kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
CE to visit Saudi Arabia
1.12.2017

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will depart for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in the early hours on December 3. During her stay in Riyadh, Mrs Lam will meet with HM King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of Saudi Arabia, and HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to explore business opportunities between the two places, with particular reference to what Hong Kong can offer in terms of financial services. The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr James Lau; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), Mr Chow Chung-kong; and the Chief Executive of HKEX, Mr Charles Li, will join the visit. They will return to Hong Kong in the afternoon on December 4. During Mrs Lam's absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Friday, December 1, 2017 Issued at HKT 10:51 NNNN
Speech by CE at 2017 CASH Annual Dinner cum Golden Sail Music Awards Presentation
7.11.2017

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the 2017 CASH (Composers and Authors Society of Hong Kong) Annual Dinner cum Golden Sail Music Awards Presentation this evening (November 7): Congratulations to CASH on its 40th anniversary. CASH has emerged from an organisation with just 22 founding members 40 years ago to over 4 000 local and overseas members today. This not only reflects the growth of our local music sector, but is also a testimony to our effective intellectual property (IP) regime. Indeed, every musical work is the brain-child of its song writer and lyricist, and intellectual creation will flourish only if it is protected by a comprehensive and effective IP regime. As I have said in this year's Policy Address, the Government will continue to strengthen the IP regime, promote the development of Hong Kong as a regional IP trading hub and encourage commercialisation of IP so as to promote the development of our creative industries. We will also continue our efforts in nurturing local talents. We hope to see more and more music composers, artists and performers budding and flourishing in Hong Kong in the future. Before I close, I wish to extend my heartiest congratulations to Dr Yip Wai-hong for being awarded this year's CASH Hall of Fame Award. With nearly 45 years of dedication in music education, Dr Yip well deserves the commendation. Thank you very much, and wish you all a wonderful evening. Ends/Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Issued at HKT 21:22 NNNN
CE meets Governor of Hainan Province
30.11.2017

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met the Governor of Hainan Province, Mr Shen Xiaoming, at the Chief Executive's Office this afternoon (November 30). Mrs Lam welcomed Mr Shen’s first visit to Hong Kong after his assumption of office to officiate at the opening ceremony of the 15th World Congress of the International Federation of Hainan Associations Hong Kong cum Hainan (Hong Kong) Promotion Seminar for Economics, Trade and Tourism to be held tomorrow (December 1). Noting that the relations between Hong Kong and Hainan Province have always been close with frequent flows of people, goods and capital between both places, she said the centennial celebration of the Hong Kong Hainan Commercial Association she attended last month shows the long history of business operation by Hainan entrepreneurs in Hong Kong. In addition, quite a number of Hong Kong enterprises operate businesses in Hainan and Hong Kong is the largest source of external investment in the province. Mrs Lam remarked that Hainan Province is a long-term partner of Hong Kong and both places should position themselves globally and complement each other. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government welcomes Hainan enterprises to continue to “go global” by leveraging on Hong Kong's strengths including finance, commerce and trade, logistics, management and professional services and expand operation to tap together the international market through the platform in Hong Kong. She expressed the hope that the two places will strengthen exchanges and expand the scope of co-operation to complement the Belt and Road Initiative. Noting that while Hainan Province is pressing ahead with its development as an international tourism island and Hong Kong is highly competitive with a well-developed services sector for tourism and the hotel industry, she said that Hong Kong and Hainan Province can strengthen co-operation in this area, including opening up markets along the Belt and Road together to attract more high-yield visitors to visit both places on multi-destination itineraries. Ends/Thursday, November 30, 2017 Issued at HKT 20:53 NNNN
CE meets President of Chinese Academy of Sciences
30.11.2017

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met the President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Professor Bai Chunli, at Government House this afternoon (November 30). Mrs Lam welcomed Professor Bai's visit to Hong Kong and said she is pleased to officiate with him at the opening ceremony of the Forum on Technology and Innovation for One Belt One Road and Greater Bay Area Development co-organised by the CAS and the Hong Kong Science Park today. Expressing her gratitude to the CAS for its support over the years for the development of innovation and technology (I&T) in Hong Kong, she said she is delighted that 25 Hong Kong scientists have been elected as members of the CAS so far. With close ties and co-operation, the CAS and universities and relevant organisations in Hong Kong have been joining hands to take forward research projects on areas such as stem cells and regenerative medicine to seize the opportunities in the research field. Noting that I&T is one of the priorities of the current-term Government, she said that she hopes I&T will promote sustained and diversified economic and social development, boost the upgrading and transformation of the overall economic structure and enhance the quality of life of the people. In addition to the announcement of a series of policy initiatives to support the development of I&T in her maiden Policy Address, she said she attaches great importance to deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland in this area to bring about mutual benefits. Under the National 13th Five-Year Plan and the Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong can attract outstanding research institutions and talent worldwide to promote exchanges and collaboration in I&T among Hong Kong, Mainland and overseas institutions, and help innovation enterprises in the Mainland to "go global" to access the overseas markets. Noting that the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area city cluster development plan will promote closer collaboration in I&T in the Bay Area, she expressed the hope that Hong Kong's research institutions can make full use of the resources and advantages in the Bay Area to enhance transfers in I&T fields. Ends/Thursday, November 30, 2017 Issued at HKT 18:08 NNNN
Executive Director of Urban Renewal Authority re-appointed
30.11.2017

The Government announced today (November 30) that the Chief Executive has re-appointed Mr Pius Cheng Kai-wah as Executive Director of the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) for another term of one year with effect from January 1, 2018. The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, said, "Mr Cheng possesses a great wealth of professional expertise and experience, and is well versed with the whole range of the URA's operation. He also plays a key role in devising the framework and implementation details of the authority's policies, especially in the area of building rehabilitation. We look forward to continuing to work closely with him to advance the important cause of urban renewal." Mr Cheng joined the URA in 2002 as General Counsel, assisting to lay a solid foundation for the URA when it was set up. He became Director for Legal Services in 2007 and Director for Corporate and Legal Services in 2012. Mr Cheng was appointed Executive Director of URA in January 2014, and took up the present position as Executive Director (Operations) in July 2016. He supports the URA Managing Director in formulating and implementing policies and initiatives on building rehabilitation, acquisition and clearance, works and contract, and legal matters. Ends/Thursday, November 30, 2017 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
Government appoints URA Board non-executive directors
30.11.2017

The Government today (November 30) announced that the Chief Executive has, pursuant to section 4 of the Urban Renewal Authority Ordinance, appointed Mr Evan Au Yang Chi-chun and re-appointed Dr Gregg Li Ka-lok and Dr Lawrence Poon Wing-cheung as non-official non-executive directors of the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) Board for a term of three years from December 1, 2017, to November 30, 2020. The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, welcomed the appointments. "I am delighted that two incumbent non-official non-executive directors have accepted re-appointment, which will provide the necessary continuity and support to the URA Board in its work. I also extend a warm welcome to Mr Au Yang. I am sure that, with their experience and expertise in their respective fields, they will provide valuable input to the work of the URA. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the URA Board in furthering the important mission of urban renewal in Hong Kong," Mr Wong said. Mr Wong expressed gratitude to the outgoing member, Dr Billy Mak Sui-choi, who has served on the URA Board for six years, for his invaluable contribution to the work of the URA. The URA Board comprises 20 non-official non-executive directors (including the Chairman), four official non-executive directors and three executive directors. All the non-official non-executive directors are appointed in their personal capacity. The membership of the URA Board is set out below: Chairman ----------- Mr Victor So Hing-woh Non-Executive Directors (Non-official) ------------------------------------------ Mr Evan Au Yang Chi-chun Ms Judy Chan Ka-pui Dr Ann Chiang Lai-wan Mr Edward Chow Kwong-fai Mr Laurence Ho Hoi-ming Professor Eddie Hui Chi-man Mr Nelson Lam Chi-yuen Professor Joseph Lee Kok-long Dr Gregg Li Ka-lok Mr Laurence Li Lu-jen Mr Roger Luk Koon-hoo Mr Timothy Ma Kam-wah Ms Alice Mak Mei-kuen Dr Lawrence Poon Wing-cheung Mr David Tang Chi-fai Mrs Cecilia Wong Ng Kit-wah Mr Michael Wong Yick-kam Mr Stanley Wong Yuen-fai Mr Wu Chi-wai Non-Executive Directors (Official) ------------------------------------- Director of Buildings Director of Lands Director of Planning Deputy Director of Home Affairs (2) Executive Directors --------------------- Managing Director/Deputy Chairman Two Executive Directors Ends/Thursday, November 30, 2017 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo meeting
28.11.2017

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting this morning (November 28): Reporter: … incident and has Rimsky Yuen resigned yet? Chief Executive: First of all, this question is entirely a matter for the Legislative Council Commission. I heard that the President of the Legislative Council told the public that he has sought legal advice. In Hong Kong, we have to operate according to the rule of law and have to go through a due process. So, this is a matter for the Legislative Council to resolve. I cannot comment on the position of my Principal Officials. I can only say that at this moment, Mr Rimsky Yuen is the incumbent Secretary for Justice. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, November 28, 2017 Issued at HKT 11:44 NNNN
CE meets acting Mayor of Beijing
27.11.2017

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met the acting Mayor of Beijing, Mr Chen Jining, at Government House this afternoon (November 27). Mrs Lam welcomed Mr Chen's first visit to Hong Kong with his delegation in his new capacity and said she looked forward to officiating at the opening ceremony of the 21st Beijing-Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Symposium with him tomorrow (November 28). She said that Hong Kong and Beijing have long enjoyed strong ties with close collaboration between the governments, enterprises, education sectors and non-government organisations over the years. She also expressed gratitude to the Beijing Municipal Government for its staunch support for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to hold successfully the Exhibition in Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Return of Hong Kong to the Motherland at the National Museum of China and a series of other celebration events in the past months. Noting that Hong Kong is an international financial, trading and shipping hub and has the edge in professional services, innovation and technology and creative industries, while Beijing is the centre for politics, culture, international exchanges and innovation and technology, Mrs Lam said she believed that both places could give full play to their own strengths to complement each other for mutual benefits. She expressed the hope that Hong Kong and Beijing would enhance exchanges and co-operation in areas ranging from innovation and technology to creative industries, city management, youth development and education, and that the Beijing Municipal Government would continue to support the implementation of various measures rolled out by relevant authorities of the Central Government to assist Hong Kong people to study, work and live in the Mainland. She also took the opportunity to congratulate Beijing on becoming the first city to host both the Summer Olympics and the Winter Olympics and wished the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing a great success. Ends/Monday, November 27, 2017 Issued at HKT 16:22 NNNN
CE praises the Force for maintaining HK&apos;s rule of law, integrity and law and order
25.11.2017

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (November 25) attended the passing-out parade of the Hong Kong Police College and praised the Police for maintaining Hong Kong’s rule of law, integrity and law and order. She said the Force has contributed greatly to the economic development of the city which every member of the law enforcement agency should take pride. Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs Lam said the number of crimes per 100 000 population in 2016 stood at 825 cases in Hong Kong, representing a new low in the past 44 years. It was the concerted efforts of every Force member. She was glad to know that while the crime rate was on a downward trend, there has been an increasing number of applications for joining the Force. In 2016-17, the number of applications exceeded 21 000. Mrs Lam was of the view that an outstanding police force has to keep abreast of time and strive for excellence. She commended the Police for being innovative and striving for excellence in the past years. On technology-related crimes, Police set up a dedicated team to handle online crimes after noting with foresight that technology-related crime would burgeon and become popular. In view of the heightened global terrorism situation, the Force set up a team within a short period of time to ensure that Hong Kong remains one of the safest cities in the world. The Chief Executive also took heed of the efforts made by the Force in other areas including the use of social media to disseminate messages of the Force and law and order to Hong Kong people so as to enhance communication with the community. She noted that the Force cared for the community and launched initiatives such as “Project Himalaya” and “Project Gemstone” to assist ethnic minorities to integrate into the society. Some of the ethnic minority participants were attracted by the police work and joined the Force afterwards. On youth engagement, the Junior Police Call (JPC) grew along with Hong Kong people. The JPC Permanent Activity Centre and Integrated Youth Training Camp in Pat Heung was commissioned in August this year, benefiting more young people. Mrs Lam encouraged graduates to work with full commitment and passion, and to serve the society and members of the public with empathy. She hoped every graduate could live up to the principle of “We Care, We Listen, We Act”. Meanwhile, she hoped that every Force member could work together and continue to maintain its professionalism. A total of 40 probationary inspectors and 176 recruit constables passed out today. Ends/Saturday, November 25, 2017 Issued at HKT 15:28 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo meeting
21.11.2017

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting this morning (November 21): Reporter: Mrs Lam, in regards to the 19th Communist Party Congress, why do Hong Kong officials need to learn about the Communist Party and the report? And also, in regards to the former minister, another former minister is arrested. Does that harm Hong Kong's administrative image? Chief Executive: I can't comment on your latter question because I don't know anything about the case. As far as the organisation of the seminar for Principal Officials and senior civil servants to understand more about the 19th Congress, I want to give you a bit of background. The background is in the last few years, in order to enhance the understanding of senior public servants about developments in the nation, the Hong Kong SAR Government has been organising a series of national affairs seminars. So whenever there are important things in the Mainland, we will request the Central Government to nominate the most relevant official to come to Hong Kong to host a seminar to talk about that particular subject. And subjects that have been the content of these seminars include a wide range of issues like the Belt and Road Initiative, the 13th Five-Year Plan and also the Premier's Work Report, and about science and technology or even cultural development. This particular Communist Party 19th Congress report is of utmost importance for our country's development, so it is only proper and legitimate for public servants to learn more about this subject, and that's why we have asked, as in previous practice, the Central Authorities to nominate the relevant official to come to Hong Kong to do a seminar for us. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, November 21, 2017 Issued at HKT 12:39 NNNN
Government House open to the public on November 26
20.11.2017

Government House will be open to the public on November 26 (Sunday) from 10am to 5pm. Visitors will be able to view the flowers and trees in the garden and the landscaped area, and see the places where the Chief Executive holds official functions and receives dignitaries in Government House. There will also be guided tours for visitors to learn more about the history and architectural features of the distinguished building. "Visitors will enjoy music performances by the Hong Kong Police Band and student ensembles while strolling in the garden," a government spokesman said. "Display boards and two-dimensional barcodes will also be set up to share the history, architecture and important moments of Government House. Visitors with mobile phones and related 2D barcode software may browse information about Government House and the flowers." A large number of visitors are anticipated on the day. To ensure that those already in the queue can be admitted in time, queuing outside Government House may be stopped before 5pm. Visitors will enter the garden through the east gate on Upper Albert Road and leave through the main gate. The visitors’ routing is one-way only. They are encouraged to arrive by public transport. Visitors may visit the website of Government House ( www.ceo.gov.hk/gh/eng ) for details of the open day. Government House is a declared monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance. Ends/Monday, November 20, 2017 Issued at HKT 17:30 NNNN
CE meets Mayor of Shenzhen Municipal Government
18.11.2017

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met the Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal Government, Mr Chen Rugui, at the Chief Executive's Office today (November 18). Mrs Lam welcomed Mr Chen's first visit to Hong Kong in his capacity as the Mayor of the Shenzhen Municipal Government and participation in the 20th Plenary of the Hong Kong/Guangdong Co-operation Joint Conference held today. She said that Hong Kong and Shenzhen have been co-operating closely over the years in areas ranging from economic to culture, tourism and environmental protection. Noting that the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development would present tremendous opportunities for Hong Kong and Shenzhen, she said she hoped that the two places would build on the existing basis to deepen co-operation in various areas including professional services, finance and youth development to complement each other to bring about mutual benefits. Mrs Lam mentioned that she learned more about the achievements of the co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen in creative industries as well as innovation and technology (I&T) in recent years during her visit to Shenzhen in August. With rapid development in I&T in Shenzhen in recent years and the superb international network and talent in Hong Kong, she expressed the hope that both sides would take forward the plan of the Hong Kong/Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park on the Lok Ma Chau Loop proactively to develop an international I&T centre in the Bay Area. Mrs Lam said that Hong Kong is keen to develop creative industries and that she is pleased that the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Design Innovation Hub has been set up in Qianhai. She is confident that Hong Kong and Shenzhen will develop to be Asia's first-class twin cities in design. Ends/Saturday, November 18, 2017 Issued at HKT 20:03 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo meeting
14.11.2017

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting this morning (November 14): Reporter: Mrs Lam, How can Hong Kong claim to be inclusive and international when you and your Government refuse to welcome or congratulate the city's successful bid to host the 2022 Gay Games? Chief Executive: Well, Hong Kong is an inclusive city. We have the Equal Opportunities Commission and all the necessary institutions in place. But I think we have to also listen to the opinion and views and sentiments of the rest of the community. So I can assure you that we will continue to be a very inclusive society. Reporter: Mrs Lam, there will be co-location debate tomorrow. Are you concerned that the Pan-Democrats or some of the law makers may have some weird tricks up their sleeves again and would you say tomorrow is the absolute deadline that the Government will let the lawmakers discuss it? And if it's not passed then you guys will start the "Three-Step Process" right away? Chief Executive: Well, I have said on many occasions that the legislative process leading to the implementation of the co-location arrangements have a time table because we need to commission the high-speed rail by the third quarter of next year. But at this moment I am pretty confident and this is not just my own feeling but a lot of people who have followed the proceedings in the Legislative Council are very confident that since the debate on the Government motion has been completed and then we should proceed to the officials making their response and then voting. So I am pretty confident that the Government motion should be voted on and hopefully passed in the coming Legislative Council meeting. So with that, we will have the good basis to commence the "Three-step Process" in leading to the commissioning of the high-speed rail by the third quarter of next year. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, November 14, 2017 Issued at HKT 12:26 NNNN