CE mourns I M Pei

May 17, 2019 – Chief Executive Carrie Lam (May 17) expressed deep sorrow over the passing of renowned Chinese American architect I M Pei. Noting that Pei lived in Hong Kong for a period of time when he was young, Mrs Lam said that his works are widely known to those in Hong Kong, including the iconic Bank of China Tower in Central, which has become the landmark of the city and the pride of the Hong Kong people. Details here.

Economy grows modestly in Q1

May 17, 2019 – Hong Kong’s economy expanded modestly by 0.6% in the first quarter from a year earlier, the Government said (May 17), as it was affected by a slowdown in exports and investments amid Sino-US trade tensions. The first quarter’s pace compares with an annual expansion of 1.2% in the previous quarter, and was slightly higher than its advance estimate of 0.5% growth. The Government will leave unchanged its full-year GDP growth forecast of 2% to 3% as announced in the Budget. Details here.

Hong Kong, Guangdong team up on tech and services

May 16, 2019 – Chief Executive Carrie Lam and Guangdong Governor Ma Xingrui co-chaired the 21st Plenary of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Co-operation Joint Conference in Guangzhou (May 16). At the meeting, both sides reached consensus on a range of areas of co-operation, and signed an agreement on the work plan for the coming year which covers nine areas including cross-boundary infrastructure development and clearance facilitation; jointly developing an international innovation and technology hub; fostering co-operation in modern service industries; internationalised business environment; as well as taking forward the development of key co-operation platforms and arrangement of a mechanism. Details here.

HK-ASEAN pact to take effect

May 16, 2019 – The Investment Agreement between Hong Kong and five Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states, namely Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, will enter into force on June 17. Meanwhile, the Free Trade Agreement with Laos and Vietnam under ASEAN framework will enter into force on June 11. Details here.

March goods exports slip 3%

May 16, 2019 – The volume of Hong Kong’s total goods exports dropped 3% year-on-year in March, the Census & Statistics Department announced (May 16). Comparing the first quarter of 2019 with the same period last year, the volume of goods exports fell 4.2%, while that of goods imports dropped 5%. Details here.

Bill withdrawal impossible: CE

May 16, 2019 – Chief Executive Carrie Lam (May 16) reiterated the purpose of the Fugitive Offenders & Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019 is to remove the loopholes in the existing mechanism for surrendering fugitive offenders. She added that it is not possible to withdraw the bill as the work to mend such insufficiencies in the current mechanism is not complete. Details here.

Hong Kong launches Laureate Forum

May 14, 2019 – The first Hong Kong Laureate Forum, a platform built on the basis of the Shaw Prize to inspire young scientists from around the world, was launched on May 14. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Chief Executive Carrie Lam said promoting science and technology education in schools at every level could ensure Hong Kong maintain a sustainable flow of talent to capture the promise of innovation and technology. The inaugural Forum will be held in November 2021 in Hong Kong and applications to attend the Forum are expected to start in 2020. Details here.

CE urges respect in bill scrutiny

May 14, 2019 – Chief Executive Carrie Lam (May 14) called on lawmakers to respect each other and fulfill their duties to vet the proposed changes to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, adding that the Government will proactively listen to legislators' views during their scrutiny of the bill at LegCo. Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung said that the door is always open to any political party to exchange views on the bill. The Government will consider adopting those constructive ideas which can clarify the concerns about the bill.

CE urges respect in bill scrutiny

Transcript of remarks by CS and S for S (with video)

Rational discussions on extradition laws urged

May 11, 2019 – The Government called on Legislative Council members to adopt a rational approach and resolve differences of opinion over the Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019 (May 11). The Government urged lawmakers to resume rational discussions with mutual respect for each other so as to enable the legislature to restore its normal operation and scrutinize legislative proposals in a pragmatic manner. Details here.

Exporters backed amid tariff hike

May 10, 2019 – Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau said (May 10) additional credit insurance measures will be extended until 2020 to support Hong Kong exporters amid the Sino-US trade dispute. He added that the general feedback from Hong Kong’s small and medium size enterprises remain calm partly because they have been preparing for the uncertainties. Meanwhile, Hong Kong will expand new market and enter new FTAs with trading partners. Details here.

E-info required for mail to US

May 10, 2019 – Starting June 1, all mail items except small and large letters to be sent to United States must have electronic customs information submitted in English at the time of posting, Hongkong Post announced (May 10). The electronic customs data can be provided using Hongkong Post's online platform or its mobile app Easy PreCustoms. Details here.

Enhancing Hong Kong-Texas Ties

May 9, 2019 - Eddie Mak, Hong Kong Commissioner to the United States, met with Congressman Bill Flores (R-TX) to discuss developments in Hong Kong as well as to identify potential areas of collaboration between Hong Kong and Texas, particularly in new economy sectors such as innovation and technology.

More virtual banking licenses issued

May 9, 2019 – The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued four more virtual banking licenses to Ant SME Services, Infinium, Insight Fintech HK and Ping An OneConnect, which take effect May 9. Chief Executive of HKMA Norman Chan said the launch of virtual banks in Hong Kong, a key component of the Smart Banking Initiatives, will facilitate financial innovation, enhanced customer experience and financial inclusion. The HKMA is working closely with the eight virtual bank licensees to prepare for the launch of their business operations in around six to nine months. Details here.

Hong Kong – ASEAN trade pact to take effect

May 9, 2019 – The commitments made under the Free Trade Agreement between Hong Kong and the three Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states, namely Myanmar, Singapore and Thailand, will come into effect on June 11. Upon implementation, Singapore will commit to binding all its customs duties at zero, while Myanmar and Thailand will progressively eliminate and reduce their customs duties on goods originating from Hong Kong. To enjoy the preferential tariff treatment for exporting Hong Kong goods to these three places, Hong Kong traders need to comply with the relevant preferential rules of origin and requirements. On trade in services, Hong Kong service providers will enjoy better business opportunities and legal certainty in market access for a comprehensive range of services sectors. The agreement’s dates of entry into force for the remaining seven ASEAN member states will be announced as soon as they are confirmed. Details here.

Applications for next generation travel documents to start

May 9, 2019 – Applications for Next Generation Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Electronic Passport (e-Passport) and Electronic Document of Identity for Visa Purposes (e-Doc/I) will be accepted effective May 14. The new travel documents will be produced in compliance with the standard of the International Civil Aviation Organization, with the holder’s personal data and facial image stored in digital form in the contactless chip embedded in the back cover of the documents, along with enhanced security features. The time required for processing such applications will also be shortened from 10 to five working days. Details here.

Boundless opportunities for European business

May 9, 2019 – Financial Secretary Paul Chan encouraged European businesses to harness the boundless opportunities in the Greater Bay Area and under the Belt and Road Initiative. Speaking at the Europe Day Reception (May 9), Mr Chan highlighted the strong trade ties between Hong Kong and the EU, with merchandise trade totaling €77 billion (US$86.5 billion). This makes the EU, as a single entity, the largest trading partner for the city. Details here.

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