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Signature events and preparatory work for celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region unveiled
The Chief Secretary for Administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr John Lee, officiated at the launch ceremony of the celebrations for the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the HKSAR on 29 December. The theme for celebration of the 25th anniversary is “A New Era – Stability • Prosperity • Opportunity”. It not only represents Hong Kong’s exemplary achievements over the past 25 years, but also underscores the eager anticipation for and confidence in a brighter future. Mr Lee said that the Government has planned over 100 events and will continue its efforts on this front, with a view to allowing wide participation by the community in the 25th Anniversary celebration and external promotion will also be enhanced to consolidate Hong Kong’s status as an international city. The Government’s offices overseas and in the Mainland will also enhance their outreach work and stage exciting activities in major cities, including a large-scale exhibition in Beijing in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the Motherland.
More details here. |
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Siobhan Bernadette Haughey broke world record in women’s 200m freestyle swimming
Hong Kong swimming athlete Siobhan Bernadette Haughey won a gold medal in the Women’s 200m Freestyle Swimming event in the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m), setting a new world record of 1 minute 50.31 seconds. She is the first Hong Kong athlete who broke the world record in a swimming event. She also won a gold medal and set a championships record in the Women’s 100m Freestyle Swimming event, and won a bronze medal in the Women’s 400m Freestyle Swimming event. The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Caspar Tsui, congratulated Hong Kong swimming athletes on their remarkable performances in the FINA World Swimming Championships. “Hong Kong swimming athletes never stop making breakthroughs. They have made unprecedented achievements in top-tier events, showing the efforts of our athletes to the world. The success comes from the commitment of the coaching team and athletes over years. I hope that Hong Kong athletes will reach new heights in their sports,” Mr Tsui said.
See the congratulate message from the Secretary for Home Affairs here. |
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Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Mainland Olympians delegation visited Hong Kong
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Mainland Olympians delegation paid a three-day visit in Hong Kong from 3 to 5 December. The delegation gave badminton, fencing, gymnastics and table tennis demonstrations at Queen Elizabeth Stadium, and diving and swimming demonstrations at Victoria Park Swimming Pool. The demonstrations attracted around 3 400 members of the public to watch as spectators. The Mainland Olympians in badminton, gymnastics, fencing and table tennis also took part in skills exchanges with their Hong Kong counterparts; and shared with spectators their experiences and feelings on competitions at the “Mainland Olympians Variety Show”.
See details of the sports demonstrations by Mainland Olympians here.
See details of “Mainland Olympians Variety Show” here.
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Seventh Legislative Council formed
The seventh Legislative Council (LegCo) of the HKSAR has been successfully formed, as the 90 seats have all been filled following the smooth completion of the election on 19 December. The Chief Executive of HKSAR, Mrs Carrie Lam, said in a statement that the 2021 LegCo General Election is an important election following the improvements to the electoral system to implement the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” and carries far-reaching meaning. The HKSAR Government is confident that the seventh-term LegCo, which is formed after the electoral system has been improved, can effectively enhance the governance efficiency of the HKSAR and open a new chapter on good administration and governance. A total of 153 candidates with different backgrounds and political views contended for 90 seats, which is testimony to the broad representation, political inclusiveness, balanced participation and fair competition of the election. Mrs Lam thanked more than 1.3 million voters who had cast their votes and she looked forward to co-operating sincerely with members of the new term of the LegCo to promote together Hong Kong’s economic development and its integration into the overall development of the nation, as well as improvements to people’s livelihoods to build a better Hong Kong and contribute to the country.
Details here.
See list of elected LegCo members here.
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Video speech by the Chief Executive at the Business of Intellectual Property Asia Forum
More than 70 intellectual property (IP) industry leaders from Hong Kong, Mainland China, the Asia-Pacific region and around the world took part in the Business of Intellectual Property Asia Forum, offering their insight and intelligence on the latest developments in the global IP business. Speaking at the Opening Session of the Forum on 2 December, the Chief Executive of HKSAR, Mrs Carrie Lam, stressed that Hong Kong will capitalize on the support of the National 14th Five-Year Plan in developing into a regional IP trading centre, adding that the Government will implement a series of initiatives to promote IP trading, including further promoting and developing the “original grant patent” system, exploring with the Mainland authorities on broadening the scope of application of the Patent Cooperation Treaty to cover the “original grant patent” system, and extending other major international IP treaties to Hong Kong. Hong Kong will also strengthen its IP system and industry talent, while boosting IP promotion and collaboration beyond Hong Kong.
Details here. |
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Strengthening Hong Kong’s growing status as a global risk-management centre and insurance hub
The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said at the Asian Insurance Forum 2021 on 7 December that Hong Kong is committed to strengthening its growing status as a global risk-management centre and insurance hub as supported by the National 14th Five-Year Plan. A number of measures were introduced to enhance Hong Kong’s role as a global risk-management centre to deliver unique value for Mainland corporations and multinational companies, including a streamlined regime for the authorisation and regulation of special purpose insurers to facilitate the issuance of insurance-linked securities, and the inaugural issuance of a catastrophe bond. The Government is also working to enhance the tax environment for insurers and broker companies underwriting marine and specialty risks, and to expand the scope of risks insurable by captives. Mr Chan highlighted that 13 of the world’s top 20 insurers are authorised to do business in Hong Kong, which is leading the world when it comes to insurance penetration. Next year, a draft bill to LegCo on a risk-based capital regime will be introduced which will align Hong Kong closely with the latest international standards, while raising its internal-control and risk-management systems, and boosting public-disclosure requirements.
Details here. |
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Hong Kong committed to implementing BEPS 2.0
Hong Kong is fully committed to implementing BEPS 2.0 in accordance with international consensus and will continue to build on its inherent advantages, including the low tax rate and the simple, fair and transparent features of tax regime, as well as a clean and efficient administration and a pool of world-class tax professionals. Speaking at the 2021 Hong Kong Chartered Tax Adviser Conference – Post-BEPS 2.0 Era: Ways for Hong Kong to Excel Under the New Normal and After the Pandemic on 3 December, the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said that the name of the game is not so much on the additional tax liability that may come from BEPS 2.0, but rather the additional business opportunities that Hong Kong can bring to investors. He stressed that while the various preferential tax regimes that Hong Kong has put in place will lose some momentum as a result of BEPS 2.0, they will continue to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). When adapting BEPS 2.0 rules into domestic regulations, the Government will be mindful of the importance of not compromising the simplicity of the tax system, and not to affect SMEs. The Government is confident that Hong Kong will remain the most desirable location for setting up headquarters and regional offices. Mr Chan added that Hong Kong’s growing economic ties with the Mainland, and the far-reaching opportunities presented by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Greater Bay Area), should make all the difference – today, tomorrow and long down the taxing road.
Details here. |
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HKEX Green Asia Summit 2021 – Path to Net Zero
The Chief Executive of HKSAR, Mrs Carrie Lam, attended the HKEX Green Asia Summit 2021 – Path to Net Zero on 9 December. Mrs Lam shared with the audience Hong Kong’s strong sustainability commitments and efforts in enhancing its status as a green and sustainable finance hub in the region. She said that the Hong Kong Climate Action Plan 2050 sets out a series of proactive strategies and measures, and pursues more vigorous interim decarbonisation targets to reduce Hong Kong’s carbon emissions by 50 per cent before 2035 as compared to the 2005 level. As an international financial centre with a large financial market and world-class regulatory framework, Hong Kong is well positioned to provide the necessary infrastructure and connect the flow of green and sustainable funds to promote a green economy. Over the years, the Government, together with the financial regulators, has continued to develop green and sustainable finance to boost investments conducive to reducing carbon emissions. Mrs Lam also highlighted that talent and professionals in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) are key to the success of building a green and more sustainable future. She announced in her Policy Address recently to add the “professionals in ESG” to the Talent List to attract more talent in this respect outside Hong Kong.
Details here. |
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Youth internship programmes assisted fresh graduates to enter creative industries and other sectors
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, met with over 30 participating employers and interns of the Future International Talent (FIT) programme on 10 December to learn about their work arrangements and experiences. Launched by the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) earlier this year in collaboration with 14 international chambers of commerce in Hong Kong, the FIT programme supported member companies of the chambers to create full-time entry-level job opportunities for young people. So far around 170 interns have been employed and around 80 per cent of the vacancies created by FIT are in the creative industries, providing suitable job opportunities for young people. Other than the FIT programme, CEDB is also taking forward the Telecommunications Opportunities Programme with telecommunications-related companies and created about 200 job vacancies through the network of the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, offering young people working and training opportunities in the vibrant telecommunications sector in the 5G era.
Details here. |
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SFST visited Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute for knowledge exchange on financial technology development
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, visited the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) on 29 December for exchanging views on how financial technology (fintech) can drive the growth of financial services, following his chairmanship of the first meeting of the Coordination Group on Implementation of Fintech Initiatives. Mr Hui noted that ASTRI’s strategic initiatives include university collaboration, partnerships with top local universities to harness knowledge and nurture talent; fintech talent nurturing through organising the internship programme, namely the FinTech Future Leader Academy that allows students to understand fintech business through hands-on experience; and FinTech Ecosystem Alliance, a new initiative that aims at strengthening a fintech ecosystem in Hong Kong through an alliance with various stakeholders for collaborations. The two parties discussed how Hong Kong can make the best use of fintech to enhance its status as an international financial centre, and how to drive the digital economy of the future through fintech innovations.
Details here. |
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Appointment of Hong Kong, China’s Representative to Business Advisory Council announced
The Government announced on 28 December that the Chief Executive has re-appointed Ms Marjorie Yang, Chairman of Esquel Group, as Hong Kong, China’s Representative to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council (ABAC), for a term of two years commencing 1 January 2022. ABAC was established in 1996 as a permanent business advisory body to provide advice to APEC on business sector priorities. Hong Kong, China, has appointed three Representatives and two Alternate Representatives to ABAC. “I am very grateful to Ms Yang for continuing to represent Hong Kong, China, in ABAC. I am sure that her wealth of business experience will inject further impetus into the work of ABAC,” the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, said.
Details here. |
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The Chief Executive welcomed publication of white paper on “Hong Kong: Democratic Progress Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems”
The Chief Executive of HKSAR, Mrs Carrie Lam, issued a statement on 20 December in response to the publication of the white paper on “Hong Kong: Democratic Progress Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems” by the State Council Information Office. Mrs Lam welcomes the publication of the white paper, which points out that the Central Government has been supporting democratic development in the HKSAR in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law since Hong Kong’s return to the Motherland. Mrs Lam also noted that the publication of the white paper has provided strong justifications for the work done by the Central Government and HKSAR Government to improve the HKSAR’s electoral system in order to implement the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”. The HKSAR is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China and has been integrated into the national governance system since its return to the Motherland. The democratic development of the HKSAR must conform to the constitutional order as enshrined in the Constitution and the Basic Law and adhere to the principle of “One Country, Two Systems”, while taking account of the actual situation of Hong Kong.
Details here. |
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HKSAR Government strongly refuted joint statement by four foreign ministers and US Secretary of State
In response to the joint statement on the LegCo General Election held in Hong Kong made by the foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States Secretary of State, a spokesman for the Government of HKSAR on 21 December strongly opposed to the five countries’ attempt to smear against the 2021 LegCo General Election of Hong Kong by making up allegations contrary to facts and without basis. The 2021 LegCo General Election was held successfully after the improvement to the electoral system, which fully implements the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, ensuring that members of the LegCo are patriotic, love Hong Kong and act in the interests of the country’s development and the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. The spokesman stressed that with the support of the Central Government and the safeguards of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the improved electoral system, Hong Kong’s democratic development will progress in a lawful and orderly manner in accordance with the Basic Law.
Details here. |
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Updates on Hong Kong’s anti-epidemic measures
- The Government announced that it would maintain most existing social distancing measures for 14 days till 5 January 2022.
- Prohibition on group gatherings of more than four persons in public places to continue.
- Mandatory mask-wearing requirement to continue.
- All catering business premises, except for bars or pubs which are subject to other requirements, must operate according to one of the operating modes among Types B, C and D Mode of Operation.
- Customers or users of all catering business premises and scheduled premises must use the LeaveHomeSafe (LHS) mobile application before entering the premises.
- In view of the latest global developments of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the Government announced that New Zealand has been specified as a Group A specified place from 21 December. Non-Hong Kong residents who have stayed there within 21 days are not allowed to enter Hong Kong. Hong Kong residents can only board a flight for Hong Kong if they have been fully vaccinated and hold a recognised vaccination record. They have to undergo compulsory quarantine in a designated quarantine hotel for 21 days upon return to Hong Kong, with six tests to be conducted during quarantine, followed by compulsory testing in a community testing centre on the 26th day of arrival at Hong Kong. Details on the relevant boarding and compulsory quarantine requirements for respective specified places can be found here.
- From 21 December, Hong Kong residents who have stayed in Group A specified places with enhanced surveillance within 21 days are required to undergo compulsory quarantine at Penny’s Bay Quarantine Centre for the first four days upon arrival at Hong Kong, during which they have to receive daily tests and their health conditions will be monitored by healthcare professionals. On the fifth day of arrival at Hong Kong, they will be transferred by designated transport to finish the remaining 17 days of compulsory quarantine at the designated quarantine hotels which they have reserved before coming to Hong Kong.
- From 24 December, all passengers who board a flight for Hong Kong (including passengers transferring or transiting in Hong Kong) should present at boarding a negative result proof of a polymerase chain reaction test for COVID-19 with specimen collected within 48 hours before the scheduled time of departure.
- The “Hong Kong Health Code” system has been opened from 10 December. Members of the public can register a real-name account on the ”Hong Kong Health Code” website. The system facilitates quarantine-free travel between Guangdong, Macao and Hong Kong. The Government opened the “Hong Kong Health Code” system in advance for registration to allow members of the public to familiarise themselves with its functions earlier, including the procedures to upload visit records through the LHS mobile app to apply for a “Hong Kong Health Code”, with a view to facilitating a smoother operation when quarantine-free travel with the Mainland and Macao officially resumes.
- The latest List of Places of Issuance of Recognised Vaccination Records can be found here.
Read more at the Fight Against COVID-19 website. |
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Director of HKETO attended Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Australia) Association Post Annual General Meeting Dinner cum HK4Us Gathering
The Director of HKETO Sydney, Miss Trista Lim, attended the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Australia) Association Post Annual General Meeting Dinner cum HK4Us Gathering on 2 December. Speaking to some 100 alumni from four renowned universities in Hong Kong, Miss Lim stressed that the alumni associations have been important partners of HKETO and the Office will continue to maintain close relationship with the alumni associations and connect with the Hong Kong community. Miss Lim also shared with the participants that next year will be the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the HKSAR and a series of celebration activities, including receptions, seminars and performances, will be organised. |
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Director of HKETO attended Business Awards Event of New South Wales Chapter, HKABA
The Director of HKETO, Miss Trista Lim, attended the Business Awards Event organised by the New South Wales Chapter of the Hong Kong Australia Business Association on 2 December. Miss Lim gave the audience an update on the latest development of Hong Kong by highlighting various top international rankings on business and trade Hong Kong has achieved. She pointed out that with the National Security Law and improvements to the electoral system, Hong Kong is back on the right track of “One Country, Two Systems” and it will continue to be a prime partner in exploring benefits arising from the continuing development of the Mainland and its deepening integration with the Asian region, notably the 14th Five-Year Plan of the Central Government and the Greater Bay Area development. Miss Lim also shared that Hong Kong is very excited about the entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in January next year and is actively striving for early accession to this largest Free Trade Agreement in the world. |
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Hong Kong Movie Night – Anita
HKETO organised the Hong Kong Movie Night - Anita on 9 December. Around 110 people from the Hong Kong community in Sydney attended the screening event to watch the blockbuster biopic of the late queen of Canto-pop Anita Mui. In her welcoming speech, the Director of HKETO, Miss Trista Lim, said that the Movie Night was the first event organised by HKETO after Sydney has emerged from lockdown. She stressed that connecting with the Hong Kong community and promoting the arts and culture of Hong Kong have all along been the key areas of work of HKETO and the Hong Kong Government also spares no effort to promote the development of Hong Kong film industry, including nurturing budding directors and scriptwriting talents through the Film Development Fund. |
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Director of HKETO virtually attended the Greater Bay Area event organised by the Western Australia Chapter, Hong Kong Australia Business Association
The Director of HKETO, Miss Trista Lim, virtually attended the Greater Bay Area event organised by the Western Australia Chapter of the Hong Kong Australia Business Association on 14 December. Citing the Chief Executive’s 2021 Policy Address, Miss Lim shared with the participants that Hong Kong would grasp the myriad opportunities in the Greater Bay Area, notably the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Co-operation Zone and the introduction of the long-awaited Southbound Trading under Bond Connect and the Greater Bay Area Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect scheme. Hong Kong will strive to help businesses grasp the tremendous opportunities arising from the development of Mainland China as well as its integration with the region and the global market. |
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Director of HKETO virtually attended the Christmas Party and HK Festival Business Seminar organised by the Hong Kong New Zealand Business Association
The Director of HKETO, Miss Trista Lim, virtually attended the Christmas Party and HK Festival Business Seminar organised by the Hong Kong New Zealand Business Association on 14 December. Miss Lim gave the participants an update on the latest development of Hong Kong by highlighting various achievements Hong Kong gained on business and trade, which affirmed Hong Kong’s position as one of the most competitive economies in the world. Miss Lim said that under various national development plans including the 14th Five-Year Plan of the Central Government and the Greater Bay Area development, there are unlimited opportunities lying ahead for businesses to tap. |
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Deputy Director of HKETO attended the Christmas Lunch organised by the New South Wales Chapter, Hong Kong Australia Business Association
The Deputy Director of HKETO, Mr Henry Mak, attended the Christmas Lunch organised by the New South Wales Chapter of the Hong Kong Australia Business Association on 16 December. Stressing that Hong Kong will continue to be the prime partner for businesses, Mr Mak shared with participants the unlimited opportunities and support for Hong Kong from the Central Government under various national development plans including the 14th Five-Year Plan and the Greater Bay Area development. Mr Mak also highlighted the bright future of Hong Kong as outlined by the Chief Executive in her 2021 Policy Address. Mr Mak looked forward to celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the HKSAR with interlocutors in Australia next year. |
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Asian Financial Forum (Hong Kong and Online)
To be held from 10 to 11 January 2022, the Asian Financial Forum (AFF) is Asia’s premier platform for global leaders in government, finance and business to exchange insights and intelligence, as well as to explore business and investment opportunities. As a part of the forum, the Deal Flow Matchmaking Session connects sources of funds with sources of deals from around the world via one-to-one meetings. In addition, the Fintech Showcase, FintechHK Startup Salon and InnoVenture Salon in the AFF feature a plethora of financial innovations, cutting-edge solutions and game-changing business ideas to facilitate business collaboration and empower entrepreneurs and startups.
More details here. |
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“Recovery, Resilience, Resurgence - Thirty Years of Hong Kong Photographs, 1940s – 1970s” Exhibition (Hong Kong)
From now to 6 March 2022, the exhibition’s photos show Hong Kong during consecutive periods, as it was seen around the middle of the last century. The images span some thirty years of great change: from the post-war recovery in 1946 – 1947, through the resilience of the 1950s, to the resurgence of the 1960s – 1970s. The photos were taken by three photographers, namely Hedda Morrison, Lee Fook Chee and Brian Brake. Each had markedly different life backgrounds and photographic objectives and recorded Hong Kong during its modern and crucible decades in their own way.
More details here. |
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