kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
CE hosts lunch for chamber representatives to gauge views
30.7.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, hosted a lunch for representatives of international and local chambers of commerce at Government House at noon today (July 30) to exchange views with them on Hong Kong's challenges and opportunities with a view to formulating policy measures that would better meet the needs of the community in the upcoming Policy Address. Mrs Lam said that due to the China-US trade friction and uncertainties in the external environment, Hong Kong's economic momentum has weakened in recent months, with only a modest growth of 0.6 per cent in the first quarter of this year and no room for optimism for the second quarter and the entire year. She said that the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has been closely monitoring the global and local economic situations and maintaining close contact with the business sector, including numerous local small and medium enterprises, to understand their needs. She added that the HKSAR Government will introduce measures in a timely manner to help companies cope with the economic downside risks. Mrs Lam also said that the disputes in society in recent months are not conducive to Hong Kong's continued development and that she would spare no efforts to deal with them. Emphasising that the rule of law is the cornerstone of the city's success and violence is not a solution to any problem, she expressed the hope that various sectors would jointly uphold the rule of law in Hong Kong. She pointed out that everyone should continue to have confidence in the city and she firmly believes that with the concerted efforts of various sectors, Hong Kong would find opportunities amid difficulties. Over the years, the Chief Executive would be invited by chambers of commerce to attend the Joint Business Community Luncheon after delivering the Policy Address to introduce the new initiatives and answer questions. To express her gratitude to the business sector for their long-standing support, and to listen to their views on the forthcoming Policy Address, she hosted a lunch for the chamber representatives for the first time at Government House this year. More than 40 leaders or senior representatives of major chambers of commerce attended. Ends/Tuesday, July 30, 2019 Issued at HKT 19:56 NNNN
Annual updating of declarations of interests by CE, politically appointed officials and ExCo Members
30.7.2019

A Government spokesman said today (July 30) that the Chief Executive (CE), politically appointed officials and Members of the Executive Council (ExCo) have updated their annual declarations of interests, and the updated declarations are available on government websites for public inspection. The updated declaration of interests of the CE has been uploaded to the website of the Chief Executive's Office ( www.ceo.gov.hk/eng/links.html ). The declarations of interests of politically appointed officials, made in accordance with the Code for Officials under the Political Appointment System (PAO Code), have also been updated and uploaded to the websites of the respective offices or bureaux. Information on the registrable interests of ExCo Members (including the President as well as Official and Non-official Members) has also been uploaded to the ExCo website after updating ( www.ceo.gov.hk/exco/eng/interests.html ). The PAO Code stipulates that politically appointed officials shall declare their investments and interests on appointment and annually thereafter. These declarations are uploaded to the websites of the respective offices or bureaux. The CE voluntarily observes the above declaration arrangement. ExCo Members are likewise required to declare their registrable interests on appointment and annually thereafter. These declarations are uploaded to the ExCo website. Ends/Tuesday, July 30, 2019 Issued at HKT 17:55 NNNN
Appointments to Copyright Tribunal announced
26.7.2019

The Government today (July 26) announced that the Chief Executive has re-appointed Mr Kenny Wong Kam-shan as Deputy Chairman of the Copyright Tribunal, and Professor Michael Siu Kin-wai, Mr Alan Yip Chi-wing and Mr Cheung Ka-li as members of the tribunal for a two-year term with effect from December 1, 2019. The Chief Executive has also appointed Miss Cheung Yee-mei as a new member of the tribunal for a two-year-and-four-month term with effect from August 1, 2019. "We would like to express our gratitude to the outgoing member Dr Sunny Chai Ngai-chiu for his service to the tribunal over the past years," a Government spokesman said. The Copyright Tribunal is a quasi-judicial body established under the Copyright Ordinance. It adjudicates on disputes concerning the terms and conditions of copyright licensing schemes devised by licensing bodies. It consists of a chairman, a deputy chairman and seven members. The full membership of the Copyright Tribunal, with effect from August 1, 2019, is as follows: Mr Albert Wong Kwai-huen (Chairman) Mr Kenny Wong Kam-shan (Deputy Chairman) Ms Grace Chu Hing-wah Professor Michael Siu Kin-wai Mr Kenneth Wong Wing-yan Mr Alan Yip Chi-wing Mr Cheung Ka-li Ms Loretta Fong Wan-huen Miss Cheung Yee-mei Ends/Friday, July 26, 2019 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
CE expresses sorrow over passing of Mr Wong Po-yan
23.7.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (July 23) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mr Wong Po-yan. "A successful entrepreneur, Mr Wong was committed to promoting the advancement of the plastics industry in Hong Kong in earlier years and made significant contributions to the economic development of the city. He loved the country and Hong Kong and had been taking an active part in public and community service for a long time. He was a member of the Legislative Council and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Basic Law Drafting Committee before Hong Kong's return to the motherland, and was later the Vice-Chairman of the Committee for the Basic Law of the HKSAR under the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) and a Hong Kong Deputy to the NPC, playing an important role in the development of Hong Kong as well as the nation. Renowned for his leadership, he was appointed as the first Chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, laying a solid foundation for the development of Hong Kong International Airport as the global aviation hub that it is today. He was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 1998. "I am saddened by the passing of Mr Wong. On behalf of the HKSAR Government, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to his family," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Tuesday, July 23, 2019 Issued at HKT 12:48 NNNN
Delegation of powers from Insurance Authority to Monetary Authority and signing of new Memorandum of Understanding
19.7.2019

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority: Pursuant to the statutory regulatory regime for insurance intermediaries under the Insurance Ordinance and the approval of the Chief Executive in Council, the Insurance Authority (IA) today (July 19) announced to delegate its inspection and investigation powers to the Monetary Authority (MA), taking effect on September 23, 2019 when the statutory regime comes into operation. The MA is responsible for supervising authorised institutions (AIs)* in accordance with the Banking Ordinance. The IA, under the statutory regime, is responsible for regulation of insurance intermediaries which includes granting of licences, setting regulatory requirements and conduct standards, conducting inspections and investigations, and imposing disciplinary sanctions. The delegation of IA's powers of inspection and investigation to the MA in relation to insurance related businesses of AIs aims to improve efficiency and to minimise possible regulatory overlap. To strengthen the co-operation between the IA and the MA under the statutory regime and to ensure regulatory consistency, the two parties today entered into a new Memorandum of Understanding which sets out, amongst others, the arrangements on supervision, complaint handling and enforcement in relation to insurance related activities carried on by AIs. "At present, the insurance intermediary businesses are carried on by over 40 AIs. Close collaboration between the IA and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) helps enhance efficiency and efficacy in regulating these institutions." said the Chief Executive Officer of the IA, Mr Clement Cheung. The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Norman Chan, said, "The delegation of inspection and investigation powers by the IA to the MA supports effective supervision of insurance related activities carried on by AIs. We look forward to continuing the close collaboration with the IA." * Authorised institutions mean licensed banks, restricted licence banks and deposit-taking companies. Ends/Friday, July 19, 2019 Issued at HKT 17:36 NNNN
Four approved outline zoning plans referred back for amendment
19.7.2019

The Town Planning Board announced today (July 19) that the Chief Executive in Council (CE in C) has referred four approved outline zoning plans (OZPs) to the Board for amendment to reflect the latest land use proposals in the Pok Fu Lam, Tai Tong, Tong Yan San Tsuen and Ping Shan areas. Each OZP incorporating the respective amendments will be exhibited for public inspection under the provisions of the Town Planning Ordinance. The Pok Fu Lam, Tai Tong, Tong Yan San Tsuen and Ping Shan OZPs were last approved by the CE in C in August 2018, March 2012, September 2018 and October 2018 respectively. Ends/Friday, July 19, 2019 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
Draft URA Queen&apos;s Road West/In Ku Lane Development Scheme Plan approved
19.7.2019

The Chief Executive in Council has approved the draft Urban Renewal Authority (URA) Queen's Road West/In Ku Lane Development Scheme Plan (DSP). "The approved DSP provides a statutory land use planning framework to guide the implementation of the URA Queen's Road West/In Ku Lane Development Scheme," a spokesman for the Town Planning Board said today (July 19). The Development Scheme Area covers a total area of 2 046 square metres. The Area comprises a row of tenement buildings, the In Ku Lane refuse collection point and public toilet, a five-a-side soccer pitch (being part of the Li Sing Street Playground), government lanes and a pavement area. The Area is broadly bounded by the Ko Shing Building and In Ku Lane to the north, Kam Yu Mansion and Largos Residences to the east, Queen's Road West to the south and No. 153 Queen's Road West and the Li Sing Street Playground to the west. The area is zoned "Residential (Group A)23", which was primarily intended for high-density residential development with a government refuse collection point and public toilet, a neighbourhood elderly centre sub-base and a public open space. Commercial uses are always permitted on the lowest three floors of a building or in the purpose-designed non-residential portion of an existing building. The maximum building height of the area is restricted to 130 metres above Principal Datum or the height of the existing building, whichever is the greater. The approved DSP No. S/H3/URA3/2 is now available for public inspection during office hours at the Secretariat of the Town Planning Board, the Planning Enquiry Counters, the Hong Kong District Planning Office and the Central and Western Home Affairs Enquiry Centre. Copies of the approved plan are available for sale at the Map Publications Centres in North Point and Yau Ma Tei. The electronic version of the plan can be viewed at the Town Planning Board's website ( www.info.gov.hk/tpb ). Ends/Friday, July 19, 2019 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
Term of non-permanent CFA judges extended
19.7.2019

The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary: The Chief Executive has accepted the recommendations of the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal to extend the terms of office of two non-permanent judges from other common law jurisdictions of the Court of Final Appeal for a period of three years commencing July 29, 2019: The Honourable Mr Justice James Spigelman The Honourable Mr Justice William Gummow The Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance provides for a list of non-permanent Hong Kong judges and a list of judges from other common law jurisdictions. The term of appointment of such judges is three years. That term may be extended for one or more periods of three years by the Chief Executive acting in accordance with the recommendation of the Chief Justice. Ends/Friday, July 19, 2019 Issued at HKT 17:00 NNNN
CE expresses sorrow over passing of the Most Venerable Chi Wai
14.7.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (July 14) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Honorary President of the Hong Kong Buddhist Association, the Most Venerable Chi Wai. "The Most Venerable Chi Wai was held in high regard. He had been committed to promoting Buddhism over the years and actively participating in and advocating social and charitable activities. He was a Hong Kong Deputy to the National People's Congress, member of the Executive Committee of the New Territories Heung Yee Kuk, District Council member and Vice-Chairman of Tai O Rural Committee, making significant contributions. In addition to taking an active part in education in Hong Kong, he supported the Hopeful School Project to build schools in the Mainland, providing opportunities for numerous kids to attend schools. He was awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star in 2015. "I am deeply saddened by the passing of the Most Venerable Chi Wai. On behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Buddhist community," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Sunday, July 14, 2019 Issued at HKT 12:14 NNNN
Appointment to Advisory Committee on Post-service Employment of Civil Servants
12.7.2019

The Government announced today (July 12) that the Chief Executive has re-appointed Mr Vincent Lo Wing-sang as Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Post-service Employment of Civil Servants (ACPE) for a term of two years from September 1, 2019, to August 31, 2021. The Chief Executive has appointed Mr Cheng Yan-kee and Mrs Betty Yuen So Siu-mai as members of the ACPE for a term of two years from July 14, 2019, to July 13, 2021. The Chief Executive has also re-appointed Mr Herbert Tsoi Hak-kong as member of the ACPE for a term of two years from July 14, 2019, to July 13, 2021, and Mr Walter Chan Kar-lok as well as Mrs Ava Ng Tse Suk-ying as members for a term of two years from September 1, 2019, to August 31, 2021. The Government has expressed its sincere appreciation to the retiring members, Mr Francis Mok Gar-lon and Ms Melissa Wu, for their invaluable contributions to the work of the Committee. The ACPE advises the Government on matters relating to the post-service employment of civil servants. Other serving members are Mr Thomas Ho On-sing, Professor Wong Sze-chun and Mr Stanley Wong Yuen-fai. Its secretariat support is provided by the Joint Secretariat for the Advisory Bodies on Civil Service and Judicial Salaries and Conditions of Service. Ends/Friday, July 12, 2019 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
Policy Address consultation launched
10.7.2019

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today (July 10) launched the public consultation exercise for the 2019 Policy Address. The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung; and the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, will meet representatives from different sectors to listen to their views. "To continue to develop the economy and improve people's livelihood, we have to make plans together and work in concert. I sincerely invite members of the public to give their views on the Policy Address, so that we can harness the collective wisdom and insights to formulate policy initiatives to meet the needs of our people. My team and I will humbly listen to all walks of life, and respond in my third Policy Address," Mrs Lam said. Members of the public are invited to give their views through the website ( www.policyaddress.gov.hk ), the dedicated Facebook page ( www.facebook.com/PolicyAddress2019 ) or Instagram ( www.instagram.com/policyaddress2019 ) for the 2019 Policy Address public consultation, or by email ( policyaddress@pico.gov.hk ), phone (2432 1899) or fax (2537 9083). Ends/Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Issued at HKT 16:15 NNNN
CoI into Construction Works at and near Hung Hom Station Extension under Shatin to Central Link Project to submit its final report by November 29, 2019
3.7.2019

The following is issued on behalf of the Commission of Inquiry into the Construction Works at and near the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link Project: The Commission of Inquiry into the Construction Works at and near the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link Project will submit a final report on its findings and recommendations to the Chief Executive on or before November 29, 2019, upon approval of an extension of time by the Chief Executive in Council yesterday (July 2). On February 19, 2019, the Chief Executive in Council expanded the terms of reference of the Commission to also inquire into the problems concerning the construction works at the North Approach Tunnels, the South Approach Tunnels and the Hung Hom Stabling Sidings under the Shatin to Central Link Project, and extended the date of submission of the Commission's final report to August 30, 2019. Having regard to its latest work progress and work plan, the Commission has requested an extension of time to submit its final report to the Chief Executive by November 29, 2019. The Commission plans to resume the substantive hearing in the second half of September 2019 and finish all expert evidence and, if necessary, further factual evidence, as well as all closing submissions by mid-October 2019. Ends/Wednesday, July 3, 2019 Issued at HKT 14:10 NNNN
Extension of time for Commission of Inquiry to submit final report
3.7.2019

The Chief Executive in Council approved yesterday (July 2), at the request of the Commission of Inquiry into the Construction Works at and near the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link (SCL) Project, an extension of time for the Commission to submit its final report to the Chief Executive by November 29, 2019. The Commission was appointed by the Chief Executive in Council on July 10, 2018, with Mr Michael Hartmann as Chairman and Commissioner, and Professor Peter Hansford as Commissioner, to inquire into the facts and circumstances surrounding the steel reinforcement fixing works and any other works which raised concerns about public safety in respect of the diaphragm wall and platform slab construction works at the Hung Hom Station Extension under the SCL Project implemented by the MTR Corporation Limited, and to make recommendations on suitable measures with a view to promoting public safety and assurance on quality of works. Following an expansion of its terms of reference, as approved by the Chief Executive in Council on February 19, 2019, to inquire into irregularities concerning the construction works at the North Approach Tunnels, the South Approach Tunnels and the Hung Hom Stabling Sidings under the SCL Project, the Commission was required to submit its final report to the Chief Executive by August 30, 2019. Having regard to its latest work progress and work plan, the Commission expects to complete its final report for submission to the Chief Executive by November 29, 2019 and has accordingly requested an extension of time for submitting the report. On February 25, 2019, the Commission submitted an interim report to the Chief Executive on the matters covered by its original terms of reference. The Government published the interim report in redacted form on March 26, 2019, taking account of legal considerations to avoid any prejudice (actual or perceived) to any ongoing criminal investigations and any potential prosecutions of any criminal offences in the future (if so decided to be justified after the relevant investigations). The expanded terms of reference of the Commission are at the Annex. Ends/Wednesday, July 3, 2019 Issued at HKT 14:00 NNNN
CE strongly condemns violence and acts undermining public order
2.7.2021

​The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, who has just returned to Hong Kong from Beijing, strongly condemns the attack on a police officer on duty by a person with a knife last night (July 1), causing serious injuries to the officer. Mrs Lam also sends her regards to the injured officer and wishes him a speedy recovery. Mrs Lam is concerned about various incidents yesterday which were suspected to be illegal and undermining public order, including the throwing of a number of flammable objects at the slope near the Government House on Lower Albert Road, causing a fire in the early hours. The Police also made arrests in various places on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon in the afternoon for possession of imitation firearm, possession of offensive weapon, desecration of the national flag, distribution of seditious publications, etc. Mrs Lam condemns the acts which totally disregard the law and undermine public order, breaching the peace and challenging the authority of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Mrs Lam said that after going through months of riots in the second half of 2019, members of the public abhor violence and treasure very much the stability of society since the implementation of the National Security Law last year. She fully supports the Police in taking resolute law enforcement actions against violent and illegal acts to maintain law and order as well as to safeguard people's life and property. Ends/Friday, July 2, 2021 Issued at HKT 1:07 NNNN
CE to attend celebration activities of 100th anniversary of founding of Communist Party of China in Beijing
27.6.2021

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, has accepted the invitation to visit Beijing tomorrow (June 28) to attend the celebration activities of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. Other participants of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government include the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; and the heads of a number of disciplined services departments/agency. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong on July 1. During her absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr John Lee, will be the Acting Chief Executive and the Executive Council will be in recess on June 29. Ends/Sunday, June 27, 2021 Issued at HKT 15:00 NNNN