kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
SCED speaks to the media
12.9.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, at a media session after attending a luncheon in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on "Complementary Strengths of Hong Kong in National Development" today (September 12): Reporter: With regard to the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, and also the Australian free trade deal seems to be derailed by the end of this year as well, how would the Government try to salvage the internationally perceived erosion of freedom and also the rule of law? Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: As I said many times, Hong Kong's economic and trading status is provided under the Basic Law Articles 116 and 151, which allow Hong Kong to be represented as an independent and separate member in the World Trade Organization. This is not any gift from any other countries, but a constitutional right granted by our country under "one country, two systems". There is every reason for Hong Kong to safeguard our own autonomy in order to preserve our special status. There is nothing to do with any interventions or interference from other jurisdictions. Different countries may have their own policies towards Hong Kong - for that, they have to consider their own interests. For instance, countries earning huge surplus in Hong Kong must premise on their policies towards Hong Kong (on that), in addition to Hong Kong's special status. So, in a way, we will try to maintain our own integrity and safeguard the constitutional right that Hong Kong enjoys. Reporter: We understand that you want to maintain the integrity of Hong Kong's autonomy, but what would you try to do to salvage the international perception of the eroded freedom and rule of law? Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: I think facts would speak for themselves. Even in handling difficulties now, we are perfectly working within the confines of "one country, two systems", respecting our own rule of law and using every means within the constitutional rights of the SAR Government. We will continue to double our efforts in presenting the factual account to the international community. The smooth running of many of the international conferences, like what I mentioned, the Belt and Road Summit, which is being held yesterday and today, is also a good testimony that international visitors, be they from government or business sectors, continue to visit Hong Kong and see our role in this important juncture, particularly at a time when there are huge uncertainties in the global trading environment. The strong presence of over 5 000 visitors from all over the globe, from 69 countries, coming here to share their experiences and do business matching among themselves is a good vote of confidence on Hong Kong's status despite the problems that we are encountering. Thank you. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SCED: Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN important pillar for further collaboration (with photos)
9.9.2019

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the Investment Agreement (IA) between Hong Kong and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), providing certainty and clarity needed by businesses, will be an important pillar to support further economic collaboration. It also sends a very positive signal to the outside world on the mutual commitment to continued open and free trade and investment. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, made the above remarks at the 3rd ASEAN Economic Ministers &ndash; Hong Kong, China Consultations in Bangkok, Thailand today (September 9). The meeting provided an opportunity for the ministers to take stock of the progress of the FTA and IA, and to provide directions for the way forward. Hong Kong and ASEAN signed the FTA and IA in November 2017, with the parts relating to Hong Kong and Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam entering into force in June this year. Mr Yau said that Hong Kong looks forward to the expeditious ratification of the agreements by the remaining ASEAN member states so as to realise the benefits of the agreements as soon as possible. Hong Kong has all along been enjoying close economic and trade relations with ASEAN. In the last decade (from 2008 to 2018), the merchandise trade value between Hong Kong and ASEAN recorded a significant growth of nearly 85 per cent. Since 2010, it has become Hong Kong's second largest trading partner. In 2018, Hong Kong's total merchandise trade with ASEAN amounted to USD136 billion, accounting for 12 per cent of Hong Kong's total merchandise trade with the world. ASEAN was Hong Kong's fourth largest services trading partner in 2017. "The growing trade and economic ties have contributed to the prosperity in the region. We look forward to the continued strengthening of trade and economic relations with ASEAN,&rdquo; Mr Yau said. On the sidelines of the meeting, Mr Yau held bilateral meetings with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand, Mr Jurin Laksanawisit, and the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dato' Lim Jock Hoi, to exchange views on regional trade issues against the background of the current volatility in global trade. At the meeting with Dato' Lim, Mr Yau, on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, presented a framed photo of an artwork to the ASEAN Secretariat for display at its new building as a testimony of the strong ties and friendship between ASEAN and Hong Kong. The artwork has multi-layered images of some of Hong Kong's iconic items. It was created by a group of students and teachers from the School of Design of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong this evening.
SCED to attend ASEAN Economic Ministers - Hong Kong, China Consultations meeting in Thailand
7.9.2019

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, will depart for Bangkok, Thailand, tomorrow (September 8) to attend the 3rd ASEAN Economic Ministers - Hong Kong, China Consultations meeting to be held on September 9. Mr Yau and the participating ASEAN economic ministers will discuss the progress of the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between Hong Kong and ASEAN. He will also meet with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand, Mr Jurin Laksanawisit, and the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dato' Lim Jock Hoi, separately on the sidelines of the meeting. Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong in the evening on September 9. The Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development during Mr Yau's absence.
SCED speaks on trade issues (with video)
27.8.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, at a media session on matters relating to trade conflict between China and the United States (US) after meeting with representatives of major chambers of commerce and associations of small and medium enterprises today (August 27): Reporter: Two questions, one for Mr Yau, the other one for either of you (Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, Dr Daniel Yip; and the President of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, Dr Dennis Ng). What is the exact percentage of the impact of these tariffs on the goods that went through Hong Kong to the US or both ways, in terms of last year's trade figures and in the first half of this year? And the second question is: have you seen any lay-offs or shut down of companies arising from this trade war situation? Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: In terms of US-China trade, in aggregate terms, seven per cent of US imports from China comes through Hong Kong, and the other way round, US products coming to China through Hong Kong accounts for about two per cent. So as a whole, nine per cent of Hong Kong's imports and exports is related to US-China trade. In statistical terms, that accounts for less than 10 per cent of our overall trade. But of course, we are not talking about just commodity trade. With the heightened tariffs and the very extensive coverage of almost all the products, basically, I think it is a total war in terms of commodity trade. With a very heavy and inhibitive tariff imposed on trading between these two countries, plus the fact that the US and China are the world's biggest trading partners, the impact of a trade war onto other economic areas cannot be underestimated. In the earlier estimate last year, we were talking about the initial phase of 25 per cent (US tariff) imposed on some of the (Chinese) products, at that time, some economists were estimating that the impact on Hong Kong's GDP (Gross Domestic Product) would range from 0.1 to 0.2 per cent. But as a matter of fact, Hong Kong's economy suffered a stronger hit on that basis. Talking about the new wave of heightened tariffs and a wider coverage, the direct impact might be smaller than the initial phase because of the marginal increase and the additional coverage. The indirect impact and the collateral damage, will certainly be no less than last time, because we are talking about a total coverage of all the commodities and very inhibitive tariffs imposed on each other. I think that would be our worry. Reporter: So less than 10 per cent, do you mean the new tariffs or just the previous tariffs? Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: Including both. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SCED starts visit programme in Beijing (with photos)
18.7.2019

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, started his visit programme in Beijing this afternoon (July 18), meeting with the Vice Minister of Commerce, Mr Wang Bingnan, to exchange views on trade-related matters in both places. At the meeting, Mr Yau introduced the progress of Hong Kong's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, and said that Hong Kong will actively participate in the China International Import Expo to be held in Shanghai in November this year. The latest implementation of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) was also discussed. The Commissioner for Belt and Road, Mr Denis Yip, also attended the meeting. Mr Yau then met with representatives of a state-owned enterprise in the afternoon. Mr Yau will attend the second Belt and Road Joint Conference to be held by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the National Development and Reform Commission, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and other relevant Mainland authorities in Beijing tomorrow (July 19). The Conference will discuss work priorities and suggestions related to promoting Hong Kong's participation in and contribution to the Belt and Road Initiative, which include the setting up of a Belt and Road-related dispute avoidance and resolution mechanism and fostering collaboration on policy exchanges and capacity building between the HKSAR Government and relevant Mainland authorities. The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, and representatives from the Department of Justice, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, the Development Bureau, the Belt and Road Office, Invest Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Insurance Authority and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council will also attend the Joint Conference.
Applications open for assignment of shared spectrum in 26 GHz and 28 GHz bands
15.7.2019

The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) today (July 15) invited applications for assignment of spectrum in the 26 GHz band (24.25 - 27.5 GHz) and the 28 GHz band (27.5 - 28.35 GHz) (26/28 GHz bands) on a geographically sharing basis (shared spectrum), for the provision of innovative wireless broadband services based on the fifth generation (5G) or other advanced mobile technologies. This invitation follows the decisions of the Communications Authority (CA) and the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development on December 13, 2018, to set aside 400 MHz of spectrum in the 26/28 GHz bands as shared spectrum for the provision of localised and innovative wireless broadband services. To facilitate the entry of a wide range of service providers, assignment of the shared spectrum will be made under a newly created localised wireless broadband service (LWBS) licence with less stringent requirements as compared with conventional public mobile services licensed under the Unified Carrier Licence. A sample LWBS licence is available at the CA's website: www.coms-auth.hk/filemanager/common/licensing/sample_lwbs_licence.pdf . "The shared spectrum will be assigned for use in different specified locations such as university campuses, industrial estates, the airport and technology parks on a geographically sharing basis, with the total network coverage of each assignee not exceeding 50 square kilometres. Such an arrangement will allow the shared spectrum to be deployed for a great variety of innovative 5G services and applications," a spokesperson for the OFCA said. "To encourage innovation, the shared spectrum will not be assigned for the provision of conventional public mobile services. Also, assignees already assigned spectrum in the 26/28 GHz bands designated for the provision of conventional large-scale 5G services will not be eligible for assignment of the shared spectrum," the spokesperson added. Detailed arrangements and relevant information for submission of applications are set out in the Guidelines for Submission of Applications for Assignment of Shared Spectrum in the 26 GHz and 28 GHz Bands, which together with the application form can be downloaded from the OFCA's website ( www.ofca.gov.hk/en/industry_focus/radio_spectrum/administrative_assignment_of_spectrum/26_ghz_and_28_ghz_bands_licensing/index.html ). Subject to the merits of proposals in applications received, the CA will decide whether and, if so, how much of the shared spectrum should be assigned to an applicant. An LWBS licence will be issued to each successful applicant to effect the spectrum assignment. Parties interested in the assignment of the shared spectrum should submit their applications to the OFCA in accordance with the requirements set out in the Guidelines. Assignment will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.
SCED reaffirms Hong Kong's support for free trade and multilateral trading system on US visit (with photos)
13.6.2019

Hong Kong vigorously pursues a free trade policy and firmly believes in multilateral trading system, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, said at a luncheon today (June 12, Eastern Standard Time) during his duty visit to Washington, DC, the United States (US), citing that Hong Kong, despite its small size, has been the seventh largest merchandise trading entity in the world. The luncheon was co-organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Washington, DC and the Brookings Institution. Mr Yau shared his insights on the state of free trade from Hong Kong's perspective with about 60 US business and academic leaders. Noting the emergence of trade tensions and protectionist sentiments around the world, Mr Yau said, "This is indeed a testing time, as the free trade philosophy that many economies subscribe to comes into doubt. We have been actively engaging our trading partners at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and elsewhere to convey our concerns." "As a free trade practitioner and staunch supporter of the multilateral trading system, we believe that disputes are best dealt with through negotiations and the WTO rather than unilaterally," Mr Yau said, adding that the success of this system is supported by evidence, as world trade volumes in 2017 were roughly 40 times the level recorded in the early days of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. He said that Hong Kong has taken a multi-pronged approach to diversify its economy and broaden its consumer market catchment, in large part by reinforcing partnerships. Hong Kong and like-minded economies are pressing ahead to forge alliances through the signing of free trade agreements (FTAs). In this regard, the latest addition to Hong Kong's FTA portfolio is a high quality and comprehensive in scope FTA, and an investment agreement with Australia signed in March. In addition to joining the luncheon, Mr Yau called on the Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister of the Chinese Embassy in the US, Mr Li Kexin. Mr Yau will depart the US for Hong Kong tomorrow (June 13, Eastern Standard Time). The Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, will, in the place of Mr Yau, lead the business and professional mission to visit Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on June 16 and 17.
SCED: Hong Kong-US trade and economic relationship mutually beneficial and expanding (with photos)
12.6.2019

Speaking during a visit to the United States (US), the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, said that the trade and economic relationship between Hong Kong and the US is mutually beneficial and expanding. It is also a relationship defined on the unique status of Hong Kong under the Basic Law and distinct qualities of Hong Kong which include the rule of law buttressed by an independent judiciary; a commitment to creating a pro-trade environment; and the free flow of information, goods and people, he said. Mr Yau, who is on a four-day visit to Washington, DC made the comments at a reception today (June 11, Eastern Standard Time) hosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Washington, DC for US government officials, think tank members, academics, and leaders of chambers of commerce and business organisations. Mr Yau noted that US has enjoyed its highest trade surplus globally with Hong Kong since 2009, with the aggregate trade in goods surplus over the past decade amounting to US$297 billion. Hong Kong is also an attractive destination for US direct investment. In 2017, US foreign direct investment in Hong Kong was over US$81 billion. There are roughly 1 400 US companies and 85 000 American citizens in Hong Kong, one of the most significant foreign presences in the city. He said Hong Kong will continue to explore ways to deepen and broaden its links with the US in areas such as collaborations in innovation and technology and educational, scientific and medical exchanges. He cited an example in the start-up scene that in 2018 nearly 16 per cent of non-local founders of start-ups in Hong Kong were from the US. Earlier today, Mr Yau met with US political leaders and representatives of a think tank to keep them abreast of Hong Kong's latest developments, as well as to exchange views on current trade issues and the Hong Kong-US bilateral relationship. Mr Yau had a breakfast meeting with the former US Secretary of Commerce, Mr Carlos Gutierrez, before meeting with US congressional members, namely the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Mr Chuck Grassley; the Chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific and International Cybersecurity Policy of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Mr Cory Gardner; and the Chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, Mr James McGovern. Mr Yau also had a lunch meeting with senior members of the Heritage Foundation, including its founder, Dr Edwin Feulner. He welcomed the Foundation's high regard for Hong Kong as the world's freest economy for 25 consecutive years, which he said reaffirmed the Government's steadfast commitment in upholding free market principles over the years. Mr Yau will continue his visit programme in Washington, DC, tomorrow (June 12, Eastern Standard Time).
SCED starts his US visit meeting key interlocutors in New York (with photos)
11.6.2019

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, started his five-day visit to the United States (US) today (June 10, Eastern Standard Time) meeting key people in the financial, business, legal and academic sectors in New York at a roundtable breakfast meeting before proceeding to Washington, DC, in the afternoon to attend an event in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (AmCham). Mr Yau updated participants of the breakfast meeting on the latest economic development of Hong Kong and had useful exchanges with them on Hong Kong-US bilateral relations and the current state of international trade. He stressed that the unique strengths of Hong Kong are guaranteed under the Basic Law and that Hong Kong will endeavour to safeguard core values which are key to Hong Kong's continued success, including the rule of law and open and free markets. At the AmCham reception, Mr Yau said Hong Kong has long been a preferred platform for American companies seeking to establish or expand their business in the Mainland of China or throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Few of Hong Kong's rivals can compete with its soft assets such as its institutions and professional services, coupled with its efficient and reliable hard infrastructure. Mr Yau added that over the past 50 years bilateral relationship between Hong Kong and the US has gone from strength to strength, noting that during this period trade between the two economies has mushroomed, growing from roughly US$8 billion to US$70 billion. He hoped that AmCham can continue its role as an honest broker in conveying the importance of Hong Kong to American interests. Mr Yau will continue his visit programmes in Washington, DC, tomorrow (June 11, Eastern Standard Time).
SCED visits Sha Tin District (with photos)
6.6.2019

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, today (June 6) visited Sha Tin District. He met with members of the Sha Tin District Council (STDC) and toured the Shek Mun Business Area there to get a better understanding of the district's latest developments and needs. Mr Yau first met with STDC members to listen to and exchange views on matters relating to the economic outlook, consumer protection, tourism and telecommunications. Mr Yau then proceeded to the Shek Mun Business Area, where he was briefed on how Shek Mun has been transformed from an industrial area into a business area and its recent developments. He gained a better understanding of the local traffic conditions and district affairs. Following the shift of the manufacturing sector to the Mainland and relaxation of planning restrictions by the Government, Shek Mun has gradually been transformed from a traditional industrial area into a mixed-use precinct in recent years. The district now includes offices, retail shops, restaurants and premises for other commercial uses.