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Author Archives: hksar gov

Special traffic and transport arrangements in So Kon Po and Causeway Bay this Saturday

     The Transport Department (TD) today (May 15) reminded the public that special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented in So Kon Po and Causeway Bay this Saturday (May 19) to facilitate the holding of a football match at Hong Kong Stadium.

     The special traffic and transport arrangements mainly include:
     
* From about 1.30pm, the section of Caroline Hill Road between Leighton Road and Cotton Path, and the section of Hysan Avenue westbound between Sunning Road and Hoi Ping Road, will be closed, subject to the actual situation;

* From about 4.30pm, Caroline Hill Road and the section of Eastern Hospital Road between Caroline Hill Road and Cotton Path will be closed to facilitate the dispersal of spectators until the crowd disperses and road closures are lifted, subject to the actual situation;

* During the road closure period, Citybus route 5B, New World First Bus route 8H, Cross Harbour route 936, green minibus routes 14M, 26 and 30, and residents’ service route HR 51 will be temporarily diverted; and

* On-street car parking spaces and car parks within the affected areas will be suspended.

     The TD anticipates that the traffic in the vicinity of So Kon Po and Causeway Bay will be congested. Motorists are advised to avoid driving to the affected areas. In case of traffic congestion, motorists should exercise tolerance and patience, and follow the instructions of the Police. Members of the public planning to go to the affected areas are advised to use public transport services as far as possible.

     The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures whenever necessary. Members of the public are advised to stay alert to the latest traffic news on radio and television.

     Details of the special traffic and transport arrangements are now available on the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk). read more

HKAB and IFFO host seminar on “Building a Sustainable Belt and Road – Hong Kong’s Pivotal Role to Play” (with photo)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     More than 150 bankers, project finance experts, risk officers and professionals attended a seminar jointly organised by the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) and the HKMA Infrastructure Financing Facilitation Office (IFFO) today (May 15) to explore sustainable infrastructure financing opportunities under the Belt and Road Initiative.
      
     The Belt and Road Initiative aims to build connectivity, which can help foster economic growth and regional cooperation. With growing interest from the private sector to capitalise on Belt and Road opportunities, this year’s seminar was designed to raise awareness and promote participation of Hong Kong banks in Belt and Road projects.  In line with Hong Kong’s commitment to sustainability, the seminar also put a spotlight on financially sustainable and environmentally friendly projects along the Belt and Road countries.
      
     The Executive Director (External) of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Deputy Director of the IFFO, Mr Vincent Lee, said, “We are pleased to work with HKAB again to co-host this year’s seminar.  Today’s discussion clearly highlights the strengths of Hong Kong’s platform in facilitating infrastructure financing and investments, and our credentials as a premier centre for green finance in the region.  Going forward, IFFO will continue to work with private and public sector stakeholders closely to facilitate more bankable and sustainable infrastructure projects.”
      
     The Chairperson of the HKAB and Chief Executive, Hong Kong, HSBC, Ms Diana Cesar, said, “Financing the colossal investment needs of economies in Asia and beyond will require all available sources of capital. Hong Kong banks are in a unique position to connect enterprises engaged in Belt and Road projects with capital, advice and other solutions.  Hong Kong’s focus on green financing can also support China’s aim of building a sustainable New Silk Road.  This seminar brings together 60 financial institutions and businesses that can benefit from, and contribute to, economic development along the Belt and Road routes.  The Hong Kong Association of Banks is pleased to be part of this mission in regional cooperation.”
      
     The seminar featured keynote speeches, presentations and a panel discussion on “Infrastructure Financing and Sustainability: Opportunities and Challenges” by bankers and insurance practitioners.  The high turnout at this seminar shows that the Hong Kong banking community is keen to contribute to the sustainable development of the Belt and Road Initiative.
 
About HKMA Infrastructure Financing Facilitation Office

     As part of the HKMA, IFFO’s mission is to facilitate infrastructure investments and their financing by working with a cluster of key stakeholders.
      
     The functions of IFFO are:
 

  • providing a platform for information exchange and experience sharing;
  • building capacity and knowledge on infrastructure investments and financing;
  • promoting market and product development; and
  • facilitating infrastructure investment and financing flows.

     By establishing IFFO, the HKMA can play a valuable role as a catalyst in the facilitation of infrastructure investments and their financings with its mandate to promote Hong Kong as an international financial centre.
      
     For more information about IFFO, please visit www.iffo.org.hk.
 
About HKAB
 
     The Hong Kong Association of Banks was created by the Hong Kong Association of Banks Ordinance (Cap 364) (Ordinance) in 1981 to replace the Exchange Banks’ Association. The Ordinance provides a framework for the Government to exchange views with the banking sector for the further development of the industry.

     Roles of HKAB include:
 
  • to promote the interests of fully licensed banks in Hong Kong and after consultation with the Financial Secretary to make rules for the conduct of banking business;
  • to be a focal point for consultation on law reform, new legislation and regulatory matters;
  • to form a sounding-board for the Government and other relevant bodies on general business and banking issues;
  • to offer a channel of communication among its members and with third parties; and
  • to promote best practice to members and provide information service.

     For more information about HKAB, please visit www.hkab.org.hk.
Photo  
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