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NOVEMBER 15 - 21, 2022

COVID-19

Testing requirements for inbound travelers to Hong Kong have been eased, with the number of compulsory nucleic acid tests reduced. Arriving passengers are now only required to undergo nucleic acid tests on the day of arrival (Day 0) at the Hong Kong International Airport and on Day 2 after arrival in the city, as well as daily rapid antigen tests (RATs) until Day 7 after arrival in Hong Kong. Separately, Hong Kong has authorized (Nov 18) the Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.4-5 bivalent vaccine for emergency use in Hong Kong, with the first batch of the vaccine expected to arrive from Germany at the end of the month. 

ECONOMY

Overall consumer prices in Hong Kong rose 1.8% in October year-on-year. Netting out the effects of the government's one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation rate was 1.7%, slightly less than Sep's 1.8%. Notwithstanding the intensive external price pressures, overall inflation should remain moderate in the near term amid largely mild domestic cost pressures.

Hong Kong’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 3.8% in Aug - Oct 2022 from 3.9% in the previous three-month period (Jul – Sep). More distinct decreases were observed in the decoration, repair and maintenance for buildings sector; retail sector; and food and beverage service activities sector. The underemployment rate also decreased to 1.7% from 1.8% in the same comparison period. 

ARTS AND CULTURE

Immerse in an evening of music and theater in “Hong Kong Journeys” that showcases Hong Kong’s rich cultural diversity. Curated by Hong Kong-born, Grammy Award-nominated composer Angel Lam, the performance on December 2 starts with excerpts of Lam’s theatrical work “Lost Shanghai” inspired by her grandfather. The second half of the program features Hong Kong-inspired chamber music and explores the city’s landscape on a cinematic and sonic musical journey. The concert is a collaboration between Hong Kong and international music talents including harmonica world champion Gordon Lee and violinist Patrick Yim from Hong Kong. Among the pieces to be featured are the world premieres of George Tsz-Kwan Lam’s Postcard and Chad Cannon’s 145 Waterloo Road. Book your tickets now!

Hong Kong Ballet (HKB), one of Asia’s premier ballet companies, will kick off its much-anticipated US tour with Romeo + Juliet at New York City Center on January 13 and 14. This epic and timeless tale of star-crossed lovers is reimagined through the ingenious choreography of HKB’s Artistic Director Septime Webre, creating a stunning visual feast against the backdrop of Hong Kong in the 1960s. Accompanied by Prokofiev’s dramatic score, this epic love story, which fuses dance and drama against a backdrop of a world in flux, will captivate the audience with vivid dancing, complex drama, sumptuous cheongsams and intense martial arts fight scenes. Book your tickets for this amazing performance!

Art Basel Hong Kong returns next year with 171 of the world’s leading galleries from 32 countries and territories. The 2023 edition marks the return of all special sectors including Encounters, the fair’s sector dedicated to large-scale works and curated by Alexie Glass-Kantor, Executive Director of Artspace, Sydney; as well as Kabinett, featuring thematic and focused presentations. Art Basel Hong Kong will take place from March 23 - 25, 2023, with preview days on March 21 - 22, 2023.

ADMINISTRATION AND CIVIC AFFAIRS

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government vehemently refuted (Nov 18) the report issued by the United States Congressional-Executive Commission on China. In a press statement, the HKSAR Government said that following the implementation of the National Security Law, Hong Kong people continue to enjoy the legitimate rights and freedoms enshrined in the Basic Law. 

BASIC LAW

The Basic Law (BL) is the constitutional document of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). It provides the guarantees to maintain our existing way of life, including socio-economic development, the rights and duties of Hong Kong people, the rule of law and other areas. The Basic Law was put into effect on July 1, 1997.

Q: Has there been any interference in the independence of the Judiciary?

A: No. Hong Kong's robust and respected court system exercises judicial power independently, free from any interference. The power of final adjudication is vested in the Court of Final Appeal of the HKSAR, which may as required invite judges from other common law jurisdictions to sit on the Court of Final Appeal. The principle of trial by jury previously practiced in Hong Kong is maintained. (BL Articles 2; 19; 81; 82; 85; 86)