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JANUARY 10 - 17, 2023

ARTS AND CULTURE

New York’s audiences were enraptured by Hong Kong Ballet’s much-anticipated US tour of “Romeo + Juliet”, which opened to a full-house at New York City Center on January 13, with its stunning visual feast set in 1960s Hong Kong. In this ingenious adaption of Shakespeare's classic by Hong Kong Ballet’s Artistic Director Septime Webre, "old Hong Kong" was vividly brought to life with captivating choreography, intriguing drama, exciting kung fu fighting scenes and splendid cheongsam displays. Prior to the opening performance, the HKETONY organized a reception bringing guests on a Hong Kong retro tour by exhibiting some of the city's cultural heritage. Attended by over 400 guests from the government, diplomatic, academic and business circles, as well as the art and cultural community, the reception also celebrated the imminent arrival of the Year of the Rabbit. The Hong Kong Ballet will continue its US tour to North Carolina, performing at the Memorial Hall of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on January 20-21. 

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

The 16th Asian Financial Forum – the first large-scale business exchange event of 2023 in Hong Kong – was held successfully on January 12-13. Featuring more than 40 panel discussions and workshops, the forum examined the current state of the global economy and major issues such as trade and sustainable development. Accessible both physically and virtually, the two-day forum drew thousands of top business executives, senior officials and thought leaders from over 70 countries or regions joining the event. Addressing the opening session, Chief Executive John Lee said Hong Kong offers companies and investors a business-enabling environment, internationally aligned regulations and a free flow of capital and people as well as plentiful opportunities. At the keynote luncheon, Financial Secretary Paul Chan spoke about the importance of global co-operation in sustainable development. Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui also met with overseas delegations for exchanges on trends of the global financial landscape.  

The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting began on January 16 in Switzerland where Financial Secretary Paul Chan met political and business leaders to update them on the latest state of Hong Kong’s return to normalcy and development opportunities in the city. While meeting with Thailand’s Minister of Finance, Mr Chan said Hong Kong’s financial markets are deepening and broadening with the continuous expansion and development of the mutual market access schemes with the Mainland, thus better converging international and Mainland capital. Mr Chan also met with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Finance and senior management of a number of international private equity firms and multinational companies. Also attending the Annual Meeting included Chairman of the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Jack So; Chairman of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Laura Cha, and its Chief Executive Officer, Nicolas Aguzin.

JUDICIARY

The ceremonial opening of the legal year 2023 was held on January 16, returning to its traditional venue after a two-year absence due to COVID-19 restrictions. In his opening remarks, Chief Justice Andrew Cheung identified three main functions of the Judiciary. He said first and foremost, the primary role of the Judiciary is to uphold the rule of law and administer justice in strict accordance with the law. He added that the second role the Judiciary plays in society is the protection of fundamental rights. The third role played by the courts relates to their lawmaking function under the common law system. Also speaking at the event, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam pointed out that although the common law system has been and will be maintained in Hong Kong, it is based on the constitutional order founded on the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China. Lam also pledged that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will do its best to defend the Judiciary so that it may exercise their constitutional powers and discharge its constitutional duties, independently free from any interference.

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. 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)