Tighter quarantine measures set |
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Starting Aug 20, in view of the latest global COVID-19 epidemic situation, quarantine requirements for people arriving from 16 overseas places, including the US, will be tightened. The US will be classified under Group A (high risk places). Only fully vaccinated Hong Kong residents will be allowed to board flights for Hong Kong from the US. Prior to boarding, the traveler must provide a vaccination record; a negative result proof of a polymerase chain reaction-based nucleic acid test for COVID-19, conducted within 72 hours before the scheduled time of flight departure; and confirmation of room reservation for 21 days in a designated quarantine hotel. Under this latest arrangement, non-Hong Kong residents from the US will not be allowed to enter the city.
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2nd quarter economy grows 7.6% |
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Hong Kong’s economy remains on track for recovery, with GDP growing notably by 7.6% in the second quarter year-on-year due to the improving global economic conditions and the receding local epidemic. Total goods exports grew robustly by 20.2% as a strong revival of import demand in major economies and vibrant production activity in the region supported Hong Kong’s export performance. The underlying Composite Consumer Price Index rose modestly by 0.3% year-on-year while the labor market showed improvement as economic activity continued to recover. Hong Kong’s economy should stay on the path to recovery for the rest of 2021. However, the COVID-19 pandemic remains a key source of uncertainty with the more infectious Delta variant posing a threat to the global economy. Real GDP growth forecast for 2021 as a whole is revised upwards to 5.5% to 6.5% from 3.5% to 5.5% as announced in May, while underlying and headline consumer price inflation forecasts for this year are 1% and 1.6%.
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ADMINISTRATION & CIVIC AFFAIRS |
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Mid-year population at 7.39 million |
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Hong Kong’s mid-year population was 7,394,700, down 1.2% year-on-year. There were 38,500 births and 50,400 deaths, resulting in a natural population decrease of 11,800. There was also an inflow of 13,900 one-way permit holders and a net outflow of 89,200 other Hong Kong residents, resulting in a net movement of 75,300 people. Population inflow had been interrupted by the flight boarding restrictions imposed on arrivals from certain places from time to time in the first half of 2021 due to the COVID-19 situation. Residents who had left Hong Kong before the pandemic may have chosen to remain outside the city or could not return due to flight unavailability. All these might have contributed to the net outflow of Hong Kong residents during the period. Net movement, which includes the movement of residents into and out of Hong Kong for various purposes including work and study, is conceptually different from immigration and emigration. The number of usual residents in the city was 7,330,500, while that of mobile residents was 64,200.
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Hong Kong films screening at NYAFF |
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Hong Kong films continue to be featured prominently in the second and final week of New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF). This year, the festival organizer presented the “Variety Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award” to legendary Hong Kong New Wave director Ann Hui. Two of her films “Boat People” and “The Story of Woo Viet” will have back-to-back in-theater screening during the closing weekend (Aug 22) of the festival. Other Hong Kong films that will be screened in-theatre includes Fruit Chan’s “Coffin Home” (Aug 20) and Jimmy Wan’s directorial debut “Zero to Hero” (Aug 21). The dark psychological thriller “Shadows” can be seen virtually. Information and ticket details can be found here.
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HKCO celebrates start of autumn |
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The Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra celebrates the arrival of the fall season with a new music video, Autumn Silhouette. According to the Chinese lunar calendar, Aug 7 this year marks the beginning of autumn, signifying the transition from the Yang (the sun / active / masculine) into the Yin (the moon / passive / feminine). It is also a time for nourishment and preparation for harvest. Enjoy this contemporary interpretation of the arrival of autumn and the dynamic interaction of robotics and traditional Chinese music instruments.
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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: Does the HKSAR enjoy executive, legislative and independent judicial powers?
A: Yes. The National People’s Congress authorizes the HKSAR to exercise a high degree of autonomy and enjoy executive, legislative and independent judicial powers, including that of final adjudication. The Chief Executive heads the HKSAR and the Government of the HKSAR. The Executive Council, consisting of members appointed by the Chief Executive, assists the Chief Executive in policy making. The legislature, which is constituted by election, enacts legislation, while the judiciary exercises judicial power independently free from interference. (BL Articles 2; 16; 17; 19; 43; 54; 55; 66; 68; 73; 85)
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