kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
Government and LegCo delegation led by CE concludes duty visit in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
24.4.2023

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat: The delegation of the Government and the Legislative Council (LegCo), led by the Chief Executive, concluded the four-day duty visit in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) today (April 24) and returned to Hong Kong in the evening. In the morning, two groups of Members departed from Dongguan and Foshan to Guangzhou to visit the Lijiao Sewage Treatment Plant to learn about its design concept which involves combining sewage treatment facilities with natural scenery. Members learnt that the third stage of the plant's treatment facilities are, on average, located 17 metres below ground, and with their completely sealed operation, the impact of odor, etc. can be minimised. Led by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, the delegation then attended a luncheon with leaders of the Guangzhou Municipal Government, followed by a meeting with leaders of the Guangdong Provincial Government to better understand the co-operation opportunities between Hong Kong and the mainland cities of GBA. The delegation arrived in Hong Kong in the evening. Concluding the trip, the President of LegCo, Mr Andrew Leung, said, "The programme of the four-day duty visit to the Greater Bay Area was substantial. It has significantly helped Members to understand and grasp the development opportunities in the Greater Bay Area for Hong Kong. Members diligently and deeply studied various issues during the visit. Members will summarise what we have learnt, so as to come up with targeted measures that can apply to Hong Kong." Mr Leung added that through visiting various key facilities and enterprises relating to the areas of innovation and technology; environmental protection; youth development; as well as culture, arts and sports, etc., Members have gained deeper understanding on the importance of Hong Kong integrating into the national development. It will enable them to offer valuable advice and suggestions that will facilitate the quality development of Hong Kong and the GBA. Mr Leung expressed his gratitude to the Chief Executive for leading the duty visit, the assistance provided by the relevant Government bureaux and departments, and arrangements made by the local Governments in the Guangdong Province, which led to the successful conclusion of the duty visit. He said Members agreed that the duty visit increased the mutual understanding between Hong Kong and Guangdong, and they also treasured the first opportunity for exchange following the epidemic and the return of normalcy. The delegation, led by the Chief Executive, visited four cities of GBA, namely Shenzhen, Dongguan, Foshan and Guangzhou, between April 21 and April 24. Ends/Monday, April 24, 2023 Issued at HKT 21:35 NNNN
CE leads HKSAR Government and LegCo delegation to continue visit to GBA
22.4.2023

The delegation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Legislative Council (LegCo) led by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, continued its visit to Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) today (April 22). In the morning, Mr Lee led the delegation to visit BYD Company Limited's headquarters in Shenzhen to learn about the company's latest developments in the fields of automobiles, rail transit, new energy and electronics, and to experience its intelligent rail transit system SkyShuttle. In the afternoon, Mr Lee and the group of LegCo members led by the President of the LegCo, Mr Andrew Leung, visited Dajiang Innovations Technology Company Limited to learn about the company's business development in the areas of small unmanned aircraft, handheld imaging system, and robotics education. Mr Lee and the group then visited the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Youth Innovation and Entrepreneur Hub, where they had a tea gathering with Hong Kong youth there to learn about their development and work situations. Jointly established by the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen Municipality, the Shenzhen Youth Federation and the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups in 2014, the Hub had incubated more than 300 start-ups from Hong Kong as at the end of last year. Mr Lee said that the HKSAR Government will provide more entrepreneurial support for Hong Kong youth to deepen their understanding of the youth innovation and entrepreneurship bases and policies in the Mainland, and facilitate their pursuit of career developments and aspirations in Qianhai. In the evening, Mr Lee and the group attended a dinner hosted by the Secretary of the CPC Dongguan Municipal Committee, Mr Xiao Yafei, and the Mayor of the Dongguan Municipal Government, Mr Lyu Chengxi. Mr Lee said that he looked forward to continuing closer and more innovative high-level co-operation in more fields with Mainland cities of the GBA, with a view to bringing the development of the GBA to new heights. Led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, another group of LegCo members visited the headquarters of Tencent in Shenzhen in the afternoon to learn about the latest developments of fintech and online business of the Mainland. They also visited Nantou Ancient Town, a cultural relics protection unit in Shenzhen, to better understand the city's work in conserving historical buildings and tourism development. Mr Lee will lead the delegation to continue its visit to Dongguan and Foshan tomorrow (April 23). Ends/Saturday, April 22, 2023 Issued at HKT 22:10 NNNN
CE leads HKSAR Government and LegCo delegation to begin four-day visit to GBA in Shenzhen
21.4.2023

The delegation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Legislative Council (LegCo) led by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, arrived in Shenzhen today (April 21) to begin its four-day visit to Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Mr Lee is the leader of the delegation, while the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, and the President of the LegCo, Mr Andrew Leung, are the deputy leaders of the delegation. The delegation attended a dinner hosted by the Secretary of the CPC Shenzhen Municipal Committee, Mr Meng Fanli, and the Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal Government, Mr Qin Weizhong. Noting that this time he is leading a large-scale delegation to visit Mainland GBA cities, Mr Lee said that this trip would further lead all sectors of Hong Kong society to learn about and participate in the development of the GBA and integrate into the overall development of the country more proactively. He believed that this trip will help enhance effective co-operation between Hong Kong and Mainland GBA cities. The delegation will be divided into two groups in Shenzhen to allow the participating members to visit more places. The two groups will be led by Mr Lee, Mr Chan and Mr Leung. The itinerary of the delegation in Shenzhen covers various areas including innovation and technology, transport, energy industry, youth entrepreneurship, innovation and technology companies and cultural and tourism facilities. Ends/Friday, April 21, 2023 Issued at HKT 20:00 NNNN
CE reviews Fire Services passing-out parade
19.4.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, reviewed the Fire Services passing-out parade for 13 station officers, 77 firemen and 53 ambulancemen/ambulancewomen at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy today (April 19). Speaking at the parade, Mr Lee commended the Fire Services Department (FSD) personnel for their excellent training and equipment, and the active development of their specialised teams, which have been demonstrating exceptional rescue techniques and efficiency in disasters and incidents. Mr Lee said that the FSD's Urban Search and Rescue Team was deployed as members of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region rescue team to quake-stricken areas in Türkiye in February this year, where they participated in the search and rescue operation with the China rescue team. While it was the first time the team had participated in an overseas rescue mission, the team members rescued four people who were trapped, showcasing to the international community their top-level emergency response capabilities. He added that the FSD and its Mainland counterparts have been maintaining close ties. The FSD has immediately arranged visits to the Mainland after the full resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland. Some graduates at this ceremony were the first batch of trainees to attend the National Studies Course at the Guangdong Fire and Rescue Brigade. This course will also be part of the foundation training for Fire and Ambulance trainees. Later this year, the FSD will also deploy various specialised teams to cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area for technical exchanges, as well as continue to organise more courses and exchange sessions for its Mainland counterparts. Mr Lee encouraged the graduates to equip themselves well and learn more about their motherland, uphold the professionalism of the FSD, pursue excellence, work together with all sectors of the community to contribute the development and prosperity of Hong Kong and the country. The parade was followed by a demonstration of firefighting and rescue techniques by the graduates. The 143 graduates will be posted to various fire stations and ambulance depots. Ends/Wednesday, April 19, 2023 Issued at HKT 18:45 NNNN
13th CPPCC Vice Chairman and Director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council Mr Xia Baolong concludes six-day visit to Hong Kong
18.4.2023

The Vice Chairman of the 13th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, continued his visit in Hong Kong for the last day today (April 18). Accompanied by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, he visited various education units to learn about education in Hong Kong. This morning, Mr Xia visited the University of Hong Kong (HKU). He was briefed by the Chairman of the HKU Council, Ms Priscilla Wong, and the President and Vice-Chancellor of HKU, Professor Zhang Xiang, on HKU's development blueprint. He also gained understanding in the aspects of medicine, scientific research and innovation of the University. In the afternoon, Mr Xia visited the Chinese Foundation Secondary School and Ma Tau Chung Government Primary School (Hung Hom Bay) to see for himself secondary and primary education in Hong Kong. He learned about the progress of the implementation of national education and national security education, and the promotion of national awareness in schools, as well as the work of schools in nurturing students through different subjects. Having concluded his six-day visit in Hong Kong, Mr Xia departed from Hong Kong for Beijing this afternoon. Ends/Tuesday, April 18, 2023 Issued at HKT 23:21 NNNN
13th CPPCC Vice Chairman and Director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council Mr Xia Baolong on fifth day of visit to Hong Kong
17.4.2023

The Vice Chairman of the 13th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, continued his visit in Hong Kong for a fifth day today (April 17). This morning, Mr Xia, accompanied by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, met with representatives of local and foreign business chambers and listened to their views. After that, Mr Xia, accompanied by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, and the Acting Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan, toured the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) and interacted with young financial management trainees of the HKEX. Accompanied by Mr Paul Chan; the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong; and Mr Joseph Chan, Mr Xia then visited the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). He listened to a briefing by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government on the latest situation and development direction of Hong Kong as an international financial centre. He was also briefed by the HKMA, the Securities and Futures Commission and the Insurance Authority on their work. In the afternoon, Mr Xia headed for the Hong Kong Science Park with Mr Lee and the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong. Upon arrival, Mr Xia first visited the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute, followed by the Multi-Scale Medical Robotics Center at the research and development centre of InnoHK. He also attended an exchange session with representatives of the local innovation and technology industry and young scientists. After that, Mr Xia proceeded to visit the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). Accompanied by Mr Lee and the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, he was briefed by the Council Chairman of the HKUST, Professor Harry Shum, and the President of the HKUST, Professor Nancy Ip, on the development strategy of the University. He then toured the campus and had an exchange session with representatives of teaching staff and students. In the evening, accompanied by Mr Lee, Mr Xia took a boat trip in Victoria Harbour and was briefed by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, and the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, respectively on the harbourfront development and the latest development of cultural and tourism infrastructure in Hong Kong. ​Mr Xia will continue the last day of his visit tomorrow, concluding his six-day visit in Hong Kong. Ends/Monday, April 17, 2023 Issued at HKT 22:56 NNNN
13th CPPCC Vice Chairman and Director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council Mr Xia Baolong on fourth day of visit to Hong Kong
16.4.2023

The Vice Chairman of the 13th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, continued his visit in Hong Kong for a fourth day today (April 16). This morning, accompanied by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, Mr Xia visited the Legislative Council (LegCo). He met with the President of the LegCo, Mr Andrew Leung, and all LegCo Members. In the afternoon, Mr Xia, accompanied by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, had an exchange session with representatives of the Hong Kong Bar Association. Accompanied by Mr Lee and the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, Mr Xia met with senior officials of the six disciplined services of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government afterwards. Mr Xia will continue his visit tomorrow. Ends/Sunday, April 16, 2023 Issued at HKT 20:15 NNNN
13th CPPCC Vice Chairman and Director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council Mr Xia Baolong on third day of visit to Hong Kong
15.4.2023

The Vice Chairman of the 13th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, continued his visit in Hong Kong for a third day today (April 15). This morning, Mr Xia, attended and officiated at the opening ceremony of the National Security Education Day organised by the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the Committee) and supported by the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR and the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR. At the ceremony, he delivered a keynote speech. The Chairman of the Committee and the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Mr John Lee, also accompanied him. In the afternoon, Mr Xia, accompanied by Mr Lee, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, and the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, visited the City Gallery. He was briefed on the strategic objectives and progress of the two major development projects in Hong Kong, namely the Northern Metropolis and Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands. After that, Mr Xia, accompanied by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, Ms Bernadette Linn, and the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, headed to the New Territories North for a site visit to the Northern Metropolis. He went atop the observation tower in the Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point to view Shenzhen and the New Territories North New Town Development site. Accompanied by Mr Chan and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, Mr Xia then proceeded to Wu Kau Tang Village in Sha Tau Kok to see the historic relics of Hong Kong's resistance against Japanese aggression and to pay tribute to anti-Japanese aggression martyrs who defended the motherland. In the evening, Mr Xia went to the New Territories Heung Yee Kuk with Mr Chan and Miss Mak to meet and have in-depth exchanges with representatives of Heung Yee Kuk. Mr Xia will continue his visit tomorrow. Ends/Saturday, April 15, 2023 Issued at HKT 20:37 NNNN
13th CPPCC Vice Chairman and Director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council Mr Xia Baolong on second day of visit to Hong Kong
14.4.2023

The Vice Chairman of the 13th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, continued his visit to Hong Kong for a second day today (April 14). This morning, accompanied by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, Mr Xia went to a restaurant in Kowloon Bay for yumcha with relevant district personalities to learn about district situation and have in-depth exchanges about district issues. Accompanied by Mr Lee and the Acting Secretary for Health, Dr Libby Lee, Mr Xia proceeded to tour the Sham Shui Po District Health Centre to learn about the development of and future plans on primary healthcare services in Hong Kong. Afterwards, he visited the Shamshuipo District Elderly Community Centre of the Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council with Mr Lee and the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, to learn more about services for the elderly. He also chatted with the elderly people at the Centre. In the afternoon, Mr Xia, accompanied by Mr Lee, visited the Court of Final Appeal. He met with the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Andrew Cheung Kui-nung, and the leadership of various levels of court. Subsequently, Mr Xia, accompanied by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, had an exchange session with the Law Society of Hong Kong. After that, Mr Xia, accompanied by Mr Lee, met with Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) deputies to the National People's Congress, HKSAR members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and other prominent personalities from various sectors of the community, and listened to their views. Mr Xia will continue his visit tomorrow. Ends/Friday, April 14, 2023 Issued at HKT 23:55 NNNN
13th CPPCC Vice Chairman and Director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council Mr Xia Baolong arrives Hong Kong for inspection visit
13.4.2023

The Vice Chairman of the 13th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, arrived in Hong Kong today (April 13) for his six-day inspection visit. After arrival, Mr Xia met with the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee. In the afternoon, Mr Xia met with the Non-official Members of the Executive Council and listened to their views. Subsequently, Mr Xia met with senior officials of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region led by Mr Lee. Mr Xia was briefed on the work of the Government, and in-depth exchanges were made. Attending the session included the Secretaries of Departments, Deputy Secretaries of Departments, as well as all the Secretaries and Permanent Secretaries of Bureaux. Mr Xia will continue his inspection visit tomorrow. Ends/Thursday, April 13, 2023 Issued at HKT 21:28 NNNN
Steering Committee on Northern Metropolis holds second meeting
11.4.2023

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, chaired the second meeting of the Steering Committee on the Northern Metropolis today (April 11). During the meeting, members of the Steering Committee discussed and provided comments on the planning of San Tin Technopole, a major development project in the Northern Metropolis with strong synergy with the key innovation and technology (I&T) development cluster in Shenzhen that can drive Hong Kong's development as an international hub for I&T. It would also become a new community for quality, healthy and green living. The meeting also noted the progress of bureaux and departments in putting forward initiatives and proposals for formulating the action agenda and implementation plan for the Northern Metropolis to be released later this year. The meeting noted the work so far of the Advisory Committee on the Northern Metropolis chaired by the Financial Secretary and the Task Force for Collaboration on the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy led by the Deputy Financial Secretary on the Hong Kong side with Shenzhen, both having held their first meetings. The meeting also provided steer on ways to better promote and engage the public on the Northern Metropolis. The Steering Committee on the Northern Metropolis, chaired by the Chief Executive involving key political officials, was established in December 2022 to provide high-level policy steer and supervision for the development of the area. Ends/Tuesday, April 11, 2023 Issued at HKT 22:38 NNNN
13th CPPCC Vice Chairman and Director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of State Council Mr Xia Baolong to visit Hong Kong
11.4.2023

The Vice Chairman of the 13th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Xia Baolong, will visit Hong Kong from April 13 to 18, and will attend the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong National Security Education Day activities organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government. On behalf of the HKSAR, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, extended his warmest welcome and gratitude for Mr Xia's visit. The HKSAR Government will make all necessary arrangements and provide full support to ensure the smooth delivery of the visit. Ends/Tuesday, April 11, 2023 Issued at HKT 9:00 NNNN