kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo
4.4.2023

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting today (April 4): Reporter: Good morning, Mr Lee. The Hong Kong Journalists Association said last week that it had received multiple reports of journalists, including one from our outlet, being followed by unknown men. What is your response to this? And will you urge the Police to press on with the investigation? My second question is, this month you will be leading lawmakers on a trip to the Greater Bay Area (GBA). What are the concrete goals of this trip and what do you hope specifically comes out of it? Thanks. Chief Executive: I will not spend time to talk about individual self-speculation or perception. But if anybody wants to seek assistance from the Police, they can do it. About the visit to the GBA with legislators, this is something that I would very much like to do, particularly when we have already resumed normal travel with Mainland cities. We have always been looking for opportunities to familiarise ourselves with the developments of the GBA cities and also to appreciate how we can have more co-operation within the GBA. Legislators being part of the governance team of Hong Kong as a whole, I'm very keen to go with them so that we can study together different areas of developments in the GBA, so as to enhance co-operation with different cities for the benefit of Hong Kong, and for the benefit of the overall growth of the GBA. We will be interested to look at many areas but we also have to be pragmatic about how much time we can have in a visit, particularly with a large number of representatives from LegCo (Legislative Council). We have 90 legislators now, so how we can organise the study trip so that it can be done smoothly, we have to discuss with the Mainland cities to see, timewise, how the different locations of visits can be arranged for the benefit of ourselves and for the benefit of smooth running of the whole study trip. Obviously, technology is an area that we're interested in, development, and how we can co-operate in areas such as manufacturing, youth development, and, for example, how Mainland cities tackle problems using IT (information technology), how we will be able to improve quality development, which is the main theme of the GBA. Quality development means talents development, application of IT, co-operation, and making use of regional co-operation as well. Hong Kong can play a part in attracting talents and also be the gateway between Mainland cities and the international world. We have, of course, advantages and strengths in some areas. Mainland cities have their advantages and strengths as well. So we want to create synergy in different areas, including education, technology, or even green environment development. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Issued at HKT 12:56 NNNN
Speech by CE at International Women&apos;s Day Reception 2023
8.3.2023

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the International Women’s Day Reception 2023 today (March 8): 中聯辦盧新寧副主任（中央人民政府駐香港特別行政區聯絡辦公室副主任）、國家安全公署王文獻副局長（中央人民政府駐香港特別行政區維護國家安全公署副局長）、駐港部隊副主任王志學大校（中國人民解放軍駐香港部隊政治工作部副主任）、梁君彥主席（立法會主席）、葉劉淑儀議員（行政會議非官守議員召集人）、各位嘉賓、各位朋友： ​今日是國際婦女節，很高興與各位聚首一堂，感謝每一位婦女對社會的貢獻。我首先在此祝賀全港女士婦女節快樂！ ​這個一年一度的盛會，由特區政府和婦女事務委員會一起舉辦，過去三年都因為疫情而沒有實體舉行。今年不一樣了，現在香港全面走向復常，大家不需要戴口罩，終於可以現場見到各位的歡笑面容，一齊慶祝婦女節。 ​同樣是三年來首次實體舉行的，是聯合國婦女地位委員會第67屆會議，前日剛在紐約聯合國總部開幕，讓世界各國的代表一起討論在全球範圍內加快實現性別平等。 ​男女平等是國家的基本國策。一九九五年在北京召開聯合國第四次世界婦女大會，通過了《北京宣言》和《行動綱要》，為全球促進性別平等和婦女權利制定了路線圖，影響深遠。 ​去年十月，二十大勝利召開，把婦女事業發展納入國家事業全局中統籌部署，推進婦女事業的高質量發展。 ​在香港，女性佔整體人口的百分之五十四。特區政府重視婦女發展和支援婦女的工作，在政府和社會各界的攜手合作下，香港女性在教育、就業等各方面都有卓越成就。 ​香港女性受專上教育程度的比例由回歸前，即一九九六年的百分之十四，增加至二○二一年的百分之三十三，即是超過一倍。在15至24歲女性中，更有百分之五十四曾接受專上教育，數字較同齡男性為高。 ​婦女在香港的各行各業都發揮領導作用，今日在場不少嘉賓正是在不同行業和界別中擔當重要角色的女士。我的管治團隊亦不例外，大家都認識剛才向大家發言的民政及青年事務局麥美娟局長，還有發展局甯漢豪局長、房屋局何永賢局長、公務員事務局楊何蓓茵局長、教育局蔡若蓮局長，以及行政長官辦公室葉文娟主任。現屆特區政府26位主要官員之中，一共有六位女士，佔團隊近四分之一，比例是歷屆政府最高。 ​今屆的行政會議召集人葉劉淑儀女士，更是香港回歸以來第一位出任行政會議召集人這個重要公職的女士。 ​在政府公務員當中級別最高的18位常任秘書長當中，亦有超過六成為女士。在政府委任的諮詢及法定組織非官方成員中，女性佔百分之三十六，與20年前比要高10個百分點。由此可見，香港女性參與社會發展的貢獻是舉足輕重。 ​我在《施政報告》中提出成立「婦女自強基金」，加大力度促進婦女發展。在我的《施政報告》內把撥款由四百萬元增加到一千萬元，而在剛公布的《財政預算案》內，政府再預留一億元，除進一步加強「婦女自強基金」的撥款，變成每年二千萬元，我們亦都提升對婦女發展的支持，全力推動女性全面發揮潛能，為國家及香港的發展增添動能。 ​促進婦女發展任重道遠。在未來，政府會與婦女事務委員會繼續通力合作，從多方面推動婦女權益。 ​最後，藉住今日這場盛會，我想向香港婦女致敬和致謝！不論在疫情期間堅守崗位，還是促進社會全面復常，香港婦女都作出重要貢獻。從我的親身經歷來說，我在家裏要聽從太太的意思，我在辦公室要配合我的女特首辦主任葉文娟女士的安排，我在行政會議要聽取召集人葉劉淑儀女士的意見。大家都同意，不論是在家庭，或社會上不同崗位，香港婦女確實撐起了香港的半邊天。我感謝香港的婦女，祝大家婦女節快樂！ ​May I also say a few words to our English-speaking guests. I am pleased to celebrate the achievements of Hong Kong's female with all of you on International Women's Day. Pleased, especially, to be addressing this wonderful audience face-to-face, now that Hong Kong has emerged from the epidemic and is on the way to normalcy. Women make up 54 per cent of Hong Kong's population and form an important pillar to our society. The Hong Kong SAR Government has all along been committed to promoting women's development and providing support to women. To this end, I announced in my Policy Address that we will set up a Women Empowerment Fund to support women in balancing job and family commitments. The Government has also decided to set aside 100 million dollars in this year's Budget to promote women’s development further. To all our ladies, we celebrate your contributions to protecting our loved ones during the epidemic. We commend your efforts in helping to revive Hong Kong's economy. We salute your leadership across all walks of life. Your ideas, your innovation and your influence are making Hong Kong a better place, and we pledge to continue in supporting you all! I wish you all an enjoyable evening and a very happy and healthy year ahead. Please join me in wishing all women of Hong Kong a Happy International Women's Day! Thank you. Ends/Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Issued at HKT 20:15 NNNN
CE to attend Boao Forum annual conference in Hainan
28.3.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will depart for Hainan tomorrow morning (March 29) to attend the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2023. The Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip, will join the visit. The theme of this year's conference is "An Uncertain World: Solidarity and Cooperation for Development amid Challenges". Mr Lee will attend the opening plenary of the annual conference as well as the joint welcome dinner hosted by the Boao Forum for Asia and the Hainan Provincial Government. Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong in the afternoon on March 31. During his absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will be the Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Tuesday, March 28, 2023 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
CE meets Mayor of Jiangmen Municipal Government
23.3.2023

​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met the Mayor of the Jiangmen Municipal Government, Ms Wu Xiaohui, today (March 23) to exchange views on deepening Hong Kong's co-operation with Jiangmen. Also attending the meeting were the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip. Mr Lee welcomed Ms Wu's visit to Hong Kong with her delegation. With the full resumption of normal travel with the Mainland and Hong Kong's reconnection to the world, Mr Lee said now is the best time for Hong Kong to give full play to its dual roles in "going global and attracting foreign investment". The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will focus on economic development this year, promoting comprehensive economic, trade, cultural and tourism exchanges with the Mainland and other parts of the world. Under the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Hong Kong and Jiangmen will achieve complementarity and mutual benefits on various fronts, he added. Noting Jiangmen has been vigorously promoting the development of advanced manufacturing and actively attracting enterprises and investments, Mr Lee said that Hong Kong is the best partner for Jiangmen to expand overseas, citing Hong Kong's internationalised financing platform, business network and professionals as key to assisting Jiangmen enterprises to explore and develop international markets, while injecting new capital, new talents and strong impetus for the GBA. Mr Lee believes that opportunities and potential for co-operation between Hong Kong and Jiangmen are ample, and there is plenty of room for collaboration between the two places in areas such as innovation and technology, finance, tourism and education. The HKSAR Government will continue to co-operate with the Jiangmen Municipal Government in strengthening the co-ordinated development of Hong Kong and Jiangmen, with a view to contributing to the high-quality development of the GBA. Ends/Thursday, March 23, 2023 Issued at HKT 14:52 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo
21.3.2023

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting today (March 21): Reporter: Good morning, Mr Lee. Firstly, how would the Government comment on the resilience of the city's banking system amid the banking crisis? Does the Government have anything to mitigate the risks faced by medium-sized banks or to calm the markets, as you won't be attending the Credit Suisse conference as planned that is being held in the city? Secondly, (Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury) Christopher Hui and (Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development) Algernon Yau are visiting the UK (United Kingdom) and the US (United States) soon. Do you see this as an encouraging sign of more engagement with Western countries and also perhaps planning a potential visit by yourself to these countries or also other international conferences? Chief Executive: Well, the banking system in Hong Kong is very resilient and very properly regulated. I am aware of the crisis, which is being looked at seriously, on Credit Suisse. I know that, and I think it is public information that the UBS has already bought out Credit Suisse, and the Swiss National Bank has already indicated they will be helping, and also there are six central banks that have indicated that they will be providing sufficient US dollar liquidity to the market. The Credit Suisse business and assets in Hong Kong are relatively small. Credit Suisse is in normal business, and we are monitoring the situation. The banking sector is operating smoothly and normally, and the liquidity of the market is also very abundant. Both the HKMA (Hong Kong Monetary Authority) and the SFC (Securities and Futures Commission) are monitoring closely and will be managing the risks. We are in regular communication with the different authorities around the world, so we will be having first-hand information about the situation of the market. We have confidence that the situation is not affecting Hong Kong in a significant way, and we will continue to do our best to monitor the situation. It is important for everybody to know that the adequacy level and the liquidity level of the Hong Kong financial and banking sectors are very healthy and abundant and able to handle the pressure in the market. As regards government officials visiting different places around the world, it has always been the government policy that we are fully connected and in full co-operation with all world markets, in developing our business, our economy and maintaining close links. So officials will definitely be going out of Hong Kong to visit different places, whether it is in western countries, Asian countries, and Mainland cities, we will be actively going out. As I have said, we will be creating extra opportunities for business, for commercial relationships and also enhance our bonding with different countries. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, March 21, 2023 Issued at HKT 12:35 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session on concluding his visit in Beijing
17.3.2023

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at a media session on concluding his visit in Beijing this evening (March 17): Reporter: Could you elaborate on what it means by the duties of supervision of the reformed Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, and do you think the change of reporting line to direct a party leadership might affect perception of the promise of high autonomy in Hong Kong? And the second question, you have said that you met Xia Baolong some while ago. Could you please confirm if he is the one who will be leading the reformed office? Thanks. Chief Executive: In regard to the formation of the Hong Kong and Macao work office (Hong Kong and Macao work office of the CPC Central Committee), it will strengthen the leadership of the Central People's Government in faithful and successful implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle. This strengthening of leadership will of course help in enhancing the implementation of measures and policies that will benefit the successful implementation of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong. The Central People's Government is always thinking close to the heart the well-being of Hong Kong and the well-being of Hong Kong citizens. So, the formation of this office will certainly strengthen the implementation of policies in this regard, and it will be helpful to Hong Kong's overall prosperity and stability. As to who will be responsible for what post, I think we have to wait for the Central People's Government's announcement. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Friday, March 17, 2023 Issued at HKT 22:30 NNNN
Appointments to Chief Executive&apos;s Council of Advisers
17.3.2023

The Government announced today (March 17) the establishment of the Chief Executive's Council of Advisers. The Council is chaired by the Chief Executive and consists of 34 members, with the participation of key government officials. The first term of the Council will take effect immediately and end on June 30, 2025. The Council is a high-level advisory body to advise the Chief Executive on the strategic development of Hong Kong, leveraging on opportunities from national and global developments. The formation of the Council is particularly timely and crucial, as Hong Kong is now on the path to resume normalcy after the pandemic, seeking to rekindle momentum to return to the international stage as the most effective gateway between the world and the country. With its unique advantages and strengths under the "one country, two systems" principle and its strong fundamentals, the Government will spare no efforts in advancing Hong Kong's economic development and prosperity, tapping the enormous business potential arising from innovation and technology, and its further integration into the national development as well as deepening regional and global collaborations. Welcoming the Advisers on board, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said, "Members of the Council are all distinguished and eminent leaders in their respective fields, and some of them are internationally renowned scholars or experts. They will certainly be in the best position to provide me with valuable insights and wise counsel to the benefit of the long-term strategic development of Hong Kong. The Council will be organised along three broad streams, namely economic advancement and sustainability, innovation and entrepreneurship as well as regional and global collaborations to facilitate more focused and in-depth dialogues. I do look forward to working closely with them in the coming years." The membership of the Council is as follows: Chairperson Chief Executive Members (in alphabetical order of surnames) Economic advancement and sustainability Mr Brian David Li Man-bun Mr Victor Li Tzar-kuoi Professor Frederick Ma Si-hang Mr Robert Ng Chee-siong Mr Andrew Sheng Len-tao Mr Jack So Chak-kwong Mr Henry Tang Ying-yen Mr Jean-Pascal Tricoire Mr Peter Woo Kwong-ching Ms Marjorie Yang Mun-tak Mr John Zhao Innovation and entrepreneurship Dr Sunny Chai Ngai-chiu Mr Shing Chow Shing-yuk Dr Fu Yuning Professor Nancy Ip Yuk-yu Dr Lee Kai-fu Mr Shan Weijian Professor Michael Spence Ms Winnie Tam Wan-chi, SC Professor Tang Xiaoou Mr Joseph Tsai Dr Allan Wong Chi-yun Dr Allan Zeman Regional and global collaborations Mr Guy Bradley Mr Bernard Charnwut Chan Dr Jonathan Choi Koon-shum Mr Victor Chu Lap-lik Dr Victor Fung Kwok-king Mr Benjamin Hung Pi-cheng Mr Colm Kelleher Dr Peter Lam Kin-ngok Dr Edmund Tse Sze-wing Mr Mark Tucker Mr Andrew Tung Lieh-cheung In attendance Chief Secretary for Administration Financial Secretary Secretary for Justice Director, Chief Executive's Office Head, Chief Executive's Policy Unit Biographical notes on the members are in the annex. Ends/Friday, March 17, 2023 Issued at HKT 10:30 NNNN
CE begins visit programme in Beijing
13.3.2023

​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, attended the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress this morning (March 13). In the afternoon, he met with members of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China (HKCCC) to learn more about the development of Hong Kong enterprises in the Mainland. Mr Lee said that over the years, the HKCCC has been supporting the governance of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, uniting Hong Kong people and enterprises in the Mainland, and providing assistance to Hong Kong businessmen in exploring business opportunities and developing their businesses in the Mainland, showing the chamber's care and support for Hong Kong. With the full resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland, he believes more Hong Kong people and businessmen will pursue their careers in the Mainland and proactively grasp the opportunities brought about by national development. He hoped that the chamber will continue to provide assistance to Hong Kong people and businessmen, and offer valuable advice on facilitating their development in the Mainland. Mr Lee also hoped that the HKCCC, being the representative of Hong Kong people and businessmen in Beijing, will promote to the world Hong Kong's unique advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under "one country, two systems", telling the good stories of Hong Kong. Mr Lee will start calling on various central ministries tomorrow (March 14). Relevant Directors of Bureaux will join the respective meetings. Ends/Monday, March 13, 2023 Issued at HKT 16:56 NNNN
CE warmly congratulates newly elected President and Chairman of CMC of PRC at first session of 14th NPC
10.3.2023

The first session of the 14th National People's Congress elected the new-term President of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of the PRC today (March 10). On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and Hong Kong people, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, extended his warmest congratulations to President Xi Jinping on his unanimous election. Mr Lee said that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, President Xi has been leading the Chinese people in embarking on a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The country has since made historic development achievements and great progress. The Central Authorities has been fully, faithfully and resolutely upholding the principle of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, and implementing the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", fully supporting Hong Kong's new transition from governance to prosperity and promoting Hong Kong's prosperity and stability in the long run. Noting that President Xi has repeatedly stated that the Central Authorities fully support the HKSAR Government's governance in accordance with the law, Mr Lee said it instils great confidence to the HKSAR Government and provides strong impetus for the development of Hong Kong. The HKSAR Government will continue to unite all sectors of the community to focus on economic development, improve people's livelihoods, build a beautiful Hong Kong, better ensure and promote the fact of the successful implementation of "one country, two systems", and more proactively integrate into the national development and strive to contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Ends/Friday, March 10, 2023 Issued at HKT 14:48 NNNN
CE to attend closing meeting of NPC annual session and call on various central ministries and authorities
10.3.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will depart for Beijing on Sunday afternoon (March 12) to attend the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress on March 13. Mr Lee will then call on various central ministries and authorities in Beijing to exchange views on issues of common interest, with a view to enhancing interaction and co-operation to promote Hong Kong's active integration into national development and create strong impetus for the growth of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Relevant Directors of Bureaux, including the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau; the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin; and the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, will join part of the visit. Other officers accompanying Mr Lee on the trip will include the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip, and the Director of Information Services, Mr Fletch Chan. Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong on March 18. During his absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will be the Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Friday, March 10, 2023 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN