kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
SCED speaks on anti-sanction law and businesses operating in Hong Kong
11.8.2021

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, on the anti-sanction law and businesses operating in Hong Kong at a media session after attending an event today (August 11): Reporter: Mr Yau, could the anti-sanction law curtail foreign investors? Would it hurt Hong Kong's international financial status? Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: I think the anti-sanction legislation introduced by our country is a reaction to the blatant interference of the US imposing sanctions on our country and Hong Kong. It is a matter of a natural response against such blatant interference. It is also a matter of upholding the rights of people doing business in Hong Kong to act against any kind of such unnecessary interference. But of course, the first thing is that we will need to wait and see what the legislative arrangement proposed by the National People's Congress would be, and find a way to have it introduced in Hong Kong. I think businesses operating in Hong Kong are fully aware of the geopolitical tension introduced by the US side, which is a violation of some WTO rules and international practices. I am glad to see that the international business communities are also taking a very pragmatic approach seeing the actual situation in Hong Kong. For instance, some of the attempts, measures or tactics adopted by the US in interfering in the US businesses in Hong Kong have been reacted to by their own chamber in Hong Kong in a very pragmatic manner. Looking back, while Hong Kong suffers from the social unrest and also the pandemic situation, foreign investment in Hong Kong and foreign firms in Hong Kong have not seen any sort of major reduction. I think that also reflects the fundamental that Hong Kong remains an open, competitive and attractive place for business and investment. Thank you. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Applications open for participating in auction of spectrum in 600 MHz, 700 MHz, 850 MHz, 2.5/2.6 GHz and 4.9 GHz bands
30.7.2021

The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) published an Information Memorandum (IM) today (July 30) inviting interested parties to join the auction of radio spectrum in the 600 MHz, 700 MHz, 850 MHz, 2.5/2.6 GHz and 4.9 GHz bands. The Communications Authority (CA) and the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (SCED) announced on March 30, 2021, their decisions on the arrangements to assign a total of 325 MHz of spectrum, including 220 MHz of new spectrum in the 600 MHz, 700 MHz and 4.9 GHz bands, and 105 MHz of re-assigned spectrum in the 850 MHz and 2.5/2.6 GHz bands, by way of a single auction. "Parties interested in participating in the auction may submit their applications to OFCA on September 23 and 24 this year. The CA will hold the auction on October 25. The spectrum will be assigned to the successful bidders under unified carrier licences with a validity period of 15 years for provision of public mobile services. The release of the spectrum is expected to support further development of the fifth generation mobile (5G) services in terms of speed, capacity and coverage," a spokesperson for OFCA said. "The SCED has set the auction reserve prices for the use of spectrum in the 600 MHz, 700 MHz, 850 MHz, 2.5/2.6 GHz and 4.9 GHz bands at $2 million per MHz, $5 million per MHz, $4 million per MHz, $5 million per MHz and $3 million per MHz respectively. The actual amount of spectrum utilisation fees payable will be determined in the auction," the spokesperson added. "To avoid an unduly high concentration of spectrum being held in the hands of a single spectrum assignee, spectrum caps will be imposed on the amount of spectrum in individual frequency bands which may be acquired by any assignee, namely 30 MHz for 600 MHz band, 30 MHz for the 700 MHz band, 50 MHz for the 2.5/2.6 GHz band and 40 MHz for the 4.9 GHz band," the spokesperson continued. Detailed arrangements of the auction are set out in the IM which can be downloaded from OFCA's website ( www.ofca.gov.hk/filemanager/ofca/en/content_1517/Auction_IM_20210730.pdf ).
LCQ16: Title for the topmost leader of the Taiwan region
14.7.2021

Following is a question by the Hon Luk Chung-hung and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, in the Legislative Council today (July 14): Question: According to the Charter of Radio Television Hong Kong (the Charter), Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) is to "promote understanding of our community, our nation and the world through accurate and impartial news, information, perspectives and analyses". Under the "One-China" principle, Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. However, RTHK's news reports have referred to the topmost leader of the Taiwan region as "President", which is the title of the head of state of most countries in the world. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether it has assessed if the aforesaid reporting practice of RTHK has (i) breached the "One-China" principle, (ii) caused public misunderstanding that the topmost leader of the Taiwan region is the head of state, and (iii) deviated from the aforesaid requirement of the Charter; if it has assessed and the outcome is in the affirmative, whether it will request RTHK to immediately stop referring to the topmost leader of the Taiwan region as "President" in its news reports; if it has not assessed, whether it will make such an assessment? Reply: President, In consultation with the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau, our reply to the Member's question is as follows: Hong Kong and Taiwan are part of one China. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has all along handled Taiwan-related matters in accordance with the Basic Law of the HKSAR of the People's Republic of China, the one-China principle as well as the Basic Principles and Policies of the Central Government regarding the Handling of Taiwan-related Matters in Hong Kong (i.e. Qian's Seven Principles). The Charter of Radio Television Hong Kong (the Charter) clearly specifies the public purposes and mission of the Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), which include providing accurate and impartial news, information, perspectives and analyses; promoting understanding of the concept of "One Country, Two Systems"; and engendering a sense of citizenship and national identity through programmes that contribute to the understanding of our community and the nation. RTHK will continue to abide by the Charter, duly meet its obligations as a public service broadcaster, and uphold the highest professional standards of journalism. The RTHK's News and Current Affairs Section will continue to strictly observe the relevant principles in the use of terminology.
Peak Tramway (Safety) (Amendment) Regulation 2018 (Commencement) Notice gazetted
9.7.2021

The Peak Tramway (Safety) (Amendment) Regulation 2018 (Commencement) Notice (the Commencement Notice) was gazetted today (July 9), in which the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development has appointed December 17, 2021, as the commencement date for the increase of the maximum number of passengers of a tramcar of the peak tramway to 210. The Peak Tramways Company Limited is implementing an upgrading plan and carrying out relevant construction works. Apart from the increase in the carrying capacity of new tramcars to 210 passengers, the plan also includes construction of a covered, temperature-controlled queuing and waiting area with a capacity of about 1 300 passengers at the lower terminus at Garden Road, renovation of the upper terminus at the Peak Tower, etc, to enhance services of the peak tramway and its attractiveness as an important tourism and recreational facility. The Commencement Notice will be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting on July 14, 2021.
Government increases funding and extends application period for Subsidy Scheme for Encouraging Early Deployment of 5G
4.7.2021

To further encourage the public and private sectors to deploy 5G technology and foster innovation, the Government has increased funding earmarked for the Subsidy Scheme for Encouraging Early Deployment of 5G under the Anti-epidemic Fund from $50 million to $100 million. The deadline for application will also be extended to July 31, 2022. This would accommodate about 100 additional projects. The Scheme subsidises 50 per cent of the costs relevant to the deployment of 5G technology in a project, subject to a cap of $500,000. Since its launch in May 2020, the Government has received an enthusiastic response, and has approved 103 applications, covering innovative applications in various aspects and sectors such as remote mechanical maintenance, remote telemedicine application, 3D building information modelling in construction sites and 4K/8K live video broadcasting. "With its edge of high speed, low latency, high capacity and massive connectivity, 5G provides enormous potential for developing different business services and smart city applications, including smart homes, e-commerce, remote surgery operation, autonomous driving, and is set to bring revolutionary changes to our future lives," the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, said. "Within a year since its launch last April, 5G services in Hong Kong now cover more than 90 per cent of the territories and up to 99 per cent of some core business districts. The good progress has laid a solid foundation for its extensive application. The Government will continue its efforts in promoting 5G development, which includes supplying spectrum to the market in a timely manner, facilitating installation of base stations and promoting its application and popularisation," he said. Details of the Scheme and the application form are available on the website of the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) ( www.ofca.gov.hk/en/industry_focus/industry_focus/5g_subsidy/index.html ). Enquiries can be made by phone at 2961 6333 or email at 5g-subsidy@ofca.gov.hk . In April this year, the Government organised an online-offline seminar to introduce approved projects under the Subsidy Scheme. Highlights of the seminar and project videos are available on OFCA's website.
Target date of inaugural flights under HK-Singapore Air Travel Bubble to be reviewed in early July
10.6.2021

The Governments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Singapore will review in early July the target date of inaugural flights under the Hong Kong-Singapore Air Travel Bubble (ATB), taking into account the latest development of the COVID-19 epidemic situation in Singapore, which has been stabilising since early June. An announcement on the way forward would be made in early July. A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said today (June 10) that subsequent to the announcement on May 17 about deferral of the inaugural flights under the ATB, the two governments have been closely monitoring the epidemic situation in both places, including the effectiveness of the anti-epidemic measures implemented by the Singapore Government in response to the latest epidemic development. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, has been in regular dialogue with the Minister for Transport of the Republic of Singapore, Mr S Iswaran. Both consider that it is prudent to keep the developments under review to ensure the epidemic situation is sufficiently stable before deciding in early July on the way forward for the ATB. The spokesman stressed that both governments remain strongly committed to launching the ATB with a view to resuming air travel between the two regional aviation hubs and international cities in a gradual and orderly manner under a set of stringent public health protocols. Travellers who wish to travel between the two places via the ATB arrangement should watch out for the latest announcements and adjust their itineraries according to their own circumstances. For details of the ATB, please refer to the designated website: www.tourism.gov.hk/travelbubble .
LCQ21: The Square Kilometre Array Project
9.6.2021

Following is a question by the Hon Elizabeth Quat and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, in the Legislative Council today (June 9): Question: The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Project is an international astronomy science project, with the objective to build the world's largest aperture synthesis radio telescope array and operate it for 50 years, which will provide a major opportunity for mankind to understand the universe. "The Square Kilometre Array Observatory" (SKAO), an international intergovernmental organisation established by a number of countries, is responsible for the implementation of the SKA Project. Following the ratification of the Convention establishing the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (the Convention) by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress in April this year, China has become an official member of SKAO. On the other hand, the Chinese Government has announced that the Convention is not applicable to Hong Kong for the time being. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) whether it has assessed and consulted local academics how Hong Kong's participation in the SKA Project may benefit the local academia's research in areas such as astronomy, physics, frontier science as well as innovation and technology; if so, of the outcome; if not, whether it will expeditiously conduct such an assessment; (2) whether it has estimated the resources that Hong Kong needs to deploy for participating in the SKA Project; if so, of the details; if not, whether it will make such an estimation; and (3) whether it has plans to discuss with the Central Authorities the application of the Convention to Hong Kong, so that Hong Kong may participate in the SKA Project; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that? Reply: President, According to information from the website of the Square Kilometre Array Project (SKA Project), the SKA Project plans to build radio telescopes in Australia and South Africa, and conduct scientific researches on issues such as the formation and evolution of stars and galaxies, cosmic magnetism, nature of gravity and life beyond Earth. As instructed by the Chief Secretary for Administration, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau would reply to the question on behalf of the Administration as follows: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region did not conduct assessments on the issues described in the question, and also has no plan to conduct such assessments. The Convention establishing the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (Convention) is not applicable to Hong Kong. The Government has no plan to request the application of the Convention to Hong Kong.
Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement between Hong Kong and Mexico to enter into force on June 16
6.6.2021

The Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) between Hong Kong and Mexico will enter into force on June 16. The IPPA with Mexico will enhance the confidence of investors, expand investment flows between Hong Kong and Mexico, and further strengthen bilateral economic and trade ties. "The 14th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong to foster co-operation and exchanges with countries and regions around the world. Indeed, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been making full use of Hong Kong's advantages under the Basic Law and 'one country, two systems', and has signed bilateral agreements, including IPPAs, with foreign economies to explore more opportunities for developing bilateral and multilateral co-operation benefits for Hong Kong," the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, said. Mr Yau added that the IPPA with Mexico is the fourth such agreement that the HKSAR Government has signed this term. The other three were signed respectively with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Australia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), all of which have entered into force. Taking into account the IPPA with Mexico, the total number of IPPAs in force between Hong Kong and foreign economies will increase to 22, covering 31 foreign economies. Under the IPPA with Mexico, the two sides undertake to provide investors of the other side with fair, equitable and non-discriminatory treatment of investments; compensation in the event of expropriation of investments; and the right to free transfers abroad of investments and returns. The IPPA also provides for settlement of investment disputes under internationally accepted rules, including arbitration. The 31 foreign economies with which Hong Kong has signed IPPAs are the 10 ASEAN Member States, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, the UAE and the United Kingdom.
Hong Kong grants first-ever standard patent by original grant
5.6.2021

The Patents Registry of the Intellectual Property Department (IPD) has granted the first standard patent under the original grant patent (OGP) system this week, within 14 months after the date of filing of the application by the applicant. Launched in December 2019, the OGP system creates a direct route for innovators to seek standard patent protection in Hong Kong with a maximum term of 20 years, providing an alternative to the existing "re-registration" route. "It's an exciting moment to see the granting of the first-ever standard patent by original grant. It is a milestone in the development of Hong Kong's patent system, which is a key component of the intellectual property (IP) protection infrastructure and one of the important elements for the development of innovation and technology. The fact that a standard patent can be obtained directly in Hong Kong without going through first the registration process outside Hong Kong provides a convenient, direct and expeditious route for patent applicants and helps attract and facilitate more such applications. It also demonstrates the efficiency and efficacy of Hong Kong's very own patent system," the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, said today (June 5). "The 'Outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development of the People's Republic of China and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035' affirms the Central People's Government's support for the future development of Hong Kong in a wide spectrum of areas, including raising for the first time the support for Hong Kong to develop into a regional IP trading centre and an international innovation and technology hub. We are equipping ourselves to leverage these new opportunities. "The launch and continued development of the OGP system is one of the strategic measures that the Hong Kong Government is pursuing to ensure that the local patent system advances with the times and meets the needs of Hong Kong's innovation and technology and the creative industries, and in turn, our long-term economic development," Mr Yau said. The invention of the first standard patent by original grant relates to the use of artificial intelligence to manage inventory in an e-commerce system. As of May 31, 2021, the Patents Registry had received a total of 426 OGP applications, of which 33 per cent (142 applications) were submitted by Hong Kong residents or enterprises and 67 per cent (284 applications) were from non-local applicants. Further information about the OGP system, including its detailed filing requirements, procedures and official fees, is available at the IPD's website ( www.ipd.gov.hk/eng/intellectual_property/patents/New_Patent_System.htm ).
HKSAR Government files first written submission to WTO panel in respect of US' requirement on origin marking
28.5.2021

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today (May 28) filed its first written submission to the panel established under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) to consider the dispute raised by Hong Kong with respect to the violation of WTO rules by the requirement of the United States (US) on origin marking for Hong Kong products. The submission explains in detail Hong Kong's position that the US' requirement, amongst others, unlawfully discriminates against goods of Hong Kong origin, and is inconsistent with multiple WTO covered agreements, including the Agreement on Rules of Origin, the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade, and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994. "Hong Kong is a founding member of the WTO by virtue of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. Under the Basic Law, Hong Kong is a separate customs territory, and may, using the name 'Hong Kong, China' (HKC), participate in relevant international organisations and international trade agreements. The special status of Hong Kong has been widely recognised and respected by the international community, and Hong Kong's economic and trade status is on par with that of other WTO members," the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, said. "The US has imposed such a discriminatory and unjust requirement for political reasons unrelated to a proper determination of the place of origin of the goods as required under the various WTO covered agreements. This approach improperly interjects political considerations into a purely technical exercise to determine a product's origin under WTO rules. This approach, if accepted, would undermine the critical role that accurate origin determination plays within the rules-based multilateral trading system," Mr Yau said. At the same time, the requirement to mark goods originating in Hong Kong as originating in another WTO member has increased the cost and complexity of exportation for Hong Kong enterprises by forcing them to segregate their products based on different markets of destination, putting them at a competitive disadvantage vis-&agrave;-vis other WTO members, he said. The WTO DSB acceded at its meeting on February 22 to Hong Kong's request to establish a panel to consider HKC's dispute. The Director-General of the WTO subsequently appointed a three-member panel to examine the dispute on April 29. The panel is proceeding in accordance with procedures as set out in the WTO Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes, including to consider written submissions by HKC and the US as well as 13 other WTO members who have reserved their rights to join as third parties to the dispute.