in 1984. It advises the Financial Secretary on amendments to the Companies Ordinance and the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance, as well as amendments to the Securities and Futures Ordinance on matters relating to corporate governance and shareholders' protection, as and when necessary. As from February 1, 2024, the membership list of the SCCLR will be as follows: Mr Johnny Mok Shiu-luen, SC (Chairman) Mr Jack Chan Hoi Ms Ivy Cheung Wing-han Mr Paul Chow Koon-ying Ms Christine Chung Wai-yin Ms Julianne Pearl Doe Mr Dennis Ho Chiu-ping Ms Sabrina Ho Shuk-ying Ms Wendy Kam Mei-ha Mr Geoffrey Edward Kao Mr Jason Karas Mr Ernest Lee Chun-ho Mr Low Chee-keong Mr David John Simmonds Ms Jacqueline Walsh Ms Tiffany Wong Wing-sze Ex-officio members --------------------- Ms Katherine Ng Kit-shuen Head of Listing Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited Mr Stefan Gannon Special Adviser to Chief Executive Hong Kong Monetary Authority Ms Annabel Lee Tung-mei Deputy Chief Counsel, Legal Services Division Securities and Futures Commission Registrar of Companies Official Receiver Deputy Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services) Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau Senior Assistant Law Officer (Civil Law) Department of Justice Ends/Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Issued at HKT 17:00 NNNN
Extension of term of Inspector appointed by Financial Secretary to investigate affairs of Next Digital Limited (26.1.2024)
26.1.2024

The Government announced today (January 26) the further extension of the appointment of Mr Clement Chan Kam-wing as the Inspector to investigate the affairs of Next Digital Limited (NDL) by six months up to July 27, 2024. The Financial Secretary, pursuant to the power conferred on him by sections 841(2) and (3) of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), had appointed Mr Chan as the Inspector to investigate the affairs of NDL. As the Inspector has indicated to the Financial Secretary that the above investigation was still ongoing, the Financial Secretary has decided to further extend the Inspector's appointment by six months. Ends/Friday, January 26, 2024 Issued at HKT 18:48 NNNN