View as Webpage

JULY 25 - 31, 2023

EVENTS

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (HKETONY) welcomed (Jul 25) popstar Anson Kong and film directors Nate Ki and Anastasia Tsang, who were in town for the New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF). Ki’s suspense horror Back Home, featuring Kong, made its world premiere at Film at Lincoln Center the same evening. The film was also nominated for the festival’s Uncaged Award for Best Feature Film Competition this year. Introducing Kong and Ki to the New York media at a press conference, the Director of the HKETONY Candy Nip said they represent a new generation of artists striving to attempt more diversified film genres in Hong Kong. Back Home is supported by the Film Production Financing Scheme (Relaxation Plan) of the Hong Kong Film Development Council. “It is a great example of collaboration among the creative industry, the market and the Government,” she said. In addition to Back Home, the Hong Kong Panorama of the NYAFF presented eight other Hong Kong productions, including Tsang’s A Light Never Goes Out.

ECONOMY

Hong Kong’s economy continued to expand in the second quarter of 2023, registering a 1.5% year-on-year increase. Hong Kong’s economy had continued to recover in the second quarter, led by inbound tourism and private consumption. Looking ahead, visitor arrivals should increase further as transportation and handling capacity continue to recover. However, exports of goods will continue to face intense pressure, as slower global economic growth weighs on external demand.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority announced (Jul 27) that it has increased the base rate to 5.75%. The increase followed the 25-basis point upward shift (Jul 26) in the target range for the US federal funds rate. The base rate is currently set at either 50 basis points above the lower end of the prevailing target range for the US federal funds rate or the average of the five-day moving averages of the overnight and one-month Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rates, whichever is higher.

SPORTS

Star swimmer Siobhan Bernadette Haughey won a silver medal for Hong Kong in the Women’s 100-meter Freestyle at the World Aquatics Championships 2023 in Fukuoka, Japan (Jul 28). Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Raistlin Lau said Haughey performed at her best and demonstrated superb skills in the competition.

Photo credit: Siobhan Bernadette Haughey's Instagram

Hong Kong fencers Cheung Ka-long, Ryan Choi, Yeung Chi-ka and Leung Chin-yu won the bronze medal in the Men’s Foil Team event at the 2023 Fencing World Championships, held in Milan, Italy (Jul 30). The team beat the world number one United States 45-31 to clinch the bronze. Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung congratulated the fencers on achieving the best result ever in the Men’s Foil Team event in the championships.

Photo credit: FIE

ADMINISTRATION AND CIVIC AFFAIRS

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government pointed out once again (July 28) that the United States is obliged to fulfil its basic responsibilities as a host to follow the rules and usual practice of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and invite the Chief Executive to attend the meeting in his capacity of the leader of Hong Kong, China. APEC meetings do not belong to any country or economy, and APEC has its rules and conventions. Any host will have the responsibilities to invite members to participate according to these rules and conventions.

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)