June 9 - 15, 2020
ADMINISTRATION & CIVIC AFFAIRS
Support for national security law urged
Chief Executive Carrie Lam reiterated (Jun 15) that the national security legislation will only target an extremely small minority of illegal and criminal acts and activities, while the life and property, basic rights and freedoms of the overwhelming majority of Hong Kong citizens will be protected. Pointing out that the Hong Kong community had been traumatized in the past year by protests and violence, Mrs Lam said the legislation will restore stability in the city. She appealed for the public’s understanding and support to put in place national security legislation in the city.
Government firmly opposes UK report
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government firmly opposed (Jun 12) the Six-monthly Report on Hong Kong issued by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office The HKSAR Government reiterated its firm commitment to the implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle in accordance with the Basic Law. It expressed deep regret about the report’s inaccurate and biased remarks on the national security law and the high degree of autonomy enjoyed by the HKSAR.
National Anthem ordinance takes effect
The National Anthem Ordinance passed by the Legislative Council in accordance with Article 48(3) of the Basic Law went into effect on Jun 12. The Ordinance provides guidance on the standard, etiquette and occasions for playing and singing the national anthem. The ordinance signified the fulfilment of the constitutional responsibility of the HKSAR and reflected the spirit of “one country, two systems,” said Chief Executive Carrie Lam.
LegCo election set for Sep 6
The next Legislative Council (LegCo) election will be held on Sep 6 and the nomination period is scheduled for Jul 18-31. To ensure all candidates compete fairly, Jul 18 will be the last day for LegCo’s meeting.
FINANCE
Government invests in Cathay Pacific Airways
The HKSAR Government will invest in Cathay Pacific Airways to protect Hong Kong’s role as a leading international aviation hub in the region as well as the city’s long term economic development, said Financial Secretary Paul Chan (Jun 9). The Government will invest about US$3.5 billion in the airline to help it overcome its present challenge. "The Government's investment signifies our determination in upholding our international aviation hub status, and in preserving the necessary conditions and providing impetus to the much-needed post-COVID-19 revival of the economy in Hong Kong," said Mr Chan.
Financial services a key sector: CE
Hong Kong should transform into a more prominent offshore RMB center and private wealth management hub as the city enhances its status as an international financial center , said Chief Executive Carrie Lam (Jun 9). She also proposes to promote greater connectivity between the Hong Kong financial markets and the Mainland financial market.
Re-appointment of Ashley Alder as IOSCO Board Chair welcomed
Financial Secretary Paul Chan welcomed (Jun 10) the re-appointment of Ashley Alder as Chair of the Board of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) for a third term. Mr Chan said that the re-appointment of Alder, the Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Futures Commission, reaffirms Hong Kong’s position as a premier international financial center as well as a key player on the global scene. The IOSCO is the leading international policy forum for securities regulators, with membership covering more than 95% of the world’s securities markets in more than 115 jurisdictions. Mr Alder has been Chair of the IOSCO Board since May 2016.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Vision of Trade Routes: Hong Kong and the Americas
The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown the global economy in shock, and affected trade routes between Hong Kong and the Americas. Join Anna Fan, Director, New York at Hong Kong Trade Development Council and other leading international supply-chain experts in a webinar on Jun 18 at 9:30 AM (EDT) for their insights into managing changes after COVID-19 and how building stronger links can be beneficial for building resilience and efficiency. Register here .
BASIC LAW
Hong Kong and its Basic Law
The Basic Law (BL) is the constitutional document of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Put into effect on July 1, 1997, it enshrines within a legal document the important concept of “One Country, Two Systems”. 

Q: Is Hong Kong a free port and a separate customs territory?
A: The HKSAR is a separate customs territory. The HKSAR, using the name “Hong Kong, China”, is a member in its own right of the World Trade Organization and the World Customs Organization. Ships of all nations enjoy access to the ports of the HKSAR, which is a free port, in accordance with the laws of the Region. Export quotas, tariff preferences and other similar arrangements, which are obtained or made by the HKSAR or which were obtained or made and remain valid, shall be enjoyed exclusively by Hong Kong. ( BL Articles 114; 116; 126 )
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