kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
CE to attend 2017 Pan-Pearl River Delta Regional Co-operation Chief Executive Joint Conference in Changsha
22.9.2017

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will leave for Changsha, Hunan Province, in the afternoon on September 24 to attend the 2017 Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) Regional Co-operation Chief Executive Joint Conference. Mrs Lam will attend the Joint Conference with the chief executives of nine Mainland provinces/regions and the Macau Special Administrative Region, as well as join a consultative meeting for PPRD provinces/regions and central authorities. She will also have bilateral meetings with some of the Mainland's provincial leaders. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong in the evening on September 25. The Chief Executive will be accompanied by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau; the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Permanent Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Roy Tang; and the Under Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Dr David Chung. During her absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be the Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Friday, September 22, 2017 Issued at HKT 10:50 NNNN
HK and UK signed agreement on FinTech co-operation
21.9.2017

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the United Kingdom (UK) Government entered into a FinTech Bridge Agreement (Agreement) on September 20 (London time) to foster collaboration between the two economies in promoting financial innovation. ​ Witnessed by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr James Lau; and the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Philip Hammond, the Agreement was signed in London by the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, Ms Shirley Lam, and the Director General for Financial Services of the UK, Ms Katharine Braddick. ​ The Hong Kong – UK FinTech Bridge is a comprehensive agreement covering government-to-government, regulator-to-regulator and industry-to-industry co-operation. It provides a solid framework for FinTech firms on both sides to use the facilities and assistance available in the other place to explore new business opportunities. ​ Mr Lau said, "The Agreement is a vivid example of the Government's staunch efforts in promoting FinTech development and collaboration with other FinTech hubs. With strengthened co-operation with the UK in FinTech development and promotion, we hope to see Hong Kong's home-grown FinTech firms grow and expand their business to the UK. We also welcome UK FinTech firms to establish presence in Hong Kong and to use Hong Kong as a gateway to tap into the Mainland and Asian markets." Mr Lau continued his second day of visit to London on September 20 (London time). Apart from witnessing the signing of the Agreement, he also visited Accenture's FinTech Innovation Lab and the Royal Bank of Scotland to know more about the latest developments of the FinTech scene. He also met with members of All-Party Parliamentary Groups on China and FinTech to exchange views on issues of mutual interest including global economic outlook and green finance. Mr Lau will join the Chief Executive on her visit programmes in London on September 21 and 22 (London time) and will return to Hong Kong on September 23. Ends/Thursday, September 21, 2017 Issued at HKT 8:29 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo meeting
19.9.2017

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting this morning (September 19): Reporter: Mrs Lam, but do you think, like, you would condemn this saying because I mean some people found these comments very distasteful. And do you think it’s the fault of both sides when you mentioned that, well, it's because of independence movement that these comments are sparked? And can you talk a little bit about when you talk about university heads can handle the problem of independence in campus, and the government won’t really step in, do you think this saying is kind of putting a little pressure on the university to handle this matter now? Chief Executive: Well, first of all, I’m standing here not to do any fault finding and I’m not standing here as an adjudicator. I am telling the people of Hong Kong that there is no room for any discussion on the independence of Hong Kong because that breaches “one country, two systems”, which underlines the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. That violates the Basic Law, and is absolutely not in the overall interest of Hong Kong. So that position is very clear. As a result of a very small portion of people, including university students, trying to sort of advocate that sort of independence comments, I have said on previous occasion that that should be condemned and this should not be allowed to prolong in our university campus because universities are for students to be educated and to do their normal activities. And also, I have noticed that this debate has sort of spread into society at large, with people taking sides and using very foul language and so on. I think that is the most unhealthy and totally unnecessary for Hong Kong because everybody wants Hong Kong to go back to being a more harmonious society and so on. As far as the joint statement issued by the heads of 10 universities in Hong Kong, I support the issue of that statement because that statement simply states that, yes, we have freedom of expression and we should safeguard the freedom of expression, but that doesn’t mean that you could breach the Basic Law or do things that society find totally unacceptable. And the universities' heads have made it very clear their anti-independence stance, which again I think is only right and legitimate, so I support the universities' heads' joint statement. But as far as the follow-up actions in individual universities, I have every confidence that the university management will handle this issue. I have absolutely no intention right now to interfere into university management and to sort of suggest as you did that by saying this sort of things as a Chief Executive, I am exerting pressure on the university heads. I think you have underestimated the independent thinking of our university heads. I don’t think they could be easily influenced by a Chief Executive. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Issued at HKT 13:00 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session
18.9.2017

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session after the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) reception (September 18): Reporter: Mrs Lam, some people may be concerned about the fact that because of Mr Tang's background in commerce we'll be shifting the art hub into a commercial project instead. How will you address these concerns? And when it comes to the need of turning this new page, as you have put it, what difference would it make when it comes to a non-official actually heading or chairing this board? Chief Executive: I have explained that Mr Tang has this very unique experience of working in the Government and in the private sector. In fact, in recent years I think Henry has put in almost all his time in the public service, so that sort of concern should not exist at all. Anybody who looks at the CV of Henry will realise that for many years he has been working in different policy areas, and all these policy areas are extremely relevant for taking forward the WKCD project. I have every confidence that under Henry's leadership the West Kowloon Cultural District project will be brought to new heights, and I'm sure the community at large will welcome this appointment at this point in time. Reporter: And why a non-official now? Why is this the time to change the Chairman to a non-official? Chief Executive: Well, the ordinance for the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority never specifies that the position of the Chairman should be held by an official, so the right way to answer this question is at the beginning of the West Kowloon Cultural District project, we found that because of the extent of the interaction with the Government in the planning process, in the infrastructure planning, it is desirable to have a senior official to chair the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority. But after nine years when many of those aspects have been dealt with, this is a very good timing to find a non-official to lead the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Monday, September 18, 2017 Issued at HKT 21:09 NNNN
Appointment of Chairman of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority Board
18.9.2017

The Government announced today (September 18) that the Chief Executive has appointed Mr Henry Tang Ying-yen to succeed the Chief Secretary for Administration as Chairman of the Board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) for a period of two years with effect from October 1, 2017. "The West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) is now progressing from the planning phase to the operation phase. In the next two years, we will see the commissioning of the Xiqu Centre, Art Park, Freespace and M+ in the WKCD. Mr Tang has rich experience in public administration and has held a wide range of public positions including the Chief Secretary for Administration cum WKCDA Board Chairman, Financial Secretary and Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, as well as Member of the Executive Council and the Legislative Council. Coupled with his business experience, Mr Tang is best placed to provide the necessary leadership for the WKCD in its next stage of development. I am fully confident that under Mr Tang's chairmanship, the WKCD will develop into a world-class integrated arts and cultural hub that makes us proud," the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, said. The Chief Executive thanked the outgoing Board Chairman, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, for leading the WKCDA in the past eight months. The above appointment will be published in the Government Gazette on September 22. The WKCDA Ordinance (Cap. 601) provides that the Board is the governing and executive body of the WKCDA. It is responsible for the planning, development, operation and maintenance of the arts and cultural facilities and related facilities in the WKCD. Ends/Monday, September 18, 2017 Issued at HKT 19:21 NNNN
CE continues Myanmar visit
16.9.2017

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, continued her visit to Myanmar in Yangon today (September 16). Mrs Lam attended the 14th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) in the morning. Themed "Setting up Historical Milestones through the Economic Reform of Myanmar", the WCEC was attended by some 2 000 leading Chinese entrepreneurs from around the world. Together with the Vice President of Myanmar, U Myint Swe, and the Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the Chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Mr Wang Qinmin, she officiated at the opening ceremony of the Convention. Delivering a keynote speech that followed, she said that Myanmar's economic reform and opening up in recent years has brought about strong economic growth and attracted a large number of foreign investors, including those from Hong Kong. Noting that Hong Kong has been upholding a policy of a free and open economy over the years, she said Hong Kong is well aware of the benefits brought by an open economy, including the recognition as the freest and the most competitive economy in the world. She said that Hong Kong and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are going to sign a Free Trade Agreement and a related Investment Agreement, which will bring about better access to the ASEAN markets for Hong Kong, create new business opportunities and further enhance trade and investment flows. "Attaching great importance to co-operation with Myanmar as well as other ASEAN members, Hong Kong expects that the Belt and Road Initiative and the development plan of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area of our country will lead us to a new economic era. With both Hong Kong and ASEAN along the Belt and Road, we hope to co-operate with Myanmar as well as other ASEAN countries to seize the opportunities arising from the Belt and Road Initiative," she said. In the afternoon, Mrs Lam visited the Secretariat Building, the former government headquarters with a history of more than 100 years, to learn about its future revitalisation plan. Mrs Lam then toured a garment factory set up by Hong Kong business people. The factory commenced production in 2015 and was among the first batch of garment factories opened by Hong Kong entrepreneurs in Myanmar. Mrs Lam also visited an international terminal where she was briefed by the management on its operation. Located near the mouth of the Yangon River, the terminal is the first specially-designed multi-purpose international container port in Myanmar. In the evening, Mrs Lam hosted a dinner for some 30 Hong Kong business people to learn about the opportunities and challenges faced by them. She said that members of the Hong Kong business community can leverage on Myanmar's advantages on land and manpower resources to explore business opportunities, boosting economic developments in both places. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong in the early hours tomorrow (September 17). Ends/Saturday, September 16, 2017 Issued at HKT 21:00 NNNN
CE to visit UK
16.9.2017

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will depart for London, the United Kingdom (UK), in the early hours on September 20. During her stay in London, Mrs Lam will address two events organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, namely the Hong Kong Dinner in London, celebrating the long and close relationship between Hong Kong and the UK and promoting bilateral trade ties between the two economies, and the "Think Asia, Think Hong Kong" symposium, which will showcase Hong Kong’s business services advantages for UK companies seeking opportunities in Asia. She will also deliver a speech at a luncheon hosted by the Hong Kong Association. Mrs Lam will meet with senior government officials and Members of Parliament, as well as members of the business sector and professionals, to brief them on the latest developments of Hong Kong. Furthermore, she will take the opportunity to meet with Chinese people and Hong Kong students studying in the UK and conduct visits. Mrs Lam will leave London on September 22 (London time) and arrive in Hong Kong on September 23. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, and the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr James Lau, will also join the visit. During her absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Saturday, September 16, 2017 Issued at HKT 13:56 NNNN
CE begins visit to Myanmar
15.9.2017

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, began her visit to Myanmar in the capital city of Naypyidaw today (September 15) by meeting senior Myanmar government officials. Mrs Lam met with the State Counsellor, Union Minister in the President's Office and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs of Myanmar, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, in the morning. Mrs Lam said that this is the first ever official visit by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) since the HKSAR's establishment 20 years ago and Myanmar is the third country of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) she visited after assumption of office some two months ago. Given that Hong Kong and ASEAN are important trading partners and that Hong Kong and ASEAN have concluded the negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement and a related Investment Agreement recently, the relationship between Hong Kong and Myanmar would become even closer. Noting that Hong Kong and Myanmar can strengthen co-operation in various aspects, she said she hoped to work with the Myanmar Government to promote economic development in and the connection of the people from the two places. Mrs Lam then met with the Vice President of Myanmar, U Myint Swe, and attended a lunch hosted by him. During the day, she also met with the Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism, U Ohn Maung; the Union Minister for Commerce, Dr Than Myint; and the Union Minister for Planning and Finance, U Kyaw Win. During the meetings, she said that the HKSAR Government attaches great importance to promoting Hong Kong's external affairs, and that the second Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in ASEAN was set up in Jakarta, Indonesia last month. In addition to trade and investment, the Government is keen to promote co-operation with ASEAN countries in various areas, including tourism, culture and education. Noting that there is strong growth in the bilateral trade between Hong Kong and Myanmar in recent years and that many Hong Kong business people are expanding their investment in Myanmar, she expressed the hope that more room for co-operation will be explored through this visit. She said that as both Hong Kong and ASEAN are along the Belt and Road, Hong Kong, Myanmar and other ASEAN countries can seize together the opportunities arising from the Belt and Road Initiative and explore more business opportunities. Mrs Lam was accompanied by the Director-General of the HKETO in Jakarta, Mrs Do Pang Wai-yee and the Director of the HKETO in Singapore, Mr Bruno Luk in Myanmar. Mrs Lam departed for Yangon in the evening to continue her visit to Myanmar tomorrow (September 16). Ends/Friday, September 15, 2017 Issued at HKT 20:18 NNNN
CE meets PRC Chief Justice and Supreme People&apos;s Court President
14.9.2017

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met the Chief Justice of the People's Republic of China and President of the Supreme People's Court, Mr Zhou Qiang, at the Chief Executive's Office this morning (September 14). Mrs Lam welcomed Mr Zhou's visit to Hong Kong to attend the "Fourth Seminar of Senior Judges of Cross-Strait and Hong Kong and Macao", an exchange forum which the Mainland, Taiwan, Macau and Hong Kong have taken turns to host biennially since 2011. She also expressed her gratitude to the Supreme People's Court for its continuous support to the mutual legal assistance between the two jurisdictions as well as to Hong Kong as an international legal and dispute resolution service centre in the Asia-Pacific region. Mrs Lam said that with its talent and extensive experience in international legal and dispute resolution services, coupled with its dual advantages of "one country" and "two systems", Hong Kong could provide multi-faceted and professional legal and related services to Mainland enterprises to complement the country's Belt and Road Initiative and development plan of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area. After the meeting, Mrs Lam and Mr Zhou witnessed the signing of summary record between the Secretary for Justice, Mr Rimsky Yuen, SC, and Vice-president of the Supreme People's Court, Mr Li Shaoping, on strengthening of exchanges and co-operation between the Supreme People's Court and the Department of Justice of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Mrs Lam believed that both parties would further strengthen and enhance exchanges and co-operation between the judicial and legal sectors from the two jurisdictions. Ends/Thursday, September 14, 2017 Issued at HKT 13:04 NNNN
Response of the Chief Executive&apos;s Office to media enquiries on the post-office appointment of former Chief Executive the Hon C Y Leung
13.9.2017

In response to media enquiries on the post-office appointment of former Chief Executive the Hon C Y Leung, a spokesman for the Chief Executive's Office gave the following reply today (September 13): Former Chief Executives (CEs) are subject to a control period of three years after leaving office. Subject to the provision in (c) below : (a) during the first year after leaving office, a former CE shall not commence any employment (on either full-time or part-time basis), become a director or a partner in any business or profession, or start any business or profession on his own account or with others; (b) during the second and the third years after leaving office, a former CE is debarred from taking up specified types of employment or appointment (details are set out in the "Restrictions on post-office work of former Chief Executives for avoidance of conflict of interest" available at www.ceo.gov.hk ). He shall seek advice from the Advisory Committee on Post-office Employment for Former Chief Executives and Politically Appointed Officials (the Advisory Committee) before taking up any employment or engaging in any business or professional activity in or outside Hong Kong that are not debarred; and (c) during the three-year control period, a former CE may, without seeking the advice of the Advisory Committee, accept the following appointments, remunerated or otherwise, on a full-time or part-time basis : (1) appointments made by the Central Authorities or the HKSAR Government; (2) appointments to charitable, academic or other non-profit-making organisations; and (3) appointments to non-commercial regional or international organisations. A former CE should inform the Government of any appointment covered by (c), remunerated or otherwise, accepted and undertaken by him during the three-year control period. A former CE should seek the advice of the Advisory Committee if he has any doubt as to whether any appointment is covered by (c), or if he wishes to accept an appointment which appears to him to be in the public interest, but which is not covered by (c). Former CE the Hon C Y Leung informed the Government in writing on September 11, 2017 that he had accepted appointments as director of two Hong Kong non-profit-making companies, viz. Belt and Road Hong Kong Centre Company Limited and Bay Area Hong Kong Centre Company Limited, on or about August 31, 2017. According to Mr Leung, both are Hong Kong companies limited by guarantee without a share capital, are and will be non-profit-making organisations and will not be involved in any business or profession. The Government is processing the case. Ends/Wednesday, September 13, 2017 Issued at HKT 23:11 NNNN
CE to visit Myanmar
13.9.2017

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will leave for Myanmar tomorrow (September 14). Mrs Lam's visit to Myanmar is mainly for attending the 14th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) to be held in Yangon on September 16 and delivering a speech at the event as invited. Held in various cities once every two years since 1991, the WCEC aims to provide a platform for Chinese entrepreneurs and the business and industrial sector from around the world to enhance economic co-operation and understanding. Mrs Lam will also take the opportunity of the visit to Myanmar to meet with senior officials of the Myanmar Government in the capital city of Naypyidaw on September 15. She will also conduct visits during her stay in Yangon. She will return to Hong Kong in the early hours on September 17. Hong Kong and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) announced the conclusion of negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement and a related Investment Agreement earlier. Following her visits to Singapore and Thailand in early August, Myanmar will be the third ASEAN country to be visited by the Chief Executive after her assumption of office, reflecting the importance the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches to the strengthening of ties with ASEAN. During Mrs Lam's absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Wednesday, September 13, 2017 Issued at HKT 11:05 NNNN