Hong Kong once again ranked as world’s freest economy |
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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government welcomed (Sep 10) the Fraser Institute’s ranking of Hong Kong as the world’s freest economy in the Economic Freedom of the World 2020 Annual Report, saying that this is an unambiguous recognition of the city’s long-standing and steadfast commitment to building a free economy with a level playing field. Hong Kong has held the top rank since the inception of the report. Among the five areas of assessment, Hong Kong ranked first in “Freedom to Trade Internationally” and “Regulation”.
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Secretary shares insight on global trade in webinar |
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Noting the unprecedented challenges posed to free and unimpeded trade in the last couple of years aside from the COVID-19 pandemic, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau stressed that free trade is the solution to bring back the economic momentum. Speaking at the webinar “Global trade in transition? The world after COVID-19” (Sep 9) organized by The Economist Events, Mr Yau called for the removal of trade barriers and greater collaboration to fight against the pandemic, the common enemy of all. He also said that Hong Kong remains committed to free trade and will continue to strengthen free and open alliances with trading partners through the signing of high-standard free trade agreements and active participation in regional trade cooperation.
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Citywide COVID-19 testing program successfully concluded |
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The 14-day Universal Community Testing Program (UCTP) concluded successfully on Sep 14, with over 1.7 million citizens being tested under the free voluntary program since its Sep 1 launch. Although the UCTP had come to an end, the HKSAR Government would continue to extend and conduct repeated testing for target groups or vulnerable groups, and would not relax its anti-epidemic efforts. Although the epidemic situation in Hong Kong has subsided, there are still asymptomatic COVID-19 patients in the community, the HKSAR Government noted. The public should stay vigilant and comply with Government's anti-epidemic directives to facilitate gradual resumption of normal daily lives and economic activities.
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Free distribution of CuMask+™ to eligible residents |
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The HKSAR Government will distribute for free the second adult-sized CuMask+™ to eligible citizens starting Sep 14. Upon completion of the second round of delivery from Hongkong Post, citizens who have not collected the CuMask+™ may collect it at the designated collection points in person or authorize others to do so on their behalf starting early October. Details and the exact date will be announced later. The CuMask+™ was developed by the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel and had undergone testing by an internationally accredited laboratory, which confirms that the mask complies with the American Society for Testing and Materials F2100 Level 1 standard. It is reusable for up to 60 times.
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ADMINISTRATION & PUBLIC SERVICES |
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Government to resume normal public services |
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In view of the stabilizing epidemic situation, the government departments of the HKSAR will fully resume normal public services from Sep 15 subject to the implementation of targeted measures to reduce social contact and the application of infection control measures. The Government appeals for the understanding for possible longer wait time for public services and the processing of applications. The public is urged to continue to use alternative means, such as the post, drop-in boxes or online channels, to receive the services they need.
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Resumption of postal service to US |
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Hongkong Post announced that all postal services, except air parcel service, to the United States will resume from Sep 14 as airlines gradually scale up their air traffic capacity and postal administrations abroad have resumed acceptance of overseas mail. Notwithstanding this, local postal operations are still under the influence of the pandemic and delays in mail delivery are expected. The service types currently available for overseas destinations can be found on the web page of Hongkong Post.
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Applications open for young scientists to join Hong Kong Laureate Forum |
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Application is currently open for 200 outstanding young scientists to join the inaugural Hong Kong Laureate Forum, which will take place in Hong Kong on Nov 15 – 20, 2021. During the Forum, the selected scientists will interact with Shaw Laureates and distinguished scientists, sharing their views, experience and aspirations in various scientific fields. The application is open to undergraduates, postgraduates and PhD graduates who are aged 35 or below and studying or conducting research in Astronomy, Life Science and Medicine, Mathematical Sciences or other closely related subjects. Over 20 Shaw Laureates, including Nobel Laureates and a Fields Medalist, have agreed in principle to attend the Forum.
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Hong Kong International Airport receives global health accreditation |
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Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has been accredited under the Airport Health Accreditation program of the Airports Council International. It recognizes the airport’s high standard in upholding health and safety in its operations. HKIA is among the first Asia Pacific airports to be accredited by the program, which was established to help airports around the globe introduce new hygiene measures in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past few months, the Airport Authority of Hong Kong has been implementing a host of enhanced health measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic at HKIA. They include the deployment of the latest disinfection technologies, and installation of e-security gates equipped with facial recognition technology to support touchless security processing.
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Environmental Protection Department wins international tech award |
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The Environmental Protection Department of the HKSAR Government has been awarded the Special Achievement in Geographical Information System Award 2020 by the Environmental Systems Research Institute. The award recognizes the department’s positive application of Geographical Information System (GIS) technology with innovative ideas to provide better services for the public. They include a GIS-based Pollution Tracking Platform that conducts real-time spatial analyses for tracking pollution sources; the addition to a District Environment Dashboard and the Environmental Management Geodatabase Platform to further enhance the effectiveness of analyses and management of a district's environment; and the Flytipping Spotter App to facilitate case referrals in handling abandoned construction waste.
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“Bruce Lee: Kung Fu · Art · Life” exhibition extended to 2026 |
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The “Bruce Lee: Kung Fu · Art · Life” exhibition currently showcased at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum will be revamped and the show period will be extended until 2026. Following mutual consent this year between the Museum and the Bruce Lee Foundation in the US, the exhibition period will be extended to Dec 31 with the revamp taking place subsequently. The revamped exhibition includes a redesign of the gallery, a renewal of exhibits, and the introduction of a multimedia experience and other display items, offering visitors a refreshing and diverse experience. Since its opening in 2013, the exhibition has enjoyed continuous popularity, attracting a total attendance of about 3.7 million.
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Hong Kong and its Basic Law |
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The Basic Law (BL) is the constitutional document of the HKSAR. Put into effect on July 1, 1997, it enshrines within a legal document the important concept of “One Country, Two Systems”.
Q: Have the laws previously in force in Hong Kong been maintained?
A: The Basic Law provides that laws previously in force in Hong Kong, that is, the common law, rules of equity, ordinances, subordinate legislation and customary law, shall be maintained and adopted as laws of the HKSAR, except for any that contravenes the Basic Law, and subject to any amendment by the HKSAR legislature. (BL Articles 8; 18; 160)
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