kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
China Manned Space delegation attends variety show
29.11.2023

The China Manned Space delegation attended a variety show this afternoon (November 29) to mark Hong Kong's welcoming of the China Manned Space delegation, and shared with the public the joy of China's remarkable achievements of its aerospace endeavours. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee; the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Zheng Yanxiong; the delegation leader Mr Lin Xiqiang; astronauts Mr Liu Boming, Ms Wang Yaping, Mr Chen Dong and Mr Zhang Lu; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, kicked off the variety show at the Hong Kong Coliseum. Documentaries were screened during the show to recap the development and remarkable achievements of the China Manned Space Program over the past 30 years. During the chit-chat session, the delegation leader, Mr Lin, introduced the development of the China Manned Space Program, and the four astronauts shared their experiences and the feeling of living in space, while research and development personnel from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University shared information about the development of Hong Kong's aerospace industry. Apart from spectacular performances staged by local artists and youngsters, the variety show also featured young pianist Zhang Shengliang demonstrating his marvellous piano skills. In addition, Hong Kong athletes provided a performance of breaking. The delegation will attend the opening ceremony of the China Manned Space Exhibition and meet with representatives of Hong Kong's innovation and technology sector as well as teachers and students from tertiary schools tomorrow (November 30). Ends/Wednesday, November 29, 2023 Issued at HKT 18:54 NNNN
China Manned Space delegation starts Hong Kong visit
28.11.2023

The China Manned Space delegation arrived in Hong Kong today (November 28) to start a four-day visit. The delegation is led by the Deputy Director General of the China Manned Space Agency, Mr Lin Xiqiang. Members of the delegation comprise astronauts who carried out the mission of constructing the Chinese Space Station, including Shenzhou-12 astronaut Mr Liu Boming, Shenzhou-13 astronaut Ms Wang Yaping, Shenzhou-14 mission commander Mr Chen Dong, Shenzhou-15 astronaut Mr Zhang Lu, as well as experts from related fields of the manned space engineering systems. The delegation arrived at Hong Kong International Airport around noon today. To express Hong Kong people’s warm welcome for the delegation, students greeting at the airport waved the National Flag and the Regional Flag, applauding and cheering when the delegation entered the arrivals hall. The delegation also waved to the crowds in the hall as a token of their appreciation. In the afternoon, the delegation attended a media briefing to introduce the latest developments of the China Manned Space Program and answer questions from the press. The delegation also attended a welcome banquet hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in the evening to meet people from various sectors of the community. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, delivered welcome remarks. "The China Manned Space Program has achieved one breakthrough after another over the past 30 years, showing the world how to pursue the dream of space aspirations with 'Chinese speed'. The achievements you have accomplished have made us as Chinese all profoundly proud and honoured", he said. Mr Lee said he believed that Hong Kong people would be thrilled by the delegation's visit, while the delegation's introduction of the achievements made by the country in aerospace technology would enhance a sense of national identity amongst members of the public, and continue the mainstream values characterised by the love of both the motherland and Hong Kong at the core and in conformity with the principle of "one country, two systems". He hoped that Hong Kong youth would seize the opportunity not only to learn manned space-related knowledge from the delegation, but more importantly to gain inspiration from their perseverance, skills and abilities in the face of challenges when contributing to the manned space program of the Chinese nation. The delegation will meet with teachers and students from local secondary and primary schools for exchanges, and attend a variety show at the Hong Kong Coliseum tomorrow (November 29) to mark Hong Kong's welcoming of the China Manned Space delegation. Ends/Tuesday, November 28, 2023 Issued at HKT 18:58 NNNN
China Manned Space delegation to visit Hong Kong
28.11.2023

A China Manned Space delegation will arrive in Hong Kong today (November 28) for a four-day visit at the invitation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The delegation will be led by the Deputy Director General of the China Manned Space Agency, Mr Lin Xiqiang. Members of the delegation comprise astronauts who participated in the construction of the Chinese Space Station, including Shenzhou-12 astronaut Mr Liu Boming, Shenzhou-13 astronaut Ms Wang Yaping, Shenzhou-14 astronaut Mr Chen Dong, Shenzhou-15 astronaut Mr Zhang Lu, as well as experts from related fields of the manned space engineering systems. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, extended his warm welcome to the delegation, and gave thanks to the Central People's Government for the arrangements. Mr Lee said, "The China Manned Space Program has made extraordinary achievements over the past three decades. It has made history by realising the Chinese nation’s millennium-long dream of flying to the stars, of which we as Chinese are all profoundly proud. Through the delegation's visit, Hong Kong people can share the nation’s pride in China's manned space development from close range, and develop a deeper understanding of the country’s developments in aerospace technologies. The visit exemplifies the affection and support of the Central People's Government for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region." During the visit, the delegation will attend a media briefing to introduce the latest developments of the China Manned Space Program and take questions from the press. The delegation will also officiate at the opening ceremony of the “China Manned Space Exhibition”, and meet with representatives of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology sector, as well as teachers and students from tertiary, secondary and primary schools for exchanges. The delegation will also attend a variety show at the Hong Kong Coliseum to mark Hong Kong’s welcoming of the China Manned Space delegation. From 1pm today , the Home Affairs Department will distribute a total of about 5 000 free tickets with assigned seat numbers for the variety show to members of the public at the 20 Home Affairs Enquiry Centres (see Annex). The limited number of free tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and each person may obtain a maximum of two tickets while stocks last. The variety show will be broadcast live at 5pm tomorrow (November 29) on TVB Jade. The show will be re-run at 1.15pm on December 2, also on TVB Jade. For information about the delegation's visit to Hong Kong, please visit the relevant webpage at www.cmsvisithk.gov.hk . Ends/Tuesday, November 28, 2023 Issued at HKT 10:17 NNNN
CE officiates at 2023 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony
25.11.2023

The 2023 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony was held at the ballroom of Government House today (November 25). The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, presented honours and awards to 379 recipients at the ceremony. Among the recipients, five received the Grand Bauhinia Medal; nine received the Gold Bauhinia Star; 27 received the Silver Bauhinia Star; two received the Medal for Bravery (Silver); 15 received the Distinguished Service Medal for the disciplined services and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC); 39 received the Bronze Bauhinia Star; three received the Medal for Bravery (Bronze); 42 received the Meritorious Service Medal for the disciplined services and the ICAC; 86 received the Medal of Honour; 68 received the Chief Executive's Commendation for Community Service; and 83 received the Chief Executive's Commendation for Government/Public Service. The 2023 Honours List was announced on July 1 ( www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202307/01/P2023063000277.htm ). Ends/Saturday, November 25, 2023 Issued at HKT 19:50 NNNN
Director of Chief Executive&apos;s Office leads politically appointed officials to conduct duty visit in Nanjing
24.11.2023

The delegation of politically appointed officials on a national studies programme and duty visit led by the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip, visited Nanjing yesterday (November 23) and today (November 24) to gain in-depth understanding of the experience in promoting high-quality development. The delegation departed from Beijing for Nanjing yesterday and visited the Treaty of Nanjing Historical Archives Museum to understand the history of foreign invasion into China and how the nation has progressed from a century of humiliation to prosperity and strength. They also visited Yuejiang Tower, one of the four famous towers in the Jiangnan region, to experience Nanjing's long-standing history and culture. The delegation called on the Vice Governor of Jiangsu Province, Mr Fang Wei. At the meeting, Ms Yip noted that Jiangsu's Gross Domestic Product ranks second in the country. Over 100 Jiangsu enterprises are listed in Hong Kong with a total market value of nearly $950 billion. In recent years, Jiangsu, like Hong Kong, has been actively promoting the development of the innovation and technology industry. The two places can complement each other's strengths and jointly promote high-level co-operation, so as to achieve development of higher quality and make greater contributions to the country's development. Ms Yip pointed out that the Policy Address promotes the development of the innovation technology, cultural and creative industries. Through the visit in Nanjing, she hoped that the officials could deepen their understanding of the country's various effort in promoting high-quality development, including innovation and technology, new industrialisation, smart city, ecological conservation, culture and tourism. This can enhance exchanges and facilitate their work in the related fields, with a view to helping Hong Kong achieve better development. Today, the delegation met with Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Nanjing Municipal Committee and Vice Mayor of Nanjing Mr Deng Zhiyi. They also visited projects related to industrial technology and research, ecological technology, Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit systems, and smart city management. In the evening, they visited the Qinhuai River to learn more about Nanjing's experience in capitalising its local historical heritage to promote the development of its cultural and tourism industries. The delegation will continue its duty visit in Nanjing tomorrow (November 25) and return to Hong Kong in the afternoon. Ends/Friday, November 24, 2023 Issued at HKT 21:21 NNNN
CE thanks LegCo for passing Motion of Thanks in respect of Policy Address
24.11.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, expressed his gratitude to the Legislative Council (LegCo) for passing the Motion of Thanks in respect of the Chief Executive's 2023 Policy Address today (November 24). Mr Lee said, "This Policy Address, entitled 'A Vibrant Economy for a Caring Community', not only points out areas where we need to delve deeper and wider based on what we have achieved over the past year, but also introduces new fields and directions that we should pursue. This Policy Address carries my vision and my pledge for the future of Hong Kong. The policy measures included were formulated after careful consideration of the views of the public and various sectors. It is a Policy Address for each and every one of us. "I express my gratitude to LegCo Members for offering their views on various measures in the Policy Address during the debate on the Motion of Thanks for three consecutive days, especially for their suggestions on different arenas related to upholding the 'one country, two systems' principle and safeguarding national security, improving governance, creating strong impetus for growth, addressing people's concerns and difficulties in daily life, safeguarding harmony and stability, and promoting youth development. The Government will analyse and study these views so that the implementation of relevant measures can better meet the needs and expectations of the public. "My team and I will continue to strengthen exchanges and co-ordination with the LegCo during the implementation of policy initiatives through various means, with a view to bringing the executive-legislative relationship to the next level and creating greater value and power of 'patriots administering Hong Kong'." Ends/Friday, November 24, 2023 Issued at HKT 17:00 NNNN
2023 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony to be held tomorrow
24.11.2023

The 2023 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony will be held tomorrow (November 25) at the ballroom of Government House. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will present honours and awards at the ceremony. The first session of the ceremony will be broadcast live from 9.30am tomorrow. Members of the public can view it on the website of the Information Services Department ( webcast.info.gov.hk ) and the news.gov.hk's Facebook page ( www.facebook.com/govnews.hk ). Radio Television Hong Kong TV 32 will also broadcast the first session of the ceremony. The 2023 Honours List was announced on July 1 ( www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202307/01/P2023063000277.htm?fontSize=3 ). Ends/Friday, November 24, 2023 Issued at HKT 14:00 NNNN
Politically appointed officials complete study programme in Beijing
22.11.2023

​A delegation of politically appointed officials on a national studies programme and duty visit led by the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip, completed its study programme at the National Academy of Governance (NAG) this morning (November 22). The Executive Vice President of the NAG in charge of daily operations, Professor Xie Chuntao, gave the last lecture of the study programme on the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and presented Certificates of Completion of the NAG to the delegates. At the closing ceremony, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO) of the State Council Mr Wang Linggui congratulated the delegation for completing its study programme. He encouraged members of the delegation to learn more and to capitalise on Hong Kong's strengths to serve the country's needs. Ms Yip expressed gratitude to the HKMAO of the State Council and the NAG for the meticulous programme arrangements. She pointed out that the scholars and experts have reiterated in their lectures the unique role and contributions of Hong Kong as a special administrative region in the process of achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. In the face of unprecedented changes of the century, the country steadfastly adheres to the path of peace, development, co-operation, and win-win outcomes, upholding the diplomatic policy objective of safeguarding world peace and promoting common development, and advancing the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Hong Kong should take up a greater and more significant role in this process, she said. Ms Yip said she believes that upon their return to Hong Kong, members of the delegation will apply what they have seen, heard, and learned during the programme in their respective positions to tell the good stories of Hong Kong and the country. In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Museum of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to learn about the centennial history of the CPC. Led by Ms Yip, the delegation comprises 13 Under Secretaries and 19 Political Assistants. The delegation will depart for Nanjing tomorrow (November 23) to obtain a deeper understanding of the development of innovation and technology, smart city, environmental ecology and culture and tourism there. Ends/Wednesday, November 22, 2023 Issued at HKT 19:15 NNNN
CE expresses sorrow over passing of Lord Walker
20.11.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (November 20) expressed sorrow over the passing of the Right Honourable the Lord Robert Walker, Non-Permanent Judge of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal. "Lord Walker is held in high regard in the legal sector. Having been a Non-Permanent Judge of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal since 2009, Lord Walker has written landmark judgments covering various legal aspects over the years, making significant contributions to the Judiciary. He was awarded the Gold Bauhinia Star in 2019. "I express sorrow over the passing of Lord Walker. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, I extend my deepest condolences to his family," Mr Lee said. Ends/Monday, November 20, 2023 Issued at HKT 17:06 NNNN
Director of Chief Executive&apos;s Office to lead politically appointed officials to Mainland for study and duty visit
16.11.2023

The Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip, will lead a delegation of over 30 politically appointed officials to Beijing and Nanjing on Sunday (November 19) for a national studies programme and duty visit. Under Secretaries and Political Assistants are key members of the governance team of the Government. This delegation is the first national studies programme for politically appointed officials organised by the current-term Government, as well as the largest of its kind over the years. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the delegation members before their departure, and encouraged them to seize the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the latest national policies and developments, and to put it into practice in formulating and implementing relevant policies and when engaging different sectors of society. Led by the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip, as the Head of Delegation, and the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, as the Deputy Head of Delegation, the delegation comprises 13 Under Secretaries and 19 Political Assistants. Upon arrival in Beijing, the delegation will study at the National Academy of Governance. They will proceed to Nanjing for a duty visit on November 23. During the study programme and duty visit, the delegation will study national history and the Constitution in depth, and gain insights into the latest developments of the country in such areas as innovation and technology, smart city, conservation and ecology, culture and the tourism industry and so on. The delegation will return to Hong Kong from Nanjing on November 25. Ends/Thursday, November 16, 2023 Issued at HKT 19:28 NNNN
CE welcomes return of Hong Kong, China Delegation to 4th Asian Para Games Hangzhou
13.11.2023

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee hosted a welcome home reception at the Ma On Shan Sports Centre, Sha Tin, today (November 13) to greet the Hong Kong, China Delegation to the 4th Asian Para Games Hangzhou on their triumphant return from the Games. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, officiated at the ceremony and presented certificates of commendation to the Hong Kong athletes in recognition of their efforts in the competitions. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Lee said that the Hong Kong team has achieved an outstanding performance at this Asian Para Games. This is a manifestation of the hard work of the athletes and their teams. It also reflects that the Government is on the right track in allocating resources for sports development and providing additional resources for the development of sports for persons with disabilities. The result is there for all to see. The 4th Asian Para Games was held in Hangzhou between October 22 and 28. A total of 95 Hong Kong athletes were sent to take part in 11 competition events at the Games, including boccia, archery, athletics, badminton, lawn bowls, rowing, swimming, table tennis, shooting, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing and wheelchair tennis. After a fierce competition, the Hong Kong Delegation received a total of 47 medals at the Games, comprising eight gold, 15 sliver and 24 bronze, ranking 10th out of 33 medal-winning countries or regions. Details of the competition medalists are set out in the Annex. Also greeting the athletes at today's ceremony were the President of the China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee, Mrs Jenny Fung; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu; the Commissioner for Sports, Mr Sam Wong; and the Deputy Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (Leisure Services), Miss Winnie Chui. Ends/Monday, November 13, 2023 Issued at HKT 18:55 NNNN
CE leads delegation to visit Shanghai and attend sixth China International Import Expo
3.11.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will lead a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government delegation to visit Shanghai tomorrow (November 4) and will attend the sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE). Members of the HKSAR Government delegation include the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin; the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip; and the Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Clement Woo. Over 300 Hong Kong enterprises will also participate in the CIIE in Shanghai. This is the first time that a seminar with the theme of Hong Kong, namely Channelling Global Business through Hong Kong, will be hosted during the CIIE. On November 5, Mr Lee will attend the opening ceremony of the CIIE and visit the booths of Hong Kong enterprises at the Hong Kong exhibition area to show support. Moreover, Mr Lee will respectively deliver a speech at the seminar on Channelling Global Business through Hong Kong and the Invest in China Year Summit under the Hongqiao International Economic Forum, to promote to Mainland and overseas enterprises Hong Kong's role as an important channel between the country and the world. Mr Chan will deliver a speech at a seminar on Revitalizing Real Economy with Financial Resources under the Hongqiao International Economic Forum to promote Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre. Mr Lee said, "Hong Kong proactively participates in and supports the CIIE. In addition to senior government officials attending, a number of business leaders will participate in a seminar to be held during the CIIE and introduce to participants the unique strengths of Hong Kong on various fronts under 'one country, two systems'. "The CIIE is a significant move by the country to actively open the Mainland market to the world, and provide vast business opportunities for Hong Kong enterprises to tap into the domestic market. The CIIE is receiving an overwhelming response from Hong Kong's business community, with a record high of over 300 Hong Kong enterprises taking part in the exposition this year." During his visit to Shanghai, Mr Lee will meet with leaders of the Shanghai Municipal Government. He will also exchange views with Hong Kong people living, working and studying in Shanghai. Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong on November 6. During his absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will be the Acting Chief Executive. During the absence of Mr Paul Chan, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, will be the Acting Financial Secretary. During the absence of Mr Yau, the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development. During the absence of Dr Choi, the Under Secretary for Education, Mr Sze Chun-fai, will be the Acting Secretary for Education. Ends/Friday, November 3, 2023 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN