kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
CE meets Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan
25.3.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met the visiting Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr Taro Kono, at Government House this afternoon (March 25). Mrs Lam welcomed Mr Kono's visit to Hong Kong, who is the first Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan to visit Hong Kong since Hong Kong's return to the motherland. Noting that Hong Kong is Asia's world city, she said that since she assumed office last July, she has been striving to strengthen the ties between Hong Kong and other economies and hopes that exchanges with Japan in various areas will be enhanced, including trade, business, tourism, culture, the creative industries, Gerontech and people-to-people bonds. In particular on tourism, arrivals from Hong Kong in Japan amounted to 2.2 million last year and an increase of more than ten per cent in visits by Japanese to Hong Kong were recorded last year. She expressed the hope that both sides would continue to work together to advance the development in tourism. Mrs Lam said that Hong Kong is committed to promoting regional trade and economic co-operation and signed a Free Trade Agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations last November. She said the city is also interested in participating in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership which is under negotiation. Given Hong Kong, an international centre for finance, trade and business, has all along been supportive of free trade, she said she believed that Japan will support Hong Kong's participation in the Partnership to benefit all participating parties. Noting that she has been monitoring the situation on food imports from Japan to Hong Kong, including the arrangement of the import ban on some of the food from five prefectures in Japan, she emphasised that it is incumbent upon the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to safeguard public health and hence effective measures must be in place to ensure food safety and to maintain public confidence. Under this premise, the Food and Health Bureau will maintain communication with the Japanese authorities to review the latest situation and adopt appropriate measures in relation to the import ban. Mrs Lam said Hong Kong is actively taking part in the national Belt and Road Initiative and is encouraging state-owned enterprises to make use of Hong Kong's professional services in finance, insurance, construction and legal services to explore the markets along the Belt and Road. She encouraged Japanese enterprises to leverage on the professional services provided by Hong Kong to seize together the tremendous business opportunities brought by the Belt and Road Initiative. Mrs Lam also reiterated to Mr Kono that Hong Kong has all along been strictly implementing the sanction measures decided by the United Nations Security Council on North Korea, and that Hong Kong will stay highly vigilant about activities and suspected cases that may violate the sanctions. The law enforcement agencies will also follow up on suspected violations seriously. Ends/Sunday, March 25, 2018 Issued at HKT 18:50 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session
23.3.2018

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session today (March 23) after attending the Main Works Completion Ceremony for the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link project: Reporter: Mrs Lam, why did the Government bow to public pressure to give a cash handout when the Government had already decided that would not happen? Chief Executive: First of all, I wouldn’t say that we are bowing to pressure, and secondly we have not said we will not do something, which we described as a share and care programme. If you remember, when the Financial Secretary announced his Budget on February 28, apart from announcing relief measures in terms of tax rebates as well as rates relief, and also giving extra amounts of subsidies to social security recipients, he was fully aware that there are still certain sections in the community who may not benefit from all these measures, because these measures were built on our existing systems – one is a tax system, the other is a rates system and the third is a social security system. So, he did say very explicitly in his Budget speech that he would invite the Community Care Fund to devise a scheme to share with the other sections in society the economic benefits and the very strong public finances that Hong Kong now has. But I would say that in the course of the last two or three weeks, we have listened to the community and engaged extensively with the Legislative Council members and other community groups and hear that they want this care and share scheme to be designed in a very comprehensive way with a view to meet the wishes of hopefully everyone in society, but short of doing a free give-out to everybody in Hong Kong. So, I understand that the Financial Secretary has just announced this new share and care programme, and I’m pretty confident that this programme will now meet the wishes of the Hong Kong people. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Friday, March 23, 2018 Issued at HKT 20:07 NNNN
Appointments to Resolvability Review Tribunal and Resolution Compensation Tribunal
23.3.2018

The Chief Executive has appointed Mr Anson Wong Man-kit, SC, as the chairperson of the Resolvability Review Tribunal (RRT) and the Resolution Compensation Tribunal (RCT) for a term of three years, and panel members to the RRT and the RCT for a term of two years. The appointments will take effect from April 1, 2018. The RRT and the RCT are statutory tribunals established under the Financial Institutions (Resolution) Ordinance (Cap. 628) to hear appeals from persons aggrieved by the specified decisions of the resolution authorities and independent valuer made under the Ordinance. Announcing the appointments today (March 23), a Government spokesman said, "The establishment of the RRT and the RCT strengthens the appellate mechanism under the resolution regime. It will be an effective safeguard to ensure that the relevant decisions made by the resolution authorities and the independent valuer are reasonable and fair." The spokesman added, "Mr Wong, with rich experience in handling appeal cases in other tribunals and a broad range of civil and commercial practice, would contribute to the effective operation of the RRT and the RCT. Members of the RRT and the RCT come from different lines of business within the financial services sector. With diverse backgrounds, they will provide wise counsel on the work of the RRT and the RCT." The Ordinance commenced operation on July 7, 2017. Under the Ordinance, the Monetary Authority, the Insurance Authority and the Securities and Futures Commission are the resolution authorities vested with a range of necessary powers to effect orderly resolution of non-viable systematically important financial institutions in Hong Kong such that risks posed by the non-viability of these financial institutions to the stability and effective operation of the Hong Kong financial system, including the continuity of critical financial services, can be mitigated. This is also to minimise risks posed to public funds as losses are imposed on the institution's shareholders and creditors. Following are the lists of members of the RRT and RCT panels: RRT ----- Mr Vincent Chan Chun-hung Mr Chan Kam-hon Ms Florence Chan Yuen-shan Ms Winnie Cheung Chi-woon Mr Louis Chow Ka-leung Ms Loretta Fong Wan-huen Mr Eugène Goyne Mr Edward Ho Man-tat Dr Hu Zhanghong Dr Angela Ng Lai-ping Mr Jeremy Robert Porter Ms Sabita Prakash Ms Winnie Wong Chi-shun Mr Patrick Wu Yung-wei Dr Yuen Wai-kee Dr Paul Yung Pui-yip RCT ----- Mr David John Alexander Ms Annie Chan Wai-hing Mr Anthony Chiu Ling-cheong Dr Abril Choy Fung-peng Mr Michael Fung Lik-yeung Ms Samantha Ho Shuk-yee Mr David John Kidd Mr Peter Kung Ms Josephine Kwan Wai-tuen Mr Henry Stephen Lai Hin-wing Ms Angela Leung Wai-tuen Dr Gladie Lui Man-ching Mr John Martin Maguire Dr Kelvin Mak Po-lung Mr Timothy Keith Pogson Mr Rupert James Purser Mr Roy Tsang Chi-wai Mr Costa Tzatzakis Ms Maura Wong Hung-hung Ms Yang Qiumei Ends/Friday, March 23, 2018 Issued at HKT 11:30 NNNN
CE meets Secretary of CPC Huizhou Municipal Committee and Chairman of Standing Committee of Huizhou Municipal People&apos;s Congress
22.3.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met the Secretary of the CPC Huizhou Municipal Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Huizhou Municipal People's Congress, Mr Chen Yiwei, at the Chief Executive's Office this morning (March 22). Mrs Lam welcomed Mr Chen's visit to Hong Kong. Noting that Hong Kong and Huizhou have all along had close trade and economic co-operation, she said that the ties between Hong Kong and Huizhou will be closer and travel between the two places will be more convenient with the completion of a number of cross-boundary infrastructure projects, in particular the Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point. She said that the nine cities and two Special Administrative Regions in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area each have their own distinctive advantages which enable them to complement each other. She expressed the hope that the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area could be developed into a world-class bay area with the concerted efforts of all sides. Hong Kong and Huizhou may explore ways to strengthen co-operation in various aspects including innovation and technology, higher education, youth entrepreneurship and cultural tourism, she said. Ends/Thursday, March 22, 2018 Issued at HKT 20:03 NNNN
CE deeply saddened by passing of police officer
22.3.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (March 22) was deeply saddened by the death of Senior Police Constable of Traffic Branch Mr Lum Hoi-wan while carrying out duty. "Being professional and brave, Hong Kong police officers always serve people with commitment and zeal despite the danger involved in their duties. I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Lum while carrying out duty this morning and offer my deepest condolences to his family. The Civil Service Bureau and the Police will make every effort to support the family," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Thursday, March 22, 2018 Issued at HKT 11:42 NNNN
Senior judicial appointment: non-permanent judges from other common law jurisdictions of the Court of Final Appeal
21.3.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, has accepted the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission (JORC) on the appointments of the Right Honourable the Baroness Brenda Hale of Richmond and the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, PC, as non-permanent judges from other common law jurisdictions of the Court of Final Appeal. Subject to the endorsement of the Legislative Council, the Chief Executive will make the appointments under Article 88 of the Basic Law. Mrs Lam said, "I am pleased to accept the JORC's recommendation on the appointments of the Right Honourable the Baroness Brenda Hale of Richmond and the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, PC, as non-permanent judges from other common law jurisdictions of the Court of Final Appeal. Baroness Hale was appointed as President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom in September 2017. Ms McLachlin was the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada from January 7, 2000, until she retired from the office on December 15, 2017. They are judges of eminent standing and reputation. "As the first female Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I am thrilled that if appointed, Baroness Hale and Ms McLachlin will be the first female judges to the Court of Final Appeal. Their appointment is a historic moment in Hong Kong." In addition, upon the appointment of Ms McLachlin, she will be the first non-permanent judge from Canada, a common law jurisdiction with which Hong Kong shares many common legal approaches. "With the appointment of the two eminent judges, the panel of non-permanent judges from other common law jurisdictions will consist of 14 eminent judges from the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. The presence of these non-permanent judges manifests the judicial independence of Hong Kong," Mrs Lam said. The Court of Final Appeal is constituted by five judges when hearing and determining appeals. Since July 1, 1997, apart from very few exceptions, there is always a judge drawn from the list of non-permanent judges from other common law jurisdictions to hear a substantive appeal in the Court of Final Appeal. Article 90 of the Basic Law provides that the Chief Executive shall obtain the endorsement of the Legislative Council on the appointment of the judges of the Court of Final Appeal. The Government will seek the endorsement of the Legislative Council of the recommended appointments in due course. The curricula vitae of Baroness Hale and Ms McLachlin are at the Annex. Ends/Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Issued at HKT 11:30 NNNN
Senior judicial appointment: non-permanent Hong Kong judge of the Court of Final Appeal
21.3.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, has accepted the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission (JORC) on the appointment of the Honourable Mr Justice Robert Tang Ching, permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal, as a non-permanent Hong Kong judge of the Court of Final Appeal for a term of three years with effect from October 25, 2018, upon the expiry of his current (final) extended term of office as permanent judge on October 24, 2018. Subject to the endorsement of the Legislative Council, the Chief Executive will make the appointment under Article 88 of the Basic Law. Mrs Lam said, "I am pleased to accept the JORC's recommendation on the appointment of the Honourable Mr Justice Robert Tang Ching (Mr Justice Tang) as a non-permanent Hong Kong judge of the Court of Final Appeal, upon his retirement from the office of permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal. "Mr Justice Tang is a judge of the highest quality and utmost integrity. He is versatile with experience in handling appeals in both civil and criminal matters. He is highly respected by judges, the legal profession and the community. He will be an invaluable addition to the list of non-permanent Hong Kong judges, having regard to his long established judicial experience in the Court of Final Appeal, and will continue to make valuable contribution to the Court of Final Appeal." Article 90 of the Basic Law provides that the Chief Executive shall obtain the endorsement of the Legislative Council on the appointment of the judges of the Court of Final Appeal. The Government will seek the endorsement of the Legislative Council of the recommended appointment in due course. The curriculum vitae of Mr Justice Tang is at the Annex. Ends/Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Issued at HKT 11:30 NNNN
Senior judicial appointment: permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal
21.3.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, has accepted the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission (JORC) on the appointment of the Honourable Mr Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung, Chief Judge of the High Court, as a permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal with effect from October 25, 2018. Subject to the endorsement of the Legislative Council, the Chief Executive will make the appointment under Article 88 of the Basic Law. Mrs Lam said, "I am pleased to accept the JORC's recommendation on the appointment of the Honourable Mr Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung as a permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal. Mr Justice Cheung is an outstanding lawyer who has dealt with many high profile cases in the Court of Appeal, particularly in the area of administrative and constitutional law. He is a judge of eminent standing and reputation. He will be a great asset to the Court of Final Appeal." Article 90 of the Basic Law provides that the Chief Executive shall obtain the endorsement of the Legislative Council on the appointment of the judges of the Court of Final Appeal. The Government will seek the endorsement of the Legislative Council of the recommended appointment in due course. The curriculum vitae of Mr Justice Cheung is at the Annex. Ends/Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Issued at HKT 11:30 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by Acting CE at media session
20.3.2018

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at a media session after attending a function this afternoon (March 20): Reporter: Secretary, does that mean that if it's really just…it can be write-off these allowances and these wages…Is it of the Government's stance that "oh maybe these sums don't really matter anymore". And second question, on "one-party rule". Does that mean that lawmakers, if they have ever mentioned the end of "one-party rule", then they should not be considered lawmakers anymore? Acting Chief Executive: On the first question, in fact, on the question of so-called write-off, we've just replied to an earlier enquiry from the Legislative Council Commission on how best to deal with these questions in case they cannot recoup all or part of the expenses paid to the four disqualified members concerned. We've replied already and explained the situation particularly the responsibilities of the LegCo Secretary General himself under the Public Finance Ordinance, and also point out in case after the best endeavour, if the LegCo Secretariat cannot recoup all or part of the expenses paid, then what are the options available in terms of writing off? So we've explained the situation to them and it is up to the relevant committee in LegCo to decide how to do it and how to get back to the Administration. Reporter: Secretary, so this child's case, this case, this child just happens to fall through the loophole, existing loophole. How are you going to plug that? Acting Chief Executive: We will certainly critically review the system. We have already put in place a pretty comprehensive support service, particularly for pre-school children now in kindergartens and childcare centres, providing on-site training and support services with disciplinary team, psychologists, occupational therapists, educational psychologists and also social workers going into the kindergartens and centres to provide support, not only to the kids concerned and also for the parents and teachers concerned. So it's really on all-front tackling it. But it's confined at the moment to pre-school children up to age six. This particular child, unfortunately just entered primary one. So, there might be a little, so-called a pretty odd case here. Having said that, we will certainly leave no stone unturned. We will come up with a better and more strengthened support particularly for families facing this sort of problems. And I urge all parents concerned, if they do run into problems, contact the Social Welfare Department hotline. We will certainly come to your assistance. Okay. Thank you. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Issued at HKT 16:35 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session
19.3.2018

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session today (March 19) after attending the opening ceremony for the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Treatment and Recycling Facility, WEEE·PARK: Reporter: Mrs Lam, would you clarify, given the amendments in the Chinese Constitution, does it mean that, you know, people will get disqualified for participating in elections for having said that they want to, you know, ban one-party rule? Chief Executive: I don't understand why that association has to be drawn. I have said time and again in the last few months that the qualification of individuals for contesting in the Hong Kong Legislative Council has to be considered in accordance with the local legislation and the evidence put in front of the Returning Officer. Of course, the interpretation of Basic Law Article 104 has made it very clear that any advocacy for independence or self-determination is not in line with what is required in the Basic Law. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Monday, March 19, 2018 Issued at HKT 16:39 NNNN
CE to attend NPC session closing ceremony
16.3.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will depart for Beijing on March 19 to attend the closing ceremony of the first session of the 13th National People's Congress on March 20. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong in the afternoon on March 20. During her absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be the Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Friday, March 16, 2018 Issued at HKT 20:04 NNNN
Appointment to Standing Committee on Directorate Salaries and Conditions of Service
14.3.2018

The Government announced today (March 14) that the Chief Executive has re-appointed Mr Peter Sit Kien-ping as a member of the Standing Committee on Directorate Salaries and Conditions of Service (the Directorate Committee), for a term of two years with effect from April 1, 2018. The Directorate Committee advises the Chief Executive on matters relating to the structure, pay and conditions of service of the directorate ranks in the civil service. It is chaired by Dr Pang Yiu-kai. Other serving members are Dr Clement Chen Cheng-jen, Mrs Ann Kung Yeung Yun-chi, Mr Ivan Sze Wing-hang and Mrs Betty Yuen So Siu-mai. Ends/Wednesday, March 14, 2018 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN