HK International Airport Named “Airport of the Year 2022” |
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Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) was named “Airport of the Year 2022” at the World Air Cargo Awards hosted by Air Cargo Week. The award is considered one of the most prestigious recognitions of excellence in the global air cargo industry. Industry groups from the air freight supply chain sector, as well as logistics providers and suppliers, vote on the winners. The Airport Authority Hong Kong said they are honored to receive the award which recognizes the HKIA cargo community’s exceptional professionalism and commitment in strengthening the airport’s position as the world’s busiest cargo airport. The HKIA will continue to work closely with its partners to enhance its cargo services, connectivity and digitalization to further reinforce its status as the world’s leading air cargo hub.
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Business sentiment improves |
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Business sentiment among large enterprises in Hong Kong improved, with a majority of sectors expecting their business situation to be better in the third quarter of 2022, thanks to the more moderate local epidemic situation, the gradual relaxation of social distancing measures, and an increased appetite for hiring. According to the Companies Registry (Jul 15), Hong Kong saw 50,087 newly-registered local companies during the first half of 2022, bringing the total number of registered local companies to 1,386,592. At the same time, 415 non-Hong Kong companies have newly established a place of business in the city, bringing the total number of registered non-Hong Kong companies to 14,481, as of end-June. To meet the rising expectations and changing needs of businesses and the public, the registry has extended its electronic submission services through the e-Registry portal.
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External merchandise trade falls in May |
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In May 2022, the volume of Hong Kong’s total exports of goods and imports of goods decreased by 8.1% and 6.4% respectively year-on-year. During the same comparison periods, the prices of total exports of goods and imports of goods increased by 8.2% and 8.8% respectively.
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ADMINISTRATION & CIVIC AFFAIRS |
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Protection of human rights assured |
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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government emphasized (Jul 12) its full commitment to the protection of human rights to the United Nations Human Rights Committee. Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang said that human rights are guaranteed constitutionally by both the Constitution and the Basic Law and are underpinned by the rule of law and an independent judiciary. Separately, the HKSAR Government (Jul 13) condemned a “staff research report” published by the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China. In a statement, the Government said the HKSAR faithfully upholds the rule of law, this principle applies irrespective of the nature of the criminal offence or the personal background, including political background, of the individual involved. Officers of the Department of Justice shall and will continue to discharge their duties faithfully, fearlessly and steadfastly in the best interests of Hong Kong.
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Hong Kong Panorama at New York film festival |
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The outdoor screening of Happy Together held last Saturday (Jul 16) at Lincoln Center received an overwhelming response with a full house! The outdoor screening was part of an exciting line up of the “Hong Kong Panorama” at this year’s New York Asian Film Festival. Tonight (Jul 18), a reception will be held in honor of Hong Kong actor-singer Josie Ho, prior to the screening of her latest project: Finding Bliss: Fire and Ice – The Director’s Cut, an inspiring music documentary filmed in Iceland. Director Sunny Chan will also meet the audience at the screening of his work Table for Six on Jul 23 at The Asia Society. Film enthusiasts can also check out the virtual exhibition of “Making Waves: Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema”, which showcase the works of four unit photographers in Hong Kong: Jupiter Wong, Wong Wai-lun, Quist Tsang, and Sharon Salad, who have created exceptional still images for nearly 200 Hong Kong films over the last 25 years. Available to US audience for a limited time (Jul 8 – Aug 14) only, enjoy!
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Gold medal in Men’s Snooker at World Games 2022 |
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Congratulations to rising star Cheung Ka-wai on winning the snooker gold medal at The World Games 2022, held in Birmingham, Alabama. Cheung defeated Abdelrahman Shahin of Egypt 3-1 in the final for his first major career title. It also marks Hong Kong’s first gold at this international multi-sport event this year. A total of 17 athletes from Hong Kong are taking part in the World Games 2022, competing in eight events. Earlier, Hong Kong karate athlete Grace Lau won a bronze medal in the Women’s Kata event.
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Airmail services to US resumed |
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Hongkong Post announced that with the gradual scaling up of air capacity provided by airlines, airmail services, including air letter and packet services to a number of countries, including the US, resumed on Jul 18. Details on service availability for overseas destinations can be found on the webpage of Hongkong post.
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Hong Kong and its Basic Law |
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The Basic Law 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: Can Hong Kong conclude and implement agreements with foreign states and regions or international organizations, and participate in international conferences?
A: Hong Kong plays an active role in the international arena and maintains close contact with its international partners. The HKSAR may under the authorization of the Central People’s Government (CPG) conclude certain agreements with foreign states or regions, or may on its own, using the name “Hong Kong, China”, maintain and develop relations and conclude and implement agreements with foreign states and regions and relevant international organizations in the appropriate fields. Since Hong Kong’s return to the Motherland, the HKSAR Government, authorized by the CPG or on its own, has concluded about 600 bilateral agreements in accordance with the Basic Law, including air services agreements, visa abolition agreements, free trade agreements, and cultural co-operation agreements etc. In addition, the HKSAR may, as members of delegations of the People’s Republic of China, or in such other capacity as may be permitted by the CPG and the international organization or conference concerned, or using the name “Hong Kong, China”, participate in relevant international organizations and conferences. (BL Articles 96; 133; 151; 152; 155)
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