kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and Women&apos;s Commission celebrate International Women&apos;s Day 2023
8.3.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and his wife, Mrs Janet Lee, today (March 8) officiated at a reception to celebrate International Women's Day 2023 hosted by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) and the Women's Commission (WoC). The reception was attended by members of the WoC, and representatives from women's groups, non-governmental organisations and the business sector. Thematic panels were set up at the reception this year to showcase the work done by the Government and the WoC on promoting women's development. Speaking at the reception, Mr Lee said that women play a leading role in all walks of life in Hong Kong. Among the 26 Principal Officials of the current-term Government, six of them are women, accounting for nearly a quarter of the team, which is the highest among all previous terms of Government. Among the 18 Permanent Secretaries, which are the highest echelons of the civil service, more than 60 per cent of them are females. Women now account for 36 per cent of the non-official members of government-appointed advisory and statutory bodies, which is 10 per cent higher than 20 years ago. This marks the significant contribution that Hong Kong women have made to social development. He said, "Promotion of women's development is an important task. In the future, the Government and the Women's Commission will continue their concerted efforts in promoting women's rights in various fronts." The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, said at the reception that the Government will, as always, contribute more to women's development. The HYAB will set up the Women Empowerment Fund as announced in the Chief Executive's Policy Address this year. From 2023-24, the funding will be increased to $20 million a year to strengthen the support for women's development and the related tasks. She said, "The HYAB will continue to work with members of the community, making ways for Hong Kong women to unleash their full potential in different roles of the community and live a happy life." Also officiating at the reception were Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Ms Lu Xinning; Deputy Director General of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR Mr Wang Wenxian; Deputy Director of the Political Department of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison Senior Colonel Wang Zhixue; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the President of the Legislative Council, Mr Andrew Leung; the Convenor of the Non-official Members of the Executive Council, Mrs Regina Ip; and the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam. Ends/Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Issued at HKT 19:45 NNNN
CE to attend NPC session opening ceremony
3.3.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will depart for Beijing tomorrow (March 4) to attend the opening ceremony of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress on March 5. Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong on March 6. During his absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will be the Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Friday, March 3, 2023 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
CE: Strengthen Hong Kong-Macao co-operation to create stronger impetus for high-quality development of GBA
2.3.2023

​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, led a delegation this morning (March 2) to conduct his first visit to Macao since the implementation of the full resumption of normal travel. Members of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government delegation included the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung; and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip. The delegation led by Mr Lee arrived in Macao via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB). They first visited the latest tourism, convention and exhibition facilities to learn about Macao's new developments in promoting tourism and culture. Afterwards, Mr Lee met with the Chief Executive of the Macao SAR, Mr Ho Iat-seng, to have an in-depth discussion on promoting Hong Kong's co-operation with Macao and the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). During the meeting, Mr Lee said that with the full resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and Macao, now is the perfect time to deepen tourism co-operation between the two places and promote multi-destination tourism in the GBA, jointly contributing to achieving the goal of developing a world-class bay area for leisure, as set out in the country's Culture and Tourism Development Plan for the GBA. Mr Lee added that since the commissioning of the HZMB, the land transportation between Hong Kong, Macao and the west bank of the Pearl River has been opened, and the distance between the three places has been shortened. Hong Kong has always strongly supported the cross-boundary transportation arrangements and measures of the HZMB to meet the needs of local residents, travellers and trades, and maximise the economic and transport benefits of the HZMB, as a way of fostering commercial and cultural exchanges between the three places. "Being special administrative regions of the country, both Hong Kong and Macao will leverage on their unique advantages under 'one country, two systems' and further strengthen the co-operation between the two places, with a view to generating stronger impetus for the high-quality development of the GBA and making greater contributions to national development," said Mr Lee. Mr Lee and the delegation then attended a luncheon hosted by Mr Ho Iat-seng, and returned to Hong Kong in the afternoon. Ends/Thursday, March 2, 2023 Issued at HKT 16:10 NNNN
CE holds engagement session with HK members of CPPCC
1.3.2023

​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, held an engagement session with over 100 Hong Kong members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) today (March 1) to exchange views on Hong Kong's active integration into national development, promoting high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and strengthening the development of innovation and technology locally and the work on youth, before they attend the first session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee to be held in Beijing this week. Also attending the engagement session were the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; 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 said the Hong Kong members of the CPPCC National Committee are leaders from various sectors and are familiar with matters of the country and Hong Kong. They not only contribute to the advancement of the country, but also listen to views of members of the public, playing a key role as a bridge of communication. "As the mask mandate is fully lifted today, Hong Kong has resumed normalcy in full and will spare no efforts in pursuing economic growth and development to bring benefits to the society as a whole. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to communicate closely with the Hong Kong members of the CPPCC National Committee and unite different sectors of the community, with a view to enhancing the power and value of 'patriots administering Hong Kong'," said Mr Lee. Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to the members who attended the session for providing constructive suggestions which enable Hong Kong to better leverage its unique advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under "one country, two systems" in building a more harmonious society. Ends/Wednesday, March 1, 2023 Issued at HKT 17:16 NNNN
CE leads delegation to visit Macao
1.3.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will lead a delegation to visit Macao tomorrow morning (March 2), beginning his first visit to Macao since the implementation of full resumption of normal travel. Members of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government delegation will include the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung; and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip. During his visit, Mr Lee will meet with the Chief Executive of the Macao SAR, Mr Ho Iat-seng. Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon. During his absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will be the Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Wednesday, March 1, 2023 Issued at HKT 16:30 NNNN
CE attends Welcome Ceremony of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Search and Rescue Team returning from Türkiye
18.2.2023

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Welcome Ceremony of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Search and Rescue Team returning from Türkiye today (February 18): 各位救援隊的隊員，我們香港所有市民今日熱切地迎接你們回來我們香港這個家，你們成功完成任務，安全歸來，我們感到非常欣慰，非常感謝你們！今日亦有土耳其駐港總領事在此，所以我希望在此用英文跟他們說幾句。 Consul General of Türkiye (Mr Peyami Kalyoncu), fellow colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to begin by extending my sincere condolences to the people of Türkiye. I am deeply saddened by the destruction caused by the deadly earthquake in Türkiye, and my thoughts are with everyone who is mourning the loss of their loved ones. The Hong Kong SAR Government is honoured to have taken part in the rescue efforts and given our assistance to the Turkish people. The tragedy has manifested the importance of solidarity of all mankind. We were deeply touched by the sense of unity showcased by the international community in the rescue mission. Consul General, if I may, I would like to tell your people that they are not alone. Together with our motherland, the Hong Kong SAR will be with Türkiye. I have every confidence that your people will soon recover from their injuries, overcome the difficulty and rebuild their communities. On behalf of the Hong Kong SAR Government, I would also like to take the opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Hong Kong search and rescue team. The team showed no fear when faced with difficult conditions in the quake-stricken areas and successfully rescued four survivors. They have displayed great professionalism and valiant dedication in the process. My colleagues of the team, your brave efforts are held in high regard by the people of Türkiye and the Hong Kong SAR, and you should justifiably take pride in your exemplary performance in this search and rescue mission. 各位救援隊隊員，在此我再次代表特區政府及香港市民，熱切迎接你們完成任務，安全返來香港。 二月六日，土耳其發生7.8級強烈地震，造成重大人命傷亡。香港特別行政區於二月八日派出一行59人的救援隊，到土耳其地震災區執行搜救任務，今晚返回香港，前後為期九日。最終在災區成功救出了兩男兩女共四名倖存者，他們被困在瓦礫中接近一星期，現時正在康復中。 ​ 救援隊冒着風險，奮勇救人，充分展示了愛心和專業，充分展示了香港特區政府公務員團隊的優秀能力，充分彰顯了無分國界的互助精神。我為你們的表現深感驕傲，並在這裏向你們致敬。 我感謝來自消防處、保安局、衞生署及入境事務處的每一位救援隊人員，肯定你們的努力和無私付出。各位隊員在當地面對種種困難，包括受到餘震威脅、道路嚴重損毀。隊員爭分奪秒救人之餘，在嚴寒天氣下要面對體力容易流失，我知道有隊員在帳幕凍得難以入睡。但大家以熱誠抵住冷風，沒有放過任何拯救生命的機會。 今次任務能夠順利及安全地完成，反映消防處的坍塌搜救專隊，平日訓練有素，能在惡劣環境下高效進行拯救工作，而衞生署的醫護人員亦利用專業知識，保障救援隊員的身心健康，體現仁心仁術的精神。航空公司和航空業界的朋友也為救援隊的整個行程提供了積極的支援，體現香港團結一致的力量。 我亦感謝中央政府對香港特區救援隊的肯定和照顧，包括安排包機由災區直接送隊員到北京並舉辦迎接儀式、外交部駐港特派員公署在出發前的統籌工作，以及中國駐土耳其共和國大使館和國家救援隊在當地的協助。 相信大家知道救人如救火，香港特區救援隊得到中國駐土耳其大使館的大力支持，讓隊員盡快抵達災區與國家救援隊會合。國家救援隊亦在行動基地預留位置給特區救援隊，又為他們提供每日的熱食，在生活各個環節，大家就是一家人，互勉互助，無分彼此。 在救援行動方面，特區隊員與國家救援隊在科技應用、災區情報等各方面進行交流。大家也一起參與救援任務，包括規劃、聯合編組、協同作業等，體現團結和優勢互補的團隊精神。今次我們建立了堅實的合作基礎，我相信我們會繼續交流，為人類命運共同體作出貢獻。 我知道救援隊各位隊員離開家庭一個多星期，都十分掛念家人，今天亦有你們的家人專程來到機場迎接你們。希望你們返來之後可以爭取時間先休息多點，先陪伴家人多點。我會在星期一邀請你們到禮賓府再次多謝你們的辛勤工作。多謝大家！再次感謝救援隊的每一位成員，多謝你們！ Ends/Saturday, February 18, 2023 Issued at HKT 2:26 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo
28.2.2023

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting today (February 28): Reporter: Two questions. The first question is why now is the right time to scrap the mask mandate given that Macao has dropped its outdoor mask mandate? And the second question is about wearing masks at hospitals, care homes and schools. Is that the remaining safeguards to protect people from COVID? Any elaboration on those policies? Thank you. Chief Executive: I have always told people that I will be monitoring the situation of Hong Kong in regard to the total number of infected cases, the overall trend and the different data that indicate the situation of COVID in Hong Kong. It is because of the overall assessment of all the factors that have been taken into account, including those five factors that I have told you earlier, that I made the decision. I have told people since almost two months ago, that this is an issue that I will be actively monitoring to examine when will be the appropriate time to lift the masking requirement. After looking at all the data, the trend and the fact that the winter surge is nearing the end, in order to give people a very clear message that Hong Kong is resuming to normalcy, I think this is the right time to make the decision. That is why today I made the announcement to lift the masking requirement as soon as possible, that is, starting from tomorrow (March 1). With the masking requirement removed, we are starting to resume to normalcy comprehensively, and that will be very beneficial to economic development, our international competitiveness as well as our activities which involve everyone in Hong Kong. As regards other measures to ensure that we will continue to protect public health, we have also indicated that for premises or groups which will be regarded as high-risk, then the person in charge of the place can still ask people to wear masks. We will continue, also, to monitor the situation, including analysis of the imported cases so as to ensure that the overall virus variation will be kept under control. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, February 28, 2023 Issued at HKT 12:50 NNNN
CE holds engagement session with HK deputies to National People&apos;s Congress
27.2.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, held an engagement session with about 30 Hong Kong deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) today (February 27) to exchange views on Hong Kong's active integration into national development, promoting Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development and improving local economy and people's livelihood, before they attend the first annual session of the 14th NPC to be held in Beijing in early March. Also attending the session were the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Acting Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Clement Woo; and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip. Mr Lee said, "Hong Kong is now in a new stage of advancing from stability to prosperity, and the society is currently at full speed on the road to full normalcy. Hong Kong has fully resumed normal travel with the Mainland and is re-connected to the world. We must grasp the opportunities ahead to proactively integrate into the national development in order to boost Hong Kong's development momentum." Mr Lee said that the NPC is the highest organ of state power, and the Hong Kong deputies to the NPC are leaders from various sectors who have made significant contributions over a long time to the successful implementation of the principles of "one country, two systems" and the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. The Hong Kong deputies shoulder the vital responsibility of taking part in deliberating national affairs. They care for and are familiar with matters of the country and Hong Kong. The SAR Government will continue to strengthen links and communicate more closely with the Hong Kong deputies, unite different sectors of the community, with a view to enhancing the power and value of "patriots administering Hong Kong". Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to the Hong Kong deputies who attended the session for providing constructive suggestions which enable Hong Kong to better leverage its significant advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, and are conducive to uniting different sectors of the community in addressing people's concerns and safeguarding harmony and stability together. Ends/Monday, February 27, 2023 Issued at HKT 20:07 NNNN
Chief Executive hosts dinner to welcome national men&apos;s basketball team playing home matches in Hong Kong
26.2.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (February 26) hosted a dinner at Government House in welcoming the national men's basketball team (Team China) playing home matches in Hong Kong and expressing his wish that athletes of Team China would continue to perform strongly in the upcoming matches of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Basketball World Cup. Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to the country for its trust and support in assigning Hong Kong as the home venue of the FIBA Basketball World Cup this time, which is the first time Hong Kong served as the home venue for the national team. He said the matches showcased three unique features of Hong Kong, namely contributing to the country's rapid development by leveraging its advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle; hosting top-tier international mega events by seizing the country's strong support; and driving vibrant sports development through the demonstration of masterly skills by world-class athletes. Mr Lee also wished the national team every success in the World Cup Finals and earn glory for the country. These matches showed that Hong Kong has the ability to host top-tier international sports events. Moreover, they provided the people of Hong Kong with an excellent opportunity to enjoy the masterly skills of world-class basketball players, as well as enhance locally the all-rounded development of sports, our sports culture and the atmosphere of exercising. They also helped lay solid foundations for Hong Kong to host the 15th National Games in 2025. Apart from the President of the China Basketball Association and the Manager of Team China, Mr Yao Ming; and members of Team China, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Ms Lu Xinning; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; the President of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, Mr Timothy Fok; the Secretary General of the FIBA, Mr Andreas Zagklis; as well as other relevant officials and guests also attended the dinner. Ends/Sunday, February 26, 2023 Issued at HKT 21:17 NNNN
CE meets Mayor of Shenzhen Municipal Government
22.2.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met the Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal Government, Mr Qin Weizhong, today (February 22) to exchange views on deepening Hong Kong's co-operation with Shenzhen. 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 Mr Qin's visit to Hong Kong with his delegation, noting that Mr Qin will co-chair the Hong Kong/Shenzhen Co-operation Meeting with the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, this afternoon. Mr Lee said that in a video conference held in September last year, Hong Kong and Shenzhen agreed to set up 19 working groups to promote collaboration in a wide range of key areas including the Northern Metropolis, innovation and technology, finance, commerce and trade, youth employment and entrepreneurship, and Qianhai, under the principles of close co-operation, complementarity and mutual benefits. These working groups are proactively working with their Mainland counterparts to push forward various co-operation projects and give full play to the leading role and knock-on effect of Hong Kong and Shenzhen as the core engines for the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Mr Lee said that since the full resumption of travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland, people-to-people exchanges between Hong Kong and Shenzhen have grown rapidly, and various economic activities and exchanges of business and tourism have been enlivened, benefitting different sectors and members of the public in Hong Kong. He thanked the Shenzhen Municipal Government for its strong support to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in implementing the resumption and working together to ensure the smooth and safe operation of various boundary control points. Mr Lee pointed out that as Hong Kong is fully open to the Mainland and overseas, Hong Kong will focus on pursuing economic development, and the multifaceted co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen will help promote the economic development of the two places. Hong Kong and Shenzhen have always maintained close financial co-operation. The Shenzhen Municipal Government is the first Mainland municipal government to make use of Hong Kong's financing platform and professional services for bond issuance, which fully demonstrates Hong Kong's status as the global offshore Renminbi (RMB) business hub, as supported by the National 14th Five-Year Plan. He welcomes the Shenzhen Municipal Government and Shenzhen's quality enterprises to continue to issue offshore RMB bonds in Hong Kong, and looks forward to continuing to strengthen co-operation in the field of financial services between the two sides. He looks forward to leading a delegation to visit Shenzhen tomorrow (February 23), and to meet with leaders of Shenzhen and further exchange views on comprehensively deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and jointly promote high-quality development in the GBA. Ends/Wednesday, February 22, 2023 Issued at HKT 14:30 NNNN
CE&apos;s statement on 2023-24 Budget
22.2.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (February 22) issued the following statement on the 2023-24 Budget: The Financial Secretary today delivered the first Budget of the current-term Government, at a time when Hong Kong is striving for a full recovery and a bright future. This Budget reflects the vision of my team and mine for Hong Kong as we embark on a new chapter of development and progress together, and takes forward the initiatives set out in my Policy Address last year. Hong Kong is at a crucial stage of gradually advancing from stability to prosperity, and I believe that the initiatives in the Budget will keep Hong Kong's recovery on track. It has a well-balanced range of proposals that provide timely relief for individuals and businesses during these challenging economic times. I also welcome the Budget's stimulus initiatives targeting major economic sectors that will spur our revival, expand our capacity for growth and set a positive course for Hong Kong's sustained growth. I note that the Financial Secretary has pledged to ensure that adequate resources will be provided to fully support the launch and implementation of the initiatives proposed in the Policy Address. I am confident that this will help to restore and consolidate our position as a world-leading destination for investment, enterprises, talent and tourism. I share the Financial Secretary's confidence and optimism in Hong Kong's future, and I appeal to all sectors of the community to support this Budget. Ends/Wednesday, February 22, 2023 Issued at HKT 13:27 NNNN