kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
SCED urges APEC members to build resilience through co-operation for prosperity of all people (with photos)
16.11.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, spoke at one of the plenary sessions entitled "building a resilient and interconnected region that advances broad-based economic prosperity" at the 34th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting in San Francisco, the United States, today (November 15, San Francisco time). At the plenary session, Mr Yau shared with other ministers that Hong Kong is translating APEC's collective goal of advancing broad-based prosperity into domestic actions, through actively expanding economic opportunities for all in the community. He said that Hong Kong has launched the Women Empowerment Fund with an annual funding support of about US$2.6 million (HK$20 million). The setting up of a dedicated Women Affairs Team and a Commissioner for Women Affairs in the Government was also announced recently to holistically steer work related to women's affairs. "Regionally, Hong Kong sees tremendous opportunities in economic integration initiatives to craft inclusive frameworks that widen economic participation. We welcome the reinvigorated discussions on the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific and remain committed to constructive engagement in APEC to build consensus on next-generation trade and investment issues that are in the mutual interests of all member economies," Mr Yau added. Meanwhile, Mr Yau pointed out that the success of the World Trade Organization (WTO)'s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC) demonstrated the WTO's relevance and ability to produce concrete trade solutions as WTO members bridged divergence across geopolitical divides, adding that result-oriented pragmatism and flexibility will again be key to achieving meaningful outcomes at the 13th MC in Abu Dhabi next year. He urged member economies to accelerate efforts towards concluding the WTO Joint Statement Initiative on E-commerce and extending the Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions. "Also imperative is to restore a fully functional dispute settlement system, the defining pillar of the WTO that provides the predictability and stability needed for international trade," Mr Yau added. On the sidelines of the meeting, Mr Yau held bilateral meetings with the Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism of Peru, Mr Juan Carlos Mathews Salazar, and the Deputy Minister of Commerce of Thailand, Mr Napintorn Srisunpang, to discuss various trade and economic issues. Mr Yau also met with the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, Mr Yasutoshi Nishimura, to exchange views on issues of mutual concern. Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong on Saturday morning (November 18).
SCED: APEC is ideally positioned to catalyse co-operation on supply chain connectivity and digital economy (with photos)
15.11.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, highlighted the importance of leveraging the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) as a platform for co-operation on supply chain connectivity and digital economy at one of the plenary sessions of the 34th APEC Ministerial Meeting (AMM) in San Francisco, the United States, today (November 14, San Francisco time). At the plenary session themed "Enabling an innovative environment for a sustainable future and affirming an equitable and inclusive future for all", Mr Yau said that APEC should further strengthen co-operation on supply chain connectivity to promote economic resilience against future shocks. "Pandemics, climate change and natural disasters have all exposed the existing vulnerabilities and manifested the need for co-operation to ensure a stable and resilient global supply chain," he added. Noting that APEC should also advance real and practical co-operation to embrace digital economy as a new driving force for inclusive growth, Mr Yau called for accelerating implementation of the APEC Internet and Digital Economy Roadmap in a comprehensive manner, with bridging the digital divide at the top of APEC's digital agenda. Mr Yau also outlined Hong Kong's measures to ramp up support to empower micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and groups with untapped economic potential to leverage the digital economy. The measures included the implementation of a US$64 million (HK$500 million) Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme, reinforcing export credit insurance to support MSMEs in cross-boundary transactions with confidence and zest, setting up of an inter-departmental E-commerce Development Task Force to implement policies assisting MSMEs in harnessing the business opportunities brought about by e-commerce, etc. "As a leading regional economic forum, APEC is ideally positioned to catalyse international co-operation on e-commerce development and digital inclusion. By enhancing policy dialogues and workshops and sharing best practices, we could help business of all sizes, especially MSMEs, seize the immense opportunities of the digital economy," he added. APEC has adopted the theme "Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All" this year, with discussions on topics under three priorities, namely interconnected, innovative, and inclusive. Mr Yau will continue to join the AMM Meeting tomorrow (November 15, San Francisco time).
Transcript of remarks by SCED at media session
31.10.2023

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, at a media session after hosting a reception for representatives of consulates and local and foreign chambers of commerce today (October 31): Reporter: Are there any concerns or challenges from the foreign chambers about whether the measures in the Policy Address are adequate for them? What does the Government think about the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth? It seems slow given the Government had rolled out different activities to boost spending and the economy? Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: When I spoke to the chambers and the Consuls General to explain the Policy Address' different measures in promoting the economic growth, they showed a lot of understanding and appreciated all the initiatives introduced in the Policy Address by the Chief Executive. The GDP growth is increasing in the third quarter, despite the challenging situation all around. And with all the measures and initiatives introduced by the Government like the night market, which I enjoy myself as well, I am very confident that the economy of Hong Kong will be improving and increasing. Reporter: Do the chambers show any concerns about the measures not being enough? Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: They appreciated all the measures introduced and we have different kinds of funding to help all the SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises). (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Government launches enhanced services of "SME ReachOut" (with photos)
10.10.2023

âThe "SME ReachOut: Tech+ SME Sourcing Fair 2023" opening ceremony was held today (October 10). The two-day Sourcing Fair is the first large-scale event organised under the enhanced services of the "SME ReachOut", with a view to assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in undertaking technology transformation and enhancing competitiveness. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said that the Government has allocated $100 million to enhance the services of "SME ReachOut" in the next five years. He said he was pleased to note that the enhanced services had started to roll out this month, including strengthening support to SMEs on government funding applications, and expanding the support to provide capacity-building services for SMEs. The Sourcing Fair will allow SMEs to obtain the latest market information and facilitate them in identifying solutions that suit their business needs. âMr Yau encouraged the trade to make good use of the various support measures and ride on the momentum of the post-pandemic recovery to expand their businesses. Operated by the Hong Kong Productivity Council under the support of the Government, "SME ReachOut" has operated since January 2020 to assist SMEs in identifying suitable government funding schemes and answer questions related to applications. The enhanced services of "SME ReachOut" rolled out this month will strengthen the support to SMEs on government funding applications, including arranging more visits to trade and industrial organisations, co-working spaces and commercial and industrial buildings, as well as increasing the capacity of handling enquiries and one-on-one free-of-charge consultation sessions. The enhanced services will also provide capacity-building services for SMEs, including one-on-one technology/business know-how consultation meetings with SMEs, networking events for SMEs as well as annual large-scale events, such as this Sourcing Fair. Details of the "SME ReachOut: Tech+ SME Sourcing Fair 2023" are available at u.hkpc.org/2023SF . For details of "SME ReachOut", please visit www.hkpc.org/en/support-resource/sme-one/sme-reachout . For enquiries, please contact "SME ReachOut" (Tel: 2788 6868).
SCED attends China (Shenzhen, Hong Kong) - ASEAN (Kuala Lumpur) Emerging Industries Partnering Conference in Malaysia (with photos)
21.9.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, today (September 21) promoted Hong Kong's distinctive advantages and favourable business environment under "one country, two systems" to Malaysian start-ups and investors in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Addressing the China (Shenzhen, Hong Kong) - ASEAN (Kuala Lumpur) Emerging Industries Partnering Conference, Mr Yau said that with the unwavering support of the country and the enormous opportunities brought about by the National 14th Five-Year Plan, as well as the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Hong Kong is well positioned for innovation and technology (I&T) development. "As the world's leading financial, trading and logistics hub, Hong Kong has developed a sophisticated financial system, a simple and low tax system, together with a mature legal system supported by a robust intellectual property protection regime. All these favourable factors, combined with the Government's strong commitment to I&T development, have positioned Hong Kong as the innovation hub in the region," he said. Mr Yau added that the "Development Plan for Shenzhen Park of Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone" will serve as the bridgehead for intensive I&T co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and allow Hong Kong to give full play to its unique advantage of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. Today's conference was jointly organised by the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). Also addressing the conference were the Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, Mr Qin Weizhong; the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Malaysia, Mr Ouyang Yujing; and the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup. The Chairman of the HKTDC, Dr Peter Lam, gave a video speech. Mr Yau also met with Mr Qin in the morning to exchange views on further enhancing co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Before attending the conference, Mr Yau had a lunch meeting with the Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia, Mr Liew Chin Tong, and the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Malaysia, Mr Chan Foong Hin, to update them on Hong Kong's latest developments and discuss issues of mutual interest. Mr Yau also hosted a dinner for members of the Hong Kong - Malaysia Business Association to exchange views on trade and business co-operation, and the opportunities brought about by the GBA development. Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (September 22).
SCED to attend partnering conference on emerging industries in Malaysia
19.9.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, will depart for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, tomorrow afternoon (September 20) to attend the China (Shenzhen, Hong Kong) - ASEAN (Kuala Lumpur) Emerging Industries Partnering Conference jointly organised by the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, with a view to promoting the latest developments and business opportunities of Hong Kong's emerging industries. Mr Yau will also meet with senior government officials of Malaysia and business leaders to have exchanges on strengthening economic and business co-operation between the two places. Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong on September 22. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development.
SCED to visit Germany
3.9.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, will depart for Munich, Germany, tomorrow (September 4) to attend the Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) - Europe Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference jointly organised by the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province, Invest Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute to promote huge business opportunities brought about by the GBA development. During his stay in Munich, Mr Yau will also meet with senior government officials of Germany and business leaders to give them an update on Hong Kong's latest development and business advantages. Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong on September 8. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development.
HKSARG strongly condemns illegal acts of vandalism committed against London ETO
30.8.2023

On August 29 (London time), the premises of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO) were vandalised. Offenders, under the cover of darkness, sprayed indecent and offensive language on the entrance of the London ETO, and defiled the regional emblem of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). A spokesman for the HKSAR Government (HKSARG) expressed today (August 30) strong condemnation of these illegal acts which had been carried out with the intent to threaten others. The London ETO has notified local police accordingly and stressed that vandals must face legal consequences as soon as possible. The spokesman emphasised that such vandalism is an outright challenge to the HKSARG and reflected the nefarious intentions of destabilising foreign forces to cause chaos and disruption in Hong Kong. The HKSARG must strongly condemn these acts and will pursue legal liability of the individuals involved. The spokesman called on the British police to handle the matter seriously, and apprehend the culprits with proactive and appropriate actions in accordance with its obligation to safeguard the property of the London ETO and the personal safety of its staff, thereby ensuring that the London ETO can operate without illegal or undue interference. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSARG has contacted the British Consul-General in Hong Kong to express his deep concern for the incident, and requested the British police to take action to protect the legal rights and interests of the London ETO. The Consul-General undertook to reflect the matter to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom and London Police, and follow-up as appropriate.
SCED to visit Xinjiang and Indonesia
15.8.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, will depart for Urumqi, Xinjiang, tomorrow (August 16) to attend the 2023 (China) Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo and the related events, including an investment promotion seminar jointly organised by Invest Hong Kong and several local organisations to promote Hong Kong's business opportunities. Mr Yau will then depart for Semarang, Indonesia, to attend the seventh Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers - Hong Kong, China Consultation meeting to be held on August 20. On the sidelines of the meeting, he will hold bilateral meetings with various economic ministers of ASEAN member states to exchange views on issues of mutual interest. Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong on August 21. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development.
Public urged to stay alert to emails purported to be issued by SCED office 
3.8.2023

A spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau today (August 3) appealed to members of the public to stay alert to fraudulent emails purported to be issued by the office of the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (SCED). The spokesman said that the emails, containing a suspected link to a malicious file, falsely claim to be issued following the instructions of the SCED. The bureau has no connection with the fraudulent emails and has reported the case to the Police for further investigation.ãã Members of the public are reminded not to open any suspicious emails. Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the email senders or clicked the link in the emails is advised to contact the Police.
Public consultation on assignment arrangements of spectrum in 6/7 GHz band launched
18.7.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (SCED) and the Communications Authority (CA) today (July 18) jointly launched a public consultation on arrangements for assignment of 400 MHz of spectrum in the 6/7 GHz band (6570-6770 MHz and 6925-7125 MHz) for the provision of public mobile services, and the methods for setting the related spectrum utilisation fee (SUF). "Being the mid-band frequency blocks with the largest amount of spectrum available for mobile services, the 6/7 GHz band would enable the deployment of fifth generation (5G) mobile networks and services with speeds and capacity vital to the future sustainable development of digital economy and mobile broadband connectivity in Hong Kong," a spokesman for the CA said. To enable the use of the 6/7 GHz band for the provision of public mobile services, the CA also proposes to amend the Hong Kong Table of Frequency Allocations to allocate the 6425-7075 MHz band to mobile service on a co-primary basis in addition to the existing allocations to fixed service and fixed satellite service (Earth-to-space). As there are likely to be competing demands for the spectrum, the CA proposes to assign it by way of auction. Similar to the other spectrum assigned for public mobile services by way of auction, the SCED proposes that the SUF should reflect the full market value, and will set the auction reserve prices nearer the time. "The auctioning of spectrum will ensure that such a scarce public resource be put into the hands of those who value it the most and will consequently put it to the most efficient use, thereby benefiting the general public at large," a spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) said. Meanwhile, the CA has updated the Spectrum Release Plan (SRP) for 2023-2025 to inform the industry of the potential supply of spectrum in the 6570-6770 MHz and 6910-7125 MHz band for the provision of public mobile services. The updated SRP for 2023-2025 is available on the CA's website ( www.coms-auth.hk/filemanager/en/content_613/updated_spectrum_plan2023_en.pdf ). Views and comments from the industry and other interested parties are welcome on or before August 15, 2023. After taking into account the views and comments received in response to the public consultation, the SCED and the CA target to make their respective decisions around the first half of 2024. The consultation paper can be downloaded from the websites of the CEDB and the CA .
SCED: Hong Kong stands ready to provide good platform for Thai enterprises to further develop businesses (with photos)
13.7.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, today (July 13) promoted Hong Kong's advantages and vast potential to Thai business sectors in Bangkok, Thailand, with a view to deepening business collaboration between the two places. Speaking at a Think Business, Think Hong Kong reception, part of the two-day (July 13 and 14) promotion event organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to showcase Hong Kong as a premium business destination, Mr Yau said that the ties between Hong Kong and Thailand have flourished over the years, fostering a robust partnership that has propelled mutual growth. He pointed out that in 2022, the total trade value between Thailand and Hong Kong amounted to almost US$20 billion. In the same year, foreign direct investment from Hong Kong to Thailand amounted to about US$550 million, making Hong Kong the fourth largest investor in Thailand. Mr Yau highlighted Hong Kong's strengths in business under the "one country, two systems" principle, making Hong Kong a sound destination for companies seeking access to the Mainland China market as well as the rest of the world. "By capitalising on our unique strengths, Hong Kong connects global investors with promising projects along the Belt and Road, while at the same time fostering collaboration and innovation within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area," he added. During his stay in Bangkok, Mr Yau also met with Thai business leaders to update them on the latest Hong Kong developments and initiatives on attracting enterprises and investments. Mr Yau this morning had a breakfast meeting with the Chief Executive Officer and President of BigC Supercenter Public Company Limited, one of the largest Thai conglomerates, Mr Aswin Techajareonvikul. Mr Yau then met with the Director of iberry Group, Mr Rojanin Arthayukti. The group currently operates over 60 restaurants in Bangkok. Mr Yau also called on Thai business communities' continued support to Hong Kong's early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) during a luncheon with Thailand's representatives to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Business Advisory Council. He reiterated that Hong Kong is committed to broadening and deepening economic integration and co-operation for the prosperity of the region, through Hong Kong's accession to RCEP. He also hosted dinner for some 60 representatives from the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide to exchange views on enhancing trade and business co-operation. In addition to meeting with the business community, Mr Yau paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, Mr Han Zhiqiang. ã Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon (July 14).
SCED to visit Thailand
11.7.2023

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, will depart for Bangkok, Thailand, tomorrow afternoon (July 12) to attend the Think Business, Think Hong Kong event organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to promote Hong Kong as a premium business destination. He will also meet with senior executives of Thai enterprises and business leaders to give them an update on Hong Kong's latest developments and vast business potential, including the opportunities brought about by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development. Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong on July 14 afternoon. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development.