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Speech by CE at reception for 21st anniversary of establishment of HKSAR

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201807/01/P2018070100395.htm

1.7.2018

Following is the translation of the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the reception for the 21st anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre this morning (July 1): Distinguished guests, fellow citizens, It is with gratitude that I join you here today to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China. A year ago, President Xi Jinping visited Hong Kong to grace our celebration of the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the Motherland with his presence, and administered the oath of office for me and the Principal Officials of the fifth-term Government. During his three-day visit, President Xi expressed cordial care for Hong Kong and gave four imperatives (Note 1), which has created the exceptionally favourable ground for the current-term Government to govern Hong Kong in accordance with the law, assume a proactive role, develop the economy and improve people's livelihood. During the past year, the SAR Government upheld the principle of "One Country" by maintaining an absolutely clear stance when it comes to black and white issues and showing no tolerance for any act that would hit our country's bottom line. Without fear, we took right actions over our relationship with the Central People's Government, and enhanced the public's understanding of the Constitution, the Basic Law, as well as national security. Meanwhile, we made good use of the advantage of "Two Systems". With the staunch support of our country, we actively participated in the Belt and Road Initiative (Note 2) and planned for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area in collaboration with the Guangdong and Macao governments. I for my part conducted frequent duty visits (Note 3) to strengthen Hong Kong's external ties and promote Hong Kong's international status. In my speech at the Inauguration Ceremony on July 1 last year, I said that "hope propels a society forward, and confidence is the foundation of hope." To be even clearer, I said that we had no reason to lose confidence if we looked closely and rationally at what we had achieved over the past two decades since our return to the Motherland. After a year of leading the Government to demonstrate a new style of governance, perform new roles and implement a new fiscal philosophy, I have even greater confidence in Hong Kong. As long as we remain focused and stand united, I am sure that the best is yet to come for Hong Kong. Over the past year, Hong Kong enjoyed robust economic growth, with a 3.8 per cent increase in real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2017 being followed by an even higher 4.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2018. All economic indicators in the last couple of months showed that our economic performance remained impressive. While total employment continued to record sturdy growth, the unemployment rate dropped to a 20-year low of 2.8 per cent and people's earnings registered real improvements in general. Hong Kong has also remained one of the safest cities in the world, with the overall crime rate down by 8.2 per cent year-on-year in the first four months of 2018, a new low since 1971. Economic growth provides us with the necessary resources for the continuous improvement of people's livelihood. The first budget of the current-term Government has allowed for a total expenditure of $569.6 billion, accounting for 20.2 per cent of GDP and representing a significant year-on-year increase of 12.3 per cent in recurrent expenditure. The provision will enable the steady and sustainable delivery of our work in improving the teaching and learning environment, relieving the pressure on public hospitals, and increasing the provision of elderly care and child care services. Housing remains our number one social concern. The housing policy measures I announced two days ago cannot immediately increase housing supply, or effectively curb the rise in property prices. However, they demonstrate the SAR Government's political determination and innovative thinking. We hope that as a result, public discussion on land supply can be more focused, and citizens can expect that increasing land supply will offer opportunities for purchasing affordable homes and shorten the waiting time for improving their living conditions. Allow me to quote from a Chinese poem: "Slipping into the night with the breeze, the rain moistens everything in silence". It aptly describes the "we care", "we listen" and "we act" approach sincerely adopted by the current-term Government, which has brought about relative stability in society, restored room for rational discussion rather than personal attacks in the Legislative Council, and rebuilt public trust in the Government. We have also adopted specific policies and measures to provide young people with more opportunities so that they can take up internships in the Mainland for deeper understanding of our national developments and participate in the SAR's affairs. For quite a period of time, I always heard people describing this term of Government as having "a good start". The good start is in fact strongly supported by the Central Government and underpinned by mutual respect and understanding, as well as joint efforts of different sectors. To sustain the situation, we must never forget our aspiration for the full and faithful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems"; we must maintain our confidence in the rule of law and unique advantages of the SAR; and we must keep our patience in nurturing young people into a new generation with a sense of national identity, an affection for Hong Kong and an international perspective, who are also passionate about and committed to the well-being of our community. May all of you have a happy festive day! Notes: 1. President Xi Jinping has pointed out that, for better implementation of "One Country, Two Systems" in future, (1) it is imperative to have a correct understanding of the relationship between "One Country" and "Two Systems"; (2) it is imperative to always act in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law; (3) it is imperative to always focus on development as the top priority; and (4) it is imperative to always maintain a harmonious and stable social environment. 2. In December 2017, the SAR Government and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) signed the Arrangement between the NDRC and the Government of the Hong Kong SAR for Advancing Hong Kong's Full Participation in and Contribution to the Belt and Road Initiative. The first Belt and Road Joint Conference was held in Beijing in June 2018. On February 3, 2018, the SAR Government held a seminar entitled "Strategies and Opportunities under the Belt and Road Initiative - Leveraging Hong Kong's Advantages, Meeting the Country's Needs" in conjunction with the Belt and Road General Chamber of Commerce at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The seminar received strong support from the Central People's Government and was attended by around 380 representatives from over 170 state-owned enterprises and central enterprises. On June 28, 2018, the SAR Government held the Third Belt and Road Summit in partnership with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The Summit was attended by about 5 000 delegates from 55 countries and regions. In November 2017, the SAR Government signed a Free Trade Agreement and a related Investment Agreement with the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which are also along the Belt and Road. Moreover, the SAR Government has been advancing the establishment of the third Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in ASEAN in Bangkok, Thailand. 3. Since assuming office on July 1, 2017, the Chief Executive has conducted 22 duty visits, including nine visits to Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Switzerland and Saudi Arabia and 13 visits to Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Changsha, Chengdu, Boao, as well as Guangzhou, Huizhou, Shenzhen, Zhongshan, Zhuhai and Macao in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area. Ends/Sunday, July 1, 2018 Issued at HKT 11:49 NNNN

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CE meets Hong Kong students and young people with international competition awards

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201807/01/P2018070100917.htm

1.7.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, together with the Secretaries of Department and the Directors of Bureau met over 100 Hong Kong young people and students, who won international competitions in the past year, in a tea gathering at Government House this afternoon (July 1) to commend the new and outstanding generation of Hong Kong and encourage them to continue to work hard for their goals. Some 140 young people and students, together with their parents, headmasters, teachers and tutors, totalling about 250 people took part in the tea gathering. Mrs Lam said that since she assumed the post of the Chief Executive, she has spent more time to read newspapers every morning. She said that she was excited whenever she came across news reports about Hong Kong young people and students winning international competitions and bringing honour home, and would take record of them. On the 21th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, she said she invited this group of outstanding young people and students to a tea gathering today to celebrate with them and encourage them to continue to work hard to contribute to Hong Kong. "The young people and students here in the tea gathering won awards in various international competitions. I am proud of the efforts they have made during the process. Every young person and kid has his own potential and is the future and hope of Hong Kong. We should give them room to realise their potential. I hope people from various sectors would work together to nurture them into a new generation with a sense of national identity, an affection for Hong Kong and an international perspective, who are also passionate about and committed to the well-being of our community," Mrs Lam said. The young people invited to the tea gathering won in 40 different international competitions with areas covering STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), drawing, music, animation, design, sports, etc. The youngest of them is only four years old. In addition to taking pictures and chatting with the Chief Executive, the Secretaries of Department and the Directors of Bureau, they exchanged their experience gained in the competitions with each other and relived the exciting moments of winning awards. Ends/Sunday, July 1, 2018 Issued at HKT 20:24 NNNN

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CE and Principal Officials release short videos on work in past year

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201807/01/P2018070100536.htm

1.7.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam and the Principal Officials (POs) will release short videos on their work in the past year. Mrs Lam’s video will be broadcast this (July 1) afternoon while the rest will be released in the next few days. The videos will be available from the newly-revamped website of the Information Services Department (isd.gov.hk) and its YouTube channel. Ends/Sunday, July 1, 2018 Issued at HKT 14:16 NNNN

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Policy Address consultation launched

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201807/01/P2018070100491.htm

1.7.2018

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today (July 1) launched the public consultation exercise for the 2018 Policy Address. The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung; and the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, will meet representatives from different sectors to listen to their views. "Since I delivered my inaugural Policy Address last October, my team and I have been sparing no effort to implement more than 250 policy initiatives in it and making good progress. Most of the initiatives have been implemented or are being taken forward according to the plan. I know that people from various sectors in the community still have aspirations in connection with governance and different policies. My team and I, who will continue to avoid no difficult tasks, will respond further in the second Policy Address in October this year. I sincerely invite members of the public to give their views on the Policy Address, so that we can harness the collective wisdom and insights to formulate policy initiatives to meet the needs of the people and Hong Kong," Mrs Lam said. To facilitate expression of opinions by the public, the Government introduced social media as an additional channel for collecting views this year. Members of the public are invited to give their views through the dedicated website ( www.policyaddress.gov.hk ), the Chief Executive's Facebook page ( www.facebook.com/carrielam.hksar ), and Instagram ( www.instagram.com/carrielam.hksar ), or by email ( policyaddress@pico.gov.hk ), phone (2432 1899) or fax (2537 9083). Ends/Sunday, July 1, 2018 Issued at HKT 13:34 NNNN

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2018 Honours List

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201807/01/P2018063000485.htm

1.7.2018

The 2018 Honours List is published in the Government Gazette today (July 1). This is the 21st full Honours List since 1997. The Chief Executive has awarded a total of 282 persons in this year's Honours List, including: Award Number (a) Grand Bauhinia Medal (GBM) 4 (b) Gold Bauhinia Star (GBS) 10 (c) Silver Bauhinia Star (SBS) 20 (d) Medal for Bravery (Silver) (MBS) 4 (e) Distinguished Service Medals for the disciplined services and the ICAC 12 (f) Bronze Bauhinia Star (BBS) 40 (g) Medal for Bravery (Bronze) (MBB) 9 (h) Meritorious Service Medals for the disciplined services and the ICAC 46 (i) Medal of Honour (MH) 60 (j) Chief Executive's Commendation for Community Service 53 (k) Chief Executive's Commendation for Government/Public Service 24 -------- 282 The Honours recipients are from different walks of life. They are given an honour or award in recognition of their significant contributions to Hong Kong or for their dedicated public and community service. The presentation ceremony for the awards will be held on October 27, 2018. The citations of the award recipients of the 2018 Honours List are provided in the Appendix. Ends/Sunday, July 1, 2018 Issued at HKT 0:01 NNNN

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Speech by CE at Belt and Road Summit

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/28/P2018062800259.htm

28.6.2018

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the Belt and Road Summit today (June 28): Deputy Prime Minister Somkid (Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Dr Somkid Jatusripitak), Mr Xiao (Chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, Mr Xiao Yaqing), Mr Ning (Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, Mr Ning Jizhe), Madam Gao (Vice Minister of Commerce Ms Gao Yan), Vincent (Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Mr Vincent Lo), ladies and gentlemen, Good morning. It's a great pleasure to be here, to be taking part in the opening of the third Belt and Road Summit, and to do so for a second time in my capacity as Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Following the resounding success of the first and second Summits held in May 2016 and September 2017 respectively, I'm delighted to hear that close to 5 000 participants have signed up for this Summit, coming from Hong Kong, Mainland China, ASEAN and throughout the Asian region, as well as from other parts of the world. A wide participation from different parts of the world is important for the successful implementation of this Initiative, as its pursuit requires a high degree of co-operation between countries, establishment of sound bilateral and multi-lateral mechanism, as well as participation from different sectors. And this reminds me of a Chinese saying that "A common will is strong as the bulwarks" which resonates well with our theme today - "Collaborate for Success". I've just returned from nearly two weeks in Europe, with most of the time spent in Belgium and France. I can tell you that the Belt and Road was a common focus among the many people I met. It was also the subject of a well-attended business seminar I spoke at in Paris. So I'm pleased to note that today's Summit features a variety of European missions and associations, including the Greater Paris Investment Agency and Association France Hong Kong. Also here is Italy's Confindustria, which represents many of the nation's manufacturing and service industries, as well as the United Kingdom Department for International Trade - Hong Kong and Macau, and the Russian-Chinese Business Council. I welcome you, and your vote of confidence in the Belt and Road and in Hong Kong. I am particularly grateful to Dr Somkid, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, for gracing this occasion. This is already the third occasion that Dr Somkid and I have met in a year, signifying the growing importance of relationship between Hong Kong and Thailand in the context of both the Belt and Road Initiative and the Hong Kong-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement signed last November. This relationship is destined to grow even stronger as we are in advance planning for setting up Hong Kong's third ASEAN economic and trade office in Bangkok. Ladies and gentlemen, the Belt and Road Initiative is giving us a long-term promise of transnational and intercontinental connectivity and will give rise to rewarding business prospects. They will take different permutations and shapes, including new air, sea and land routes, additional ports, rails and roads connecting isolated regions, economic and trade pacts, and increased investment flow. Hong Kong, being the world's freest economy and China's most international city, is destined to play a significant role in the Belt and Road Initiative. Last December, I signed on behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region an Arrangement with the National Development and Reform Commission for advancing Hong Kong's full participation in and contribution to the Belt and Road Initiative. The Arrangement covers six key areas ranging from finance and investment to people-to-people bond. An annual Joint Conference mechanism was also agreed upon. The Conference gives Hong Kong a unique and direct dialogue with central authorities regarding the Belt and Road Initiative and our participation in it. I'm pleased to say that the first meeting of the Joint Conference was held in Beijing just over two weeks ago. While the details are being worked out, I can tell you that Hong Kong will contribute to the Initiative across all areas of its wide-ranging connectivity, from policy co-ordination, financial integration and trade, to infrastructure and people-to-people bonds. Hong Kong's singular most important advantage in playing an active role in the Belt and Road Initiative is, of course, the "One Country, Two Systems" framework that propels our development in the past 21 years. It allows us to expand our traditional strengths as an international financial, trade and logistics centre, while deepening our economic integration with the Mainland. An international financial centre, and one of the world's great trading economies, Hong Kong has long served as a regional hub and a business bridge connecting the Mainland, Asia and the rest of the world. We also embrace the free flow of capital, of goods, information and talent. That fluid connectivity will prove indispensable long down the Belt and Road, a point driven home at a seminar held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in February this year, the theme of which is "Strategies and Opportunities under the Belt and Road Initiative - Leveraging Hong Kong's Advantages, Meeting the Country's Needs". Some 380 chief executives and senior management from more than 170 state-owned enterprises took part, along with four state leaders and 80 other central officials. Such an impressive turn-out would not have been possible without the strong support of Chairman Xiao Yaqing of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council. I am extremely grateful to Chairman Xiao taking time out of his busy schedule to attend the Summit today, along with his colleagues, Vice Chairman Ning from the National Development and Reform Commission and Vice Minister Gao from the Ministry of Commerce. Coming back to that February seminar on Belt and Road, I led the Hong Kong delegation. With me were three policy secretaries and a number of professional and prominent players from our finance and investment sector, as well as legal, arbitration and construction professions. At the seminar, Mr Zhang Dejiang, then Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, emphasised Hong Kong's indispensable role in the Belt and Road Initiative, adding that, and I quote him, "the country will continue to need Hong Kong, as well as incorporate Hong Kong in the Belt and Road." Capital formation will be critical to that role. With liquid capital flow and a deep pool of global financial talent, Hong Kong is the natural centre from which to raise funds for infrastructure, investment and production projects. We are also ideally suited to provide the risk management, insurance and dispute-resolution services that Belt and Road partners and their projects may need. Similarly, I envision an increasing role for Hong Kong as a fund-raising hub for green projects, particularly in promoting sustainable Belt and Road development. Earlier this year, my Government announced a three-year Pilot Bond Grant Scheme. I'm confident it will encourage more Belt and Road investors and issuers to participate in the Hong Kong bond market. A Hong Kong Government green bond issuance programme - with a borrowing ceiling of US$13 billion (HK$100 billion) - is also in the pipeline. It will support green projects under the Government's public works programme. We believe the programme will help provide benchmark pricing and stimulate market development. In addition, the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency launched its Green Finance Certification Scheme in January this year. The programme provides third-party conformity assessments for issuers of green bond instruments. Eligible green bond issuers using the scheme will be subsidised, with a view to supporting green development financing. In short, I believe green finance can only expand our financial diversity and formidable international standing. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange, to take one example, has been ranked among the top five, globally, in initial public offerings for the past eight years. Last year, funds raised through IPOs amounted to US$16.5 billion. In April last year, our Securities and Futures Commission set out eligibility criteria for infrastructure project companies looking to list on our stock exchange. The criteria provide a clear pathway for Belt and Road projects and companies looking to Hong Kong for equity and debt financing. Hong Kong is the world's largest offshore Renminbi centre, handling about 76 per cent of offshore Renminbi transactions. We are, as well, the leading centre for offshore Renminbi asset management. Importers and exporters in Belt and Road countries can settle their trade in Renminbi through our payment system, good at more than 200 banks from all over the world. And investors can tap our Renminbi liquidity through bank loans or "dim sum" bond issuance. They can also invest their surplus renminbi liquidity in a wide range of Renminbi products, all available right here in Hong Kong. More than a financial capital, Hong Kong is the region's logistical and transport hub. Hong Kong International Airport is the world's busiest airport for international cargo. And we are determined to expand on that hub role, with construction of a three-runway system for the airport continuing. On completion, the new airport will have the capacity to handle 100 million passengers and 9 million tonnes of cargo a year, compared to 70 million passengers and 5 million tonnes of cargo last year. To strengthen our air cargo hub position, earlier this month, the Hong Kong Airport Authority announced the granting of rights to develop a major logistics centre of 380 000 square metres GFA (gross floor area) at the airport. Our land connectivity is also developing at an extraordinary rate. And the flow of people and trade, and opportunity between Hong Kong and the Mainland is about to soar, thanks to the opening, later this year, of the 42-kilometre Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the 26-kilometre Hong Kong section of the Guangdong-Shenzhen-Hong Kong high-speed rail. Each, in its own way, will slash travelling time between Hong Kong and the Mainland. Together, they will surely fast-track development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area. The Bay Area, another major national development priority, will serve as a powerful connection point for the Belt and Road. A cluster of nine flourishing cities in Guangdong Province together with Hong Kong and Macao, the Bay Area unites a collective population of over 68 million and a combined GDP of some US$1.5 trillion, which is comparable to Australia's GDP. Taking advantage of the varying expertise that abounds in the 11 cities, the Bay Area is expected to rise as a global centre for finance, high-end services and innovation and technology. In doing so, it will also boost interaction and integration within the region, encouraging strategic partnerships between Hong Kong, Guangdong and the larger Belt and Road region. Beyond all that promising business and investment, the "Silk Road spirit" will also thrive, with its emphasis on the promotion of community and people-to-people bonds. In this regard, Hong Kong, Asia's world city, has much to offer. Culture, of course, will be central to this. But we will also be pleased to share our experience and knowledge in other areas as well, including corruption prevention, dispute resolution, city management involving firefighting, flood prevention, slope stabilisation as well as aviation safety, railway operations and more. The Hong Kong International Aviation Academy, for example, is now forging closer ties with ASEAN countries. Sponsorships are being offered to students from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam to help develop expertise in regional air transport management. Our Independent Commission Against Corruption has been sharing its long experience in fighting corruption with regions and countries along the Belt and Road. And my Government is committed to expanding educational cooperation and exchanges with Belt and Road countries. We have already launched a Hong Kong Scholarship for Belt and Road students. It supports outstanding students from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, helping them pursue undergraduate studies here in Hong Kong. We have also introduced a new subsidy scheme to encourage students in Hong Kong to participate in the Belt and Road region exchange programmes. The Hong Kong Government, in short, is committed to being both a "facilitator" and a "promoter" of the Belt and Road - today, tomorrow and long down that road of transformative connections and boundless opportunities. Finally, my thanks to Vincent and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council for organising the third Belt and Road Summit with the Hong Kong SAR Government. I wish you all the best of business at today's Summit and a very rewarding future on the Belt and Road. Thank you very much. Ends/Thursday, June 28, 2018 Issued at HKT 9:51 NNNN

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Speech by CE at Belt and Road Global Forum Inauguration Ceremony cum Cocktail Reception

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/27/P2018062701004.htm

27.6.2018

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the Belt and Road Global Forum Inauguration Ceremony cum Cocktail Reception today (June 27): Vincent (Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Mr Vincent Lo), Andrew (Council Member of the HKTDC, Mr Andrew Weir), Margaret (Executive Director of the HKTDC, Ms Margaret Fong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, It really gives me great pleasure to come here to witness the launching of the Belt and Road Global Forum. Some of you may know I literally arrived in Hong Kong in the early hours of this morning. So to be able to catch this very meaningful event is a really great pleasure for me. During my almost two weeks' travel in Europe covering Brussels and several cities in France, this Belt and Road Initiative popped up very often, whether amongst very senior government officials, especially in France, because when President Macron visited Beijing earlier this year, he came back and announced that France would like to take a leading role in the Belt and Road Initiative, and hence, the Prime Minister of France was in China only a few days ago. This picking up of momentum on the Belt and Road almost five years after President Xi Jinping announced the Initiative is to be very much welcomed, and of course welcomed by Hong Kong because the Central Government has made it very clear that Hong Kong will have a major role to play in the Belt and Road, and also to contribute to make the Belt and Road a success. That's the objective of our signing an arrangement, very exceptionally, with the National Development and Reform Commission last December. I just want to say that our work in Belt and Road has been picking up momentum and I'm very pleased with the achievements following the signing of the arrangement last December. The inaugural meeting for us to meet with relevant authorities and agencies in the Central Government spearheaded by the National Development and Reform Commission took place earlier this month. This is a very important forum for us to have first-hand information about the Belt and Road, including things which are of great interest to many of you - the projects, the policies, the financing and so on. In this particular forum, we are extremely pleased, being the third one in a row, we have attracted over 5 000 participants. And this forum has now been given added meaning and strength with the formation of the Belt and Road Global Forum, which has within a very short period, not only set up but attracted some 111 member associations from 29 countries. I have to congratulate and commend the Trade Development Council, in its usual can-do spirit and efficiency, for getting this global forum up and running and I'd love to meet with you in future occasions to talk about our joint efforts in the Belt and Road. Meanwhile, enjoy this reception and the full day of programme tomorrow at the third Belt and Road Summit. Thank you very much. Ends/Wednesday, June 27, 2018 Issued at HKT 21:01 NNNN

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Speech by CE at MIPIM Proptech Europe 2018

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/22/P2018062200152.htm

22.6.2018

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at MIPIM Proptech Europe 2018 in Paris, France today (June 21, Paris time): Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. It's a great pleasure to be here to speak at a very interesting forum. When Paul (Chief Executive of Reed MIDEM, Mr Paul Zilk) first mentioned this Proptech, I thought it's "pro tech", so of course I have to come because I have now a policy agenda to push Hong Kong's innovation and technology development. But having clarified that this is Proptech, that is technology and property, I am equally happy to come because Hong Kong is very famous for her real estate with very expensive property prices. So maybe with the application of technology you can help the Chief Executive to dampen a little bit the very high property prices. Seriously, I'm on a first visit to France in my capacity as the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and this visit to France is coming to an end. I've been here for six days already and I am leaving tomorrow. As one of the final highlights, to be able to speak to an audience interested in technology and property is very much to be welcomed. Because this is an occasion that I actually don't know who are the people that I'm speaking to, how familiar you are with Hong Kong, so I have decided to give you an overall view on the Hong Kong advantage in developing innovation and technology, and hope that it will interest some of you, including start-ups, to consider using Hong Kong as your next destination for innovation and technology. Just some basic information about Hong Kong when I said Hong Kong does have this advantage for innovation and technology. One is we are a very free and competitive economy. In fact, we are the world's freest economy, as ranked by the US-based Heritage Foundation for 24 years in a row. We're also amongst the world's most competitive economies. In the recent report published by the Swiss-based Institute for Management Development, we came second after the United States of America. And all the freedoms and rights of the Hong Kong people, as well as expatriates working in Hong Kong, are enshrined in the Basic Law, which is a constitutional document governing Hong Kong, because after 1997 Hong Kong is governed under "One Country, Two Systems". To do innovation and technology, or to do business in general, you need to have a very stable environment where there is certainty. Hong Kong prides herself on the rule of law. We have a very robust IP protection regime. We are business-friendly. We practise a very simple tax system and very low taxes. For profits tax, the flat rate is 16.5 per cent, and recently my Government has introduced a tax concession to halve the 16.5 per cent to 8.25 per cent for the first HK$2 million profits for every company - $2 million will be roughly 225,000 Euros. This should be very attractive for small and medium enterprises including start-ups. And we run a very efficient and clean government. We have the people that are needed to develop innovation and technology because four of our universities are amongst the world's 100. So in terms of city, we are perhaps the city with the most intensive concentration of distinguished universities, and they are very good at research as well. At the same time, we have very professional and competent professional services in legal, finance, corporate, accounting, and engineering. For those of you who have visited Hong Kong, you will feel very at home, because we are a very international, cosmopolitan society. English is widely spoken in Hong Kong - it's one of the two official languages. People also speak Mandarin, in addition to Cantonese, which is the local dialect. And we are one of the safest cities in the world. In fact, the total crime rate per 100,000 population now in Hong Kong, which only stands at 758, is the lowest since 1971, so this is a city you will feel very safe in. Even if you are walking at night by yourself or even if you are a lady, you should feel very safe. We are a liveable city, very walkable. You don't even need to drive in the city of Hong Kong. Over 90 per cent of the daily passenger trips are looked after by public transport - about half by the MTR Corporation. And we are a very green city, only 24 per cent of the land has been developed and 40 per cent has been preserved for the people and tourists to enjoy, it's what we call country parks. France is very good with F&B. We are also very good with cuisine, in fact we have over 11,000 licensed restaurants in Hong Kong. I think many of them are offering very good French cuisine, but of course when it comes to wine we have to import from Bordeaux, and maybe Burgundy. Hong Kong is very convenient. Our international airport is the world's number 1 in terms of cargo and number 3 in terms of passengers, receiving over 17 million passengers every year. You can fly from our international airport to 220 destinations all over the world, and in fact half the population could be reached within a flight of about five hours. As I just mentioned, constitutionally we are "One Country, Two Systems". We are part of this growing nation, the world's second largest economy – the People's Republic of China – but after 1997, when we had been reunited with the Mainland of China, we maintained our own system, that's where the "Two Systems" come in. We have our own legal system which is premised on the common law jurisdiction, we have our own currency, which is the Hong Kong dollar, we have our own monetary system, financial system and so on. But, as China is growing in terms of economic importance, President Xi Jinping, said in his recent National Congress Report that the Central Government would support Hong Kong to integrate more fully into the Mainland's development. Paul has mentioned about the Belt and Road and about the Bay Area, which I hope to cover in a moment. Hong Kong's advantage also lies in being the gateway to China. In other words, people and businesses that want to do business and invest in China, the best place to start is Hong Kong. On the one hand, we are very close to China's big market of 1.3 billion population, and we have four decades of experience working with Mainland China, because this year, 2018, is the 40th anniversary of the opening up of China's economy in 1978, and since then Hong Kong businesses and professional service providers have been going into the Mainland market to provide services to invest, to open factories and so on. So, we are an expert in accessing the Chinese market. And it is to be borne in mind that while China is still categorised as a developing country, the middle class is growing. When the middle class is growing, the demands for quality goods and services will rise, including a lot of affluent goods and wine from France, and also high quality services including medical services and engineering services that this country has to offer, particularly in the area of the AI industry, because part of my trip coming over here is to learn more about the French technology, artificial intelligence and health technology. We are forecasting that this domestic artificial intelligence industry will grow significantly in the coming years. To become the gateway to China, we also need very strong national support. I'm pleased to say in my capacity as the Chief Executive now, who has direct access to the leaders, including President Xi himself, it is very obvious to me that the Central People's Government wants to support Hong Kong, wants Hong Kong to succeed under "One Country, Two Systems", and maintain her own way of doing business, of living and so on, particularly in two major initiatives of the nation. One is the Belt and Road Initiative. The Central Government will support us to play an active part in the country's Belt and Road Initiative, which actually reaches three continents, and I'll show you a map later on. The other initiative is closer at home, it's the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area, which again I'll show you a map so that you have some feel. The Belt and Road Initiative was announced by President Xi Jinping about five years ago. It is an initiative trying to connect with many countries and economies along two passageways. One is the Maritime Silk Road, one is the land-based economic silk belt. These two routes cover over 60 countries in three continents of Asia, Africa and Europe. There will be a lot of demand for infrastructure, financial services, and professional services arising from the Belt and Road region, with projects either financed by China or by other enterprises, and that's why it will bring a lot of opportunities to economies which are very good at providing some of this services support. This Belt and Road covers 62 per cent of the world's population. At the moment it's about only 31 per cent of the global GDP but it is destined to grow. I am sure you have heard about the growth of India, the rising importance of the ASEAN region, the Southeast Asian nations of Thailand, Vietnam and so on. The other initiative is in the southern part of China. There is a big province called the Guangdong Province, which is next door to Hong Kong, and the national strategy is to develop this area, the nine affluent cities in Guangdong plus Hong Kong and Macao, two Special Administrative Regions, into a Bay Area type of economy. You can describe it as a city cluster, but we tend to prefer calling it a Bay Area economy as per the San Francisco Bay Area, the Tokyo Bay Area and the New York Metropolitan Area. And this Bay Area has a population of 68 million people, a GDP of US$1.5 trillion, which is about the size of Australia, and it is still growing, as I mentioned about the middle-class growth in the Mainland of China. Together we want to have a free flow of people, goods, services, finance and capital within the Bay Area. So hopefully through some supportive policy measures, there will be very little barriers in accessing this particular part of the Mainland of China in terms of goods and services. And particularly relevant to this afternoon's topic is technology. One of the highlights in the Bay Area is to develop a world-class, global innovation and technology hub very much like the Silicon Valley in San Francisco Bay Area, because we are seeing a lot of potential for going into this area. Why do I feel that we have that potential for contributing to a world-class innovation and technology hub in the Bay Area? One is Hong Kong has world-class information infrastructure. At the moment we already have 11 submarine cable systems in Hong Kong. We have very strong data centre clusters, still building these high-tier data centres in an industrial area called Tseung Kwan O, and Google has just recently opened a Google Cloud platform in Hong Kong. Second is we have a thriving technology ecosystem and this ecosystem grows very rapidly once it has found its niche. Amongst the world's start-up ecosystems, Hong Kong is one of the fastest. I'm sure France is the other. I went to see Station F, this year with 3 000 people working in start-ups in this project. And over the last three years, we really have seen the number of start-ups booming and growing in Hong Kong, that now we have over 2200 start-ups. Some are staying in the facilities that the Government is providing. Start-ups will need venture capital. The provision of venture capital by the private sector has been growing and the Government is also chipping in the government money to provide venture capital. We are very pleased to see that in our own I&T nurturing, we have already grown three unicorns in artificial intelligence, in courier services and so on. And this very famous drone is also conceived by researchers in Hong Kong but then produced in Shenzhen called DJI. It is now becoming a very valuable asset. The third factor is we have the infrastructure, because start-ups need a place to work and researchers also need their facilities. At the moment, we have two flagship facilities in innovation and technology, one is the Science Park under the Science and Technology Parks Corporation, the other is the Cyberport. There's a little bit of division of labour between the two. Cyberport is more focused on Fintech whereas Science Park provides space for a lot of technology areas. And we are not stopping at this stage. Right now we are still expanding the Science Park and amongst the expansion is a building which is called InnoCell, because I appreciate, I just said at the beginning, property prices are very high in Hong Kong, both for researchers and scientists to come to Hong Kong to work with us. Finding a place to stay is a major problem. So, with this InnoCell on-site we'll be providing 500 units for researchers so they can live and work in the Science Park. And looking ahead, we already have plans to develop an 87-hectare second science park in Hong Kong in an area which is very close to Shenzhen called the Lok Ma Chau Loop - 87 hectares, able to build about 1.2 million square metres of GFA, which is about four times bigger than the first Science Park that I have just shown you. This will provide more space and land for technology companies to work from. We are starting to do construction work on this second Science Park. And by the way, it is branded as a Hong Kong-Shenzhen park because we will work very closely with the city of Shenzhen, which I'm sure you know now accommodates a large number of tech companies like Tencent, Huawei and so on. We expect to deliver the first plot of land in 2021 for these technology centres and laboratories to be built on it. Since I took office on the 1st of July last year, in a few months' time I and my team, including Nicholas Yang, have met with a lot of tech people, whether it is Jack Ma of Alibaba, Pony Ma of Tencent and all these venture capital companies. And as a result of those interactions, I've come up with an eight-pronged strategy to grow Hong Kong's innovation and technology. I will just briefly take you through these eight areas. One is talent. And I'm sure we have talents in the audience. We need more talents, local talents and overseas talents, to join us in this very ambitious policy drive. We have a Technology Talent Scheme that provides funding for postdoctoral positions. Some of these are actually in enterprises. So when enterprises take on a postdoctoral candidate, we actually pay for that postdoctoral position. That will make it easier for the private enterprises, especially the smaller enterprises, to be able to nurture and retain these talents. And we have a Postgraduate Research Studentship Programme of $3 billion that we will pay for postgraduate students doing research in our local universities. There's also a Technology Internship Programme arranged by Science Park and Cyberport. And very recently, we've introduced a Technology Talent Admission Scheme, that is an immigration scheme that will give easier access and much faster processing time for tech talents. So tech companies will apply and be given a quota, and with that quota, they can recruit worldwide and once they recruit and use their quota then our immigration authority will issue the work visa for these tech talents, so it's a very fast-tracked arrangement. I just mentioned we also put in our own money to invest in promising start-ups, so we have a $2 billion Venture Fund for that purpose and we are working with private sector venture capital on a matching basis. On infrastructure, I've already mentioned about the second Science Park we are building. The third strategy is to open up government data so that researchers have easier direct access to the huge amount of data that the Government is keeping, whether it's on education, on medical, on transport, so that it will provide the energy and the necessary input for research to be undertaken by research companies and start-ups. Popular science education is very important for any place that aspires to become a technology hub. So apart from supporting our universities to do more R&D to have more international collaboration - just like this morning, I witnessed the signing of an MOU between Hong Kong University medical school and Institut Pasteur here on biomedical technology and research co-operation - we have also to do more on popular science so that young kids will start to pick up greater interest in STEM – science, technology, mathematics and engineering. Upgrading the Science Museum, making it more interesting for kids to visit, is also one of the initiatives that we have announced. I know that as we move on to the innovation and technology field, some of the legal provisions that are in place may not be able to catch up with this new requirement, so I have an exercise to review the legislation and regulations in Hong Kong to see whether certain provisions are outdated and others are obstructing the development of technology and need to be revisited. Government is a major procurer of goods and services. For example, the Government budget accounts for 21 per cent of the GDP. So we can lead by example by injecting more innovation and technology into the way we buy things or we buy services. Another review is going on to change the government procurement rules to give more, I wouldn't say favouritism, but to give a bit more weighting to innovation and technology in getting the government tenders to provide goods and services. Research funding is very important and they tend to be rather expensive because to have successful R&D takes time and they have to be on a sustainable basis. So we already have an ITF, Innovation and Technology Fund, that provides the long-term funding to some research projects. Lately we gave this fund another HK$10 billion so that it will have more than enough for the time being to fund these R&D propositions. I have set for my Government a very ambitious target - that is within my term, up to 2022, we want to double the R&D expenditure in Hong Kong, both public and private sectors taken together, from the current 0.7 per cent of GDP to 1.5 per cent. That is equivalent to about HK$45 billion every year on R&D spending. This is actually not bad although people will compare us to places like South Korea, which is 4 per cent, or Singapore, which is 2 to 3 per cent. But you have to appreciate that in Hong Kong, we don't have any defence R&D because foreign diplomacy and security defence are matters for the Central Government, so we don't really need to go into that area of defence research. Apart from the eight-pronged strategy, in this particular area of research spending, we cannot do it on our own because it will be too much for the Government to shoulder all the R&D spending, and after all it will not be very healthy for the Government to be the only major provider of funding for R&D. So we have a three-pronged approach in this particular area. One is public investment. We will give more to the Innovation Technology Fund for people to apply. We will give more to the universities under the RGC (Research Grants Council). Secondly, we will incentivise the private corporations to spend more on R&D, and the best way to incentivise corporations is through tax relief measures. How do we do it? We are providing for the first time in Hong Kong's very simple tax regime something called super tax deduction. For simple illustration, a company that spends $100 million on qualified research areas in terms of assessing profits tax liability, we will give them two times or three times relief. The current two-tier system is that the first $2 million R&D will attract a 300 per cent tax deduction. Anything above $2 million will attract 200 per cent tax deduction. And the beauty of our tax concession is we do not impose any limit. You can spend as much as you like and still enjoy this major tax deduction. The third way to increase R&D expenditure in Hong Kong is of course to attract companies and laboratories to Hong Kong, and their R&D expenditure will become Hong Kong's R&D expenditure. So we have a plan to create R&D clusters in two particular areas – one is health technology, the other is artificial intelligence and robotics. Apart from these two areas which we will build a cluster, we are already quite strong in Fintech because Hong Kong is a financial services centre and we already have the Cyberport providing the necessary support and incubation for Fintech. And I know Proptech is actually a sub-sector of Fintech so we welcome any Proptech start-ups to consider working with us at the Cyberport. The fourth area is smart city. Many of the cities aspire to become smart cities. This is not an easy target, but I would say that we are working through a blueprint in smart city. The reason why we chose AI and health is because we feel that we are strong in those areas with our research capability, and by inviting overseas institutions to come to us, we will be able to kick-start this area much faster. And that's why in this trip to France I went to visit the École Polytechnique and the Sorbonne University to explore opportunities for them to consider working with our universities in this particular cluster of bio-health technology as well as AI and robotics. We are putting in another $10 billion to support these two clusters in Hong Kong. The Smart City Blueprint in Hong Kong was announced last December. It involves a lot of things - it will take me another half an hour to present to you Hong Kong's Smart City Blueprint. So, hopefully, let's leave it to another occasion if Paul Zilk is going to bring Proptech to Hong Kong in the near future in the same way that MIPIM brought a property exhibition, MIPIM Asia, to Hong Kong for the last 10 years. And I truly believe that in our Smart City Blueprint there should be plenty of opportunities for application of technology in property and real estate management. So thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to share with you the exciting developments, and I look to working with some of you in our future endeavours. Thank you very much. Ends/Friday, June 22, 2018 Issued at HKT 5:58 NNNN

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Speech by CE at the joint promotion seminar on Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development in Paris

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/21/P2018062100134.htm

21.6.2018

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the joint promotion seminar on Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development in Paris, France today (June 20, Paris time): Mr Ouyang Weimin, Vice Governor of Guangdong Province, Mr Jackson Chang, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, and Mr Wu Xiaojun, Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in France, ladies and gentlemen, It really gives me great pleasure to be able to welcome you to this conference, organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government represented by Invest Hong Kong, and also our counterparts in Guangdong and Macao. There are a number of firsts for this particular occasion. One, this is my first trip to continental Europe in my new capacity as the Chief Executive of the HKSAR. Secondly, it's the first joint effort of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao in promoting this very exciting initiative of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area to our overseas friends here in France. And speaking more personally, I'm the first lady Chief Executive of Hong Kong. So to me, this is a very historic moment. Since I'm the first to speak, I will start by giving you a bit of background and context about this Bay Area. The concept of the Bay Area emerged from very important statements made by the leaders in the last couple of years. In the 13th Five-Year Plan for the Economic and Social Development of the People's Republic of China, it was made very clear that the Central Government will support the joint efforts by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao to build a quality living area in the Greater Pearl River Delta region and accelerate the development of several areas within this Bay Area, which have been given special status in terms of being a free port - they are Qianhai, Nansha and Hengqin. They will become the platforms for co-operation between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. The Central Government will encourage Hong Kong and Macao to play an important part in the Pan-Pearl River Delta Region co-operation and the development of this Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area. Then further on, when Premier Li Keqiang delivered his annual work report in March last year, he said that "We will promote closer co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong and Macao. We will draw up a plan for the development of a city cluster in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area, give full play to the distinctive strengths of Hong Kong and Macao, and elevate their positions and roles in China's economic development and opening up". Just to give you a feel of the major city clusters in the world, we generally refer to, apart from of course the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area, the San Francisco Bay Area in America, the New York Metropolitan Area, also in the United States, and the Tokyo Bay Area. In so far as in China, there are also city cluster developments - because now the world is highly competitive, we need to look for co-operation and synergy among cities in order to raise the competitiveness of the economic region. So, apart from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area, which I would say is a latecomer - we are emerging in the last couple of years - we have the Yangtze River Delta which comprises the very affluent city of Shanghai and the adjacent provinces, and the Jingjinji Metropolitan Region which comprises Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei Province. Coming back to the Bay Area, it consists of nine most affluent cities in the Guangdong Province and the two SARs of Hong Kong and Macao. Now some of the basic facts about this particular Bay Area - the land mass is 56 000 kilometres, many times bigger than Hong Kong which has only 1 100 square kilometres. In terms of population, it is quite large: sixty-eight million is about the size of the United Kingdom. In terms of GDP, it is US$1.5 trillion, which is roughly the size of Australia or South Korea. Of course Macao has the highest GDP per capita in this region because of its smaller population and it's doing very well in the gaming business. We are not bad - we are number two with per capita GDP of US$46,200. But since in general, China is still a developing country, and that is the beauty of this Bay Area, it still has a lot of energy to grow. The GDP per capita of the entire region is about US$21,760. This area is characterised by very good connectivity with the rest of the world, as illustrated by the number of airports and the number of ports in this region. In terms of Hong Kong, we are the world's number one in terms of air cargo, making the mark of 5 million tonnes of air cargo last year, which was very remarkable. In terms of the port, we used to be number one, but we have come down a bit. We are now the world's number five. But within this Bay Area we have the Shenzhen port, which is up and coming. We have the Guangzhou Nansha port, which is also growing. So the port business and the airport traffic within this region are really very active and booming. How do we compare with the other Bay Areas that I have just shown you on the map? In terms of population, we are the largest, which means that we have huge potential because people drive productivity and growth. In terms of GDP, we are growing. I am very confident that we will catch up the other Bay Areas pretty soon, because the difference is actually quite narrow now. We have very strong air traffic, as I have just described, and in terms of the port and air passenger travel, this is really a very important area in the world. I'm going to spend a few minutes to share with you what I see as the favourable conditions for developing the Bay Area. These are the favourable conditions for French businesses and overseas businesses to work with us in this Bay Area. Favourable condition number one is the national significance and the mandate given to us by the leaders. So let me take you through a few of these statements. In his 19th CPC National Congress report, General Secretary and President Xi Jinping has this to say about the Bay Area and the development of Hong Kong and Macao. President Xi said that the Central Government will continue to support Hong Kong and Macao in integrating their own development into the overall development of the country. And priority will be given to the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area and the regional co-operation in the Pan-Pearl River Delta. And then in Premier Li Keqiang's report earlier this year - you remember in the history part I told you Premier Li Keqiang in his March 2017 report, he talked about that we will draw up a plan. So, a year later, in his March 2018 report, the Premier has this to say: "We will unveil and implement the development plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area, and promote in all areas mutually beneficial co-operation between the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao", which implies the development plan is more or less ready and will shortly be announced. Another very important milestone in the Bay Area took place on the 1st of July last year. That is the day when I took office and when President Xi was in Hong Kong to supervise the inauguration ceremony. We signed, in the presence of President Xi, a very important framework agreement on deepening cooperation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area. As you can see, there were four parties signing this framework agreement. They represented the three governments – Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao – and the Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, because it is about integrating not only within the Bay Area but into the national development. That's why the National Development and Reform Commission plays a very key role in the Bay Area development. A development plan shortly to be announced will have the status of endorsement by the State Council of the People's Republic of China and, although it has not been announced yet, I can share with you a few highlights in the development plan. One is the objective. What is the purpose of doing a Bay Area? It's to strive to develop this Bay Area into a more dynamic economic region, a quality living circle which is an ideal place for living, working, travelling, and a showcase for in-depth co-operation between the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, and join hands in building a first-class Bay Area. So the aspirations for this Bay Area are very high. We are aiming at the international level to do our joint co-operation and the principles of co-operation are complementarity. We don't want to compete directly amongst ourselves. Well, as a Bay Area we may wish to compete with other Bay Areas, both in the Mainland of China and all over the world. But within the Bay Area, we will try to work with each other to achieve what we call a win-win situation, and the key co-operation areas in the Bay Area will include infrastructure connectivity in order to achieve that living circle which is very convenient for people; market integration, whether it is in trade, in commerce, in financial services and investment; and also in technology and innovation. The second favourable condition is of course "One Country, Two Systems". We are not identical. This is a Bay Area which is unusual and unique because of "One Country, Two Systems". So, we have our own system and Macao has its own system under "One Country, Two Systems". As far as Hong Kong is concerned, we have the rule of law and the independence of judiciary. We are very strong in terms of being an international trade and financial centre and we are the world's freest and most competitive economy. We provide quality professional services to other enterprises and we have very good universities that are involved in research and development in Hong Kong. And being an international financial centre and a free economy, there are absolutely no barriers in the flow of capital and information in Hong Kong. There has been some concern raised recently in some quarters: if you are talking about an integrated Bay Area, does that mean that this "One Country, Two Systems" principle which is so very important will be eroded? The answer is no. This Bay Area prides itself on "One Country, Two Systems", and the most authoritative reply to that concern came from Premier Li Keqiang. Having finished the "two sessions" this year in Beijing, at a press conference for local and overseas journalists, Premier Li Keqiang, in response to an enquiry along the lines that I have just mentioned, he has this to say. He said that the Central Government encourages Hong Kong and Macao to integrate their own development into the overall national development. In this process, we will continue to observe the principle of "One Country, Two Systems", under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong, the people of Macao administer Macao, and both regions enjoy a high degree of autonomy. As there can be mutually beneficial co-operation and common development between different countries, there is even more reason for the three places which belong to one and the same country to do so. Under the guidance of "One Country, Two Systems" principle, we are confident that these three areas will draw upon each other's strengths and work together in building a new and strong region of vibrant growth. The third favourable condition is enhanced connectivity, because one of the objectives of this Bay Area is the free flow of people and goods. And we want to develop a living circle which is very convenient for the 68 million people in the Bay Area. So I'm very excited to share with you that we now have three major cross-boundary infrastructure projects that will be commissioned pretty soon, and a major French construction company actually is involved in some of these major infrastructure projects. Number one is the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, which will connect Hong Kong to the other two parts in the Bay Area - Macao and Zhuhai, which is one of the nine cities on the western part of Guangdong Province. We are going to open an Express Rail Link connecting Hong Kong in 48 minutes to Guangzhou and even shorter distance to Shenzhen, and from there to the rest of China with an extensive high-speed rail of close to 30 000 kilometres. And we are going to open an additional, which is the seventh, land-based control point between Hong Kong and the eastern part of Shenzhen. These particular control points are the busiest in the world, handling over 600 000 passenger trips every day, so you can imagine this frequency and flow of people between the two places. The fourth favourable condition is there is already very strong commitment from the three places – Hong Kong, Guangdong, Macao - to facilitate the flow of people, goods, capital and information in the Bay Area. Last November, the Guangdong Governor, Mr Ma Xingrui and I had an annual meeting between Hong Kong and Guangdong and we already agreed that while waiting for the development plan to be announced, we could start working on some of the key areas within the Bay Area, building on our previous closer relationship on the CEPA, Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, and this liberalisation of trade in services in Guangdong that has been put in place over the past decade. Of course, some of these facilitating measures could only come from the Central Government. So, in order to have more facilitating measures for people from Hong Kong and Macao to live and work and study in the Bay Area, we do need some Central Government supporting measures, and we have those measures made available to us in phases. In August and December last year when I was in Beijing, on both occasions the Central Government has announced some of the facilitating measures to make it easier for Hong Kong people to study, to work or even to buy flats in the Bay Area, and we are very grateful for that. And finally, there is this aspiration to build an international innovation and technology hub in the Bay Area on par with or even exceeding the Silicon Valley in the San Francisco Bay Area. And why do we have this aspiration? It's because of the complementarity of the three places. Hong Kong has very strong R&D capacity because four of our universities are within the top 100 universities in the world and they are very strong in research. And Shenzhen has huge advanced manufacturing capacity and I would say that this is not only in Shenzhen. In other cities in the Bay Area, they are now building up very advanced manufacturing, electronic production capacity. So this formula of office in Hong Kong, R&D in Hong Kong, advanced manufacturing in the Bay Area cities and then if you need to scale up your business you come back to Hong Kong to use the financial services to seek listing and to raise capital or to issue bonds. It is a very attractive proposition which may not be readily available in other Bay Areas that I have mentioned. And we have a wonderful project which is a science park, a second science park based in Hong Kong, developed jointly with Shenzhen. We expect this 87 hectares of science park to be available in two to three years' time. When I said that we have this aspiration, it's not empty talk. We already have some of the measures put in place to attract more R&D institutions to Hong Kong, so my trip to Paris will involve some visits to the tech companies like Station F and also I went to visit Ecole Polytechnique yesterday in order to learn more about their research capacity. I would conclude by saying that there are exciting times ahead of us in this Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area and we welcome all of you - French companies, Chinese companies and Hong Kong companies - to join hands with us in growing this very important Bay Area, not only for Hong Kong, Macao, Guangdong, not only for China, but for the world. Thank you very much. Ends/Thursday, June 21, 2018 Issued at HKT 5:47 NNNN

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Speech by CE at France-Hong Kong and Mainland China Economic Forum

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/21/P2018062100081.htm

21.6.2018

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the France-Hong Kong and Mainland China Economic Forum in Paris, France today (June 20, Paris time): Mr LeCourtier (Director General of Business France, Mr Christophe LeCourtier), Mr Wu (Chargé d'Affaires of Chinese Embassy in France, Mr Wu Xiaojun), Jonathan (Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Dr Jonathan Choi), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon. It's a great pleasure to be here today - my second delightful day in Paris and fifth in this great nation of France, after spending fruitful time in the city of Bordeaux and Marseille. I am very pleased that Christophe has given me an update on where France now stands. Having spent five days in France, I can fully appreciate this slogan - "The great nation of France is back". Congratulations. Christophe was very kind also to thank me for accepting this invitation to come to speak, but I want you to know, Christophe, and also our French community, that I am a great friend of the French community in Hong Kong. For seven years in a row, I've accepted the invitation of the French Chamber of Commerce to attend the annual gala dinner, and we just had a very enjoyable one two weeks ago. I was invited to open Le French May, and I was invited to open the Lumieres Hong Kong, which was modelled on the Lyon light festival. A few years back, when the French Government celebrated 150 years of presence in Hong Kong and produced this beautiful publication on the relationship between France and Hong Kong, the inauguration and the launching of that publication took place in my official residence. So it is just normal and to be expected for me to come to Business France. Paris is the overseas city that my family and I visited most, other than London where we had lived for a period over a decade ago. It has so much to offer from heritage to culture, from fine cuisine to fashion, and Disneyland for my children when they were young. As the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I'm here for all the good reasons that define our prized relations. I'm here to build on our already strong, long-standing trade ties, covering fashion, accessories, wine, aircraft and many other things. I'm here also to boost our valued ties in areas ranging from culture and the arts to education and, in particular, science, technology and innovation. These are the priority sectors of my Government, and also sectors that French companies and institutions have so much to offer. No less important, ladies and gentlemen, I'm here this afternoon to speak about the promise of the Belt and Road Initiative, that far-reaching plan built on multilateral, multinational co-operation as well as multifaceted connectivity announced by President Xi Jinping in 2013. Five years by now, it has generally been recognised that the Belt and Road Initiative may well drive the global economy deep into the 21st century. Indeed, some 80 countries and international organisations across the three continents of Asia, Africa and Europe are committed to the Belt and Road. Today, more than 270 agreements or deliverables have been entered into among the economies along the Belt and Road corridors. These agreements and projects are transnational, complex in their goals and their needs. They range from finance, infrastructure and trade and commerce to information technology and digital development, as well as covering such sectors as agriculture, healthcare, environmental protection and conservation. For Hong Kong, the Belt and Road Initiative promises a wide-ranging window of opportunities. Hong Kong is destined to play an important role in this Initiative. Hence in December last year, we entered into an Arrangement with the National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China on advancing Hong Kong's full participation in and contribution to the Initiative, which covers six key areas, and they are finance and investment, infrastructure and maritime services, economic and trade facilitation, people-to-people bonds, taking forward the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development, and enhancing collaboration in project interfacing and dispute resolution services. As part of the Arrangement, we have set up a platform for regular and direct communication with relevant ministries of the Central Government and the inaugural meeting between the two sides actually took place in Beijing earlier this month. As a highly open economy, we embrace the free flow of capital, goods, talent and information, even as our economic ties with the Mainland continue to deepen. Both for the Mainland, and for the world at large, Hong Kong already serves as a critical intermediary and a multi-level bridge in managing and facilitating a ceaseless, mutually beneficial two-way flow. Powered by the Belt and Road Initiative, that flow will only expand and accelerate. This year is a very special year. It is the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening up of the Mainland of China and the world has witnessed with awe how this national strategy has brought economic and social benefits to the Chinese people and uplifted the global economy. Amidst emerging protectionism in some parts of the world, it is reassuring to hear President Xi Jinping speaking at the Boao Forum for Asia in April this year that the Mainland would substantially open up its services and financial sectors, creating a more attractive investment environment. Certainly, there will be broader use of the Renminbi in global trade, investment and foreign reserves and, of course, in Belt and Road projects and their financing. That, ladies and gentlemen, is music to my ears. It puts a spotlight on Hong Kong's virtuoso ability to perform as a financial and services hub for the Belt and Road. With liquid capital flows and a deep pool of global financial talent, Hong Kong is the ideal centre in which to raise funds for infrastructure, investment and production projects, as well as to provide risk management, insurance and dispute resolution services to some of these projects. I know President Macron has noted that France is ready to play a leading role in the Belt and Road Initiative, and France is a founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, that is AIIB. Hong Kong looks forward to co-operating with French financial institutions to bridge any funding gaps in your Belt and Road projects. One area we are keen to target is green financing for the Belt and Road. We are, to be sure, already moving ahead in this growing area. Two years ago, our MTR Corporation took the lead, raising capital through the issuance of green bonds. Then, last November, the China Development Bank issued its first green bonds, which were listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. To encourage more Belt and Road investors and issuers to participate in the Hong Kong bond market, my Government has announced a three-year Pilot Bond Grant Scheme earlier this year. A Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government green bond issuance programme with a borrowing ceiling of HK$100 billion, that is almost 11 billion Euros, is also in the pipeline. I am confident that green finance will add another dimension to our financial prowess and diversity. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange was the world’s number one in initial public offerings in five of the past nine years. Last year, funds raised through IPOs in Hong Kong totalled about 14 billion Euros. We are the largest offshore Renminbi business hub in the world, with a pool of RMB618 billion, which is over 80 billion Euros, at the end of 2017. We handle about 76 per cent of offshore Renminbi transactions worldwide. Hong Kong is also a premier centre for asset and risk management. Indeed, our combined fund management business has tripled over the past decade. Funds sourced from overseas investors accounted for two-thirds of the total in 2016. That surely underlines our attractiveness as an international asset management centre. Since its inception in 2016, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's Infrastructure Financing Facilitation Office has brought together about 80 investment and financial players eager to pursue Belt and Road development. Knowing that a number of major French financial companies operate in Hong Kong, including BNP Paribas, Banking CIC, Crédit Agricole and Bretteville Consulting, I welcome them and other French institutions to join the league. Infrastructure development is the engine that will drive the Belt and Road Initiative. The numbers certainly bear that out. According to the Asian Development Bank, it is estimated that Asia will require an infrastructure investment of 1.4 to 1.5 trillion Euro a year through 2030. Heavy investment is driving the construction of motorways, mass-transit transport systems and railways, renewable energy and power plants, gas pipelines, ports, water works, industrial parks and much more. Projects in the communications and IT sectors will also be a significant beneficiary. These projects demand international-level professional services. In this, Hong Kong welcomes the participation of French companies. The opportunities, all but boundless, include feasibility studies, environmental and social impact assessments, design, construction, project and contract management, accounting, operation and dispute resolution services. A number of French engineering and construction-related companies are very well established in Hong Kong - from the Bachy Soletanche Group and Dragages Hong Kong, to BYME Engineering, Freyssinet Hong Kong and Schneider Electric. I am sure they are ready partners in realising these Belt and Road opportunities. Those French companies operating in Hong Kong would agree with me that Hong Kong has a distinct advantage in legal services, given our trusted common law system buttressed by an independent judiciary. Local and international companies can be sure that disputes will be resolved in a fair and transparent manner. Indeed, arbitral awards made in Hong Kong are enforceable in more than 150 jurisdictions around the world, including the Mainland of China. The future is no less promising for trading and investment. Hong Kong's free port status, and our standing as the world's freest economy, is unshakeable. And that can only attract companies looking to tap Belt and Road opportunities. Hong Kong is the region's trading hub and one of the best-connected cities in Asia. Half the world's population is within five hours' flying time from Hong Kong. Our Hong Kong International Airport is the world's busiest airport for international cargo. Last year, it handled air cargo and airmail throughput of 5 million tonnes, maintaining the title of the worlds' number one air cargo hub. And Government efforts are being made to strengthen that hub role. We are now transforming our airport into a three-runway system. The project includes reclamation of about 650 hectares of land, construction of a third runway and concourse, together with state-of-the-art people-moving and baggage-handling systems. On completion, it will have the capacity to handle 100 million passengers and 9 million tonnes of cargo a year, ensuring that Hong Kong remains an Asian aviation power. Just last week, the Hong Kong Airport Authority announced the granting of the right to develop a major logistics centre at the Hong Kong International Airport. The development on land connectivity is even more exciting. The flow of people and trade and opportunity between Hong Kong and the Mainland, particularly the Guangdong Province, is set to soar, thanks to the opening later this year of two state-of-the-art infrastructure projects. I'm talking about the 42-kilometre Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the 26-kilometre Guangdong-Shenzhen-Hong Kong high-speed rail. Each, in its own right, will significantly reduce travelling time between Hong Kong and the Mainland. Together, they will help fast-track the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development. The Bay Area is another national development priority, which we talked about this morning at another seminar. It will knit together Hong Kong, Macao and nine prosperous Guangdong cities - an economy counting some 68 million people and a collective GDP of some 1.3 trillion Euros, which is comparable to that of Australia. By taking collective advantage of the varying expertise each of the 11 cities can offer, the vision is to develop the Bay Area into a global technology and innovation hub, a modern system of different industries and a quality living circle for the people. Ultimately, this Bay Area will serve as a potent connection point for the Belt and Road Initiative, applying the formidable strengths and experience of Hong Kong and the other Bay Area cities to support the Initiative and China's national development. Ladies and gentlemen, the Belt and Road will be nothing less than transformative. For the Mainland, for Hong Kong and for all those economies and companies that ride its outsized promise through this 21st century. You can learn more - and, no doubt, find eager partners and projects - if you or your representatives are going to attend our third Belt and Road Summit to be held next week in Hong Kong or future editions of this annual event. Jointly organised by the Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, it has become not only a forum for updating and exchanges on this major Initiative, but also an effective platform for one-to-one business matching among project owners, investors and service providers. This year's Summit is expected to draw close to 5 000 professionals from Hong Kong, the Mainland and all over the world. Ladies and gentlemen, as President Xi said at the April Boao Forum for Asia, and I quote, "The Belt and Road Initiative may be China’s idea, but its opportunities and outcomes are going to benefit the world." I hope you will join us in grasping those opportunities and sharing the benefits. Finally, my thanks to the organisers - the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce chaired by Jonathan, the China Federation of Industrial Economics and the Comité France Chine - for bring us together today. I wish you all an enjoyable afternoon. Thank you very much. Ends/Thursday, June 21, 2018 Issued at HKT 3:06 NNNN

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Speech by CE at H-175 helicopter delivery ceremony at Airbus Helicopters in Marseille

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/18/P2018061800914.htm

18.6.2018

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the H-175 helicopter delivery ceremony at Airbus Helicopters in Marseille, France today (June 18, Marseille time): Mr Even (Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Helicopters, Mr Bruno Even), Mr Lemoyne (State Secretary to the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good morning. I am delighted to be here today at Airbus Helicopters to formally accept three new H-175 helicopters on behalf of the Government Flying Service (GFS) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. They look impressive, I must say. I know our Flying Service can't wait to get them into the skies over Hong Kong. And we all look forward to delivery of the other four before this year's end. I am grateful to Airbus Helicopters and for the many people involved in the production of these helicopters, especially Mr Even, for his assistance in arranging today's programme and, of course, for its meticulous efforts in enabling the smooth production of the new helicopters. The quality and professionalism of Airbus Helicopters is something we have come to expect, having been good partners now for more than 17 years. Our cooperation began in 2001. From Eurocopter, Airbus Helicopters' predecessor, we purchased seven helicopters – four B1 Dauphins and three L2 Super Pumas. The seven Eurocopters in the GFS fleet have served as trusted transport for our GFS crew in all kinds of emergency operations. Indeed, our GFS crew have to work under extremely testing weather conditions and demanding operating environments, including long-range search-and-rescue missions over our seas and mountains, along with patient transfers, fire-fighting and law enforcement. And, let me add, they also include the mega-typhoons we have been hit within these past few years, as well as our disaster-relief efforts during the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. I still remember 10 years ago, following the GFS search and rescue service in the Sichuan earthquake, President Xi Jinping, who was then the Vice President of the People's Republic of China, came to Hong Kong and went to the hanger to specially thank the GFS pilots and crew for the wonderful job done. All in all, I'm told that the seven Eurocopters in the GFS fleet have rescued more than 6 700 lives in Hong Kong and the South China Sea, while providing air medical services for well over 25 000 patients. With that very much in mind, I would say this is a fitting time and opportunity to thank both the professionals at Airbus Helicopters and GFS for a job well done. Looking ahead, the new H-175 fleet brings together the most advanced helicopter manufacturing technology, including the latest avionics and navigation systems, and does so with a capacity nearly 20 per cent larger than the fleet it will replace. I am pleased to note that the GFS is the launch customer for this brand-new model and configuration. I am pleased as well that it is the result of an East-West cooperation. While Airbus Helicopters has been responsible for much of the production, Mainland China has contributed the airframe manufacturing. The new fleet's cost at 143.9 million euros is a pretty penny, to be sure. But, of course, I know we are getting fair value – for the hardware, the software, the training and the reassurance that we are investing in the best life-saving transport we can buy for our community, for the people of Hong Kong and for everyone around us. For that, ladies and gentlemen, I thank you all, and wish you all a very pleasant day. Thank you very much. Ends/Monday, June 18, 2018 Issued at HKT 23:26 NNNN

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Speech by Acting Chief Executive at Quality Building Award 2018 Presentation Ceremony

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/15/P2018061500984.htm

15.6.2018

Following is the speech by the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at the Quality Building Award 2018 Presentation Ceremony today (June 15): Sr Stephen Lai (Chairman of the Organisng Committee of the Quality Building Award 2018), distinguished guests, government colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, Good evening! It is my honour to join you all tonight to witness the crowning achievement of the winners of the Quality Building Award 2018. Before the announcement of this year’s result, let me extend my warmest congratulations to the 22 shortlisted finalists that each has exhibited every element required to meet the Award' highest building standards. Please join me to greet them with a round of applause! I can fully appreciate that only with impressive design, meticulous construction technique, rigorous project management and robust teamwork can we turn a bare site into a signature building. Despite the constraints and challenges, the shortlisted project teams have not only overcome them but have gone far beyond that. That explains why the Quality Building Award was founded in 2001 when nine professional institutions decided to launch a biennial Award to promote the collective commitment of the building industry to achieve the highest standards of teamwork, professionalism and competitiveness. This year is the ninth edition of the Award ceremony. The theme of the 2018 Award is "Driven by Profession • United for Success" which echoes well with the governance philosophy of the current-term Government. We are committed to working with the community to reinforce Hong Kong's strength and propel the economy forward. To this end, we have adopted a new style of governance including adding the new roles of the Government as a "facilitator" and "promoter" in addition to the traditional functions of "regulator" and "service provider". Also, we are striving to attract talents and professionals to join various statutory and advisory bodies and welcome young elites to recommend themselves to participate in relevant advisory bodies. We are committed to making this government more open, accessible, responsive and innovative. Quality buildings are essential ingredients for a growing and dynamic metropolis like Hong Kong. The annual overall construction expenditure in Hong Kong in the coming five years will reach $250 - $305 billion, reflecting continuous strong demand for construction services. However, we are facing a number of challenges that might undermine our capability to cater for such demand, notably shortage of labour and an aging workforce. According to the latest manpower forecast released by the Construction Industry Council in January 2018, the industry will face a shortfall of 5 000 to 10 000 skilled workers in labour-intensive trades. Moreover, the average age of our construction workforce is 46, with about 40 per cent of the skilled workers already aged 55 or above. The overall labour force in Hong Kong will start to dwindle after 2022, making it even more difficult to recruit construction workers. Innovative technology has been transforming the building sector worldwide. Hong Kong should keep up with this global trend to sustain our competitiveness and address the manpower pressure on the sector. In fact, automating and mechanising repetitive construction processes can enhance productivity and safety. Besides, the use of advanced technologies would also uplift the professional image of the construction practitioners and help attract new blood. In her inaugural Policy Address, the Chief Executive has highlighted key measures to help the building sector improve productivity, built quality, environmental performance and site safety. For major government capital works projects scheduled to start this year, we have mandated the adoption of Building Information Modelling, or BIM, which allows visualisation of designs to enhance planning and co-ordination in the construction process, contributing to significant reduction in material wastage as well as pre-empting safety pitfalls and unworkable designs. To encourage building designers to make use of BIM when preparing building plan submissions, the Buildings Department has already issued a practice note for the industry while actively considering the possible next step to admit BIM e-submission in the future. We are also working closely with the building industry to enhance the innovation capability of existing practitioners and prospective building professionals for the continuous improvement of the sector. The Construction Industry Council has established the Construction Innovation and Technology Application Centre leading the industry to embrace innovation through collecting, exhibiting and experiencing the latest construction technologies, as well as to support their application by small and medium enterprises. The Council will also formulate BIM technical standards, help equip the industry and encourage the use of such technology in private work projects. Off-site prefabrication for on-site assembly such as Modular Integration Construction, or MiC in short, can reduce manpower and time requirements and minimise the environmental nuisance arising from construction. MiC has been widely used in countries like the UK, Australia and Singapore. To take the lead, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is piloting the use of MiC in the development of Innocell located at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park as well as a student hostel at the University of Hong Kong. To facilitate wider use of MiC for private building developments in Hong Kong, the Buildings Department has set up a pre-acceptance mechanism for granting in-principle acceptance to MiC systems or components, and issued a practice note to facilitate submission preparation. To boost the technological capacities of enterprises and practitioners in the building industry, this year's Budget proposed to establish a $1 billion Construction Innovation and Technology Fund to provide financial support for the industry to acquire both software and hardware and to nurture the expertise required for using local and overseas innovative construction technologies such as BIM, steel reinforcing bar products produced in local prefabrication yards and MiC when carrying out development projects. The Fund will also support students and practitioners of the building industry to receive training on innovative technologies such as courses offered by Massachusetts Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, the Technical University of Munich and Tsinghua University. While we celebrate distinguished buildings tonight, we must not lose sight of the quality of our existing building stock. There are over 5 000 private buildings aged 50 or above. Many of them lack proper management given the absence of owners' committee or property management agency. These buildings, if left unattended, will pose serious threat to the safety of our citizens. To encourage proper and timely maintenance and repairs to enhance building safety, extend the useful life of buildings, slow down urban decay and improve the living conditions of the community, we will soon launch a $3-billion "Operation Building Bright 2.0" to provide financial and technical assistance to owners or occupiers of buildings aged more than 50 years. In addition, a $2-billion Fire Safety Improvement Works Subsidy Scheme will also be introduced to subsidise owners of old composite buildings to undertake fire safety enhancement measures. A Do-it-yourself (DIY) tool-kit offering practical guidance to owners in undertaking building repair and maintenance works will be provided to participating buildings. The Urban Renewal Authority will also deploy designated staff to follow up on tendering matters and closely liaise with the owners' corporations to help owners to take forward the repair works. Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong is renowned for its beautiful skyscraper landscape created by the joint effort and admirable craftsmanship of our building sector over the years. The Quality Building Award further raises the benchmark and widens the quality spectrum for excellent construction projects in Hong Kong and beyond. The 22 finalists presented to us this evening demonstrate the highest quality building standards, combining innovation, sustainability and dedication to team work. I am particularly delighted to learn that many of these outstanding projects are public projects developed by government departments. They are indeed shining examples of this year's theme: "Driven by Profession • United for Success"! On this happy note, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to this year's award winners whom we will meet soon. No less important, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the jury panel and the organising committee for their hard work over the past months. I also wish every one of you an enjoyable evening. Thank you. Ends/Friday, June 15, 2018 Issued at HKT 20:34 NNNN

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Speech by CE at 18th Anniversary of HKEX Cocktail Reception

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/13/P2018061300967.htm

13.6.2018

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the 18th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) Cocktail Reception today (June 13): Laura (Chairman of HKEX, Mrs Laura Cha), members of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited Board, Deputy Director Huang Lanfa (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)), Deputy Commissioner Yang Yirui (Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good evening. It is a great pleasure to be here to join you all to celebrate the 18th anniversary of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, and I am particularly grateful to Laura for advancing the date of this reception to suit my schedule. I have to tell you it is very rare for the Chief Executive to ask the organiser to change a date in order to suit the Chief Executive, because I have enough - more than enough - invitations to a lot of things. But I really want to come this year to share the joy of the celebration because this evening's reception is not just what Laura described as a momentous occasion for HKEX, but actually it's a historic moment for the first lady Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the first lady Chairman of HKEX to take the stage and to give you that confidence that Hong Kong's financial services will grow stronger and stronger under two women. Of course I have every confidence that under Laura's leadership, with her sparkling track record and building on the strong foundations of HKEX laid by Charles Lee, Ron Arculli and C K Chow, we will be seeing a very promising future for Hong Kong's securities market. Today is the 18th anniversary and this number 18, I'm sure you'll agree, is a very good figure. It will bring good fortune to Hong Kong and to the future of HKEX and the market. Also 18 is a moment you enter adulthood. I'm not suggesting that HKEX was kind of childish in the last 17 years, but this is a moment for us to enter a new era of adulthood. So, if in the past we have benefited significantly from the opening up and reform of the Mainland of China's financial markets, this is a time for Hong Kong to go global. A few days after I took office, I was standing here to witness the launching of the Bond Connect, and we have to be extremely grateful to the Central Authorities for giving us so many opportunities in the last few years, one after another with the Shanghai Connect, the mutual recognition of funds, the Shenzhen Connect and then last year's Bond Connect. But Hong Kong's value lies in being international, and this is where we could contribute to the further opening up of the Mainland's financial markets. So I have this joint mission and aspiration with Laura that we should really take our markets globally and attract more internationally renowned companies to come to list on HKEX. I already put in my little part by going on a 12-hour trip to Saudi Arabia last December, Riyadh, for only one single objective - you know what that is, and we're still working very hard at that. I'm happy to go on more roadshows, if my diary permits, with the HKEX in order to tell the world that this is the place to be, because attracting overseas companies to list in Hong Kong is not just a question of listing rules - although listing rules are very important as we have seen from the new listing rules to attract new-economy technology companies, biotechnology companies and secondary listing of overseas-listed companies in Hong Kong. But it is not just the listing rules. I would say that it is not just the regulatory regime of Carlson (Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), Mr Carlson Tong) and Ashley (Chief Executive Officer of the SFC, Mr Ashley Alder). It is also what Hong Kong can offer. So, it is for me as the Chief Executive, the Financial Secretary and our team to back up your promotion work to tell people what this city can offer. We can offer the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, this high degree of internationalisation and this place being a very liveable city so that more companies from abroad will choose Hong Kong as their destination for the raising of capital. I hope that in my tenure I will continue to make my contribution to Hong Kong's securities industry, and I hope that you will all support Laura and the team and my Government in bringing Hong Kong's securities market to new heights. Thank you very much. Ends/Wednesday, June 13, 2018 Issued at HKT 20:43 NNNN

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Speech by CE at Investment Forum and Publication Ceremony of Research Report on Central and Eastern European Economy

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/11/P2018061100902.htm

11.6.2018

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the Investment Forum and Publication Ceremony of Research Report on Central and Eastern European (CEE) Economy today (June 11): Dr Jiang (Chairman, SINO-CEEF Capital Management Company Limited, Dr Jiang Jianqing), Commissioner Xie (Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Xie Feng), Ms Qiu (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Ms Qiu Hong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, It is my great pleasure to join you all today for the 2018 Sino-CEE Fund Investment Forum. I would like to first express my appreciation to the organiser for hosting this event in Hong Kong, and extend to you my warmest welcome, particularly those visiting from abroad. When Dr Jiang came to meet with me to talk about this forum, I am sure he was a bit surprised that an official from Hong Kong has been to so many CEE countries. Not many people remember now I had been working in London for 18 months, and during those 18 months, my portfolio covered the entire Central and Eastern European region, so I had been to many of these Central and Eastern European countries. And by the way, during my tenure in London, the Honourable Gordon Brown was the Chancellor of the Exchequer. So I am pretty personally attached to the CEE region. As I told Dr Jiang, I said there was huge potential in these countries that is waiting to be tapped. Hong Kong thrives on trade and finance in an inter-connected world. We have long established ourselves as an ideal hub to pool talents and wealth from around the world in serving a wide spectrum of purposes, be it an exchange of ideas like ours at this very moment, or in search of business and investment opportunities, just as how the Sino-CEE Fund manager (i.e. SINO-CEEF Capital Management Company) is doing here right in Hong Kong. Leveraging on our strategic location, as well as our unparalleled expertise in professional and financial services, we are uniquely positioned and well endowed to help promote multilateral economic co-operation and contribute to our national development strategies. Unveiled by President Xi Jinping as "the project of the century" in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative is a visionary master plan to propel and sustain global economic growth. Since its inception five years ago, it has evolved from a vision into reality with tangible outcomes. China has signed co-operation agreements with over 70 countries and international organisations to foster collaboration in taking forward the Initiative. And Hong Kong is proud to participate in this nationwide development blueprint by entering into an arrangement with the National Development and Reform Commission last December on advancing our full participation in the Initiative. In fact, a team of HKSAR Government officials led by my colleague, the Secretary for Justice, is now on the way to Beijing to attend the first meeting of the liaison mechanism under this Arrangement. The Arrangement attests to the strengths and niches of Hong Kong. As an international financial centre and a global hub for trade and commerce, Hong Kong possesses in abundance the expertise and experience in trade facilitation, infrastructural financing as well as providing professional services in the wealth creation process under the Initiative. The growth momentum of the Mainland, coupled with the opportunities in the Belt and Road countries, bestows on Hong Kong the honour and also the duty to play a pivotal role in the further development of the Initiative. We will strive to maximise our potential under "One Country, Two Systems" and seize every opportunity for economic growth, with the ultimate goal of achieving mutually complimentary and co-ordinated development between the Mainland and Hong Kong. Under the Arrangement, there are six key areas where Hong Kong excels and can make important contribution in the national context, and they are finance and investment; infrastructure and maritime services; economic and trade facilitation; people-to-people bonds; taking forward the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development; and enhancing collaboration in project interfacing and dispute resolution services. While I’m more than excited to walk you through the conducive measures one by one, in the interest of time, just allow me to highlight a few on finance and investment to offer you a glimpse of the Arrangement implementation so far. Infrastructure development and investment is the cornerstone in enhancing connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative. According to the estimates of the Asian Development Bank, infrastructure investment of as much as US$1.7 trillion per year will be needed until 2030 in Asia alone. The magnitude will be even higher for the entire Belt and Road region. To address these huge financing needs, multiple frameworks of public financing mechanisms have been put in place, including the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, AIIB, and the Silk Road Fund. Apart from public investment, it is also critical to draw in private sector investment and financing to bridge the substantial funding gap. To foster public-private partnership and collaboration, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority has set up the Infrastructure Financing Facilitation Office with a view to facilitating infrastructure investments and their financing through working with a cluster of key stakeholders. Since its establishment in July 2016, over 80 organisations from the Mainland, Hong Kong and overseas, including multilateral financial agencies and development banks, asset managers, commercial banks, insurance companies, project developers and operators, as well as professional service firms and international business council, have joined the platform as partners. Last September, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority signed an agreement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), committing US$1 billion to the innovative Managed Co-Lending Portfolio Program which is a debt mobilisation platform for emerging markets. Our support to the IFC in financing projects across more than 100 countries, ranging from infrastructure, telecom to agri-business and services, could serve as a catalyst for attracting private sector capital into infrastructure investment and financing. As much pride as we take in being a leading international asset management, risk management and corporate treasury centre, we are determined to up the game in developing a more conducive environment with a variety and diversity of financing channels for businesses to set foot in Hong Kong. Apart from a clear statement laying down the pathway for infrastructure project companies to achieve listing in Hong Kong, we are also making an effort in spurring the development of our bond market. For instance, our recent launch of the Pilot Bond Grant Scheme offers grants to first-time issuers in Hong Kong to cover part of their issuance expenses. Reciprocally for investors, tax concessions for qualifying debt instruments will also be enhanced to encourage their participation in the bond market. In tandem, half-rate profits tax concessions for corporate treasury centres, as well as professional reinsurers and captive insurers will be further extended. I would also like to take this opportunity to announce an upcoming launch of the Belt and Road Insurance Facilitation Platform to facilitate insurance and reinsurance placements and services for projects or investments along the Belt and Road route. Looking ahead, we will continue to keep ourselves busy in greasing the wheels for this long journey to deliver on our full commitment in the Arrangement. With strengthening economic and trade connectivity between the Mainland and the Belt and Road economies, RMB will be increasingly used in bilateral trade and investment in the region. Hong Kong's status as the largest offshore RMB centre, with 70 per cent of offshore RMB settlement taking place in Hong Kong as well as having the largest RQFII quota in the world, will be of paramount importance in this process of Renminbi internationalisation. We will continue to closely engage the industry and relevant Mainland authorities to explore expansion of the channels for two-way flow of cross-border RMB funds and promote further mutual market access arrangements between the two places. Following the G20’s call for scaling up green finance under China's presidency in 2016, a green, healthy, intelligent and peaceful Silk Road has since been reinvented to bring the concept of green finance and sustainable infrastructure into the mainstream. We envisage an increasing role for our capital markets to finance green projects, serving the needs of both the Mainland and economies along the Belt and Road. Action speaks louder than words. Having received favourable market response on our first local Green Finance Certification Scheme since its inception earlier in January, we will soon be establishing a Green Bond Grant Scheme to subsidise the costs issuers incurred in obtaining certification under our local Scheme. In addition, a Government Green Bond Programme with a borrowing ceiling of HK$100 billion will soon be launched to jump-start market development. We are encouraged to become the preferred location for the issuance of green bonds by a multitude of local, Mainland and overseas enterprises, as well as international organisations such as the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank and the European Investment Bank. The ancient Silk Road was the epitome of human wisdom, perseverance and solidarity. Following the footsteps of our great ancestors along the ancient Silk Road, we're about to make our mark in pursuing the modern-day Belt and Road Initiative. As the saying goes, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. This echoes well with today’s theme of “investing for mutual benefits, collaborating for progress”. I look forward to the informative economic research findings on Sino-CEE relations and the enlightening roundtable discussion coming up next. May this bring about our more frequent and closer collaboration in one way or another in the coming future. Last but not least, before leaving the floor to Dr Jiang on our much anticipated keynote speech by him on Sino-CEE financial and investment strategies in the context of the Initiative, allow me to do a little promo on our upcoming annual Belt and Road Summit to be held on June 28 under the theme of "Collaborate for Success". We hope to see some of you at this international event in Hong Kong. Thank you very much! Ends/Monday, June 11, 2018 Issued at HKT 20:32 NNNN

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Speech by CE at Swedish Midsummer and National Day Celebration

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/08/P2018060800816.htm

8.6.2018

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the Swedish Midsummer and National Day Celebration today (June 8): Consul General (Consul General of Sweden in Hong Kong, Ms Helena Storm), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon. What a pleasure to be here today in celebration of Sweden's national day and its midsummer festival, the country's most traditional of holidays. First of all, my gratitude to the Consul General and your team for opening this fantastic celebration to the people of Hong Kong. It provides an excellent opportunity for our people to appreciate the rich culture of Sweden through the music, dance, food and many other things on offer this afternoon. I am also delighted that the celebration is taking place in the courtyard at PMQ. The Former Police Married Quarters, PMQ is one of eight Conserving Central projects, half of which are now up and running. Just two weeks ago, I took part in the opening of the nearby Central Police Station Compound – now called Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts. I must say I am thrilled to see Hong Kong’s past rise again – revitalised and, as this good afternoon attests to, radiating life, purpose and good will. Ladies and gentlemen, I can say very much the same about Hong Kong and Sweden. Our two economies, our two peoples, are finding good reasons to come together. Less than two years ago, the Karolinska Institutet's Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine opened here, setting in motion what I am confident will be a long and mutually rewarding collaboration between us in science and technology, as well as the creative industries. Indeed, Prince Carl Philip visited Hong Kong just six months ago, here to inaugurate the Swedish Pavilion at Business of Design Week, as well as to launch the first edition of #SwedenTalks_HK, a creative exchange that we very much look forward to building on. The Prince is definitely not the only person from Sweden to visit us. Thanks to our mutual visa-free arrangement and direct flight connection, arrivals from Sweden to Hong Kong grew by about 25 per cent cumulatively in the past three years. And I am sure our people-to-people bond will continue to grow, especially amongst young people, with our bilateral Working Holiday Scheme commencing operation in January this year. Ladies and gentlemen, when it comes to ties between Hong Kong and Sweden, there is a great deal more to say. But I would stop here now, so that I will have more time to tour the booths here and to learn how to make a Swedish flower crown from the Consul General. I wish the people of Sweden a most happy and memorable national day, and everyone here an enjoyable afternoon, actually till 10pm tonight. Thank you very much. Ends/Friday, June 8, 2018 Issued at HKT 16:48 NNNN

CE

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Speech by CE at Urban Land Institute Asia Pacific Summit

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/06/P2018060600811.htm

6.6.2018

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Asia Pacific Summit this morning (June 6): Mr Toomey (ULI Global Chairman, Mr Tom Toomey), Dr Seek (ULI Asia Pacific Chairman, Dr Seek Ngee Huat), Tom (ULI Senior Resident Fellow and ULI/Klingbeil Family Chair for Urban Development, Mr Tom Murphy), Nick (ULI Asia Pacific Incoming Chairman, Mr Nicholas Brooke) and Raymond (ULI Hong Kong and Summit Host Committee Chairman, Mr Raymond Chow), Thank you very much for inviting me to this very important occasion of ULI Asia Pacific - hosting for a second time this very interesting and exciting summit in Hong Kong, especially at the time when you are celebrating your 10th anniversary. I still remember when Nick sent an invitation, he started by saying that this summit is a long way away, because the invitation was actually sent to me last September - it was a couple of months after I took office as the Chief Executive for Hong Kong. But now here I am. So I have this impression that time really flies for me as the Chief Executive for Hong Kong. I'll be celebrating my first anniversary very soon. There is a Chinese saying that when people are in a state of anxiety, very unhappy, then days pass like years (度日如年). So I take it that I have a pretty enjoyable and relaxing tenure as the Chief Executive when months actually pass like days. I think people in the real estate sector are very used to hearing me talk with a beautiful PowerPoint, going into tens and tens of slides about Hong Kong's land development, transport infrastructure, etc. But I have no PowerPoint for you this morning because I was invited to talk about how I lead this top-tier city. There is another Chinese saying that it's easier actually to start a business but it's extremely difficult to sustain a successful business (創業難，守業更難). So I'm now right in this position of sustaining this top-tier city and bringing this top-tier city to newer heights. So I only have a few words that I want to share with you in this leadership position, that is what it's like to lead this top-tier city. One is it is extremely tiring. Secondly, it is extremely challenging, but fortunately it's extremely fulfilling. Now, just to impress upon you the workload or the work pressure on the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, since I won the election on the 26th of March last year, which by now is almost one and a half years, I have only taken one day's leave - to spend a very brief holiday with my family in a city called Guilin in the Guangxi Autonomous Region. And that was really a brief holiday of four nights. But even during that very brief holiday, I had to produce a video on how wonderful it is to travel on the high-speed rail from Shenzhen North station for three hours to Guilin and sort of promoting the high-speed rail in Hong Kong which will open by the end of September this year, and by which time I don't need to go to Shenzhen North to change into a high-speed train. I will walk into the West Kowloon terminus and then one stop - although we will stop en route, but I don't need to change any train - and I'll be in Guilin in about three hours' time. Now, also during that very brief holiday I had meetings with the leaders of Guangxi who wanted to talk to me about this exciting project of the southern corridor. And then I was invited to inspect some poverty alleviation work in a village in Guilin - how they revitalised a village in order to help raise the standard of living in some of these rural villages. So I've come to the conclusion that in this particular position there is simply no private life for the Chief Executive and I just don't have any personal time for myself and my family. That is because about 20 per cent of my time was actually spent outside of Hong Kong in the last year or so. I have made 21 trips out of Hong Kong to promote this top-tier city, and next Wednesday I'm embarking on a grand European tour of 13 days covering three countries and six cities in continental Europe to continue to promote Hong Kong and to explore opportunities for collaboration with Hong Kong in a wide range of areas, including innovation and technology, arts and culture, business, financial services, Renminbi trading and so on and so on, because we are a cosmopolitan city, very proud of being an international financial centre, shipping and logistics, and now emerging as a very important arts and cultural hub. I hope friends who come from abroad will have some time to visit the recently opened Central Police Station Compound, now called Tai Kwun, which is revitalised into an arts and entertainment precinct for Hong Kong people as well as for tourists. I also promised and have delivered this pledge to work more closely with our politicians - the Legislative Council (LegCo) - because in our political system, and that is why leadership is so important, if we want to deliver for Hong Kong, I have to work with the politicians across the spectrum, whether they are pro-government, anti-establishment or even very radical members in the Legislative Council. So from January this year, I started the practice of going more frequently to the Legislative Council to attend not only the long versions of question-and-answers by the Chief Executive every quarter but also in addition to go there at least once a month to be questioned. But these interactions have been proven to be quite rewarding and effective. For those in the audience who are in the construction industry, you will be pleased to hear that I am expecting a very good year in terms of getting funding for Hong Kong's infrastructure. I have said in public that I am expecting total funding to be approved this year by the Legislative Council will be in the region of HK$170 billion, which is the highest level in the last five years. That's so much about this being a very tiring job because of all the things I need to do and the people I need to engage in order to continue to lead Hong Kong effectively. I said this job is also extremely challenging because on the one hand, Hong Kong has her unique strengths which I still feel there is a huge potential to be tapped, and that's why I do a lot of all these overseas and Mainland trips. On the other hand, we are facing a lot of difficulties, so that is what makes this job extremely challenging and also interesting. But let me just start by sharing a bit with you the major challenge lies in the constitutional position of the Chief Executive. Many of you will know that I have been the Government's number two for four and a half years before I resigned to contest in the Chief Executive election. So you will feel that perhaps it's not too different and difficult because it's number two moving into number one position. But constitutionally, as laid down in the Basic Law, the position of the Chief Executive is unique. He or she is responsible to both the people of Hong Kong as well as the Central People's Government, or what we call the dual accountability. So to ensure the continued success of "one country, two systems", the Chief Executive has to perform his or her role well in taking into account the interests of the Central People's Government as well as the people of Hong Kong. I would say with my year of experience that, at most of the time, the two sets of interests align very well, because you have heard our leaders saying that they want Hong Kong to succeed. They want Hong Kong to continue to be an international city and financial centre. And more recently, in the 19th Congress report of President Xi Jinping, he said that he would support Hong Kong to integrate herself into the national development. So there are plenty of opportunities for us to tap, provided that the Chief Executive performs well in discharging her dual responsibility. The second challenge lies in our political system. Tom has been a politician, and many of you know that in many of the overseas parliaments, the ruling government would be having a majority in the parliament, so that the government could push the policy through the legislative council or the parliament. But in our case, our situation is unique in a sense that the Government does not even have a single vote in the Legislative Council. Amongst the LegCo members we could say that some political parties are more pro-establishment, others may be less pro-establishment. But their vested interests differ significantly. So it is not always reliable to think that I have always the support of the allies from the pro-establishment group. It really depends on the issues of the day that we need to press ahead in order to deliver for the people of Hong Kong. The third challenge lies in - there had been quite a bit of misunderstanding or prejudiced comments about where Hong Kong is under "one country, two systems", so especially for overseas friends I would encourage you to really look deeper into Hong Kong's situation and read more broadly about different commentaries about Hong Kong instead of just taking on face value that this high degree of autonomy has been eroded, how the "one country, two systems" concept is not being upheld and so on. But of course it lies on the shoulders of the Chief Executive to continue to dispel those misperceptions and misunderstanding. Hong Kong is facing a lot of challenges. If we want to continue to be a top-tier city, and even further and better to rise to new height, we need to enhance our competitiveness, because we are living in a globalised economic environment. So we cannot sit back and relax and think that we will succeed by being the freest economy in the world and one of the most competitive economies in the world. Because the world is changing, and other people, other governments and other economies are moving ahead. So we need to seize the many opportunities available to us under the Belt and Road and this Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area. I'm not going into details in these two major national strategies and what they have in offer for Hong Kong because I have looked at your programme - I believe that some of the subsequent panel discussions will cover these two very important areas. And then we have an issue of public aspirations. For many advanced economies all over the world, the people are now more assertive. They really want the government to do more for them. They are unhappy about the gaps in wealth, they are unhappy about not being able to buy a flat, young people are a bit aggrieved about the lack of opportunities in upward mobility and so on. So the challenge lies in how I could effectively respond to the rising public aspirations across the spectrum of the economy, job opportunities, social inclusion, equality and so on. But nothing is more pressing in Hong Kong, nothing is more challenging in Hong Kong, than this single issue of land supply, which ULI may come to our rescue and give us another advisory panel on how we can find the land. Right now, knowing very well that this is a very controversial issue and I have said in public that Hong Kong is not short of land - because only 24 per cent of our 1 100 square kilometres have been developed, so there are still three-quarters of land to be tapped and we are surrounded by water - but there is a lack of consensus on where we should find this land for meeting our economic, social and housing needs. So right now there is a land supply task force undertaking a public engagement hopefully to build a broad consensus before we could move forward. But also on land, I have something very interesting and exciting to report, especially with Tom Murphy here who has helped me, upon my invitation, and did one of those international advisory panels in 2011 on the development of Kai Tak and East Kowloon. Because when I was the Secretary for Development, I did realise that we are not only short of land for housing, we're also short of land for business - especially if we want to be an international business hub, then we need to provide land and offices, especially Grade A offices, for some of these overseas and Mainland businesses to set up. And I have targeted Kowloon East as the second Central Business District. So in 2011, I announced a major initiative called Energizing Kowloon East, that is to transform Kowloon East comprising the two former industrial areas in Kwun Tong and Kowloon Bay and this new recycled site of the former airport of Kai Tak into a second CBD. I said I was excited to report because, Tom, you'll be pleased to hear that within a few years, this second CBD is emerging. We are expecting the Kowloon East to produce about 3 million square metres of office space by the year 2021 - we are gradually building up - and then with the potential to reach 5 million square metres of office space upon completion of the various new developments, redevelopments and conversion of industrial buildings. Looking ahead, if you ask me where could I find a similar area for that sort of exciting development, it has to be Lantau. Because upon completion of the bridge connecting Hong Kong through the Lantau area to Macao and Zhuhai, and the completion of the second link into Lantau Island, that is the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link by 2020, Lantau is no longer an isolated island. Lantau is very well connected and very well positioned in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area. So I together with my team are now looking into the further potential of Lantau. Inevitably, it will involve some extensive reclamation because people are very attached to country parks and Lantau has two country parks on the south and on the north, and also the southern part of Lantau is simply beautiful with Tai O, Cheung Sha and all these areas, and I don't think we should forgo the opportunities to conserve this very beautiful part of the Lantau Island. My third feeling is this job is extremely fulfilling because I was born and brought up in Hong Kong and I love this city. So where else could I find a job that I could serve the people and serve the people I love than in the position of the Chief Executive? Because as the Chief Executive, I can make decisions. I can make very timely decisions in order to progress Hong Kong ahead. And the very rewarding experience I had in the last year is: once the Government gets its act together, has a very clear vision, clear direction and puts in a bit of resources, the response is overwhelming. This is what I have seen in innovation and technology. Nick Brooke was the former Chairman of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, laying very good groundwork for innovation and technology development in Hong Kong. The pace of innovation and technology in the last 11 months or so, I have to say, is amazing. So we have an eight-pronged strategy laid out to really develop Hong Kong's innovation and technology, not only to diversify our economy but also to provide more quality jobs for our young people. On the financial side, you will feel that perhaps Hong Kong is already a very mature financial centre, we don't need to do any more things proactively. No. We have introduced a few things in the last several months in Hong Kong to take our financial centre to new height. One is more aggressive policy measures to encourage the issue of bonds, especially green bonds, in Hong Kong. Secondly, is to provide tax incentives for aircraft leasing activities to take place in Hong Kong. Third is the Hong Kong Exchange has introduced new listing rules at the end of April that will attract or facilitate the listing of new economy technology companies as well as biotechnology companies in Hong Kong and provide the more ready platform for secondary listing for some of these tech companies that have been listed elsewhere. So with this very tiring, very challenging and very fulfilling job, I am now very confident and very determined that I will do this job well, because I believe the best of Hong Kong is yet to come. And this is where I will stop and show you a three-minute video on why I feel the best of Hong Kong is yet to come. Thank you very much. Ends/Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Issued at HKT 17:42 NNNN

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Transcript of remarks at press conference on new initiatives on housing

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/29/P2018062901167.htm

29.6.2018

​ The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, together with the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan; and the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, held a press conference on new initiatives on housing this afternoon (June 29). Below is the transcript of remarks at the press conference: Reporter: Three questions. Hong Kong's property prices have been increasing for 26 straight months as of May. Are these policies the Government's best try in providing immediate relief to unaffordable housing? Secondly, regarding making subsidised housing more affordable, does the Government expect this policy will lead to increasing demand? The Government has been lagging in providing more subsidised housing to people, and people are deeming subsidised housing schemes as the big lottery. Does the Government have any plan to cope with even higher demand at this stage? Chief Executive: First of all, as I've said at the outset, there is no objective in this package to suppress property prices, and I don't expect the society to measure the effectiveness of this package of measures by the trend in Hong Kong's private residential property prices. That's point number one. But of course I hope that we will not be seeing another upsurge in property prices, because that is really making private housing very unaffordable by the people of Hong Kong. The second question is, yes, there has been a school of thought that when supply is lagging behind demand in terms of subsidised sale flats, why do you make these flats even more attractive and affordable? This is a chicken and egg question. The other concern I've heard in the past two months said: Why do I contribute to any discussion on land supply if more land supply doesn't mean I could buy the flat? The flats are unaffordable even in terms of Home Ownership Scheme. So I feel that the proper way is, let's have a very reasonable housing policy, let's assure the public that the houses or the flats that we are going to build will be affordable, at least in the subsidised sector. It will be affordable, because we have already delinked it from the private property prices and linked it with the household income. And with that, hopefully people will be more forthcoming in contributing their ideas and views to the land supply task force public consultation. We will work very hard on the land supply, and with the land we are very willing to build more. As you can see, we are reallocating some private housing sites for subsidised sale flats, and we now have a pricing policy which I hope will address once and for all the concerns of the people expressed to us in recent years. Reporter: I want to ask as there are suggestions about, well, increasing for the vacancy tax. Instead of giving a flat rate, you should increase the tax according to the number of years that the developers are keeping the flats vacant - is that something that you are considering? And also, another suggestion of imposing a capital gains tax on non-permanent residents who are owning flats in Hong Kong. I mean, are these options that you are also considering? Have you considered these options to make better use of Hong Kong’s housing resources? And also, you mentioned that these measures you introduced today are not for taming the property prices in Hong Kong, so do you have anything in mind that you’re going to do, because we’re seeing prices going up and up and up? Thank you. Chief Executive: I’ll answer the last point and then invite the Financial Secretary to address the two questions concerning taxes in Hong Kong. Well, the best solution to tackle rising property prices is supply. That’s why I made a further appeal: please focus and participate in the ongoing public discussion on land supply. Without land supply, even if I were to make the HOS flats even cheaper, or free of charge, I just don’t have land to build these flats for the people. So the solution lies really in supply. Financial Secretary: Thank you CE. As to the rate of additional rates, at the moment it is set at 200 per cent of rateable value, which can be translated into about 5 per cent of the property price. We consider that this is an adequate measure, but of course we keep an open mind. As you know, this bill will go through the Legislative Council, but at this stage we do think that 5 per cent of the property price, in the form of additional rates, is appropriate. As to your question about whether we should consider capital gains tax on foreign owners of Hong Kong property, currently we do not have that plan, but I won’t rule out that possibility. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Friday, June 29, 2018 Issued at HKT 23:59 NNNN

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Government announces six new initiatives on housing

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/29/P2018062900967.htm

29.6.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, together with the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong; and the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan, announced today (June 29) a package of six new initiatives on housing. "As I said in my maiden Policy Address delivered last October, the housing problem is the most challenging, formidable and complex among all livelihood issues. It is also the very issue that our people most earnestly look to the current-term Government to resolve with innovative solutions in a resolute manner. The new initiatives on housing announced today address some of the people's concerns, but we need to expand our developable land in order to significantly boost housing supply. The Government will do its utmost to reverse the current situation in which housing supply cannot meet the demand and property prices continue to soar," Mrs Lam said. "The Task Force on Land Supply is carrying out a major public engagement exercise and is expected to draw up a comprehensive package of proposals and a visionary land supply strategy by the end of this year for the Government's consideration. I believe that the initiatives announced today will help the community focus its discussion on increasing land supply and build a broad consensus," she added. Mrs Lam introduced six new housing initiatives, which aim to meet three objectives, namely making subsidised sale flats (SSFs) more affordable, increasing supply of subsidised housing units and enhancing support for transitional housing supply, and encouraging more timely supply of first-hand private flats. Revising the pricing policy for SSFs --------------------------------------- "To make SSFs more affordable to lower- to middle-income households, we will revise the affordability test of the existing pricing mechanism for the Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) by using the median monthly household income of non-owner occupier households (currently around $39,500, net of Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) contributions) as the reference point instead of the income limit of White Form (WF) family applicants (currently $57,000, net of MPF contributions), and ensuring that at least 75 per cent of flats are affordable (increased from 50 per cent). If we had adopted the new affordability test in the 2018 HOS sale, the flats would be sold at 52 per cent instead of the original 70 per cent of the 'assessed market value'," Mrs Lam said. Under the existing pricing policy, the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) prices HOS flats at a 30 per cent discount from "assessed market value" if the resultant prices meet the affordability test. The test is met if, for at least 50 per cent of the flats, households with income at the prevailing income limit for WF family applicants ($57,000, net of MPF contributions) need not use more than 40 per cent of their income on mortgage payments. If the affordability test is not satisfied, a discount higher than 30 per cent will be offered. In simple terms, the income limit of WF family applicants represents the amount of household income required to purchase a reasonably sized flat in the private sector. Households with income below the limit are deemed to be unable to afford home ownership in the private sector and hence qualified for the HOS. In other words, the WF income limit includes a housing cost element which inevitably varies with private property prices. Such a linkage is logical for the purpose of determining the eligibility for the HOS since the higher the price of an average property in the private market, the more households would find it unaffordable and need government assistance for purchasing property. An income limit that is linked to market prices of private housing serves precisely this purpose and should remain unchanged. However, when the WF income limit is used as a benchmark in the affordability test, it may create an issue: as the WF income limit rises with market prices, more applicants will find it difficult to afford the HOS prices determined by reference to the WF income limit. "The Government has reviewed the affordability test and found that there is room to fine-tune the test by delinking it from the reference to the HOS income limit, hence removing its indirect link with private property prices," Mrs Lam said. As for the pricing mechanism for the Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (GSH), there would be a further discount of 10 per cent for the GSH from that decided for the preceding HOS sale exercise. With the introduction of a new pricing mechanism which may give rise to selling HOS and GSH flats at higher discount from assessed market values, the Government proposes that the HA consider tightening the alienation restrictions for SSFs. There will be no changes to all other elements of the established pricing mechanism, which include adopting a single discount rate in the pricing of all flats in a sale exercise and ensuring the HA will not incur a loss in each sale exercise with the discount rate not lower than 30 per cent. The new pricing policy will be adopted as from the 2018 GSH sale exercise. The Government will invite the HA to consider whether it will implement the new pricing policy for the sale of the 2018 HOS. Inviting the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) to assign its non-joint venture project at Ma Tau Wai Road as a Starter Homes (SH) pilot project -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "SH aims to help the higher-income families who are not eligible for the HOS and yet cannot afford private housing to meet their home ownership aspirations in the face of rising property prices. I announced in my Policy Address last year that the Government would use a residential site at Anderson Road on the Government's 2018-19 Land Sale Programme to provide about 1 000 SH units. However, since it would take several years before SH units at the Anderson Road site can be put up for pre-sale, we are now testing out the SH concept earlier by inviting the URA to assign its non-joint venture redevelopment project at Ma Tau Wai Road as an SH pilot project," Mrs Lam said. The Ma Tau Wai Road project can provide 450 SH units. The project is expected to be issued with an Occupation Permit in the second quarter of 2019. Taking into account the time required for relevant preparatory work, it is estimated that the pre-sale exercise can be launched in December 2018 at the soonest. Mrs Lam also introduced the major eligibility criteria for applying for SH units. Among other criteria, eligible applicants have to be Hong Kong residents who have lived in Hong Kong for seven years or more, who have never owned any residential property in Hong Kong, whose income falls between the prevailing income limits for WF applicants for the HOS and about 30 per cent higher than such limits, and whose assets should not exceed the limit of 30 per cent above the prevailing HOS asset limits for WF applicants. The discount for SH units should be 10 per cent to 20 per cent less than that decided for the preceding HOS sale exercise, in order to maintain relativity among different rungs along the housing ladder. The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited will provide mortgage insurance cover for 30 per cent to 40 per cent of the property value such that SH buyers can obtain mortgages of up to a 90 per cent loan-to-value ratio from banks. As the target buyers of SH are those with higher income, more stringent alienation restrictions than those for HOS and GSH will be imposed. SH owners cannot sell or let their units in the first five years after purchase. After the first five years, SH owners can sell or let their units in the open market after payment of premium to the URA. "The Government will make reference to the experience from the SH pilot project at Ma Tau Wai Road in taking forward the SH project at Anderson Road," Mrs Lam added. Reallocating private housing sites for public housing ---------------------------------------------------------- Mrs Lam said that the Government has been working hard to allocate sites for public housing, including some sites that were originally intended for private housing. "To better meet the need for more affordable housing, the Government will further reallocate a total of nine private housing sites in Kai Tak and Anderson Road Quarry, capable of providing about 10 600 flats, for public housing. The Government will further consider if the developments should be arranged for sale or rental." Setting up a task force to assist the community to take forward transitional housing projects ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The 2017 Policy Address noted the Government's effort to facilitate the implementation of various short-term community initiatives to increase the supply of transitional housing, with a view to alleviating the hardship faced by families on the public rental housing waiting list and the inadequately housed. To that end a task force will be set up under the Transport and Housing Bureau to provide one-stop, co-ordinated support to assist and enable more non-government institutions in pursuing transitional housing. Introducing Special Rates on vacant first-hand private residential units ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Government is concerned about the increasing number of unsold first-hand private residential units in completed projects in recent years, from around 4 000 units at the end of March 2013 to 9 000 units at the end of March 2018. This trend is undesirable in the face of a severe housing shortage. There is a need to introduce more effective measures to spur developers to expedite the supply of first-hand private flats. The Government proposes to introduce Special Rates on vacant first-hand private residential units by amending the Rating Ordinance (Cap. 116). Owners (mainly developers) of first-hand private residential units with the Occupation Permit issued for 12 months or more will be required to furnish annual returns to the Government on the occupancy status of the units. Units that have not been occupied or rented out for more than six months during the past 12 months will be considered as vacant and subject to Special Rates. Special Rates will be collected by the Rating and Valuation Department annually at two times (i.e. 200 per cent) the rateable value of the units concerned, which is roughly equal to 5 per cent of the property value based on the average rental yield of 2.5 per cent for residential property in March 2018. The Government plans to introduce an Amendment Bill into the Legislative Council (LegCo) during the 2018-19 legislative year to amend the Rating Ordinance. The Special Rates will take effect after gazettal of the Amendment Ordinance following passage of the Amendment Bill in LegCo. Amending the Lands Department (LandsD) Consent Scheme to improve sales practices ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To improve market transparency and enhance consumer protection, Mrs Lam announced that the Government will amend the Consent Scheme to improve sales practices by requiring developers to offer for sale no less than 20 per cent of the total number of residential units subject to the relevant pre-sale consent at each turn of sale, regardless of the sales method (including tender and auction). If the remaining unsold residential units are less than 20 per cent, the developer has to offer for sale all remaining units in one go. This 20 per cent requirement will take immediate effect upon announcement, and applies to new pre-sale consent applications and applications currently being processed by LandsD under the Consent Scheme. Mrs Lam said that the six initiatives show the Government's commitment to tackling the housing problem. She also invited the community to take part in the public engagement exercise of the Task Force on Land Supply to contribute to the formulation of land supply strategy for Hong Kong. The Government will continue to work towards increasing adequate and affordable housing for the community. Ends/Friday, June 29, 2018 Issued at HKT 21:22 NNNN

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Celebration events for 21st anniversary of establishment of HKSAR

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/29/P2018062900299.htm

29.6.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, and senior government officials will attend a flag-raising ceremony and reception on Sunday (July 1) to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The flag-raising ceremony will be held at Golden Bauhinia Square outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) at 8am. About 2 400 people, including community leaders, members of community groups and uniformed groups will attend the ceremony. The Police Band will perform at the ceremony and a mixed choir from St Paul's Co-educational College, Diocesan Boys' School and Diocesan Girls' School will sing the national anthem under the lead of two singers, Mr Alexander Chen and Ms Colette Lam, followed by a fly-past and a sea parade by the disciplined services. The public are welcome to watch the ceremony. A designated public viewing area will be set up with a capacity of about 1 000 people. An LED wall will be installed in the area to facilitate viewing of the ceremony. To ensure the smooth running of the flag-raising ceremony and to avoid disrupting other viewers, people are requested to observe the rules and instructions given by the authorities on-site. The celebration reception, led by the Chief Executive, will be held at the Grand Foyer on 3/F of the HKCEC after the flag-raising ceremony. About 1 600 guests, including members of the Executive and Legislative Councils, consular corps, government officials and members of various community sectors, will attend the reception. Motorists are reminded that Golden Bauhinia Square and the nearby area will be designated as a restricted zone by the Police. Only holders of valid passes will be allowed entry. Ends/Friday, June 29, 2018 Issued at HKT 15:00 NNNN

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Appointments to Harbourfront Commission announced

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/29/P2018062800724.htm

29.6.2018

The Government announced today (June 29) the Chief Executive's appointment of the Chairperson and five members to serve on the Harbourfront Commission (HC) for a two-year term commencing on July 1, 2018. Mr Vincent Ng Wing-shun, a long-serving HC member, will succeed Mr Charles Nicholas Brooke as the new Chairman. Ms Janice Lai Wai-man and Ms Christina Maisenne Lee will join the HC for the first time as members, while three existing members, Ms Kelly Chan Yuen-sau, Mr Alan Lo Yeung-kit and Mr Ngan Man-yu, have been re-appointed. The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, welcomed the appointments and re-appointments. "With Mr Ng's rich experience in the work of harbourfront enhancement and his outstanding leadership demonstrated as the chairman of the Task Force on Kai Tak Harbourfront Development, I am confident that the good work of the HC can be sustained in the years to come. The HC deliberations will also continue to benefit from the diversity brought about by the different backgrounds of new and existing members," Mr Wong said. "I wish to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing Chairman, Mr Nicholas Brooke, who has been involved in harbourfront-related matters since the establishment of the former Harbour-front Enhancement Committee (HEC) back in 2004, for his able chairmanship since 2010 and his invaluable contribution to the HC over the past years. "Harbourfront development and enhancement is a core vision shared by both the Government and the HC. The next few years will be challenging for the HC, which is expected to take forward a number of major harbourfront initiatives including those funded by the $500 million dedicated funding," Mr Wong added. To provide enhanced support to the HC in taking forward harbourfront initiatives, the Government will, from July 1, 2018, onwards, re-organise the Harbour Unit under the Development Bureau into a dedicated Harbour Office (HO). The HO will be staffed by a multi-disciplinary team comprising different professional and supporting officers. The HC was established in July 2010 to succeed the HEC to advise the Government on harbourfront planning, design, management and other related matters with the objective of fostering and facilitating the development of the Victoria harbourfront. Following is the membership of the HC commencing on July 1, 2018: Chairperson ---------------- Mr Vincent Ng Wing-shun Vice-Chairperson ------------------------- Secretary for Development Non-official Members (Organisations) ----------------------------------------------------- Business Environment Council Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong Conservancy Association Friends of the Earth Hong Kong Institute of Architects Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects Hong Kong Institute of Planners Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design Hong Kong Institution of Engineers Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong Society for Protection of the Harbour Non-official Members (Individuals) ------------------------------------------------ Mr Chan Ka-kui Mr Walter Chan Kar-lok Ms Kelly Chan Yuen-sau Mr Hans Joachim Isler Mr Karl Kwok Chi-leung Ms Janice Lai Wai-man Ms Christina Lee Maisenne Ms Vivian Lee Ying-shih Mr Alan Lo Yeung-kit Mr Ngan Man-yu Mr Tony Tse Wai-chuen Official Members -------------------------- Permanent Secretary for Development (Planning and Lands) or her representative Commissioner for Tourism or his representative Commissioner for Transport or her representative Director of Civil Engineering and Development or his representative Director of Leisure and Cultural Services or her representative Director of Marine or her representative Director of Planning or his representative Secretary ------------- Principal Assistant Secretary for Development (Harbour) Ends/Friday, June 29, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:00 NNNN

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CE meets guests of Belt and Road Summit

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/28/P2018062801041.htm

28.6.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met a number of senior officials from the Mainland and overseas at Government House separately yesterday and today (June 27 and 28), who are visiting Hong Kong for the third Belt and Road Summit jointly organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. They included the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Dr Somkid Jatusripitak; the Chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC), Mr Xiao Yaqing; the Vice Minister of Commerce, Ms Gao Yan; and the National Security Advisor, Union Minister for the Ministry of the office of the Union Government and Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, U Thaung Tun. Mrs Lam thanked them for the staunch support for the Summit and exchanged views with them on future co-operation in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative. Mrs Lam hosted a dinner for Dr Somkid at Government House yesterday evening. She said she has visited Thailand twice and met with Dr Somkid for the third time since taking office, signifying the growing relationship between Hong Kong and Thailand. She particularly thanked the Thai government for responding positively to her proposal in the Policy Address delivered last year to establish in Bangkok the third Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (ETO) in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). She was grateful for the Thai government’s co-operation, enabling good progress of the work. Both parties agreed at the meeting to work towards the common goal of putting the ETO into operation at the beginning of next year. Mrs Lam met with Mr Xiao before attending the Belt and Road Summit this morning. She thanked Mr Xiao for his unlimited support for Hong Kong, including organising the chief executives and senior management from over 170 state-owned enterprises (SoEs) to participate in the seminar on "Strategies and Opportunities under the Belt and Road Initiative - Leveraging Hong Kong's Advantages, Meeting the Country's Needs" organised by the HKSAR Government and the Belt and Road General Chamber of Commerce at the Great Hall of the People in February this year, and leading a delegation to take part in the Belt and Road Summit this time. Mrs Lam expressed the hope that with the support of the SASAC, more SoEs will make use of Hong Kong as a platform to explore together business opportunities brought by the Belt and Road Initiative. In the afternoon, Mrs Lam met U Thaung Tun at the Chief Executive’s Office. She said the visit to Myanmar last September, the first visit by a Chief Executive since the establishment of the HKSAR twenty years ago, was very fruitful. Noting that the ASEAN, including Myanmar, lies in the Belt and Road and has great development potential, she said that many Hong Kong companies should be interested in expanding investment in Myanmar. She said the HKSAR Government which strives to consolidate the results of the last visit will enhance co-operation with Myanmar in various areas including trade, investment, tourism, culture and education. She said that Hong Kong, as an international city, is very willing to share its experience with Myanmar in various aspects, including clean governance, city management, aviation safety and railway operations, to foster the people-to-people bonds between the two places as a contribution to the Belt and Road Initiative. In the evening, Mrs Lam hosted a dinner at Government House for Mr Xiao, Ms Gao and other guests from the Mainland attending the Belt and Road Summit. Thanking Mr Xiao and Ms Gao for sharing their insights to enrich the Summit, she said she hopes they will continue to support Hong Kong’s full participation in the Belt and Road Initiative to inject new impetus to the economy of Hong Kong, the country and the world. Ends/Thursday, June 28, 2018 Issued at HKT 23:44 NNNN

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Third Belt and Road Summit fosters collaboration on all fronts

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/28/P2018062800652.htm

28.6.2018

Close to 5,000 participants, including ministerial officials, business leaders and professionals from 55 countries and regions attended the third Belt and Road Summit today (June 28), at which over 500 one-to-one business-matching meetings with over 220 projects were arranged to promote business deals. Themed "Collaborate for Success", the Summit started with the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, delivering an opening address, followed by special addresses from the Chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, Mr Xiao Yaqing; the Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, Mr Ning Jizhe; and the Vice Minister of Commerce, Ms Gao Yan. The Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Dr Somkid Jatusripitak, delivered a keynote speech. Mrs Lam said in her opening address that wide participation from different parts of the world is important for the successful implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, as its pursuit requires a high degree of co-operation between countries and the establishment of a sound bilateral and multilateral mechanism, as well as participation from different sectors. She said, "Hong Kong, being the world's freest economy and China's most international city, is destined to play a significant part in the Belt and Road Initiative. "Hong Kong will contribute to the Initiative across all areas of its wide-ranging connectivity, from policy co-ordination, financial integration and trade, to infrastructure and people-to-people bonds. "Hong Kong's singular most important advantage in playing an active role in the Belt and Road Initiative is the 'one country, two systems' framework that propels our development in the past 21 years. It allows us to expand our traditional strengths as an international financial, trade and logistics centre, while deepening our economic integration with the Mainland." Mrs Lam also pointed out that the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area would boost interaction and integration within the region, encouraging strategic partnerships between Hong Kong, Guangdong and the larger Belt and Road region. The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, delivered openings remarks at the luncheon plenary. The session consisted of a ministerial dialogue chaired by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, with the participation of four overseas ministerial officials. The four ministers were the National Security Advisor, Union Minister for the Ministry of the office of the Union Government and Chairman of the Myanmar Investment Commission, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, U Thaung Tun; the Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Georgia, Mr Genadi Arveladze; the Minister of State for Trade and Export Promotion, the United Kingdom, Baroness Fairhead; and the Secretary of State, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr Lim Sidenine. They shared their insights on how the Belt and Road Initiative would enhance multi-lateral partnerships. Mr Chan said, "For decades, Hong Kong has been the pivotal gateway connecting China and the world. We are strategically positioned to serve as multiple platforms for the Belt and Road. "As one of the world's leading financial centres and China's international financial capital, Hong Kong can be the platform for capital formation and funding. Our deep liquidity, premier financial infrastructure and comprehensive options for raising capital, from traditional IPOs and loan syndication to bonds and the more sophisticated Islamic sukuk, can meet the financing needs of the mega Belt and Road infrastructure projects." He pointed out that Hong Kong was also the Belt and Road platform for high-end professional services and the platform for enterprises to find the right partners, as well as to base their offshore operations. In his lead-in speech this morning, Mr Yau highlighted five distinct areas where Hong Kong could offer itself as a platform for collaboration with those who want to leverage on the opportunities arising from the Belt and Road Initiative. The five areas are policy, positioning, professional services, project inception and partnering. The Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng, SC, also spoke at the panel session on "Deal Maker in International Cross-Border Transactions". Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the third Belt and Road Summit featured a main plenary session, a luncheon plenary, nine thematic breakout sessions, full day investment and business matching sessions and three project pitching sessions, with the latter focusing on energy, natural resources and public utilities; transport and logistics infrastructure; and rural and urban development. Ends/Thursday, June 28, 2018 Issued at HKT 17:50 NNNN

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CE speaks on development of innovation and technology and smart city in Hong Kong

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/27/P2018062701030.htm

27.6.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, addressing the Smart City Summit 2018 organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong this morning (June 27), said that Hong Kong has clear advantages in developing innovation and technology (I&T) and that the Government is currently pushing ahead with development at full steam in accordance with the eight-pronged approach set earlier with the devotion of a large amount of resources. She said she is confident that with the support of the Central Government, Hong Kong will be developed as a world-class I&T hub and smart city. Noting in her keynote speech at the Summit that Hong Kong's I&T development is supported by sound technological foundations and outstanding capability in scientific research with the convergence of top universities, research institutes and high-quality professional scientific research talent from around the world, she said that most important of all is the unique advantage of "One Country, Two Systems" and the city's proximity to the huge Mainland market. She said that with the impetus brought about by the two major national strategies, namely the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong Macao Bay Area, Hong Kong is set to be presented with unprecedented opportunity in I&T development. She said Hong Kong has world-class information infrastructure and is among the world's top five fastest growing start-up ecosystems. The number of start-ups has doubled to some 2,200 from 2014 to 2017. Venture capital has surged significantly from US$80 million in 2012 to about US$1,100 million in 2017. The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and Cyberport provide space for I&T enterprises, as too will the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park to be developed at the Lok Ma Chau Loop area. "The most important thing is to increase resources in research and development. In order to do this, it is not just the question of the Government putting in money. We want also the private sector to invest more, so the Government launched tax incentives. And we want to attract more tech-intense companies or research institutions to Hong Kong by building up two important clusters, one focusing on healthcare technologies and the other on artificial intelligence and robotics technologies," Mrs Lam said on the Government's strategy in I&T development. On the development of smart city, Mrs Lam introduced various initiatives in the six major areas of the Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong released in December last year, which comprise "Smart Mobility", "Smart Living", "Smart Environment", "Smart People", "Smart Government" and "Smart Economy". She expressed the hope that the Summit could provide more ideas for Hong Kong's smart city development. After delivering the speech, Mrs Lam chatted with Sophia, a robot developed by a start-up in the Hong Kong Science Park. During the chat, Mrs Lam said she hopes that the community will work together to develop Hong Kong into a smart city. Ends/Wednesday, June 27, 2018 Issued at HKT 22:05 NNNN

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Transcript of remarks by Acting CE at media session before ExCo meeting

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/26/P2018062600517.htm

26.6.2018

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting this morning (June 26): Reporter: Mr Cheung, why is the Government withdrawing the Yuen Long footbridge plan from the FC (Finance Committee) agenda, and what is the rationale behind? And also, a second question on the vacant property tax. How are you going to face if there are any legal challenge like challenging the Government’s decision on that? Acting Chief Executive: First of all, the Yuen Long footbridge. In fact, we are not withdrawing the item from the Finance Committee. It’s purely that we are really talking about prioritising in order to provide more time to consult. We're not talking about taking it out at all. The need for a footbridge in Yuen Long is not debatable. We all agree, everybody agrees, that there is a need for a footbridge there to facilitate the pedestrian flow and that also there is a need locally in Yuen Long. Of course, there is a difference in opinion between professional bodies and some local groups. The Government, of course, will put up the proposal to the Finance Committee. Now, we are going through a stage because of difference in opinion. I think we need to get together, put our heads together, and consult more thoroughly, explain our position more thoroughly, in order to reach common ground. That's why the Highways Department colleagues will be going down to the Yuen Long District Council at lunchtime to explain fully the circumstances, the rationale, for the proposal and also to try to bridge the gap, as it were, between various parties. We hope to find a way forward that's acceptable to all sides. It's a win-win situation that we are talking about. On the second question, the vacancy tax, of course, the Chief Executive has promised to update the community on the latest position of vacancy tax by the end of this month. We still have a few days left, so let’s be patient. Reporter: Are you concerning the legal challenges? I was asking about legal challenges. Acting Chief Executive: We can’t comment on hypothetical questions at the moment. Wait until the Government has made the announcement on the issue first. OK? (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, June 26, 2018 Issued at HKT 14:26 NNNN

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CE exchanges views with young scientists in Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/25/P2018062500956.htm

25.6.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, continued to attend the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting today (June 25, Lindau time). She spoke with young scientists and met with laureates of the Nobel Prize and the Shaw Prize. Mrs Lam attended a seminar this morning. Together with two Nobel laureates, Professor Dr Kurt Wüthrich and Professor Dr Ferid Murad, she exchanged views with young scientists about the leadership required of scientists. Mrs Lam said that issues facing politicians and scientists may be different, but as leaders they must be diligent and perseverant as well as have team spirit. She encouraged the young scientists to be creative and curious and set clear goals for themselves. Noting that Hong Kong provides necessary support for scientific research and has a highly international environment, Mrs Lam welcomed the young scientists to go to Hong Kong to develop their careers. Mrs Lam, accompanied by the Head of the Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office, Mrs Betty Fung, then met with Professor Bruce Beutler and Professor Jules Hoffmann, who are laureates of both the Nobel and Shaw Prizes. She briefed them on Hong Kong's latest situation and invited them to visit Hong Kong. Mrs Lam left Lindau in the morning. She departed for Beijing via Zurich in the afternoon and will arrive in Beijing tomorrow morning (June 26). During the stay in Beijing, she will report to the Vice-Premier of the State Council, Mr Han Zheng, the views and suggestions of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and different sectors of the community on matters relating to the development plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area. Ends/Monday, June 25, 2018 Issued at HKT 20:46 NNNN

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CE attends Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/25/P2018062500123.htm

25.6.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, accompanied by the Head of the Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office, Mrs Betty Fung, attended the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting today (June 24, Lindau time). Founded in 1951, the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting gathers Nobel Laureates in the fields of natural sciences to meet leading scientists of the next generation to exchange knowledge and experience every year. Some 40 Nobel Laureates and 600 young scientists from different countries take part in the meeting this year. In the morning, Mrs Lam met with the Chairman of the Foundation for the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, Professor Dr Jürgen Kluge and the Managing Director and Member of the Executive Board of the Foundation, Mr Nikolaus Turner. She said that she is pleased to be invited for the first time to the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, giving her the opportunity to experience the major annual academic event. She said that it would be very inspiring for the young scientists to have the chance to exchange with the Nobel Laureates. She added that the Shaw Prize in Hong Kong, which has been set up for more than 10 years, has become a world-renowned science award with a number of recipients being awarded the Nobel Prize as well. She believed that Hong Kong can make reference to the experience of the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings and organise similar academic meetings in Hong Kong in the future. In the afternoon, Mrs Lam met with the Austrian Federal Minister of Education, Science and Research, Professor Dr Heinz Fassmann, who also attended the Meeting. She said that Hong Kong is actively strengthening collaboration with academic and scientific research institutions in different parts of the world to advance the development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong. Noting that Austria attaches importance to scientific research with universities excelling in various fields, she expressed the hope that she and officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government could visit Austria in the future to discuss how to strengthen bilateral co-operation. Mrs Lam then attended the opening ceremony, the opening concert and the dinner organised by the host of the Meeting. Addressing the guests at the cocktail reception held before the dinner, Mrs Lam said that innovation and technology is the driving force for the world to move forward, and nurturing talent is essential for the development of innovation and technology. She added that the Lindau Novel Laureate Meeting is a very meaningful activity. Noting that Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development need a lot of talent, she welcomed young scientists from different parts of the world to participate in the development. Before the dinner, Mrs Lam met with three Nobel-Shaw Laureates, Professor Dr Michael Rosbash, Professor Dr Michael Young and Professor Dr Robert Lefkowitz to learn about their views on the promotion of scientific research and invite them to go to Hong Kong to exchange with young people in the future. Mrs Lam will continue to attend the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting tomorrow (June 25, Lindau time). Ends/Monday, June 25, 2018 Issued at HKT 5:32 NNNN

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CE to visit Beijing

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/24/P2018062400773.htm

24.6.2018

After concluding her visit to Europe, the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will depart for Beijing direct and arrive in the city on June 26. During the stay in Beijing, she will report to the Vice Premier of the State Council, Mr Han Zheng, the views and suggestions of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and different sectors of the community on matters relating to the development plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area. The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will join the visit. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong in the early hours on June 27. During her absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be the Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Sunday, June 24, 2018 Issued at HKT 20:12 NNNN

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Transcript of remarks by Acting CE at media session

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/23/P2018062300904.htm

23.6.2018

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at a media session after attending Fight Drugs Together 2018 today (June 23): Reporter: Many constructions of Leighton have many problems. Does that mean Leighton has some trust problems, or this company is no longer trustworthy? Acting Chief Executive: As I said a few days ago at a function, the Development Bureau has already asked Leighton (Leighton Contractors (Asia) Limited) to produce evidence and information, particularly about its works in respect of the Hung Hom MTR Station of the Shatin-Central Line. And also of course in respect of the excavation work, the support work in connection with the Exhibition Station, the Development Bureau will also ask them to provide the report within a certain time frame. So we are following up on the general performance of Leighton in respect of government contracts. Of course, the question of responsibility in respect of Hung Hom Station must be left to the independent statutory Commission of Inquiry that will be set up soon. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Saturday, June 23, 2018 Issued at HKT 19:17 NNNN

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CE concludes visit to France

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/22/P2018062201135.htm

22.6.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, concluded her one-week visit to France this afternoon (June 22, Paris time). In the morning, Mrs Lam met with the President of Ile de France region, Mrs Valérie Pécresse. Ile de France is one of the 18 regions of France including the city of Paris. It has a population of more than 12 million which is 18 per cent of the national population. Noting that Hong Kong is keen to collaborate with different parts of France and that the Ile de France region is very influential in the country, she said that Paris and Hong Kong, both of which are international metropolitans, have a lot of room for co-operation in areas including investment, innovation and technology, culture and youth exchanges. She particularly introduced the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area to Mrs Pécresse, encouraging the Ile de France region to explore the huge market of the Bay Area through Hong Kong. After the meeting, Mrs Lam visited the headquarters of Schneider Electric, a French multinational corporation specialising in digital transformation of energy management and automation. It has set up headquarters in Hong Kong in recent years. Mrs Lam toured the innovation hub of the company to understand the latest technology on energy saving and management, and smart solutions for various industries, cities and homes. Mrs Lam said the visit to France is very successful. By meeting with senior officials of France and participating in a range of events, members from different sectors of France have known more about the situation of Hong Kong and are more interested in strengthening co-operation with Hong Kong in various aspects, including the signing of two memorandums of understanding on co-operation in tourism and scientific research she witnessed during the trip. Mrs Lam welcomed the signing of two memorandums of understanding between the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) and Groupe ADP yesterday on strengthening co-operation between the Hong Kong International Airport and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in airport management, aviation development and air cargo development. She said the collaboration is set to boost Hong Kong's role as an aviation hub in the region and is yet another testimony that there is limitless potential for co-operation between Hong Kong and France in various aspects. The Chief Executive Officer of AAHK, Mr Fred Lam, who signed the memorandums of understanding on behalf of AAHK also attended the business luncheon organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council in Paris yesterday. Mrs Lam left Paris in the afternoon for Zurich and will travel to Lindau tomorrow (June 23, Paris time) to attend the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting Opening Ceremony the next day. During her stay in Zurich, she will attend a dinner to be hosted by the Consul-General of the People's Republic of China in Zurich, Dr Zhao Qinghua. Ends/Friday, June 22, 2018 Issued at HKT 23:52 NNNN

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Appointments to Board of Ocean Park Corporation announced

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/22/P2018062200340.htm

22.6.2018

The Government announced today (June 22) that the Chief Executive has made the following re-appointments to the Board of the Ocean Park Corporation (OPC) for a period of two years from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2020: Chairman --------- Mr Leo Kung Lin-cheng Deputy Chairman ---------------- Mr Lau Ming-wai Non-official members -------------------- Mr Jason Wong Chun-tat Ms Michelle Cheng Mrs Ann Kung Yeung Yun-chi Mr Vincent Ng Wing-shun Mr Matthias Li Sing-chung "We are grateful to all OPC board members for their hard work in pursuing the development of the Ocean Park. With board members' devotion and wide ranging expertise, Ocean Park will continue to grow as a world-class leading marine-themed attraction," a spokesman for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said. The OPC is a statutory body established under the Ocean Park Corporation Ordinance to manage the Ocean Park as a public recreational and educational park. Ends/Friday, June 22, 2018 Issued at HKT 11:31 NNNN

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CE meets French Prime Minister in Paris

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/22/P2018062200149.htm

22.6.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (June 21, Paris time) met with the French Prime Minister, Mr Edouard Philippe, in Paris. She also addressed a business luncheon and a proptech forum to promote Hong Kong's advantages, and visited facilities of medical technology and start-ups. Mrs Lam met with the French Prime Minister, Mr Edouard Philippe, in the afternoon. She said that her week-long visit to France is coming to an end tomorrow and she thanked the French government for all the arrangements. She expressed the hope that the Prime Minister and other French senior government officials will visit Hong Kong in the future to learn about the city’s latest development. She believed that her successful visit will provide a good basis for the Hong Kong-France relationship to scale new heights. In particular, noting that France supports the nation’s Belt and Road Initiative, she looked forward to working with different sectors in France to seize future opportunities. Mrs Lam attended various activities before her meeting with Mr Edouard Philippe. In the morning, accompanied by the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang, Mrs Lam met with the Vice President of the French Parliamentary Office for Evaluation of Scientific and Technological Options and Fields Medalist, Mr Cédric Villani, to learn about the French experience and exchange views on such areas as research and development of artificial intelligence, open data, promotion of STEM education and attracting talent on scientific research. Afterwards, Mrs Lam, Mr Yang and the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, went to Institut Pasteur where she, together with the President of Institut Pasteur, Professor Stewart Cole, witnessed the signing of a memorandum between Institut Pasteur, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation on establishing a research centre for infection, immunology and personalised medicine at the Hong Kong Science Park. Institut Pasteur, which has been collaborating with the HKU, is committed to helping prevent and treat diseases, mainly those of infectious origin, through researches. Mrs Lam said that Hong Kong has clear advantages in healthcare technologies and that collaboration with Institut Pasteur will help both parties boost the relevant development, creating mutual benefits. Mrs Lam and the other officials then visited Station F, a business incubator for start-ups. Station F, situated in a former rail freight depot with an area of about 34 000 square metres, is one of the world’s largest start-up facilities. It provides office accommodation for up to 3 000 start-up businesses and famous corporate partners with the whole start-up ecosystem under one roof. Services include training programmes for start-ups, investment as well as provision of meeting facilities and venues for events. Mrs Lam expressed appreciation for the facilities, services and entrepreneurial atmosphere in Station F, and learnt from her exchange with entrepreneurs there that the support from Station F has been excellent. She looked forward to having more such facilities in Hong Kong and in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area so as to encourage young people to innovate and start their own business. In the afternoon, Mrs Lam joined a business luncheon organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and delivered a speech on the past, present and future of the relationship between Hong Kong and France. She noted that the ties between Hong Kong and France have a history of over 100 years. She said that, in addition to meetings with senior government officials, the programme of her week-long visit to France in her capacity as the Chief Executive covers three cities and includes wine-related activities as well as receiving helicopters, proving that the relationship between the two places is multi-faceted. With a strong community of French people and enterprises in Hong Kong, she said she is confident that the close ties between the two places will continue. After the luncheon, Mrs Lam attended the MIPIM Proptech Europe 2018 forum and briefed participants on Hong Kong's advantages in innovation and technology. The forum, a two-day event featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions and start-up competitions, focuses on discussion on the application of proptech in different areas of the property sector to enhance efficiency and create value. She expressed the hope that similar proptech seminars will be held in Hong Kong in the future. Mrs Lam will continue her last day of visit to France tomorrow (June 22, Paris time). Ends/Friday, June 22, 2018 Issued at HKT 5:38 NNNN

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CE promotes in France opportunities to be brought by Belt and Road Initiative and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/21/P2018062100131.htm

21.6.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, yesterday (June 20, Paris time) spoke at seminars on the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development to promote the opportunities brought by and the role of Hong Kong in these two major national strategies to different sectors in France. She also met with members of the French National Assembly, and visited a famous university. In the morning, accompanied by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, and the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang, Mrs Lam toured Rodin Museum which, opened in 1919, is dedicated to the works of French sculptor Auguste Rodin and receives about 700 000 visitors annually. Mrs Lam said that with the completion of facilities such as those in the West Kowloon Cultural District, there will be more art exhibition space in Hong Kong in the future. She looked forward to collaborating with Rodin Museum so that members of the public will have the chance to see the collection of the Museum in Hong Kong. Afterwards, Mrs Lam attended the joint promotion seminar on Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area and delivered a keynote speech. The seminar, attended by hundreds of representatives from the French business sector, is co-organised by the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, aiming to highlight the vast opportunities to be brought by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area. Mrs Lam briefed the participants on the background of the Bay Area and the favourable conditions for its development. The Vice Governor of Guangdong Province, Mr Ouyang Weimin and the President of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Mr Jackson Chang, also delivered speeches at the seminar. At noon, accompanied by the President of the France-China Friendship Group of the National Assembly, Mr Buon Huong Tan, Mrs Lam and the other officials visited the National Assembly. They attended a lunch hosted by Mr Tan, and the Vice President of the National Assembly, Ms Carole Bureau-Bonnard, also attended. Mrs Lam was very impressed by the architectural features and historic decorations of the building which has been housing the National Assembly since the late 18th century. She said she is pleased to know that the Group has a close and good relation with the legislature in Mainland China and has frequent visits to China in recent years. She invited the Group to visit Hong Kong in the near future to learn about the city’s development. After the lunch, Mrs Lam attended the "France-Hong Kong & Mainland China Economic Forum" co-organised by the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong, Business France and the China Federation of Industrial Economics, with the Belt and Road Initiative being the theme. She noted in her speech that the Belt and Road Initiative will bring a range of opportunities to Hong Kong and Hong Kong will play an important role in it. She looked forward to co-operating with French enterprises to explore the business opportunities in Belt and Road projects. After the forum, Mrs Lam and the other officials visited the Sorbonne University which was formed by merging the University Pierre and Marie Curie, also known as Paris VI, and Paris-Sorbonne University on January 1 this year. The University is widely regarded as one of the top universities in France and in the world. During the visit, Mrs Lam met with the President of Sorbonne University, Professor Jean Chambaz, to learn about the university's latest development. She said that she would like to promote the development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong through the collaboration of the Government, universities, including renowned academic institutions and research organisations overseas, and enterprises. With the Government rolling out measures to attract overseas institutions to come to Hong Kong, she looked forward to having Professor Jean Chambaz in Hong Kong to explore collaboration with the Government and universities in Hong Kong. In the evening, Mrs Lam and the other officials met with members of the Hong Kong community in France to learn about their lives. She expressed the hope that the Hong Kong community would continue to play an important role in France and offer better support to Hong Kong’s development. Mrs Lam will continue her visit to Paris today (June 21, Paris time). Ends/Thursday, June 21, 2018 Issued at HKT 6:14 NNNN

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Chief Executive encourages French companies to leverage opportunities in Guangdong-HK-Macao Bay Area

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/20/P2018062000884.htm

20.6.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, called on French businesses to take advantage of the unique business opportunities arising from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area (the Bay Area) at a seminar jointly held by Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao governments in Paris today (June 20, Paris time). The "Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area" seminar was the latest joint event held by the three places to promote business opportunities in the Bay Area development. In addition to Mrs Lam, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau; the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang; and the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Stephen Phillips, also attended. The event began with addresses by Mrs Lam, the Vice Governor of Guangdong Province, Mr Ouyang Weimin, and the President of the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Jackson Chang, followed by brief remarks by the Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in France, Mr Wu Xiaojun. Mrs Lam told the seminar that President Xi Jinping, in his report to the 19th CPC National Congress, said that the Central Government will continue to support Hong Kong and Macao in integrating their own development into the overall development of the country, and that priority will be given to the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area. She said that "one country, two systems" allows Hong Kong to co-operate with other cities in the Bay Area while maintaining its unique functions in terms of an independent judiciary and its status as an international financial and trade centre and the world’s freest and most competitive economy, as well as its quality professional services and talent pools and free flow of capital and information. Furthermore, the city's enhanced connectivity with the imminent opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link would add to the flow of people and goods within the Bay Area, putting it on a par with some of the renowned bay areas in the world, she said. She added that Hong Kong's strong research and development capacity, when combined with Shenzhen's advanced manufacturing sector, creates good synergy conducive to the Bay Area’s goal of becoming a significant innovation and technology hub. The latest policy announced by the Central Government to allow universities and research institutions in Hong Kong and Macao to bid for funding to undertake central fiscal science and technology projects also demonstrated the country's determination to boost innovation development. Mrs Lam said that Hong Kong is putting more focus on driving innovation and technology, highlighting the 87-hectare Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park project at Lok Ma Chau Loop and the recent change of the listing rules by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited to attract new economy enterprises and biotech companies without income yet to list in Hong Kong. Mr Ouyang said that the Framework Agreement on Deepening Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Cooperation in the Development of the Bay Area was signed on July 1, 2017, witnessed by President Xi. In March this year, the President told the province to capitalise on the opportunities arising from the Bay Area by working closely with Hong Kong and Macao, in order to create a world-class Bay Area and an integrated world city. He added that Guangdong, as the biggest provincial economy in China, plays a key role as the world's manufacturing base and as the main technology education centre in the southern part of the country. Guangdong strives to offer investors the best regulated environment with the most efficient service and the lowest cost of doing business, he said. He called for global stakeholders like France to take part in the Bay Area plan amid the province's three-prong aim to lift bilateral trade, innovation and technology co-operation and enhance exchanges with other parties, including France. Mr Chang said that France is a major trading partner of Macao. In 2017, the trade volume between France and Macao reached US$720 million. French imports to Macao mainly included cosmetics, food, leather products and wine. He added that with the deepening of Belt and Road construction and the forthcoming opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the continuous optimisation of the business environment in Macao will bring more growth opportunities to investors at home and abroad, and will significantly assist French companies entering the Mainland market. He appealed to French companies to make use of the Macao platform to expand their businesses. Other speakers at the seminar included the Executive Vice President, International Operations, Schneider Electric, Mr Luc Rémont; the Group Senior Executive Vice President, SUEZ, Mr Bertrand Camus; the President and Founder, Surys, Mr Hugues Souparis; and the President of CGN Europe Energy, Mr Lu Wei. About InvestHK InvestHK is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to attract foreign direct investment and support overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong’s vibrant economy. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk . Ends/Wednesday, June 20, 2018 Issued at HKT 20:35 NNNN

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CE meets Minister of Foreign Affairs of France in Paris

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/20/P2018062000089.htm

20.6.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, continued her visit to France in Paris today (June 19, Paris time), where she met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of France, Mr Jean-Yves Le Drian, and visited innovation and technology (I&T) as well as cultural institutions. Accompanied by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, Mrs Lam met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of France, Mr Jean-Yves Le Drian in the morning. She noted that this is her first visit to France as the Chief Executive and the visit covers three cities, reflecting the importance she attaches to the close and multi-faceted relationship between Hong Kong and France. She expressed the hope that Hong Kong and France will have more collaboration in the future, including in the promotion of free trade and participation in the Belt and Road Initiative. Noting that Hong Kong will play an important role in the Belt and Road Initiative, she looked forward to collaborating with France at both the government and enterprise levels with a view to grasping future opportunities. Mrs Lam and Mr Yau then joined a breakfast meeting hosted by Institut Montaigne, a think tank in France, which was attended by French business leaders, academics, etc. She briefed the attendees on Hong Kong's latest development, including the successful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems", the highly regarded rule of law and judicial independence, and the adequate protection of people's freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. She also exchanged views with attendees on such areas as the promotion of free trade, the Linked Exchange Rate System, the healthcare system and development of innovation and technology. Accompanied by Mr Yau and the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang, Mrs Lam then visited Ecole Polytechnique to learn about its development and its research projects on biomedical technology. Ecole Polytechnique is a top institution of higher education in France with over 220 years of history and has many talents in innovation and technology as well as successful entrepreneurs as its alumni. She was pleased to note that Ecole Polytechnique has started cooperation with universities in Hong Kong and expressed the hope that the exchange will promote the internationalisation of Hong Kong's higher education. She also pointed out that biomedical technology is one of the priority areas of Hong Kong as its application would help provide better care to patients. During the visit, Mrs Lam and other officials also attended a gathering with a group of students of different nationalities. She encouraged them to visit Hong Kong and consider joining the Working Holiday Scheme which has been popular among young people from Hong Kong and France. She was pleased to learn that Ecole Polytechnique has started to offer courses in English and looked forward to having Hong Kong students pursuing their studies in it. Mrs Lam and other officials then attended a lunch hosted by the Chargé d'affaires of Chinese Embassy in France, Mr Wu Xiaojun, to learn about the bilateral relationship between the nation and France. She also thanked the embassy for its support in various exchanges between Hong Kong and France. In the afternoon, Mrs Lam and other officials visited the Louvre Museum. She met with the President-Director of the Museum, Mr Jean-Luc Martinez, and toured part of the collection. She thanked the Louvre Museum for co-organising with the Hong Kong Heritage Museum a large-scale exhibition in Hong Kong last year, providing the opportunity for members of the public in Hong Kong to see the rich collection of the Louvre Museum. Mrs Lam will continue her visit to Paris tomorrow (June 20, Paris time). Ends/Wednesday, June 20, 2018 Issued at HKT 4:41 NNNN

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Appointment of Ombudsman Selection Board

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/19/P2018061900814.htm

19.6.2018

In response to media enquiry regarding a news report on the decision of The Ombudsman, Ms Connie Lau, not to renew her contract upon its expiry next year, a spokesman for the Administration Wing made the following statement: The Ombudsman, Ms Connie Lau, informed the Government in February 2018 that she would not renew her contract upon its expiry in March 2019. The Chief Executive respected Ms Lau's decision, which was due to personal reasons. The Government thanked Ms Lau for her outstanding leadership over the years in providing an effective channel of redress for members of the public. The Ombudsman offers fitting recommendations to help government departments and public organisations improve their governance as well as enhance the efficiency of their operation and responsiveness to public needs. The Government will certainly continue to render its staunch support to Ms Lau and the work of the Office of the Ombudsman. The Chief Executive has agreed to identify the next Ombudsman through open recruitment, and has established a Selection Board for the exercise. The Selection Board for the new Ombudsman will be chaired by Mr Chow Chung-kong, with Mrs Fanny Law Fan Chiu-fun, Dr Simon Ip Sik-on and the Director of Administration as members. The Administration Wing will invite executive search consultants to submit proposals for the open recruitment exercise in July. The consultant engaged for the exercise will publish recruitment advertisements in August to invite potential candidates to apply for the post. Ends/Tuesday, June 19, 2018 Issued at HKT 19:15 NNNN

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Transcript of remarks by Acting CE at media session before ExCo meeting

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/19/P2018061900429.htm

19.6.2018

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting this morning (June 19): Reporter: Mr Cheung, do you think the MTR has failed to submit its report yesterday? Is the Government going to penalise the MTR for that? And also, there are two further incidents coming out in the past week over the MTR saga - will the judge-led inquiry also investigate into these two incidents in the To Kwa Wan station as well as the exhibition centre? Acting Chief Executive: The delay in submitting the report by MTR certainly is not satisfactory. In fact, the Director of Highways has already expressed our disappointment yesterday. And MTR promised to submit the report this morning, and apart from the To Kwa Wan report, they will also submit a report on the Exhibition station problem, involving underground support work. So we’re expecting two reports today from MTR. On whether to extend the terms of reference on the Commission of Inquiry, I already responded yesterday at my function at the Tuen Mun Dragon Boat Festival. I said that the Chief Executive, Mrs Lam, when she announced the news of setting up the Commission of Inquiry last Tuesday, made it quite clear that we want, we really wish the terms of reference to be more focused on problems of the Hung Hom station, rather than spreading it too thin. The reason is very simple, the Hung Hom case is far more complex. We have other ways of tackling the other two issues, the so-called To Kwa Wan problem as well as the Exhibition station problem. There are ways and means of tackling it. It does not necessarily involve expanding the Commission of Inquiry's terms of reference. We don't want the Commission of Inquiry to overextend or overstretch itself. We want it more focus on the more complex problems. And in fact in the course of investigation, there will be certain issues common to all MTR contracts. I am sure that there will be some common denominators coming up in terms of, for example, work supervision. So, we'll certainly kick-start the Commission of Inquiry as quick as possible and at the same time keep a very close eye on the entire Shatin-Central line. In fact, the Chairman of the MTR, Professor Fred Ma, also undertook to launch a thorough Investigation into the whole Shatin Central line. Thank you very much. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, June 19, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:36 NNNN

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CE attends ceremony on delivery of helicopters for Government Flying Service in Marseille, France

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/19/P2018061900047.htm

18.6.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, continued her visit to France in Marseille today (June 18, Marseille time) and attended a ceremony on delivery of helicopters for the Government Flying Service (GFS). On arrival in Marseille yesterday evening (June 17, Marseille time), Mrs Lam met with the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China to Marseille, Ms Lu Huiying, over dinner. This morning, she met with the Vice President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA) Region, Mrs Caroline Pozmentier-Sportich, and listened to the sharing of experience by representatives of local enterprises in exploration of the Hong Kong and Asian markets as well as co-operation with Chinese enterprises. Businesses of the participants range from charging technology and renewable energy to interactive digital experiences, wine and engines. Noting that the PACA region and Hong Kong have a lot in common, with both places being major ports in the world having vibrant maritime and logistics industry and tourism, Mrs Lam said she looks forward to enhanced exchanges and collaboration between the two places. In particular on innovation and technology (I&T), she said she is pleased to note that both the region and Hong Kong attach great importance to I&T development. She expressed the hope that co-operation between universities and institutes from the two places as well as collaboration in terms of research and development would be strengthened. Mrs Lam then headed for Airbus Helicopters to attend a ceremony on delivery of helicopters for the GFS. Addressing the ceremony, she said that she is delighted to accept three new helicopters on behalf of the GFS of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Praising the GFS for serving in all kinds of emergency operations, she said the GFS crew have to work under extremely testing weather conditions and demanding operating environments. She noted that the GFS has conducted many rescue operations in Hong Kong and the South China Sea, as well as after the massive Wenchuan earthquake in 2008. She added that with advanced helicopter manufacturing technology and enhanced capacity, the new helicopters will provide enormous help to the work of GFS and that she thanked Airbus Helicopters for ensuring their smooth production. Also attending the ceremony was the State Secretary to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, who said in his address that he treasures the long-standing and close co-operation relationship between France and Hong Kong. At noon, Mrs Lam attended a lunch hosted by the Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Helicopters, Mr Bruno Even, at which they discussed the development of the helicopter business in the Asia-Pacific region. Mrs Lam toured Airbus Helicopters in the afternoon to learn about the factory operation and the facility for flight simulation training. The GFS sends their pilots there regularly to receive training. Mrs Lam then departed for Paris and will continue her visit to France tomorrow (June 19, Paris time). Ends/Tuesday, June 19, 2018 Issued at HKT 1:54 NNNN

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CE starts her visit to France

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/17/P2018061700205.htm

17.6.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, ended her two-day visit to Brussels in Belgium and started her visit to France in Bordeaux yesterday (June 16, Bordeaux time). Accompanied by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, Mrs Lam visited Château Latour to learn about the history of the Chateau, which is over 600 years old, and the wine-making process. Mrs Lam and Mr Yau also visited La Cité du Vin, which is a cultural facility on wine opened in 2016, offering visitors various views of wine in different ages, cultures and places across the world with a unique presentation. Mrs Lam and the Deputy Mayor of Bordeaux, Mr Stephan Delaux, then witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Convention and Tourism Office of Bordeaux Metropole on strengthening of collaboration in wine and food tourism promotion between the two places. In the evening, Mrs Lam and Mr Yau attended a cocktail reception organised by the HKTB, which was held on a tall ship on the river bank of Bordeaux decorated with the Hong Kong brand, to celebrate the friendship between the two cities established over years of collaboration. Mrs Lam said that several of the fine wine and food tourism promotions in Hong Kong have all along been well received by tourists and locals. She noted that Hong Kong is Bordeaux’s key wine market and France is Hong Kong’s largest wine trading partner, and that the trade volume has soared since Hong Kong abolished the duty on wine in 2008. She expressed the hope that the two cities will continue its close relationship, and encouraged the wine merchants from France and Bordeaux to participate actively in the Vinexpo Hong Kong, the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair and the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival that have all been held for years. Mrs Lam and Mr Yau then attended a dinner hosted by the Chairman of HKTB, Dr Peter Lam, and viewed lightshows and fireworks display. Mrs Lam will visit Château Montrose in Saint-Estèphe today (June 17, Bordeaux time) before going to Marseille in the afternoon to continue her visit to France. Ends/Sunday, June 17, 2018 Issued at HKT 8:01 NNNN

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CE continues Belgium visit

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/16/P2018061600049.htm

15.6.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, continued her visit to Belgium today (June 15, Brussels time). In the morning, Mrs Lam met with the President of the European Commission, Mr Jean-Claude Juncker. She said that the economic outlook of Hong Kong is positive with unemployment rate falling to a 20-year low and that the national Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development are set to inject new impetus to the city's economy. Noting that Hong Kong, which has been a staunch supporter of free trade, signed a Free Trade Agreement and a related Investment Agreement with the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations last year, she hoped to commence relevant discussion with the European Union (EU). She also hoped that youth exchanges with EU countries can be enhanced, including the launch of more working holiday schemes. Mrs Lam then visited the Belgian Parliament which has a history of more than 200 years and met with the President of the Chamber of Representatives, Mr Siegfried Bracke. She introduced to him Hong Kong's latest situation, including the successful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems", the independent judiciary, new initiatives rolled out by the new term Government to enhance competitiveness of the city, etc. Mrs Lam also attended a lunch hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, Mr Zhang Ming and knew from him the latest development of the bilateral relations between China and the EU. She thanked the Mission for its support for various exchanges between Hong Kong and the EU, and its help with the expansion of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's external relations. In the afternoon, Mrs Lam visited the GSK Vaccines' headquarters and received a briefing on the company's research and development operation as well as their experience of carrying out clinical trials in Hong Kong. Mrs Lam headed to Bordeaux in the evening and will start her visit to France tomorrow (June 16, Bordeaux time). Ends/Saturday, June 16, 2018 Issued at HKT 1:04 NNNN

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Government announces appointments to Mental Health Review Tribunal

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/15/P2018061500300.htm

15.6.2018

The Government today (June 15) announced the Chief Executive's appointment of Mr Maurice Lee Wai-man as the Chairman of the Mental Health Review Tribunal for a term of two years from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2020. Mr Lee is an experienced solicitor who has been practicing law in Hong Kong for over 30 years. He is currently the Vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. Moreover, he has been actively involved in community, cultural and social services for many years. The Government expressed gratitude to the outgoing Chairman, Mr Lambert Lee Ka-chai, for his valuable contribution to the Tribunal in the past. The Tribunal comprises a Chairman, 15 medical members, 15 social work members and 15 other members with experience and knowledge of administration or clinical psychology or other suitable qualifications or experience. The membership list of the Tribunal is available at the webpage of the Food and Health Bureau ( www.fhb.gov.hk/en/committees/mhrt.htm ). The Tribunal was set up in 1989 pursuant to the enactment of the Mental Health (Amendment) Ordinance. The function of the Tribunal is to consider applications or cases of patients who are liable to be compulsorily detained in mental hospitals or to compulsory guardianship, as well as to determine whether these patients should be discharged in accordance with the Mental Health Ordinance (Cap.136). Ends/Friday, June 15, 2018 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN

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CE starts her visit to Europe

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/15/P2018061500131.htm

15.6.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, started her visit programme in Europe after arriving in Brussels, Belgium yesterday (June 14, Brussels time). Mrs Lam started the day by calling on the Chargé d'affaires of Chinese Embassy in Belgium, Mr Zhang Chi, to express her heartfelt thanks to the embassy for its continuous support in various exchanges between Hong Kong and Belgium as well as for offering consular assistance to Hong Kong people in need. Next, Mrs Lam met with the Vice President of the European Commission and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms Federica Mogherini. She said that since the return to the Motherland, Hong Kong has successfully implemented "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy. Hong Kong people's freedom and rights are safeguarded under the Basic Law, and the rule of law and judicial independence are as robust as ever. She noted that Hong Kong has close ties with the European Union with a Structured Dialogue being held every year. She expressed the hope that collaboration between Hong Kong and the European Union will continue to strengthen, and in particular welcomed scientific and research institutions from the European Union to develop in Hong Kong. Mrs Lam then attended a business luncheon co-organised by the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels. In her speech, she briefed the guests attending the lunch on the growing and evolving relations between Hong Kong and the European Union. She said that Hong Kong is determined to become a global hub for innovation and technology and play an important role in the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area Development. She welcomed European enterprises and start-ups to establish a presence in Hong Kong and ride on its unique advantages to explore business opportunities in Mainland China and Asia. Attendees of the lunch included Belgian Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and European Affairs, Mr Didier Reynders, and European Commissioner for Trade, Ms Cecilia Malmström. Didier Reynders said in his speech that Belgian companies continue to appreciate Hong Kong as one of the freest economies in the world, based on the rule of law, independent judiciary, free flow of information and as an important connector to Mainland China. He said that these elements underpin the strong relation between Hong Kong and Belgium as well as the European Union. Cecilia Malmström said that Hong Kong is one of the most important partners of the European Union in the Asia-Pacific region. She praised Hong Kong's openness, and described Hong Kong as one of the most significant financial centres and trade ports in the world. She appreciated Hong Kong's support for the strengthening of the multilateral trading system, and looked forward to working together with Hong Kong to advocate the benefits of open global trade. In the afternoon, Mrs Lam had audience with HM King Philippe of the Belgians at the Royal Palace, and briefed him on Hong Kong's latest developments. Mrs Lam later paid a visit to Musée Margritte. Opened in 2009 and located in the heart of Brussels, the museum brings together the world's largest collection of the renowned Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte. She said to the director of the museum that the renovated Hong Kong Museum of Art and the M+ Museum in the West Kowloon Cultural District will become world-class museums in the future. She looked forward to working with Musée Margritte to bring its collection of art works to Hong Kong for exhibition. In the evening, Mrs Lam officiated at the cocktail event organised by Cathay Pacific Airways (CX) with the support of the Airport Authority Hong Kong. She briefed the attendees on Hong Kong's role as an aviation hub of the region, and congratulated CX for launching direct services between Hong Kong and Brussels since March, which she believed will promote trade and business as well as cultural exchange between the two places. Mrs Lam will continue her visit to Brussels today (June 15, Brussels time). Ends/Friday, June 15, 2018 Issued at HKT 6:10 NNNN

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Appointment of Managing Director of Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority and Deputy Chairperson of Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Advisory Committee

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/15/P2018061300794.htm

15.6.2018

The Chief Executive has appointed Ms Alice Law as Managing Director of the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA) and Deputy Chairperson of the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Advisory Committee for a period of three years from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021. The appointment was made under sections 6A, 6B and 6R of the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Ordinance (Cap. 485). Ms Law was selected through an extensive search that commenced in October 2017 by a selection panel chaired by the Financial Secretary. She has been working with the MPFA since July 2012 as an Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer. Announcing the appointment today (June 15), the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said, "Ms Law has extensive regulatory and public service experience. She has played a key role in the implementation of major initiatives to reform the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) System. She has also spearheaded a range of initiatives to improve the corporate governance of trustees to protect the interests of scheme members. "I would like to thank members of the selection panel who have contributed to the successful completion of the selection exercise," he added. Members of the panel are Mr Joseph Yam, Mr Abraham Shek, Dr David Wong Yau-kar, and the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr James Lau. Mr Chan also took the opportunity to thank the outgoing Managing Director of the MPFA, Mrs Diana Chan, who has played a key role in leading and steering the MPFA in developing and improving the MPF System which includes the launch of the Default Investment Strategy, the implementation of the Employees' Choice Arrangement and the preparation for the development of eMPF. He wishes her well in her retirement. Profile of Ms Alice Law -------------------------- Aged 53. Ms Law graduated from the University of Hong Kong with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1987, and obtained her Master of Laws degree from the University College London in 1989. After practising as a solicitor between 1991 and 1998, she served in the Securities and Futures Commission from 1998 to 2012, with her last position as Senior Director (Policy, China & Investment Products). She joined the MPFA in 2012 as the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director, and will assume the position of Managing Director of the MPFA on July 1, 2018. Ends/Friday, June 15, 2018 Issued at HKT 15:00 NNNN

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CE welcomes passage of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (Co-location) Bill

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/14/P2018061401021.htm

14.6.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, welcomed the passage of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (Co-location) Bill by the Legislative Council today (June 14), signifying a big step towards the target of the commissioning of the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) in September this year. "The passage of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (Co-location) Bill marks the basic completion of the 'Three-step Process' of the co-location arrangement at the XRL West Kowloon Station. It provides a sound legal basis for the co-location arrangement, fully unleashing the transport, economic and social benefits of the XRL. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the legislators who supported the passage of the bill, and to the Central Government and different sectors of the community for supporting the implementation of the co-location arrangement. "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the MTR Corporation Limited are pressing ahead at full speed with the preparatory work with a view to commissioning the Hong Kong Section of the XRL in September this year to connect with the 25 000-kilometre national high-speed rail network, enabling members of the public to enjoy the convenience of the XRL," Mrs Lam said. After the commissioning of the Hong Kong Section of the XRL, people will be able to take direct trains to the four short-haul stations, namely Futian, Shenzhen North, Humen and Guangzhou South, realising the "one-hour living circle" in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area. It will also connect to 14 cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Fuzhou, Xiamen and Guilin by direct long-haul trains, bringing Hong Kong people greater convenience for business, visiting relatives, study and travel. The Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (Co-location) Ordinance will be gazetted on June 22 and come into operation on a day to be appointed by the Secretary for Transport and Housing by notice published in the Gazette. Ends/Thursday, June 14, 2018 Issued at HKT 22:48 NNNN

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Appointments to Board of Directors of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/14/P2018061400231.htm

14.6.2018

The Government today (June 14) announced the appointment of Dr Sunny Chai as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC) and the appointment/re-appointment of 11 members to the HKSTPC for two years starting from July 1, 2018. The appointment of the HKSTPC Chairman is made by the Chief Executive under section 1(1)(a) of Schedule 2 to the HKSTPC Ordinance (Cap. 565). Dr Chai is a seasoned industrialist with rich experience in public service. He will succeed the incumbent HKSTPC Chairman, Mrs Fanny Law, whose term of appointment will end on June 30, 2018. "I am deeply grateful to Mrs Law for her tremendous contribution to the work of the HKSTPC and the development of Hong Kong's innovation and technology ecosystem," the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, said. "During the past four years, Mrs Law capably steered the work of the Hong Kong Science Park as the flagship innovation and technology institution of Hong Kong. Under her leadership, a number of new initiatives and important infrastructural projects, including the Science Park expansion programme, the Data Technology Hub and the Advanced Manufacturing Centre, have been making good progress," Mrs Lam added. The Government also announced the appointment of eight new members and re-appointment of three serving members by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan. Mr Herbert Chia, Mr Donald Choi, Mr Dennis Ho, Professor Mak Tak-wah, Mr Jimmy Ng, Mr Gavin Poon, Professor Sean Tang and Mr Denis Tse are appointed as new board members of the HKSTPC. Mr Theodore Ma, Mr Joseph Ngai and Professor Tsui Lap-chee are re-appointed as board members of the HKSTPC. A Government spokesman said, "The Corporation's board of directors is a repository of strong expertise from a wide variety of technology and professional areas. With the immense experience and knowledge of board directors, we believe that they can steer the Corporation to fulfil its public mission effectively and further enhance Hong Kong's position as a hub for innovation and technology." The tenure of four incumbent board members, Dr Lo Wai-kwok, Professor Shyy Wei, Mr Richard Sun and Mr Billy Wong, will expire on June 30 this year. "The outgoing members have contributed valuably to the Corporation and the betterment of the local innovation and technology ecosystem. The achievements of the Corporation are due in no small measure to their guidance and wise counsel," the spokesman added. The HKSTPC, which began operation in 2001, manages the Hong Kong Science Park, three industrial estates and an InnoCentre. It provides a comprehensive range of services to cater for the needs of industry at various stages, including nurturing technology start-ups through its incubation programme, providing premises and services for applied research and development activities, and providing developed land for production. Ends/Thursday, June 14, 2018 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN

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Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo meeting

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/12/P2018061200463.htm

12.6.2018

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting this morning (June 12): Chief Executive: Let me repeat what I said in English. The problems associated with the steel works in the platform of the Hung Hom Station under the Shatin to Central Link project as reported by the media in late May have attracted widespread public concern. As it concerns public safety, I have decided to appoint a commission of inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Ordinance, that is Chapter 86 of the Laws of Hong Kong, to conduct an independent and comprehensive investigation. Under the Ordinance, the commission is to be appointed by the Chief Executive in Council, which will also determine its composition, its terms of reference etc. We will consult the Executive Council on the matters as soon as possible. At this stage, we believe that the commission should examine the cause and assess the extent of the problems. The commission should also, having regard to the problems, review the works supervision system of the MTR Corporation as well as the mechanism under which the Government monitors and controls such works, with a view to making recommendations to safeguard the quality of works as well as safety. I’m pleased to say that with the full support of the Chief Justice, Mr Geoffrey Ma, we have already obtained the agreement of the former Non-Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Justice Michael Hartmann, to head the commission of inquiry if so approved by the Chief Executive in Council. As you may remember, Justice Hartmann was the Chairman of the Independent Expert Panel set up by the Government in 2014 to review the project delay relating to the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, and is hence well versed in railway-related matters in Hong Kong. We hope that the commission can submit its report in about six months’ time after its commencement of work, so that the truth can be unveiled as soon as possible. Reporter: What is the rationale behind forming a commission under Cap 86 with the power to subpoena? What is the rationale behind forming the commission with the power to subpoena? Is it because the main contractor Leighton has so far said nothing about the incident? Also, with regards to Fanny Law's chairmanship with the Science Park, reports say you have a hand of her exit from the Park. What do you have to say about that? Chief Executive: Why did we decide to go for a statutory commission of inquiry as provided under Chapter 86 of the Laws of Hong Kong is — one is this is an issue of major public concern because it concerns public safety. Secondly, it is under the Commissions of Inquiry Ordinance that the commission will have all the necessary powers to obtain information to summon witnesses to attend and appear before the commission, and also to ask for disclosure of documents. So, we feel that given the severity of this particular incident and the likely parties involved, going for a statutory commission with all the powers that I have mentioned is an appropriate approach. You may recall that in the last term of the Government, the two incidents of similar public concern – one is the Lamma boat collision, the other is the discovery of lead in drinking water in public housing estates – were also subject to statutory commissions of inquiry. As far as the appointment of Mrs Fanny Law as Chairperson of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, you used the words "I have a hand". Well, all these important appointments are made by the Chief Executive, so I don’t know what do you mean by "I have a hand". I have to agree or disagree with appointments to important committees, especially positions of chairman. At this point in time, because the Government has not announced the next round of appointments to the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, I cannot offer comments directly to what you have asked. But I can say, and I want to say this - that Fanny has been a very dedicated Chairman of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation. In her four years of service she has provided the leadership to lay a very strong foundation for us to now take forward the innovation and technology policy blueprint that I have announced in October last year in my inaugural Policy Address, and because of my personal commitment to innovation and technology, Fanny is perhaps the ExCo member that I appeared most often together with in attending functions of the innovation and technology industry, and she is still serving and will continue to serve on the Executive Council. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, June 12, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:43 NNNN

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2018-19 civil service pay adjustment

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/12/P2018061200326.htm

12.6.2018

The Civil Service Bureau announced today (June 12) that the Chief Executive-in-Council (CE-in-Council) has decided that civil service pay for 2018-19 should be adjusted as follows, taking retrospective effect from April 1 this year: (a) a pay increase of 4.06 per cent for civil servants in the upper salary band and the directorate (equal to the net pay trend indicator (PTI) for the upper salary band), subject to the pay points referred to in (i) and (ii) below, the dollar values of which should be as specified: (i) Master Pay Scale 34 at $70,590; and (ii) General Disciplined Services (Officer) Pay Scale (GDS(O)) 20 and Police Pay Scale (PPS) 36 at $70,470, and GDS(O) 21 and PPS 37 at $70,970; and (b) a pay increase of 4.51 per cent for civil servants in the lower and middle salary bands (equal to the net PTI for the middle salary band). In arriving at this decision, the CE-in-Council has thoroughly considered the staff side's response to the pay offers and all the relevant factors under the established annual civil service pay adjustment mechanism, including: * the net PTIs; * the state of Hong Kong's economy; * changes in the cost of living; * the Government's fiscal position; * the pay claims of the staff side; and * civil service morale. The Government will submit the 2018-19 civil service pay adjustment proposal to the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council for consideration as soon as possible. Ends/Tuesday, June 12, 2018 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN

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CE to visit Europe

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/08/P2018060800986.htm

8.6.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will visit Belgium and France as well as attend a conference in Lindau, Germany, from June 14 to 25. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, and the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang, will join part of the visit to France. Mrs Lam will depart for Brussels, Belgium, in the early hours on June 14. She will meet with senior officials of the European Commission and the Belgian Government, attend events to promote various advantages of Hong Kong and visit local cultural facilities. Mrs Lam will go to France in the evening on June 15 and visit Bordeaux, Marseille and Paris. She will meet with senior officials of the French Government and members of the French Parliament, and will address seminars on the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area, the Belt and Road Initiative and property technology. During her stay in France, Mrs Lam will also attend a ceremony on acceptance of helicopters for the Government Flying Service and events on the promotion of co-operation in tourism. She will also visit industries in relation to innovation and technology and cultural facilities. Mrs Lam will depart for Germany in the evening on June 21 for attending the Opening Ceremony of the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting 2018 and a session on the promotion of science innovation across different cultures in Lindau. She will take the opportunity to visit a scientific research institution in Aachen before arriving in Lindau. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong in the morning on June 26. During her absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be the Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Friday, June 8, 2018 Issued at HKT 19:20 NNNN

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CE reviews CSD's passing-out parade

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/08/P2018060800629.htm

8.6.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (June 8) reviewed the passing-out parade of the Correctional Services Department (CSD) at the Staff Training Institute in Stanley, with 38 Officers and 59 Assistant Officers II graduating. At the parade, the correctional officers marched past the reviewing officer with a collective spirit of high morale, demonstrating self-confidence, team spirit and enthusiasm as correctional officers. The newly recruited Officers and Assistant Officers II have undergone 26 and 23 weeks' training respectively. Two Officers were awarded the Principal's Shield while two Assistant Officers II were awarded the Golden Whistle for outstanding performance. Three graduates spoke to the media after the parade. Among them was Officer Mr Siu Cheong-hung, who has captained the Hong Kong Volleyball Representative Team. He said he would use his persevering spirit as an athlete to encourage persons in custody to face challenges. Officer Ms Tong Lai-sho, who was previously an Assistant Officer II and has become an Officer through an open recruitment exercise, said she hoped to work hard for the department's mission of helping Hong Kong to remain one of the safest cities in the world. Assistant Officer II Ms Lam Hoi-ting, who has completed an elderly care course, said appropriate skills and patience are required in communicating with persons in custody and she would apply her skills to encourage and assist them to return to the correct path. Ends/Friday, June 8, 2018 Issued at HKT 17:30 NNNN

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Appointments to Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/08/P2018060800309.htm

8.6.2018

The Government announced today (June 8) that the Chief Executive has appointed Madam Justice Carlye Chu Fun-ling, Mr Philip John Dykes, SC, and Mrs Pamela Chan Wong Shui as members of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission (the Commission). The Chief Executive has also re-appointed Mr Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung as a member of the Commission. "The four members will serve for a two-year term, starting from July 1 this year, to June 30, 2020," a government spokesman said. Mr Justice Robert Tang Ching, Ms Winnie Tam Wan-chi, SC, and Mr Christopher Cheng Wai-chee, serving members of the Commission, will retire from the Commission on June 30, 2018. "We wish to express our gratitude to Mr Justice Robert Tang Ching, Ms Winnie Tam Wan-chi, SC, and Mr Christopher Cheng Wai-chee, for their invaluable advice rendered to the Commission during their term of office, and for their contribution to upholding Hong Kong’s judicial independence," the spokesman said. The functions of the Commission are to advise or make recommendations to the Chief Executive regarding the filling of vacancies in judicial offices, representations from a judicial officer concerning conditions of service referred to it by the Chief Executive, and any matter affecting judicial officers which may be prescribed or which the Chief Executive may refer to it. Other members of the Commission are the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal (ex-officio Chairman), the Secretary for Justice (ex-officio member), Mr Stephen Hung Wan-shun, Professor Tony Chan Fan-cheong and Ms Anita Fung Yuen-mei. Ends/Friday, June 8, 2018 Issued at HKT 15:00 NNNN

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Second meeting of Chief Executive's Council of Advisers on Innovation and Strategic Development held

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/05/P2018060500936.htm

5.6.2018

The Chief Executive's Council of Advisers on Innovation and Strategic Development held its second meeting today (June 5) to deliberate on how Hong Kong could enhance collaboration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), pursuant to the signing of a Free Trade Agreement and a related Investment Agreement in November last year, which are expected to come into force in January 2019. Members were of the view that new opportunities for collaboration could be found in each of the five areas of connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative, namely policy co-ordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people bond. Members reviewed the existing trade relationship between Hong Kong and the ASEAN countries and were briefed on Hong Kong's edges in various sectors. In particular, members focused on the investment opportunities arising from the huge infrastructure needs in the ASEAN countries and discussed the strategies to fully leverage Hong Kong's unique advantages under "One Country, Two Systems" to participate in these projects. With the high level of professional expertise in Hong Kong and our position as international financial, transportation and trade centres, members agreed that Hong Kong may act as a platform for ASEAN companies accessing the Mainland market and a valuable partner for Mainland companies "going global". Members provided constructive advice to the Government on the strategies to deepen Hong Kong’s relations with the ASEAN countries. They also urged the Government to enhance its efforts in assisting the private sector to tap into the vast ASEAN market. The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, said, "Southeast Asia plays an important role in the Belt and Road Initiative. At present, ASEAN is Hong Kong's second largest trading partner in merchandise trade and the third largest in services trade. It is important for Hong Kong to capitalize on the existing relationship with ASEAN and take another step forward. Hong Kong will open a new Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok, the third one in ASEAN after Singapore and Jakarta." The Council is a high-level body to advise the Chief Executive on Hong Kong's future development and strategies for driving innovation. It will give advice on Hong Kong's strategic positioning in the global and regional contexts and directions of economic development with an aim of enhancing Hong Kong's competitiveness and growth potential, provide guidance on evidence-based research and studies on related issues with a view to enhancing policy formulation to meet changing development needs, and advise on stakeholder engagement and public participation in the policy formulation and consensus building process. Ends/Tuesday, June 5, 2018 Issued at HKT 19:53 NNNN

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Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo meeting

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/05/P2018060500402.htm

5.6.2018

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting this morning (June 5): Reporter: Do you think the incident at the Shatin Central rail link has revealed some of the loopholes within the monitoring system between the Government and the MTR. And also secondly, there are reports suggesting that the Government is proposing the MTR to build some of the public housing on top of the MTR projects, can you confirm such reports? And also lastly, what's… Chief Executive: Sorry, two questions are enough for me. I don't have a very good memory these days. Now, first of all, about the monitoring of railway projects, we take it very seriously and there are established mechanisms within the Transport and Housing Bureau, Highways Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, to monitor these railway projects to ensure they are safe and effective. But it is too premature for me to comment right now on what actually has happened on that particular incident in the Hung Hom Station of the Shatin Central Link. We have asked or required the MTR Corporation Limited to submit the report to us as soon as possible, and I can assure you and assure the public, once the facts have been obtained, we will disclose the facts and tell the public if there is a need for any remedial action. As far as a report about using some of the topside developments of the mass transit railway stations for building public housing, whether it is for sale or for rental, again, this is only a speculative report. But what I want to say is, we are extremely concerned about the surging property prices in Hong Kong. The ultimate solution lies in finding more land to build more housing units, either for sale or for rental to people of Hong Kong, and my administration will exhaust every measure in order to achieve that objective. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, June 5, 2018 Issued at HKT 11:48 NNNN

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CE attends dragon boat race event in Tsuen Wan

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/03/P2018060300746.htm

3.6.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, accompanied by the Chairman of the Tsuen Wan District Council (TWDC), Mr Chung Wai-ping, and the Vice Chairman of TWDC, Mr Wong Wai-kit, as well as District Officer (Tsuen Wan), Miss Jenny Yip, attended the 2018 Tsuen Wan Dragon Boat Race at Tsuen Wan Promenade this afternoon (June 3), at which she watched a race and presented prizes to the winners. It has been the sixth Tsuen Wan Dragon Boat Race since it was held again in 2013. With the participation of more than 120 teams from Hong Kong, Macao, Guangdong and overseas, the race attracted many members of the public to watch at the promenade, creating a joyful atmosphere. Mrs Lam toured the stalls at the venue on traditional food, local youth service, social enterprises and rehabilitation service for mental illness. In particular, the stall of Hong Kong Children and Youth Services was manned by young people of ethnic minorities in the district. Noting that Hong Kong is an inclusive society, Mrs Lam encouraged them to take part in more district and Chinese traditional cultural activities to better integrate into the Hong Kong society. Before attending the activity, she dropped by the Tsuen Wan Sports Centre which will be commissioned soon. Designed and constructed by the developer of an adjacent private housing estate, the fully-equipped sports centre has a total area of about 12 000 square metres. Its multi-purpose main arena, with a secondary arena as well, has a seating capacity of about 1 900 persons, enabling the staging of major local and international sports events. It also features the district's first public indoor play room for children and an outdoor climbing wall. The sports centre is expected to be commissioned in the third quarter of this year. "I took part in the planning of this project and other development projects in Tsuen Wan while I was serving as the Secretary for Development. I am pleased and excited to see that the sports centre will be commissioned soon. The new sports centre of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department is set to further enhance the leisure and sports facilities for residents of New Territories West and enable the hosting of more major sports competitions and activities in the district, providing better quality of life for residents," Mrs Lam said. Ends/Sunday, June 3, 2018 Issued at HKT 19:55 NNNN

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CE chairs summit on quality education

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/02/P2018060200615.htm

2.6.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, chaired the Chief Executive Summit on Quality Education today (June 2). With the theme of "Teachers' Professional Development: Striving for Teaching Excellence", the Summit included a keynote speech delivered by an education expert from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Mr Andreas Schleicher. Representatives of different stakeholders of the education sector shared experiences and suggestions in respect of teachers' professional development in the panel discussion. The Summit was attended by nearly 500 guests representing stakeholders of the education sector including teachers and principals of kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, school sponsoring bodies, school councils, university academics and parent organisations. In her opening remarks, Mrs Lam said that talent was the most important element in Hong Kong's continued development and education was the key to nurturing talent. The Government's expenditure on education is therefore the most significant investment for the future. Mrs Lam has promised new education resources amounting to $5 billion annually, covering different areas ranging from kindergarten to university. It is the Government's key objective to create a stable, caring, inspiring and satisfying teaching and learning environment for our students, teachers, parents and principals. She hoped that through the concerted efforts of all, Hong Kong's future generations would become quality citizens who are socially responsible and equipped with a sense of national identity, a love for Hong Kong and an international perspective. The Director for the Directorate of Education and Skills, and Special Advisor on Education Policy to the Secretary-General of the OECD, Mr Andreas Schleicher, gave a keynote speech under the theme of "Educating students for their future, not our past – insights from international comparisons", analysing education policies around the world and looking at strategic studies made with a view to advancing educational development in different countries. Through reviewing the results of international assessments of different countries and regions, Mr Schleicher analysed how big data assists governments, schools and educators in promoting education changes and paradigm shifts in order to cultivate in students core competencies to take up future challenges. Following the keynote speech was a panel discussion on nurturing talents for a quality education profession moderated by the Honorary Director of the Education Policy Unit of the Faculty of Education of the University of Hong Kong, Professor Cheng Kai-ming. Other speakers joining the discussion included the Choh-Ming Li Professor of Educational Psychology of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Convenor of the Sub-committee on Teachers' Professional Development of the Committee on Professional Development of Teachers and Principals (COTAP), Professor Hau Kit-tai; former principal of St Paul's Co-educational College and council member of the Education University of Hong Kong, Dr Chan Wong Lai-kuen; Assistant to the Episcopal Delegate for Education, Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, Mr Julian Yip; and teacher of St Francis' Canossian School and awardee of the Chief Executive's Award for Teaching Excellence, Ms Chong Yan-wai. They spoke on their experiences and exchanged views in respect of teachers' professional development from multiple perspectives. In the second half of the Summit, Mrs Lam; the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung; the President of the Education University of Hong Kong, Professor Stephen Cheung; and the Chairperson of the Task Force on Professional Development of Teachers and Chairperson of COTAP, Dr Carrie Willis, exchanged ideas with the guests on education policies and measures. Participating guests expressed their views enthusiastically on different education issues such as the use and planning of resources, training and professional development. Following a new initiative put forward in the election manifesto of the Chief Executive and pledged in her first Policy Address as "New Style Through Active Listening", the Chief Executive Summit on Quality Education today enabled the Chief Executive to listen to diverse views of the education sector, bring about closer interactions between the Government and the education sector and establish better connection and communications among stakeholders to help the Government improve teachers' professional development, refine related education policies and build a teaching profession with higher quality. Various Task Forces, which were set up to review certain areas of education policy following the Chief Executive's 2017 Policy Address, will consider views expressed by the participants. Among them, the Task Force on Professional Development of Teachers will commence a two-month consultation later this month on the directions of recommendations, and submit a report and recommendations afterwards. Ends/Saturday, June 2, 2018 Issued at HKT 16:13 NNNN

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Appointment made to Appeal Board on Public Meetings and Processions

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/01/P2018060100356.htm

1.6.2018

The Government announced today (June 1) the re-appointment of Mr Christopher Chan Yiu-chong as Deputy Chairman of the Appeal Board on Public Meetings and Processions made by the Chief Executive under section 43(3) of the Public Order Ordinance (Cap 245). The above appointment will be effective from August 1, 2018, for a term of two years and was also gazetted today. The Appeal Board comprises a Chairman, two Deputy Chairmen and 13 members, all of whom are not public officers. The Appeal Board is responsible for considering appeals against the decision of the Commissioner of Police to prohibit a public meeting, object to a public procession or impose or amend conditions on a public meeting or public procession under sections 9, 14, 11 or 15 of the Public Order Ordinance respectively. The Appeal Board is empowered to confirm, reverse or vary the decision being appealed against. Ends/Friday, June 1, 2018 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN

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Appointment of self-recommended young members to ACAN

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201806/01/P2018060100338.htm

1.6.2018

The Government today (June 1) announced that the Chief Executive has appointed two new young members, Dr Lee Tin-yan and Miss Li Ka-yan, to the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) as recommended through the Pilot Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth. Their appointments are for a two-year term from June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2020. ACAN is the Government's advisory body on anti-drug matters. The membership list of ACAN is as follows: Chairman ----------- Dr Ben Cheung Kin-leung Members ----------- Mr Chan Man-ho Mr Chan Wing-kin Mr Edwin Cheng Shing-lung Professor Cheung Yuet-wah Mr Fan Hoi-kit Dr Susan Fan Yun-sun Mr Hui Yung-chung Mr Simon Ip Shing-hing Miss Anna-Mae Koo Mei-jong Ms Lisa Lau Man-man Dr Lee Tin-yan (appointed through the Self-recommendation Scheme) Miss Li Ka-yan (appointed through the Self-recommendation Scheme) Dr Annissa Lui Wai-ling Mr Irons Sze Mr Sunny Tan Dr Tik Chi-yuen Dr Tse Man-li Ms Susan Yeung Director, Central Narcotics Bureau of Singapore Secretary for Education or his representative Commissioner of Police or his representative Commissioner of Customs and Excise or his representative Director of Health or his representative Director of Social Welfare or his representative Commissioner for Narcotics Ends/Friday, June 1, 2018 Issued at HKT 14:30 NNNN

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Speech by CE at Groundbreaking Ceremony for Hong Kong Palace Museum

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/28/P2018052800594.htm

28.5.2018

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Hong Kong Palace Museum today (May 28): I am delighted to be here today for the ground-breaking ceremony of the Hong Kong Palace Museum. As the much anticipated West Kowloon Cultural District is gradually becoming a prominent landmark on the waterfront of Victoria Harbour, the Hong Kong Palace Museum will be the jewel on the crown. It will enrich the scope of the cultural district, complementing traditional Chinese performing arts showcased at the Xiqu Centre with visual arts while at the same time juxtaposing the ancient with the contemporary in visual culture together with M+. The Hong Kong Palace Museum builds on the very strong and solid co-operation we have had with the Palace Museum over the years. You may recall that every time we put up an exhibition of the Palace Museum treasures in town, it was always a blockbuster. With the new dedicated museum, local residents and visitors will enjoy long-term opportunities to appreciate the exquisite Palace Museum collection, to be curated in a comprehensive and in-depth manner with Hong Kong characteristics. Delivering this world class museum to Hong Kong is no easy task. We are deeply grateful for the strong support of the Central Government and relevant agencies for this project, as well as the generous donation of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. Today's ceremony marks another key milestone as the project enters into the construction phase. I wish it all the best and, like every one of us in Hong Kong, eagerly look forward to its early completion and opening. Thank you very much. Ends/Monday, May 28, 2018 Issued at HKT 16:07 NNNN

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Speech by CE at Tai Kwun Opening Ceremony

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/25/P2018052500910.htm

25.5.2018

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at Tai Kwun Opening Ceremony today (May 25): Simon (Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), Dr Simon Ip), Bernard (Chairman of the Jockey Club Central Police Station Advisory Committee, Mr Bernard Chan), Dr Shan (Director of the Palace Museum, Dr Shan Jixiang), Mr Song (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Song Ru'an), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good evening. Tonight's occasion is a much awaited appointment on my calendar. Indeed, the opening of the Central Police Station Compound – now named "Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts" is much anticipated by many people in Hong Kong. Almost a year into my tenure as the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I have to say that apart from hard work, there have been moments of frustrations. But all these are worth it because of the exclusive honour and privilege given to the Chief Executive to officiate at the formal opening of several heritage projects, which are so close to my heart. They include the Viva Blue House, The Murray and now Tai Kwun. Standing here tonight, I am overwhelmed with joy, relief and pride. The conservation of the Central Police Station Compound was conceived and presented as a gift from the Hong Kong Jockey Club to the people of Hong Kong in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. After more than a decade of dedication, patience and perseverance on the part of the Club and the many experts and workers involved, the people can now rejoice at the grandeur of the gift they have received. The project has brought the Central Police Station Compound, which has long been a critical piece of our heritage, to revitalised and re-imagined life. The effect is much better than one could have imagined. This gift is certainly worth the wait. As the advocate for many of Hong Kong's heritage conservation projects in my then capacity as Secretary for Development, there is always a personal attachment and obligation on my part that makes me worried about the satisfactory completion of each and every of these projects. Tai Kwun is a particularly sensitive project given the scale, its location, public expectations, the cost, the compatibility of the two additional structures with the old buildings, etc. It is therefore for me a big relief to see all these factors being taken care of so well, thanks to the work of design architect Herzog & de Meuron, represented by Ascan Mergenthaler here, the conservation expert Michael Morrison, the executive architect Rocco Yim, the Project Director Mike Moir and most importantly, the generosity of the Hong Kong Jockey Club in committing to a heftier investment of $3.8 billion, well exceeding the original $1.8 billion when I announced this project in October 2007. I hope nobody will label this as a cost overrun! From today onwards, Tai Kwun will become a much valued cultural precinct in Hong Kong, a hang-out area for the young and the artistic, a place for people of all ages to be reminded of Hong Kong's past, and a "must-see" for tourists. It will be a shining example of Hong Kong's heritage conservation work and a landmark of "Conserving Central" – a major initiative announced in 2009 aiming at taking Central, Hong Kong's century-old CBD to even grander and newer heights. Our descendants will be proud of the legacy we have left. While this good evening is a culmination in a decade of determined efforts by the Jockey Club, what should not go unnoticed is the value that the Club has attached to public engagement throughout the process. The Club has fully embraced the views expressed by the public and the neighbours in revising the design of the two newly added structures, in preserving as well F Hall which is actually not a graded historic building, in enhancing connectivity through a very functional and interesting elevated walkway, in actively working with the arts and cultural sector on the software of the project. I have worked with four successive chairmen of the Hong Kong Jockey Club in this project over the past decade and let me thank them one by one. To Ron, who is both a mentor and a great friend, I thank him for his vision and courage in taking on this mega project which I am sure he knew at the time that it would be costly, time-consuming and complicated. To John, in his former incarnation as an Administrative Officer like myself, I thank him for his wise counsel and humility in responding to public views and knocking down Herzog & de Meuron's design from 200 metres to 80 metres. To Brian, a distinguished accountant, for his professional prudence in managing the project and only mildly complaining about the escalated cost and to Simon, for his calmness and stature in regaining public trust after the partial collapse of Block 4 in 2016 and in overseeing the most difficult part of commissioning this grand project. Finally, it would be remiss of me not to express my deepest admiration and thanks to Winfried, the Club's CEO, who has been an anchoring force throughout a protracted journey. On behalf of the people of Hong Kong, my most sincere gratitude to the Hong Kong Jockey Club for its vision in bringing Tai Kwun to magnificent life. I am sure every visitor will enjoy this place as much as I do. I wish you all a very enjoyable evening. Thank you very much. Ends/Friday, May 25, 2018 Issued at HKT 20:43 NNNN

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Speech by CE at RICS Hong Kong Annual Conference 2018

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/18/P2018051800455.htm

18.5.2018

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Hong Kong Annual Conference 2018 today (May 18): Mr Brooke (President-elect of the RICS, Mr Chris Brooke), Mr Lau (Chair of the RICS Hong Kong Board, Mr Clement Lau), Mr Hallam (Organising Committee Chair of the RICS Hong Kong Annual Conference 2018, Mr Dave Hallam), Ms Chiu (Chief Operating Officer, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau of the RICS, Ms Clare Chiu), ladies and gentlemen, Good morning. It gives me great pleasure to be here today for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Hong Kong Annual Conference. This is a welcome opportunity to speak to the surveyors of Hong Kong, professionals who make a difference, day after day, year after year. Before I continue, let me just send my deepest congratulations to Chris, who is now the President-elect of RICS, a very distinguished position. Chris, you have made us proud. This pride is not confined to your dad and mum, Nick and Maggie, who have been my good friends and my partners in harbourfront enhancement over the years. You really have made us proud, so I look forward to attending your inauguration reception later this year. Surveyors are professionals who know much more than the price of property. They know the value of land and the future it helps build for business and our community. They know as well the vital importance of the built environment, of delivering enduring social value as well as economic dividends. I have been fortunate to know a good many of you over the years, particularly in my time as Secretary for Development. I had the honour to work with you in creating a better built environment for Hong Kong through many initiatives, from sustainable development and urban regeneration to the revitalisation of industrial buildings and Operation Building Bright. And I am proud to be recognised by RICS - during my visit to London in 2012, I had the pleasure of attending a luncheon hosted by RICS, during which I was presented Honorary Membership of the Institution. So I am one of you. Among the many things that I did together with surveyors when I was Secretary for Development, one has always been close to my heart, and that is Energizing Kowloon East to create a second CBD in Hong Kong. I am pleased to note the remarkable progress made since announcement in late 2011, especially in rejuvenating the older parts of Kwun Tong. It is gratifying to read from time to time in reports by surveying firms about their recognition of this major initiative. Your profession is about building a better future for all of us. In this regard, the theme of today's conference is most timely: "Establishing Hong Kong as the nucleus of a thriving Greater Bay Area". The Bay Area development is now being taken forward as a national strategy and the detailed Development Plan will be promulgated shortly. What is meant by being the "nucleus" is of course subject to interpretation. If it means that Hong Kong is to participate fully and actively in the Bay Area development, I must say that I could not agree more. Indeed it is exactly what my Government is going to do. However, it is important to recognise the key and the driving force for a successful Bay Area. It is important to recognise that each of the nine cities and the two Special Administrative Regions in the Bay Area is clearly blessed with its own strengths, its own unique advantages. Combined, those advantages can only complement one another, and can only create a whole whose strengths are markedly greater than its parts. So the Bay Area development does not focus on Hong Kong or any other city as the nucleus. Instead, it is about the cities complementing each other to maximise the results. On this, Premier Li Keqiang made it clear when he addressed a press conference in March, that Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao must draw upon each other's comparative strengths; must work together if we are to build a world-class Bay Area for the 21st century. Following their visit last month to the Bay Area, our Legislative Council (LegCo) Members, and the Hon Mrs Regina Ip is with us this morning, have a much better appreciation of the value of mutually beneficial co-operation. A delegation of more than 30 LegCo Members led by the Hon Jeffrey Lam, Chairman of the Panel on Economic Development, spent three days in five Bay Area cities in late April. They called it a "pragmatic and constructive" visit. Many legislators, including some pan-democrats, went further, arguing that Hong Kong had to grasp the boundless promise of the Bay Area or risk falling behind our sister cities. I have spent some good time in the Bay Area cities this year. Indeed, I was in Huizhou just two days ago; in Guangzhou yesterday. I also spent two days in the Bay Area at the end of March. Visiting Shenzhen, Zhongshan and Zhuhai, I saw, first-hand, the long-term potential for Hong Kong in the Bay Area. Take education as an example. My Government places considerable emphasis on developing Hong Kong into a regional centre for education. In Shenzhen, I participated in the establishment ceremony of Harmonia College, which is part of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen. Opened four years ago, Chinese University's Shenzhen campus is attracting international talent and has already established several innovative research institutes. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is just the beginning. I do encourage our world-class universities, five of them are in the world's top 100, to continue their efforts in establishing their presence in the Bay Area. The same goes for other industries in which we have an edge, such as medical services. Shenzhen is a centre for advanced manufacturing and innovation and technology. We are investing greatly in innovation and technology, too, and there will be much opportunity for technology collaboration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen as the Bay Area evolves. We are, as you know, already partners in the 87-hectare Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park. Four times the size of Hong Kong Science Park, it is expected to inject more than US$7 billion a year into Hong Kong's economy once it is up and running. We have already completed the statutory planning process, and we are working hard towards the target of providing the first developable land for the Park by 2021. The Innovation and Technology Park will play a critical role in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area's rise as Asia's Silicon Valley. That, ladies and gentlemen, is at the heart of the Bay Area's promise - the mutually agreeable and mutually rewarding co-operation emphasised by Premier Li Keqiang. It is also the type of co-operation that takes compelling advantage of our respective strengths. Earlier this week, such co-operation has taken a major boost with the extension of the central fiscal science and technology plans to universities and research institutions in Hong Kong, and the funds could now be deployed here in Hong Kong. Some may question the Bay Area - or at least Hong Kong's role in it. They argue that with Guangdong's major cities advancing at enormous speed, and the economic differentials between us ever diminishing, it may not be good news for Hong Kong in the long run. I think such worries are misplaced. Hong Kong's strengths are rooted in our "One Country, Two Systems" advantage. This advantage will not disappear or diminish. The freest economy in the world, Hong Kong delivers high-powered financial and professional services and global connections, even as we deepen our economic ties to the Mainland. In this regard, the legislators who visited the Bay Area last month - particularly those who are not pro-establishment - returned home impressed by the frequency with which Mainland officials spoke of Hong Kong's acknowledged advantages: the rule of law, our financial prowess and our buoyant internationalism. They might well have added the singular professionalism of our surveying sector. Through CEPA, our exclusive free-trade pact with the Mainland, we enjoy privileged access to the world's second-largest market. And our strategic position is notably included in the 13th Five-Year Plan, as well as the plans for the Guangdong Free Trade Zone, including the strategic areas of Qianhai, Hengqin and Nansha. That said, we must recognise the clear socio-economic differences between the Mainland and Hong Kong. Those differences have, to a considerable extent, blunted investment and trading between us over the years. Travelling time and separation from families have also slowed the flow of Hong Kong people wanting to work in the Mainland. The gap in wages and living standards between Hong Kong and the Mainland is another high hurdle we will need to tackle. As for investors, familiarity with the market, local connections, financial gearing, risks and returns are their prime considerations and concerns. So it should not surprise that those gaining ground in the Mainland market have principally been consultants and project managers - professionals who offer knowledge-based services in which resource input and business risk are relatively low. As for those sectors calling for substantial capital investment, and the risks that come with it - I am thinking here of our developers and contractors - they have been clearly less enthusiastic about setting up across the boundary. I am confident that the Bay Area development will be able to change all that. As a start, consider its size: total area, 56 000 square kilometres; combined population, 68 million; collective GDP, US$1.5 trillion. In terms of GDP, the Bay Area itself is comparable to Australia and Korea. Beyond the notable numbers, the cities of the Bay Area form China's most international, open and economically vibrant region. Working together, they will play a big role in the socio-economic development, reform and opening up of the country. It helps, too, that the flow of business and people within the Bay Area will soon be greatly enhanced, thanks to the opening, later this year, of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, and the Liantang-Heung Yuen Wai new border point, which, let me add, will be our first land-based control point with direct access facilities for both vehicles and passengers. These infrastructure projects are state-of-the-art advances. They will bring the connected cities within the critical one-hour living circle. Looking a bit further ahead, there is the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, which I inspected during my March visit. Now under construction, it will greatly shorten travelling time from Hong Kong to the west bank of the Pearl River via Shenzhen upon completion, expected in 2024. I was pleased to visit the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge earlier this year. Actually I have visited it twice, one starting from the Hong Kong side and another one from the Zhuhai side. In both visits I went all the way to the border between Guangdong and Hong Kong. In other words, I have already travelled across the whole bridge. It is a truly spectacular and amazing project. At 55 kilometres, it is the longest sea-crossing bridge in the world. And it will boost the flow of goods, people and opportunity throughout the Bay Area. Apart from infrastructure projects, when President Xi Jinping delivered his important speech in Hong Kong on 1st July last year, he mentioned that the relevant Central Government departments would actively consider adopting concrete measures to make it more convenient for the people of Hong Kong to study, work and live in the Mainland, and provide more opportunities for them to pursue career development on the vast Mainland. Since then, Central Government departments have already promulgated two batches of facilitation measures for Hong Kong people, covering the areas of education, employment, buying train tickets, etc. We expect more to come, especially in the context of the Bay Area development, further boosting the flow of people. Being a services economy, I believe that our services will surely be in ever greater demand as the Bay Area cities grow and prosper. Indeed, each of the Bay Area's cities will focus on its respective strengths, whether in commerce, trading, innovation and technology, R&D, bio-medicine, the environment or any other industry or business. And they will be supported by such sectors as construction, leisure, entertainment and luxury goods. In any case, a prosperous Bay Area will generate increasing demand for infrastructure construction and high-end, high value-added services. That is pitching to our strength and our expertise. It will be an opportunity Hong Kong will smartly and eagerly run with. And what about the profession of surveying? To start with, surveyors have long been at the forefront when it comes to building contacts and business opportunities with the Mainland. Indeed, I am amazed at your foresight. It goes all the way back to the late 1980s. That is when you began to introduce estate planning, valuation, quantity surveying and contract management services to the Mainland - on your own and through joint ventures with overseas consultants. And when the Mainland introduced its opening-up policy - 40 years ago this year - you were instrumental in introducing the Hong Kong system to the Mainland's businesses. As Secretary for Development, I helped lead discussions with Mainland authorities on market access and the reciprocal recognition of professional qualifications. Through CEPA and pilot trials in Guangdong, we enjoyed some successes. Further opening up measures came through trade in services and the economic and technical agreement under CEPA and the Guangdong Free Trade Zone. Benefiting from these market access arrangements, Hong Kong professionals have long played a substantive role in Mainland projects. Today, Hong Kong standards and codes of practice have been, or will soon be, adopted on two projects in Qianhai, as well as foreign-aid projects in Cambodia and Nepal. The results, I am pleased to note, are encouraging, with Hong Kong's procurement and project management approach finding widespread favour. The greater significance of Hong Kong's participation in Mainland projects is in showcasing our world-class talent and expertise. As the Bay Area becomes a reality, accelerating the flow of people, goods, capital and information among the cities, the boundaries of industries and areas of specialisation will become increasingly redefined. As collaboration becomes the norm, the market will open up to small and medium enterprises and to start-ups. In construction, I am confident Hong Kong can make a difference through such high-tech, value-added services as building information modelling, virtual reality, e-procurement, DIY design, modular integrated construction and even robotics. No doubt, we will also see work carried out off-site, with fabrication yards set up across the boundary. And that can only boost our production efficiency and economy. So, ladies and gentlemen, to sum up what I said, Hong Kong will actively participate in taking forward the development of the Bay Area. Hong Kong will continue to play our role as an international finance and trade hub. We will continue to provide high value-added finance, logistics and professional services. We will continue to enable innovation and technology. We will continue to serve as an international arbitration centre powered by the rule of law. Together with other Bay Area cities, we will apply our strengths and experience to sustain and expand the country's remarkable development. For you, as for Hong Kong, the opportunities will be there, and they will be abundant, ladies and gentlemen. I look forward to the contribution from our surveyors to the development of a world-class Bay Area for the 21st century. On this note, I wish you all a very rewarding conference and a thriving future in the Bay Area. Thank you very much. Ends/Friday, May 18, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:43 NNNN

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Speech by CE at opening of Ministerial Segment of 74th Session of United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/14/P2018051400713.htm

14.5.2018

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the opening of the Ministerial Segment of the 74th Session of United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) today (May 14) in Bangkok, Thailand: Your Excellency Madam Chair, Excellencies, Executive Secretary, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, Good morning. It is a great pleasure to join you all at the 74th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and to have the opportunity to address the distinguished audience here in my capacity as Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR). I assumed the office of the Chief Executive - by the way, the first woman to hold this position in Hong Kong - less than a year ago on the 1st of July, 2017. That was an historic day for Hong Kong, for it marked the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR. Since our return to the motherland, the People's Republic of China, in 1997, the Hong Kong SAR has been exercising a high degree of autonomy and "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" in strict accordance with the Basic Law, our constitutional document. This demonstrates the full and successful implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, which has been widely recognised by the international community. The unprecedented "One Country, Two Systems" principle allows us to strengthen and leverage on ties to the Mainland economy, while maintaining our unique strengths in the rule of law, independence of the Judiciary, our capitalist system, rights and freedoms, etc. It also allows us to conduct external affairs in the name of Hong Kong, China and build global ties, including our participation in ESCAP as an associate member, as well as in such organisations as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) as a separate member. I would say that the "One Country, Two Systems" principle has been the foundation of Hong Kong's many achievements, including our reputation as the world's freest and most competitive economy, and will be essential to Hong Kong's continued prosperity and stability in many years to come. We will continue to leverage on our advantages under "One Country, Two Systems" in sustaining our economic growth, which stood at 3.8 per cent last year, higher than the average growth rate of 2.9 per cent over the preceding decade. Barring external shocks, the outlook is promising. Indeed, we published last Friday the first quarter GDP growth, which was a gratifying rate of 4.7 per cent. I see a lot of opportunities ahead of us brought by the Belt and Road Initiative outlined by President Xi Jinping almost five years ago and highlighted by the Executive Secretary just now. As President Xi said, the Belt and Road Initiative is conceived by China, but it is meant for the world. Built on multilateral co-operation in infrastructure, in trade and investment, in culture and in people-to-people bond, the Belt and Road Initiative will rise as a global economic force deep into the 21st century, bringing benefits to countries along the Belt and Road as well as other countries that embrace the Initiative. One of the key features of the Belt and Road Initiative is that it is inclusive. This is highly relevant to the theme of today's session - inequality in the era of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As rightly pointed out by a report published by ESCAP last week, while the Asia-Pacific region has experienced a tremendous socioeconomic transformation since the early 1990s facilitated by strong and sustained economic growth, unfortunately the gains from this remarkable performance have not always benefited those most in need. As a result, many countries in the region have experienced a widening of existing inequalities, accompanied by environmental degradation. Amid a strong economic outlook, every economy has the responsibility, and it is also in their own interest, to do more in terms of promoting social inclusion and environmental protection, so as to achieve sustainable development. Since taking office, I have had the privilege of participating in international fora like the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, the World Economic Forum at Davos and the Boao Forum for Asia. I was gratified to hear the majority of global leaders speaking in support of free trade while at the same time being committed to making development more inclusive and beneficial to all. There seems to be broad consensus that governments must take active steps to deliver a prosperous, secure and sustainable future for all. This is exactly what my Government is doing in Hong Kong. In this respect, it is relevant to note that some 60 per cent of our recurrent budget is spent on education, social welfare and medical services. Spending on social welfare has surged by over 86 per cent in the past six years, with a range of initiatives on social security pioneered by the Commission on Poverty, which I chaired in my former capacity as the Chief Secretary for Administration. And one of the top priorities since my taking office is to increase education spending for initiatives ranging from pre-school support to enhancing access to university education. In my inaugural Policy Address delivered last October, I said, "Government expenditure on education is the most meaningful investment for our future development." I went on to say that in formulating social policies, the Government's guiding principles are pro-child, pro-family, pro-work and pro-user. These two main approaches of government intervention will enable us to narrow the differences not only in income, but also in opportunities. One area which my Government is working very hard on is housing. Given the lack of developable land in Hong Kong, property prices and rentals have in recent years risen to an unaffordable level for many households in Hong Kong, leading to many grass-roots families living in highly undesirable conditions. We see addressing the housing need of the poor as one of the most effective means to alleviate poverty and reduce inequality in Hong Kong. In order to find more land for housing, the community has to rise above sectoral interests and reach a broad consensus for the Government to move on. A Government-appointed task force has just launched a public engagement process aiming at building that common basis. On a wider perspective, Hong Kong will continue to support free trade. As a founder member of the WTO, Hong Kong is a strong believer in and staunch supporter of free trade and the multilateral trading system. We have benefited immensely from free trade, which has been instrumental in developing Hong Kong into an international trade and business centre as it is today, and we hold the belief that a strong and rule-based multilateral trading system is a cornerstone of the global economy. In order to seize the opportunity of a global economy while at the same time making economic development more inclusive, we need to improve systems and institutions to uphold safety, equity, efficiency and justice. This is what I call "capacity building". When Dr Akhtar (Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Dr Shamshad Akhtar) and I met in Hong Kong last month - and I count myself to be very fortunate to have had this opportunity to meet with her before her departure from ESCAP - I said Hong Kong was more than willing to help and share experience in capacity building with some emerging economies, as part of Hong Kong's contribution to the promotion of people-to-people bond in the global environment. I would like to briefly talk about what I have in mind. Hong Kong is one of the safest and most efficient cities in the world, and over the years of our development we have accumulated a lot of experience in city management, covering areas such as firefighting, flood prevention, slope stabilisation, aviation safety, railway operation, etc. We have also built institutions to fight against corruption, promote equal opportunities and deal with administrative complaints. We will be most pleased to share our experience with other economies in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. In fact we are already doing that. For example, our Independent Commission Against Corruption has been sharing its rich experience in fighting corruption in Hong Kong with regions and countries along the Belt and Road to enhance their integrity. A group of 22 firefighters from Vietnam attended a five-day high-rise building firefighting course in the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy in Hong Kong last year. Hong Kong's railway operator, the MTR Corporation, is another good example. The Corporation currently operates in Hong Kong a railway network on which about 5.6 million passenger trips are made on a normal weekday. Another 5.6 million passenger trips are made on the rail services it operates outside Hong Kong in the Mainland of China, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Australia. Leveraging on its railway experience, the Corporation is now involved in a range of railway construction projects, railway consultancy and contracting services around the world, as well as operating an MTR Academy. Foreseeing the increasing need for highly capable railway-related professionals, the MTR Academy has been established as a global training and research hub. Through its tailor-made training curriculum, the MTR Academy will develop railway executives and professionals in Hong Kong, the Mainland of China and around the world to drive excellence for existing railway operations, railway expansion and major infrastructure projects in the decades to come. Likewise, our Airport Authority has also set up a civil aviation academy to nurture aviation management talent. In addition, Hong Kong's professionals - including our engineers and surveyors, architects, designers and planners, together with specialists in financial services, insurance, arbitration, risk management, project consulting and communications - are highly regarded not only for their expertise and competence, but also for their professional ethics and service quality. We expect that the Belt and Road Initiative I mentioned will generate a lot of demand for professional services in order to turn plans into reality. We do encourage enterprises from other economies to partner with Hong Kong professionals under the context of the Belt and Road Initiative. We are confident in providing the best services to them, and in the process contributing to capacity building. Apart from capacity building, I would also like to stress that, as a responsible global citizen, Hong Kong will play its part in protecting the environment. As ESCAP's report points out, environmental degradation is closely linked to inequality and low-income countries of the region are more exposed to environmental degradation. Natural disasters, the frequency and intensity of which are increasing due to climate change, also cause disproportionately greater impacts on poorer countries and households and therefore exacerbate inequalities. Hong Kong has accorded top priority to meeting the commitments formalised under the Paris Agreement. Indeed, we have established a high-level Steering Committee on Climate Change since 2016 which co-ordinates the actions of our various bureaux and departments in combating climate change. The Committee has set an ambitious target - a 65 to 70 per cent reduction of our carbon intensity by 2030, using 2005 as the base. This is equivalent to an absolute reduction of 26 to 36 per cent of Hong Kong's carbon emissions, and will result in a per capita emission reduction from about 6 tonnes to 3.3 to 3.8 tonnes. To achieve this ambitious target, we are adopting a multi-pronged approach. We will, for example, gradually replace most of our coal-fired generation units with cleaner energy sources. We will also encourage the development of renewable energy and implement an energy-saving plan to promote energy efficiency and green building advances throughout Hong Kong. Furthermore, we will strengthen the climate readiness of the city as a whole. That includes cooling the city through such measures as landscaping and wind-environment design. The promotion of a "use less, waste less" culture is also crucial to achieving low-carbon living. To that end, we will enhance public education on sustainable consumption and waste reduction, and implement a municipal solid-waste charging scheme to encourage behavioural changes. All this, and much more, is set out in "Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2030+" published last year. We live today in a global village, and are inextricably linked by threats from climate change, dwindling resources, environmental degradation and much more. These growing concerns are beyond the resources or the ability of any one country or economy to confront and conquer alone. Our solutions should embrace greater co-operation across political, economic and social boundaries. All of us have a shared responsibility towards the well-being of our planet and everyone in it. Indeed, one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals under the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development calls for actions to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development. Speaking of the Sustainable Development Goals, it took more than three years of intergovernmental negotiations before world leaders adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and they represent a cohesive and integrated package of global aspirations the world commits to achieving by 2030. With a pledge that no one would be left behind, another one of the 17 goals is to reduce inequality within and among countries. This shows the timeliness of today's theme, and brings me back to what I emphasised earlier - the importance of inclusiveness in social and economic growth. Before I close, let me thank ESCAP again for giving me this opportunity to speak and I wish you a most successful and rewarding session. Thank you very much. Ends/Monday, May 14, 2018 Issued at HKT 17:12 NNNN

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Speech by Acting CE at 71st Chartered Financial Analyst Institute Annual Conference

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/14/P2018051400251.htm

14.5.2018

Following is the speech by the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at the 71st Chartered Financial Analyst Institute Annual Conference - "Future of Global Investing" today (May 14): Paul (President and CEO of Chartered Financial Analyst Institute, Mr Paul Smith), Tony (President of Hong Kong Society of Financial Analysts, Mr Tony Watson), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good morning. It is my honour to join you all at the 71st Chartered Financial Analyst Institute Annual Conference in Hong Kong. First of all, I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute for bringing this conference to Hong Kong, and my warmest welcome to all the guests and speakers from the Mainland and overseas. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the co-organiser of this conference, the Hong Kong Society of Financial Analysts, on their 25th anniversary. The Society, with a 6 600-strong membership, is not only one of the investment professional bodies in Hong Kong but also the largest chartered financial analysts society in Asia and the fourth largest in the world. Hosting this year's conference in Hong Kong with the theme of "Future of Global Investing" is most timely. Since the 2008 financial tsunami, the global economy has undergone sweeping changes. With the global economic gravity shifting towards the East, emerging markets are playing a much more important and influential role. The unstoppable wave of innovation and technology across the globe has brought disruptive changes to the global economic structure and the way that we live and consume. The rising trade protectionism has driven more economies to turn to regional or bilateral trade negotiations for promoting and maintaining their trading activities, whilst striving to safeguard multilateral trade. Opportunities are where challenges arise. Hong Kong is bravely rising to the challenges by consolidating our strength, exploring new opportunities with an open mind and solving problems with an innovative mind-set. Our status as a leading international financial centre has long been established. In the latest Global Financial Centres Index published in March 2018, Hong Kong was ranked third worldwide and the first in Asia. We are the first mover to conduct offshore Renminbi business. Today, we are the world’s largest offshore Renminbi business hub with total deposits of over RMB618 billion, handling around 76 per cent of global Renminbi transactions. The number of insurers in Hong Kong added up to 159 in 2017 while the combined fund management business in Hong Kong amounted to US$2.3 trillion in 2016, topping the league in Asia. We are also among Asia's top three stock markets, with market capitalisation standing at US$4.3 trillion. Hong Kong knows better than anywhere that it cannot rest on its laurels won in the past. We have to strive continuously to maintain and improve our competitive edges for tomorrow's world. To stand still is to stagnate. Asia is driving the global economy. Within Asia, the impact, scale and importance of China are abundantly clear. Over the past five years, China has contributed over 30 per cent to global economic growth and, together with other developing regions in Asia, has made up a share of almost 60 per cent. The future directions and strategies of our Motherland's economic development thus have a major global bearing. What I am referring to are the enormous opportunities offer by the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development (Bay Area Development). Hong Kong is destined to play an important role in the overall development of China including the Belt and Road and Bay Area Development. We can provide Belt and Road countries with world quality and reliable financial services. The Bay Area Development adds another important dimension to the Belt and Road Initiative and Hong Kong's prospects. It aims to foster closer cooperation and economic integration among Hong Kong, Macao and nine Guangdong cities, and helps turn the vision of the Belt and Road Initiative into real opportunities particularly in infrastructure development, financial connectivity and innovation and technology. It is important to note that the Bay Area has a total population of 67 million, which is comparable to that of the United Kingdom, France and Italy, and a combined GDP of $US1.4 trillion which is roughly equivalent to Korea and ahead of Australia. These facts, coupled with our strategic locations and inherent institutional strengths and connectivity with the world, speak volumes about the vast potential of the Bay Area. Infrastructure development is at the heart of the Belt and Road countries. According to the Asian Development Bank, it is estimated that Asia will require an infrastructure investment of US$1.7 trillion per year until 2030. With free flow of capital and a deep pool of financial talent, Hong Kong is the ideal place to raise funds for Belt and Road projects. We have a wealth of experience and expertise that are familiar with international standards in carrying out project finance in both public and private markets and a great variety of financing avenues. In fact, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange has topped the world in five of the past nine years in terms of initial public offerings (IPOs). The funds raised through IPOs in 2017 amounted to US$16.5 billion. The launch of the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect, the mutual recognition of funds, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect and Bond Connect schemes in the last few years are of ground-breaking significance to capital market access between Hong Kong and the Mainland. We will continue to explore the possibility of including a wider range of products in the mutual access mechanism such as exchange-traded fund and extending Bond Connect to cover south-bound trading, with a view to creating more investment opportunities and better access to the Mainland capital markets for both local investors and those from the Belt and Road region and beyond. We have also seen rapid growth in the Asian bond market in recent years. Last year, US$300 billion worth of US dollar bonds were issued in Asian economies other than Japan, representing 60 per cent more than 2016. We expect that the Asian bond markets will continue to expand. To encourage more investors and issuers from the Mainland, Asia and along the Belt and Road to participate in the Hong Kong bond market, the Government plans to launch an array of measures to enhance our competitiveness, including attracting corporate bond issuance, facilitating investors participation and broadening investment platform. We will play a more active role as a facilitator and promoter in developing Hong Kong into a preferred listing platform for emerging and innovative enterprises in the Bay Area and the wider Belt and Road countries. The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong has implemented the new listing regime in late April, allowing pre-revenue biotech companies and companies with weighted voting right structures to list on the Main Board. The new listing regime also provides a new concessionary route for qualifying issuers seeking a secondary listing in Hong Kong. We will ensure appropriate safeguards for investors and uphold the quality of our market under the new regime. To keep up with the global development, we will also facilitate financial innovation as far as possible. Specifically, we will leverage Hong Kong's well-established financial industry to promote Fintech and green finance. Fintech is a key driver in the future growth of the banking sector. To facilitate the development of Fintech for Hong Kong's financial services industry, we have launched a series of measures including the Fintech Supervisory Sandbox for banks to test out new technology without meeting full supervisory requirements in order to speed up the time-to-market for banks' Fintech products and services. We have introduced an Innovation Hub with ASTRI to spur collaboration between Fintech firms and banks. We also partner with banks on testing Distributed Ledger Technology on proof-of-concept trials of trade finance, mortgage loan applications and digital-identity management, as well as researching into central bank digital currency. To nurture more Fintech start-ups and talent, seed funding, business guidance, networking opportunities, and incubation and accelerator programmes are provided to young Fintech entrepreneurs in Hong Kong. According to Accenture, Fintech companies based in Hong Kong had raised about US$940 million of Fintech investment over the past three years and compared favourably to their counterparts in Australia and Singapore where US$627 million and US$325 million were raised respectively during the same period. As for green financing, we are making earnest preparation for the launch of the government green bond programme with a borrowing ceiling of HK$100 billion within the current financial year to provide funding for green public works projects. To demonstrate our commitment to developing our bond market, Fintech, green finance and other aspects of financial services, we have earmarked HK$500 million for the development of the financial services industry in the next five years. We have also set up the Financial Leaders Forum to formulate strategic and forward-looking proposals to strengthen Hong Kong's position as an international financial centre. More resources will also be allocated to the Financial Services Development Council to enhance its role in promoting market development and nurturing talent. Ladies and gentlemen, I have only given a pen picture of how we are striving to stay ahead in the fiercely competitive world of finance. With our commitment and efforts in reinforcing and developing our financial infrastructure and strengthening capability, I am confident that with the support from our community including our industries and investors are ready to seize the many opportunities ahead. On this encouraging note, I wish you all highly rewarding conference, and for those guests who come all the way from overseas and the Mainland, a most pleasant stay in Hong Kong. Thank you. Ends/Monday, May 14, 2018 Issued at HKT 10:00 NNNN

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Speech by CE at HK Fire Services Department 150th anniversary grand parade

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/09/P2018050900454.htm

9.5.2018

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the Hong Kong Fire Services Department 150th anniversary grand parade held at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy today (May 9): It is a great pleasure to be here, an honour to serve as Reviewing Officer for the Hong Kong Fire Services Department's 150th anniversary grand parade. I was pleased to be here just over two years ago at the formal opening of the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy, another milestone in the long, proud history of the Department, which began life as the Hong Kong Fire Brigade on this very day in 1868. From a brigade of some 100 personnel to today's elite force of more than 10 000 professionals is a compelling statement of the Fire Services Department and its unwavering vision - that has always been to serve Hong Kong, to make our city, our community, a safe place in which to live and work. In pursuit of that goal, the Department has over the years established a number of specialist teams. They work to enhance operational safety and efficiency, while promoting fire safety and ensuring quality ambulance services. Those efforts received a rousing boost with the opening of this state-of-the-art Academy, with its specialised training facilities and more than 500 residential training places. The Academy, I should add, welcomes our Mainland and overseas counterparts for fire and ambulance training. Here, they can also exchange professional views and insight on different areas, from firefighting and safety to rescue and paramedic ambulance services. Apart from enhancing professional standards, the Academy's work will help strengthen the ties between Hong Kong and other places. I encourage the Academy to continue its efforts. The 150th anniversary of the Fire Services Department features a year-long parade of special events - for the public as well as industry professionals. That includes the three-day Fire Asia Conference, right here at the Academy. The Conference has attracted fire brigades and industry experts from all over the world. For our guests from overseas, I wish you all the best of business at the conference and a very memorable stay in Hong Kong. Once again, let me say how grateful I am to the Hong Kong Fire Services Department, proudly serving Hong Kong now for 150 years. Thank you very much. Ends/Wednesday, May 9, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:39 NNNN

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Statement by Chief Executive's Office on surrender of fugitive offender to other jurisdiction

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/31/P2018053100874.htm

31.5.2018

The Chief Executive's Office today (May 31) issued the following statement in respect of recent media reports on a fugitive surrender request made by the US Government: While it is inappropriate to discuss individual surrender cases in public, all requests for the surrender of fugitive offenders are processed strictly in accordance with the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance (Cap. 503) and in the context of relevant agreements concluded with the respective jurisdictions for the surrender of fugitive offenders. For requests received from the US Government for the surrender of fugitive offenders, the Agreement between the Government of Hong Kong and the Government of the United States of America for the Surrender of Fugitive Offenders is applicable. On receipt of each and every surrender request from another jurisdiction, the Chief Executive must first issue authority to proceed before the request can be processed further. A decision on whether to issue authority to proceed on the advice of the Department of Justice rests solely and entirely with the Chief Executive under section 6(2) of the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance (Cap. 503). Such a decision is only to be made after taking into full account the relevant facts and circumstances of each case for the purpose of complying with the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance (Cap. 503) and the applicable bilateral agreement. Under the above-mentioned Agreement, situations under which a surrender request may be refused are clearly set out. These relevant provisions are reproduced in the Annex. In a recent Hong Kong Policy Act Report submitted by the US State Department to the US Congress, it was mentioned that in respect of a fugitive surrender request made by the US Government, the Chief Executive refused the request in October 2017 "at the behest of the Central Government". The statement suggests that the Chief Executive's decision in the case concerned was made in a manner other than in accordance with the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance (Cap. 503) or the Agreement. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government deeply regrets to see the inclusion of this inaccurate statement in the above-mentioned Report to the US Congress. Currently, there is no surrender of fugitive offenders arrangement between the HKSAR and the Mainland. Therefore, no surrender of a fugitive has ever been made to the Mainland. The HKSAR Government deals with any movement of persons in and out of Hong Kong in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong. Ends/Thursday, May 31, 2018 Issued at HKT 19:25 NNNN

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Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo meeting

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/29/P2018052900426.htm

29.5.2018

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting this morning (May 29): Reporter: Mrs Lam, does the report say that the Government is intending to, well, have an all-graduate teaching force in primary and secondary schools? So, does the Government have any timetable, and when is that going to happen? And if there is any rapid changes, would that affect the schools' management in some way or another? And the second question is about express rail. How would you assess the company's performance so far, in terms of transparency and do you think it’s satisfactory that Mr Ma said something like that? Chief Executive: On the XRL, I hope the public will appreciate that this is a major piece of infrastructure and in the course of commissioning there is a lot of preparatory work and testing work to be done, and so colleagues in the MTR Corporation are under extreme pressure to achieve that objective, and I want to assure you that we will work very closely, we means the Transport and Housing Bureau and also the two relevant departments - the Highways Department and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department. They will work very closely with the railway corporation to provide the needed information, the results of any investigation and to ensure that people have confidence in the operation of this railway. About the all-graduate teacher objective, I understand that this is a long-standing aspiration of the teachers in Hong Kong. As you are aware, I attach a lot of importance to quality education in Hong Kong. At a recent public occasion, I said that the one single impression I had during my election campaign in interacting with the teachers is we should value Hong Kong's teachers more. So if our teachers have this common aspiration that they should be turned into graduate teacher positions, I would certainly accord importance to addressing this aspiration. But for the time being, this matter, together with other issues, relating to the professional development of teachers, is being considered by a task force set up after we came to office on July 1. So I will await recommendations from this task force, but I can assure you that we are very determined to improve quality education in Hong Kong, and we have set aside a recurrent expenditure provision of $3.4 billion every year, so we would have that capacity to meet the needed improvements in the education sector. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, May 29, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:30 NNNN

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Executive Council gives consent to increase tramway fares

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/29/P2018052900313.htm

29.5.2018

The Chief Executive in Council today (May 29) has given consent to Hong Kong Tramways Limited (HKT) to alter fares, in accordance with section 51 of the Tramway Ordinance (Cap. 107). The revised rates of fares (see table below) will come into force one month after publication in the Gazette (i.e. July 2, 2018). Existing fare Revised fare (Change) Person aged 12 or above $2.30 $2.60 (+$0.30) Child (aged 3 to 11) $1.20 $1.30 (+$0.10) Monthly ticket $200.00 $220.00 (+$20.00) In addition, the fare for the elderly (aged 65 or above) will increase from $1.10 to $1.20. The fare for a tourist ticket will remain at $34. A Government spokesman said that the Government should ensure that HKT would have sound financial capability in providing economical, efficient and quality tram services at reasonable fares. In this connection, when assessing HKT's fare increase application, the Government has, in accordance with the established policy and mechanism, taken into account various factors, including the quality and quantity of service provided and the planned improvement projects of HKT; the changes in operating costs and revenue since HKT's last fare adjustment; HKT's forecasts of future costs, revenue, profit and return; and the likely public acceptability. HKT submitted a fare increase application to the Transport Department in August 2017. The Government has consulted the Legislative Council Panel on Transport and the Transport Advisory Committee on HKT's fare increase proposal. HKT has not adjusted its fares for the past seven years. Since the last fare adjustment in June 2011, given the competition from other public transport modes, its patronage has been decreasing and the fare revenue has also correspondingly dropped. The potential to further increase non-fare box revenue is rather limited. Although HKT made profits between 2011 and 2017, its profit after tax has been decreasing since 2014. HKT's profit after tax in 2016 and 2017 was $37.6 million and about $22.9 million respectively (the profit margin was 14.7 per cent and about 9 per cent respectively). Nevertheless, HKT has planned to invest about $110 million in the next few years for implementing a series of service improvement projects which would enable the public to enjoy quality, efficient, cheap and environmentally friendly services. Without a fare increase, HKT estimated that its profit margin would drop to below 2.6 per cent from 2018 and beyond. "HKT has been providing satisfactory services for many years. HKT has strived to enhance tram services in terms of safety, service level, passenger comfort and operational efficiency through implementing various improvement measures, and will continue to take forward a series of new projects in the next few years to maintain the competitiveness and sustainability of tram service. The 12.6 per cent weighted average fare increase proposed by HKT is lower than the changes in the Composite Consumer Price Index and Median Monthly Household Income since HKT’s last fare increase (21.5 per cent and 39.3 per cent respectively). Having regard to all relevant factors, the Government considered it necessary to increase tram fares, and that the increase level proposed by HKT is acceptable," the Government spokesman said. Given that tram fares only have a tiny 0.01 per cent weighting in the Composite Consumer Price Index, the inflationary impact of the proposed fare increase is expected to be insignificant. Ends/Tuesday, May 29, 2018 Issued at HKT 14:40 NNNN

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Appointments to Airport Authority Hong Kong

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/25/P2018052500287.htm

25.5.2018

The Government today (May 25) announced the re-appointment of the incumbent Chairman, Mr Jack So Chak-kwong, and three incumbent members, as well as the appointment of two new members, to the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA) with effect from June 1, 2018. The Chairman of the AA, Mr So, has been re-appointed for a term of three years until May 31, 2021. The three incumbent members re-appointed are Ms Anita Fung Yuen-mei, Mr Billy Wong Wing-hoo and Dr Allan Zeman. Ms Fung has been re-appointed for a term of one year ending May 31, 2019 while Mr Wong and Dr Zeman have been re-appointed for a term of three years ending May 31, 2021. The two new members, Ms Linda Chan Ching-fan and Mr Adrian Wong Koon-man, have been appointed for a term of three years until May 31, 2021. Mr Andrew Fung Hau-chung will be leaving the AA on June 1, 2018. He has served as a member of the AA since June 2015. During his tenure, Mr Fung offered valuable advice to the AA on various issues concerning the services and expansion of Hong Kong International Airport. The Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan, expressed his heartfelt thanks to Mr Fung for his contributions to the work of the AA. Under the Airport Authority Ordinance, the Chairman and members of the AA are appointed by the Chief Executive. The appointments are published in the Government Gazette today. The following is the full membership of the AA with effect from June 1, 2018: Chairman: ---------- Mr Jack So Chak-kwong Members: --------- Ms Linda Chan Ching-fan Ms Anita Fung Yuen-mei Mr Steven Ho Chun-yin Mr Franklin Lam Fan-keung Mr Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung Mr Lee Shing-see Mr Peter To Mr Carlson Tong Mr Adrian Wong Koon-man Mr Billy Wong Wing-hoo Mr Frankie Yick Chi-ming Dr Allan Zeman Secretary for Transport and Housing Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Director-General of Civil Aviation Chief Executive Officer, Airport Authority (ex officio) Ends/Friday, May 25, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:00 NNNN

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Appointments of new Chairman and members to the Independent Police Complaints Council

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/25/P2018052500258.htm

25.5.2018

The Government today (May 25) announced the appointment of Mr Anthony Francis Neoh, SC as Chairman of the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC), and the appointments of Dr Anissa Chan Wong Lai-kuen and Mr Roland Wong Ka-yeung as well as the re-appointments of Mr Clement Chan Kam-wing and Mr Wilson Kwong Wing-tsuen as members of the IPCC. The appointments are made by the Chief Executive according to section 5 of the IPCC Ordinance (Cap. 604) for a term of two years with effect from June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2020. The appointment notice was published in the Government Gazette today. Mr Neoh is a Senior Counsel with extensive experience in public services. He has made remarkable contributions in many fields including developing Hong Kong's international arbitration services and regulatory standards for financial services. Mr Neoh will succeed the incumbent IPCC Chairman Mr Larry Kwok whose term of appointment will end on May 31, 2018. "Mr Larry Kwok has been the Chairman of the IPCC since June 2014. We are grateful for his devotion in promoting the work of the IPCC to the public and contributions to the improvement of the operation of the IPCC, enhancing support for the IPCC Observers Scheme, and strengthening publicity through various channels," a Government spokesman said. The IPCC, established under the IPCC Ordinance, is an independent statutory body responsible for monitoring and reviewing the investigation of complaints against members of the Police Force. The IPCC Ordinance provides a statutory basis for the IPCC's role and power and the two-tier police complaints handling system. It also imposes a statutory duty on the Police to comply with the Council's requirements. The IPCC comprises a Chairman, three Vice-chairmen and 24 non-official members. Ends/Friday, May 25, 2018 Issued at HKT 10:00 NNNN

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CE meets CPPCC Vice-Chairman and President of China Association for Science and Technology

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/23/P2018052300934.htm

23.5.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and President of the China Association for Science and Technology Professor Wan Gang at Government House this afternoon (May 23). Mrs Lam welcomed Professor Wan’s visit to Hong Kong and said she was pleased to meet him for the third time since taking office. She thanked Professor Wan for his staunch support for Hong Kong’s development of innovation and technology (I&T) during his tenure as the Minister of Science and Technology and his continued concern for Hong Kong in his new capacity. She said she has been inspired by Professor Wan each time they have met, strengthening her resolve to help Hong Kong to develop in I&T at full steam to catch up with others. She said that the current-term Government is determined to be proactive and has put forward various policy initiatives in the past few months to advance I&T development. These have included the launch of a listing regime for I&T companies from emerging and innovative sectors to list in Hong Kong to raise capital, the amendment of the Inland Revenue Ordinance to provide enhanced tax deduction to encourage enterprises to spend more in research and development, the announcement of the Technology Talent Admission Scheme to admit overseas and Mainland talent and nurture local talent for I&T enterprises, and the preparation for the establishment of two research clusters on healthcare technologies and artificial intelligence and robotics technologies to attract top global and local scientific research talent. She said that such initiatives are well received by local, overseas and Mainland parties, which demonstrates Hong Kong's continued advantages. She expressed the hope that Professor Wan would continue to show his concern and support for Hong Kong so that Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem would develop in a diversified manner. Ends/Wednesday, May 23, 2018 Issued at HKT 20:41 NNNN

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CE continues Guangzhou visit

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/17/P2018051700773.htm

17.5.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, accompanied by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, in Guangzhou today (May 17) continued her visit to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area. In the morning, Mrs Lam and the other officials visited three enterprises at the Science City of the Guangzhou Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone engaging in regenerative medical technology, the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, and medical technology and rehabilitation robots. The visits allowed them to know more about collaboration between Hong Kong and Guangzhou enterprises in transformation of scientific and technological achievements as well as the development of Hong Kong companies establishing a presence in Guangzhou to gain access to the Mainland market. Mrs Lam expressed the hope that the two cities can boost collaboration among relevant sectors in the field of innovation and technology (I&T), and combine government support, production, education, scientific research and practical application in advancing the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area as an international I&T centre. Mrs Lam and the other officials then met with the Secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee, Mr Li Xi, and the Governor of Guangdong Province, Mr Ma Xingrui, and attended a lunch hosted by them. At the meeting, Mrs Lam thanked the Guangdong Provincial Government for the large amount of work it did to prepare for last month's visit by members of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong to the Bay Area, which was well received by the Legislative Council members. She said that this year is the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening up of the country and in the course of the reform and opening up, Guangdong Province was the first mover and Hong Kong also made contributions. She expressed the hope that the Bay Area would carry on from past successes while creating new achievements in the future, raising Hong Kong-Guangdong co-operation to a new stage. She said that to develop a world-class Bay Area, breakthroughs in co-operation between Hong Kong and Guangdong in innovation are needed. She said that the instruction made personally by President Xi Jinping days earlier introduced a major breakthrough in the co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong in scientific research with the opening up of science and technology funding of the Central Government for application by universities and research institutions in Hong Kong, helping tremendously in the future development of the Bay Area as an international I&T centre. Mrs Lam proposed to Mr Li to continue to strengthen the work on youth exchanges and people-to-people bonds, so that people of the two places will embrace the development of the Bay Area. In the afternoon, Mrs Lam and the other officials toured an entrepreneurship base of the Tianhe Hong Kong and Macau Youth Association in Tianhe District to learn about its services and development plan. She exchanged views with young entrepreneurs from Hong Kong at the base and was told about their start-up experiences in Guangzhou. Established in October 2017, the base provides young people of Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macao with support services in entrepreneurship, internship, exchanges and living. Mrs Lam and the other officials then visited the Pazhou Internet Innovation Cluster, which is currently being developed, to learn about its development as an Internet technology and innovation platform. They also toured the Qingsheng station of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link in the Nansha district to view the area's transportation network and the surrounding development. Mrs Lam and the other officials returned to Hong Kong this afternoon. Ends/Thursday, May 17, 2018 Issued at HKT 19:15 NNNN

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CE visits Huizhou and Guangzhou

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/16/P2018051601111.htm

16.5.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, commenced her trip to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area in Huizhou and Guangzhou today (May 16). Accompanied by the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, Mrs Lam met with the Acting Mayor of Huizhou, Mr Liu Ji, and attended a lunch hosted by him. She said at the meeting that given the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government attaches great importance to the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area, she visited Huizhou today following her trip to three other Bay Area cities, namely Shenzhen, Zhongshan and Zhuhai, in March. Noting that the ties between Hong Kong and Huizhou have been close, she said frequent contacts between the people in the two places provide a good foundation and strong impetus for co-operation between the two places. With Hong Kong's heavy investment in Huizhou over the years, she expressed the hope that the two cities will explore more collaboration in various industries in the future to seize together the opportunities brought about by the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area. She added that in particular in innovation and technology (I&T), Hong Kong, whose strength lies in scientific research, can be complemented by Huizhou which is large in area and can provide land for the transformation of achievements of scientific research of Hong Kong for mutual benefit. In the afternoon, she visited a large-scale Hong Kong enterprise to know more about its successful experience in the transformation from being an investor in the manufacturing sector in the early period of the reform and opening up in the Mainland to a modern service provider. She also visited Tonghu Ecological and Smart Zone which is under planning to learn about its plan to develop smart industries with the protection of the ecological environment in mind. She was told that the zone is poised to be a cluster of I&T industries and a university from Hong Kong will participate in a project to explore collaboration with Huizhou in academic and scientific research aspects. While in Huizhou, Mrs Lam also visited a residential project where many Hong Kong people live to know more about the project's planning and the lives of Hong Kong people who reside in the Mainland. Mrs Lam concluded her visit to Huizhou in the afternoon and headed for Guangzhou. Accompanied by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, and Mr Chan, Mrs Lam visited Ershadao Art Park with the Secretary of the CPC Guangzhou Municipal Committee, Mr Ren Xuefeng, to know the ecological development and city environment of Guangzhou. Mrs Lam and other officials then had a meeting with Mr Ren and attended a dinner hosted by him. During the meeting, Mrs Lam said that she was pleased to visit Guangzhou for the first time in the capacity of the Chief Executive and note the remarkable progress the city has made in various aspects. She said that the relationship between Hong Kong and Guangzhou has always been close. Along with the opening of the Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link in September this year, she said she believes that the level of co-operation between the two places will be enhanced, allowing them to jointly promote the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area and helping Hong Kong better integrate into the overall development of the country. She also believed that the economy in various cities in the Bay Area will be boosted and people's livelihood will be improved. Mrs Lam will continue her visit tomorrow (May 17). Ends/Wednesday, May 16, 2018 Issued at HKT 23:23 NNNN

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Forum on Mainland-HK Cooperation in I&T explores new co-operation opportunities

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/15/P2018051500680.htm

15.5.2018

The Forum on Mainland-Hong Kong Cooperation in Innovation and Technology held today (May 15) by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government was attended by over 100 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), as well as representatives of the HKSAR Government and the technology sector. The forum discussed new opportunities brought about by opening up science and technology funding by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and the Ministry of Finance for application by Hong Kong higher education institutions and research institutions. In her address, the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, highlighted that the forum was meant to brief research experts at the earliest opportunity on the newly announced guidelines of the Central Government in support of the development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong and Macao. Under the guidelines, universities and research institutions in the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao can now bid for funding to undertake central fiscal science and technology projects, on the basis of merit and competition. The new arrangements have realised cross-boundary remittance of project funding, which the local technology sector has long been calling for. Mrs Lam said, "Local research will be funded by the science and technology funding of the Central Government. This will foster technological co-operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland and give full play to the unique advantages in technology of the two places, laying a solid foundation for the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park in the Lok Ma Chau Loop. The policy also paves the way for building the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area into an international innovation and technology hub and provides incessant impetus for the current-term Government in spurring innovation and technology development." A Vice Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Huang Wei, announced details of the new policy at the forum. Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Mr Huang Liuquan and Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR Mr Tan Tieniu also addressed the forum. In the panel discussion hosted by the President of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Timothy Tong, a number of speakers had in-depth discussions on the new policy. They are: Professor C C Chan Academician of the CAE Professor Nancy Ip Member of the CAS and Vice-President for Research and Graduate Studies and the Director of the State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Professor Pei Duanqing Director General of the Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, CAS Professor Tang Xiaoou Co-Founder of SenseTime Group Limited Mr Wu Xueti Deputy Director General of the Department of Resource Allocation and Management, MOST Also attending the forum were the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang; the Permanent Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; and the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Ms Annie Choi. Ends/Tuesday, May 15, 2018 Issued at HKT 16:53 NNNN

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Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo meeting

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/15/P2018051500485.htm

15.5.2018

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting this morning (May 15): Reporter: Mrs Lam, President Xi also suggested that only patriotic scientists would get funding, and only people who love the country and Hong Kong would be able to, you know, participate in national level programmes. Do you think that this will affect academic freedom in any way? Chief Executive: Not at all, because I read the guidelines issued jointly by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Finance. The guidelines do not specifically refer to the so-called prerequisite that you have mentioned. But in the instructions given by President Xi Jinping, he did mention about the importance of giving more support to scientists and researchers in Hong Kong who love the country and love Hong Kong. I think this is only a matter of terminology, but of course, in Hong Kong we do expect, whether you are a scientist, a researcher, a government official like myself, to love our country and love Hong Kong, so that is nothing unusual. I think some commentators have read too much into this term, and additionally, because I have the privilege of having read this letter from the fellows to President Xi, in fact it was in their letter that they appealed to President Xi for his support, because these scientists said that they are doing great work, not only for Hong Kong but for the country, and they want to do more for the country ("希望報效國家"), so in response, the President made those remarks that these researchers have really touched him because they really want to contribute to the country. I think this is only very natural. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, May 15, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:49 NNNN

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CE visits Thailand

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/14/P2018051400922.htm

14.5.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, visited Bangkok, Thailand, today (May 14). She attended the 74th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and also met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr Somkid Jatusripitak. In the morning, Mrs Lam delivered a keynote speech at the opening of the Ministerial Segment of the 74th session of ESCAP with “Inequality in the Era of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” as the theme. She shared with participants Hong Kong’s experience in promoting social inclusion and environmental protection to achieve sustainable development. Mrs Lam said that the successful implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland has laid the foundation for the city's continued prosperity and stability. She added that Hong Kong will seize the opportunities brought about by the Belt and Road Initiative and strive to promote economic development, which she stressed should be inclusive and beneficial to all. Noting that Hong Kong is one of the safest and most efficient cities in the world and has accumulated a lot of experience in city management, covering areas such as firefighting, flood prevention, slope stabilisation, aviation safety and railway operation, she said Hong Kong is pleased to help and share experience in capacity building with emerging economies, as part of the city’s contribution to the promotion of people-to-people bonds in the global environment. On environmental protection, Mrs Lam outlined Hong Kong’s targets and actions in combating climate change and reducing carbon emissions. She said that various countries should embrace greater co-operation across political, economic and social boundaries to achieve the common goals. At noon, Mrs Lam attended a lunch hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister to exchange views on strengthening co-operation between Hong Kong and Thailand. Mrs Lam said she was pleased to note that the Thai Government responded positively to her proposal in the Policy Address delivered last year to establish in Bangkok the third Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and that preparatory work is making good progress. It is hoped that the Office can commence operation early next year. In the afternoon, Mrs Lam met with the Head of the China delegation to the 74th session of ESCAP, Mr Zhang Jun. She expressed her gratitude to the Central Government for its support for the participation of Hong Kong as an associate member in the annual session of ESCAP and related work over the years. Also attending the meeting were the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Thailand, Mr Lyu Jian, and the Permanent Representative of China to ESCAP, Mr Li Hong. Mrs Lam departed Bangkok after the meeting and returned to Hong Kong in the evening. Ends/Monday, May 14, 2018 Issued at HKT 20:15 NNNN

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CE to visit Huizhou and Guangzhou

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/13/P2018051200973.htm

13.5.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will visit two cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area, namely Huizhou and Guangzhou, on May 16 and 17. Mrs Lam will meet with leaders of the Huizhou and Guangzhou Municipal Governments and the Guangdong Provincial Government to discuss the preparatory work for the future development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area. She will also conduct visits to industries in relation to innovation and technology, scientific research, education and medical services, as well as communities where Hong Kong people live. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong in the afternoon on May 17. During her absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Sunday, May 13, 2018 Issued at HKT 14:00 NNNN

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CE attends activity in commemoration of 10th anniversary of Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/12/P2018051200945.htm

12.5.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, continued her visit to Sichuan and attended an activity in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the massive Wenchuan earthquake organised by Sichuan Province in Wenchuan today (May 12). Leading the delegates of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government of the Sichuan trip, Mrs Lam visited the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China in Chengdu in the morning to learn about various research and development projects on artificial intelligence and robotics, and attended a tea gathering with students and young entrepreneurs from Hong Kong. Noting in the tea gathering that President Xi Jinping announced in Hong Kong on July 1 last year that concrete facilitation measures would be rolled out by relevant central authorities for Hong Kong people to study, work and live in the Mainland, she said those measures are being promulgated, reflecting the support of the Central Government for Hong Kong. She said that HKSAR Government attaches great importance to the development of innovation and technology (I&T) and has implemented a number of policy initiatives. She added that Hong Kong young people in Sichuan are welcome to come back to Hong Kong to advance the city's I&T development with the Government in the future. Accompanied by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, Mrs Lam attended a ceremony in commemoration of the massive Wenchuan earthquake at the former Xuankou Middle School which was torn down by the earthquake, in Yingxiu Town, Wenchuan County. Participants observed a moment of silence and presented flowers to mourn the victims. In the evening, Mrs Lam and the other officials attended a dinner with the Secretary of the CPC Chengdu Municipal Committee, Mr Fan Ruiping, and the Mayor of Chengdu Municipal Government, Mr Luo Qiang. They exchanged views on strengthening exchanges between the two places in trade, professional services, I&T, entrepreneurship of young people and culture. Later, Mrs Lam and the other officials met with the representatives of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China to listen to their experiences and insights gained from working and living in the Mainland. She expressed her gratitude to the Chamber for striving to unite the people and enterprises from Hong Kong in various areas in the Mainland, rolling out support measures and organising activities for them, fostering co-operation in economic and trade between Hong Kong and the Mainland. She also encouraged the Chamber to promote more Hong Kong's various advantages in the Mainland. Mrs Lam and the other officials will return to Hong Kong tomorrow morning (May 13). Ends/Saturday, May 12, 2018 Issued at HKT 22:56 NNNN

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CE starts visit to Sichuan

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/11/P2018051101093.htm

11.5.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (May 11) led a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) delegation with over 120 members and working staff to start their visit to Sichuan Province by attending the high-level meeting cum First Plenary of the Hong Kong-Sichuan Co-operation Conference, the Hong Kong-Sichuan Exchange Conference on Investment and Trade Co-operation, and events related to post-earthquake reconstruction support work after the massive Wenchuan earthquake of 2008. In the morning, Mrs Lam led all of the delegation members to meet with the Secretary of the CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee, Mr Peng Qinghua. Mrs Lam said the delegation visiting Sichuan this time comprises a large number of members including government officials, six members of the Executive Council, representatives from various organisations that participated in reconstruction support work, leaders of business chambers and people from creative industries. She thanked the Sichuan Government for its thoughtful and comprehensive arrangements for the HKSAR delegation's visit. She said Hong Kong people dedicated themselves to the reconstruction work in Sichuan after the Wenchuan earthquake 10 years ago, and the proactive participation by the non-governmental organisations was particularly touching. She added that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening up of the country, and said the co-operation between Hong Kong and Sichuan should carry on from past successes while creating new achievements in the future. She expressed the belief that, based on Hong Kong's post-earthquake reconstruction support work and the strong bonds between the people of Hong Kong and Sichuan, there is huge potential for strengthening economic development, livelihood improvement, creative industries, innovation and technology and youth development work of the two places. She said she looked forward to a new stage of Hong Kong-Sichuan co-operation by launching the Hong Kong-Sichuan Co-operation Conference today. Later, Mrs Lam and Mr Peng co-chaired the high-level meeting cum First Plenary of the Hong Kong-Sichuan Co-operation Conference with the attendance of the HKSAR Government members of the delegation. At the meeting, Mrs Lam said the Hong Kong-Sichuan Co-operation Conference was established through the support of the Central People's Government and the efforts made by both the Hong Kong and Sichuan governments. She expressed the hope that Hong Kong and Sichuan would focus on enhancing co-operation in three directions, namely to contribute together to the Belt and Road Initiative, to leverage the development opportunities in innovation and entrepreneurship, and to foster people-to-people bonds. After the meeting, Mrs Lam and Mr Peng, together with the Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council (HKMAO), Mr Zhang Xiaoming, and the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR (CPGLO), Mr Wang Zhimin, witnessed the signing of the arrangement for the Hong Kong-Sichuan Co-operation Conference and the memorandum for the High-Level Meeting cum First Plenary of the Hong Kong-Sichuan Co-operation Conference between Sichuan and Hong Kong. Afterwards, Mrs Lam and all of the delegation members joined the Hong Kong-Sichuan Exchange Conference on Investment and Trade Co-operation. They witnessed the signing of a number of co-operation agreements between organisations from creative industries, higher education institutions, associations from different sectors and business enterprises, demonstrating that Hong Kong-Sichuan co-operation has passed beyond the traditional relationship in economic and trade areas and is heading towards multifaceted and comprehensive co-operation. After the ceremony, Mrs Lam and the HKSAR Government members of the delegation visited an exhibition held by the Sichuan Provincial Government on the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening up, HK-Sichuan co-operation and 10th anniversary of HK's post-earthquake reconstruction support work in Sichuan. The exhibition reviewed the history of Hong Kong and Sichuan since the reform and opening up of the country 40 years ago and Hong Kong's post-earthquake reconstruction support work in Sichuan in the past 10 years, and also looked ahead to future development in co-operation. At noon, Mrs Lam and all of the delegation members joined a lunch hosted by the Sichuan Provincial Government. After the lunch, Mrs Lam and the HKSAR Government members of the delegation visited the Sichuan University-The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction. The institute was built with RMB200 million in funding support by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) and opened in 2013, and comprises six laboratories concerned with disasters and a disaster information resources centre. It is the first institute established in the Mainland focusing on research into preventing disasters, minimising the impact of natural disasters and implementing post-disaster reconstruction. Mrs Lam toured the facilities and exchanged views with the Hong Kong students studying in the institute. Mrs Lam later participated in an experience sharing session of “5.12 Reconstruction - Past, Present and Future” organised by the Development Bureau. In her opening remarks, she said the HKSAR had injected HK$10 billion and supported about 190 reconstruction projects. During the process, she was deeply impressed by the importance of advance planning, sustainable development as well as management and operation after project completion. Noting that Hong Kong's "can do" spirit was showcased during the course of the reconstruction support work, she said as long as Hong Kong continues with the spirit, the city is set to have a better future and contribute more to the country. At the same time, other delegation members including Executive Council members and representatives from the business chambers visited the Sichuan HKJC Olympic School, which was built with the support of the HKJC, and the Dujiangyan irrigation system respectively. After the sharing session, Mrs Lam and the other officials visited the City University of Hong Kong Chengdu Research Institute, and attended the opening ceremony of ARTS + iNNOVATION, which is a public service space for research, training and entrepreneurship in creative media and digitalised society. After the ceremony, Mrs Lam toured a virtual reality technology project about Dunhuang's Mogao Caves at the Centre for Applied Computing and Interactive Media, Chengdu, inside the facility. In the evening, the HKSAR Government hosted a thank-you dinner with about 160 participants including Mr Zhang, Mr Wang, leaders of the Sichuan Provincial Government and delegation members. In her speech, Mrs Lam expressed her sincere gratitude for the support offered by the Sichuan Provincial Government, HKMAO and CPGLO in HKSAR's post-earthquake reconstruction support work in Sichuan, and the active participation by various sectors represented by the delegation members. Mrs Lam will continue her visit to Sichuan tomorrow (May 12). Ends/Friday, May 11, 2018 Issued at HKT 23:43 NNNN

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High-Level Meeting cum First Plenary of the Hong Kong-Sichuan Co-operation Conference held in Sichuan

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/11/P2018051100552.htm

11.5.2018

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Sichuan Provincial People's Government held the high-level meeting cum First Plenary of the Hong Kong-Sichuan Co-operation Conference (the meeting cum plenary) today (May 11) in Chengdu, Sichuan. The meeting cum plenary established a new co-operation mechanism as a platform for the multifaceted co-operation between Hong Kong and Sichuan. The meeting cum plenary was led by the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, Mrs Carrie Lam, and the Secretary of the CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee, Mr Peng Qinghua. The Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Zhang Xiaoming, and the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr Wang Zhimin, also attended the meeting cum plenary as special guests. At the meeting, both sides agreed to establish the Hong Kong-Sichuan Co-operation Conference. Plenaries of the Conference would be jointly convened from time to time as necessary by the Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government and the Vice-Governor of the Sichuan Provincial People's Government responsible for Hong Kong and Macao affairs. "Exchanges between Hong Kong and Sichuan have always been close. Through the HKSAR's participation in the reconstruction work after the massive May 12 Wenchuan earthquake 10 years ago, a solid foundation has been laid down for the co-operation between Hong Kong and Sichuan. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening up of China and the 10th anniversary of the massive Wenchuan earthquake. It is especially meaningful to enhance our co-operation with Sichuan at this special juncture," Mrs Lam said. Hong Kong and Sichuan reached consensus on the following 11 co-operation areas: The Belt and Road Initiative and economic and trade fronts ------------------------------------------------------------------------ To jointly promote strategic partnership between enterprises of the two places for collaborative participation in the Belt and Road Initiative. The HKSAR Government will invite Sichuan Province to join the third Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong in June 2018. Sichuan enterprises will be invited to participate in investment and business matching sessions and one-to-one business matching meetings, with a view to facilitating co-operation between Hong Kong and Sichuan enterprises in seeking out opportunities related to the Belt and Road Initiative. The HKSAR Government will organise various types of investment promotion events, such as seminars, in Chengdu and the other major cities in Sichuan Province, to promote Hong Kong's unique advantages as an international financial centre, with a view to attracting Sichuan enterprises to make use of Hong Kong as an investment platform and to jointly capitalise on the opportunities brought about by the Belt and Road Initiative. Cultural and creative industries -------------------------------------- The Chengdu Management Committee of the Tianfu New Area of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, the Hong Kong Federation of Design Associations and other participating parties have signed a Strategic Co-operation Framework Agreement to take forward the Hong Kong-Sichuan Design and Innovation Hub project. The goal is to construct a platform for in-depth co-operation, with culture and creativity at its core, and design, music and film/TV as extensions. Hong Kong and Sichuan will enhance cultural exchange in the art form of Xiqu. The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority will send a delegation to Sichuan to study the development of Sichuan opera. The HKSAR Government will also invite operatic troupes from Sichuan Province to participate in the Chinese Opera Festival in Hong Kong when appropriate opportunities arise. Innovation and technology ---------------------------------- To encourage exchange and co-operation in innovation and technology among universities and research and development (R&D) institutions of the two places, including the joint establishment of incubation bases, R&D centres and technology transfer platforms. The HKSAR Government will encourage the supporting organisations of Hong Kong technology start-ups to strengthen exchanges with the relevant organisations in Sichuan Province, with a view to promoting the development of new and advanced technologies and the related industries of the two places. Finance ---------- To encourage Sichuan enterprises which meet the relevant requirements to "go global" using Hong Kong's financial platforms, including cross-boundary listing, bond issuance, merger and acquisition, risk management, and the establishment of corporate treasury centres in Hong Kong. To encourage Sichuan enterprises which meet the relevant requirements to finance green projects through the capital market of Hong Kong, including the issuance of green bonds in Hong Kong. Youth development ------------------------- To jointly promote co-operation in youth exchange. Under the Funding Scheme for Youth Exchange in the Mainland and the Funding Scheme for Youth Internship in the Mainland, the HKSAR Government will provide funding support to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) of Hong Kong to organise exchange and internship programmes in Sichuan for young people of Hong Kong. The Sichuan Provincial People's Government plans to invite young people of Hong Kong to visit Sichuan through the HKSAR Government's funding schemes under the framework of "Ba-Shu Cultural Exchange for Young People of Hong Kong", with a view to providing opportunities for them to experience the local customs and learn about the new developments of Sichuan, thereby fostering youth exchange of the two places. The HKSAR Government will continue to organise and enhance the Youth Internship Programme at Wolong National Nature Reserve in the summer of 2018. Building and construction ------------------------- The two places will continue to co-organise exchange programmes for construction-related professionals from Sichuan to receive short-term training in Hong Kong. Education ------------- To continue to promote the pairing up of sister primary and secondary schools, and the co-operation between higher education institutions of the two places. To overcome the constraint of physical distance, the HKSAR Government will set up an online platform for sister schools to facilitate exchanges. To strengthen the co-operation in vocational education of the two places, the Vocational Training Council (VTC) and the Department of Education of Sichuan Province will enhance co-operation in curriculum development, teacher training, internship and career development for students, as well as innovation and entrepreneurship. The VTC would also co-operate with the Sichuan Vocational and Technical College of Communications in drawing up a talent development programme for railway engineering professionals. The two parties will explore the use of digitalised teaching materials for vocational training, and further co-operate in curriculum development. Chinese medicine and food safety ----------------------------------------- To step up co-operation in Chinese medicine, including enhancing academic exchanges, experience-sharing in Chinese hospital development and clinical services, promoting co-operation in research of Chinese medicine testing and standards, conducting meetings from time to time to foster exchange of talents and knowledge, and to jointly promote the internationalisation of Chinese medicine. To further step up co-operation in food safety between the two places through exchanges on risk management and standards, co-operation in testing technologies, the creation of synergy in emergency management and the establishment of a reciprocal visit and exchange system. Tourism ----------- To forge co-operation in multi-destination tourism and join hands to conduct activities including publicity and promotion, business matching and familiarisation visits. Airport and railway construction and management --------------------------------------------------------------- The MTR Corporation Limited is discussing with the Chengdu Rail Transit Group the co-operation model for the construction and management of the Chengdu metro, property development and the training of railway professionals. The two parties have signed a Memorandum of Co-operation, and will set up a working group to study the feasibility of joint property development above the stations along the rail lines in Chengdu. The Airport Authority Hong Kong and the Sichuan Airport Group will strengthen exchanges among aviation professionals. The Hong Kong International Aviation Academy and the Sichuan Airport Group will jointly formulate the 2018 airport operations and management training proposal. The Sichuan Airport Group will also send its staff to join the courses conducted by the Academy in Hong Kong. Facilitation measures for Hong Kong people ------------------------------------------------------- For the policy measures introduced by the relevant Central Government departments to facilitate Hong Kong people studying, working and living in the Mainland (facilitation measures), the Sichuan Provincial People's Government will ensure the smooth implementation of these measures at the local level, so as to allow Hong Kong people in Sichuan Province to enjoy the same treatment as Mainland residents in the areas of education, employment, setting up business and daily life matters. The Sichuan Provincial People's Government has rolled out a "one-stop" advisory services portal to serve Hong Kong people in Sichuan Province by providing information related to the facilitation measures and answering enquires. Officials of the HKSAR Government accompanying the Chief Executive to attend the meeting cum plenary include the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung; the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip; the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan; the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong; and other representatives of the relevant bureaux and departments. Ends/Friday, May 11, 2018 Issued at HKT 15:36 NNNN

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CE reviews FSD 150th anniversary grand parade

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/09/P2018050900767.htm

9.5.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (May 9) reviewed a grand parade in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department (FSD) at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy. The parade featured seven contingents and a total of 18 fire services appliances. The seven contingents were formed by personnel representing the FSD Headquarters Command, the Hong Kong Command, the Fire Safety Command, the Kowloon Command, the Licensing and Certification Command, the New Territories Command and the Ambulance Command. Addressing the parade, Mrs Lam said, "From a brigade of some 100 personnel to today's elite force of more than 10 000 professionals is a compelling statement of the FSD and its unwavering vision - that has always been to serve Hong Kong, to make our city, our community, a safe place in which to live and work. "In the face of the rapid development of Hong Kong over the decades, members of the FSD have remained steadfast in carrying out their duties and striving for advancements in the fields of firefighting, special rescue, paramedic services, communications and fire prevention." To cope with major fires and various types of special incidents, the department has over the years established a number of specialist teams to enhance firefighting and rescue capabilities of front-line personnel while promoting operational safety, she added. The Chief Executive also commended the department for strengthening exchanges and collaboration with fire and ambulance professionals of other places in recent years. Officially opened in March 2016, the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy has organised over 24 training or exchange programmes for some 400 Mainland and overseas participants. Also attending the grand parade were representatives of various policy bureaux, disciplined forces and government departments of Hong Kong as well as representatives of fire and emergency departments from different countries and regions. Ends/Wednesday, May 9, 2018 Issued at HKT 17:48 NNNN

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Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo meeting

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/08/P2018050800427.htm

8.5.2018

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting this morning (May 8): Reporter: Mrs Lam, do you think Mrs Ip has overstepped her bounds yesterday in her handling of the LegCo meeting of Bills Committee because a lot of lawmakers said that she has consistently cut short the meeting time and other ways of handling the issues? Chief Executive: I certainly do not subscribe to that sort of attack or accusation against Mrs Regina Ip. In chairing this Bills Committee everybody can see that it is not easy, it is not easy because some members of the Legislative Council, the non-pro-establishment members, have taken a very strong stance from the very beginning, but Mrs Ip being the Chairman of the Bills Committee, I think she has tried her very best to conduct the meetings and to allow members to ask questions about this particular bill. And this particular bill is actually a very simple bill, with only eight clauses, but a total of 19 meetings, including two public hearing sessions, have taken place lasting for over 60 hours of discussion. So, members of the public should not just look at what actually happened yesterday, but the whole process of scrutinising this bill, and I think Mrs Ip has taken a very responsible approach to conducting the meetings and allowing the meeting to come to a conclusion yesterday. The bill will now go back to the Legislative Council meeting for debate and hopefully it will be passed before the end of June so that the target of commissioning the high-speed rail by the end of September this year will be achieved. Thank you very much. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, May 8, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:16 NNNN

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Chief Executive approves chairmanship of HKEX

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/07/P2018050700344.htm

7.5.2018

The Chief Executive approved, on May 4, Mrs Laura Cha Shih May-lung's appointment as Chairman of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) with immediate effect. The approval was made under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO). Mrs Cha's chairmanship will coincide with her term of appointment as a director of the HKEX Board, which will expire at the end of the 2020 Annual General Meeting of the HKEX. Mrs Cha was elected as Chairman of the HKEX by the directors at the board meeting on April 26, 2018. Section 69(1) of the SFO provides that no person shall be the chairman of a company that is a recognised exchange controller unless he has the approval in writing of the Chief Executive. By virtue of Schedule 10 to the SFO, the HKEX is deemed to have been recognised as an exchange controller under section 59(2) of the SFO. Announcing the approval today (May 7), the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan said, "We are confident that with Mrs Cha's leadership, the HKEX will strive to further enhance our market quality and competitiveness, and strengthen our position as the premier capital raising and risk management platform in the region." Mrs Cha was appointed by the Financial Secretary as a director of the HKEX Board in February 2018 for a two-year term under the SFO. Ends/Monday, May 7, 2018 Issued at HKT 16:30 NNNN

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CE to visit Sichuan and Thailand

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/04/P2018050400611.htm

4.5.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will visit Sichuan and Thailand in mid-May. Mrs Lam will depart for Chengdu, Sichuan, in the evening on May 10 and return to Hong Kong in the morning on May 13. During her stay in Chengdu, Mrs Lam will attend the high-level meeting cum First Plenary of the Hong Kong-Sichuan Co-operation Conference. She will lead a delegation comprising members of the Executive Council and representatives of business chambers and sectors such as the creative and design industries and youth to meet with leaders of the Sichuan Provincial Government and attend the Hong Kong-Sichuan Trade and Investment Co-operation Symposium cum Signing and Launching Ceremony. Mrs Lam will also attend an exhibition and a sharing session on Hong Kong's post-earthquake reconstruction support work in Sichuan after the massive Wenchuan earthquake in 2008, as well as visit local higher education institutions. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung; the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang; the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan; and the Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, will join parts of the visit. The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, and the Director of the Chief Executive's Office, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will accompany Mrs Lam on the visit. During Mrs Lam and Mr Cheung's absence, the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, will be the Acting Chief Executive. Mr Cheung will be the Acting Chief Executive from his arrival in Hong Kong in the afternoon on May 12 until the return of Mrs Lam in the morning on May 13. In addition, Mrs Lam will depart for Bangkok, Thailand, in the evening on May 13 to attend and deliver a keynote speech at the opening of the Ministerial Segment of the 74th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific the next day. During her stay in Bangkok, Mrs Lam will also meet with senior officials of the Thailand Government. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong in the afternoon on May 14. During her absence, Mr Cheung will be Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Friday, May 4, 2018 Issued at HKT 18:18 NNNN

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HKAEE and HKGOC honour businesses for achieving environmental excellence

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201805/04/P2018050400316.htm

4.5.2018

The following is issued on behalf of the Environmental Campaign Committee: The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (May 4) presented awards to the winners of the 2017 Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence (HKAEE) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to commend them for their green management practices and their contributions to environmental protection. Winners of the 2017 Hong Kong Green Innovations Awards (HKGIA) and organisations certified as Hong Kong Green Organisations (HKGOs) in 2017 were also recognised at the presentation ceremony. The HKAEE commends organisations in 15 different sectors that have demonstrated outstanding environmental performance. The three judging criteria are green leadership, programme and performance, and partner synergy. The number of entries competing for the HKAEE reached a record high of 1 614, more than a fourfold increase compared with 2008, when the awards were launched. A total of 48 organisations won gold, silver or bronze awards this year, and 146 received certificates of merit. To commemorate the HKAEE's 10th anniversary, the 10th Anniversary Special Awards were also presented to 24 companies/organisations to recognise their continuous support for the HKAEE. The HKGIA aims to encourage local organisations to tackle environmental challenges using new ideas that will benefit the environment. The three assessment criteria are level of innovation, environmental achievements and cost-effectiveness, and practicability and contribution to society. Among the 60 entries this year, seven gold awards, silver awards, bronze awards or certificates of merit were granted. The Hong Kong Green Organisation Certification (HKGOC) aims to benchmark the green performance of organisations and encourages them to sustain their environmental initiatives in waste reduction, energy saving, carbon reduction and indoor air quality improvement, as well as to strengthen environmental attributes in products. Participating organisations are commended as HKGOs if they can demonstrate certain environmental achievements such as possessing certificates under the HKGOC, winning HKAEE awards, signing any of the environment-related charters launched or supported by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government or possessing a valid ISO 14001 certificate. To date, over 1 300 organisations in 15 different industry sectors have attained HKGO status. At the ceremony today, representatives from 460 organisations which became HKGOs in 2017 were presented with certificates in recognition of their environmental achievements. In his welcoming remarks, the Chairman of the Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC), Mr Lam Chiu-ying, said that the assessment process for the awards and certification is very rigorous and comprehensive. The final adjudication for the 2017 HKAEE was chaired by Mr Lam; the ECC Vice-chairman, Mr Hui Yung-chung; the Chairman of the Awards Committee on the HKAEE, Mr Thomas Ho; and the Convenor of the Education Working Group under the ECC, Ms Sylvia Chan. The adjudicating panels also comprised representatives of major business chambers, professional bodies and government departments. Also attending today's ceremony were the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing; the Chairman of the Environment and Conservation Fund Committee, Mr Douglas Woo; Mr Hui; Mr Ho; Ms Chan; the Permanent Secretary for the Environment/Director of Environmental Protection, Mr Donald Tong; and representatives of the joint organisers. The HKAEE and the HKGOC are jointly organised by the ECC, the Environmental Protection Department, the Advisory Council on the Environment, the Business Environment Council, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the Hong Kong Chinese Importers' and Exporters' Association, the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and the Hong Kong Productivity Council. The HKAEE and HKGOC are sponsored by the Environment and Conservation Fund. The 2018 HKAEE and HKGIA are now open for applications while the HKGOC accepts applications all year round. The ECC will hold a number of seminars in May and June for winning organisations to share their experience of going green. Organisations wishing to learn more about the HKAEE and the HKGOC may obtain details at the seminars. For more information, please visit the website at www.hkaee.gov.hk or call the hotline 2788 5903. Ends/Friday, May 4, 2018 Issued at HKT 17:38 NNNN

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Speech by CE at "Indonesia-Hong Kong Strategic Partnership the Belt and Road Initiative" Seminar and Luncheon in Jakarta

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201804/25/P2018042500684.htm

25.4.2018

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the "Indonesia-Hong Kong Strategic Partnership the Belt and Road Initiative" Seminar and Luncheon jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce today (April 25) in Jakarta, Indonesia: The Honourable Mr Thomas Lembong (Chairman of Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board), Vincent (Chairman of the HKTDC, Mr Vincent Lo), Jonathan (Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Dr Jonathan Choi), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good afternoon. I am delighted to be here with you today. This is my first visit to Jakarta, the fast-beating business and cultural heart of Indonesia, and my fifth ASEAN country visit since taking office on July 1 last year, signaling the growing ties between Hong Kong and Indonesia, against the backdrop of an enhanced relationship between Hong Kong and the ASEAN region. Just now I had a very constructive meeting with President Jokowi. It was actually our second meeting since we last met in Hong Kong in May 2017, at that time I was the Chief Executive-elect. In the year or so between our two meetings, I am glad that so much has been achieved by the two governments in terms of collaboration, and our bilateral ties have grown even stronger. While the President was in Hong Kong last year, he witnessed the signing of a Hong Kong-Indonesian MOU on cultural co-operation and a joint statement on labour co-operation. A month later, our two economies signed an agreement on the automatic exchange of financial account information for tax purposes. In July, our Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, visited this fast-rising global city to officiate at the formal opening of Hong Kong's newest Economic and Trade Office - our 12th in the world and second in ASEAN. The mission of the Jakarta Office, headed by Mrs Do, like that of our other Economic and Trade Offices, is to expand economic and trade ties between us, and to create opportunity for both of us. Last November was particularly gratifying. The Financial Secretary officiated at the inauguration ceremony of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. And, after three years of negotiation, Hong Kong and the 10 member states of ASEAN - of which Indonesia is a founding member - formally signed a free trade agreement and related investment agreement. These two agreements cover trade in goods and trade in services, as well as investment, economic and technical co-operation and dispute-settlement mechanisms. They are, in short, comprehensive in scope. They will bring legal certainty and heightened market access in trade and investment to our respective companies. They will create new opportunities for business and bolster trade and investment flow between Hong Kong and ASEAN, including, of course, Indonesia, which represents over one-third of ASEAN's collective GDP and over 40 per cent of its population. Indonesia is home to the ASEAN Secretariat, which is an important reason behind the establishment of our ETO here in Jakarta. After all, ASEAN is Hong Kong's second-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade in goods last year between Hong Kong and ASEAN totaling more than US$120 billion, up 12 per cent over the previous year. Our trade with Indonesia was also strong last year, up nearly 8 per cent over 2016, to US$5.4 billion. Let me add that Hong Kong is a major source of foreign direct investment in Indonesia. In 2017, we were fourth in Indonesia's FDI, with an amount exceeding US$2 billion. Adding it up, I would say we have come a long way in a short time. I would say, too, that we have only just begun to tap the opportunities between Hong Kong and Indonesia, and between Hong Kong and ASEAN as a whole. The opportunities exist not only in trade and investment, but also in culture, in education, in travel and in forging a closer people-to-people bond. Consider, for example, the rise in Indonesian visits to Hong Kong. Last year, we welcomed more than 480 000 Indonesian tourists to Hong Kong, up more than 40 per cent over a decade ago. That should not be surprising as Hong Kong is an attractive and enticing international city for people from around the globe. Ours is a distinctive blend of East and West, a mix of global and local offerings - and in everything from fashion and food, arts and culture, to leisure and entertainment. Ladies and gentlemen, that is also a reflection of our "One Country, Two Systems" framework. It rewards us with powerful, and ever-deepening, ties to the Mainland economy, while leaving us free to pursue global prospects. Hong Kong enjoys the unparalleled advantage of being part of China, while maintaining our unique strengths in the rule of law, independence of the Judiciary, our capitalist system, rights and freedoms, etc, all enshrined in the Basic Law. Not surprisingly, Hong Kong is one of the best places in the world to do business. For the past two years, Hong Kong has been named the most competitive economy in the world by Switzerland's International Institute for Management Development. The Washington-based Heritage Foundation has named Hong Kong the world's freest economy for 24 consecutive years. And, in the World Bank's "Doing Business 2017" report, Hong Kong finished fourth for ease of doing business out of nearly 200 economies. Hong Kong's tax regime has always been rated highly in those global rankings. Our tax regime has always been low and uncomplicated by global standards, but we are not complacent. Since my taking office as the Chief Executive, my government has been working to make our tax regime even more competitive. A two-tiered profits tax system has been put in place since the beginning of April this year. Our profits tax rate has been lowered to 8.25 per cent for a company's first HK$2 million, that is US$256,000, in profits, while our standard tax rate is only at 16.5 per cent and that standard tax rate will apply to profit exceeding the HK$2 million amount. And to encourage corporations to invest in research and development, we are putting in place "super deductions", that is, a 300 per cent tax deduction for the first HK$2 million in eligible R&D expenses, with the remainder at 200 per cent. Financial services is another strength. Just last month, the London-based Global Financial Centres Index, a semi-annual ranking of the world's top financial centres, rated Hong Kong third, behind only London and New York. In the Index's "Human Capital" category, Hong Kong finished first. We are China's international financial capital, and have the first-mover advantage in the Mainland's continuing economic reforms. Hong Kong has long been the world's largest offshore Renminbi business centre. And our financial services strengths, our capital-raising expertise and related professional services know-how, will make key contributions to the development of our country, and help power the far-reaching Belt and Road Initiative. I do not have to tell Indonesia about the Belt and Road Initiative. Indeed, this plan was first proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013, right here in Jakarta. I know Indonesia, with its strategic location and fast-growing economy, supports this strategic initiative, alongside many other nations across different continents. Built on multilateral co-operation in infrastructure, in trade and investment, in culture and in people-to-people bonds, the Belt and Road Initiative will rise as a global economic force deep into the 21st century. The member states of ASEAN are poised to play a key role and benefit from it. And with the Central People's Government's support, Hong Kong can contribute to each of the five areas of connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative. This is already well illustrated in two successful Belt and Road Summits organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council in 2016 and 2017 and another Belt and Road Seminar held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in February this year in conjunction with the newly established Belt and Road General Chamber of Commerce. Given the significant Muslim population along the Belt and Road, Islamic finance will surely expand as the big-ticket infrastructure projects find traction. In this, Hong Kong can also offer its services. Over the past years, we have issued three international sukuk or Islamic bonds. Each has been a success. Each is a testimony to global investor confidence in Hong Kong's financial services experience and economic fundamentals. Alongside the financial sector, we take pride in our services professionals - world-class engineers and surveyors, architects, designers and planners, together with specialists in insurance, arbitration, risk management, project consulting and communications. They have much to offer Indonesian businesses looking to find the fast lane of the Belt and Road. At the Boao Forum for Asia earlier this month, President Xi Jinping announced a series of measures for the further opening up of China. I believe two will prove particularly beneficial to Hong Kong and the companies that partner with us. One is further relaxation in financial services, especially in insurance. The other is President Xi's pledge to provide a more attractive investment environment in the Mainland. In both cases, Hong Kong has what it takes to make a difference. Then there is the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development. This development is now being taken forward as a national strategy and the detailed Development Plan will be promulgated very soon. With a collective population of 68 million, and a combined GDP of some US$1.5 trillion, the Bay Area is destined to rise as a global centre for finance, high-end services and innovation and technology. Ladies and gentlemen, I have quickly outlined Hong Kong's advantages, and the many opportunities in front of us. By this I mean not only Hong Kong, but our friends from Indonesia and ASEAN. But I believe, I personally believe, the best of Hong Kong is yet to come. So let me end by showing you a three and a half minute video on our bright future. For those Hong Kong friends who have seen this video previously, this is a newly updated version, which is shown for the first time, right here in Jakarta. Thank you very much. Ends/Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Issued at HKT 18:13 NNNN

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Speech by CE at Internet Economy Summit 2018

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201804/12/P2018041200306.htm

12.4.2018

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the Internet Economy Summit 2018 today (April 12): President Ma (President of the China Internet Development Foundation, Ms Ma Li), Dr Akhtar (Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dr Shamshad Akhtar), Mr Mu (Member of the Standing Committee of the Guizhou CPC Provincial Committee and Head of the Publicity Department of Guizhou Province Mr Mu Degui), Ms Qi (Director General, Bureau of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs, Cyberspace Administration of China, Ms Qi Xiaoxia), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good morning. I am delighted to join you at the opening of the Internet Economy Summit 2018. A very warm welcome to you all, especially to our friends from the Mainland and overseas. We are also privileged to have Dr Akhtar, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, joining this year's Summit, which follows hot on the heels of the Asia-Pacific Business Forum hosted in Hong Kong in the last two days. The Forum provided a platform for high-level exchanges on digital technology and its impact on our economies. Later this morning, Dr Akhtar will share with us her insights on the many opportunities and challenges facing us in the international arena. I already have the privilege of having a very constructive discussion with Dr Akhtar yesterday and I am sure you will be inspired on what she is going to share with you. The theme for this year's Summit is "New Impetus for the New Economy". Indeed, the Internet has led the world into the digital era and created a whole new economy as well as countless business opportunities. I was here last week to officiate at the Hong Kong ICT Awards Presentation Ceremony, which celebrates excellence in information and communications technology. I was impressed by the breadth of sectors, industries and businesses represented by the awardees. They embraced everything from entertainment and Fintech to business in general, healthcare, home and lifestyle as well as people and mobility. This shows that the Internet, or innovation and technology (I&T) in general, have already become an integral part of our daily lives. This is already the third edition of the Internet Economy Summit. The first Summit was held in 2016, just a few months after an Innovation and Technology Bureau was created within the HKSAR Government to provide dedicated leadership and co-ordinated effort in this area. Since then, the Government has made significant investments to boost innovation and technology. These included a total of HK$28 billion allocated under the last term of the HKSAR Government. It was a good start, but given the speed of technological evolution, that is clearly not enough. And investment is only one, though an important one measure to achieve our ultimate goal of fostering economic development and improving people's daily lives through wider application of innovation and technology. We must keep reinforcing and upgrading our capability, as well as providing a conducive ecosystem for innovation and technology development in Hong Kong. This is the reason why this term of the Government, which started on July 1 last year, has come up with a more holistic approach to drive innovation and technology in Hong Kong. In my maiden Policy Address last October, I outlined an eight-pronged strategy for Hong Kong to strengthen our competitiveness in the global innovation and technology race, ranging from more resources for R&D and nurturing a talent pool to venture capital and popular science education. We have also highlighted four key technology areas, namely healthcare technologies, artificial intelligence and robotics, smart city and Fintech. I believe these can become new economic drivers for Hong Kong's future development. Our I&T efforts will be given a major boost in the context of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area on which a State Council-approved Development Plan will be promulgated soon. This economic blueprint for the nine cities in Guangdong and the two Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macao, with a population of 68 million and a combined GDP of US$1.5 trillion, will provide enormous opportunities. One of our targets is to develop an international innovation and technology hub in the Bay Area, and Hong Kong will play a key role in it. Together with the planned Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park at the Lok Ma Chau Loop, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and cities in the Bay Area can complement one another and create our version of Silicon Valley. To realise our vision, we have put together a comprehensive package of long- and medium-term initiatives as well as immediate support measures for relevant industries. I have set a goal to double Hong Kong's R&D expenditure as a ratio to the Gross Domestic Product to 1.5 per cent by 2022 - or about HK$45 billion a year. To help achieve this, we will for the first time in Hong Kong provide super tax deduction of up to 300 per cent for R&D expenditure incurred by enterprises. On talent development, we are launching a HK$500 million Technology Talent Scheme, which includes the establishment of a Post-doctoral Hub and a dedicated Re-industrialisation and Technology Training Programme to subsidise local companies to train their staff in advanced technologies, especially in Industry 4.0. These will be rolled out by the third quarter of this year. Our goal is to encourage more young people to engage in R&D and technology entrepreneurship as a long-term, life-long career. I was therefore very pleased to hear from Nick (the Secretary for Innovation and Technology, Mr Nicholas W Yang) that we will have a separate programme for young people tomorrow. In addition, we will provide studentships for local students to pursue research postgraduate programmes in our publicly funded universities. At the same time, we aim to attract the best talents from the Mainland and overseas to enrich Hong Kong's ecosystem. In order to attract the world's top scientific research institutions and technology enterprises to Hong Kong, we have earmarked HK$10 billion to support the establishment of two research clusters in Hong Kong: one on healthcare technologies and the other on artificial intelligence and robotics technologies. We aim to achieve a win-win result by attracting the best scientific and innovation brains from around the world to join forces with our local research talents. I should point out that the above-mentioned HK$10 billion is just part of the HK$50 billion funding committed by the Financial Secretary in his Budget Speech delivered in February this year to support innovation and technology development in Hong Kong. Other initiatives include allocating HK$7 billion to the Science Park to boost support for its tenants and set up a Smart Campus. Cyberport will also receive HK$200 million to enhance support for its start-ups. In adopting new technology, the Smart City Blueprint for Hong Kong published last December provides a clear roadmap for making use of technologies to drive economic growth and enhance the quality of living in our city. Pivotal to this no doubt is the application of information and communications technology, in particular big data analytics, cloud computing and Internet of Things to take advantage of the ever-increasingly connected Internet-driven economy. We will invest more than HK$900 million in the next few years to implement several smart city infrastructure projects, including the provision of e-ID to all residents, and launching a multi-function smart lamppost pilot scheme. The success of all these programmes and initiatives requires strong leadership and sustained investment well into the future. Within the Government, the high-level Steering Committee on Innovation and Technology, which I personally chair, will provide the steer and co-ordination needed at the highest level to implement our innovation and technology agenda. With the support of industries and the community at large, as well as our partners in the Mainland and around the world, I look forward to sharing with you the results and achievements on different fronts at next year's Internet Economy Summit. Before closing, let me thank President Ma from the Chinese Internet Development Foundation and the Cyberspace Administration of China for their unfailing support of this annual flagship event. I wish you all a very rewarding Internet Economy Summit and our visitors a memorable stay in Hong Kong. Thank you very much. Ends/Thursday, April 12, 2018 Issued at HKT 11:06 NNNN

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Speech by CE at Bloomberg Invest Asia Summit

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201804/11/P2018041100607.htm

11.4.2018

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the Bloomberg Invest Asia Summit today (April 11): Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Good morning. What a pleasure to be able to speak to so many influential institutional investors at the Bloomberg Invest Asia Summit. When the invitation from Bloomberg arrived, I told my colleagues, "What a wonderful opportunity to do some promotion for Hong Kong." As some of you are aware, I spent the last three days in the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan. That is already my 19th trip out of Hong Kong to promote Hong Kong. In total, I spent about 55 days out of Hong Kong in my nine months of service as the Chief Executive. It works out to be about 20 per cent. The 20 per cent of time spent on promoting Hong Kong is extremely rewarding and valuable, because the Hong Kong story has to be told in loud and clear terms, especially to investors all over the world. So this morning is an extremely good opportunity for me to discharge that role of the Chief Executive. Before I continue to talk about Hong Kong's investment environment, may I extend my warmest wishes to Bloomberg. You have just heard Mallika (Senior Editor, Asia Pacific, Bloomberg Live, Ms Mallika Kapur) telling you that this year it's the 25th anniversary of Bloomberg's presence in Hong Kong. Established in 1993, Bloomberg then had only an office of 30 people. Fion (Hong Kong Bureau Chief, Bloomberg LP, Ms Fion Li) just told me now it has grown to 750. Mallika was kind enough to say that at the same time over the 25 years, Hong Kong has also grown, but I can tell you that we have not grown by 25 times, not in terms of population, not in terms of gross domestic product, so Bloomberg has been doing extremely well in the last 25 years in Hong Kong. In fact Bloomberg is one of the 8 200 plus companies from overseas and the Mainland that have chosen Hong Kong as their regional headquarters, using Hong Kong to reach out to the rest of the world. So for the distinguished institutional investors sitting in this room, I hope that what I am going to tell you is not just investing in Hong Kong, but investing through Hong Kong, using Hong Kong as your regional headquarters to access not only the Mainland market, but the rest of Asia, and probably the world. Now coming back to investment, I'll try to spend the next few minutes putting myself in your shoes. What will investors be looking for when they are trying to find a destination for investment or to set up a major office to look after their investment for their institutional investors, wealthy people and so on? I come round to think that there will be four factors. First is the core strength of this place. Second is connectivity. Third is the growth opportunities and finally it's a proactive government. On the core strengths, this has been rehearsed time and again by myself and by my senior colleagues whenever we promote Hong Kong. Hong Kong prides itself on the rule of law underpinned by an independent judiciary. When I said an independent judiciary, they are not just empty words. If one looks at the Basic Law, the section with the largest number of provisions in the Basic Law is about the judicial system. All the details about Hong Kong's judiciary are laid down in this constitution, governing "One country, Two systems". Notably it's the design of the Court of Final Appeal. Just three weeks ago, I announced that I have accepted the recommendation to appoint two more illustrious and eminent lady judges. For the first time, a lady judge is going to sit on the Court of Final Appeal, making a total of 14 such illustrious, world-renowned judges from other common law jurisdictions sitting on the Court of Final Appeal. So I will ask myself if Hong Kong does not have an independent judiciary, if Hong Kong's judges or courts are, as alleged by some of the commentators, under the undue influence of China or the Government, how on earth would these illustrious judges be happy or willing to sit on the Court of Final Appeal? So I hope that that is a very good indicator of Hong Kong's independent judiciary. Beyond the independence of judiciary, we also look to establish a legal and dispute resolution services hub in order to exemplify this very unique strength of Hong Kong, the rule of law. Of course for investors, you also look for a place where there is a very clear and strong market access, transparency and regulatory certainty. I don't need to go into all these. I'm sure some of the speakers or panellists later on will talk about Hong Kong's regulatory environment and the rule-based system that we are practicing in this place which of course make us one of the most important international financial centres in the world. And then we have a clean and efficient government. Although from time to time, there are still complaints about our efficiency and about some bureaucratic rules and inertia, but I think by and large, we can claim that the HKSAR Government is both a clean and efficient government. And then we have very strong public finances. Investors will worry if the government of the place is in great debt; then you would be worried about whether the rules will be changed overnight and so on. But the HKSAR Government is extremely blessed with very strong fiscal strength. By the end of the last financial year, our total fiscal reserve, that is not counting the Exchange Fund reserve, just the accumulated surpluses over the years, amounts to over $1,100 billion. And what does $1,100 billion mean? It means that even without any tax revenue, we can sustain the current Government for two full years. Of course, on top of that, we do have other assets and we have the Exchange Fund. Then we'll come to something which will be very close to your heart, that is, the very low tax regime, simple and now more competitive. We used to say the Hong Kong tax system is simple and low. I have inserted this word "competitive" in this term of the Government. Because in order to stay ahead of the game in this highly globalised environment, we have to be competitive. Otherwise, we will be sort of "defeated" by other economies. So we now have a tax review policy unit going on to look at what more we can do in providing tax measures that are favourable for all sorts of activities. We have already introduced, from the beginning of this fiscal year, the two-tiered profits tax. So, when a flat rate of 16.5 per cent for profits tax is low enough by world standard, we now have a two-tiered profits tax, which charges half of 16.5, that is 8.25 per cent for the first $2 million profits of all enterprises. Of course, it will bring more benefits to the SMEs and the start-ups and the micro-companies, but generally, we don't discriminate. For big companies, the first $2 million profits will also be charged at the lower rate in this two-tiered profits tax system. We will shortly be introducing a piece of legislation to introduce for the first time in Hong Kong's tax system what we call "super deductions". In other words, in order to incentivise corporations to spend on certain areas in their conduct of business, we give them extra profits tax deduction. And the first area so identified is R&D, because I have a strategy to push Hong Kong's innovation and technology development and we could not just rely on public funding for R&D. We want to have more investment by private corporations on research and development. So, this piece of legislation will introduce super deductions for corporations' R&D expenditure. Again, sort of two-tiered: for the first $2 million, it will be 300 per cent, and for anything above $2 million, it will be a 200 per cent deduction. We have other things to come on the tax system, but that will be very targeted. For example, we already have some favourable and facilitating tax measures for attracting what we call the treasury functions to Hong Kong for aircraft leasing activities. And in the promotion of Hong Kong's bond market, the Financial Secretary has just announced in his Budget that we will provide a grant of up to $2.5 million per bond issuance in Hong Kong in order to attract more bond issuance to Hong Kong, especially green bonds. The Government will take the lead in the issue of green bonds and we have already introduced a Green Finance Certification Scheme so that corporations will feel more at ease to issue green bonds in Hong Kong. Finally, in terms of our core strengths, there is one aspect that has not been highlighted enough, which I will do every time when I talk about Hong Kong's core strengths. That is our being one of the safest cities in the world. I am sure as an investor, especially an investor who wants to bring their young family to Hong Kong, you will be very concerned if this is not a safe city. Our crime rate, expressed in the number of crimes, big and small, per 100 000 population is only 758, which is a new low in the last 46 years, which is much, much lower than similar cosmopolitan cities like New York, London and Paris. Don't take it for granted. This safe-city reputation is the result of the very hard work of our disciplinary forces, especially many of our policemen and policewomen in the front line. All these core strengths, when they are put together, earn us something. They are very well recognised by international agencies. For 24 years in a row, uninterrupted, Hong Kong has been ranked as the freest economy in the world by the US-based Heritage Foundation. And the last two years, we also won the top ranking of being the world's most competitive economy by the Swiss-based IMD. And I am happy to say, as I came back from the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, in the last year or so the WEF ranking of Hong Kong's competitiveness has also risen from ranking number nine to now number six. Of course, I look forward to maintaining and improving these international rankings during my term. Now, I come to the second aspect about connectivity. Because institutional investors like yourselves, many of you are multinational, so you need to travel extensively, meeting your investors and your counterparts in other parts of the world. Hong Kong is an extremely well-connected city. Our Hong Kong International Airport is now receiving over 72 million passengers every year, making us the world's number three in passenger volume. But we are the world's number one in terms of air cargo. We are going to see more and more high-end air cargo using Hong Kong. We have a Third Runway System now under construction, and when it is completed, we will be able to take in over 100 million passengers. I said Hong Kong is well connected because you can travel to 220 destinations all over the world from our Hong Kong International Airport. That's why sometimes I look at reports from my government colleagues telling me a dignitary or head of state is coming to Hong Kong, they are coming to Hong Kong on transit, because they could not fly direct from home, so they have to use Hong Kong, which is an extremely efficient aviation hub in the world. This is on the aviation side. On the land side, 2018 is an extremely exciting year for us in terms of enhanced connectivity. Within the next 12 months or so, Hong Kong will commission three major pieces of cross-boundary infrastructure. You have heard a lot about the bridge, especially in recent days, the Hong Kong- Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, which will significantly shorten the travelling time between Hong Kong and the western part of Guangdong from the current four hours to only 45 minutes between Lantau Island and the city of Zhuhai. And then we will be opening by end-September the Hong Kong section of the Guangdong-Shenzhen-Hong Kong high-speed rail, and the travelling time between the West Kowloon Station and Guangzhou is a mere 48 minutes. To Shenzhen, it is an even shorter distance. I was telling the Shenzhen party secretary that in the future coming to your office for a meeting will be quicker than going to the Kowloon office of the HKSAR Government. And then we will be opening the seventh land-based boundary control point in an area called Heung Yuen Wai in Hong Kong and Liantang on the Shenzhen side. This eastern boundary control point has not been well publicised enough because it is, up till now, an extremely smooth project. Good things in Hong Kong do not get reported! You heard a lot about the bridge, you heard a lot about the train, but how come there is this big piece of infrastructure that has not been mentioned? We are all expecting to open this in either the end of this year or early 2019 because every day now, this city has 600 000 passenger trips across the land-based border - this is discounting by ferry, by air. Just the six control points together are receiving over 600 000 passenger trips every day, making them the world's busiest control points. Apart from physical connectivity by air, or by road, or by rail, digital connectivity is equally important. I hope you are satisfied with your speed of Wi-Fi and Internet access in Hong Kong, and it's uninterrupted. We still have a blueprint to turn Hong Kong into a smart city, to extensively increase the number of Wi-Fi hotspots in the public facilities and so on. And Hong Kong is also home to major data centres, that is Amazon, Google and so on. Financial connectivity is something that is more or less exclusive to Hong Kong because of "One country, Two systems" and the very supportive policies from the Central Government. Since 2014 we almost have one major initiative every year. We launched the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect in 2014; 2015 is the Mutual Recognition of Funds; 2016 is the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect; and last year, that is within the first week of my assuming office, we launched the Bond Connect. I expect, with what President Xi told the world yesterday at the Boao Forum for Asia, with the opening up, or the further opening up, of the financial services, Hong Kong will stand to benefit from this enhanced connectivity. The third area is the growth opportunities. Where's the growth coming from in this very mature economy, Hong Kong? This Government has a strategy to consolidate our traditional strengths and also to look for new economic areas for growth. In terms of one of our strongest pillars, that is financial services, you have heard what the Hong Kong Exchange has done in recent months. They are really picking up the momentum with the support of the Securities and Futures Commission, with the completion of the consultation on the changes to the listing rules to accommodate new technology and new economy corporations, to put in place pre-revenue listing for biotechnology companies, and also to attract companies, especially Mainland companies which have listed abroad, to come back to Hong Kong for secondary listing. All the exciting development in the Hong Kong financial services will take place within this year. We have not lost sight of the port. The port is still extremely important for Hong Kong although we are facing a lot of competition from Mainland ports. Our ranking has gone down from the world's number one to maybe the world's number five. But we are moving up at the high-end into maritime services. Whether it's in terms of maritime insurance, registration, licensing or arbitration, these will be the activities that my Government will promote insofar as the port logistics and maritime services are concerned. The two areas that my Government has identified for a major push with government support, investment and public-private partnership will be innovation and technology as well as creative industries. On the former, I can give you a one-hour talk on innovation and technology. I just suggest you may wish to read my Policy Address delivered on 11 October last year, in which I have outlined an eight-pronged approach to promote innovation and technology development in Hong Kong, ranging from infrastructure, a second science park in the area called the Lok Ma Chau Loop, to attraction of talents, provision of tax incentives, and building up critical mass in Hong Kong's research capability by attracting more overseas, renowned, research and development institutions to Hong Kong. The recent very good gesture of my Financial Secretary to give us $50 billion in innovation and technology in his latest Budget is very much welcomed. President Xi Jinping announced a series of measures at the Boao Forum for Asia yesterday. Of the four major initiatives, two will particularly be relevant to Hong Kong. One is further relaxation in financial services, especially in insurance, because in the last year or so, since my campaign days, I have heard a lot of complaints and requests from the insurance sector that it's quite difficult to access the Mainland market. So this very explicit announcement by President Xi should be very much welcomed. We are waiting for details and we will do more research and share it with the insurance and other financial sectors in Hong Kong. The other is President Xi's pledge to provide a more attractive investment environment in the Mainland of China. But that doesn't mean that you can forego Hong Kong. I think Hong Kong will continue to be that conduit, providing the needed professional services for you to access the more favourable investment environment in the Mainland. I think whether in terms of broadening relaxation and providing a more favourable investment environment and also in strengthening the IP protection, all these aspects mentioned by President Xi give me the impression that my country is now very confident. As President Xi said, we are not looking for trade surpluses. We just want global peace and global business so that we could raise the people's standard of living. Together with the two major national initiatives which Hong Kong will play a significant part in, that is the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area, I feel that the growth opportunities in Hong Kong are just plenty. It is for us to seize these opportunities and to provide the necessary environment for institutional investors and also to provide more job opportunities for our young people. On the Belt and Road, we have already signed an Arrangement with the National Development and Reform Commission and every year we now host, together with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, an international Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong. This year is the third edition which will take place on 28 June. If you have interest, please come to join this very exciting annual summit on the Belt and Road. Later this year, we will have another Belt and Road summit which is theme-based on tourism, that is, how we can promote tourism along the Belt and Road countries. On the Bay Area development now we are enthusiastically waiting for the State Council to announce the approval of the Bay Area Development Plan, but even before that, I have been visiting cities in the Bay Area and having meetings with the Guangdong cities' officials to talk about collaboration. Finally is the Government. I know that Hong Kong is very proud of a small-sized government, market economy. That will still be our guiding principle. But as I just mentioned, in the highly globalised and competitive environment, the Government has to be more proactive. We could not just lay back and wait for things to happen. So I can promise you and assure you that in this term of the HKSAR Government, myself and my colleagues will be very proactive. We will play well the traditional roles of being a public service provider and a regulator. In addition, we are very happy to play the role of a facilitator and a promotor. What do we mean by being a facilitator? There are sometimes very interesting projects that come our way, but these projects do not nicely fit into the bureaucratic compartments. So we need to be able to respond to these interesting projects and find a way forward. For that purpose I have created or transformed an office in the Government, previously called the Central Policy Unit, into what I called now PICO, the Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office. The PICO will be happy to receive any project proposals, to provide the first-stop and hopefully the one-stop advisory services for investors who are happy or willing to take forward some unconventional projects in Hong Kong for the benefit of investors and for the benefit of Hong Kong's economy. With that, I just want to thank you and Bloomberg again, for giving me this opportunity to do promotion and publicity free of charge. Thank you very much. Ends/Wednesday, April 11, 2018 Issued at HKT 15:37 NNNN

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Speech by Acting CE at opening ceremony of Consulate General of the Netherlands

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201804/09/P2018040900371.htm

9.4.2018

Following is the speech by the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, at the opening ceremony of the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands today (April 9): Prime Minister (Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr Mark Rutte), Consul-General (Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Hong Kong, Ms Annemieke Ruigrok), ladies and gentlemen, Good morning. I must say that Mondays are rarely as bright and promising as today. It is my great honour to extend our warmest welcome to the Prime Minister of the Netherlands to this Asia's world city. My warmest congratulations also go to the Netherlands Consulate General on the opening of the beautiful and impressive new office here today. This is the first time for Hong Kong to receive the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, signifying that the close ties between Hong Kong and the Netherlands are growing from strength to strength. Our trade relationship dates back to the 17th century when trade between the Netherlands and southern China, including Hong Kong, boomed. Today, the Netherlands is Hong Kong's third largest trading partner in the European Union, while Hong Kong is the Netherlands' fifth largest trading partner in Asia. The Netherlands has a notable presence in finance, trade, transportation, wholesaling and retailing as well as other sectors including technology, innovation and design in Hong Kong. Currently, there are over 200 Dutch firms in Hong Kong, including the famous brand names of ABN AMRO, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Philips, Shell, Heineken and much more. I have no doubt that our bilateral relations will continue to develop and thrive in the years ahead. Hong Kong is renowned for its strategic geographical location and connectivity, reaching half of the world's population within five hour's flight time. We are also the most open, international, well-connected, vibrant and important financial metropolis in China, making Hong Kong an ideal gateway for overseas businesses including those from the Netherlands to enter the China market as well as the entire Asia and Asia-Pacific region, which are the world's fastest growing and biggest market. Last year, US$8 billion worth of goods in the total trade between the Netherlands and the Mainland was routed through Hong Kong. That accounted for nearly 8 per cent of the total trade between the Netherlands and our motherland in 2017, demonstrating our growing role in strengthening the links between Hong Kong, the Mainland and a world of business. Our motherland's far-reaching Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development will certainly create new impetus for our trade, financial, economic and cultural links with our counterparts. Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong is destined to play a major role in those two unprecedented mega developments, given our ever-increasing economic integration with the Mainland, our financial and professional expertise, and our unique advantages and attractions under "one country, two systems". We stand ready to join hands with our Dutch business partners to seize the outsized opportunities that the Belt and Road and Bay Area initiatives will offer long into this 21st century. People-to-people connection forms an integral part of the Belt and Road Initiative. The signing ceremony of the Working Holiday agreement between Hong Kong and the Netherlands later this morning will open the doors further for our young people to foster broader, deeper and more frequent cultural, academic and talent exchanges. The agreement also signifies the fusion of the bauhinia and the tulip! Prime Minister, the fourth month-long Dutch Days in Hong Kong is well under way and will continue right through April under the theme of "Golden Age". It is both a celebration of the long and close relations between the two places, and more importantly, a renewal of the shared commitment to forge a new golden age of collaboration on business, innovation, art and enterprise. I am sure that this year's Dutch Days in Hong Kong will be yet another resounding success. On this happy and encouraging note, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations again to the Netherlands Consulate General on the opening of its new office today. I also wish the Prime Minister and our friends from the Netherlands a very happy King's Day and a prosperous year ahead. Thank you. Ends/Monday, April 9, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:31 NNNN

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Speech by CE at UNESCO award presentation ceremony for Blue House Cluster revitalisation project

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201804/06/P2018040600763.htm

6.4.2018

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation Award Presentation Ceremony for the Revitalisation of the Blue House Cluster into Viva Blue House today (April 6): David (Chairman of the St James' Settlement Executive Committee, Dr David Li), Dr Duong (Chair of the Jury for the UNESCO Heritage Awards and Chief of the Culture Unit, UNESCO Bangkok, Dr Duong Bich Hanh), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, My warmest congratulations to the Blue House Cluster project for receiving the Award of Excellence in the 2017 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. This award marks a proud milestone in Hong Kong's journey in heritage conservation and revitalisation, and I am honoured to join you all this afternoon in celebrating this significant achievement. We are thrilled as this is the first time a built heritage conservation project in Hong Kong has received the top honour, the Award of Excellence, since the inception of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards in the year 2000. The Blue House Cluster project was chosen through a rigorous process from 43 entries all over Asia-Pacific. This top international honour recognises the inclusive and participatory approach in conserving these tenement buildings, which were constructed from the 1920s to the 1950s. The project not only preserves the unique architecture characterised by the easily distinguishable colour of its external walls, its classic timber floor stabs, staircases, doors and window frames and floor tiles, etc, but also immortalises the values of neighbourhood, self-help and mutual support that had built post-war Hong Kong. The close ties grown in years within the neighbourhood bred a bottom-up approach during the revitalisation of the Blue House Cluster that leads to the first trial of "Retain House and Tenant" concept, 留屋又留人, in our heritage conservation work. I was involved in this project from the very beginning in my capacity as the then Secretary for Development. I still vividly recall that Sunday morning when I met with the residents to listen to their views and expectations on the revitalisation of their homes. Since then, I have returned to this place time and again for numerous official occasions, including its Ground Breaking Ceremony in 2013 as well as its Official Opening in 2017, and also for publicity during my Chief Executive election campaign. I am gratified to be able to facilitate and witness this project from its inception to fruition under the persistent efforts and participation of residents, project champions as well as various stakeholders. Your hard work, as well as my unconventional or what David described as bold approach, if I may say so, have finally paid off in a big way. Like many other heritage conservation projects that have been commended by the UNESCO awards, I suppose the jury must be impressed by the diversity and depth of the community involvement delivered by this project. The Hong Kong House of Stories has been set up to record, research and exhibit stories about the local culture, providing a wide range of cultural tours, art and cultural promotion programmes to inspire a rethink of our society's development agenda, our way of life and our notion of quality living. The Good Neighbour Scheme has been put in place to attract and select new tenants who will be committed to actively participating in the preservation, management and programmes of the Viva Blue House. In a highly urbanised Wan Chai district, the public open area within the cluster has become a vibrant social space to foster greater interaction among the residents and the local community. Viva Blue House has not only conserved a cluster of historic buildings, but rekindles a strong spirit of care and share in the community. The project's success is attributed to the joint efforts of all partners, including St James' Settlement, Heritage Hong Kong Foundation, Community Cultural Concern and Blue House Residence's Right Group, as well as my colleagues from the Development Bureau. Their wholehearted involvement and steadfast support have given this project vitality and a defining character that can stand the test of time. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to the cause of sustainable development and conserving our built heritage. We have adopted a multi-pronged approach in preserving our built heritage assets, with due regard given to development needs in the public interest, respect for private property rights, budgetary considerations, cross-sector collaboration, as well as active engagement of stakeholders and the general public. I am delighted that our efforts have been well-received. So far, 18 Hong Kong conservation projects have won UNESCO Heritage Awards. Of these, five projects are from our Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme first launched in 2008. These projects are the Savannah College of Art and Design (Hong Kong), Tai O Heritage Hotel, YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel, Green Hub and this year, the Viva Blue House. It is indeed a great encouragement to Hong Kong and those who have worked tirelessly to make the best adaptive re-use of our historical assets by instilling creativity and innovation into the heritage conservation scene. This year marks the 10th anniversary of our Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme. To date, the Government has launched five batches comprising 19 projects, of which nine already are in operation. Three more projects, including the Haw Par Mansion, Bridges Street Market and Former Fanling Magistracy, will come on stream in the second half of this year. Another major endeavour, thanks to the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the Central Police Station Compound, coined Tai Kwun, will be officially opened soon. Through adaptive and creative re-use, we inject life into these historic buildings and enable them to continue to support Hong Kong's economic and social development in the days to come. So once again, congratulations to St James' Settlement for its excellent work on this challenging revitalisation project and the great honour it has brought to Hong Kong. Thank you very much. Ends/Friday, April 6, 2018 Issued at HKT 19:15 NNNN

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Speech by CE at Hong Kong ICT Awards 2018 Awards Presentation Ceremony

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201804/04/P2018040400785.htm

4.4.2018

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the Hong Kong ICT Awards 2018 Awards Presentation Ceremony today (April 4): Professor Cheung (Chairman of the Grand Judging Panel, Professor Stephen Cheung), ladies and gentlemen, Good evening. I am pleased to join you tonight for this year's Hong Kong ICT Awards Presentation Ceremony. This flagship industry event annually celebrates excellence in information and communications technology (ICT). For me, what makes these ICT Awards so dynamic and so vital is the breadth of sectors, industries and businesses participating, year after year. They embrace everything from entertainment and Fintech to business in general. And three smart awards are brand new for 2018. They cover living – from healthcare to home and lifestyle – as well as people and mobility. That latter category, mobility, smartly incorporates transport, logistics and tourism. My congratulations to the winners this year. I am betting you are tomorrow's winners as well, helping drive Hong Kong's future with innovative leadership, and the products, applications and business solutions you bring to creative life. In my Policy Address delivered last October, I outlined an eight-pronged strategy to pursue innovation and technology development in Hong Kong, to re-tool and revitalise Hong Kong for this digital century. To realise that goal, and taking into account advice from experts and practitioners, the HKSAR Government has highlighted four major areas, they are, healthcare, artificial intelligence, smart city and Fintech. As you will see, they cover a wide range of policies and to ensure effective co-ordination and implementation, I am personally chairing the Steering Committee on Innovation and Technology, with membership comprising the Chief Secretary for Administration, the Financial Secretary and ten bureau Secretaries and their civil service colleagues. The Steering Committee met for the second time just last week. Let me add that enhancing our quality of life through the application of innovation and technology is equally essential to our future. Our Smart City Blueprint published last December sets out the major initiatives to be rolled out by my Government over the next five years. It also outlines the potential benefits to the public and our community at large. I am naturally delighted to see that the new award categories respond so well to our Smart City Blueprint. I would say the Financial Secretary has given us a major boost in his Budget Speech delivered on February 28, reserving $50 billion to support innovation and technology development in Hong Kong. That includes $7 billion to the Science Park to boost support for its tenants and set up a Smart Campus. Cyberport will also receive $200 million to enhance support for its start-ups. The Budget allocation to our two technology hubs is in addition to the $2 billion Innovation and Technology Venture Fund set up last year. That fund invests in local technology start-ups on a matching basis with venture capital. We will shortly announce the Venture Capital partners we have chosen to work with us. Later this year, we will launch a $500 million Technology Talent Scheme. It will include a Postdoctoral Hub programme to help companies recruit postdoctoral talents for scientific research and product development. I am happy to say that the Legislative Council has already approved an injection of $3 billion into the Research Endowment Fund, for giving studentships to local students admitted to research postgraduate programmes funded by our University Grants Committee. There is much more, including $10 billion to support the establishment of two research clusters, one on healthcare, and the other targeting artificial intelligence and robotics. I am confident they will attract renowned scientific research institutions and technology enterprises to Hong Kong to work with our local institutions and researchers. That can only mean more research opportunities for our young graduates. In short, my Government is determined to create a flourishing innovation and technology environment here in Hong Kong. But we cannot do it alone, which is why I am so encouraged by the winners of this year's ICT Awards. More than building businesses, you serve as role models, inspiring our youth, showing them the way to a future that will surely reward us all. So, allow me now to thank the organisers, committees and judging panels for their essential support. Ladies and gentlemen, I know you will enjoy this year’s Hong Kong ICT Awards night. And I look forward to hearing more good news from our winners in the months and years to come. Thank you very much. Ends/Wednesday, April 4, 2018 Issued at HKT 20:07 NNNN

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Opening ceremony for "Central and Western District Promenade - Western Wholesale Food Market Section" under Signature Project Scheme held today

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201804/28/P2018042800884.htm

28.4.2018

An opening ceremony for the "Central and Western District Promenade - Western Wholesale Food Market Section" was held at piers 1 to 4 and the promenade of the Western Wholesale Food Market Harbourfront today (April 28), marking the completion and commissioning of the first brand new construction project under the Signature Project Scheme (SPS). Under the SPS, a provision of $100 million has been earmarked for each district council to implement signature projects selected by the District Council, so as to better address local needs. Through bottom-up public participation, the Central and Western District's project has revitalised four idle piers and a waterfront section of the Western Wholesale Food Market into a public open space. Occupying an area of around 5 200 square metres, the 400-metre long promenade will be managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and open for the community round the clock. The project's completion marked the addition of a new landmark in the district as well as an important step in linking up the Central and Western District Promenade. With the completion of three works projects funded by the District Minor Works programme in the first quarter of 2019, a 1 350-meter-long promenade with an area of about 60 000 square meters will be open for public use. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, said she was happy to witness the emergence of a new landmark in the District. The project marked the synergy between the Harbourfront Commission's efforts in promoting harbourfront development and signature projects initiated by the district councils. The new promenade and pier park can provide a quality open space for the public. Mrs Lam added that she was glad to learn that the project had support from traders at Western Wholesale Food Market. The traders released the harbourfront area of the market, which was still in operation, for conversion to a promenade park. The project has provided an excellent platform to promote social innovation and youth participation in the district. As part of the opening, art workshops for families, singing and dancing performances by young people and dramas by elderly people were organised by district welfare organisations to meet the objective of promoting cross-sector participation under the SPS. Other officiating guests included the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah; the Chairman of the Central and Western District Council (C&WDC), Mr Yip Wing-shing; the Director of Home Affairs, Miss Janice Tse; the Chairman of the Legislative Council Panel on Home Affairs, Mr Ma Fung-kwok; the Under Secretary for Development, Mr Liu Chun-san; the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Dr Leung Siu-fai; the Director of Architectural Services, Mrs Sylvia Lam; the Deputy Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Ida Lee; the Vice-Chairman of the C&WDC, Mr Chan Hok-fung; the Chairman of the Harbourfront Commission, Mr Nicholas Brooke; and the District Officer (Central and Western), Mrs Susanne Wong. Ends/Saturday, April 28, 2018 Issued at HKT 19:08 NNNN

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CE meets Chairman of State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201804/27/P2018042700902.htm

27.4.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met the Chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the State Council, Mr Xiao Yaqing, at Government House at noon today (April 27). Mrs Lam said she was pleased to meet Mr Xiao again following their meeting in Beijing and participation in the seminar on "Strategies and Opportunities under the Belt and Road Initiative - Leveraging Hong Kong's Advantages, Meeting the Country's Needs" held at the Great Hall of the People by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in conjunction with the Belt and Road General Chamber of Commerce in early February this year. Mrs Lam thanked state leaders and Mainland ministries, especially the SASAC, for their strong support for the seminar, at which more than 380 chief executives and senior management from over 170 state-owned enterprises (SoEs) participated. Coupled with the attendance of more than 100 leaders from the business and professional services sectors in Hong Kong, the seminar was a great success. Noting that the impact of the seminar is ongoing, with exchanges between Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises continuing, Mrs Lam said they would be able to join forces to tap new markets after they have built up mutual understanding. Mrs Lam added that, with the signing of a Free Trade Agreement and a related Investment Agreement between Hong Kong and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) last November, co-operation between Hong Kong and ASEAN will be elevated to a new stage. She said she hopes that more SoEs will make use of Hong Kong as a platform to explore the ASEAN market. Mrs Lam said that the Belt and Road Initiative is an important national initiative as well as providing new impetus for social and economic developments for the future of the HKSAR. She expressed the hope that the SASAC will continue to support the HKSAR in giving full play to its advantages as an international centre for finance, trade, maritime trade and services, as well as helping to strengthen co-operation between Hong Kong enterprises and SoEs and conducting joint promotional activities overseas on opportunities arising from the Belt and Road Initiative, so as to develop the Belt and Road into the most extensive global platform for co-operation. She said that the HKSAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council will hold the third Belt and Road Summit in the middle of this year, and that she hopes the SASAC will continue its support and encourage participation by SoE representatives at the Summit, further advancing the establishment of a strategic partnership between SoEs and Hong Kong enterprises. Ends/Friday, April 27, 2018 Issued at HKT 20:03 NNNN

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CE meets Governor of Gansu Province

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201804/27/P2018042700813.htm

27.4.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, held a breakfast meeting with the Governor of Gansu Province, Mr Tang Renjian, at Government House this morning (April 27). Mrs Lam welcomed Mr Tang on his first visit to Hong Kong and congratulated the Government of Gansu Province for successfully hosting the Gansu Investment Introduction and Marketing Event yesterday (April 26). Noting that Gansu Province, situated on the Silk Road Economic Belt, is a trade and logistics hub and a key base for industries and exchanges between people in the region, and that over 1 000 Hong Kong enterprises have investments in Gansu Province, Mrs Lam said she believes that trade and economic ties between the two places will increase under the Belt and Road Initiative. As Gansu Province strives to develop industries such as tourism, Chinese medicine, agriculture and innovation and technology, she expressed the hope that the two places will strengthen co-operation in these aspects and encouraged Gansu enterprises to leverage on Hong Kong's quality professional services to access overseas markets. She also invited Gansu Province to organise activities in Hong Kong and promote Gansu culture and products to Hong Kong people. She thanked the Government of Gansu Province for its staunch support for Hong Kong's work on youth development and facilitating exchanges for young Hong Kong people in the Mainland, such as the successful completion of a training programme for Dunhuang cultural ambassadors last year, which was well received by youths in Hong Kong. She said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will build on that successful experience and organise the Dunhuang Youth Internship Programme this year, which will last for six weeks, adding that she expects this year's programme will be just as successful with the support and thoughtful arrangements of the Government of Gansu Province. Ends/Friday, April 27, 2018 Issued at HKT 19:00 NNNN

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CE visits Indonesia

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201804/25/P2018042500948.htm

25.4.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, accompanied by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, visited Jakarta, Indonesia today (April 25) to enhance Hong Kong’s collaboration with Indonesia as well as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In the morning, Mrs Lam and the other officials called on the Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN, Mr Huang Xilian to learn about the latest developments in the relationship between the nation and ASEAN. She said that with the staunch support of the Central Government, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government seeks to expand its external relations proactively, including the participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and strengthening of co-operation with the ten ASEAN countries. She thanked the Ambassador for supporting the relevant work by the HKSAR Government all along. Mrs Lam and the other officials then met with the President of Indonesia, Mr Joko Widodo. Mrs Lam said she was pleased that since she met Mr Joko Widodo in May last year in her capacity as the Chief Executive-elect, ties between the two places have grown closer, covering not only economic, trade and investment aspects but also culture, student exchange and training of railway personnel. She said that it is her first visit to Indonesia, which is also the first ASEAN country she visits after the signing of the Free Trade Agreement and a related Investment Agreement between Hong Kong and ASEAN last November, making the trip particularly meaningful to her. Mrs Lam said that Hong Kong and Indonesia may explore collaboration in various aspects. With Hong Kong's active participation in the national Belt and Road Initiative, she said that she would be pleased to see more developments of Hong Kong enterprises and professional services in Indonesia and that the HKSAR Government will take part by sharing its wealth of experience in such aspects as city management and maintaining a clean government with countries along the Belt and Road including Indonesia. She also welcomed more Indonesian students to study in Hong Kong to enhance people-to-people bonds. Noting that Hong Kong hopes to further advance regional trade and economic co-operation, Mrs Lam appealed for support of Indonesia for Hong Kong's participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership which is under negotiation. Mrs Lam also expressed her gratitude to Mr Joko Widodo for the valuable contributions by some 160 000 Indonesian domestic helpers in Hong Kong to the families and the economy of the city. She said the HKSAR Government is committed to protecting their rights and benefits in Hong Kong so that they can live and work in the city at ease. At noon, Mrs Lam and the other officials attended a luncheon organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong to promote to the Indonesian business sector Hong Kong's advantages and the opportunities that Hong Kong and Indonesia can seize together under the Belt and Road Initiative. Addressing the luncheon, Mrs Lam said that a Free Trade Agreement and a related Investment Agreement were signed between Hong Kong and ASEAN last November, which cover trade in goods and services, investment, economic and technical co-operation, and dispute settlement mechanisms, bringing the co-operation between Hong Kong and ASEAN to a new level. She said that with the advantage of "One Country, Two Systems", excellent environment for doing business and quality professional services, Hong Kong is well-positioned to help Indonesian enterprises explore the unlimited business opportunities brought about by the Belt and Road Initiative. In the afternoon, Mrs Lam visited the ASEAN Secretariat to learn about its operation. She and Mr Yau then went to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta to visit the staff members. The office was officially opened in July last year. It represents the HKSAR Government in matters between Hong Kong and the ASEAN as a whole, and handles matters between Hong Kong and four ASEAN countries, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and the Philippines. Mrs Lam and the other officials called on the Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr Xiao Qian in the evening. She thanked the embassy for its support for various work in relation to exchanges between Hong Kong and Indonesia and its assistance provided to Hong Kong people in need. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong tomorrow morning (April 26). Ends/Wednesday, April 25, 2018 Issued at HKT 22:59 NNNN

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Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo meeting

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201804/24/P2018042400422.htm

24.4.2018

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting this morning (April 24): Reporter: Mrs Lam, do you find the phrases "China took back Hong Kong's sovereignty" and "Hong Kong is located in the Southern China" problematic? Do you find these phrases problematic? And how would you change these phrases if you want to? Chief Executive: No, it's not a question of me changing the phrases or the presentation. It's a question for the Committee to ensure that textbooks used in Hong Kong are accurate and precise. So I have every confidence that these experts are doing this very important task with that one single objective in mind, and that is to ensure a high degree of precision and accuracy in our textbooks. If I may give you an example about how the constitutional status of my position, the Chief Executive, should be described. I remember in 2016, in a Legislative Council motion debate, I have spent a few minutes to explain to the Legislative Council members the difference between the Chief Executive and the Chief Secretary for Administration in terms of the constitution and also how we should describe the two positions. The Chief Executive is the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as well as the head of the Hong Kong SAR Government because of her dual accountability under the Basic Law. But the Chief Secretary for Administration is only the Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong SAR Government, okay? So if we discover that there are documents in Government or in textbooks that have confused the description of these very two important government positions, isn't it right that we should take this opportunity to correct that? So I just feel that some people have overreacted to this very important exercise to ensure that the descriptions that we use, especially when we use them in textbooks, are accurate. Thank you very much. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, April 24, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:01 NNNN

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2018 World Book Day Fest opens with joy and fun

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201804/21/P2018042000714.htm

21.4.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today (April 21) officiated at the opening ceremony of the 2018 World Book Day Fest, co-organised by the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR) and the Education Bureau (EDB), to launch the city-wide reading promotion campaign "Discover and Share the Joy of Reading". In celebration of World Book Day and to further promote reading in Hong Kong, the EDB, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Information Services Department are working together to present a series of vibrant activities to the community under the theme "Discover and Share the Joy of Reading". The curtain-raising event - the 2018 World Book Day Fest - was held at SKH St Mary's Church Mok Hing Yiu College in Sham Shui Po District today. At the opening ceremony, Mrs Lam launched a new TV Announcement in the Public Interest (API) entitled "Discover and Share the Joy of Reading". The API highlights the joy and endless charm of books to encourage reading in a refreshing tone and manner. It will be broadcast on TV and radio as well as social media platforms starting today. More publicity initiatives will be rolled out in the coming months to mark local citizens' discovery of joy of reading in the new age. Together with the Secretary for Education, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Michelle Li; and the Chairman of SCOLAR, Mr Lester Huang, Mrs Lam joined some 160 primary school students and their teachers in the "Reading Marathon" activity - reading out an interactive story themed "Appreciation and Respect" to share the pleasure of reading. Mrs Lam also visited the "My Pop-up Library" set up by the Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) of the LCSD at the venue. She toured the e-books experience zone and shared her reading experience with students. In support of the theme of the campaign, Mrs Lam gave away some 130 books chosen from her personal collection to participants to share with them the joy of reading. Under the theme "Towards a Reading City", the 2018 World Book Day Fest aims to foster a sustainable atmosphere and culture of reading across the city by building on the strengths in the promotion of reading across the curriculum and capitalising on the synergy of schools, parents and community partners. Today's activities included various programmes for students of different ages and parallel experience-sharing sessions conducted by schools, parents, government and non-governmental organisations as well as game booths and book exhibition. Over 3 000 school heads, teachers, school librarians, students and parents of secondary and primary schools and kindergartens participated in the activities. SCOLAR and the EDB will continue to collaborate with different working partners in promoting reading in the school sector and nurturing students' interest in and habit of reading. Immediately following today’s event, the LCSD will also launch a rich array of fun-filled activities including the Fun at Central Library fun day at Hong Kong Central Library tomorrow (April 22), enabling members of the public to have a unique and extraordinary library experience, and take in the joy of reading with family members. To tie in with World Book Day, the Reading Charter campaign organised by the HKPL aims to raise the public's awareness by promoting reading. Members of the public may sign the Reading Charter, make a pledge and set their own goals for the joy of reading. An online version has been designed for readers to make the pledge at any place or any time. For details of HKPL activities, please stay tuned to its webpage ( www.hkpl.gov.hk ). Ends/Saturday, April 21, 2018 Issued at HKT 13:16 NNNN

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Appointment to Council of Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201804/20/P2018042000272.htm

20.4.2018

​The Chief Executive has appointed Mr Douglas So Cheung-tak as a member of the Council of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts for the period from April 20, 2018, to December 31, 2019. The above appointment was published in the Government Gazette today (April 20). Ends/Friday, April 20, 2018 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN

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CE meets Governor of Jiangsu Province

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201804/19/P2018041900945.htm

19.4.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met the Governor of Jiangsu Province, Mr Wu Zhenglong, at Government House this evening (April 19). Mrs Lam welcomed Mr Wu's first visit to Hong Kong after his assumption of office as the Governor of Jiangsu Province with a delegation. Expressing her gratitude to Jiangsu Province for holding a three-day "Rendezvous with Water Towns" Jiangsu Cultural Carnival in Hong Kong at Victoria Park to enhance Hong Kong people's understanding of Jiangsu Province in response to her suggestion, she said she looked forward to officiating together with Mr Wu at the opening ceremony of the carnival tomorrow. Mrs Lam said that Hong Kong and Jiangsu Province have enjoyed close ties and maintained frequent co-operation with each other in areas ranging from economic and trade activities to culture, education and youth exchanges. Noting that Hong Kong is an international centre for finance, trade and commerce, she said Hong Kong strives to consolidate its traditional industries with clear advantages, in particular finance, and the listing rules will be amended later this year to attract new economy companies to list in Hong Kong. She said that given Jiangsu Province is home to quite a number of new economy companies, she encouraged them to use Hong Kong as a platform to raise capital. She added that Hong Kong is keen to develop new areas of economic growth including innovation and technology and the creative industries. She expressed the hope to explore more room for co-operation with Jiangsu Province in these areas. Thanking the Government of Jiangsu Province for its staunch support for Hong Kong's work on youth development, she said she hopes that Jiangsu Province will continue to implement various measures to help Hong Kong people study, work and live in the Mainland to facilitate Hong Kong young people to develop in the Mainland. Ends/Thursday, April 19, 2018 Issued at HKT 22:17 NNNN

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CE to visit Indonesia

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201804/19/P2018041900540.htm

19.4.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, will depart for Jakarta, Indonesia in the evening on April 24. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, will also join the visit. On April 25, Mrs Lam will address a luncheon organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to promote to the Indonesian business sector Hong Kong's advantages and the opportunities to be brought about by Hong Kong's further collaboration with Indonesia as well as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. During her stay in Jakarta she will also meet with senior officials of the Indonesian government. Mrs Lam will return to Hong Kong on April 26. During her absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, will be the Acting Chief Executive. Ends/Thursday, April 19, 2018 Issued at HKT 15:50 NNNN

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Transcript of remarks by CE at media session before ExCo meeting

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201804/17/P2018041700398.htm

17.4.2018

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, at a media session before the Executive Council meeting this morning (April 17): Reporter: Mrs Lam, ... Hong Kong people making pro-independence remarks. Can you guarantee now and in the future that they won't face legal action or censorship, at least now until 2047? Chief Executive: Nobody can answer a question like this. Nobody has a crystal ball in front of him or her to guarantee that certain action, certain behaviour will not be breaching the law, because the law is evolving. So the answer to your question is it will depend on the situation, depend on the law, depend on that particular behaviour. Reporter: Mrs Lam, will the Government be taking a more active approach in pushing forward Article 23 legislation? Looking forward, would the Government be able to achieve a favourable atmosphere next year or possibly, like, in two years' time? Also, on the reading subsidies, why does the Government decide to bring back the reading subsidies? Would that be enough to promote reading? Chief Executive: Well, on the second question first. This campaign to promote a reading culture in Hong Kong is not a sudden idea. If you look back at my manifesto and my Policy Address, I have promised that in Hong Kong we should do more to promote this reading culture. The benefits of reading are multiple. I am a reader, I like reading books because it will enrich my knowledge, it will inspire ideas and thinking and so on. So we have spent a few months to co-ordinate the work of various departments in the promotion of reading culture in Hong Kong, namely the Education Bureau and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, because the latter is operating a number of public libraries in Hong Kong. So I feel that we are now ready to roll out this package of measures, and of course because the World Book Day is coming in a few days' time, so in order to raise the profile of reading culture, both the bureau and the department will be organising large-scale activities with my own personal participation. So I felt it's timely to announce this work of the Government. As far as the subsidy, it was always there. There was a sort of reading grant to promote reading in Chinese and in English, but it was stopped in the 2016/17 school year, partly because of the overall savings requirement in the Government and partly because it was then felt that the schools should have enough resources to buy books, because we are talking about a grant of only $30,000 for a secondary school. But I do feel that in my general philosophy investing in education is the best investment that we could do for our younger generation, so if schools do feel that it is very important to have a dedicated reading subsidy – and we could afford it – so we are now providing this additional, or this new, reading subsidy, which will cost us about $48 million every year, and I hope that the schools could make full use of this subsidy not only to buy books but also to promote reading culture among students using different sorts of activities. I am sure teachers are very innovative, so they will find the best way to promote reading amongst the students. Now, coming back to Basic Law Article 23, I have time and again stressed that local legislation to put in place Basic Law Article 23, which is to protect national security, is the constitutional duty of Hong Kong, of the Hong Kong SAR Government and of myself as the Chief Executive. But in order to do our job we have to ensure that we have the right environment, the suitable conditions. Otherwise, it will simply be abortive and futile and wasting a lot of time and resources on the part of the Government, the legislators and society at large. I stand by what I said in my Policy Address. Yes, while it is our duty to do this work, the time is not right yet. We need to create the condition which is conducive to enacting Basic Law Article 23 because of the previous experience we had and the controversies that we have encountered. So it is my duty to try to create that conducive environment in a very thoughtful and vigilant way, but unfortunately the time has not come yet and I do not yet have a timetable so the reference to next year is totally speculation. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Tuesday, April 17, 2018 Issued at HKT 12:45 NNNN

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Children and families enjoy cruise travel to celebrate 10th Anniversary of Child Development Fund

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201804/15/P2018041500437.htm

15.4.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, officiated at the Child Development Fund (CDF) 10th Anniversary Signature Programme "Dream Cruises" Set Sail Ceremony in Kai Tak Cruise Terminal this morning (April 15), before some 150 grass-root children and their families set off a one-day cruise journey to Nansha, Guangzhou. The complimentary cruise tour engaged 83 participants in the CDF projects as well as their family members and mentors from six CDF project operators. They would be offered the special arrangement to tour around operations of a cruise ship and learn about the work of cruise staff during the trip, while having the opportunity to enjoy family time with refreshments and recreational activities onboard, before disembarking in Nansha this evening. The programme is a prelude to the CDF's 10th anniversary celebrations. The aims of CDF are to broaden children's horizons, enhance their abilities and personal qualities, and enrich their social experience to nurture their personal development. The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Dr Law Chi-kwong, and the Permanent Secretary for Labour and Welfare and Chairman of the Steering Committee on the CDF, Ms Chang King-yiu, also officiated at the ceremony. Since its establishment in 2008, the CDF has been providing grass-root youths with appropriate guidance, widening their exposure and planning for future. So far, six batches of CDF projects operated by non-governmental organisations as well as four batches of school-based projects operated by schools have been rolled out, benefiting over 14 000 underprivileged youths. Ends/Sunday, April 15, 2018 Issued at HKT 13:30 NNNN

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CE meets Minister of Education

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201804/14/P2018041400854.htm

14.4.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met the Minister of Education, Mr Chen Baosheng, at Government House today (April 14). Mrs Lam said she was pleased to meet Mr Chen again following their meeting in Beijing last August. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, she welcomed Mr Chen's first visit to Hong Kong in his capacity of the Minister of Education. He visited education facilities, witnessed the establishment of the alliance among higher education institutions of Beijing and Hong Kong, and had exchanges with the trade this morning and yesterday (April 13). Mrs Lam said that the HKSAR Government attaches great importance to the development of young people and that their nurture should start from education. She thanked Mr Chen and the Ministry of Education for the staunch support for the work on education of the HKSAR Government, including the implementation of the Scheme for Admission of Hong Kong Students to Mainland Higher Education Institutions which makes available more study pathways for Hong Kong students and the participating institutions have increased to over 100. In addition, Hong Kong graduates from Mainland universities are issued Employment Registration Certificates to enable them to work in the Mainland, and Hong Kong children studying in Shenzhen are granted equal treatment as Mainland children, enabling them to enroll in public schools to enjoy free education, minimising the need for them to travel long distance to go to school across the border. Mrs Lam said that the education industry in Hong Kong enjoys clear advantages with several universities positioned in the first 100 in international ranking, and that the forthcoming promulgation of the development plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area will bring about unlimited opportunities. She said if renowned institutions in Hong Kong are able to establish presence in the Bay Area, exchanges of teachers and students between the two places are set to be enhanced and the goal to develop an international education base in the Bay Area will also be met. She expressed the hope that the Ministry for Education will support relevant work by the HKSAR Government and the institutions concerned in Hong Kong. Ends/Saturday, April 14, 2018 Issued at HKT 19:50 NNNN

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CE meets First Minister of Scotland

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201804/13/P2018041300958.htm

13.4.2018

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, met the First Minister of Scotland, Ms Nicola Sturgeon, at the Chief Executive's Office this afternoon (April 13). Welcoming Ms Sturgeon's visit to Hong Kong again since 2015, Mrs Lam said that Hong Kong and Scotland are partners in various aspects, in particular in innovation and technology (I&T). An agreement was signed a few years earlier to explore opportunities for collaboration in scientific research between universities in the two places. The Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation under the University of Edinburgh was also set up at the Hong Kong Science Park two years ago for exchanges of fruitful experiences with partners in the city and joint development of carbon technologies. Mrs Lam said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to developing I&T. She said that with the forthcoming promulgation of the development plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area, Hong Kong will strive to develop financial technologies, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and robotics as well as smart city, with a view to playing an active role in making the Bay Area an international I&T hub. She mentioned that Hong Kong will establish research clusters on healthcare technologies and on artificial intelligence and robotics technologies to attract the world's top scientific research institutions and technology enterprises to Hong Kong for conducting more midstream and downstream research and development projects in collaboration with local universities and scientific research institutions. She welcomed more Scottish scientific research institutions and technology enterprises to participate in the initiative to tap into the opportunities brought about by the development of the Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative. Ends/Friday, April 13, 2018 Issued at HKT 21:38 NNNN

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