A Monthly Roundup of News and Events in Hong Kong
January/February 2007  

Hong Kong commits to enhancing competitiveness
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) will continue to enhance the territory’s competitiveness in various aspects, including rule of law, market system and business facilitation. 

The territory also will continue to invest in infrastructure and human resources and to promote an open market with a view to facilitating sustainable economic growth and improving efficiency, said Financial Secretary Henry Tang, in a February 7 written reply to a question raised in the Legislative Council by Legislative Councilor the Hon Jeffrey Lam.

Noting that Hong Kong has been ranked by the Heritage Foundation as the world’s freest economy for 13 consecutive years, Mr. Tang outlined the strategies to strengthen trade freedom, investment freedom, financial freedom and property rights.

 

Progress made in Hong Kong-Guangdong cooperation
Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration of Hong Kong Rafael Hui and the Executive Vice-Governor of Guangdong Province Tang Bingquan co-chaired the Eighth Working Meeting of the Hong Kong/Guangdong Cooperation Joint Conference in Guangzhou on January 29.

Both sides reviewed the progress in many areas of cooperation, and agreed on the implementation plans for a number of key areas in the coming months.

Attaching great importance to the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Corridor project, both Hong Kong and Guangdong agreed to make a joint effort to open the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Corridor and the Shenzhen Bay Port in July 2007. They are finalizing the detailed arrangements for cooperation before and after the opening of the control point.

 

Bill introduced to enhance cross-boundary passenger, cargo flows
On February 7, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) introduced The Shenzhen Bay Port Hong Kong Port Area Bill at the Legislative Council.

The bill, which provides a legal basis for the establishment of a Hong Kong Port Area (HKPA) inside the Shenzhen Bay Port, also underpins the arrangement that will allow Hong Kong’s customs and immigration facilities to be co-located with those of mainland China at the Shenzhen Bay Port in Shekou (co-location arrangement).

Among other items, the bill provides for the application of Hong Kong laws to the HKPA and the court’s jurisdiction in this connection.

 

Hong Kong stays vigilant against avian influenza threat
Hong Kong Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food Dr. York Chow convened a meeting on February 1, in view of the latest avian influenza outbreaks in the region.

At the meeting, representatives from relevant departments including the Department of Health (DH) and Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) provided their latest report on Hong Kong’s preparedness against the infectious disease as well as risk assessment of a possible outbreak in Hong Kong.

Professor Yuen Kwok-yung, the chairman of the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases formed under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of DH, attended the meeting and gave his expert assessment and view on the latest threat of the deadly virus.

 

 



Best Wishes for
the Year of the Pig!

cover page

events
• AmCham president optimistic about business outlook

upcoming events
• Hong Kong Flower Show 2007 to be held March 16-25

major stories
• Hong Kong commits to enhancing competitiveness
• Progress made in Hong Kong-Guangdong cooperation
• Bill introduced to enhance cross-boundary passenger, cargo flows
• Hong Kong stays vigilant against avian influenza threat

2008 olympic equestrian events
• Olympic Equestrian Events Hong Kong Fund established

news in brief
• Chief Executive nomination to begin Feb. 14
• New requirements on money exchange
• Emission trading framework announced
• Applications accepted for travel documents
• Law and order remained stable in 2006

business in
hong kong
• 11.74% increase in registry of new companies
• U.S. to ease entry for APEC card holders
• Global credit insurer opens new regional hub
• Talisma establishes regional headquarters

tourism
• More than 26 million tourists expected in 2007
• New Year parade planned for Tsim Sha Tsui
• New park welcomes more than 1 million visitors
• Airport’s new terminal to open in phases

economy

banking & finance

basic law

 
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Copyright ã 2007, Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in New York