kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
SCED urges APEC members to fully support multilateral trading system (with photos)
21.5.2022

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, spoke at a discussion session entitled "Supporting the Multilateral Trading System" at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, today (May 21). Mr Yau said that Hong Kong has all along been a staunch supporter of free and open trade and investment, adding that only with a stable and predictable rules-based multilateral trading system, international trade could be effectively conducted, global resources could be put to gainful use, and the livelihood of our people could be collectively improved. "APEC member economies should collectively serve as a powerful and running engine behind the multilateral trading system in searching for common ground to bridge differences and forge consensus," he said. Meanwhile, Mr Yau noted that Hong Kong considers it vital for the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to be held three weeks later in Geneva, Switzerland, to deliver a WTO response to the pandemic, so that the world can address the immediate challenges and prepare for any future global health crisis. A successful MC12 is not only important for the WTO itself, but also for the global economy in its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. In the morning, Mr Yau participated in a public-private dialogue between MRT and the APEC Business Advisory Council during which he reaffirmed Hong Kong's support for APEC's long-term efforts in advancing towards the realisation of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP). "2022 is a milestone year for FTAAP, not only because of the sweeping transformation of our global trade landscape, but also thanks to the entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) on January 1 which has provided a fertile ground for the Asia-Pacific region to pursue broader and deeper integration," Mr Yau said. He reiterated that Hong Kong is ready to join and contribute to the RCEP in the soonest future, getting a step closer to the construction of the FTAAP. On the sidelines of the meeting, Mr Yau held bilateral meetings with the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dato' Lim Jock Hoi; and the Minister for Trade and Export Growth of New Zealand, Hon Damien O'Connor, to exchange views on issues of mutual concerns. He also met with the Vice Minister of Trade and Undersecretary for International Economic Relations of Chile, Mr Jose Miguel Ahumada Franco; the Minister for Trade and Industry of Singapore, Mr Gan Kim Yong; and the Minister of Trade of Indonesia, H.E. Muhammad Lutfi, to discuss various trade and economic issues. This year, APEC has adopted the theme "Open. Connect. Balance.", with discussions on topics under three priorities, namely open trade and investment to all opportunities; restoring connectivity in all dimensions; and promoting balance, sustainability and inclusivity in all aspects. Mr Yau will continue to join the MRT Meeting tomorrow (May 22).
SCED highlights Hong Kong's investment and business opportunities on visit to Thailand (with photos)
20.5.2022

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, continued to meet with the Thai business community today (May 20) to promote Hong Kong's business opportunities during his stay in Bangkok, Thailand, for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting to be held on May 21 and 22. Mr Yau first met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy of Thailand, Mr Supattanapong Punmeechaow, to exchange views on the economic and trade situation in the region. Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on promotion of technology and innovation development between the two places in 2019, both sides agreed to further strengthen co-operation in the area of technology and innovation. In addition, Hong Kong will hold a bilateral business discussion with the Thailand Board of Investment, and Thailand representatives will attend the Belt and Road Summit to be held in August this year. Mr Yau then attended a business luncheon to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). More than 100 participants attended the event. Speaking at the luncheon, he pointed out that Hong Kong enjoys excellent relations with Thailand, with a very close people-to-people bond on both business and personal levels. He shared his insights with the participants on the latest trade and economic developments in Hong Kong, and Hong Kong's important role as a gateway to the Mainland China market for Thai businesses. Thailand was the fourth largest trading partner of Hong Kong in merchandise trade among all Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states in 2021, with the total value of merchandise trade amounting to about US$20 billion. In the afternoon, Mr Yau officiated at the opening ceremony of a roving exhibition organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. At the APEC MRT Meeting tomorrow (May 21), Mr Yau will join a discussion session entitled "Supporting the Multilateral Trading System" with ministers of other member economies. He will also attend the MRT-APEC Business Advisory Council Public-Private Dialogue on the development of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific in the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, and hold bilateral meetings with other trade ministers to exchange views on issues of mutual interest.
SCED updates Thai business sector on Hong Kong's business advantages (with photos)
19.5.2022

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, today (May 19) met with the Thai business sector in Bangkok, Thailand, to update them on Hong Kong's latest trade and economic developments, and exchange views on further regional co-operation. Before attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting to be held in Bangkok this Saturday and Sunday (May 21 and 22), Mr Yau took the opportunity to meet with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand, Mr Jurin Laksanawisit, to exchange views on strengthening the bilateral trade relations between Hong Kong and Thailand. Following the signing of a memorandum of understanding on strengthening economic relations in 2019, both sides desired further enhanced bilateral cooperation in various areas such as professional services including film, creative industries, tourism and advanced technologies. Mr Yau also met with local business leaders to update them on Hong Kong's business advantages and investment opportunities, highlighting Hong Kong's role in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative. He also visited a Hong Kong-founded logistics company, which forms part of the biggest logistics group in Asia, to learn about the development of local enterprises. In addition to meeting with the business community, Mr Yau paid a courtesy call on the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, Mr Han Zhiqiang. This year, APEC has adopted the theme "Open. Connect. Balance.", with discussions on topics under three priorities, namely open trade and investment to all opportunities, restoring connectivity in all dimensions, and promoting balance, sustainability and inclusivity in all aspects. Mr Yau will join discussion sessions of the MRT Meeting and also hold bilateral meetings with other trade ministers.
SCED speaks to the media
18.5.2022

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, at a media session after attending the Legislative Council meeting today (May 18): Reporter: Could we know the importance of the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) meeting for you to attend personally? Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: APEC meetings have been held online for the past few years. This year, with Thailand as the host, they are going to have physical meetings. I will be departing Hong Kong tonight for the APEC ministerial meeting to be held this weekend. This is also tying in with the time when Hong Kong reopens ourselves and coming back to normalcy. As we relaxed certain social distancing measures in Hong Kong and are bringing back more vibrant economic activities, we are also reaching out to our partners. APEC has always been our significant partner. I think APEC economies have captured more than the lion's share, I would say over 80 per cent, or nearly 90 per cent, of our total trade, not to mention that within APEC, 15 member economies of which are also the members of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. I will be taking this opportunity to attend the meeting, to join the discussion on how to achieve a more open, connected and balanced economic region, with a view to enhancing freer trade, and opt for more liberalisation of trade. At the same time, I will be bringing to the APEC economies the message that Hong Kong is struggling hard, with certain success in overcoming the recent pandemic wave. We are heading towards reopening ourselves with maximum caution and protection, so this is part of our outreach efforts. In addition to attending the APEC meeting, I will hold some events in Bangkok because Thailand is a very close partner of Hong Kong. We are mutually major trading partners and there is also quite a significant Hong Kong investment interest in Thailand and vice versa. I will be hosting an event, meeting with senior Thailand officials as well as the business leaders in Bangkok. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
SCED to attend APEC trade ministers meeting in Thailand
17.5.2022

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, will depart for Bangkok, Thailand, tomorrow evening (May 18) to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting to be held on May 21 and 22. APEC 2022 has adopted the theme "Open. Connect. Balance.", with discussions on topics under three priorities, namely open trade and investment to all opportunities, restoring connectivity in all dimensions, and promoting balance, sustainability and inclusivity in all aspects. Mr Yau will participate, with trade ministers of other member economies, in discussion sessions entitled "Supporting the Multilateral Trading System" and "Living in the COVID-19 and Beyond". He will also attend the MRT-APEC Business Advisory Council Public-Private Dialogue on the development of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific. In addition to joining the discussion sessions of the MRT Meeting, Mr Yau will hold bilateral meetings with other trade ministers to exchange views on issues of mutual interest. During his stay in Bangkok, Mr Yau will meet with senior officials of the Thai Government and business leaders to give them an update on Hong Kong's latest economic and trade situation. He will also attend celebration events to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok. Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong in the evening on Sunday (May 22). During his absence, the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development.
SCED highlights Hong Kong's business advantages and investment opportunities to Indian business community (with photos)
26.4.2022

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, addressed more than 100 business leaders and senior executives from the Indian business community joining a webinar today (April 26), highlighting Hong Kong's various institutional strengths and policies as well as its boundless business and investment opportunities for Indian companies as a base for Asia-Pacific operations and a gateway to the Mainland of China. In the webinar entitled "Explore Business and Investment Opportunities in Hong Kong and Mainland China", Mr Yau started by pointing out the close bonds between Hong Kong and India. In 2021, Hong Kong was India's fourth largest trading partner while India was Hong Kong's eighth largest trading partner. He pointed out that Hong Kong is the world's freest economy and a regional hub connecting the markets of the Mainland of China, India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, making Hong Kong an ideal place for doing business and investment. He said that Hong Kong and India share the same vision in innovation and technology (I&T) development. While India is renowned for its strength in I&T, he expressed the belief that the increase in the number of start-ups in I&T in Hong Kong will provide fertile ground for the mutual development of I&T. Mr Yau added that the National 14th Five-Year Plan has given Hong Kong a major role in a number of areas, including trade, finance, aviation, logistics, intellectual property trading, and arts and cultural exchanges. Hong Kong as the most international city in the region will provide India with a lot of business and investment opportunities in Hong Kong and the Mainland of China. The webinar included a lively panel discussion by industry players as they spoke on their experiences and shared perspectives on how their businesses had benefited from Hong Kong's advantages. The panel speakers included the Consultant for South Asia of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr Rajesh Bhagat; the Country Head and Chief Executive Officer of State Bank of India, Hong Kong, Mr Shrirang Ketkar; Managing Committee member of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations Mr Mahesh Keyal; and the Managing Partner of Chandrawat & Partners, Mr Surendra Chandrawat. The webinar received a positive response from Indian companies from a wide array of sectors, from manufacturing and consulting to education and I&T. A subsequent question-and-answer session was moderated by the Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), Mr Stephen Phillips. The webinar was co-organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore and InvestHK. It was supported by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Federation of Indian Export Organisations, the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
SCED expresses sorrow over passing of Dr Robin Chan Yau-hing
20.4.2022

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, today (April 20) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr Robin Chan Yau-hing. Mr Yau said, "Dr Chan was a successful entrepreneur with great achievements. He was the Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, making outstanding contributions, and was held in high regard in the sector. Meanwhile, he devoted himself to philanthropic initiatives. Under his leadership, his conglomerate has been dedicated to various charitable causes and has made meritorious contributions to the community. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Dr Chan for his contributions to society, and extend my deepest condolences to his family."
CEDB driver tests positive for COVID-19
6.4.2022

The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) today (April 6) said that a driver of the CEDB had undergone a rapid test and the result was positive for COVID-19. The driver is responsible for driving duties for the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau. He does not need to have contact with the public and has no recent travel history. He wore masks and followed relevant disease prevention measures at work. He last performed duties on April 3 and did not return to the CEDB office at Tamar. Mr Yau has taken COVID-19 rapid tests before work every day and the results are negative.
SCED distributes anti-epidemic service bags in Ap Lei Chau (with photos)
3.4.2022

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, today (April 3) distributed anti-epidemic service bags to grassroots families in Ap Lei Chau, calling on the public to unite to fight the epidemic. Accompanied by the District Officer (Southern), Mr Francis Cheng, Mr Yau together with the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce, Industry and Tourism), Miss Eliza Lee; the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Creative Industries), Mr Clement Leung, and a dozen colleagues from the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, distributed anti-epidemic service bags to households of several "three-nil" buildings in Ap Lei Chau. Mr Yau said, "In the face of the fifth wave of the epidemic, medical supplies are very important to frontline staff, confirmed patients and members of the public. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Central People's Government for its full support. This has enabled the task force of ensuring medical supplies to procure large quantities of medical supplies to support various types of anti-epidemic work and distribute them to people in need through different channels." He said that the medical supplies, which have been procured with the co-ordination of the Central People's Government, such as rapid antigen test (RAT) kits, anti-epidemic proprietary Chinese medicines and masks, can be distributed more extensively to households in Hong Kong, especially the grassroots families, via anti-epidemic service bags, with a view to enhancing the public's anti-epidemic awareness and ability. Mr Yau appealed to the public to work together in fighting the epidemic and conduct RAT every day from April 8 to 10 after receiving the anti-epidemic service bags. With the concerted efforts of society, Hong Kong will definitely win the battle. He also thanked a number of district organisations and volunteer teams for helping the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government distribute the medical supplies, in particular anti-epidemic proprietary Chinese medicines, over the past month to enhance protection for the public.
SCED expresses sorrow over passing of Dr Chiang Chen
15.3.2022

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, today (March 15) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr Chiang Chen. Mr Yau said, "Dr Chiang was a successful industrialist with outstanding contributions to the industrial development of Hong Kong, and was held in high regard in the sector. He had established the 'Chiang Chen Industrial Charity Foundation' to promote education of talents and training of industrial leaders, which made him a role model for the industrial and commercial sectors. "I would like to express my sincere thanks to Dr Chiang for his contributions to society, and extend my deepest condolences to his family."
TID fully mobilises manpower to conduct "restriction-testing declaration" and compulsory testing notice operation (with photos)
8.3.2022

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, said today (March 8) that the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) and its departments are proactively participating in anti-epidemic work. The Trade and Industry Department (TID) mobilised about 130 staff members to conduct a "restriction-testing declaration" (RTD) and compulsory testing notice operation in the "restricted area" at Yuet Ching House, Kai Ching Estate, Kowloon City, yesterday (March 7). Mr Yau inspected the RTD operation conducted by the TID yesterday and encouraged colleagues. He said, "In the face of such an unprecedented and challenging epidemic situation, stabilising the epidemic as soon as possible is the utmost priority of the Government and the civil service. Colleagues in the bureau and the departments, while discharging their normal duties, fulfil their responsibility in fighting the epidemic. It is our common goal to enable Hong Kong to ride out the pandemic and the public to resume normal life early with the economic recovery." The TID deployed a total of about 130 staff members, including Administrative Officers, Trade Officers, Clerical Officers and hired contract staff, to co-ordinate and conduct the RTD and compulsory testing notice operation in respect of a specified "restricted area" at Yuet Ching House yesterday, fully mobilising its manpower to join the anti-epidemic effort. The operation started at 5pm yesterday and finished at around 7pm today, and involved over 600 residential units. The TID staff arranged registration and testing for the residents, delivered food packs, distributed rapid antigen test kits and handed out anti-epidemic proprietary Chinese medicines donated by the Central Government to help the residents fight against the virus. Upon completion of the operation, the TID staff arranged for those who tested preliminary positive to be admitted to isolation facilities. Mr Yau said, "We understand that the public have encountered numerous difficulties amid the pandemic but they were co-operative during the operation, contributing to the smooth completion of the operation." In addition, he expressed gratitude to the Central Government for its staunch support for Hong Kong's anti-epidemic work and providing anti-epidemic supplies. He also thanked community groups for their help, which included volunteers of the Hong Kong Community Anti-Coronavirus Link handing anti-epidemic care packs to the residents of Kai Ching Estate recently. He stressed that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will unite all sectors of the community and spare no efforts in combating the fifth wave of the epidemic. The CEDB and its departments will continue to proactively participate in the work to tackle the epidemic.
Update on anti-epidemic medical supplies from Mainland
3.3.2022

The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said today (March 3) that the task force of ensuring medical supplies led by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, has been working closely with their Mainland counterparts. Various kinds of medical supplies are arriving in Hong Kong in batches. The task force has so far received more than 19 million rapid antigen test (RAT) kits. Except those reserved for the Compulsory Universal Testing (CUT), more than 12 million RAT kits have been distributed through relevant departments and the Hong Kong Community Anti-Coronavirus Link (the Link) to members of the public in various districts, specified high-risk and target groups. More than 370 000 pulse oximeters so far received by the task force have all been distributed to the Department of Health (DH) and the Hospital Authority (HA) for patient use. Also, the task force has received over 37 million N95 and KN95 masks. While the masks are reserved mainly for public use during the CUT for enhancing protection, about 1 million of them have been delivered to frontline staff of the DH and the disciplined services. The task force is receiving a total of 450 000 boxes of anti-epidemic proprietary Chinese medicines, including the batch arriving in Hong Kong progressively. Among them, 170 000 boxes have been given to the Link and other local organisations for distribution to the community. The remaining proprietary Chinese medicines are being distributed through relevant departments to those receiving treatment at 18 Chinese medicine clinics under the HA and people who had tested positive at isolation facilities, allowing citizens in need to obtain these proprietary Chinese medicines donated by the Central Government as soon as possible, in order to fight the virus together. The task force will continue to co-ordinate with various government departments and agencies on the medical supplies needed to ensure that resources can be expeditiously supplied to Hong Kong to cope with the epidemic.