kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Hong Kong hosts 8th International Water Association Asia Pacific Regional Group Conference and Exhibition
31.10.2019

The 8th International Water Association Asia Pacific Regional Group Conference and Exhibition Opening Ceremony was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre this morning (October 31) under the theme of "Smart Solutions for Water Resilience". The conference has attracted over 1 000 experts and delegates from more than 30 countries and regions. During the conference, participants will discuss water policy and management, smart water supply, sustainable development and climate change. Visits to Hong Kong's water and sewage treatment works and environmental facilities will also be arranged. Delivering a welcome address at the opening ceremony, the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, said water is vital to every living thing on earth and critical to sustained economic growth. Hong Kong's high population density stretches the limits of the city's conveyance systems for its water supply, flood prevention and sewage disposal. It has long relied on innovation to tackle these challenges. Over the years, Hong Kong has developed world-class water and wastewater infrastructure while upgrading sewage treatment and flood-protection levels. She pointed out that Hong Kong reviewed its Total Water Management Strategy earlier this year, placing an emphasis on containing the growth in fresh water demand while planning for extremes due to climate change to ensure stable water supply to meet Hong Kong's needs. In tandem with this, the Happy Valley Underground Stormwater Storage Scheme has significantly reduced flood risk whilst the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme has greatly improved water quality in Victoria Harbour. Mrs Lam also visited the exhibition area showcasing the latest products and technologies of water supply, flood prevention and sewage treatment around the world. The conference, organised by International Water Association (IWA), the IWA Asia Pacific Regional Group and the IWA Regional Committee of Hong Kong, China, and co-organised by the Water Supplies Department, the Drainage Services Department and the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management Hong Kong Branch, and with the support of the Civil Engineering and Development Department and the Environmental Protection Department, will conclude on November 2. The IWA, with members from more than 130 countries and regions, strives for a world in which water is wisely, sustainably and equitably managed. The Director of Water Supplies and the Director of Drainage Services serve as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the IWA Regional Committee of Hong Kong, China, which was formed in 2003. Ends/Thursday, October 31, 2019 Issued at HKT 16:20 NNNN
Chief Executive respects Chief Justice of Court of Final Appeal&apos;s decision to retire
31.10.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, said today (October 31) that she fully respects the decision of the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Geoffrey Ma Tao-li, to retire on January 11, 2021, upon reaching the statutory retirement age of 65. Chief Justice Ma became the second Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on September 1, 2010. By January 11, 2021, when he leaves office, he will have served in this key constitutional position for more than 10 years. Mrs Lam highlighted the importance of the rule of law and an independent judiciary to Hong Kong's success under the principle of "One Country, Two Systems". These core values have been protected under the Basic Law since the establishment of the HKSAR. Throughout the years, the HKSAR Government has rendered all necessary support to the Judiciary in discharging its functions relating to the administration of justice in Hong Kong. Mrs Lam pledged that the same support would be given to Chief Justice Ma's successor and members of the Judiciary. Mrs Lam paid tribute to Chief Justice Ma for his sterling contribution to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the independence of the judiciary as prescribed under the Basic Law and efforts made in ensuring effective judicial administration. The relocation of the Court of Final Appeal to its present historic building was a significant milestone in the Judiciary's development. "I should like to thank Chief Justice Ma profusely for his exemplary leadership in maintaining the highest professional standards, in spearheading reforms and in enhancing the efficiency and transparency of the Judiciary during his tenure. These are conducive to maintaining the continued international acclaim of Hong Kong's judicial system," Mrs Lam said. She also wished Chief Justice Ma a fulfilling and happy retirement. According to the Basic Law and relevant legal requirements, the appointment of the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal is made by the Chief Executive on the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission, and the Chief Executive shall obtain the endorsement of the Legislative Council and report the appointment to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for the record. "I have requested the Judiciary to activate the procedures for appointment of a new Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal in accordance with the Basic Law and the other relevant statutory requirements," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Thursday, October 31, 2019 Issued at HKT 15:03 NNNN
CE to visit Shanghai and Nanjing
29.10.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will leave for Shanghai on October 31 to attend Festival Hong Kong 2019 - A Cultural Extravaganza@Shanghai and related programmes, as well as the 2nd China International Import Expo (CIIE) to be held next week. She will also visit Nanjing on November 2 and 3. The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, and the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, will join part of the visit. Mrs Lam will depart for Shanghai in the afternoon on October 31 to officiate at the opening ceremony of Festival Hong Kong 2019 - A Cultural Extravaganza@Shanghai the next day. The Festival is the first mega cultural event to be held in a Mainland city by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government since the 2010 Shanghai Expo, and will showcase Hong Kong's art and culture to the Mainland audiences. Mrs Lam will meet with leaders of the Shanghai Municipal Government and attend a Hong Kong and Shanghai cultural and creative co-operation conference at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences on November 1. Mrs Lam will visit Nanjing on November 2 to address the second Jiangsu-Hong Kong Summit on Interconnected Development and witness the signing of the 7th Jiangsu-Hong Kong Cooperation Joint Meeting minutes between the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Jiangsu Province. Mrs Lam will continue to take part in programmes related to Festival Hong Kong 2019 - A Cultural Extravaganza@Shanghai on November 4. The next day, she will attend the opening ceremony of the 2nd CIIE and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum, and speak in a parallel session of the Forum on the theme "Artificial Intelligence and Innovative Development" as well as tour the Hong Kong Exhibition Area and the Enterprise and Business Exhibition. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong in the evening on November 5. During her absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be the Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Tuesday, October 29, 2019 Issued at HKT 14:35 NNNN
Appointments to Estate Agents Authority
25.10.2019

The Government announced today (October 25) that the Chief Executive has appointed/re-appointed the following individuals to the Estate Agents Authority (EAA) for a period of two years with effect from November 1, 2019: Persons of Category A (the estate agency sector) Mr Ng Kai-man Ms Angela Wong Ching-yi (new appointment) Person of Category C (others) Ms Imma Ling Kit-sum The membership list of the EAA with effect from November 1, 2019, is as follows: Chairman Professor William Leung Wing-cheung Vice-Chairman Ms Elaine Liu Yuk-ling Persons of Category A (the estate agency sector) Mr Ng Kai-man Mr Calvin Tse Shun-lai Ms Angela Wong Ching-yi Dr Lawrance Wong Dun-king Mr Addy Wong Wai-hung Persons of Category B (related fields) Professor Eddie Hui Chi-man Mr Daryl Ng Win-kong Ms Gilly Wong Fung-han Mr Ricky Wong Kwong-yiu Persons of Category C (others) Mrs Peggy Cheung Po-yee Ms Meena Datwani Mr Douglas Lam Tak-yip Ms Imma Ling Kit-sum Ms Lo Jane Curzon Mr Simon Siu Chak-yu Ms Phoebe Tse Siu-ling Ms Avon Yue Nga-fong Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Housing) or his representative The EAA is a statutory body established on November 1, 1997, under the Estate Agents Ordinance (Cap. 511) with a view to enhancing the standard of service of estate agents and the protection of buyers and sellers of property. Ends/Friday, October 25, 2019 Issued at HKT 10:45 NNNN
2019-20 judicial service pay adjustment
23.10.2019

On the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Judicial Salaries and Conditions of Service (Judicial Committee) chaired by Professor Wong Yuk-shan, the Acting Chief Executive in Council has decided that the pay for Judges and Judicial Officers (JJOs) for 2019-20 should be increased by 5.63 per cent. The pay adjustment will take retrospective effect from April 1, 2019. A government spokesman said today (October 23), "In coming up with its recommendation on judicial pay for 2019-20, the Judicial Committee has adopted a balanced approach, taking into account a basket of factors approved by the Chief Executive in Council in May 2008, the principle of judicial independence and the position of the Judiciary. The basket of factors includes: (a) responsibility, working conditions and workload of judges vis-à-vis those of lawyers in private practice; (b) recruitment and retention in the Judiciary; (c) retirement age and retirement benefits of JJOs; (d) benefits and allowances enjoyed by JJOs; (e) unique features of the judicial service such as the security of tenure, the prestigious status and high esteem of the judicial offices; (f) prohibition against return to private practice in Hong Kong; (g) overseas remuneration arrangements; (h) cost of living adjustments; (i) general economic situation in Hong Kong; (j) budgetary situation of the Government; (k) private sector pay levels and trends; and (l) public sector pay as a reference." A copy of the Report on Judicial Remuneration Review 2019 submitted by the Judicial Committee to the Chief Executive on July 23, 2019, is available at the website of the Joint Secretariat for the Advisory Bodies on Civil Service and Judicial Salaries and Conditions of Service ( www.jsscs.gov.hk/en/publications/reports_jscs.htm ). The Government will seek the approval of the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council on the proposed pay adjustment. Ends/Wednesday, October 23, 2019 Issued at HKT 14:00 NNNN
CE visits Kowloon Mosque
21.10.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Lo Wai-chung, and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Management), Mr Kwok Yam-shu, today (October 21) paid a visit to the Kowloon Masjid and Islamic Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui to meet with representatives of the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong and other leaders of the local Muslim community. Mrs Lam and Mr Lo explained again to the Muslim representatives regarding the use of a Specialised Crowd Management Vehicle and coloured water outside the mosque by Police yesterday afternoon (October 20). Mrs Lam extended an apology for the inadvertent spraying of the mosque's main entrance and gate with coloured water during an operation. Mrs Lam said that the Muslim community has all along called Hong Kong their home, making contributions to the city's society, which is pluralistic, inclusive, open and lives peacefully with other groups. Mrs Lam expressed gratitude to the Muslim leaders who, in the face of the disputes and violent incidents in Hong Kong in recent months, appealed on various occasions to members of the public and the Muslim community to stay calm and united to collectively safeguard Hong Kong. Emphasising that the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will continue to build a society with equality and inclusiveness, while providing various services for ethnic minorities including the Muslim community, Mrs Lam expressed the hope of working together with them to restore calm in Hong Kong as soon as possible. Ends/Monday, October 21, 2019 Issued at HKT 15:37 NNNN
CE to attend Emperor Naruhito&apos;s enthronement ceremony in Japan
20.10.2019

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will leave for Tokyo, Japan tomorrow (October 21) to attend the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito to be held the next day. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong in the evening on October 22. During her absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be the Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Sunday, October 20, 2019 Issued at HKT 17:00 NNNN
CE to deliver Policy Address via video
16.10.2019

Owing to the current circumstances, the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, was not able to deliver the entire Policy Address at the Legislative Council today (October 16). To allow members of the public to know in full the various initiatives in it, she will deliver the Policy Address to members of the public through video at about 12.15pm today. Members of the public can view the broadcast on TV and the Policy Address website ( www.policyaddress.gov.hk ). Ends/Wednesday, October 16, 2019 Issued at HKT 11:45 NNNN
Chief Executive to deliver Policy Address to LegCo
14.10.2019

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat: The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday (October 16) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Chief Executive will deliver the Policy Address. Meanwhile, the LegCo President has given permission for the Secretary for Security to resume the Second Reading debate on the Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019 (the Bill) at the meeting for the purpose of making an announcement of the withdrawal of the Bill under Rule 64(2) of the Rules of Procedure. The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the LegCo Website ( www.legco.gov.hk ). Please note that the agenda is subject to change, and the latest information about the agenda could be found on the LegCo Website. Members of the public are welcome to observe the proceedings of the meeting from the public galleries of the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. They may reserve seats by calling 3919 3399 during office hours. Members of the public can also watch or listen to the meeting via the "Webcast" system on the LegCo Website. Ends/Monday, October 14, 2019 Issued at HKT 19:26 NNNN
Response by CE&apos;s Office to media enquiries
13.10.2019

In response to media enquiries today (October 13) on comments on Hong Kong by US Senator Ted Cruz, a spokesman for the Chief Executive's Office said the following: While we respect the freedom of speech of foreign politicians, we consider that comments should be based on facts. Everyone can see from media reports that violent protesters conducted violent and vandalistic acts on many occasions in Hong Kong in recent months. Masked rioters vandalised public facilities and shops, committed arson, hurled petrol bombs as well as wantonly attacked police and people with different views in various districts, seriously undermining public order. It is indeed baffling for Mr Cruz to say that he had not seen protesters' violent acts. In the face of continuous escalation of violence, it is necessary for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and Police to tackle the situation resolutely in accordance with the law. Before expressing their views, foreign politicians should put thought into the actions they would have taken if the same situation happened in their own country, instead of criticising Hong Kong irresponsibly or even expressing support or endorsement in any form for violent acts. The Chief Executive originally planned to meet Mr Cruz yesterday at his request but the meeting was cancelled due to the Chief Executive's other duty commitment. The meeting, as with the Chief Executive's previous meetings with various foreign guests, was planned to be closed door whereby both sides would not openly disclose the content of the meeting. Mr Cruz did not raise any objection to the arrangement. Ends/Sunday, October 13, 2019 Issued at HKT 19:58 NNNN
Order on Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement with Estonia gazetted
9.10.2019

The Chief Executive in Council has made an order under the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) to implement the Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement with Estonia (Estonia CDTA). The order will be gazetted on October 11. "Under the Estonia CDTA, investors will not have to pay tax twice on a single source of income. It will bring tax savings and a greater certainty on taxation liabilities for the residents of both sides when they engage in cross-border trade and investment activities," a Government spokesman said. The order will be tabled at the Legislative Council on October 16 for negative vetting. The Estonia CDTA will enter into force after both Hong Kong and Estonia have completed the ratification procedures. Hong Kong signed the Estonia CDTA in September 2019. Highlights of the CDTA are set out in the Annex. Ends/Wednesday, October 9, 2019 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
Prohibition on Face Covering Regulation gazetted
4.10.2019

The Government will put in place the Prohibition on Face Covering Regulation to ban the use of facial covering in public meetings and processions regulated under the Public Order Ordinance (Cap. 245) and unlawful and unauthorised assemblies as well as riots. Offenders will be liable to a maximum fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for one year. The legislative measure was announced at a press conference hosted by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, this afternoon (October 4). The Regulation is published in the Gazette today (October 4) for commencement tomorrow (October 5). It is a defence for a person charged with an offence of violating the prohibition to establish that he had reasonable excuse for using a facial covering. These reasonable excuses include, but are not limited to, pre-existing medical or health reasons, religious reasons and a person being engaged in a profession or employment and using the face covering for his physical safety while performing an activity connected with his profession or employment. Apart from this, where a police officer finds in any public place any person who is using a facial covering that the police officer reasonably believes is likely to prevent identification, the police officer may stop and require the person in the public place to remove the facial covering for verifying the identity of the person. The maximum penalty for failure to comply is a fine of $10,000 and imprisonment for six months. The prohibition is effected as a regulation under the Emergency Regulations Ordinance (Cap. 241) on public danger grounds. Since June 9, more than 400 public order events arising from the proposed amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance (Cap. 503) have been staged with a significant number of events ending up in outbreaks of violence, a Government spokesperson said, adding that the acts of radical and masked protesters had seriously breached public peace and posed widespread and imminent danger to the community. "On September 29 and October 1, the use of violence by masked protesters was extremely radical with the wide use of petrol bombs against life and property; vicious attacks on police officers, vehicles and police stations; and heavy vandalism of MTR stations and government offices, etc. The whole city is in danger and there is a pressing need to restore the normal functions of the community," the spokesperson said. "The prohibition on facial covering is urgently needed for police investigation and collection of evidence, and for deterring violent and illegal behaviour. The prohibition is no more than what is necessary and proportionate to protect public order and safety in light of the escalating illegal and violent acts of the masked protesters at recent public order events." Ends/Friday, October 4, 2019 Issued at HKT 17:00 NNNN
Judicial appointments
4.10.2019

The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary: The Judiciary today (October 4) announced the appointment of Mr Chan Kam-chuen and Ms Phoebe Man Ho-yee as District Judges. The appointments are made by the Chief Executive on the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission. They will take effect from October 8, 2019. The biographical notes of the appointees are as follows: Mr Chan Kam-chuen Mr Chan was born in Hong Kong in 1963. He obtained LL.B. and P.C.LL. from the University of Hong Kong in 1985 and 1986 respectively. He was called to the Bar in Hong Kong in 1986. He was in private practice for the period from 1987 to 1990. He applied for voluntary removal from the Bar in 2002. He worked as Minister and other roles in an international Christian Church between 1991 and 2002. He has resumed private practice as Barrister since 2005. He was appointed as Deputy District Judge and Temporary Deputy Registrar, High Court, for periods in 2017 and 2018. Ms Phoebe Man Ho-yee Ms Man was born in Hong Kong in 1977. She obtained Bachelor of Laws Degree from King's College London in 1999 and P.C.LL. from the University of Hong Kong in 2000. She became a Mediator accredited by the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution in 2007 and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in 2008. She was admitted as a Solicitor in Hong Kong and in England and Wales in 2002 and 2003 respectively. She applied for voluntary removal from the Hong Kong Solicitor's roll in 2003. She was called to the Bar in Hong Kong in 2004. She has been in private practice as a solicitor between 2002 and 2003 and as a barrister since 2004. She was appointed as Deputy District Judge and Temporary Deputy Registrar, High Court for periods in 2016, 2018 and 2019. Ends/Friday, October 4, 2019 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
Orders on Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement with Cambodia and Protocol to Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Arrangement with the Mainland gazetted
2.10.2019

Two orders made by the Chief Executive in Council under the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) to implement the Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement with Cambodia (Cambodia CDTA) and the Fifth Protocol to the Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Arrangement with the Mainland (Mainland CDTA) respectively will be gazetted on October 4. "Under the Cambodia CDTA, investors will not have to pay tax twice on a single source of income. It will bring tax savings and a greater certainty on taxation liabilities for the residents of the treaty partners when they engage in cross-border trade and investment activities," a Government spokesman said. Regarding the Fifth Protocol to the Mainland CDTA, it incorporates into the Mainland CDTA a new teachers and researchers article to provide tax relief to qualified Hong Kong and Mainland teachers and researchers working on the other side, as well as measures to prevent tax treaty abuse to ensure that the Mainland CDTA follows the latest international tax standard. Highlights of the Cambodia CDTA and the Fifth Protocol to the Mainland CDTA are set out in the Annex. The two orders will be tabled at the first sitting of the Legislative Council after the publication in the Gazette for negative vetting. The Cambodia CDTA and the Fifth Protocol to the Mainland CDTA will enter into force after both Hong Kong and the respective partners have completed their ratification procedures. Hong Kong signed the Cambodia CDTA and the Fifth Protocol to the Mainland CDTA in June and July 2019 respectively. Ends/Wednesday, October 2, 2019 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN