kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo meeting
10.10.2023

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting today (October 10): Reporter: Also on the Typhoon Signal No. 9, apart from the lack of MTR services, there were taxis that were overcharging, apparently not legally, and there were also reports that the Government had actually planned to arrange tourist coaches to send these airport passengers out of the airport but they refused that request. Of course there were no contingency plans, but do you feel that maybe the transport sector were not very responsive to that emergency situation? Also on the Hong Kong University Council, they have initiated this task force to look into the accusations against the Vice-Chancellor. Are you confident in that outcome that they can handle this matter themselves without hurting their reputation given that with the Council there was obviously quite a bit of tension within it? Thank you. Chief Executive: In regard to the transportation problem that has arisen in the recent incident when Typhoon Signal No. 8 was raised to No. 9, I have already indicated that we will have to look at the situation and think of a better way of handling it. Obviously, based on past experiences, MTRC (MTR Corporation) has contingency plan in regard to what should happen and what should not happen during Typhoon Signal No. 9. I have asked the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) to examine this together with MTRC and the Airport Authority, as well as the transportation sector. What I hope to achieve is a contingency plan which will deal with extreme situation involving need for emergency transportation. I shall ask TLB to look at this very quickly, so that we will have a contingency plan to deal with that. As regards the investigation that will be conducted by the Hong Kong University in relation to allegations against the Vice-Chancellor, I think it is important for people to know that it will be in everybody's interests that they'll do a thorough investigation that will be based on facts, and the whole matter should be handled in a fair and impartial manner. And I trust that if anything that is done based on facts, then self-speculation or otherwise accusations which are based on individual feelings will not help the whole matter. I have confidence that the Hong Kong University can deal with this matter as an internal university management matter. And I note that there will be an independent investigation to be conducted by a team (with independent non-Council members) as appointed by the Council, and this team must do the investigation based on facts, and facts are facts. Facts mean that there will be evidence to support what has been found out what has happened. I trust that the investigation will come up with all these facts so that there will be a good conclusion of what really has happened. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, October 10, 2023 Issued at HKT 13:02 NNNN
CE meets Prime Minister of Thailand
9.10.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met the Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr Srettha Thavisin, at Government House today (October 9). Mr Lee welcomed Mr Srettha Thavisin's visit to Hong Kong and congratulated him on his election as the 30th Prime Minister of Thailand. The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip, also attended the meeting. Mr Lee said Hong Kong and Thailand have close economic and trade relations, noting that Thailand is the fourth largest trading partner of Hong Kong among member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, while Hong Kong is the fourth largest investor of Thailand. He expressed his hope that Hong Kong and Thailand can maintain a close relationship and strengthen economic and trade co-operation between the two places. Mr Lee also expressed his gratitude to Thailand for supporting Hong Kong's early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. He said that Hong Kong can serve as an important hub connecting the Mainland with other economies and make contributions to promoting regional economic development to achieve mutual benefits. Noting that Hong Kong is fully committed in promoting people-to-people bonds with regions along the Belt and Road, particularly Southeast Asian countries, Mr Lee said that tens of thousands of Thai residents living in Hong Kong have brought vibrancy to the city's diverse culture and made significant contributions to its socio-economic development. He added that it is encouraging that the tourism industry in the Southeast Asian market has rapidly recovered, with the number of Thai visitors to Hong Kong between June and August this year exceeding 90 per cent of the level before the pandemic. He said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government looks forward to continuing to collaborate with the Thai Government to promote cultural exchanges between the two places. Ends/Monday, October 9, 2023 Issued at HKT 15:00 NNNN
CE congratulates Hong Kong athletes for achievements in Asian Games Hangzhou
8.10.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (October 8) extended his congratulations to Hong Kong athletes on their outstanding achievements in the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou, commending their perseverance and distinguished performance. Mr Lee said, "This is the largest Hong Kong delegation ever to participate in the Asian Games. The athletes lived up to expectations and won a total of 53 medals, comprising eight gold medals, 16 silver medals and 29 bronze medals. The results were very encouraging, with the total number of medals and sports events surpassed any previous Asian Games. "The Hong Kong athletes won gold medals in rowing, fencing, swimming, rugby, golf, cycling and bridge. The Hong Kong men's football team also made a historic appearance in the semi-finals of the Asian Games, arousing the passion of fans across Hong Kong. Their spirit of hard work has won everyone's applause and support. "The Hong Kong athletes had endured arduous training over the years and fought hard in the competitions, displaying professional sportsmanship. I believe that all Hong Kong people, like myself, are extremely proud of the grace shown by all our athletes in the Games. "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), will hold a welcome home ceremony on October 14. I look forward to extending my congratulations to the athletes in person. "The HKSAR Government will continue to fully support Hong Kong athletes and the development of sports in Hong Kong. Over the years, the Government has continued to provide resources to the Hong Kong Sports Institute, the SF&OC as well as various national sports associations to promote the development of elite athletes. Taking the budget expenditure for 2023-24 as an example, we have provided approximately $1.18 billion in funding to carry out work relating to supporting elite sports. "The Government will continue to make every effort to promote sports development in Hong Kong. In addition to the policy objectives of supporting elite sports, maintaining Hong Kong as a centre for major international sports events and promoting sports in the community, we will explore ways to further promote sports development in Hong Kong through enhanced professionalism in the sports sector and development of sports as an industry. We will continue to listen to the views of the sports sector and the public on sports development and introduce suitable measures to boost the sports culture in the community and raise the performance level of sports." Ends/Sunday, October 8, 2023 Issued at HKT 15:00 NNNN
Prime Minister of Kingdom of Thailand to visit Hong Kong
6.10.2023

The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, Mr Srettha Thavisin, will arrive in Hong Kong on October 8 for a three-day official visit. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, will meet with the Prime Minister on October 9 at Government House. Ends/Friday, October 6, 2023 Issued at HKT 18:20 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo meeting
3.10.2023

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting today (October 3): Reporter: First, the Hong Kong University Council reportedly is calling a meeting on alleged mismanagement accusations laid against Zhang Xiang. Are you concerned about the developments? Second, the Hong Kong golfer Taichi Kho bagged a gold medal in Hangzhou and he actually had previously called for preserving the old course of Fanling Hong Kong Golf Club. Will you have a second thought on the housing plan at the Fanling golf course in light of this development and achievement, and will the Government ease the property market cooling measures? Thank you. Chief Executive: The management of affairs of HKU (University of Hong Kong) is an internal matter for the HKU Council and the Vice-Chancellor to do what they are required under the system, and they have clear responsibilities under the present guidelines. It is a matter for the Council and the Vice-Chancellor to address and to deal with. What is important is things should be handled in accordance with laid-down procedures, and any matter should be dealt with in a fair and impartial manner. It is the system of universities in Hong Kong that they manage internal affairs of this nature, so it should be best dealt with by the Council and the Vice-Chancellor in accordance with the procedure. In regard to the good result by Mr Kho, I first of all congratulate him. The Government's position is very clear. Whatever will happen to the final decision of the Town Planning Board, we have made a promise that the part of the land that has been taken back by the Hong Kong Government will be lent to organisers of events. We will also give assistance to organisers so as to ensure that events can take place in the golf course. Whether it is the old course or the new course, we have made that commitment. Competition events can happen and there will be no problem with it, because we have promised we will give assistance including giving sufficient preparation time. Your last question on property market, I have heard a lot of opinions and suggestions. The Government of course will study all these and make a decision. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, October 3, 2023 Issued at HKT 12:33 NNNN
Celebrations to mark 74th National Day
29.9.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and senior government officials will attend a flag-raising ceremony and a National Day reception on October 1 (Sunday) to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The flag-raising ceremony will be held at Golden Bauhinia Square outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in Wan Chai at 8am. Community leaders and members of uniformed groups will attend the ceremony. No public viewing area will be set up. The Police Band will perform at the ceremony and a choir from Clementi Secondary School will sing the national anthem under the lead of two singers, Alex Tam and Li Yang, followed by a fly-past and a sea parade by the disciplined services. The National Day reception, led by the Chief Executive, will be held at the Grand Hall on Level 3 of the HKCEC after the flag-raising ceremony. Motorists are reminded that the Police will implement special traffic arrangements at Golden Bauhinia Square and the nearby area during the celebration events. Ends/Friday, September 29, 2023 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo
26.9.2023

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting today (September 26): Reporter: I’m wondering, has Hong Kong received an invitation to attend APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation)? And will you be attending APEC in November? And if not, who will the city send as a representative? And then secondly, what are the lessons you've learned from the JPEX and whether crypto is simply too dangerous to use for retail? Chief Executive: According to APEC guidelines and protocol, the organiser should send an invitation to the leader of the respective economies. I am still waiting for the invitation letter to be sent to me. We will attend in accordance with standard protocol. In regard to the incident of JPEX, I have explained very clearly the Government position, which is first of all, investors must invest on platforms which are licensed so as to ensure that they are properly protected. The second is we have to ensure that information we disseminate should be transparent and as clear as possible. The third is we should promote investors’ education, so that they will understand how the products work, and also how they can assess the risk that they have to face. I have seen that SFC (Securities and Futures Commission) has already published information regarding platforms that are licensed, that are deemed to be licensed, or platforms that have been closed down, or platforms which have made applications. This clear information will assist investors to make a decision as to what they should do when they consider making investments. But I must repeat, their interest will be best protected if they invest on platforms which have been licensed. That means these platforms will be properly regulated. There will be proper risk control and proper standards that they must fulfil. If investors choose to invest on platforms that are not licensed, they have to face their own risk. I advise them not to do so. That is why the Government is so concerned about enforcing an effective licensing regime, and I urge everyone to try to understand the products and the risks as much as possible if they choose to invest in virtual assets. The Government, the responsible authorities, and I think also people engage in this business, should all try to promote education in this regard. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Issued at HKT 12:36 NNNN
CE visits equestrian venue of 19th Asian Games Hangzhou
25.9.2023

​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, led a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government delegation to visit Tonglu Equestrian Centre, the equestrian venue of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou (Asian Games), today (September 25). Upon arrival at the equestrian centre, Mr Lee and the delegation toured the facilities to learn more about the construction of the centre and preparation work for the competitions. They also watched the training of athletes and had exchanges with Hong Kong volunteers participating in the equestrian events of the Asian Games. Mr Lee said he was pleased that Hong Kong would contribute to the Asian Games. Jointly invited by the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee and the Hangzhou Municipal Government, and co-ordinated by the Zhejiang Liaison Unit of the HKSAR Government, the Hong Kong Jockey Club provided technical support for the equestrian events of the Asian Games, leveraging Hong Kong's strengths to serve the needs of the country. Mr Lee said, "Members of the public and I are so proud of the outstanding performance by Hong Kong athletes in the first few days of the Asian Games. The HKSAR Government will continue to promote the sports development of Hong Kong in five areas, namely promoting sports in the community, supporting elite sports, developing Hong Kong into a centre for major international sports events, promoting sports professionalism and developing sports as an industry. The HKSAR Government will also spare no effort in contributing to the country's preparation of large-scale sports events." Mr Lee concluded his visit and departed for Hong Kong this afternoon. Ends/Monday, September 25, 2023 Issued at HKT 15:12 NNNN
CE watches Asian Games in Hangzhou to cheer for Hong Kong athletes
24.9.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (September 24) watched various competitions at the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou (Asian Games) to cheer for Hong Kong athletes. The delegation led by Mr Lee went to various event venues to watch the competitions with Hong Kong athletes' participation, including swimming, Wushu and fencing. Mr Lee extended his warmest congratulations to athletes who won medals in today's competition. Mr Lee said that the Asian Games held in Hangzhou is of great importance to Hong Kong athletes as they are competing in our country. He was pleased to have the opportunity to watch the races in person with the participation of Hong Kong athletes, who were striving for excellence and demonstrating extraordinary capability. He expressed his hope that Hong Kong athletes will continue to go beyond themselves and unleash their potentials in achieving outstanding results in various events. In the morning, Mr Lee also visited the Zhejiang Liaison Unit of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to learn more about its work in promoting closer economic and trade relations between Zhejiang and Hong Kong and fostering cultural exchanges between the two places. He also encouraged colleagues to strive to serve Hong Kong people and enterprises in Zhejiang, and attract businesses and talents to Hong Kong. In the afternoon, Mr Lee attended a lunch with the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC). He said that the SF&OC has provided necessary arrangements and assistance to the Hong Kong, China Delegation for participating in the Asian Games. He appreciated the work of the SF&OC. Mr Lee will continue his visit tomorrow (September 25). Ends/Sunday, September 24, 2023 Issued at HKT 21:47 NNNN
CE attends opening ceremony of 19th Asian Games Hangzhou
23.9.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, led a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government delegation to continue the visit in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, today (September 23). At noon, Mr Lee attended a welcoming banquet hosted by President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan for foreign guests attending the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou (Asian Games). The delegation led by Mr Lee then arrived at the Zhejiang Exhibition Hall to tour a thematic exhibition on the 20th anniversary of the implementation of the "Double Eight Strategy", a development strategy for the future development of Zhejiang proposed by President Xi during his tenure as the Secretary of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee in 2003. The strategy identified Zhejiang's eight strengths and eight areas of development in light of these advantages, guiding the province on the path of reform, innovation and opening up. In the evening, Mr Lee attended the opening ceremony of the Asian Games at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium. Noting that Hong Kong athletes spare no effort in preparing for the Asian Games, Mr Lee expressed his sincere hope that every athlete can showcase their best performance during the competition while enjoying every game. He also encouraged Hong Kong people to stay about the latest developments of the competitions and cheer for the national team and the Hong Kong team. Mr Lee will continue his visit in Hangzhou tomorrow (September 24) to watch some Asian Games events and cheer for Hong Kong athletes. Ends/Saturday, September 23, 2023 Issued at HKT 21:30 NNNN
CE leads delegation to begin visit programme in Hangzhou
22.9.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, led a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) delegation to Hangzhou in Zhejiang today (September 22) and began a four-day visit programme. During the visit, they will attend the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou (Asian Games) and other activities. Upon arrival in Hangzhou this morning, Mr Lee and the delegation met and exchanged views with Hong Kong people and representatives of Hong Kong enterprises in Zhejiang to learn more about their work and daily life. Noting that Hong Kong and Zhejiang enjoy a close relationship in business and people-to-people cultural exchanges, Mr Lee said that Hong Kong people and enterprises in Zhejiang serve as an essential bridge between the two places. The Zhejiang Liaison Unit of the HKSAR Government will continue to actively promote exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and Zhejiang in various aspects and support the development of Hong Kong people and enterprises there. In the afternoon, Mr Lee visited the athletes' village of the Asian Games and toured the facilities. He also met with Hong Kong athletes to see how their preparations were going and cheer for them. Noting that Hong Kong has sent 680 athletes, the biggest team ever, to compete in this Asian Games, Mr Lee encouraged the athletes to give their all and win honour for Hong Kong. Later, Mr Lee attended the launch ceremony of an exchange programme for youth of Hangzhou and Hong Kong. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Lee encouraged Hong Kong youth who are currently on exchange in Hangzhou to make the best of this rare opportunity and observe and experience the building of China into a country strong in sports, and the advancement of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics from diverse perspectives. He also encouraged them to act as ambassadors for Hong Kong youth, share Hong Kong's good stories and promote Chinese culture to athletes, spectators and volunteers from around the world. Mr Lee will continue his visit and attend the opening ceremony of the Asian Games tomorrow (September 23). Ends/Friday, September 22, 2023 Issued at HKT 18:42 NNNN
CE meets Minister of Culture and Tourism
21.9.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr Hu Heping, at Government House today (September 21) to exchange views on further strengthening co-operation and development between the Mainland and Hong Kong in the areas of arts and culture, and tourism. Also joining the meeting were the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Ms Carol Yip. Mr Lee welcomed Mr Hu’s visit to Hong Kong with his delegation, and expressed gratitude to Mr Hu for his guidance and support in the development of arts and culture in Hong Kong. Mr Lee said he hopes that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will continue to co-operate with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in order to support and promote arts groups in the Mainland and Hong Kong to have more performances and interactions. Mr Lee also noted that Hong Kong’s tourism industry has been recovering steadily. He expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for its support and provision of facilitation measures in enhancing the exchanges of tourists. He said he hopes that the HKSAR Government can promote further co-operation with the Ministry to enhance the development of the tourism industry. Ends/Thursday, September 21, 2023 Issued at HKT 21:50 NNNN