kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
政务司司长出席联合国人权理事会普遍定期审议工作组会议开场发言（中文译本） (23.1.2024)
23.1.2024

政务司司长陈国基今日（日内瓦时间一月二十三日）在瑞士日内瓦出席联合国人权理事会普遍定期审议工作组会议。工作组审议中国按照联合国人权理事会普遍定期审议机制提交的第四次报告，当中包括香港特别行政区（特区）的部分。 陈国基担任中国代表团副团长，联同香港特区政府官员以中国代表团成员身分出席会议。他在会议上就香港特区人权状况作出开场发言，中文译本全文如下： 主席先生： 自香港特区一九九七年成立以来，「一国两制」方针一直是香港长期繁荣稳定的重要基石。此成功国策确保香港维持独特优势，符合国家根本利益。 随着《香港国安法》贯彻落实和选举制度经过完善，在动乱中惶恐度日已成过去，社会治安稳定得以回复，香港重回正轨。在国家《宪法》、《基本法》以及国际公约适用于香港有关规定的保证下，香港市民可以继续享有合法权利和自由。 法治是香港赖以成功的基石和核心价值。香港在《基本法》保障下实施普通法制度，司法权亦独立行使，本港司法机构广受国际认同。香港既是高度市场化、开放和国际化的经济体，亦坚守法治，集作为国际都会成功元素于一身。 同时，我们竭诚为广大市民建设香港成为更美好的城市。我们通过在房屋、儿童和青年发展、医疗、经济发展等不同范畴推行针对性政策，致力促进社会关爱共融、经济蓬勃发展。 主席先生，凭借国家坚实支持和「一国两制」此独特安排，香港作为世上唯一兼享全球优势和中国优势的城市，将继续繁荣发展。谢谢。 完 2024年1月23日（星期二） 香港时间17时00分
FS concludes trip to Davos, Switzerland (19.1.2024)
19.1.2024

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, concluded the last day of his visit to Davos, Switzerland, today (January 19, Davos time) Accompanied by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, Mr Chan met with the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Mr Chan briefed her on Hong Kong's latest economic and trade situation and thanked the WTO for reaffirming the free trade regime of Hong Kong, China and its position as one of the world's most important international trade and financial hubs in its Trade Policy Review conducted at the end of last year. Mr Chan said that Hong Kong would continue to firmly support a rule-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, and actively promote free trade, so as to contribute to a better recovery of the global economy. Mr Chan also met with the chief executive officer of an international insurance company. At the end of his visit today, Mr Chan will leave Switzerland tonight and arrive in Hong Kong in the evening of Saturday (January 20). Ends/Friday, January 19, 2024 Issued at HKT 21:02 NNNN
FS continues his visit to Davos, Switzerland (19.1.2024)
19.1.2024

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued the fourth day of his visit to Davos, Switzerland, yesterday (January 18, Davos time) for the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting. In the morning, Mr Chan attended the Informal Gathering of World Economic Leaders, where he discussed with political and business leaders on the challenges posed by economic fracture and how to rebuild a more mutually beneficial and inclusive global economy. Later, he met with the founder and executive chairman of the WEF, Professor Klaus Schwab, and briefed him on Hong Kong's latest economic and social developments. In the afternoon, Mr Chan participated in two thematic discussion sessions with one of the sessions focusing on community development. Speakers shared their views on how to tackle the "not in my backyard" mentality, building consensus in the community, and promote more inclusive and people-centred development. Mr Chan shared Hong Kong's experience in urban renewal, public housing development and infrastructure-driven development strategy, and more. Another thematic discussion session was on the development opportunities of digital assets. Mr Chan shared Hong Kong's approach and practices in the development of digital assets, in particular the establishment of an appropriate regulatory framework to actively encourage innovation on the premise of ensuring that financial stability will not be affected and investors will be effectively protected, so as to enable the industry to develop in a responsible and sustainable manner. As part of the efforts to promote the development of digital assets, Hong Kong is also consulting the public on the development of stablecoin. Mr Chan also met with the Prime Minister of Mongolia, Mr Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai yesterday to exchange views on co-operation. In addition, Mr Chan made use of breakfast and afternoon tea meetings to brief international financial institutions and business leaders on Hong Kong's latest economic and financial developments, and to exchange views on further enhancing Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre. Mr Chan will continue his visit this morning (January 19, Davos time) and leave Switzerland in the evening, arriving in Hong Kong in the evening of Saturday (January 20, Hong Kong time). Ends/Friday, January 19, 2024 Issued at HKT 9:00 NNNN
FS meets with political and business leaders at World Economic Forum Annual Meeting (18.1.2024)
18.1.2024

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, yesterday (January 17, Davos time) where he met with political and business leaders from various countries attending the meeting. Accompanied by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, Mr Chan met with a number of financial and economic officials from the Middle East and Central Asia, including Bahrain's Minister of Finance and National Economy, Mr Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mr Abdulla Adel Fakhro; the Minister of Finance of Qatar, Mr Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari; and the Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan, Mr Alibek Kuantyrov. At the above bilateral meetings, Mr Chan pointed out that as a link and platform for promoting the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong can make unique contributions in areas such as fostering regional financial connectivity, expanding trade, and fostering cultural exchanges. Noting that countries in the Middle East and Central Asia have been actively promoting economic diversification and green transformation in recent years, Mr Chan welcomed them to make use of Hong Kong's highly efficient and robust financial market to facilitate the development, promotion and financing of enterprises and projects, and to achieve better development together in a mutually beneficial and complementarity manner. In addition, Mr Chan and Mr Yau also met with the Minister of Economy and Finance of Italy, Mr Giancarlo Giorgetti, and the Governor of the Central Reserve Bank of Peru, Mr Julio Velarde Flores respectively. They exchanged views on the current global financial environment, geopolitical situation, and green transformation. During a keynote speech at a luncheon, Mr Chan said that China continues to be open to the world with its economy steadily growing. Embracing international collaboration in technology-driven industries and supply chain, China will continue to create a strong momentum for the development of the world economy. With the unique advantages of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong is striving to enhance its position as an international financial centre, fast-tracking the development of the international innovation and technology hub, and play the role of a bridge between the Mainland and the world so as to forge win-win co-operation. In the evening, Mr Chan joined the China Night of the WEF Annual Meeting and delivered a speech at the dinner to introduce how Hong Kong has utilised its role as a connector, bridge and gateway to assist in the economic development of China and Asia. Mr Chan also received interviews by a number of Hong Kong, Mainland and international media agencies to address issues of concern. Mr Chan will continue his fourth day of visit to Davos today (January 18, Davos time). Ends/Thursday, January 18, 2024 Issued at HKT 9:00 NNNN
FSO alerts public to deceptive content purported to be interviews with FS (15.1.2024)
15.1.2024

The Financial Secretary's Office (FSO) today (January 15) appealed to members of the public for heightened vigilance against online deceptive advertisements purported to be interviews with the Financial Secretary (FS). The FSO strongly clarified that the so-called interviews and remarks are all fictitious. The FSO recently noted a number of deceptive advertisements and webpages, which carry the FS's name and news photos, on social media and online news portals. Such advertisements lure users to click on them and be taken to suspicious transaction platforms. A spokesman for the FSO urged the public not to visit any suspicious websites via such advertisements or provide personal information to unknown websites with a view to forestalling losses. The FSO has reported the incident to the Police for follow-up investigation. Ends/Monday, January 15, 2024 Issued at HKT 14:30 NNNN
FS to attend World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Switzerland (13.1.2024)
13.1.2024

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, will depart for Davos in Switzerland tomorrow night (January 14) to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting taking place from January 15 to 19. The WEF Annual Meeting 2024, themed "Rebuilding Trust", will engage in in-depth discussions around four areas: achieving security and co-operation for the world, creating growth and jobs, artificial intelligence as a driving force for the economy and society, and long-term strategies for combating climate change and achieving carbon neutrality. Leaders of governments, representatives of major international organisations and senior management of enterprises from over 100 countries and regions will attend the Meeting. Mr Chan said, "Current geopolitical situation remains tense, with protectionism and decoupling sentiments rising high in individual countries. With an uneven pace of post-epidemic recovery and growth, global economic outlook still faces many uncertainties. At such a time, countries should join hands to promote a more resilient global development, respond to imminent challenges such as climate change, and make development more equitable and inclusive." During the WEF Annual Meeting, Mr Chan will attend and speak at several keynote meetings, luncheons and dinners. Mr Chan will also meet with political, business and financial leaders. "While attending the WEF Annual Meeting, I and other members of the Hong Kong team will actively tell the good Hong Kong and China stories, and explain the economic and social development of Hong Kong, striving to clear doubts over Hong Kong. We will in particular explain the successful implementation and long-standing advantages of the 'one country, two systems,' as well as Hong Kong's unique role in connecting the Mainland and the world. We will also introduce our new advantages and measures in promoting the development of industries, and encourage businesses to establish a foothold and invest here," Mr Chan said. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, will participate in certain parts of the programme. Other members of the Hong Kong team attending the Annual Meeting include the Chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Mr Jack So; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Mrs Laura Cha, and the Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation Limited, Dr Jacob Kam. Mr Chan will leave Davos on January 19 (Davos time) and arrive in Hong Kong on January 20. During his absence, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, will act as the Financial Secretary. 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. Ends/Saturday, January 13, 2024 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
FS concludes visit to United States (31.5.2024)
31.5.2024

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, concluded the final day of his visit to San Francisco, the United States, on May 30 (California time). He will return to Hong Kong. Mr Chan visited two technology companies in Silicon Valley in the morning. The two companies are engaged in research and development (R&D), as well as plastic materials recycling for reuse, respectively. For the latter, Mr Chan was briefed by the founders and management on their patented technologies, and toured their R&D facilities. Mr Chan introduced to them Hong Kong's policies in promoting innovation and technology, and measures to attract enterprises and talent. He also encouraged them to set up R&D and production bases in Hong Kong, and use Hong Kong as a platform to explore Mainland China and Asian markets. In the evening, Mr Chan attended a reception hosted by the California-China Climate Institute, and exchanged views with Mainland and international guests who participated in the Bay to Bay Dialogue between the California Bay Area and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the US-China High-Level Event on Subnational Climate Action. Concluding his visit, Mr Chan will depart for Hong Kong on May 31 (California time) in the early morning and arrive in Hong Kong tomorrow morning (June 1, Hong Kong time). Ends/Friday, May 31, 2024 Issued at HKT 15:12 NNNN
Appointments to industry advisory committees to advise Insurance Authority (31.5.2024)
31.5.2024

The Government announced today (May 31) the appointments to two industry advisory committees (IACs) to advise the Insurance Authority (IA) on industry-related issues. The two IACs focus on long-term business and general business respectively. The Financial Secretary has reappointed or appointed 11 non-official members to each of the IACs for a term of two years from June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2026. A spokesman for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said, "Members of the two IACs are experienced practitioners in the insurance industry and related sectors such as actuary, fintech, banking, legal and academia. Their diverse expertise will assist the IA in promoting the stable development of the insurance industry and protecting policy holders. "We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the four outgoing members for their support and contributions to the IACs during their tenure." The IACs are statutory committees established under the Insurance Ordinance (Cap. 41) (the Ordinance) on June 1, 2016. The Ordinance stipulates that other than the chairperson, chief executive officer and not more than two other executive directors of the IA, members of an IAC should include eight to 12 other persons with knowledge of or experience in the insurance industry, the conduct of regulated activities and consumer affairs. They are appointed by the Financial Secretary after consultation with the IA. Following is the list of non-official members of the IACs with effect from June 1, 2024: Non-official members of the IAC on Long Term Business -------------------------------------------------------------- Ms Annie Chen Poonis Mr Alex Chu Wing-yiu Mr Peter James Crewe Mr Dick Fong Ho-cheung Mr Nigel Knowles Ms Joanie Ko Chung-ling Ms Lisa Lau Man-man Ms Selina Lau Pui-ling Ms Orchis Li Tzy-lan Mr Bill Song Xuanbi Mr Wilson Tang Chee-ping Non-official members of the IAC on General Business ----------------------------------------------------------- Mr Rohan Bhappu Mr Jonathan Chen Zhaonan Mr Cheong Heng-loong Dr Fung Hong Ms Polly Ho Kin-wing Mr Jia Jingwei Dr Kevin Lau Chung-hang Mr George Leung Woon-wing Mr Jimmy Poon Wing-fai Professor Tang Heiwai Ms Sally Wan Yuen-wai Ends/Friday, May 31, 2024 Issued at HKT 12:00 NNNN
Appointment of Executive Directors to Insurance Authority (24.5.2024)
24.5.2024

The Government announced today (May 24) that the Financial Secretary, in exercise of the authority under the Insurance Ordinance (Cap. 41) delegated to him by the Chief Executive, has appointed Mr Lee Moung-mo as the Executive Director, General Business, and Mr Marty Lui Yu-kwok as the Executive Director, Long Term Business of the Insurance Authority (IA), for a term of three years from May 27, 2024, to May 26, 2027. A spokesman for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said, "Mr Lee and Mr Lui, who have been serving executives in the IA, are both financial professionals with extensive regulatory experience and knowledge of the insurance sector. We look forward to their continued service to the IA in their new positions to promote the further development of the insurance market in Hong Kong." Mr Lee joined the IA in May 2018 and served as Head, Technical Expert Team, before the appointment. He held senior executive positions in the insurance industry before joining the IA. Mr Lui joined the IA at its inception in 2017 and served as Associate Director, Long Term Business, before the appointment. He has extensive experience in the financial regulatory and insurance fields. Ends/Friday, May 24, 2024 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by FS and Acting SCED after LegCo Ante Chamber exchange session (22.5.2024)
22.5.2024

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, together with the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan; and the Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, met the media after attending the Ante Chamber exchange session at the Legislative Council this morning (May 22). Following is the transcript of remarks: Reporter: Mr Chan, can you recap in English how do you see the ETO officers get charged in London and the death of one of the defendants? And also other questions, like, is there any latest arrangement on stock trading under extreme weather? Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: The task of the Economic and Trade Offices (ETOs) is to liaise with the local government, think tanks, different sectors and all walks of life to improve, facilitate or foster collaboration on trade and investment, and also in the areas of arts and culture. My ETO colleagues will continue to liaise with the local government to tell the good stories of Hong Kong. Financial Secretary: On your second question about trading under severe weather conditions, we have concluded the consultation and are reviewing the views and submissions received during the process. We are going to announce the consultation outcomes towards the middle of this year. That is our timetable. Thank you. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Wednesday, May 22, 2024 Issued at HKT 17:44 NNNN
Senior Appointment at Hong Kong Monetary Authority (17.5.2024)
17.5.2024

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority: The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (May 17) that the Financial Secretary, on the advice of the Governance Sub-Committee of the Exchange Fund Advisory Committee, has approved the extension of Mr Arthur Yuen's appointment as Deputy Chief Executive for two years beyond the normal retirement age, effective August 2024. Mr Yuen will continue to be in charge of the full range of banking policy, supervision, conduct and enforcement issues at the HKMA. Ends/Friday, May 17, 2024 Issued at HKT 16:30 NNNN
FS attends Business Session of Asian Development Bank Board of Governors Annual Meeting (5.5.2024)
5.5.2024

​The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, attended the Business Session of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors Annual Meeting this morning (May 5, Tbilisi time) in Tbilisi, Georgia. The meeting discussed matters such as the ADB's budget and business directions. During the meeting, Mr Chan said that Hong Kong, China actively supports the work of the ADB, and highlighted Hong Kong's unique role as a "super connector" and a multi-level bridge under the "one country, two systems" principle. He emphasised that in various areas such as business, investment, innovation and technology, and green transformation, Hong Kong efficiently connects funds and projects, and could create opportunities with ADB members together. Furthermore, Hong Kong has been vigorously advancing the development of innovation and technology in recent years, focusing on artificial intelligence and big data, life and health sciences, fintech, as well as new energy and new materials. In these areas, Hong Kong, China and other ADB members can foster stronger collaboration to contribute to regional economic prosperity, enhance climate resilience of the region, and build a more sustainable future together. Mr. Chan had completed his itinerary at the ADB Annual Meeting and departed for Hong Kong immediately thereafter. He will arrive in Hong Kong tomorrow (May 6, Hong Kong time) afternoon. Ends/Sunday, May 5, 2024 Issued at HKT 18:00 NNNN
FS continues visit to Tbilisi, Georgia (5.5.2024)
5.5.2024

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, continued to attend the Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Tbilisi, Georgia yesterday (May 4, Tbilisi time). In the morning, Mr Chan met with Vice Minister of the Ministry of Finance, Mr Liao Min, who was also participating in the Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the ADB in Tbilisi. They exchanged views on the economic development in the Mainland and Hong Kong, as well as discuss the global economic and financial situation. Mr Chan then attended the Opening Session of the 57th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the ADB and the Lunch for governors to discuss with other governors on regional development. In the afternoon, Mr Chan attended the Plenary Session of Governors. The theme of this year's meeting is "From Billions to Trillions – Promoting Private Sector Development for Climate Change". He said at the Plenary Session that there is a huge funding gap of trillions of US dollars for climate and transition investments. A gap also existed in the funds received by developed and developing economies in climate financing. ADB members must work together to assist countries in raising funds more effectively to move towards net zero. In the process, the ADB should better mobilise private sector resources and channel funds to support green and transition projects through innovative financial products and services. Hong Kong, China has been making new attempts in the relevant areas, including securitising infrastructure loans to encourage the flow of funds from mature projects to new projects; and issuing insurance-linked securities (such as the catastrophe bonds issued by the World Bank last year in Hong Kong and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange), and more. Hong Kong, China's high-quality professional services may also help with green certification of projects, thus reinforcing the confidence of investors. Meanwhile, Hong Kong not only seeks to align with international green standards but also takes part in their making. In addition to the green classification framework freshly released, Hong Kong is also developing a roadmap this year for adopting the standards of the International Sustainability Standards Board. Mr Chan said that Hong Kong, China is willing to enhance exchanges and share experiences with ADB members, as well as collaborating on talent training, as well as co-organising other relevant capacity building programmes. Mr Chan attended the dinner hosted for the Board of Governors in the evening. Mr Chan will attend the Governors' Business Session of the ADB Annual Meeting today (May 5, Tbilisi time) before departing for Hong Kong. Ends/Sunday, May 5, 2024 Issued at HKT 9:00 NNNN