kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session
17.6.2022

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session this afternoon (June 17): Reporter: Thank you, Mrs Lam. I'm wondering, has Beijing given you any advice on how to handle the rising case numbers? Are they worried? And was this your decision to call this press conference or theirs? Chief Executive: Well, throughout this long journey of fighting the COVID-19 epidemic, you will appreciate that myself and my team are adopting a very transparent approach. In fact, I remember in January 2020 when I came out with the Secretary for Food and Health, I gave her three guidelines, and one is transparency. Transparency has to be delivered through meeting the media so that you have a chance to ask us questions, we give you the answers. This is only natural, since the daily confirmed positive cases have escalated to over 1 000. Although I'm coming to the end of my term, I'm shouldering the responsibilities to fight COVID-19, so I chaired a high-level cross-bureau meeting this morning together with the Chief Executive of the Hospital Authority. And in line with the spirit of transparency, I thought I should let you know the outcome of the discussion. That's the purpose of hosting this press conference. The Central Government's involvement in fighting the COVID-19 epidemic is when the Hong Kong SAR Government needed help, they would almost immediately give us the help we need in various forms, and you have already seen this at least on several occasions. But on this occasion, in responding to another question, I said that we have sufficient supply of CIFs (community isolation facilities), testing capacity and antiviral oral drugs, so I do not see the need to appeal to the Central Government for any assistance or support for the time being. I could not say whether they are worried but, of course, in light of a spirit of concern for compatriots in the Hong Kong SAR, our motherland is always concerned whenever there are things happening in Hong Kong, which they feel that may cause the Hong Kong people a bit of concern. For the time being, I have to stress that this upward (trend of) cases, according to the experts, is not unexpected because we have almost returned to normalcy as far as social activities are concerned. In a way, this is not an alarm bell yet, but we will closely monitor the situation; and if between now and June 30 there are other occasions that I need to chair meetings, I need to decide on policy measures, I will still meet you people, and through you people, to disseminate the needed information to the people of Hong Kong. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Friday, June 17, 2022 Issued at HKT 18:11 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo
14.6.2022

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive (CE), Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council (ExCo) meeting today (June 14): Reporter: Thank you, Mrs Lam. In this past week, you've made lots of comments in media interviews about Hong Kong needing to reopen borders if it wants to be a financial hub. Do you believe that and why haven't you opened them faster and wider? Chief Executive: First of all, Hong Kong is an international city. Connectivity with the outside world is very important, whether it is for Hong Kong's role as an international financial centre or an international innovation and technology hub. We need to bring in outside people, whether they are talents, investors, artists or art galleries and so on. But at the same time, Hong Kong is fully and closely integrated with the Mainland of China. So, the dual objective of trying to secure quarantine-free travel into the Mainland as well as opening up for outside people to come in are equally important. We will have to find the right balance in order to meet that objective. I understand that there's still a lot of pressure, especially from the financial service sector, that will urge the Hong Kong SAR Government to take more decisive acts to relax the quarantine rules. But unfortunately, it is not a question of whether I and my team have the political will to make that decision. Making a decision is not too difficult, but we have to appreciate and assess the effectiveness or the consequences of that decision. Naturally, as we are approaching the end of our term - there's only two more weeks to go - if we were to relax the quarantine rules tomorrow, but then in two weeks' time the new government decided that perhaps this needs to be reverted to a more tightened approach, that would create a lot of confusion and uncertainty for a lot of people. Having considered the situation and, of course, the need to maintain a more stable infection situation in Hong Kong, we have decided that we will maintain the status quo up to June 30, 2022. But at the same time, we will provide all the information and advice of the experts that we have received to the CE-elect's Office for the CE-elect to assess and provide a timely response when he assumes office. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, June 14, 2022 Issued at HKT 12:57 NNNN
CE visits Oil Street Art Space
13.6.2022

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (June 13) visited the new extension of the Oil Street Art Space (Oi!) in North Point to appreciate the art projects there and its new look. Mrs Lam, accompanied by the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu, viewed different projects in Oi!, including two art exhibitions in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, namely "Joyful Trees (Arbores Laetae)", which features a number of Chinese junipers, and "d'strict Remix", which combines art and technology to present rolling waves and a swimming blue whale. Mrs Lam also received a briefing on the expansion project of Oi!, which started in 2019, and the operation since the opening in late May. Oi! is located at a red-brick Grade II historic building with a tile roof. The building was the staff quarters of the former Government Supplies Department and a storage facility of the Antiquities and Monuments Office. Under the planning of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), the structure was revitalised in 2013 into an art space named Oi!, as inspired by its address at Oil Street. The new extension of Oi! features a two-storey building for staging exhibitions and holding activities and is integrated with more than 3 000 square metres of adjacent open space, enabling the display of large outdoor art installations. "I am pleased to learn that Oi! has become another important platform under the LCSD's Art Promotion Office (APO) after the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre. The expanded Oi! provides broader artistic recreational space in the district. In addition to inviting artists to showcase their works, it engages different communities to participate in relevant activities, integrating culture and art into daily life. It is particularly meaningful to promote and display contemporary visual arts as well as nurture young local artists in this Grade II historic building built with the Arts and Crafts architectural style," Mrs Lam said. Mrs Lam affirmed the efforts of the APO to connect the community with art by providing high-quality and diversified visual art activities and services since its establishment in 2001. She expressed the hope that the APO, and the future Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, will continue to create unique cultural and artistic landmarks in different districts of Hong Kong, giving full play to Hong Kong's distinctive appeal of an East-meets-West culture and alluring blend of the ancient and the modern, and also develop culture and art into a sector to enrich people's life as well as an industry to add to the city's economic vibrancy. Ends/Monday, June 13, 2022 Issued at HKT 19:00 NNNN
Celebrations for All project commences
11.6.2022

The launch ceremony of the Celebrations for All project, which is co-ordinated by the Home Affairs Department (HAD), was held in Wong Tai Sin District today (June 11). The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, officiated at the ceremony and visited less-privileged families in the district afterwards to distribute gift packs in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to them, signifying the commencement of the project. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Mrs Lam said that this year is very meaningful and memorable for the country, the HKSAR and the people of Hong Kong as it marks the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. The HKSAR Government has all along been injecting community care into celebratory events, with an aim of bringing about a positive public atmosphere. The Celebrations for All project is co-ordinated by the HAD and implemented with help from non-governmental organisations in the 18 districts and local organisations. Mrs Lam thanked the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) for sponsoring the project and expressed gratitude to the non-governmental organisations and volunteers from local organisations that are fully supporting and participating in the project for extending warm regards to the less privileged, and fostering unity in society, the spirit of mutual help and a caring and inclusive culture. Accompanied by the Acting Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Jack Chan; the Chairman of the HKJC, Mr Philip Chen; and the District Officer (Wong Tai Sin), Mr Steve Wong, Mrs Lam started home visits after the launch ceremony. She visited an elderly doubleton household, a newly arrived single-parent family and an ethnic minority family to learn about their daily lives and needs, as well as to distribute gift packs to them, sharing with them the joy of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. The Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Alice Cheung, and the Chief Executive Officer of the HKJC, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, also visited grass-roots families in the district with volunteer groups after the launch ceremony to extend warm greetings to them. The Celebrations for All project is one of the major events to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. The 18 District Offices, together with non-governmental organisations in the districts and local organisations, will hold various kinds of activities to show care for the less privileged, including visiting 300 000 grass-roots families, arranging for around 80 000 grass-roots citizens to participate in territory-wide celebratory events, and arranging for around 120 000 persons from the less-privileged groups to participate in district celebratory events to share the festive mood. Other Principal Officials will also visit grass-roots families in the 18 Districts with non-governmental organisations and local organisations joining the project in the coming two weeks and distribute gift packs to convey blessings to these families on behalf of the HKSAR Government. Ends/Saturday, June 11, 2022 Issued at HKT 12:10 NNNN
CE expresses sorrow over passing of Mr Hu Fa-kuang
8.6.2022

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (June 8) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mr Hu Fa-kuang. "Mr Hu was a successful entrepreneur, with great achievements made and respect commanded in the business sector. Over the last century, he was committed to public and community service. Through his work as a member of the Legislative Council and the Urban Council and a Hong Kong Affairs Advisor, as well as in other public positions, he made exemplary efforts in fostering the continuous development of Hong Kong. With his passion in sports, he was particularly supportive of the activities of various sports associations and significantly contributed to the sports development of Hong Kong. He was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in 2016. "I am saddened by the passing of Mr Hu. On behalf of the HKSAR Government, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Wednesday, June 8, 2022 Issued at HKT 9:00 NNNN
CE expresses sorrow over passing of Sir Gerard Brennan
2.6.2022

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (June 2) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Honourable Sir Gerard Brennan, former non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal. "Sir Gerard was a non-permanent judge of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal from 2000 to 2012. With his great experience, he guided the Court of Final Appeal in handling many complicated cases and made significant contributions to the Judiciary of Hong Kong. He was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in 2013. "I am saddened by the passing of Sir Gerard. On behalf of the HKSAR Government, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Thursday, June 2, 2022 Issued at HKT 18:08 NNNN
CE expresses sorrow over passing of Mrs Anne Marden
1.6.2022

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (June 1) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mrs Anne Marden. Mrs Lam said, "I had known Mrs Marden for over 20 years since my days as the Director of Social Welfare and admired her passion and dedication to improving the welfare of people, especially those with disabilities and from disadvantaged background. She was personally involved in many charities in Hong Kong for over half a century, playing both leadership and advocacy roles. It is no exaggeration to say that Mrs Marden's contributions reflected the development of social welfare in Hong Kong for the past several decades. "Mrs Marden was particularly attached to the well-being of children, from physical and mental health to fun and play. Her inspiration led many to put more attention in designing open spaces and public leisure grounds for the enjoyment of our younger generation. "Mrs Marden dedicated her life to serving others and helped thousands of people with special needs to lead a dignified and meaningful life. She was awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in 2006. "I am saddened by the passing of Mrs Marden. On behalf of the HKSAR Government, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to her family." Ends/Wednesday, June 1, 2022 Issued at HKT 17:55 NNNN
CE meets Senior Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore
30.5.2022

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met with the Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security of Singapore, Mr Teo Chee Hean, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, at Government House today (May 30). Also present was the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau. Welcoming their visit to Hong Kong, Mrs Lam said that Singapore was the destination of her first official trip overseas after taking office in 2017, which signifies the strong relationship between Hong Kong and Singapore. She was pleased to receive the two ministers as her five-year term as the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is coming to an end. "Hong Kong and Singapore have long enjoyed strong bilateral ties, which have been further strengthened through the Free Trade Agreement and the Investment Agreement between Hong Kong and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that came into full effect in early 2021. I am grateful to the Singapore Government for its support for the conclusion of these important agreements. With Hong Kong aspiring to join and contribute to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, I look forward to Singapore's continued support," said Mrs Lam. She added that Hong Kong's participation will help further consolidate the regional supply chain through the provision of more access and choices of high-quality services to enterprises, thereby stimulating economic activities in the region. "In my several political positions over the past 15 years, I have made numerous visits to Singapore to attend conferences and meet with senior officials. Apart from enhancing mutual exchanges and experience sharing, I very much treasure the friendship nurtured and hope to visit Singapore again in the not too distant future," said Mrs Lam. Ends/Monday, May 30, 2022 Issued at HKT 14:54 NNNN
Vision 2030 for Rule of Law International Symposium promotes understanding among different jurisdictions
26.5.2022

The Vision 2030 for Rule of Law International Symposium, co-organised by the Department of Justice, the Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council and the Asian Academy of International Law, was held today (May 26) in a hybrid format, bringing together officials and renowned legal experts and academics from all over the world to examine the understanding and practice of the rule of law under various jurisdictions. The Vision 2030 Task Force Report was also launched at the Symposium. The Symposium, also one of the celebratory events for the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), was launched by the welcoming remarks made by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, followed by an opening speech by the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR, Mr Liu Guangyuan. Judge Xue Hanqin of the International Court of Justice and the Chairman of the Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council and former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Professor Surakiart Sathirathai, also delivered their keynote speeches. At the three panel sessions, eminent speakers from varied fields shared their valuable experience and insights on three seminal issues: (1) rule of law under international law; (2) fundamental elements of the rule of law; and (3) practice of the rule of law in different cultural contexts, thereby facilitating mutual exchanges on the understanding and practice of the rule of law among different jurisdictions. In her closing remarks, the Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, said that the Vision 2030 for Rule of Law (Vision 2030) initiative launched by the Department of Justice in 2020 was inspired by the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and in particular its Goal 16 which advocates "promoting the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensuring equal access of justice for all". She said that as an international city with a strong rule of law tradition, Hong Kong is most willing to contribute to Goal 16, hoping that not only Hong Kong but those jurisdictions with which the city interacts will further strengthen the development and practice of the rule of law. Ms Cheng also officiated at the launch of the Vision 2030 Task Force Report, which details the fruits of the Department of Justice's and the Task Force's intensive work since the launch of Vision 2030 in devising a methodology for objectively reviewing the development and practice of the rule of law as well as on promoting the proper understanding and recognition of the rule of law, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of inclusive and fair societies at both the local and international levels. For more information on the Vision 2030 for Rule of Law International Symposium, please visit www.legalhub.gov.hk . For the full text of the Vision 2030 Task Force Report, please visit www.v2030.hk . Ends/Thursday, May 26, 2022 Issued at HKT 18:15 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo
24.5.2022

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council (ExCo) meeting today (May 24): Reporter: Thank you, Mrs Lam. I'd like to ask, Hong Kong's largest business chamber has called for quarantine to be scrapped this week, and European airlines are threatening not to fly into Hong Kong as the rest of the region opens due to the quarantine for airline staff. When will home quarantine requirements be reduced or removed? And what would trigger tighter rules for social distancing measures? Chief Executive: I have another five weeks to go as the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. I've been leading the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic for two and a half years. As I'm approaching the end of my term, I want to reiterate that all these decisions we made on fighting the epidemic and ensuring the safety of the people of Hong Kong are based on a number of factors. One is, of course, the public health considerations. Second is the economic development needs of Hong Kong. Third is the acceptance level, or the tolerance of the Hong Kong people. After announcing the two phases of relaxation of social distancing measures, the feedback given to me is they are generally fine. A lot of restaurants and bars are now starting to do business. And so whether we would implement the final phase - actually the final phase does not involve major measures, just lifting the numbers or the percentage on the limitation of seating in venues. I said that it will be done in three phases over three months, so we may still have a final phase before the end of June, that is the end of my term, because I cannot make decisions after June 30. As far as social distancing measures are concerned, there is still a final phase, but as I see it, that final phase is not crucial to the recovery or the enjoyment of the Hong Kong people. About border controls, as you can see from the numbers we announce every day at the 4.30pm press conference, because the local infections are kept very low now, the imported cases account for a rather significant share of the total caseload. And on top of that, we are seeing different variants under BA.2, so we have to be extremely careful in, sort of, implementing the restrictions on border controls. I would say at this point in time that it is very unlikely that, during my term, there will be more relaxations on border controls. In other words, we will still have hotel quarantine; we will still require vaccination before a passenger could board a plane to Hong Kong; and we will still impose "test-and-hold", whether at the airport or at the hotel, for a PCR test (polymerase chain reaction nucleic acid test) in order to keep Hong Kong safe. Thank you. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, May 24, 2022 Issued at HKT 12:39 NNNN