kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
财政司司长出席庆贺新春开市仪式致辞 (14.2.2024)
14.2.2024

以下是财政司司长陈茂波今日（二月十四日）出席庆贺新春开市仪式的致辞： 尊敬的尹宗华副主任（中央人民政府驻香港特别行政区联络办公室副主任）、李永胜署理特派员（外交部驻香港特别行政区特派员公署署理特派员）、Laura（香港交易及结算所有限公司（香港交易所）主席史美伦）、Gucho（香港交易所集团行政总裁欧冠升）、各位嘉宾、各位朋友： 早晨！今日是大年初五，祝大家在新一年「龙」图大展、「龙」运当头、生意兴「龙」，家肥屋润！港股在新一年迎来新气象，龙精虎猛、龙马精神，最重要是恭祝大家财源广进！ 今年是龙年，很多人总觉得在十二生肖中，龙是比较特别，在这年出生的婴儿也会较多，不少人都赶着生「龙B」。股市或者也有少少龙年效应。过去四次龙年，港股都有回报，最好的是二○一二年，当时全球主要央行放宽货币政策，有利投资情绪。该个龙年，恒生指数全年累积上升15%。 今年龙年也许也有一些共通因素。市场普遍认为欧美息口已经见顶，并且稍后会逐步回落，加上内地经济稳中向好，这些因素都会对投资情绪和资产市场带来正面的气氛。 另外，今年是甲辰年，甲属木，在「天干」五行中的颜色为绿色。「甲辰龙」可说是绿色的龙。绿色发展是大趋势，潜藏无限商机。我们发展的目标之一，就是将香港建设为「国际绿色科技和绿色金融中心」。在此预告一下，在本月底，香港将会举行历来首个「绿色周」，绿色科技和绿色金融生态圈的不同机构和投资者将会汇聚香港，香港在连接国际和内地的绿色资金、项目和企业的作用必定会更为明显。 去年，内外种种因素叠加，本港股市受压，但在个别板块，我们仍然取得不错的成绩。例如交易所买卖基金去年每日平均成交额较二○二二年上升了20%，总交易额超过28,000亿元，创历史新高。证券化衍生产品的总成交金额排名更为全球第一。在这些环节，我祝愿港交所百尺竿头，更进一步。去年全球最大、亚洲首只沙特ETF在香港挂牌，我们期望下一步会有香港股票ETF在沙特市场挂牌，加速推动搭建更多层次、更多方向的香港与中东的产品互通和资金互动。 当然，我们需要继续扩大和深化与内地市场的互联互通，让本港市场更深、更广。在国家的支持下，互联互通在过去一年取得多项进展，例如扩大「北向通」和「南向通」的范围，我们亦会积极在「南向通」上加入人民币交易柜台，以及将更多国际公司纳入「南向通」。 经历过去几年的转折，香港正值新发展阶段，今年的基调为稳中求进，当然我希望可以稳步快进。的确，外围大环境存在不少挑战，但同时我们亦有不少机遇，地缘政局以至全球供应链的布局，这些变化让不少内地和海外企业都感到有迫切需要开拓亚洲市场和设置地区总部，新的形势让香港「超级联系人」的角色有新的发展。种种因素都令我们对龙年有审慎乐观预期，最重要的是跟大家一起多想办法、多创新、多探索，未来一定会找到好的发展机遇。 这几天的农历新年假期有不少精彩节目，从花车巡游、烟花汇演到昨天的贺岁杯，让这个农历年假期有更浓厚和开心的节庆气氛。今日是龙年的第一个交易日，亦是西方情人节，为长周末假期后的第一个工作天添上了浪漫情怀。祝大家在新一年投资得心应手、财源广进、笑口常开、好运常来。恭喜发财！ 最后，我在此对Laura和Gucho过去几年领导港交所并做了大量工作和贡献，衷心表示感谢，并期待跟新的领导层继续紧密合作，让香港国际金融中心的地位再创高峰。 多谢大家。 完 2024年2月14日（星期三） 香港时间11时36分
财政司司长出席香港国际机场零售债券发行仪式致辞 (6.2.2024)
6.2.2024

以下是财政司司长陈茂波今日（二月六日）在香港国际机场零售债券发行仪式的致辞： Jack（香港机场管理局（机管局）主席苏泽光）、世雄（运输及物流局局长林世雄）、Fred（机管局行政总裁林天福）、Bonnie（香港交易及结算所有限公司联席营运总监陈翊庭）、各位嘉宾、各位朋友： 大家好！很高兴出席香港国际机场零售债券的发行仪式。这次发行的零售债券获超额认购，成绩令人鼓舞，在此，我恭喜机管局的团队，也多谢各位政府同事，以及金融机构及市场朋友的支持！ 刚才Jack提到，建造三跑（香港国际机场三跑道系统）涉及1,400多亿元的预算，由机管局去安排，而其实特区政府一直与机管局的管理团队紧密合作，经常开会，第一要做到on time（准时），第二要on budget（符合预算），第三是要想好financing（融资）。政府不是只说说而已，我们也作出了贡献，例如我们每年会向机管局收取几十亿元的股息，但这几年我们就暂时不收，等三跑投入运作之后，机管局便要开始再次派息了。 今次机管局按政府的建议发行零售债券，可以説是具有标志意义。因为机管局近年发行的都是机构投资者债券，今次是超过二十年来首次发行供市民认购的债券。今次政府请他们考虑发行面向公众、让市民认购的零售债券，有多个目的，刚才Jack也有提及。我们希望在目前的环境下，能为市民提供回报稳定的投资选项。这次发行也为日后其他大型公共建设项目在社会上进行融资，提供了有用的参考。 事实上，我们一直努力推动香港国际金融中心的发展做到更普惠包容，即是对于老百姓而言，可以实际体会到、拿得到的好处。这次由机管局发行的债券十分受欢迎，为其他非官方机构树立了好榜样。多谢你们！ 就普惠金融而言，过去几年，政府发行了1,900亿港元的零售债券，包括通胀挂鈎债券、银色债券，以及绿色零售债券，每一次都受到市民的欢迎，再次多谢大家的支持。 我们在去年《财政预算案》也提出，成立基础建设债券计划，目标是就计划下所发行的债券，拨出一部分，让强积金计划下的受托人认购，为供强积金的朋友提供回报稳定、安全的投资选项。 香港国际机场享有得天独厚的地理位置，服务水平很高、很有效率。在这方面，我们要给机场的同事一些掌声。事实上，全球半数人口在香港国际机场五小时的航程范围内；我们也是全球最繁忙的货运机场。而机场的发展愿景是成为「机场城市」，因此大家现在去乘坐飞机，见到机场大兴土木，未来机场会提供更多不同的设施和服务，吃、玩、表演、医疗、spa（水疗）等都有。日后香港国际机场会是一个旅游地标，也是我们市民玩乐及休息的好去处。请各位继续支持香港国际机场和机管局，为机管局的同事「点赞」。 最后，龙年将至，祝大家龙马精神、身体健康、事事如意、家庭幸福。多谢大家！ 完 2024年2月6日（星期二） 香港时间16时23分
财政司司长出席榕光社护老之家开幕礼致辞 (3.2.2024)
3.2.2024

以下是财政司司长陈茂波今日（二月三日）在榕光社护老之家开幕礼的致辞： 聂主席（榕光社主席聂扬声）、林女士（榕光社创会主席林桂霞）、陈导演（榕光社永远荣誉会长陈德森）、Bernard（香港赛马会董事陈智思）、各位台上主礼嘉宾、各位朋友： 大家好！今日很高兴来到这里参加榕光社护老之家的开幕典礼，与大家一起见证榕光社开展院舍照顾服务的新里程。 榕光社服务社群超过30年，一直为基层长者赠医施药、提供惠膳、善终等不同的免费服务。护老之家是榕光社开办的第一家安老院，在香港赛马会慈善信托基金的支持、众多善长的捐助下，得以投入服务，为基层「老友记」提供照顾。各位的关怀爱护和不懈努力，成为了受惠老人家的希望和依靠。在此我向榕光社，以及在座各位善长和朋友，致以最衷心的谢意和敬意！ 长者在年轻时努力工作，贡献社会，他们年纪大时，我们照顾他们，让他们安享晚年，是我们的责任，也是福气。国家主席习近平说过，老年人的就医养老，是家事也是国事，大家要共同努力，把事情办好。 人口持续高龄化是全球都面对的趋势。本港65岁或以上长者的人口估算在未来25年间将增加接近一倍，到二○四六年，本港人口中，每三人便有多于一名是65岁或以上的长者。因此，我们需要具前瞻性的部署、多层次的政策措施，把照顾和服务做得更好。这需要社会各界朋友的支持，大家集思广益、群策群力，做好安老工作。 就院舍照顾服务而言，过去一段时间，政府一方面通过牌照制度，规管及提升院舍服务质素；另一方面，在二○二二年的《施政报告》和去年的《财政预算案》都有提及，我们的目标是在二○二七年年底前增加六千多个资助院舍名额，届时的名额将超过40 000个，但仍然不足以应付需求。 在院社服务持续供不应求的情况下，我们需要社会各界，包括政、商、民和社福机构一起合作，发挥力量。榕光社开设的这家护老院舍，就是一个好例子。 我期待社会未来可以看到更多类似的例子，特区政府亦会尽力在照顾长者方面继续投入资源，更好服务他们的需要，让长者老有所依。 各位嘉宾、各位朋友，很快就是农历新年，我借这个机会跟大家拜个早年。祝大家龙年龙马精神、身体健康、家庭幸福，多谢大家。 完 2024年2月3日（星期六） 香港时间16时34分
财政司司长出席2024香港资本市场论坛致辞 (30.1.2024)
30.1.2024

以下是财政司司长陈茂波今日（一月三十日）在2024香港资本市场论坛的致辞： 徐卫刚部长（中央人民政府驻香港特别行政区联络办公室经济部部长）、李旭鸿部长（中央人民政府驻香港特别行政区联络办公室行政财务部副部长）、Kenneth（香港上市公司商会副主席林建兴博士）、Christopher（香港董事学会主席陶荣博士）、Clement（香港上市公司审核师协会有限公司主席陈锦荣）、各位嘉宾、各位朋友： 早晨！很高兴来到香港上市公司商会、香港上市公司审核师协会和香港董事学会联合举办的2024香港资本市场论坛。 香港的资本市场：挑战和机遇 ​ 今日论坛的主题围绕对香港资本市场的展望，以及如何提升我们作为国际金融中心的活力、竞争力和吸引力。作为一个自由开放的市场，香港资本市场与国际和内地都高度联通。面对全球的高息环境、多个外围不利因素叠加，加上地缘政治的挑战，本港的资产市场过去一段时间难免受到了影响，出现一定的波动。 特区政府一直以跨市场联动、全天候的方式监察市场情况，到目前为止，我们没有看到有任何异常情况，金融市场持续有序高效运作、金融体系保持稳健、联系汇率制度运作良好。 在市场波动、情绪气氛偏弱的大环境下，有人对后市悲观，但亦有人认为市场现时估值吸引，出现了投资机遇。当然后市如何发展，大家各有看法，但我想在此分享几点观察。 第一，香港的股票市场有超过50%的上市公司是来自内地，它们的市值占股市超过70%，交投量超过80%，因此本港市场的表现除了受国际政治经济环境影响外，亦或多或少反映投资者对内地经济状况和市场走向的评估和情绪。事实上，过去一段时间，坊间和媒体都出现对内地经济的担忧甚至质疑。但如果大家客观看待内地的数据，便会看到，内地的经济发展是按他们的规划稳步实现。去年经济增长估计为5.2%；而社会融资规模、货币信贷、用电量、客流量、货运量等在去年都录得强劲增长，这些指标都充分反映国家实体经济的底气。国家正以高质量发展方式全面推进中国式现代化，经济正朝着更可持续的方向发展。调整经济结构和培育新的增长点有个过程，内地拥有强大的産业基础、资本、创新能力和人才，在高端生産、人工智能、绿色转型等方面都会持续催生出新的发展动能。正如国务院总理李强在达沃斯世界经济论坛年会上提到，内地经济多年来形成了良好稳固的基本面，长期向好的总体趋势不会改变。 第二，在金融和资本市场的其他范畴，香港其实去年有不错的表现。例如，香港的银行存款去年增长了超过5%，证明资金虽然有进有出，但总体来说资金是净流入。债券方面，去年首九个月，香港发行的债券达5,070亿美元，同比增长约7%。资产管理方面，根据最新的统计，我们管理的资产规模约40,000亿美元，在亚洲属于领先位置；去年，香港私募基金管理的资本达到2,200亿美元，占全亚洲超过15%，继续排行第二，仅次于内地。 第三，地缘政治难免影响了部分来自欧美的资金流向，但同样因为全球政治格局的形势，中东的资金，从主权基金到家族办公室，也在积极寻求欧美以外的投资机会。中东的主权基金截至二○二二年底的资产总规模达到36,000亿美元，如果按全球各国在生产总值排名榜的占比来做一个投资比重分布，即使不对中国作任何看好的调节，也会有不少资金流向中国。地缘政治对资金流的影响，其实不是一面倒的。 对于香港的资本市场来说，未来有挑战，也有机遇，关键是我们怎样把握好、利用好自身的独特优势。在这个问题上，让我分享几点看法。 第一，是要持续盘活我们的筹融资市场。当中的重点，是如何让香港的平台吸引到更多优质的内地和国际企业来上市和融资。就促进内地企业来港上市，我们正积极与内地相关的监管机构，讨论加快审批企业来港上市的进度。而对外，我们会鼓励更多中东、东南亚国家的企业来港上市。 另一方面，我们也会着力发展「总部经济」，吸引海内外公司到港设立总部或分部业务，为香港引进海内外优质企业，这也有助于强化香港作筹融资平台的角色和功能。 与此同时，我们亦会全力发展本地债券市场，以补充股票市场及银行体系的融资功能，并会继续透过发债、技术创新和提升相关基建，吸引更多内地和外地利用香港债券市场平台，深化债券市场的发展。 第二，继续扩大与深化与内地金融市场的互联互通，并强化香港作为离岸人民币业务枢纽的地位。互联互通的增量扩容，其意义就是通过香港加强内地与国际资本市场的联系、连接，一方面助力内地金融市场的有序开放，贡献国家稳步建设金融强国；另一方面，两地市场的连接车道更宽阔，构筑的道路更多层，经过香港的资金流自然会增加。在这方面，我们正与内地监管机构紧密商议，加快推进相关工作。其中一个重要举措，就是在「南向通」加入人民币交易柜台，让内地的投资者可以直接以其在岸人民币购买港股，利便其资金到来，亦减低其汇率兑换的风险。此外，把更多的国际企业纳入「南向通」的范围也是重要的一步，可让这些国际企业同时得到国际和内地的资金，对他们的流动性和估值有所帮助，形成良性循环。 互联互通更深入推进，也会进一步促进香港作为离岸人民币枢纽的发展。人民币作为国际贸易、支付和储备货币的功能会不断增强，国际上将会需要更多以人民币计价的投资工具和风险管理工具。过去几年，在中央部委的支持下，衍生工具的互联互通也在稳步向前，包括MSCI A50指数期货、利率互换通等，而国债期货也会快将推出。上星期，人民银行和金管局（香港金融管理局）亦公布了「三联通、三便利」的政策措施，当中例如推动内地债券成为合资格抵押品等，将更好地满足国际投资者对内地债券市场流动性的管理需求，同时有利增加香港离岸人民币市场的深度。 第三，发展资产及财富管理业务，吸引更多资金来港。过去一年，特区政府积极推动资产及财富管理业务的发展。家族办公室是当中的重点之一，我们去年三月发表的政策宣言，从提供税务优惠，到壮大家族办公室的人才库和服务配套，再到推动香港慈善中心的发展，出台了一整套的策略。近月，我们公布了新的「资本投资者入境计划」，也明确「跨境理财通」优化的实施细则。这些举措都会带动更多超高资产净值人士以及其资金落户香港。未来，在这些方面，我们会继续大力推动，适时推出新的措施。 结语 各位嘉宾、各位朋友，宣传好香港的真实情况、独特地位和优势，对吸引资金到来非常重要。过去一段日子，西方媒体对香港情况的报道出现偏颇。特区政府和香港队的成员，包括监管机构、交易所、法定机构和谘询组织，都积极「走出去」访问；也会通过举办一系列的国际金融盛事「请客来」，目的都是向不同目标市场的投资者介绍香港的真实情况、优势和机遇。我希望在座各位朋友，你们都是朋友满天下的，能够帮忙，利用你们广泛的国际联系和人脉网络，与我们一起向外说好香港故事，力争更多的资金和生意来港。 还有不足一个月，我将会发表新一份《财政预算案》。我借此机会呼吁大家向我们提出宝贵意见，让这份《财政预算案》能更切合社会需要。 最后，我祝愿今日的论坛圆满成功。龙年将至，祝各位新一年龙精虎猛、生意龙腾虎跃、活力四射。多谢大家！ 完 2024年1月30日（星期二） 香港时间13时18分
财政司司长出席「龙腾观塘新春夜市」开幕典礼致辞 (29.1.2024)
29.1.2024

以下是财政司司长陈茂波今日（一月二十九日）在「龙腾观塘新春夜巿」开幕典礼的致辞： 祝小东副部长（中央人民政府驻香港特别行政区联络办公室九龙工作部副部长祝小东）、各位台上的主礼嘉宾、各位嘉宾、各位朋友、各位街坊： 大家好！好高兴来到由观塘民政事务处、观塘区议会以及香港观塘工商业联合会举办的「龙腾观塘新春夜市」开幕典礼，与大家一同感受新春将到的喜乐。 「龙腾」象征繁荣和吉祥。来年是龙年，我深信在市民、政府和社会各界的共同努力下，香港定能克服现时面对的不少挑战，经济继续稳步增长。 香港是一个多元开放的大都会，而我们的18区，亦各自拥有丰富的文化和旅游资源，可谓「区区有睇头」。承接之前「香港夜缤纷」的良好势头，我们正陆续推出「18区日夜都缤纷」活动，内容多元精彩，包括特色市集、彩灯会、夜光活动、艺墟，以至时尚节和赏花活动等，让「区区都精彩」。今日的龙腾夜巿就是其中一项头炮活动，一直办到年初七。我感谢民政事务总署和18区民政事务处筹办这一系列活动，让市民在自己的社区就有更多食、买、玩的好去处，一起开心消费和办年货。 现时，特区政府也正在积极推动盛事经济，单在今年上半年，我们就有超过80项大型活动举行，从新春的烟花汇演，到「球王」美斯访港，再到大型的国际金融会议，涵盖节日喜庆、体育、文化艺术、经济金融等各方面，可以说是百花齐放。预计会吸引数以万计的游客。通过积极「请客来」，我们希望外来的朋友都能亲身看到香港的开放和活力，感受到我们的独特魅力和文化气息，带动更多海内外朋友来港。 不论是面向市民的地区墟市、抑或是面向国际的盛事，要办得成功，最重要的是社会各界全情投入，大家一起以礼待客。这样，我们的盛事就一定能够获得市民和旅客的支持和好评。 我知道在今晚开幕典礼之前，夜市已经试行了几天，不少市民已经抢先到来。今次活动的成功举办，得到了观塘区议会、香港观塘工商业联合会和市区重建局的鼎力支持，以及民政事务处同事们的努力。非常多谢大家，并请大家积极向身边的亲朋好友多多宣传，支持观塘区这个新春活动，前来办年货、享受街头美食，一起共度佳节。 最后，我再次祝愿各位龙年龙腾虎跃、生意兴隆、身体健康！ 谢谢大家！ 完 2024年1月29日（星期一） 香港时间20时11分
Secretary for Justice to attend Forum on the Belt and Road Legal Cooperation in Beijing
30.6.2018

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, will depart for Beijing tomorrow afternoon (July 1) to attend the Forum on the Belt and Road Legal Cooperation. The forum, under the theme of "Joining Hands for Building Belt and Road - Rules and Coordination", is co-organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the China Law Society. Ms Cheng will give a speech at the panel session on "The Belt and Road Initiative and International Dispute Settlement". Ms Cheng will leave Beijing in the evening on July 3 and arrive in Hong Kong in the early hours on July 4. Ends/Saturday, June 30, 2018 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
Hong Kong e-Legislation set to be the only government legislation website from July 1
29.6.2018

Hong Kong e-Legislation (HKeL) will be the only government legislation website from July 1, 2018, following the discontinuation of the previous Bilingual Laws Information System (BLIS) on the same date, a spokesperson for the Department of Justice reminded the public today (June 29). The spokesperson said, "To help the public learn more about HKeL, we have published leaflets introducing the major functions of HkeL. The leaflets can be obtained from the major public libraries, district offices and the sales counter of the Information Services Department. Users' guides and slideshows on major functions are available on the HKeL website for quick reference. "To improve the user-friendliness of HKeL, we have recently enhanced the Quick Search function to facilitate quicker access to a particular provision or multiple provisions in a chapter. In addition, a Quick Links Panel has been added on the HKeL homepage to promote direct access to certain popular features like the Chapter Number Index and the Glossaries of Legal Terms." The spokesperson added that the Government will continue to listen to the views of users to enhance HKeL for the benefit of the general public and the legal profession. HKeL was launched in February 2017. To facilitate the transition from BLIS to HKeL, the two websites have been running in parallel. After consulting the HKeL Liaison Group and considering the views of the legal profession, it was decided that BLIS would discontinue service on July 1, 2018. Ends/Friday, June 29, 2018 Issued at HKT 15:30 NNNN
Prosecution Week launched to promote public awareness of criminal justice system (with photos)
22.6.2018

Prosecution Week 2018 was launched today (June 22) to start a range of activities promoting the rule of law and enhancing public awareness of the criminal justice system of Hong Kong. Speaking at the event's opening ceremony, the Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, said that through a better public awareness of our society's laws and criminal justice system, citizens, especially our younger generations, would gain a better understanding of and respect for the law and the legal consequences of conduct prohibited by law. Also speaking at the ceremony, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr David Leung, SC, said prosecutors must act in accordance with the law. They do not consider and would not be influenced by irrelevant considerations. "In particular, political or individual interests are of no concern for any prosecutor. All prosecutorial decisions are made on the highest professional standard considering only the law, the evidence and the public interest," Mr Leung said. He added that there is an open guideline in the Prosecution Code for determining where public interest lies in a particular case. Held for the seventh consecutive year, Prosecution Week will run until June 29 under the theme "The Law‧Transparency‧Public Interest". A host of activities including court visits and mock trials for students will be arranged. A law quiz was also organised for the second time, drawing the participation of over 100 students from 17 secondary schools. The winners were presented with awards at today's ceremony. Ends/Friday, June 22, 2018 Issued at HKT 18:30 NNNN
Evidence (Amendment) Bill 2018 to be gazetted on Friday
20.6.2018

The Government will introduce the Evidence (Amendment) Bill 2018 into the Legislative Council (LegCo) to reform the common law rule against hearsay evidence in criminal proceedings (hearsay rule) by way of an elaborate legislative scheme. A spokesman for the Department of Justice (DoJ) said today (June 20), "Under the proposed legislative scheme, hearsay evidence can be adduced if the parties agree, if no party opposes its admission, or if the court grants permission upon certain conditions being satisfied, including that the evidence is necessary and there is reasonable assurance that it is reliable." The proposal is formulated on the basis of the recommendations of the Law Reform Commission of Hong Kong in its report on "Hearsay in Criminal Proceedings" published in November 2009. The spokesman added that the proposed legislative scheme also contains other safeguards to prevent miscarriages of justice and unsafe convictions and strikes a fair balance between the fair trial right of the accused and other legitimate interests. "The introduction of the new legislation would align the hearsay rule with the developments in other major common law jurisdictions, such as England and New Zealand. The reform will address the criticisms against the hearsay rule that it is strict and inflexible, is complicated and lacks clarity, and excludes hearsay evidence even if it is cogent and reliable," the spokesman noted. A consultation on the proposals was conducted in 2017. The LegCo Panel on Administration of Justice and Legal Services was also briefed on the consultation exercise as well as the policy aspects of the Bill in March 2017 and February 2018 respectively. The Panel and responses received during the public consultation in 2017 were supportive of the proposed legislation. The Bill will be gazetted on Friday (June 22) and introduced to LegCo on July 4. Ends/Wednesday, June 20, 2018 Issued at HKT 19:10 NNNN
Secretary for Justice continues UK visit to boost ties with international legal sectors (with photos)
15.6.2018

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, continued her visit to London, the United Kingdom, yesterday (June 14, London time) and met with key players in different sectors to promote Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services. ​At a roundtable discussion with Asia House's corporate members in the morning, Ms Cheng spoke on Hong Kong's role as the deal making and dispute resolving hub under the Belt and Road Initiative. Ms Cheng said that the Initiative provides vast opportunities. Under the Initiative, Hong Kong can assume a more proactive role in connecting the Mainland and the rest of the world in terms of trade and investment. Hong Kong, with a robust common law system which is familiar to the international business community and an independent judiciary, is well placed to serve as a centre for deal making and dispute resolution. In the afternoon, Ms Cheng met with the President and Principal of King's College London, Professor Edward Byrne, and the Executive Dean of the Dickson Poon School of Law at King's College London, Professor Gillian Douglas. Ms Cheng also shared her views with participants including students of King's College London and other universities on the opportunities for Hong Kong in the international arena. She introduced Hong Kong's unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" policy and the latest development of arbitration and mediation in Hong Kong. ​Ms Cheng also visited Gray's Inn to give a talk on the development and future of dispute resolution in Hong Kong. She said it is the steadfast policy of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to consolidate Hong Kong's position as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia Pacific region. She further outlined the opportunities brought about by the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development, and Hong Kong's measures to promote the city’s dispute resolution services. Earlier in the day, Ms Cheng attended a breakfast briefing with the All Party Parliamentary China Group. She briefed the participants on the latest developments in Hong Kong, highlighting that Hong Kong has been committed to upholding the rule of law and judicial independence. ​Ms Cheng will call on the Law Society today (June 15, London time) before departing for Hong Kong in the afternoon. Ends/Friday, June 15, 2018 Issued at HKT 8:04 NNNN
Department of Justice responds to recent comments on judge
14.6.2018

In response to the conduct of some members of the public which might constitute contempt of court, a spokesman for the Department of Justice (DoJ) gave the following response today (June 14): The DoJ reminds the public to respect the rule of law and judicial independence, the latter being one of the most important facets of the rule of law. Whilst members of the public are entitled to, within the permissible legal boundaries, to express one's opinion rationally or engage in informed discussions about the court’s decision and related matters, this has to be done within the limit permitted by the law and with respect for judicial independence. Personal or scandalous attacks or insulting comments on judges or acts undermining judicial independence or in contempt of court are absolutely forbidden. It is to be remembered that an accused is entitled to lodge an appeal against sentence if he is dissatisfied with it. In respect of the conduct of some members of the public against Madam Justice Anthea Pang which might constitute contempt of court, the DoJ has already referred the matter to the relevant law enforcement agency to follow up. Hence, it is inappropriate for the DoJ to make any further comment at this stage. The DoJ will work closely with the law enforcement agency, consider the case fairly and in accordance with the Prosecution Code, the applicable legal principles and relevant evidence. The Judge's reasoning for the sentence of the case (HCCC 408/2016) is now available on the Judiciary's website ( legalref.judiciary.hk/lrs/common/search/search_result_detail_frame.jsp?DIS=115698&QS=%2B&TP=JU ) (Chinese version only) for public reference. Ends/Thursday, June 14, 2018 Issued at HKT 20:19 NNNN
Secretary for Justice promotes HK's role as deal-making and dispute resolution hub in London (with photos)
14.6.2018

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, promoted Hong Kong's role as an ideal hub for deal making and dispute resolution in London, the United Kingdom (UK), today (June 13, London time). Speaking at a legal and business sector event, Ms Cheng said key players of the international business community, including those from the UK, can seize the new opportunities brought about by the synergy created by the respective strengths of cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area. Ms Cheng was delivering a speech entitled "Hong Kong as an ideal hub for deal making in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Area" at a seminar organised by Hong Kong Association and attended by representatives from the legal and business sector. Ms Cheng said Hong Kong's distinctive strengths as the most open and international city in China, together with its robust legal system and unparalleled expertise in legal and financial services, make it an ideal hub for deal making and dispute resolution in the Bay Area. Enterprises can embrace what Hong Kong has to offer with this role when seizing the new opportunities, including those arising from proliferation of intellectual property rights in the Bay Area and the wave of technological innovation. Ms Cheng is currently conducting an official visit in London to promote Hong Kong as a legal and deal-making hub and update key players in the UK on Hong Kong's latest developments in international legal and dispute resolution services. Earlier in the morning, Ms Cheng met with the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Mr David Gauke, to exchange views on legal matters of mutual interest. She also met with the Chair of the Bar of England and Wales, Mr Andrew Walker, QC, to enhance ties with the legal profession and paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Ambassador to the UK, Mr Liu Xiaoming. Ms Cheng will continue her visit tomorrow (June 14, London time) in the UK. Ends/Thursday, June 14, 2018 Issued at HKT 5:54 NNNN
Secretary for Justice to visit UK
10.6.2018

The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, will visit London, the United Kingdom (UK), from June 13 to 16 to update key figures in the UK legal sector on Hong Kong's latest developments of international legal and dispute resolution services and to promote Hong Kong's role as a legal and deal making hub. During her stay in London, Ms Cheng will visit King's College London, where she will deliver a speech on opportunities for Hong Kong in the international arena. She will attend a roundtable discussion at Asia House on Hong Kong as the Belt and Road legal and deal making hub. At a seminar hosted by Hong Kong Association, she will talk about Hong Kong as an ideal hub for deal making in the Greater Bay Area. She will also visit Gray's Inn and speak on the development and future of dispute resolution in Hong Kong. Ms Cheng will meet with senior government official, members of All Party Parliamentary China Group of the UK Parliament and representatives of the legal and dispute resolution services community. Ms Cheng will depart for London on June 12 and return to Hong Kong on June 16. Ends/Sunday, June 10, 2018 Ends/Sunday, June 10, 2018 Issued at HKT 11:01 NNNN
Increase in amount of damages for bereavement under Fatal Accidents Ordinance proposed
28.5.2018

The Department of Justice (DoJ) today (May 28) gave notice to the Legislative Council (LegCo) that it will move a resolution to increase the statutory sum to be awarded as damages for bereavement (bereavement sum) under the Fatal Accidents Ordinance (Cap 22) to $220,000. The increased sum will be capable of reflecting the cumulative impact of inflation over the period from March 1997 to March 2018. The DoJ also proposed a review of the bereavement sum to reflect inflation by making reference to the Consumer Price Index (A) (CPI(A)) every two years. A spokesman for the DoJ said, "The Ordinance was enacted in 1986. It allows an action for damages to be brought against a person for the benefit of the dependants of the deceased in respect of that person's wrongful act, neglect or default which has caused the death of the deceased. An action under the Ordinance may include a claim for damages for bereavement in the sum as prescribed in section 4(3). Section 4(5) of the Ordinance provides that the LegCo may by resolution vary the sum. "Since the enactment of the Ordinance, the bereavement sum was adjusted in 1991 and 1997. The current sum is set at $150,000." In mid-2014, the DoJ reviewed the bereavement sum and proposed to increase the sum to $190,000, having made reference to the cumulative inflation as measured by the CPI(A), and consulted the Law Society of Hong Kong (LawSoc) and the Hong Kong Bar Association (the Bar). In response, the LawSoc and the Bar proposed that the amount be adjusted to $250,000. The reason is that the increase should take into account not only inflation but also "changing social and economic conditions of Hong Kong". "The DoJ then thoroughly considered the issues and studied the methodology adopted in other common law jurisdictions. The Census and Statistics Department and the Government Economist were consulted. It was concluded that the 'social and economic conditions' of an economy could embrace many different aspects, including a host of factors such as population growth and structure, housing and economic growth. Therefore, there is no single indicator that can serve the purpose of manifesting the changing social and economic conditions in a nutshell," the spokesman explained. In the DoJ's view, an adjustment based on inflation by making reference to the CPI(A) could provide a simple and objective methodology for the coming and future reviews of the bereavement sum. The DoJ proposed to move a resolution to increase the bereavement sum to $220,000 which would be more than sufficient to cover the cumulative inflation reckoned from March 1997 to March 2018 after making reference to the CPI(A). The DoJ today gave notice to the LegCo that it would move the related resolution under section 4(5) of the Ordinance at the LegCo sitting on June 13. Ends/Monday, May 28, 2018 Issued at HKT 20:06 NNNN