kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
CE meets President of Democratic Republic of the Congo
29.5.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) at Government House today (May 29) to exchange views on matters of common interest. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; and the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, also attended the meeting. Mr Lee welcomed President Tshisekedi's visit to Hong Kong. Mr Lee said that Hong Kong has maintained cordial trade relations with the DRC, and with an average annual growth of 12 per cent over the past five years in total merchandise trade, he saw good potential to further enhance business and trade co-operation between the places. "Hong Kong is a leading international financial centre with boundless opportunities, bringing together talent and capital from all over the world. Under the 'one country, two systems' principle, Hong Kong also reaps the unique benefits of enjoying strong national support while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world. The city is well-positioned to serve as a key link for the DRC and other African countries to jointly promote the development of the Belt and Road Initiative," said Mr Lee. Mr Lee also said that many Hong Kong enterprises have vast experience in investing in and taking up overseas infrastructure projects, and will embrace opportunities in the DRC to expand their businesses. Ends/Monday, May 29, 2023 Issued at HKT 17:12 NNNN
CE meets Senate President of the Philippines
27.5.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the Senate President of the Philippines, Mr Juan Miguel Fernandez Zubiri, during the latter's visit to Hong Kong today (May 27), to exchange views on matters of common interest. The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, also joined the meeting. Mr Lee said that Hong Kong and the Philippines have maintained close exchanges and co-operation in various fields such as trade, investment and finance, and that Hong Kong is an important trading and investment partner for the Philippines and other countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He encouraged more Philippine enterprises and talents to develop in Hong Kong and make better use of Hong Kong's professional services and internationalised business environment for expanding into Mainland markets, including that of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Mr Lee also stated that Hong Kong is continuing to strive for early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, and expressed his gratitude to the Philippines for its support in Hong Kong's bid for accession. Ends/Saturday, May 27, 2023 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo
23.5.2023

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting today (May 23): Reporter: Just want to add on the (former Secretary for Transport and Housing) Anthony Cheung’s point that you didn't address. Would you review the system because of his concern, and other lawmakers’ concern? Is that it will snowball into a bigger financial burden for future generations? Do you agree that this system should have a control, such as maybe adding the pay fare to $3, so to reduce the Government's burden? And also, we have reported that you plan to visit some Asian countries in July. What's your expectation of these trips? And are you going to meet some people specific in this planned trip? Thank you. Chief Executive: In regard to this elderly fare concession scheme, I have heard different opinions about how the system can be improved. Of course, we will take all these opinions into consideration. But I think what is most important at this stage is to ensure that the system is not abused. Because looking at the spending patterns in some of the cases, there are suspicions that there are abusive acts. It is important that we will step up enforcement action so that all the abusers are properly dealt with, and we will have a strong deterrent effect to ensure that people really make good use of the fare concession scheme. I have asked the relevant departments to step up enforcement actions. But equally, I think they should step up education campaign as well so that everybody will make good use of the system. As regard my visits overseas, I have, since I have taken office, and on the resumption of normal travel, been making a lot of visits to promote Hong Kong, to raise Hong Kong's attraction and competitiveness, to develop business opportunities for Hong Kong, and, of course, to sell Hong Kong. I have been receiving very positive responses in all these visits. So all the visits will continue, not just by me but my colleagues. Officials from the Government will be making visits to different places, to some countries in Europe, to some countries in the Middle East, and some countries in the Asia Pacific region. And of course, we will be happy making a lot of visits to different cities in the Mainland. We will make use of all opportunities to develop Hong Kong’s markets for the benefits of Hong Kong. I will be making visits overseas in the coming months as well, as things are being planned out and we have to wait for some details to be confirmed. We will make an announcement when all these details are ironed out and confirmed. Thank you very much. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, May 23, 2023 Issued at HKT 12:17 NNNN
CE to attend HKTDC&apos;s Hong Kong-Guangdong Cooperation Week activities
23.5.2023

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will hold the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Cooperation Week and the SmartHK forum tomorrow morning (May 24) in Guangzhou. At the event's invitation, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will attend the ceremony, and will return to Hong Kong that day. In addition, the HKTDC will hold the opening ceremony of Chic Hong Kong, a flagship Hong Kong-Guangdong Cooperation Week event, in the afternoon on May 26 in Shenzhen. Mr Lee was also invited to attend the ceremony, and will return to Hong Kong that day. Mr Lee said that Guangdong Province has been the most preferred investment destination for Hong Kong enterprises and a valuable trading partner for Hong Kong. The Hong Kong-Guangdong Cooperation Week event series will further promote Hong Kong's services and products in various cities in the province, and encourage Guangdong enterprises to invest in Hong Kong or use Hong Kong as a platform to go global with a view to expanding overseas markets. Organised by the HKTDC, the Hong Kong-Guangdong Cooperation Week aims to promote common strengths of Guangdong and Hong Kong in the development of various areas through organising different activities in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) cities. The SmartHK forum, jointly organised by the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province and the HKTDC, will discuss the high-quality development of the GBA by leveraging on Hong Kong's professional services under the theme of mutual development of Guangdong and Hong Kong for the promotion of high-quality development. Jointly organised by Shenzhen Municipal People's Government and the HKTDC, the large-scale promotion event, Chic Hong Kong, will showcase products designed, manufactured or operated by Hong Kong enterprises, helping Hong Kong enterprises tap into the huge domestic market on the Mainland. Ends/Tuesday, May 23, 2023 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
Appointment of Political Assistant
22.5.2023

​The Chief Executive's Office announced today (May 22) that the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, has appointed a Political Assistant of the sixth term of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The new appointee is the Political Assistant to the Secretary for Health, Mr Keith Kei Chi-hung. He will assume office today. The Chief Executive has appointed 14 Under Secretaries and 19 Political Assistants so far. Following is the biographical note on the new appointee: Mr Keith Kei Chi-hung ------------------------- Aged 35, Mr Kei served at offices of Legislative Council Members since 2010, and served as head of a Legislative Council Member office since 2022. Mr Kei holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, with a major in Sociology. Ends/Monday, May 22, 2023 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
CE meets Mayor of Zhuhai Municipal Government
18.5.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met the Mayor of the Zhuhai Municipal Government, Mr Huang Zhihao, today (May 18) to exchange views on deepening Hong Kong's co-operation with Zhuhai. The Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip, also attended the meeting. Mr Lee welcomed Mr Huang's visit to Hong Kong with his delegation. He expressed gratitude for the strong support of the Central Government, the Guangdong Provincial Government, and the Zhuhai Municipal Government in taking forward and implementing the "Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles" (the Scheme). Starting from July 1, approved Hong Kong private cars will be allowed to travel between Hong Kong and Guangdong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB). Mr Lee said he believes that the Scheme will enable Hong Kong and Zhuhai to embrace the opportunities brought by the HZMB and facilitate further connection between the two places. He pointed out that the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has been working closely with the Zhuhai Municipal Government to start collaboration over the operation and management of Zhuhai Airport since 2006. Last November, the two sides signed the Zhuhai Municipal Government and AAHK Co-operation Memorandum of Understanding, effectively combining the strengths of the two airports in Hong Kong and Zhuhai with multiplying synergy, thereby creating new opportunities for development. Mr Lee also noted that Hong Kong and Zhuhai have always been close partners in such areas including trade, investment, and aviation. He encouraged Zhuhai enterprises to leverage on Hong Kong's advantages in areas such as finance, commerce, logistics, management, and professional services to complement the strengths of Hong Kong enterprises and explore global markets. Mr Lee said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to make the best use of the institutional advantages of "one country, two systems" and its highly market-oriented and international business environment underpinned by the rule of law, serving the needs of the country with the strengths of Hong Kong. Under the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong and Zhuhai can co-operate on various fronts to achieve complementarity and mutual benefits. Ends/Thursday, May 18, 2023 Issued at HKT 17:30 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo
16.5.2023

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting today (May 16): Reporter: Good morning. Two questions. Does the Government have more information about John Leung, the Hong Kong resident sentenced to life in prison for spying charges, like the details of his charges? And when did the Hong Kong Government learn about the arrest? And second question, could the Government explain how even non-political books recently removed from public library shelves could relate to a potential national security threat? And if the Hong Kong Government is not going to release any of its standards in censoring books, do you think it could undermine Hong Kong's freedom of access to information as some have suggested? Thank you. Chief Executive: First of all, for any person who is arrested by the law enforcement agencies in Mainland China, there is a reporting mechanism for such an arrest to be relayed to the Hong Kong authorities. This has been working well. And the main purpose of this reporting mechanism is to allow the family members to know about the situation, so that they can do what is necessary to help the person concerned. Equally, if there's any request for assistance to the Hong Kong Government, of course we will offer the assistance as much as we can as requested. As regards books that are examined by LCSD (Leisure and Cultural Services Department) colleagues, I think it is important for us to get it in the right perspective. First of all, these books are accessible by people in private bookshops. If they want to buy, then they can buy. What libraries need to do is to ensure that when there are books that may not be suitable for circulation, they have to do their duties. And the principles that we use, which I support, are first of all, to ensure that there is no breach of any laws in Hong Kong, including, of course, copyrights, etc; and also, if they spread any kinds of messages that are not in the interests of Hong Kong. That is an important thing that I think any government needs to do, so that the books that we allow for public circulation do serve the interests of Hong Kong. And I have strong confidence in the professionalism of the colleagues involved. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, May 16, 2023 Issued at HKT 12:40 NNNN
CE meets Governor of Henan Province
15.5.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met the Governor of Henan Province, Mr Wang Kai, today (May 15) to exchange views on deepening Hong Kong's co-operation with Henan. Mr Lee welcomed Mr Wang's visit to Hong Kong with his delegation. Noting that Hong Kong has maintained close ties with Henan, Mr Lee said that Hong Kong has been one of the largest sources of external investment in Henan and a valuable trading partner of the province, while Henan is also a foothold for investment by Hong Kong enterprises operating businesses in the central region of the Mainland. "Hong Kong can provide an effective platform and high-quality services for Henan enterprises to 'go global’ and attract foreign investment. I welcome more Henan enterprises to leverage on Hong Kong's advantages of enjoying strong national support while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world, and its status as an international financial centre, to invest and raise funds in Hong Kong, and use Hong Kong as a base to expand into the markets of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Belt and Road and the rest of the world," said Mr Lee. He said that with Henan Province's rich historical and cultural background, the enhancement of co-operation between Hong Kong and Henan in areas such as culture, tourism and youth exchanges will help Hong Kong's youth understand the country's history, with a view to enhancing their sense of belonging to the country and national pride. Ends/Monday, May 15, 2023 Issued at HKT 16:26 NNNN
CE leads delegation to begin visit programme in Chongqing
10.5.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, arrived in Chongqing today (May 10) with his delegation and began a three-day visit to the city. Members of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government delegation include the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong; and the Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Clement Woo. Upon arrival in Chongqing in the afternoon, Mr Lee and the delegation visited the Chongqing International Finance Square (Chongqing IFS), a development project with investment from Hong Kong enterprises, to learn more about the development of Hong Kong enterprises in Chongqing. Opened in 2017, the Chongqing IFS is the largest integrated development project in the financial centre of the Liangjiang New Area. Noting that Hong Kong is Chongqing's largest source of external investment with diversified business portfolios of more than 3 400 Hong Kong investment projects, Mr Lee said he was pleased to learn that Hong Kong enterprises are actively unleashing their creativity to support the development of Chongqing as an international consumption centre. In the evening, Mr Lee met and exchanged views with Hong Kong people and representatives of Hong Kong enterprises in Chongqing under the arrangement by the Chongqing Liaison Unit of the HKSAR Government. Mr Lee thanked Hong Kong enterprises for their active participation in Chongqing's development, which has paved the way for co-operation between the two places. With the establishment of a Hong Kong-Chongqing co-operation mechanism, he expressed his hope that Hong Kong enterprises and youths could fully leverage on the new opportunities brought by the co-operation between the two cities, with a view to promoting economic, trade and cultural exchanges, telling good stories of Hong Kong, and opening a new chapter for business and talent exchanges between the two places. Mr Lee will continue his visit in Chongqing and attend the High-Level Meeting cum First Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Chongqing Co-operation Conference tomorrow (May 11). Ends/Wednesday, May 10, 2023 Issued at HKT 20:00 NNNN
&quot;Happy Hong Kong&quot; Campaign launched
28.4.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (April 28) officiated at the "Happy Hong Kong" Campaign Launch Ceremony with other government officials to unveil a series of exciting activities. The Government announced last Monday that it would collaborate with various participating organisations over the next 10 months to hold a series of gourmet marketplaces and carnivals, providing the public with diverse, fun and interesting activities to bring joy to the community while also stimulating local consumption and the economy. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Mr Lee said the campaign offers a diverse range of activities that are suitable for people of different backgrounds, ages, and interests. He expressed his hope that the public would fully enjoy the activities and feel the joy brought by the campaign events. Also speaking at the launch ceremony, the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said that Hong Kong is at the early stage of economic recovery, and that the relaxed and joyful atmosphere brought by the "Happy Hong Kong" Campaign will help generate greater positive energy and stimulate local consumption and economy. The inaugural event of the "Happy Hong Kong" Campaign will be the first Gourmet Marketplace organised by the Home Affairs Department at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre this weekend (April 29 and 30). It will feature a variety of food themes, and will include youth elements, cooking demonstrations, performances and children's games, with a view to bringing a delightful experience to the public. With the support of the Hong Kong Theatres Association, the Cinema Day will also be held tomorrow, when the public can enjoy movies at a discounted price of $30 at theatres. Additionally, a range of agricultural and fisheries festivals are scheduled to take place across multiple districts, including Tsing Yi, Lok Fu, Yuen Long, and Mong Kok. During the summer holidays in July and August, the Hong Kong Tourism Board will host a large-scale sea-land carnival, with Victoria Harbour as the grand stage for music concerts and other new elements, providing audience with a unique and exciting experience. The supporting organisations of the "Happy Hong Kong" Campaign include Cyberport, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the MTR Corporation Limited, the Vocational Training Council, the Ocean Park Corporation, Hong Kong Disneyland, and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority. Also officiating at the launch ceremony were the Convenor of the Non-official Members of the Executive Council, Mrs Regina Ip; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak. Representatives from various participating organisations also attended the event. For the latest updates of the events under the "Happy Hong Kong" Campaign, please visit the thematic website, www.happyhk.gov.hk , and the dedicated event pages on Facebook and Instagram. Ends/Friday, April 28, 2023 Issued at HKT 18:13 NNNN
Chief Executive appoints Council for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development
28.4.2023

The Government announced today (April 28) that the Chief Executive had made the appointments to the Council for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development with effect from May 1, 2023, for a term of two years. The membership is as follows: Dr Lam Ching-choi (Chairman) Mr Thomas Ho On-sing Mr Daryl Ng Win-kong Mr Donald Choi Wun-hing Mr Daniel Cheng Man-chung Ms Jeny Yeung Mei-chun Ms Sabrina Chao Sih-ming Mrs Annie Yau Tse Dr Ma Jun Mr Colin Tam Shiu-tung Ms Chan Shin-kwan Dr Daniel Yip Chung-yin Professor Gong Peng Ms Natalie Chung Sum-yue Dr William Yu Yuen-ping Mr Shun Chi-ming Secretary for Development Secretary for Environment and Ecology Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Secretary for Housing Secretary for Transport and Logistics The Council will advise the Government on decarbonisation strategies and promote participation in deep decarbonisation by different sectors of the community. A Government spokesman said that the Council membership was a representative mix of stakeholders from different sectors. "We look forward to working closely with the Council in achieving carbon neutrality before 2050 in Hong Kong," the spokesman said. The Office of Climate Change and Carbon Neutrality under the Environment and Ecology Bureau will provide secretariat support to the Council. Ends/Friday, April 28, 2023 Issued at HKT 19:00 NNNN
CE meets Chairman of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region
26.4.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the visiting Chairman of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Mr Erkin Tuniyaz, today (April 26). Mr Lee welcomed the visit by Mr Tuniyaz and the delegation to promote exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and Xinjiang on areas such as economic and trade as well as culture and tourism, and organise trade, cultural and tourism promotional events during the visit. Noting that Hong Kong and Xinjiang have frequent trade, economic and people-to-people exchanges, and with Xinjiang's rich historical and cultural background, Mr Lee hoped that people-to-people bonds between the two places will be strengthened through organising cultural, arts and tourism activities. "With the full resumption of normal travel with the Mainland and Hong Kong's reconnection to the world, it is now the best time for Hong Kong to give full play to its dual roles in 'going global and attracting foreign investment'. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will focus on pursuing economic development and strengthening competitiveness this year, promoting comprehensive economic, trade, cultural and tourism exchanges with the Mainland and other parts of the world. I believe that Hong Kong and Xinjiang can enhance co-operation in various aspects to jointly promote development and achieve mutual benefits," said Mr Lee. Ends/Wednesday, April 26, 2023 Issued at HKT 19:42 NNNN