kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Speech by CE at Grand Opening of Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel
19.2.2019

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the Grand Opening of Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel today (February 19): May I now say a few words in English. I am pleased to be here tonight at the Grand Opening of the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel. The opening of Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel is one of the important milestones to transform the Ocean Park into a world-class resort destination. It enriches the offerings of the Park, making it more attractive for visitors to stay in Southern District, as well as for family tourists, MICE events and overseas school excursion programmes. I am confident that the opening of this new Marriott Hotel will help propel the development of the Ocean Park further. I wish the hotel and the Ocean Park all the best in the years to come and everyone a very enjoyable evening. Thank you very much. Ends/Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Issued at HKT 21:06 NNNN
Speech by CE at 2019 International Chinese New Year Night Parade
5.2.2019

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the 2019 Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui tonight (February 5): Ladies and gentlemen, Kung Hei Fat Choi! Happy Chinese New Year! Welcome to the 24th International Chinese New Year Night Parade. As the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I'm delighted to join you at this Night Parade to celebrate the most jubilant of our Chinese festivals. A fantastic, multicultural pageant, the parade annually thrills not only locals but also visitors from around the world. Alongside a fanfare of spectacular floats, this year's parade showcases more than 20 performing groups – from Hong Kong and from all over the world – here to dazzle and delight long into the night. As fabulous as the parade promises to be, there's more to come in the days and nights ahead, as Hong Kong's Chinese New Year celebration continues through the New Year, with a fireworks extravaganza, a well-wishing festival, brilliant lantern displays and much more. I welcome every one of you to celebrate with us. Ladies and gentlemen, I know you will enjoy this marvelous, memorable evening. And I wish you all a happy, healthy and rewarding Year of the Pig. Thank you very much. Ends/Tuesday, February 5, 2019 Issued at HKT 21:22 NNNN
Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok commences operation
28.2.2019

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok (Bangkok ETO) commenced operation today (February 28). The opening of the third Economic and Trade Office established by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region is set to further strengthen Hong Kong's economic and trade relations with the region for more new business opportunities. The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam; the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Dr Somkid Jatusripitak; the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Kingdom of Thailand, Mr Lyu Jian; and the Convenor of the Non-official Members of the Executive Council, Mr Bernard Chan, officiated at the opening ceremony of the Bangkok ETO in Bangkok, Thailand today. Addressing the opening ceremony, Mrs Lam, said that the establishment of the Bangkok Office is a clear and compelling statement of the importance of ASEAN to Hong Kong, noting that ASEAN is Hong Kong's second largest trading partner since 2010. Looking ahead, Mrs Lam expected the Bangkok ETO to play the role of facilitator to connect businesses and organisations between Hong Kong and Thailand, and serve as a catalyst to take the cooperation of both sides to new heights and fresh directions. Thailand is Hong Kong's ninth largest merchandise trading partner and one of the closest partners among the ASEAN members, with potentials in various target areas for Hong Kong, including information and communications technology industry, consumer products and logistics industry. Thai enterprises in these industries will proactively expand their international business under the Belt and Road Initiative. They thus see enormous potentials in making investment or increasing investment in Hong Kong. The geographical coverage of the Bangkok ETO includes Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and Bangladesh, which is another country with great development potentials. The ETOs in Singapore and Jakarta will continue to cover other countries in the ASEAN region. The location and contact details of the Bangkok ETO are as follows: Address: Sathorn Square, 21st Floor, Office Number 2107-2110, 98 North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok, 10500 Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 2105 6309 Fax: +66 (0) 2105 6301 Email: general@hketobangkok.gov.hk Apart from the three ETOs in the ASEAN region, Hong Kong has currently set up 10 overseas ETOs which are responsible for maintaining close contact with local government officials, trade unions and media organisations etc. They arrange or co-organise promotional events with other overseas Hong Kong organisations to promote Hong Kong's advantages and latest developments. Ends/Thursday, February 28, 2019 Issued at HKT 20:26 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session in Bangkok
28.2.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session in Bangkok, Thailand this afternoon (February 28): Good afternoon, friends of the media. Today is a very auspicious day for the Hong Kong-Thailand relationship, because I'm coming over to formally open our Bangkok Economic and Trade Office. This is our third office in the ASEAN region, and the first being opened during my term of government. There is a very interesting background to this and a lot of friendship involved between myself, the Prime Minister of Thailand and the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand leading to this very successful establishment of the Bangkok Economic and Trade Office. I'm sure the presence of this office will usher in a new era of closer collaboration between Hong Kong and Thailand, not only in terms of trade and investment and commerce, but also in other areas like culture, education, technology, creative industries and people-to-people exchange. I just wish to thank also the media for covering my visit and the opening of this office. Thank you very much. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Thursday, February 28, 2019 Issued at HKT 19:56 NNNN
Judicial appointments
28.2.2019

The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary: The Judiciary today (February 28) announced the re-appointment of two incumbent Recorders of the Court of First Instance of the High Court. The re-appointment of Mr Jason Pow Wing-nin, SC, and Mr Anthony Kenneth Houghton, SC, will be for three years commencing on March 1, 2019 upon expiry of their current terms. The re-appointments are made by the Chief Executive on the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission. The biographical notes of the Recorders are as follows: Mr Jason Pow Wing-nin, SC Mr Pow, SC, was born in 1962 in Hong Kong. He obtained LL.B. and P.C.LL. from the University of Hong Kong in 1985 and 1986 respectively. He was called to the Hong Kong Bar in 1986 and was appointed as Senior Counsel in 2005. He has been in private practice since 1987. He was appointed as Deputy Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court for periods in 2011 and 2012. He has been appointed as a Recorder of the Court of First Instance of the High Court since 2013. Mr Anthony Kenneth Houghton, SC Mr Houghton, SC, was born in 1954 in the United Kingdom. He obtained LL.B. from the University of London in 1987. He was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 1988 and to the Hong Kong Bar in 1989, and was appointed as Senior Counsel in 2008. He has been in private practice since 1989. He was appointed as Deputy Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court for periods in 2011 and 2012. He has been appointed as a Recorder of the Court of First Instance of the High Court since 2013. Ends/Thursday, February 28, 2019 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
CE meets Secretary of CPC Hainan Provincial Committee
26.2.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met the Secretary of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee, Mr Liu Cigui, at Government House this afternoon (February 26). The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, and the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, were also present. Mrs Lam welcomed Mr Liu's visit to Hong Kong with his delegation and she said she was pleased to meet with Mr Liu again following her visit to Hainan to attend the Boao Forum for Asia in April last year. She said that a number of areas for co-operation were explored at the last meeting and the potential for co-operation in tourism was particularly remarkable. She wished Mr Liu a fruitful visit to Hong Kong, further enhancing co-operation between the two places in other areas. Mrs Lam said that the Central Government earlier promulgated the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, which brings huge development opportunities to Hong Kong, and that taking forward the development of the Greater Bay Area will be a major part of the work of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. She said that the development of the Greater Bay Area and the China (Hainan) Pilot Free Trade Zone which was approved by the State Council last year will bring new co-operation opportunities for Hainan and Hong Kong. She welcomed Hainan to actively introduce to Hong Kong business and professional services sectors the latest developments of the Hainan free trade zone and encouraged Hainan enterprises to leverage Hong Kong's advantages in finance, trade, logistics, management and professional services to explore global markets. Ends/Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Issued at HKT 20:38 NNNN
CE meets Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia
26.2.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Mr Sergey Lavrov, at Government House this morning (February 26). The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, also attended the meeting. Welcoming Mr Lavrov's first visit to Hong Kong, Mrs Lam briefed him on Hong Kong's latest developments, including the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area promulgated by the country recently. She said that this key development strategy of the country will bring immense opportunities to Hong Kong, adding that the city will play a key role in the initiative, especially in the development of an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub in the Greater Bay Area with the advantages of Hong Kong. Mrs Lam pointed out that Hong Kong and Russia have made good progress in co-operation in various areas in recent years. She said that the total merchandise trade between Hong Kong and Russia amounted to around HK$35.8 billion last year, up more than 20 per cent compared with that of 2017, and that it was also encouraging to see a remarkable increase in the number of Russian visitors to Hong Kong, demonstrating the increasingly close ties between the two places. Mrs Lam said the Comprehensive Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation between the two sides came into force in 2016 and has bolstered their economic and trade connections, and added that she looks forward to an early agreement on promotion and protection of investment between both sides to boost the investment flow. She said that Hong Kong plans to establish a Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Moscow and that she was pleased to learn that the Russian Government has responded positively towards the proposal. She said she believes that the HKETO will take co-operation between the two places in economic affairs and trade, I&T and youth exchanges to a new level. Ends/Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Issued at HKT 15:57 NNNN
CE receives interim report of Commission of Inquiry into the Construction Works at and near Hung Hom Station Extension under Shatin to Central Link Project
25.2.2019

The Chairman and Commissioner of the Commission of Inquiry (the Commission) into the Construction Works at and near the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link (SCL) Project, Mr Michael Hartmann, accompanied by the Commissioner of the Commission, Professor Peter Hansford, presented an interim report to the Chief Executive today (February 25). The interim report covers the original terms of reference of the Commission appointed on July 10, 2018 concerning the diaphragm wall and platform slab construction works at the Hung Hom Station Extension under the SCL Project implemented by the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL), as well as related systemic issues. The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, expressed appreciation to Mr Hartmann and Professor Hansford for their dedicated efforts in conducting the inquiry and preparing the interim report on the Commission's original inquiry scope in less than eight months. "The Government attaches importance to safeguarding public safety and promoting assurance on works quality in taking forward our infrastructure projects. We will give careful consideration to the Commission's interim report. We also look forward to the early completion of the extended part of the Commission's inquiry," Mrs Lam said. The Government will carefully study the interim report, and consult the Department of Justice on the manner of the publication of the interim report and other relevant matters. The Government will publish the report in an appropriate manner once a decision is made. The Commission was appointed on July 10, 2018 to inquire into the steel reinforcement fixing works and any other works which raise public safety concerns in respect of the diaphragm wall and platform slab construction works at the Hung Hom Station Extension under MTRCL's Contract No. 1112 under the SCL Project. Originally required to report its findings and recommendations to the Chief Executive within six months from the date of appointment, i.e. by January 9, 2019, the Commission was granted an extension of time at its request until February 26, 2019 to submit its report in view of the extensive scope of its inquiry, the complexity of the matters under examination and the large number of witnesses involved. On February 19, 2019, in the light of the irregularities that have recently come to light concerning the construction works at the North Approach Tunnels, the South Approach Tunnels and the Hung Hom Stabling Sidings under the same works contract, the Chief Executive in Council approved the expansion of the terms of reference of the Commission to cover these works and related matters as well as a further extension of time for the Commission to submit its report to the Chief Executive by August 30, 2019 or such time as the Chief Executive in Council may allow. The Commission may submit interim reports on any aspects of the inquiry as it may see fit under the terms of its appointment. Ends/Monday, February 25, 2019 Issued at HKT 17:02 NNNN
CoI into Construction Works at and near Hung Hom Station Extension under Shatin to Central Link Project submits interim report to Chief Executive
25.2.2019

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 Diaphragm Wall and Platform Slab Construction Works at the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link Project was appointed by the Chief Executive in Council on July 10, 2018. The Commission of Inquiry conducted 46 days of substantive hearing between October 22, 2018, and January 29, 2019, and heard evidence from 72 witnesses. In addition, the Commission of Inquiry admitted 14 witness statements and an expert report into evidence without the witnesses being called to give evidence at the substantive hearing. In view of the extensive scope of the inquiry, the complexity of the matters under examination and the large number of witnesses involved, the Commission of Inquiry needed an extension of time to consider the evidence and complete its report, and obtained the approval of the Chief Executive in Council on December 4, 2018, to submit its report by February 26, 2019. On February 19, 2019, the Chief Executive in Council decided to expand the terms of reference of the Commission of Inquiry to also ascertain the relevant facts and recommend appropriate improvement measures relating to the irregularities that have recently surfaced in the construction of the North Approach Tunnels, the South Approach Tunnels and the Hung Hom Stabling Sidings under the MTR Corporation Limited's Contract No. 1112. The Commission of Inquiry has been retitled Commission of Inquiry into the Construction Works at and near the Hung Hom Station Extension under the Shatin to Central Link Project to reflect the expanded terms of reference. Pursuant to the Chief Executive in Council's earlier approval for an extension of time given on December 4, 2018, the Commission of Inquiry has submitted its interim report to the Chief Executive today (February 25) on its findings and recommendations on matters covered by the original terms of reference. Ends/Monday, February 25, 2019 Issued at HKT 17:00 NNNN
CE to visit Thailand and Beijing
24.2.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will depart for Bangkok, Thailand on February 27 to officiate at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok to be held the next day. She will then leave for Beijing to attend the second plenary meeting of the leading group for the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area on March 1 and the opening ceremony of the second session of the 13th National People's Congress on March 5. During her stay in Bangkok, Mrs Lam will also meet with senior officials of the Thailand government, address a business seminar co-hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand, and officiate at the opening ceremony of collaboration activities of Zuni Icosahedron, a Hong Kong arts group, and the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, will join the visit. Mrs Lam will depart Bangkok in the evening on February 28 for Beijing. While in Beijing, she will also attend a ceremony marking the donation by Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation to the Palace Museum, call on the central ministries and take part in visits and exchange activities in various organisations. The Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will accompany Mrs Lam during the trip and the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, will join part of the programme. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong in the morning on March 7. During her absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be the Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Sunday, February 24, 2019 Issued at HKT 20:00 NNNN
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia to visit Hong Kong
22.2.2019

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Mr Sergey Lavrov, will arrive in Hong Kong on February 25 for a two-day official visit. The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will meet with Mr Lavrov on February 26 at Government House. Ends/Friday, February 22, 2019 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
Minimum Wage Commission appointments announced
19.2.2019

The Government announced today (February 19) the appointments to the Minimum Wage Commission (MWC) for a two-year term with effect from March 1, 2019. The Chief Executive has re-appointed Ms Priscilla Wong Pui-sze as chairperson of the MWC and appointed its 12 members from the labour sector, the business sector, academia and the Government. The chairperson and the nine non-official members are appointed on an ad personam basis. Among the non-official members, Mr Lau Chin-shek, Professor Lau Sau-him, Professor Terry Lum Yat-sang and Mrs Katherine Ngan Ng Yu-ying are serving members, while Mr Chan Wing-on, Ms Juan Leung Chung-yan, Dr Billy Mak Sui-choi, Ms Ng Wai-yee and Ms Malina Ngai Man-lin are newly appointed. The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, welcomed the appointments. He said, "The MWC assumes the important mission of reviewing and recommending the Statutory Minimum Wage (SMW) rate. The chairperson and members of the MWC for the new term possess a good wealth of knowledge and abundant experience in various fields. I am confident that the MWC will continue to discharge its statutory function effectively." Dr Law also thanked the five outgoing members, Mr Bankee Kwan Pak-hoo, Professor Leung Siu-fai, Ms Li Fung-ying, Mr Simon Wong Kit-lung and Mr Kingsley Wong Kwok, for their excellent support and sterling contributions to the MWC. Established under the Minimum Wage Ordinance, the main function of the MWC is to report to the Chief Executive in Council its recommendations about the SMW rate. In performing its function, the MWC must have regard to the need to maintain an appropriate balance between the objectives of forestalling excessively low wages and minimising the loss of low-paid jobs, and the need to sustain Hong Kong's economic growth and competitiveness. The membership of the MWC for the next term is as follows: Chairperson ------------- Ms Priscilla Wong Pui-sze Non-official Members ----------------------- Mr Lau Chin-shek Professor Lau Sau-him Professor Terry Lum Yat-sang Mrs Katherine Ngan Ng Yu-ying Mr Chan Wing-on (newly appointed) Ms Juan Leung Chung-yan (newly appointed) Dr Billy Mak Sui-choi (newly appointed) Ms Ng Wai-yee (newly appointed) Ms Malina Ngai Man-lin (newly appointed) Members who are public officers ------------------------------------ Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce, Industry and Tourism) Government Economist Ends/Tuesday, February 19, 2019 Issued at HKT 15:30 NNNN
CE holds engagement session with HK members of CPPCC
14.2.2019

Following the meeting with about 30 Hong Kong deputies to the National People's Congress on February 12, the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, accompanied by Secretaries of Departments and a Director of Bureau, met with more than 80 Hong Kong members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) today (February 14) to listen to their views on Hong Kong's integration with the overall development of the nation and its active participation in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Mrs Lam said that with the concern and support of the leaders of the Central Government, Hong Kong has made good progress in various areas in the past year and that she was very encouraged by it. Those areas include Hong Kong's active participation in and contribution to the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative; strengthening of co-operation with the Mainland in innovation and technology; seeking of measures to assist Hong Kong residents in studying, working and living in the Mainland; and enhancement and implementation of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement. In particular, she said that the long-anticipated Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area will be promulgated within days, making 2019 the opening year of the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. She encouraged the members of the CPPCC to actively express their views and propose feasible initiatives. In addition, given that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Mrs Lam said the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will organise a series of celebration activities and that she welcomes organisations and other bodies to which the CPPCC members belonged to hold celebrations to share the joy with members of the public. Ends/Thursday, February 14, 2019 Issued at HKT 20:06 NNNN