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DECEMBER 20 - 28, 2022

COVID-19

Hong Kong is easing COVID-19 control measures for inbound travelers. Following the dropping of mandatory hotel quarantine and health code restrictions earlier, travelers arriving in Hong Kong are now no longer required to undergo nucleic acid tests upon arrival. The requirement for non-Hong Kong residents to be fully vaccinated to board a flight to Hong Kong from overseas remains unchanged at this time. Prior to boarding, inbound travelers to Hong Kong are now only required to present negative results from PCR tests conducted within 48 hours or rapid antigen tests (RAT) within 24 hours.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Hong Kong is rolling out a series of initiatives and measures to attract talent and enterprises from around the world, with the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises starting full operation on December 23. In addition, the Talents Service Unit portal has also been launched to provide one-stop electronic services for talent from around the world, enabling them to obtain information on various talent admission schemes and submit applications more easily. The city has enhanced its Technology Talent Admission Scheme by lifting the local employment requirement, extending the quota validity period to two years as well as expanding the coverage to more emerging technology areas. Meanwhile, the newly introduced Top Talent Pass Scheme is now open for applications. US talents who would like to learn more about the infinite opportunities in Hong Kong can also contact the Dedicated Team for Attracting Businesses and Talents at the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York.

Hong Kong unveiled (December 22) its Innovation and Technology (I&T) Development Blueprint to set out a clear development path and formulate systematic strategic planning for I&T development over the next five to 10 years. The Government will take forward the blueprint under four broad development directions: (a) to enhance the I&T ecosystem and promote “new industrialization” in Hong Kong; (b) to enlarge the I&T talent pool and to create a strong impetus for growth; (c) to promote digital economy development and develop Hong Kong into a smart city; and (d) to integrate into the overall national development and consolidate the city's role as a bridge connecting the Mainland and the world. The Blueprint also sets out the macro I&T development targets for Hong Kong over four areas, namely R&D, startups, talent and industry development.

ECONOMY

Hong Kong’s overall consumer prices rose 1.8% in November year-on-year, the same as that in October. Netting out the effects of the government’s one-off relief measures, the underlying inflation rate remained moderate and stayed at 1.7%. The year-on-year increase in food prices remained relatively fast, and prices of energy-related items as well as clothing and footwear continued to increase visibly. But price pressures on other major components remained broadly in check. Import Import price pressures will likely remain notable amid high inflation in many major economies, but the largely mild domestic cost pressures should keep overall inflation moderate in the near term.

EVENTS

Hong Kong artists will thrill a worldwide audience by kicking off the New York Times Square countdown celebration on December 31. Under the theme “Fusion, Motion, Inspiration - Hong Kong Rocks!”, contemporary dance group TS Crew, world champion harmonica player Cy Leo and Erhu virtuoso Chan Pik-sum will stage a captivating performance against a newly arranged music medley by legendary jazz pianist and composer Ted Lo. To send love and warmth to revelers, Hong Kong fashion designer Vivienne Tam has designed a limited-edition scarf that incorporates elements of Hong Kong and the New Year. The Hong Kong performance and the entire countdown celebration will be live-streamed on multiple websites, including:

TimesSquareNYC.org

NewYearsEve.nyc

LiveStream.com/2023

TimesSquareBall.net

Hong Kong Ballet (HKB) will present the US premiere of its reimagined Romeo + Juliet at New York City Center on January 13 and 14. HKB’s Artistic Director Septime Webre speaks with New York’s PIX11 about the adaption this timeless tale of star-crossed lovers to 1960s Hong Kong, offering a stunning visual feast of intense street battles to elegant dancers in sumptuous cheongsams. He also spoke on what makes the HKB special.

BASIC LAW

The Basic Law (BL) is the constitutional document of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. 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: Is Hong Kong a free port and a separate customs territory?

A: The HKSAR is a separate customs territory. The HKSAR, using the name “Hong Kong, China”, is a member in its own right of the World Trade Organization and the World Customs Organization. Ships of all nations enjoy access to the ports of the HKSAR, which is a free port, in accordance with the laws of the Region. Export quotas, tariff preferences and other similar arrangements, which are obtained or made by the HKSAR or which were obtained or made and remain valid, shall be enjoyed exclusively by Hong Kong. (BL Articles 114; 116; 126)