Belt-Road alliance to be enhanced

This is a very different year for all of us, and the world is in a very different place. The regression of globalisation and rise of unilateralism, together with the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic turmoil, have taken a distressing toll on us, here in Hong Kong and around the world. While events are still unfolding, many of the consequences have become clear. They include a restructuring of production and distribution channels, shorter supply chains, more near-shore sourcing and a general business environment distinguished by its pervasive uncertainty. Challenges everywhere, in short; and change has become the new watchword.

 

That said, we all know that profound change has the potential to unleash widespread innovation and create abounding opportunities. Hong Kong is testimony to that. For example, with the need for social distancing, the delivery of financial services through virtual banks and insurers is fast emerging. This year, to date, seven virtual banks have begun business in Hong Kong, capturing some 310,000 retail customers and taking in more than US$1.2 billion in deposits. And in the first seven months of the year, more than 20 Hong Kong-based start-ups raised close to US$500 million in venture funding. This was accomplished despite the impact COVID-19 has had on business everywhere.

 

While innovation no doubts helps, it is also essential for different economies to work together. Indeed, I believe that global collaboration is the key to kick-starting our economic revival, particularly in the post-COVID-19 economy.

 

The epidemic has highlighted the essential importance of the rules-based multilateral trading system, led by the World Trade Organization, in realising and maintaining international trade. Hong Kong is a longstanding supporter of the system and that is certainly not going to change. Earlier this month, we adopted the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040, along with other APEC-member economies. It reaffirms our support for deepening economic integration in the region for the prosperity of all our people and future generations.

 

To that end, I congratulate the 15 member states, including those participating in the Belt & Road, on the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement earlier this month. The agreement is strong testimony to free trade, multilateralism and regional co-operation. No less important, it injects fresh impetus to the global economic recovery we so desperately need. Hong Kong is more than qualified to join the partnership. We have, after all, free trade agreements in effect with ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand, as well as our Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement with the Mainland. We are grateful for the clear support we’ve received from some of the partnership’s member states, and we look forward to beginning discussions on Hong Kong’s accession to the partnership at the earliest opportunity.

 

For international co-operation, there is no platform more promising than the Belt & Road initiative. First raised by President Xi Jinping in 2013, the Belt & Road is an open, inclusive and all-embracing global initiative, which extends beyond geographical and cultural borders and boundaries. Since its inception, the Belt & Road initiative has been well received by the international community. So far, China has already signed over 200 co-operation documents with 138 countries and 31 international organisations.

 

The Belt & Road initiative is all about collaboration and partnership. As an active player in the initiative, Hong Kong is keen to strengthen our collaboration and partnership with other Belt & Road economies. To start with, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we launched in June our I&T Experience Sharing & Business Promotion Platform. It features a number of e-applications and smart innovations. Through it, we hope to showcase and share our home-grown, anti-epidemic technology with our overseas partners, supporting their fight against the virus, while strengthening our people-to-people bonds.

 

On the trade front, Hong Kong manufacturers and exporters are eager to expand their partnerships overseas. And I believe that industrial parks located along the Belt & Road are an ideal springboard for collaboration. The Economic & Trade Co-operation Zones established by the Mainland to expand production and embrace new markets is a prime example, especially now as China is pursuing the “dual circulation” development pattern, which emphasises the linking of its domestic and international markets. For Hong Kong, given our location and our growing economic ties with ASEAN countries, the Economic & Trade Co-operation Zones in the ASEAN region will present ample opportunities to Hong Kong enterprises and their partners. I am pleased to know that a number of officials and business leaders from Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia will address the summit later today, and they can tell you more about those opportunities.

 

For those who are looking to grasp the opportunities presented by the Belt & Road, I would say that Hong Kong is your ideal partner given our unique strengths. To start with, Hong Kong has long been blessed with multilingual, multi-talented financial and related services professionals. It’s why our financial, trade, logistics, legal and other services sectors are internationally recognised. For Hong Kong, they are also a significant selling point in satisfying the wide-ranging service needs of the Belt & Road projects.

 

Alongside talent, Hong Kong’s advantages include the rule of law, an open and efficient market, the free flow of capital, information and people, as well as a simple and low tax regime. And it all comes together within our “one country, two systems” framework, which creates a continuing flow of connections between overseas markets and Mainland China.

 

Another far-reaching advantage is our growing integration with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. With a population of some 72 million, the bay area presents untapped potential for your sustainable, inclusive and innovative businesses.

 

And Hong Kong, one of the world’s leading financial centres, can contribute much and well towards sound and sustainable financing and partnership along the Belt & Road. The importance of building dynamic economic and financial systems to withstand future shocks and sustainability risks cannot be stressed more. Over the past few years, Hong Kong has been taking leading steps in promoting green development and investment in sustainable assets. Earlier this month, for example, the Monetary Authority entered into partnership with the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, to encourage commercial banks in Asia to adopt green strategies. We will bring together financial institutions, banking industry associations, research organisations and innovative technology providers from across the region. The goal, of course, is to build and boost green finance, while promoting sustainable investment.

 

Chief Executive Carrie Lam gave these remarks at the fifth Belt & Road Summit on November 30.

via Moroccan Trader Belt-Road alliance to be enhanced

Striving for zero infection

After a stable epidemic situation of more than two months and with business activities resuming gradually, a large dancing cluster has sparked a new wave of infections in Hong Kong. While the exact source of the infection cluster has yet to be ascertained, the number of related confirmed cases has already reached 309. With possibly two or even more generations of transmission, the confirmed cases have come from various districts and sectors, making it very difficult to contain the spread of the virus. The anti-epidemic team of the Government, including the Department of Health, the Hospital Authority (HA) and the relevant departments, is sparing no effort to combat the virus again. As always, we are determined to win the fight to ensure that our hospital system will not collapse under the strain and, more importantly, to keep our people safe.

 

How the epidemic has developed

 

Before mid-November, the daily number of confirmed cases hovered between single and low double digits, with the majority being imported cases. Yet, sporadic local cases with unknown sources of infections still emerged from time to time, indicating that there were still silent transmissions in the community. Over the past week, the epidemic situation has worsened rapidly. A total of 456 cases were reported in the past seven days, from November 20 to 26, with 408 of them being local cases. The situation is worrying.

 

Of these 408 local cases, there is a large dancing cluster involving 28 premises and 309 cases. Since some of the dance teachers and dancers have been to more than one venue and did not put on a mask while dancing or even having parties in a crowded place, the infection situation has gone out of control. Moreover, in the past seven days, there were 74 local cases with unknown sources of infection, indicating that more cases have already entered the community and an even larger community outbreak could be triggered at any time.

 

Anti-epidemic efforts

 

Having regard to the anti-epidemic experience gained and the rebound of the epidemic in Europe and the United States, even when the previous wave of infections has subsided, we have continued to adopt a very prudent approach in adjusting social distancing measures with a view to allowing businesses and individuals to resume some of their normal activities while keeping the epidemic in check. In light of the severe epidemic situation overseas, we have further tightened the quarantine and testing arrangements for inbound travellers, including requiring persons arriving from places outside China to undergo compulsory quarantine at hotels for 14 days and requiring those coming from high-risk places to present proof of a negative virus test result before boarding planes, so as to reduce the risk of importation of cases. On preventing a resurgence of local infections, the Government will continue to arrange virus testing for targeted groups. For example, the Social Welfare Department has already arranged five rounds of voluntary testing for staff of residential care homes for the elderly. In addition, in a bid to make available testing to residents on a voluntary basis, the HA has expanded its specimen bottle distribution service, including distributing specimen bottles at more clinics and vending machines, as well as extending distribution hours. To deal with a more severe situation, the Executive Council made the Prevention & Control of Disease (Compulsory Testing for Certain Persons) Regulation on November 13, empowering the Secretary for Food & Health to publish a compulsory testing notice to mandate certain categories of persons to undergo virus testing.

 

In response to the dance cluster outbreak, the Government has invoked the new regulation for the first time to require people who have been to the 28 premises to undergo compulsory testing. As at November 26, more than 1,700 people had taken a test and notified the Government of the test results according to the requirement. We will also extend the compulsory testing requirement to symptomatic people, staff of residential care homes for the elderly and the disabled, as well as taxi drivers shortly. Enforcement actions will be taken against those who do not comply with the requirement, including imposing a fixed penalty of $2,000 and issuing a compulsory testing order. Those who fail to comply with the compulsory testing order commit an offence and are liable to a fine at level four, $25,000, and imprisonment for six months. 

The major measures introduced are set out below chronologically:

 

Date

Event

October 30

Relaxing social distancing measures for restaurants and bars to a limited extent.

November 5 to November 10

Arranging mobile vans, providing more locations and extending the operating hours for the distribution and collection of specimen bottles as well as commissioning testing contractors to provide free testing services for targeted groups and members of the public.

November 13

To strengthen the control measures targeted at inbound travellers, it is stipulated that any people who have stayed in any foreign country within 14 days before arrival to Hong Kong must show confirmation of room reservation in a hotel in Hong Kong for the 14-day quarantine before boarding an aircraft to Hong Kong. Upon arrival in Hong Kong, they must wait at a designated location until a negative test result is available under the test and hold arrangement before they can go to the hotel for quarantine. The Department of Health subsequently tightened the requirement to disallow visitors for any people under compulsory quarantine in hotels.

November 15

Four community testing centres in Eastern District, Yau Ma Tai, Sha Tin and Yuen Long commenced service. The centres provide testing service for members of the public at $240 and for targeted groups as commissioned by the Government when there is a higher risk of community infection.

November 16

A host of social distancing measures were tightened in view of the epidemic situation. They include shortening the business hours of restaurants, bars and clubs; reducing the number of people allowed to be seated together at one table; requiring that people must not consume food or drink and must wear a mask when away from the table; tightening the number of people allowed in scheduled premises; and making people wear masks when doing exercise in indoor sports premises and public skating rinks.

November 16

The Government launched the LeaveHomeSafe COVID19 exposure notification mobile app to encourage the public to keep a record of their whereabouts. 

November 20

Government departments would take flexible measures to reduce the number of staff members present at the office at any time, on the premise that the provision of public services would be maintained.

November 21

The Hong Kong-Singapore Air Travel Bubble, originally to be launched on November 22, was deferred for two weeks due to the epidemic situation.

November 22

The Government exercised, for the very first time, the statutory power to require all people who had been present at 14 specified dance premises to undergo compulsory testing and would require other symptomatic people, staff of residential care homes for the elderly and taxi drivers to undergo compulsory testing shortly.

November 23

Face-to-face classes of Primary One to Primary Three in all primary schools, and primary sections of special schools would be suspended for 14 days to December 6. All kindergartens and kindergarten/child care centres would continue to suspend face-to-face classes or services until December 6.

November 23

The Return2hk Scheme started to be implemented. The scheme allows Hong Kong residents currently in Guangdong Province or Macau to be exempted from the 14-day compulsory quarantine requirement when they return to Hong Kong upon fulfilment of the specified conditions. Around 5,000 Hong Kong residents returned to Hong Kong through this channel in the first four days after the introduction of the scheme.

November 24

The Government gazetted another compulsory testing notice that required all people who had been to another seven specified premises to undergo testing (seven more premises were included subsequently, bringing the total number to 28 as at November 27). Announcement was also made to further tighten social distancing measures, namely all bars or pubs, bathhouses, clubs or nightclubs must be closed; the number of people participating in any one banquet in catering premises would be limited to 40; restrictions would be imposed on gathering activities for hotels and guesthouses. These measures came into effect on November 26. Furthermore, catering businesses and scheduled premises open for business are requested to apply for a LeaveHomeSafe venue QR code from the Government on or before December 2, and display the QR code at a conspicuous position at the entrance of the premises.

 

Making all-out efforts and doing our best

 

Our anti-epidemic work has lasted for almost one year. During this time, the Government has been consolidating its experience and making reference to the effective measures taken in the Mainland and overseas with a view to enhancing our anti-epidemic measures to guard against the importation of cases and the resurgence of local infections. Whenever there is a rebound of the epidemic, there will inevitably be criticisms, complaining that the Government’s epidemic control measures have failed. With cross-border travel suspended for a long time and an adverse impact of social distancing measures on the businesses of some service sectors, it is understandable that some people may feel anxious and discontented. However, when we look at the situation around the world, Hong Kong has done quite well in containing the virus: the total number of confirmed cases in Hong Kong is 5,948, ranking behind more than 130 countries or regions; the number of confirmed cases per million people is 793, an extremely low level. One of the reasons why Hong Kong people feel upset is the great success of our neighbouring Mainland and Macau in strictly controlling the epidemic.

 

Recently, there have been demands in society for the Government to implement compulsory universal testing so we can come out of the epidemic as soon as possible. As pointed out by the World Health Organization, testing is the key to controlling the epidemic at the moment. The number of tests conducted in Hong Kong actually ranks among the top in the world (a total of more than four million tests, or more than 530,000 tests per million people, have been conducted). However, carrying out compulsory testing for seven million people within a short period of time involves issues like scientific basis, cost-effectiveness and practicability. The approach that the Government is adopting now is to require infection clusters or high-risk people to undergo compulsory virus tests, arrange testing for target groups as far as possible, and provide voluntary virus testing service for the general public to relieve their worries. These free virus testing services are provided by the HA, Public Health Laboratory Centre and various testing institutions commissioned through tender. The number of tests conducted currently is now still within the capacity of 100,000 single-tube tests per day. As mentioned in The Chief Executive’s 2020 Policy Address delivered on November 25, the Government will not rule out the possibility of implementing large-scale universal community testing again. However, to effectively contain the epidemic or even achieve the target of zero infection, we need the support and co-operation of the public. For example, people should avoid crowded and unnecessary gatherings, reduce social contacts, wear masks and wash hands frequently, etc.

 

Fighting the virus together and staying vigilant

 

Although the rebound of the epidemic is worrying, members of the public should not lose confidence. As long as the whole community works together, Hong Kong is surely capable of suppressing the new wave of the epidemic once again. However, as repeatedly pointed out by experts, it is difficult to completely eliminate the risk of virus transmission before the advent and widespread application of effective vaccines. The public should remain vigilant at all times and not let their guard down by strictly following the anti-epidemic rules. Apart from this, the Government has launched the LeaveHomeSafe COVID-19 exposure notification mobile app to facilitate members of the public to keep a record of their whereabouts so as to enhance the efficiency in contact tracing. I urge members of the public to download and use the app and contribute a part to the fight against the epidemic.

 

Conclusion

 

In recent months, various pharmaceutical companies have announced breakthroughs in vaccine development. Every country and region has been encouraged by the progress, but it is believed there is still a long way to go before vaccines are widely applied. Therefore, in the meantime, let us stay positive and optimistic, and continue to work together to fight the virus. I hope that the epidemic situation will be brought under control as soon as possible so that we can enjoy a safe and joyful Christmas here in Hong Kong.

 

Chief Executive Carrie Lam issued this article entitled Fighting the Virus For 10 Months Sparing No Effort in Combating a Rebound & Achieving Zero Infection on November 2

via Moroccan Trader Striving for zero infection

Hong Kong set for relaunch:CE

Building on our steadfast determination to implement “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy, and capitalising on Hong Kong’s traditional strengths and the opportunities for integration into the overall national development, this some 24,000-word Policy Address manifests the central government’s staunch support for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and embraces my determination to strive for the best for Hong Kong with my team. As long as we stay true to our aspiration in implementing “one country, two systems”, safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, maintain our confidence in Hong Kong, refrain from politicising matters, maintain communication in a rational manner and seek common ground while putting aside differences, we will surely be able to deal with the problems that arise in the course of implementing “one country, two systems” and address some deep-seated conflicts in Hong Kong.

 

I made some sentimental remarks at the reception in celebration of the 23rd anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR on July 1 this year. I said, “I have faced the toughest challenge in my 40 years of public service in the past year. Not only have I faced unprecedented personal attacks, I am also deeply worried about the future of Hong Kong. However, I am extremely grateful to the central government for its trust in me, to my family and close friends for their unreserved love and to colleagues at all levels for their staunch support. Their care and concern have given me hope that there will be an end to the difficult times and the rainbow will emerge after the storm.”

 

In the coming year, the Hong Kong SAR Government will double its efforts to put the epidemic under control, revive the economy, restore social order, rebuild Hong Kong’s international reputation and people’s confidence in the Government, with a view to relaunching Hong Kong.

 

This is the English translation of Chief Executive Carrie Lam’s Policy Address closing remarks delivered on November 25.

via Moroccan Trader Hong Kong set for relaunch:CE

HK gets central govt’s full support

Since my delivery of the 2019 Policy Address, Hong Kong has been facing severe and unprecedented challenges in the past year. The COVID-19 outbreak, coupled with the social unrest in the second half of last year, has taken a toll on our commercial activities. The local economy has experienced a rapid downturn, with a continual rise in the unemployment rate and various sectors badly hit. Although the promulgation of The Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on June 30 this year has restored stability in our society, the road to economic recovery is still fraught with difficulties.

 

On the other hand, we have seen a quick rebound in the economy of our country as a result of its vigorous efforts in putting the epidemic under control. Set to be the only major economy to record growth in 2020, the Mainland has put forward a new development pattern of domestic and international dual circulation. Benefiting from its proximity to the Mainland and the central government’s long-standing support under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong’s economic development will be given new impetus. It can continue to capitalise on its strengths to serve the country’s needs with proactive participation in the domestic and international dual circulation as well as better integration into the overall national development.

 

In light of this development, I announced early last month the postponement of the delivery of this year’s Policy Address to allow more time for discussion with the relevant central authorities as well as the Guangdong Provincial Government on policy initiatives that will support Hong Kong’s development and enhance the community’s confidence in the future. I led a government delegation to Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen from November 3 to 7 for in-depth exchanges with the relevant Mainland authorities and received very positive feedback. At our meeting with the State Council Vice Premier Han Zheng, he remarked that “the central government will fully support whatever measure that is conducive to maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, improving the well-being of Hong Kong people, and promoting greater integration of Hong Kong into the overall development of the country”.

 

I will now give a brief account of the results achieved during my visit to Beijing:

 

On promoting the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the central government supports the full implementation, by the end of this year, of the 24 policy measures that have been approved in principle by the Leading Group for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. In addition to the measures rolled out earlier such as tax concessions, facilitation of property purchase, support for young entrepreneurs, cross-boundary remittance of science and technology funding and liberalisation of legal and construction professional services, further measures to be introduced shortly include permitting the use of Hong Kong-registered drugs and common medical devices in designated Hong Kong-owned healthcare institutions in the Mainland cities of the Greater Bay Area, relaxing the limitation on exporting Mainland human genetic resources to Hong Kong for research purposes, facilitating Hong Kong private cars travelling to Guangdong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and expediting the implementation of the cross-boundary wealth management connect scheme.

 

On consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre, the Central Government supports further deepening the mutual access between the Mainland and Hong Kong financial markets and the gradual expansion of the scope of eligible securities under the mutual market access programmes, and agrees to accelerate the pace of the inclusion of pre-profit biotechnology companies listed in Hong Kong and stocks listed on the Mainland Sci-Tech Innovation Board meeting certain prescribed criteria in the scope of eligible securities under the programmes.

 

On consolidating and enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub, the central government supports the participation of the Hong Kong International Airport in the operation and development of the Zhuhai Airport through investment by way of share acquisition according to market principles, with a view to deepening the co-operation of the two airports in building a globally competitive world-class airport cluster.

 

On the development of an international innovation and technology hub, the central government supports the joint development of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong I&T Co-operation Zone, which comprises the Shenzhen I&T Zone and the Hong Kong-Shenzhen I&T Park at the Lok Ma Chau Loop, with a view to establishing “one zone, two parks” at “one river, two banks” under the auspices of “one country, two systems”.

 

On improving the infrastructure of land boundary control points between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, the central government supports the deepening of co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, the enhancement of the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang control point, and the implementation of co-location arrangements at the new Huanggang control point in Shenzhen so as to release over 20 hectares of land at the Hong Kong control point for other uses. We will also explore with Shenzhen the enhancement of the Lo Wu control point in due course. Drawing on the experience of Hong Kong private cars travelling to Guangdong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, we will explore the implementation of the same policy at other Hong Kong/Shenzhen land boundary control points.

 

On facilitating Hong Kong enterprises to tap the Mainland domestic market, the central government supports the collaboration of the Guangdong Province with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and relevant chambers of commerce in providing policy advisory, training and business matching services to Hong Kong enterprises, thereby enabling them to expand their domestic sale channels and establish interface with the e-commerce platforms in the Mainland market.

 

On fighting against the epidemic, the central government supports and requests the Hong Kong SAR Government to adopt all necessary measures to guard against the importation of cases and resurgence of domestic infections, with the aim of gradually resuming travel between Hong Kong and Guangdong in an orderly manner through mutual recognition of health codes when the epidemic situation in Hong Kong stabilises. The central government also supports Hong Kong in ensuring the supply of COVID-19 vaccines and will reserve a certain amount of vaccines developed or produced in the Mainland for use by Hong Kong people when necessary.

 

Such strong policy support from the central government is conducive to Hong Kong’s putting forward and implementing concrete measures in various areas. The Hong Kong SAR Government will strengthen its communication and interface with relevant central ministries and the Guangdong Provincial Government, and set up task forces to take forward various initiatives. However, to drive forward the development of various sectors in Hong Kong, we need to comprehensively and accurately implement the principles of “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy.

 

This is the English translation of Chief Executive Carrie Lam’s Policy Address remarks, delivered on November 25, on the policy support from the central government.

via Moroccan Trader HK gets central govt’s full support

Policy Address primary goal clear

Today I present the fourth Policy Address in my term of office. First of all, I would like to thank the Honourable Members, participants of the 24 consultation sessions and members of the community for giving many views and suggestions for this Policy Address. This shows that you all care about Hong Kong, support the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in enhancing its governance, and are willing to offer advice with the aim of building a better Hong Kong which is our home.

 

In preparing for this year’s Policy Address, I deeply felt that I was charged with a heavy responsibility. In the past year or so, Hong Kong has experienced multiple blows which are unprecedented: the social unrest arising from the opposition to the proposed legislative amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and other anti-government acts, the shrinking economy and rising unemployment rate caused by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic, and the acts that endangered national security due to interference by external forces. All these have seriously undermined the social stability of the Hong Kong SAR, impeded its economic development and tarnished its international image, and for which our society has paid a high price. Under such circumstances, the worries and anxieties of the people and their loss of confidence in the future are entirely understandable. Naturally, they will expect the Hong Kong SAR Government to do more and to do better. As such, the primary objective of this Policy Address is to look at ways to get Hong Kong out of the impasse and to restore people’s confidence as soon as possible.

 

In his keynote address delivered at the meeting celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Hong Kong’s Return to the Motherland and the Inaugural Ceremony of the Fifth-term Government of the Hong Kong SAR held on July 1, 2017, President Xi Jinping pointed out that the implementation of “one country, two systems” entailed an evolving process, and that Hong Kong had encountered some new circumstances and issues in the process. He mentioned that the continued successful implementation of “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong hinged on “four imperatives”, namely, it was imperative to have a correct understanding of the relationship between “one country” and “two systems”; it was imperative to always act in accordance with the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR of the People’s Republic of China; it was imperative to always focus on development as the top priority; and it was imperative to always maintain a harmonious and stable social environment. The Policy Address that I deliver today seeks to restore Hong Kong’s constitutional order, consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s strengths and diversify its economic development, and build on our past efforts to continue to improve people’s well-being, with a view to resolving our immediate and long-term social problems. I wish to receive support from the Legislative Council and the community.

 

This is the English translation of Chief Executive Carrie Lam’s Policy Address opening remarks delivered on November 25.

via Moroccan Trader Policy Address primary goal clear

SJ promotes Basic Law benefits

The Basic Law 30th Anniversary Legal Summit was successfully concluded last Tuesday, following the Hong Kong Legal Week in early November. We were very privileged to have so many renowned legal professionals, experts and academics with expertise in the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the Basic Law to share their insights, which have greatly inspired the audience.

 

Despite the fact that the Basic Law has been successfully implemented in Hong Kong over the years, there are still people who do not fully comprehend the Constitution and the Basic Law. Some mistakenly believe that the Constitution does not apply in Hong Kong or even forget that “one country” is the precondition of the “one country, two systems” principle. There are also people deliberately making statements about the Basic Law selectively, leading to misapprehensions. We hope that by going “Back to Basics”, the theme of the summit, it could help all of us to understand the Basic Law accurately. At the summit, Vice-Chairman of the Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPCSC) Mr Zhang Yong and the Chief Executive respectively mentioned “learning the new by reviewing the old” and “staying true to the original intention”, as being relevant when we look into the basics of the Basic Law. I fully agree. In order to get the true essence and meaning of the Basic Law, it is necessary to remind ourselves of its original intent. The Basic Law has only two purposes which have been clearly stated in the preamble: upholding national unity and territorial integrity, maintaining the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

 

Mr Zhang’s speech provided us with a clear and proper understanding of the relationship between the Constitution and the Basic Law. He explained that the constitutional basis of the Hong Kong SAR is formed by the Constitution and the Basic Law. He reiterated that China is a unitary state, meaning all powers come from the central authorities, and the powers enjoyed by the Hong Kong SAR are authorised by the central authorities. This is how the “one country, two systems” have to be understood. He further elaborated on the legal hierarchy of the Constitution, the Basic Law and the laws of the Special Administrative Region, as well as that of the legislatures at the national and the regional and Special Administrative Region levels. With this background, we would then be able to return to the basics so as to properly understand the Basic Law.

 

The Vice President of International Court of Justice Judge Xue Hanqin highlighted the contributions the “one country, two systems” principle has made to the international law. The “one country, two systems” principle, which is an innovative concept, ensured Hong Kong’s smooth transition and return to the motherland. The Chinese and British governments resolved the dispute and their differences in looking at the situation that was left over from history by negotiations, leading to a peaceful settlement, thereby providing a good example for implementation of the international law.

 

At the panel discussion session, various legal experts shared with us the process by which the Basic Law was drafted and also their views on its legislative intent. Former Chairman of the Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR under the NPCSC Mr Qiao Xiaoyang clearly presented that the concept of the “Chief Executive System” has been adopted in Hong Kong’s political system and pointed out that the executive-led system is supported by a number of provisions in the Basic Law. Mr Qiao also provided six keys to study the Basic Law. Allow me to recap here. First, one must view the Basic Law from the national perspective. Second, it must be understood that the constitutional status of the Basic Law is from the Constitution. Third, the Basic Law is an “authorisation law”. Fourth, the Basic Law should be understood in its entirety. Fifth, the “one country, two systems” principle is the basic for implementing the Basic Law. And sixth, the Basic Law should be implemented with the people and their development in mind. No matter how familiar you are with the Basic Law, I encourage all of you to review the insightful presentations by all the speakers of the summit.

 

I am delighted to know that the summit gave us an opportunity to walk through the interpretation of the Basic Law, and have a deeper understanding of the responsibility of maintaining national security under “one country” as well as the overall situation of national security laws in China. At the same time, with “one country” as the root, the “two systems” under the “one country, two systems” principle have also brought us tremendous benefits. The Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement has achieved numerous favourable results in terms of reciprocal benefits and complementarity, thereby opening up ample business opportunities for the legal sector. The mutual legal assistance and the interim measures arrangement have further enhanced Hong Kong’s international arbitration services by consolidating our status as a centre for dispute resolution.

 

I am indebted to all the speakers and guests who either physically attended the summit or joined us online. Their wisdom has enlightened the audience on how the Basic Law has been successfully implemented, allowing us to go back to the basics and reflecting on the original intent and purpose of “one country, two systems”. Looking forward, I wish we could join hands to consolidate the foundation of the Basic Law with a view to ensuring the continued success of “one country, two systems”

 

Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng wrote this article and posted it on her blog on November 22.

via Moroccan Trader SJ promotes Basic Law benefits

Govt backs tech for seniors

Following the success of the (Gerontech & Innovation) Expo’s inaugural in 2017, it has become the most important annual event in gerontechnology in Hong Kong where stakeholders from all sectors gather and exchange the latest developments and ideas. The summit this year was held online. It featured a keynote session and plenary sessions on the application and future of gerontechnology, where local and international experts have shared their views on ageing and technology with audiences from different parts of the world through webinars. On the other hand, the expo this year continues its physical form with over 150 exhibitors to showcase about 500 inventions and products from 30 countries. Despite the travel restrictions, I am both pleased and very grateful that many overseas manufacturers have joined us here in Hong Kong by showcasing their products through local distributors.

 

The wide range of state-of-the-art technologies, creative yet pragmatic real-life applications, and the almost unlimited potential and possibilities that they bring never cease to amaze me. I understand that some of the products that we are seeing today are brought to Hong Kong for the first time, such as special featured rollators that can be easily converted from a walking aid to a wheelchair and IoT (Internet of Things) care robots. There are also some locally developed products like a tailor-made smart management system and telemedicine system. I trust you are all looking forward to visiting the exhibitors to experience first-hand these innovations. For those who are unable to visit us physically, you will still be able to experience the wonderful gadgets in our virtual tour and see them in action.

 

As the old Chinese saying goes, “An elderly person is a treasure at home” (「家有一老，如有一寶」). Hong Kong has the longest life expectancy in the world. We are fortunate to be able to benefit from advances in medical and health technologies, as well as an ever improving social environment; but the rapidly ageing population presents a great challenge to the community as a whole, in terms of the make-up of society, health and welfare infrastructure, as well as the economy. Meanwhile, the silver hair will bring new opportunities especially in the elderly service sector and gerontechnology.

 

To help the elderly service sector adopt better technologies and other advanced solutions, we launched a $1 billion Innovation & Technology Fund for Application in Elderly & Rehabilitation Care (I&T Fund) in December 2018, which aims at subsidising elderly and rehabilitation service units to procure or rent technology products in order to improve the quality of life of service users, and reduce the pressure and burden on care staff. I am glad to know that the I&T Fund has already approved over $200 million to subsidise about 970 elderly and rehabilitation service units for procuring or renting over 4,200 technology products.

 

To drive the adoption of gerontechnology, promotion and partnership are of paramount importance. Our expo today is an important platform connecting various stakeholders. This major event offers great opportunities linking up academics, researchers, service providers, both NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and the private sector, and suppliers. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my sincere wish that you all find the expo beneficial to your organisation, your clients or the stakeholders of your field. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to the welfare of our elderly people. You can rest assured that our support for elderly services and gerontechnology will continue to strengthen.

 

Secretary for Labour & Welfare Dr Law Chi-kwong gave these remarks at the opening ceremony of the Gerontech & Innovation Expo & Summit 2020 on November 19.

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Bay area to create synergy

It gives me great pleasure to be here today at this Greater Bay Area Conference co-organised by China Daily and the Silk Road Economic Development Research Center. Themed “GBA: The Way Forward”, the conference has brought together a group of distinguished people to speak on aspects of healthcare, technology and emerging opportunities. The speakers are not only highly qualified in their respective fields, but they all share one thing in common, and that is they all agree that the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is of great potential and will offer abundant development opportunities for Hong Kong.

 

In order for the people of Hong Kong to grasp those opportunities, they need to have a good understanding of the GBA and its latest development. To this end, I have to thank China Daily for producing those highly informative reports entitled “GBA Focus” on a regular basis. I have the habit of keeping copies of those reports in a folder for easy reference and may take the initiative to connect the Government with people and institutions mentioned in those reports. For example, having read the “GBA Focus” edition on healthcare which appeared in China Daily on October 23, I told the Secretary for Food & Health that we should have a chat with Mr Carl Wu of the New Frontier Group, which is planning to invest more in the healthcare services in the GBA.

 

I spoke at this conference three years ago when I mentioned the far-reaching promise of the GBA. Today, I am even more convinced that the GBA will not only provide a huge market for Hong Kong’s professional services, but will be our best conduit to integrate into the latest “dual circulation” in the Mainland’s development blueprint.

 

Bay breakthroughs

Much has happened with the GBA development since that exposition three years ago. Let me just recap the key milestones:

 

In August 2018, a GBA Leading Group chaired by Vice Premier Han Zheng was set up and for the first time the Chief Executives of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macau SAR are made members of this important institution of the central authorities; In February 2019, the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area was officially promulgated by the State Council; In March and November 2019, two plenary meetings of the GBA Leading Group were held with a total of 24 specific measures to support the GBA development announced. By now, half of these have been fully implemented, providing facilitation in terms of income tax, Hong Kong people buying residential properties, R&D funding to Hong Kong tertiary institutions, etc. I realise that amongst the outstanding measures are a couple of health-related measures and I have my medical friends on the panel and in the audience. I want to tell you good news is on the horizon; In September and October 2019 and August 2020, three important pieces of cross-boundary infrastructure, namely the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the cargo clearance facilities at the Liantang Port/Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point, were respectively commissioned, moving towards the goal of a one-hour travelling zone; Up to this month, at least 10 central government ministries and commissions have published frameworks, opinions or arrangements to support the GBA, covering a wide range of subjects such as finance, technology, aviation, trade, meteorological development, infrastructure connectivity planning as well as construction services; In June 2018 and April 2019, the three governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau organised overseas promotion of the GBA in Paris and Tokyo respectively; and  To date, several universities in Hong Kong have embarked on campus projects in the GBA, notably that of the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology at Nansha, Guangzhou, and the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s medical school at Shenzhen.

 

National integration

​With President Xi Jinping reiterating the historic importance of the GBA as a major national development strategy in his keynote speech made at Shenzhen on the occasion of celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, and Vice Premier Han Zheng’s extremely positive remarks made in meeting with me and my delegation in Beijing earlier this month, I think we could expect more favourable policies and support measures for Hong Kong to take part in the GBA.

 

As a matter of fact, with the COVID-19 pandemic plaguing the global economy and Hong Kong suffering from a severe recession, our economic recovery lies in co-operating more fully with the Mainland, which has regained its economic momentum thanks to the nation’s rigorous epidemic control and prevention measures. The benefits to Hong Kong are obvious, as evidenced in our improved third-quarter economic data released last week. Real GDP registered a year-on-year decline of 3.5%, which is visibly narrower than the 9% contraction in the second quarter. On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter comparison, real GDP actually rebounded by 2.8% in the third quarter, arresting the declines in the preceding five quarters. It underscores the importance for Hong Kong to better integrate into the nation’s overall development, and there is no better way to achieve this than vigorously participating in the development of the GBA. However, to do that we have to first restore normal cross-boundary flow of people, and let me assure you that the Hong Kong SAR Government is doing its utmost in fighting the virus.

 

Guiding principles

Apart from discussion on the resumption of travel, I suppose some of you are keen to know what are those support measures that I have obtained from the central government during my recent trip to Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. While I shall have to beg for your patience until the 2020 Policy Address to be delivered on November 25, I wish to share with you what I consider to be important principles in guiding Hong Kong’s participation in the GBA.

 

First, adherence to the “one country, two systems” policy. As it has been stated explicitly in the GBA Outline Development Plan, the GBA should leverage on this unique arrangement of one country, two systems, three customs jurisdictions, three legal systems, etc. Hong Kong should continue to offer the GBA our traditional advantages of an established international business environment, world-class financial and professional services, a low and simple tax regime, free flow of capital, the rule of law and judicial independence. It is therefore erroneous to say that Hong Kong will be marginalised by the GBA or become just another Mainland city. On the contrary, the successful development of the GBA will enrich the implementation of “one country, two systems” by bringing even more long-term prosperity and stability to the Hong Kong SAR.

 

Second, mutual co-operation and win-win arrangement. The nine Mainland cities and Macau all have their respective strengths and contributions to make towards building a prosperous, innovative and global bay area economy. Unhelpful competition should be minimised while synergy should be created. Our mindset should be that of “one plus one is bigger than two”.

 

Third, innovation and technology should be put at the top of our agenda. This calls for out-of-the-box thinking in our co-operation with the Mainland cities, particularly with our neighbour, Shenzhen. Hong Kong should play a more proactive role in identifying new opportunities for joint actions. This is one area that I have accorded personal attention to given my close involvement in Hong Kong-Shenzhen matters for over a decade.

 

Fourth, greater emphasis should be placed on supporting young people and nurturing talents. After all, the GBA is a long-term venture and its growth has to be propelled by a new generation who will share our passion.

 

The central government has given and will continue to give the Hong Kong SAR unwavering support in developing our economy and improving people’s livelihood. What we have to do is to operate within the framework of “one country, two systems”, uphold the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the Basic Law and safeguard national security. It is up to us to turn those support measures into opportunities and such opportunities are so abundantly available in the bay area. Rest assured, I and my governing team are doing all we can to grasp these opportunities. This is for the future of Hong Kong, our businesses, our community and our young people. I am sure we will have your support on this.

 

Chief Executive Carrie Lam gave these remarks at the “Greater Bay Area Conference – GBA: The Way Forward” on November 18.

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Logistics sustains economic growth

The Asian Logistics, Maritime & Aviation Conference (ALMAC) celebrates its tenth anniversary this year and we are proud to witness its growth from strength to strength. The annual conference has become a signature event, and the largest of its kind in the region. It provides a platform for stakeholders across the globe to share thoughts and insights, and to explore business opportunities in Asia. It is also the very first time that ALMAC goes online, to reach out for more and further amidst the pandemic.

 

Year 2020 is unprecedented for all of us. The pandemic disrupts our normal way of living, if not way of life. It is even harder for us to navigate across the sea of uncertainties caused by escalating trade disputes, rising geopolitical tensions and protectionism. The theme this year, on how to “Capture Opportunities amidst Volatility”, is most relevant and timely for every one of us.

 

As of today, the pandemic rages on and there is no sign of abating. Here in Hong Kong, we are giving it our best and holding on. Our unique position under “one country, two systems”, our robust fundamentals and institutional strengths are cornerstones of our continual success. All these are well recognised by the international community and fortify Hong Kong’s position as a global trade and logistics hub.

 

Widespread lockdown to contain the pandemic is expected to cause a deeper contraction to the global economy. Economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region as a whole is forecasted to drop by 3.7% as domestic consumption, trade and investment opportunities are dropping. Asian economies are among the first to battle the coronavirus, and are also the first to come out from the crisis.

 

Trading and logistics is one of Hong Kong’s four pillar industries, accounting for 21% of our GDP and 19% of our total employment. Thus, our logistics, maritime and aviation industries combined play a pivotal role in sustaining Hong Kong’s economic growth. Today’s discussion will focus on how technology opens up new possibilities, and how the industry should gear up in synchrony with the upsurge of e-commerce.

 

As the pandemic reshapes the way we live, shopping online becomes the new normal. In order to cope with the growing demand for express and small parcel delivery, Hong Kong is in the course of expanding our express air cargo terminal. With completion in 2022, our handling capacity will increase by some 50% to over a million tonnes per year. On the other hand, to enhance our capability of warehousing and shipment distribution, a new premium logistics centre, which is scheduled to commence operation in 2023, will bring an additional 1.7 million tonnes of air cargo per year to Hong Kong.

 

Apart from handling capacity and capability, efficiency and reliability are also key to success. Consumers demand fast and reliable delivery at low cost. They also want to track and trace their purchases throughout the process. Our logistics sector is committed to applying smart technology, such as the use of automation, robotics, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things, to better meet the evolving needs, enhance operational efficiency and productivity. Wider adoption of technology would add value for our partners and consumers in the region and across the globe. To this end, the Hong Kong Government has rolled out a $300 million scheme to encourage the sector in adopting more technology and IT solutions.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, the logistics, maritime and aviation industries have always lived up to the spirit of “Capturing Opportunities amidst Volatility”, with or without the pandemic. And Hong Kong remains and will continue to be your trustworthy partner in furthering your business ventures in the region. Together, I am confident that we will overcome and become more resilient.

 

Secretary for Transport & Housing Frank Chan gave these remarks at the Asian Logistics, Maritime & Aviation Conference 2020 on November 18.

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HK a logistics and maritime hub

For the first time, this two-day conference is being held online. It’s also filling satellite venues in a number of regional cities, including Chengdu, Dongguan, Guangzhou, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Wuhan and Taipei.

     

Wherever in the world you are, and however you’re watching, you’re with us because this gathering is Asia’s largest annual event for logistics industry leaders. It covers the maritime, aviation and shipping industries. Year after year, this conference provides an ideal platform for us to exchange intelligence and gather insight on the current state and the future of the logistics sector and its many interrelated industries and businesses.

 

Challenging year

This year, amid the daunting face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global economy has been hard hit. Just a few weeks ago, the International Monetary Fund projected the global economy to shrink by 4.4% this year. And the World Trade Organization forecasts merchandise trade volume to plummet 9.2% in 2020. Fortunately, Mainland China, having kept COVID-19 at bay, has seen speedy economic recovery and is going to be the only major economy that will see a positive growth this year. As a major trading hub and a gateway to the Mainland, Hong Kong naturally stands to benefit, as witnessed in the surge in our imports and exports figures lately.

 

Alongside the widespread havoc unleashed by the pandemic, the world is also grappling with continuing geopolitical tensions, protectionism and escalating trade disputes. For Hong Kong, we are caught in the China-US tension and worse still, suffering from unilateral sanctions taken by the US administration under the pretext of the enactment of a law on national security in the middle of this year. Amongst the various unjustified sanctions imposed on Hong Kong is the unilateral termination of the agreement between Hong Kong and the US concerning Tax Exemptions from the Income Derived from the International Operation of Ship. We are liaising with the Hong Kong shipping sector to see how we may mitigate the harm done.

 

Which is why the theme of this year’s conference, capturing opportunities amidst volatility, could not be more timely to your business and its future. From the more than 60 high-profile speakers taking part, I am sure you will hear from them on a range of topics, including air freight, maritime and supply chain management, Asian connectivity and trendsetting technologies.

 

For the next few minutes, allow me to focus on Hong Kong – on our considerable challenges, and how we’re meeting them, and on the far-reaching opportunities Hong Kong is blessed with.

 

Economic revival

To sustain our economy, safeguard jobs and help the people of Hong Kong, my Government has introduced since February this year nearly 100 measures under three rounds of Anti-epidemic Fund as well as enhanced Budget relief initiatives. To date, these measures have committed some US$37 billion to our economy and our community.

 

Admittedly, there are limits to what Hong Kong can do, given that we are an externally oriented economy, and our recovery will depend, to a large extent, on the progress of anti-epidemic efforts around the world. That said, as the pandemic recedes, Hong Kong will be quick to recover, thanks to our unique strengths under “one country, two systems.” They include the rule of law and independent judiciary, free flow of capital, people and information, leading professional and financial services, together with our unique access to the fast-growing markets of Mainland China.  

 

With such strong fundamentals, we are now exploring measures to revive the Hong Kong economy. That necessarily begins with the resumption of people, goods and services flow. Logistics, in short.

 

We are in discussions with authorities on the mutual exemption of compulsory quarantine for cross-boundary travellers from Macau and Guangdong Province. We hope to be able to implement this as soon as the epidemic situation stabilises in Hong Kong. Prior to that, we will first introduce later this month an arrangement for Hong Kong residents in Guangdong and Macau to return without the mandatory quarantine arrangement.

 

Beyond the Mainland, we have reached an agreement to establish an Air Travel Bubble between Hong Kong and Singapore, enabling business and other travellers to commute between the two places without going through compulsory quarantine. The epidemic situation in Hong Kong and Singapore is similar, and travellers will have to undergo COVID-19 tests, thereby minimising the risk of viral transmission. The Air Travel Bubble will start to operate from November 22, and we hope that it will be the first step in our much anticipated return towards normalcy.

 

Hong Kong International Airport plays a significant role in maintaining our status as a regional aviation and logistics hub. The airport has been ranked the world’s busiest cargo airport for the past 10 years. Last year, it handled nearly five million tonnes of cargo and air mail. And, through the first half of this year, we have retained that top ranking. In fact, while our air passenger flow has had a devastating blow this pandemic year, our air and sea cargo sectors lost only single-digit business, year-on-year, through the first nine months of 2020.

 

Hong Kong International Airport connects with more than 220 destinations worldwide, including about 50 in the Mainland. From Hong Kong, no major Asian city is more than four hours’ flight time away. Last year, the airport handled more than 70 million passengers.

 

And that’s just the beginning. Our airport’s three-runway system is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2024, with the new third runway expected to be ready at the end of 2022. By 2030, the system is expected to increase our airport handling capacity to about nine million tonnes of cargo and up to 100 million passengers. To foster cross-border logistics and trading activities, we are also redeveloping the airport’s Air Mail Centre at a cost of about US$640 million.

 

As for air cargo, the International Air Transport Association has accredited the airport as centres of excellence for the handling of pharmaceutical products and perishable produce – two categories that command a higher premium. And in March, the association acknowledged two of our cargo terminal operators for their competence in the transportation of live animals. In both cases, the international recognition showcases our airport’s expert ability to manage high-value, temperature-sensitive cargo.

 

As for our maritime sector, it boasts more than 800 shipping-related companies. They provide a wealth of maritime services, including ship agency and management, broking and chartering, finance and marine insurance, as well as maritime legal and arbitration services. The International Chamber of Shipping recognises our institutional strengths and related maritime-industry advantages. That’s why the chamber set up its China Liaison Office in Hong Kong last year, which is the chamber’s first office outside of London.

 

Among the 2,600 vessels registered in Hong Kong, many are managed by companies located overseas, making the Hong Kong Shipping Register the world’s fourth-largest. At the end of September, Hong Kong’s gross tonnage exceeded 130 million.

 

Hong Kong is home to one of the world’s top-ten busiest container ports. Last year, our total container throughput stood at 18.3 million TEUs. Each week, Hong Kong Port sees about 300 liner services connecting to some 420 destinations worldwide.

 

We are determined to boost Hong Kong’s status as a global maritime hub. Recent government initiatives to support the industry include streamlining the issuing of exemptions for Hong Kong-registered ships and providing tax concessions for ship leasing and marine insurance. We are also expanding our Shipping Registry coverage, establishing regional desks to better support shipowners. Such regional desks were opened late last year in London, Shanghai and Singapore. Further, in June and July, we amended our laws to provide tax exemptions for qualifying ship lessors, as well as half-rate tax concessions for ship managers and insurance companies, including marine insurance.

 

Bay area opportunities

The trading and logistics industry has long been one of Hong Kong’s economic pillars, accounting for 21% of our gross domestic product (GDP) and 19% of our employment. While we are endlessly pursuing new markets and new-market opportunities, in the long run, there may well be no bigger new-market opportunity – for Hong Kong and for the companies that work with Hong Kong – than the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The development brings together Hong Kong, Macau and nine prosperous cities in Guangdong Province, including Shenzhen and Guangzhou. This enormously promising market counts a population of over 70 million people and a GDP per capita, last year, of well over US$23,000.

 

Thanks to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link and the cargo clearance at the Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point, all of which opened within the last two years, we now enjoy world-class connections to the Greater Bay Area and to the Mainland beyond. To facilitate cargo flow through the application of advanced technology, Customs has set up the Single E-lock Scheme for seamless clearance service in each of the nine Mainland cities within the Greater Bay Area, with a total of over 60 clearance points. These initiatives save time which in the logistics business, means money.

 

There remains huge potential to be tapped in the Greater Bay Area. I was at Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen earlier this month where I met leaders of central government ministries as well as provincial government to discuss measures by the central government to support the Hong Kong economy. While I will not be able to disclose details of those measures until my 2020 Policy Address to be delivered on November 25, I can promise you that there is something for the logistics industry.

 

The opportunities in the logistics, maritime and aviation sectors are clearly there in this part of the world, including Hong Kong. Of course, we must first find our way past these turbulent pandemic times. We will need, too, to tackle the global economic downturn and long-standing trade wars. Finding common ground, working together, I am confident we can, and will.

 

Chief Executive Carrie Lam gave these remarks at the Asian Logistics, Maritime & Aviation Conference 2020 on November 17.

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