June 23 - 29, 2020
ADMINISTRATION & CIVIC AFFAIRS
Government opposes US sanctions law
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government expressed (Jun 26) strong opposition to the passage of the Hong Kong Autonomy Act by the Senate of the US Congress. A government spokesman stated that “one country, two systems” principle has been fully and successfully implemented since the return to the Motherland. “The HKSAR Government will continue to implement the ‘one country, two systems’ principle resolutely in accordance with the Basic Law,” said the spokesman. “In addition, human rights and freedoms in Hong Kong are fully protected by the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance and other legislation, and underpinned by an independent judiciary.” The spokesman added that the sanctions will only harm the relations and common interests between Hong Kong and the US.
All-out efforts to combat human trafficking
The HKSAR Government attaches great importance to combatting human trafficking. In response to the US Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report 2020, the Government said that it strongly objects (Jun 26) to the report, adding it contains allegations made by unidentified sources and without specific case details. “The findings are groundless, and the rating of Hong Kong at Tier-2 Watch List is obviously seriously biased and not substantiated by facts,” said the spokesman, who stressed that Hong Kong has been making proactive, all-out and multi-pronged efforts to combat human trafficking. While human trafficking has never been a prevalent problem in Hong Kong, the HKSAR Government will continue to combat human trafficking on all fronts.
JUDICIARY
Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal appointed
Chief Executive Carrie Lam has signed the appointment of the Honourable Mr Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung as the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal, with effect from January 11, 2021. Pointing out that the rule of law and judicial independence are core values of Hong Kong, Mrs Lam said she has no doubt that Mr Justice Cheung will lead the Judiciary to ensure the continuation of the rule of law and judicial independence under “One Country, Two Systems”.
Arbitral proceedings pilot program launched
A pilot program to provide facilitation for eligible non-Hong Kong residents participating in arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong on a short-term basis has been launched (Jun 29). Under the program, nationals of countries who may visit Hong Kong visa-free and possess a letter of proof are allowed to participate in arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong as visitors, without the need to obtain employment visas. The program, running on a two-year trial basis, covers four categories of visa-free nationals, namely arbitrators, expert and factual witnesses, arbitration counsel and parties to the arbitration. This program will strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an international center for legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region.
BUSINESS & FINANCE
Wealth connect scheme welcomed
The HKSAR Government welcomes (Jun 29) the decision to implement the two-way cross-boundary wealth management connect pilot program in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Under Wealth Management Connect, residents in Hong Kong, Macao and nine cities in Guangdong Province can carry out cross-boundary investment in wealth management products distributed by banks in the area. Financial Secretary Paul Chan said this brings enormous business opportunities to the entire financial industry value chain and other professional services in Hong Kong, opens up a broader market for the financial sectors of the three places and provides more wealth management product choices for bay area residents. This will also strengthen Hong Kong’s role as the international asset and management center and important gateway for capital flowing into and out of the Mainland.
Special travel arrangement between Hong Kong and Thailand
The HKSAR Government welcomes (Jun 29) Thailand’s decision to set up a special travel arrangement for cross-border control with five economies, including Hong Kong, as a first step in relaxing its inbound passenger control. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau said if the special relaxation arrangements for cross-border control can be established between the two places, cross-boundary business exchange can be gradually resumed for Hong Kong, which is set to give a tremendous boost to our economic recovery.
Support for firms to tap new markets and opportunities
Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic and global trade frictions, the HKSAR Government, a staunch supporter of free trade, continues to assist Hong Kong companies to explore new ventures and markets, said Director of HKETONY Joanne Chu at the World Trade Day 2020 Virtual Conference (Jun 26), organized by World Trade Center Atlanta. She said US firms with a presence in Hong Kong can also leverage on various Free Trade Agreements Hong Kong has signed to expand their market presence and tap new business opportunities. Ms Chu also highlighted the business opportunities in innovation and technology, particularly in biotech and fintech, in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. HKETONY also hosted a virtual booth at the conference to interact with attendees online.
HEALTH
30 million free masks to be distributed
Beginning June 30, the HKSAR Government will begin to deliver masks free-of-charge to members of the public through Hongkong Post. Each household will receive a pack of ten disposable adult masks . These masks are the first batch of masks procured by the Government under the Local Mask Production Subsidy Scheme.
KEY ECONOMIC INDICATORS
  • Total exports and imports of goods in May decreased by 7.4% and 12.3% respectively year-on-year. In the same comparison period, the total exports volume to the US fell 14.4% while imports from the US dropped 30.4%.
BASIC LAW
Hong Kong and its Basic Law
The Basic Law (BL) 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 foreign enterprises participate fully in Hong Kong’s economy?
A: Yes. Hong Kong welcomes and encourages the participation of foreign enterprises, and provides a level playing field for all. There are no foreign exchange controls in Hong Kong and no restrictions on the trading of gold, securities, futures and the like. The Basic Law stipulates that Hong Kong shall maintain the status of a free port, pursue the policy of free trade and safeguard the free movement of goods, intangible assets and capital. ( BL Articles 112; 114; 115 )
For daily updates
Follow us