kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
CE submitted report to CPG in accordance with Article 11 of National Security Law
28.11.2022

A spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said today (November 28) that the Chief Executive has submitted a report to the Central People's Government (CPG) this evening in response to a formal letter issued by the CPG in accordance with Article 11 of the National Security Law, and recommended in the report that a request be made to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress to issue an interpretation in accordance with Article 65 of the National Security Law, in order to clarify the question "Based on the legislative intent and objectives of the National Security Law, can an overseas solicitor or barrister who is not qualified to practise generally in Hong Kong participate by any means in the handling of work in cases concerning offence endangering national security?". Ends/Monday, November 28, 2022 Issued at HKT 23:30 NNNN
CE&apos;s Office responds to media enquiries
21.11.2022

In response to media enquiries regarding the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, who has tested positive for COVID-19 through a polymerase chain reaction-based nucleic acid (PCR) test upon arrival to Hong Kong after returning from Bangkok, Thailand and is undergoing isolation, a spokesperson for the Chief Executive's Office made the following reply today (November 21): Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to all sectors of the community for their care about him. He had a mild fever and sore throat this afternoon. Overall, he felt fine albeit a bit tired. He has been prescribed oral drugs. Mr Lee has received four doses of the Sinovac vaccine. He received the fourth dose of vaccine in September this year. During isolation, Mr Lee will work from home and attend meetings by videoconferencing as needed. No acting appointment will be made. For public functions originally to be attended by Mr Lee in person, other officials will attend these functions on his behalf or appropriate arrangements will be made. The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health (CHP) has made its assessment on the eight officials of the Chief Executive's Office who accompanied Mr Lee on his visit to Thailand. Among them, the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip, and the Private Secretary to the Chief Executive, Ms Priscilla To, had attended a meeting with the Chief Executive without wearing a mask for a relatively long period of time, or dined in close proximity to the Chief Executive, and were classified by the CHP as close contacts. They are now undergoing home quarantine in accordance with relevant guidelines. They have tested negative for COVID-19 through PCR tests last night and their rapid antigen test (RAT) results today were negative. The remaining six accompanying officials were not classified as close contacts. They are not subject to home quarantine and can return to office for work. They have all tested negative through PCR tests done last night. Their RAT results today were negative. They will comply with the testing requirements for persons arriving at Hong Kong and undergo daily RAT, and receive PCR tests on Day 2 after arrival in Hong Kong. The Executive Council will be on recess tomorrow and the media session before the meeting will not be held. Ends/Monday, November 21, 2022 Issued at HKT 20:22 NNNN
Chief Executive tests positive for COVID-19
21.11.2022

A spokesman for the Chief Executive's Office said today (November 21) that the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, has tested positive for COVID-19 through a polymerase chain reaction-based nucleic acid test (PCR test) done upon arrival at the Hong Kong International Airport after he returned from Bangkok, Thailand to Hong Kong last night (November 20). He is undergoing isolation in accordance with the guidelines of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health (CHP). The results of his RAT tests conducted during his four-day visit to Bangkok had been negative. ​​During isolation, Mr Lee will work from home, and attend meetings by videoconferencing as needed. ​​The officials of the Chief Executive's Office who accompanied Mr Lee on the visit to Thailand and returned to Hong Kong last night were all tested negative for COVID-19 through a PCR test done upon arrival at the Hong Kong International Airport. CHP is assessing whether they should be classified as close contacts, and they will temporarily work from home until the assessment is completed. Ends/Monday, November 21, 2022 Issued at HKT 9:00 NNNN
CE leads business delegation to tell good Hong Kong stories in Thailand
20.11.2022

​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, continued his visit to Thailand today (November 20), and led a Hong Kong business delegation to conduct business visits and tell the good stories of Hong Kong. Accompanied by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip, Mr Lee had breakfast in a local restaurant in the morning with colleagues of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok, who briefed them on the office's work in attracting businesses and talents. They also discussed plans to set up Dedicated Teams for Attracting Businesses and Talents as unveiled in the Policy Address, adding that all overseas Economic and Trade Offices played a key role in telling Hong Kong's good stories and attracting talents and businesses to Hong Kong. Walking past a local Thai grocery store, Mr Lee came across many products that were also available in Hong Kong. Mr Lee said that as the freest economy in the world, Hong Kong has maintained an efficient, free, open and fair business environment which facilitated foreign businesses and companies to operate, making it easy for consumers to enjoy imported goods from all around the world. Mr Lee then led the Hong Kong business delegation to meet with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Kingdom of Thailand, Mr Han Zhiqiang, and held brief exchanges over issues of mutual interest. He shared with Mr Han about Hong Kong's latest development as well as business and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Thailand. He thanked the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Kingdom of Thailand for providing assistance all along to Hong Kong people who travel and work there. After that, the delegation led by Mr Lee visited Thai business corporations, namely Charoen Pokphand Group Company Limited and AMATA Corporation Public Company Limited, to understand the local business situation and industrial development. Mr Lee also introduced the latest policy measures to attract businesses and talents to Hong Kong to both corporations. Telling the good stories of Hong Kong, he encouraged different Thai corporations to come to Hong Kong for further development and increasing investments and business. Mr Lee concluded his four-day duty visit to Thailand and would return to Hong Kong from Bangkok this evening. Ends/Sunday, November 20, 2022 Issued at HKT 19:09 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session
19.11.2022

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at a media session in Bangkok, Thailand, this evening (November 19): Reporter: Do you have a chance to tell the Hong Kong story to some of the delegations from the West? If so, what did the exchanges involve? The second question, the Indonesian President, Joko Widodo asked for more balanced trade. Is Hong Kong actually ready to offer that? And are there any similar requests from other leaders from the nations that you have met? Chief Executive: Well, I have made use of the opportunity to meet leaders from different places and tell them the good Hong Kong story, the advantages and the opportunities that are being offered by Hong Kong to the world; and I also explained that Hong Kong is a place where the China advantage and the international advantage converge in a single city. I have also told them the advantage we have under "one country, two systems". These are the advantages they recognised, and there are different areas of co-operation we can promote, such as Hong Kong being made an IT Hub, and also an art and cultural exchange centre. I particularly introduced to them the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the M+ museum which showcase Hong Kong's infrastructure and determination to be connected to the world, and contribute in this regard. They are in support of my idea. Your second question? Reporter: The Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, was asking for a more balanced trade relation. Is Hong Kong ready to offer something like that to regional partners to play a bigger role in trade in the region? Chief Executive: In my discussion with the leaders of different countries, of course there are different areas that they would particularly like to promote further, and also there are areas I would like to promote further from the Hong Kong angle. We all agree that there are different co-operation areas which will benefit the people and the economy of both places. The request of individual countries to us, of course, will be taken seriously. But what is important is, Hong Kong is in full support of free trade, and anything that will point to that direction, of course, will be studied by Hong Kong, and we will aim towards that direction. With the economic downturn, I think co-operation is the only way out, and we will ensure that we will co-operate with different countries to promote that aim. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Saturday, November 19, 2022 Issued at HKT 23:30 NNNN
CE thanks LegCo for passing Motion of Thanks in respect of Policy Address
18.11.2022

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, expressed his gratitude to the Legislative Council (LegCo) for passing the Motion of Thanks in respect of the Chief Executive's 2022 Policy Address today (November 18). Mr Lee said, "This Policy Address was compiled with the commitment of my team and me to chart a brighter tomorrow for Hong Kong. Many policy measures proposed were formulated after heeding and giving careful consideration to views expressed by members of the public and different parties. This is a Policy Address for Hong Kong citizens. "I express my gratitude to LegCo Members for offering their views on various measures in the Policy Address during the debate on the Motion of Thanks for three consecutive days, especially for their suggestions on different arenas related to further improving governance, creating strong impetus for growth, attracting businesses and talents, fostering innovation and technology as well as cultural infrastructure, addressing people's concerns and working together for a harmonious, caring and inclusive society. "The Government will study and analyse these views, so that the government team can be more down to earth in implementing relevant measures and better meet the expectations of the public. "I believe that a good executive-legislative relationship is a key element under the principle of 'patriots administering Hong Kong'. I shall lead my team to continue to strengthen formal and informal exchanges with Members with a view to achieving better synergy for enhancing governance capability and efficacy, so that members of the public can share the fruits of our achievements in starting a new chapter for Hong Kong." Ends/Friday, November 18, 2022 Issued at HKT 15:08 NNNN
CE begins visit programme in Bangkok, Thailand
17.11.2022

​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, started his visit programme in Bangkok, Thailand, today (November 17) to attend related activities of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Upon arrival, Mr Lee met with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr Prayut Chan-o-cha. He expressed gratitude to Thailand for its leadership in resuming physical meetings in APEC at all levels this year. Noting that Hong Kong has been actively seeking to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and had formally lodged the accession request this January, Mr Lee appealed for Thailand's support. He pointed out that Hong Kong can make contributions to achieving mutual benefits among RCEP economies through Hong Kong's free and open trade as well as its status as an international financial centre. Mr Lee added that Hong Kong is now back on the global stage and he looked forward to many more high-level official exchanges between Hong Kong and Thailand to reinforce bilateral trade, investment and cultural ties. Later at the Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Mr Lee welcomed President Xi Jinping, who arrived to attend the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and visit Thailand. He also met the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Kingdom of Thailand, Mr Han Zhiqiang, and chatted with representatives of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce. In the evening, Mr Lee, accompanied by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, attended a Gala Dinner hosted by the organiser for participating leaders, and watched cultural performances. Mr Lee will attend the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and other related meetings tomorrow (November 18). Ends/Thursday, November 17, 2022 Issued at HKT 21:30 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo
15.11.2022

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at a media session before the Executive Council (ExCo) meeting today (November 15): Reporter: On the national anthem mistake in South Korea, because there's another game in Dubai next month, how can the Government make sure the same mistake won't happen again? And are there any new measures to prevent that? About the MTR accident which occurred at Yau Ma Tei Station, because two similar accidents have already happened within a year, how will the Government better monitor the corporation (MTR Corporation) to further ensure passenger safety? Thank you. Chief Executive: First of all, I have made my statement very clear yesterday (November 14) when I met the media in response to the incident about not playing our national anthem at the match, particularly when the song that was played was closely connected to the 2019 violence and disturbances and advocacy for Hong Kong's independence. We will deal with that case as I have mentioned. As regards how in the future we will respond to a situation where our national anthem is not properly played, of course, we will be examining with the relevant bodies as to how a better response can be made. In fact, it is the organiser's responsibility to ensure that all things are run properly, and this, of course, includes the playing of national anthem of any teams who have won the match. It is the responsibility of the organisers. We will do our best to assist the organisers to fulfil their obligation. But it's important when mistakes are made, when problems arise, we point those problems out and there is a good investigation to know what actually happened so that we will deal with the situation accordingly. I will ask CSTB (Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau) to look into this matter, together with the sporting community and the organisations, so as to find a way to ensure that improvement can be made in this area. (On the MTR incident) I'm very concerned about the operational safety of MTR because it takes care of the majority of our commuters every day. I think the Secretary for Transport and Logistics has made it very clear that safety is the number one priority and there will be a good monitoring system. What we want utmost is, first of all, the company itself to have a good self-monitoring system so that the operational safety is maintained at a very high standard. The Government, of course, has the responsibility to monitor the performance, look at the investigative reports and ensure that anything that needs to be properly addressed will be handled appropriately. There is a system which will deal with, not just the operating safety, but also punishment in case MTR fails to fulfil its obligation. We are also mounting a consultation exercise in connection with how the MTR fares should be considered, so we can also deal with the issues collectively in the consultation exercise. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, November 15, 2022 Issued at HKT 13:50 NNNN
CE to attend APEC meetings in Thailand
15.11.2022

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will depart for Thailand in the morning on November 17 to attend the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting and other related meetings in Bangkok. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, will depart for Bangkok tomorrow (November 16) to attend the APEC Ministerial Meeting held on the next day, and accompany Mr Lee in attending and participating in related activities. This year, APEC has adopted the theme "Open. Connect. Balance.", with discussions on topics under three priorities, namely opening trade and investment to all opportunities; restoring connectivity in all dimensions; and promoting balance, sustainability and inclusivity in all aspects. Apart from attending the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting to be held on November 18 and 19, Mr Lee will attend the Gala Dinner hosted by the organiser for participating leaders on November 17, the APEC Leaders' Informal Dialogue with Guests on November 18, and the APEC Leaders' Dialogue with the APEC Business Advisory Council. Mr Lee will also have bilateral meetings with leaders of the other economies to exchange views on issues of mutual interest. After attending the APEC meetings, Mr Lee will lead a Hong Kong business delegation in continuing his visit in Bangkok, with a view to strengthening Hong Kong's connections as well as economic and trade exchanges with Thailand. The business delegation comprises over 20 high-level representatives from different sectors, including leaders of major chambers of commerce, as well as representatives of such sectors as finance, commerce, industry, trade, innovation and technology, and transport and logistics. Mr Lee and the delegation will meet with Thai business leaders and visit major corporations in Bangkok to enhance bilateral trade and business co-operation, and better understand the economic and trade developments of Thailand. They will introduce Hong Kong's latest actual developments as well as its unique advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. Mr Lee and the delegation will tell the good stories of Hong Kong and promote Hong Kong's free market, the convenience in doing business and the opportunities brought to the world under the "one country, two systems" principle. Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong in the evening on November 20. During his absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will be Acting Chief Executive. Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong on November 21. During Mr Yau's absence, the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, will be Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development. Ends/Tuesday, November 15, 2022 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
Greater Bay Area Youth Employment Scheme Appreciation Ceremony cum Experience Sharing Session held
9.11.2022

The Greater Bay Area (GBA) Youth Employment Scheme Appreciation Ceremony cum Experience Sharing Session was held by the Labour Department today (November 9). More than 30 enterprises were awarded Active Participation Awards in recognition of their support for the scheme. Speaking at the appreciation ceremony, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said that General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Xi Jinping, in his report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC on October 16, clearly pointed out that the country will continue to develop the GBA and support Hong Kong in better integrating itself into the overall national development. Mr Lee noted that the GBA Youth Employment Scheme is an important measure of the Government to encourage young people to participate in the country's overall development. He said he was pleased to learn that participating enterprises and young people gave very positive feedback on the scheme. He also expressed gratitude to enterprises for their efforts in guiding and supporting young people. During the appreciation ceremony, graduates who joined the scheme spoke through pre-recorded interviews on their experience and the rich rewards of working in GBA Mainland cities. Representatives of the enterprises that employed them also shared their experience in nurturing Hong Kong young people to work in the GBA. The GBA Youth Employment Scheme was first launched in January 2021. Hong Kong young people who were awarded bachelor's degrees or above in 2019 to 2021 could join the scheme. The participating enterprises should offer the graduates a monthly salary of not less than HK$18,000 and station them in GBA Mainland cities to work and receive on-the-job training. The Government grants a monthly allowance of HK$10,000 to the enterprises for each graduate engaged up to 18 months. The scheme has received favourable feedback with more than 400 enterprises offered around 3 500 job vacancies and over 1 000 graduates recruited. In his Policy Address delivered last month, the Chief Executive announced that the GBA Youth Employment Scheme would be regularised. The Government will provide resources under the scheme to encourage enterprises to offer quality jobs and support Hong Kong young people to work in the GBA, so as to get a better understanding of the country and seize the development opportunities. The Labour Department will later announce the details of the regularised scheme. For enquiries, please call the hotline 2969 0460. Ends/Wednesday, November 9, 2022 Issued at HKT 16:50 NNNN
CE officiates at third day of 2022 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony
7.11.2022

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, presented the Chief Executive's Commendation for Government/Public Service to 333 recipients on the third day of the 2022 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony at Government House today (November 7). The 2022 Honours List was announced on July 27 ( www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202207/27/P2022072600794.htm?fontSize=2 ). Ends/Monday, November 7, 2022 Issued at HKT 17:30 NNNN
CE officiates at second day of 2022 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony
6.11.2022

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, presented honours and awards to 294 recipients on the second day of the 2022 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony at Government House today (November 6). Among the recipients, 101 received the Medal of Honour and 193 received the Chief Executive's Commendation for Community Service. The 2022 Honours List was announced on July 27 ( www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202207/27/P2022072600794.htm?fontSize=2 ). Ends/Sunday, November 6, 2022 Issued at HKT 17:00 NNNN
CE officiates at first day of 2022 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony
5.11.2022

The 2022 Honours and Awards Presentation Ceremony is being held at the ballroom of Government House starting from today (November 5) for three consecutive days. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, presented honours and awards to 148 recipients on the first day of the Ceremony. Among the recipients, five received the Grand Bauhinia Medal, 25 received the Gold Bauhinia Star, 19 received the Silver Bauhinia Star, one received the Medal for Bravery (Silver), 11 received the Distinguished Service Medal for the disciplined services and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), and 41 received the Bronze Bauhinia Star. In addition, 46 recipients received the Meritorious Service Medal for the disciplined services and the ICAC. The 2022 Honours List was announced on July 27 ( www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202207/27/P2022072600794.htm ). Ends/Saturday, November 5, 2022 Issued at HKT 17:30 NNNN