kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Chief Executive approves chairmanship of HKEX (3.5.2024)
3.5.2024

The Chief Executive has approved the appointment of Mr Carlson Tong Ka-shing as Chairman of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) with immediate effect. The approval was made under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO) (Cap. 571). Mr Tong's chairmanship will coincide with his term of appointment as a member of the Board of Directors of the HKEX, which will conclude at the end of the 2025 Annual General Meeting of the HKEX. The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said, "Mr Tong is a well-respected and prominent doyen in the financial industry with profound professional knowledge and experience. He served as the Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission, and achieved excellent progress in taking forward market development and effective market regulation. Last year, he also led the Task Force on Enhancing Stock Market Liquidity in comprehensively reviewing the major factors affecting market liquidity, and made specific and forward-looking recommendations to the Government on improving the competitiveness of the Hong Kong stock market and promoting its sustainable development." Mr Chan continued, "Mr Tong's expertise in the securities market and broad international connections will be great assets to facilitating the HKEX's further development. We believe that with Mr Tong's leadership, the HKEX will continue to enhance its listing platform and deepen co-operation with the Mainland and overseas financial markets, further consolidating and enhancing our position as an international financial centre and important fundraising market." Mr Tong was appointed by the Financial Secretary as a member of the Board of Directors of the HKEX in February 2023 under the SFO for a term of around two years until the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of the HKEX in 2025. Mr Tong was elected as Chairman of the HKEX by the directors at the board meeting on April 24, 2024. The HKEX is a recognised exchange controller under the SFO. Section 69(1) of the SFO provides that no person shall be the chairman of a company which is a recognised exchange controller unless he has the approval in writing of the Chief Executive. Ends/Friday, May 3, 2024 Issued at HKT 18:05 NNNN
FS meets Asian Development Bank President in Georgia (3.5.2024)
3.5.2024

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, arrived in Georgia yesterday (May 2, Tbilisi time) afternoon, for attending the 57th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) from May 2 to 5. In the afternoon, Mr Chan first met with the President of the ADB, Mr Masatsugu Asakawa. They exchanged views on various issues including regional green transition, climate finance, infrastructure development, as well as strengthening co-operation between Hong Kong, China and the ADB. Responding to climate change is one of the themes of this year's Annual Meeting. Mr Chan pointed out that as an international financial centre, Hong Kong is a leader in Asia in green and sustainable finance. The amount of green bonds issued in Hong Kong accounts for over one-third of the entire Asian market's. Meanwhile, Hong Kong continues to enrich its variety of green financial products and actively aligns with international green standards. While meeting the needs of different investors, these also help channel funds to support regional green and transition projects more effectively. Mr Chan stressed that Hong Kong, China has long maintained a cordial cooperation relationship with the ADB, and is willing to share knowledge and exchange experiences with the ADB and other regional partners, particularly in the areas of finance, infrastructure development, and innovative technology applications. They are warmly welcomed to make use of Hong Kong's deep and wide fundraising platforms and professional services to support the rolling-out and management of different projects. Mr Chan later attended the Asian Development Fund (ADF) 14 Pledging Meeting. He said that Hong Kong, China has been supporting the replenishments of the ADF for years, with a view to helping developing member countries to engage in sustainable development projects, including responding to climate change, promoting gender equality, meeting their own social development needs, and more. Hong Kong, China will continue to contribute to the development and progress of the region. Mr Chan will attend the Constituency Meeting at the ADB Annual Meeting today (May 3, Tbilisi time) and meet with the ADB senior management as well as financial officials from other countries and regions. Ends/Friday, May 3, 2024 Issued at HKT 9:03 NNNN
FS to attend 57th Annual Meeting of Board of Governors of Asian Development Bank in Tbilisi, Georgia (30.4.2024)
30.4.2024

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, will depart for Tbilisi, Georgia, to attend the 57th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on May 2 (Thursday) early morning. Mr Chan will take the opportunity to meet with the President of the ADB, Mr Masatsugu Asakawa, ADB senior officials as well as financial officials of other countries and regions attending the meeting. Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong in the afternoon on May 6. During his absence, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, will be the Acting Financial Secretary. Ends/Tuesday, April 30, 2024 Issued at HKT 18:30 NNNN
Hong Kong celebrates World Intellectual Property Day 2024 (26.4.2024)
26.4.2024

The Intellectual Property Department (IPD) today (April 26) hosted a reception to celebrate the World Intellectual Property (IP) Day 2024. The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, and the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, attended the reception and officiated at the toasting ceremony. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) set the theme of this year's World IP Day as "IP and the Sustainable Development Goals: Building our common future with innovation and creativity". At the reception, Mr Chan said that the Government will work with the industry and the community to promote the development of Hong Kong into a regional IP trading centre, so that Hong Kong will maintain its competitive edge in the global market and embrace a more flourishing future. Mr Chan also elaborated on a number of initiatives pursued by the Government in this regard. They include grooming a talent pool of patent examiners equipped with technological and professional knowledge; planning for regulatory arrangements on local patent agent services; setting up a WIPO Technology and Innovation Support Centre; implementing the "patent box" tax incentive to encourage commercialisation of research and development outcomes, etc. In his welcoming remarks, the Director of Intellectual Property, Mr David Wong, said that the measures to develop Hong Kong into a regional IP trading centre, as outlined in the Policy Addresses and Budgets of the current-term Government, required the support and co-operation of the IP industries and various stakeholders. The first trade mark was registered in Hong Kong 150 years ago to cater for commercial needs at the time, leading to the beginning of the local IP system. "We have come a long way, and the best is yet to come," he said. About 150 guests including stakeholders from the legal community and IP-related associations, academics, consulate representatives, government officials and representatives from the public and business sectors attended the reception. Displays at the venue highlighted notable features and achievements in different categories of IP, viz. patents, trade marks, copyright and registered designs. Celebrated annually on April 26, the World IP Day aims to increase general understanding of IP, pay tributes to inventors and creators, and explore how IP helps shape the world. The IPD promoted the World IP Day and related activities through various channels, including sponsoring the "Licensing Academy", a programme of the Asian Licensing Conference to offer industry players insights into new developments in IP licensing. Ends/Friday, April 26, 2024 Issued at HKT 21:00 NNNN
FS concludes visit to Hangzhou and Suzhou (19.4.2024)
19.4.2024

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, concluded his visit to Suzhou and returned to Hong Kong today (April 19). In the morning, Mr Chan visited an enterprise engaging in hydrogen power technology, and toured its factory of fuel cell system and product assembly and testing. Mr Chan also met with representatives of the enterprise to learn about its plans to expand research and development (R&D) and international business. The enterprise has submitted its listing application in Hong Kong. Mr Chan encouraged the enterprise to expand their business planning in Hong Kong, including setting up R&D facilities and even international headquarters, and make good use of Hong Kong's fund-raising services to strengthen their business and internationalisation. The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, Invest Hong Kong, etc, will provide one-stop services and facilitate their settling in Hong Kong. In concluding his visit to Hangzhou and Suzhou, Mr Chan said, "Hangzhou and Suzhou are both fast-developing and highly advanced cities in the Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone, with an energetic digital economy, a strong foundation for advanced manufacturing, vibrant development of private enterprises, robust innovation and technology capacities, and a rich cultural and creative atmosphere. They are enhancing the development of new quality productive forces with innovation to promote high-quality development. Hong Kong has close economic, trade, and cultural exchanges with the two cities. Hong Kong possesses advantages including its connectivity with international capital, alignment with international standards, provision of high-quality professional services, ability to attract international talent, and access to international markets. In addition, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is continuously promoting the development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong. Hong Kong can join hands with Hangzhou and Suzhou to assist their enterprises in developing their international businesses, and in managing cross-border industry and supply chains, as well as off-shore trade financing. During this visit, I met with leaders of both cities to discuss strengthening co-operation. I also visited various enterprises engaging in artificial intelligence, big data, biomedical technology, new materials, and new energy. I firmly believe in the enormous potential and scope for future collaboration between Hong Kong and the Yangtze River Delta region." Ends/Friday, April 19, 2024 Issued at HKT 16:25 NNNN
FS to depart tomorrow for visiting Hangzhou and Suzhou (16.4.2024)
16.4.2024

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, will depart for Hangzhou and Suzhou tomorrow morning (April 17). During his visit, he will visit various innovation and technology enterprises engaging in artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, biotech, new energy and new materials, and meet with representatives of local enterprises and Hong Kong people. Also, Mr Chan will meet with the leadership of the two cities respectively to explore the deepening of co-operation with both places, and to jointly foster the development of new quality productive forces and accelerate the promotion of high-quality development. During his visit to Hangzhou, Mr Chan will deliver a keynote speech at a seminar co-organised by Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to introduce to owners and senior management staff from Hangzhou and the Yangtze River Delta region how Hong Kong can enable Mainland enterprises to develop their international businesses, particularly by serving as their headquarters of international business and centre for managing their international supply chains. Mr Chan will return to Hong Kong on the afternoon of April 19. During his absence, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, will be the Acting Financial Secretary. Ends/Tuesday, April 16, 2024 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
CAS holds open day to promote National Security Education Day (14.4.2024)
14.4.2024

In support of National Security Education Day, the Civil Aid Service (CAS) held the National Security Education Day cum Civil Aid Service Open Day at its headquarters today (April 14) to raise public awareness of national security and showcase its achievements. The Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, officiated at the kick-off ceremony of the open day and the opening ceremony of the CAS's National Security Education Exhibition Centre. In his speech, Mr Wong said that national security is an important cornerstone to ensure Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, and safeguarding national security is the collective responsibility of all. He expressed his gratitude to the CAS for their unwavering efforts in promoting national security education. This includes focus on training of cadets and facilitating their development into future leaders and responsible citizens by motivating them to participate actively in community service, civic education and discipline training. The CAS also arranges visits for cadets to different cities in the Mainland, providing chances for exchanges with local youth and learning about the latest development and achievement of our country. Over 3 000 visitors joined the open day which featured an exciting programme of activities, adding to the lively atmosphere. Apart from viewing the national security exhibition, visitors also enjoyed a mountain search-and-rescue demonstration, a foot drill performance, a military music performance, and a bicycle show by CAS members. In addition, Professor Gu Min-kang of the Education University of Hong Kong and the Senior Assistant Commissioner (Development) of the CAS, Dr Wong Kong-tin, gave two talks to explain the importance of national security for Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. The CAS will do its best to continue to uphold the principle of "one country, two systems" and safeguard national security, while providing emergency relief and serving the community to build a better home for Hong Kong people. Ends/Sunday, April 14, 2024 Issued at HKT 21:30 NNNN
Hong Kong 2024 International Urban Forestry Conference opens (10.4.2024)
10.4.2024

The Hong Kong 2024 International Urban Forestry Conference, organised by the Development Bureau (DEVB), opened today (April 10) and will be held for three consecutive days at the Hong Kong Science Park. Under the theme "Green Metropolis - The Crucial Role of Urban Forests for a Sustainable Future", the conference offers a platform for international experts and greening and landscape industry practitioners to exchange views, and examine various related matters. About 20 speakers from Hong Kong, the Mainland and overseas will share their insights on five key topics, namely International Horizon of Urban Forestry, Synergising Urban Forests in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Crafting Sustainable Urban Forests - Landscape Planning and Design, Building Sustainable Urban Forests with the Community, and Nurturing Sustainable Urban Forests - Talents, Technology and Management. Site visits and sharing sessions will also be arranged for participants to learn about urban forestry. In his opening address, the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, said that in the course of dealing with the many challenges in the development of a dense, compact city, including overcoming housing and infrastructural challenges, the greening and landscaping aspects have never been overlooked in Hong Kong. Throughout the years, the Government has stipulated planning and design requirements for the provision of parks and open spaces, and planting requirements in construction projects. Mr Wong also mentioned a study sponsorship scheme and a trainee programme for the development of local talent were rolled out by the Government under the Urban Forestry Support Fund in 2020. The scheme and the programme have encouraging and promising results. He further said he is confident that the initiatives would continue to be instrumental in building a quality workforce in Hong Kong to support urban forestry work. The conference is co-organised by the Construction Industry Council, the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects, the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong and the University of Hong Kong, and supported by various government departments, green organisations as well as education and professional institutes. The conference has attracted about 800 participants to attend on-site. Live streaming is also available online ( hk2024iufc.com/iufc/home ). Also attending the conference was the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn. Ends/Wednesday, April 10, 2024 Issued at HKT 16:10 NNNN
HKMA 2024 Pay Review (8.4.2024)
8.4.2024

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority: The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (April 8) the results of the 2024 annual pay review. The review was undertaken by the Governance Sub-Committee (GSC) of the Exchange Fund Advisory Committee (EFAC). The GSC's recommendations have been approved by the Financial Secretary through EFAC. The Financial Secretary has approved that the Fixed Pay of HKMA staff will be adjusted upward by a general increase of 2.1 per cent, whereas an allocation of 1.35 per cent of Fixed Pay is set aside for awarding good performers. Variable Pay equivalent to 19.93 per cent of Total Pay will also be paid to staff on the basis of their performance in 2023. Variable Pay is a one-off payment to staff who have attained or exceeded the required level of performance. The Financial Secretary determines the pay adjustment of HKMA staff each year having regard to the recommendations made to him by the GSC through EFAC, GSC's assessment of the performance of the HKMA in the preceding year, the pay-survey findings of the financial sector conducted by independent human resources consultants and any other relevant factors. Ends/Monday, April 8, 2024 Issued at HKT 18:45 NNNN
FS expresses sorrow over passing of Dr Eddy Li (26.3.2024)
26.3.2024

The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, today (March 26) expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of Dr Eddy Li. Mr Chan said, "Over the years, Dr Li had been committed to promoting Hong Kong's commercial and industrial developments. Dr Li served as the President of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, the President of the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Association, and in various advisory and statutory bodies of the Government. He actively provided wise counsel and supported the Government's administration of policies, and made valuable contributions to the development of Hong Kong's industrial and business community. I am deeply saddened by Dr Li's passing. I extend my sincere condolences to his family." Ends/Tuesday, March 26, 2024 Issued at HKT 19:05 NNNN
Appointment to Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (25.3.2024)
25.3.2024

The Government announced today (March 25) that the Financial Secretary, in exercise of the authority under the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Ordinance (Cap. 485) delegated to him by the Chief Executive, has reappointed Miss Queenie Fiona Lau as a Non-executive Director of the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA) for a term of two years from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2026, both dates inclusive. Announcing the above appointment, a spokesperson for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said, "Miss Lau has provided the MPFA with constructive insights from the legal perspective. We trust she will continue to contribute to the work of the MPFA in enhancing the protection of scheme members and regulating the industry." The membership of the MPFA with effect from April 1, 2024, is as follows: Chairman and Non-Executive Director ------------ Mrs Ayesha Macpherson Lau Non-Executive Directors ------------ Mr Karson Choi Ka-tsan Mr Lam Chun-sing Miss Queenie Fiona Lau Mr Dominic Pang Yat-ting Mr Bill Tang Ka-piu Dr Levin Wang Lei Ms Fanny Wong Lai-kwan Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services) as alternate) Secretary for Labour and Welfare (Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare as alternate) Executive Directors ------------------------- Mr Cheng Yan-chee Ms Cynthia Hui Wai-yee Mr Wallace Lau Ka-ki Mr Eric Cheng Siu-fun Ends/Monday, March 25, 2024 Issued at HKT 15:00 NNNN
Hong Kong Customs holds Regional High-Level Conference on IP Protection (12.3.2024)
12.3.2024

​Hong Kong Customs today (March 12) organised a three-day Regional High-Level Conference on IP Protection. The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; and the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho, officiated at the kick-off ceremony of the conference. This is the first time for Hong Kong Customs to host a large-scale regional conference on IP protection, which is expected to gather as many as 200 representatives from law enforcement agencies, the World Customs Organization, Interpol, Europol and the business sector. ​In his speech at the conference, Mr Chan said that the conference provided an ideal platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences in the field of intellectual property protection and development. He also commended Hong Kong Customs for its stringent enforcement of IP laws, continuous engagement with stakeholders, and dedication in public education, as well as for forging close partnerships with regional law enforcement agencies. He also shared in his speech the advantages and new initiatives for Hong Kong to develop into a regional IP trading centre, including the introduction of the "patent box" tax incentive, the establishment of a World Intellectual Property Organization Technology and Innovation Support Centre and the introduction of regulatory arrangements covering local patent-agent services. Also speaking at the conference, Mr Yau said he hoped that the conference serves not only as a platform to address IP enforcement issues but also as an opportunity for economies in the Asia-Pacific Region to forge stronger alliances, share best practices, and develop innovative solutions for the challenges ahead. He added that collective wisdom will light the path towards a future where IP not only drives creativity and economic growth but also serves as a beacon for societal advancement and global well-being. The theme of the conference centres around three key elements, namely "Enforcement," "Engagement," and "Education." It features a series of thematic presentations and discussions in relation to IP, enabling participants to examine the enforcement effectiveness and strategies from diverse perspectives, as well as fostering co-operation and information exchanges between law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders. In addition, Ms Ho also took the opportunity to hold bilateral meetings with commissioners of Indian Customs and the Philippines Customs respectively on various topics, and had a brief meeting with the Deputy Director General of the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia to enhance co-operation. Looking ahead, Hong Kong Customs together with law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders from different regions will continue to work closely and exchange information to enhance the effectiveness in combating IP infringement crimes. Ends/Tuesday, March 12, 2024 Issued at HKT 20:01 NNNN