Building double barriers against COVID-19 |
|
Noting that the COVID-19 pandemic situation has remained stable in Hong Kong, Chief Executive Carrie Lam reiterated the need to build double barriers through enhancing preventive measures against importation of cases and keeping up vaccination efforts to strengthen the community’s defense against the virus. In the face of the volatile global epidemic situation, Mrs Lam said the government has to make timely response, which may inevitably bring inconvenience to Hong Kong residents and appealed for the public’s understanding on this. “I hope that with the support of members of the public, we can build a vaccine barrier as soon as possible to allow our lives to resume normal,” she said.
|
|
|
Global efforts to combat COVID-19 |
|
Attending the 11th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) High-Level Meeting on Health & the Economy via video conferencing (Aug 24), Secretary for Food & Health Professor Sophia Chan shared her views on the supply chain resilience of COVID-19 vaccines, noting that vaccination is one of the keys to ending the pandemic in the global community. She said Hong Kong will continue to support and participate in the joint effort of ensuring sustainable and equitable access to safe and affordable COVID-19 vaccines, as well as addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, in order to promote extensive immunization against COVID-19 as a global public good. To date (Aug 30), more than 7.5 million doses of vaccines have been administered to the public in Hong Kong, with more than 3.4 million people fully vaccinated.
|
|
|
“Global Talent Attraction” portal launched |
|
What are the most sought-after professions in Hong Kong? Check out the one-stop web portal “Global Talent Attraction”, which provides the latest information on the most sought-after professions in Hong Kong to support the city’s development as a high value-added and diversified economy. They include data scientists, cyber-security specialists, fintech professionals, and innovation & technology experts, to name a few. The new portal also provides information on living and working in Hong Kong, the startup ecosystem in the city, and services provided by Invest Hong Kong for those interested in making a career in Hong Kong.
|
|
|
Advancing I&T development |
|
During her visit to two research centers at Hong Kong Science Park (Aug 26), Chief Executive Carrie Lam highlighted the eight-pronged approach to develop innovation and technology (I&T) in Hong Kong, adding that it is encouraging to see the relevant research centers commencing operation progressively with a large pool of young scientists, a testimony to the gradual realization of the vision of Hong Kong to advance I&T development. Currently, 25 research centers that have been selected to set up a presence at the Science Park have already completed laboratory renovation works and have begun operation progressively. Two other research centers are expected to start operation later this year.
|
|
|
Hong Kong-Shanghai co-operation |
|
Hong Kong and Shanghai reached consensus on 13 co-operation areas, including expansion in the Mainland domestic market and the Belt & Road Initiative, cultural and creative industries, innovation and technology (I&T) and finance during the fifth Plenary Session of the Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Conference, held via video conferencing (Aug 30) and co-chaired by Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam and Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng. Noting the close and diversified relationship between the two cities, Mrs Lam said both places should strive for broader, closer and deeper co-operation, with a view to serving the country’s needs and contributing to the country’s development during the 14th Five-Year period.
|
|
|
Waste charging bill passed |
|
The Waste Disposal (Charging for Municipal Solid Waste) (Amendment) Bill 2018 has been passed by the Legislative Council (Aug 26), signaling a milestone in Hong Kong’s waste management. Municipal solid waste charging is a common economic means adopted internationally to motivate the public to reduce waste and a driving force that fuels the downstream recycling industry. It also advances the vision set out in the Waste Blueprint for Hong Kong 2035 and forms an integral part of the development of a circular economy in the city. Resources will be provided to strengthen recycling support in the community, to launch an education and publicity campaign, to support different sectors through outreach services and to take enforcement action to back the scheme.
|
|
|
Hong Kong athlete wins Paralympic bronze |
|
Table tennis player Wong Ting-ting won a bronze medal in the women’s singles event at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Congratulating Wong for winning the first medal for Hong Kong at the Tokyo Paralympics, Chief Executive Carrie Lam said with Wong’s strong will and exceptional talent, she will reach new heights of sporting glory. At this year’s Paralympics, running from Aug 24 to Sep 5, a total of 24 Hong Kong athletes will compete in eight sports, including archery, athletics, badminton, boccia, equestrian, swimming and wheelchair fencing. Photo credit: Hong Kong Paralympic Committee & Sports Association for the Physically Disabled
|
|
|
Hong Kong to co-host National Games |
|
Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau will jointly host the 15th National Games in 2025. Welcoming the announcement, Chief Executive Carrie Lam said this is a significant move that will promote Hong Kong’s sports development, after the city achieved its best results in history at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. She added that the three places jointly hosting the National Games is very meaningful and in line with the goal of building a bay area for leisure and shaping a healthy bay area as presented in the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
|
|
|
Hong Kong films to screen in Chicago |
|
Supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York, seven newly released Hong Kong movies will be featured at the upcoming season (Sep 15 – Oct 12) of Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC). The online or drive-in screenings include the world premiere of heart-warming comedy “The Dishwasher Squad”, and the US premiere of “Just 1 Day”, the directorial debut of Hong Kong writer-and-lyricist Erica Li. The APUC will honor actor/producer Gordon Lam Ka Tung with the Career Achievement Award. Audience will have the opportunity to watch three of his latest films and productions: black comedy “Time”, neo-noir crime drama “Hand Rolled Cigarette” and the dystopian “Limbo”, which will close the festival on Oct 12.
|
|
|
Smart ID replacement for residents born in 1977 - 1979 |
|
Hong Kong residents born in 1977, 1978 or 1979 should apply for a new smart identity card at a smart identity card replacement center from Sep 20 to Nov 18. Bookings can be made online, on the department’s mobile application or by calling the 24-hour hotline at +852-2121-1234. Residents who are absent from Hong Kong during their call-up period can apply within 30 days of their return to the city.
|
|
|
-
The value of Hong Kong’s total goods exports in July increased to US$53.4 billion, up 26.9% year-on-year. The value of imports of goods jumped 26.1% to US$57.9 billion for the same period, resulting in a trade deficit of US$4.4 billion, or 7.7% of the value of imports. The value of merchandise exports expanded notably in July over a year earlier.
|
|
|
Hong Kong and its Basic Law |
|
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)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
