Author Archives: hksar gov

     The Chairman of the Legislative Council Panel on Security, Mr Chan Hak-kan, reviewed the 182nd Fire Services passing-out parade for 25 station officers, 21 ambulance officers, 10 senior firemen of the Mobilising and Communications Group, 62 firemen and 46 ambulancemen at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy today (May 25).
 
     Speaking at the parade, Mr Chan commended the Fire Services Department (FSD) as an outstanding disciplined force, which has been striving to safeguard the city. He said, “Over one and a half centuries, the FSD has been dedicated to its duties to safeguard Hong Kong, and protect life and property from fire and other calamities. With exceptional bravery and an unwavering spirit, the FSD personnel have been saving those in distress, regardless of danger or difficulty. Their selfless contributions and commitment, from generation to generation, have led a brigade of some 100 personnel to become today’s elite force with international acclaim.”
 
     He encouraged the graduates to uphold the fine tradition of the FSD and fulfil its mission of “Serving with courage, passion and commitment”. To tie in with the development of the FSD, the graduates also should pursue self-enhancement and enrich their professional knowledge as well as operational experience, with the aim of providing the community with top-notch fire and ambulance services, he added.
 
     Mr Chan noted that in response to society’s development, the FSD has established a number of specialist teams to enhance rescue capabilities and operational safety of front-line personnel. The well-equipped facilities and comprehensive training programmes of the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy also enable the department to nurture more outstanding fire and ambulance personnel to serve the community.
 
     The parade was followed by a demonstration of firefighting and rescue techniques by the graduates. The 164 graduates will be posted to the Fire Services Communications Centre as well as various fire stations and ambulance depots.

        

     The Transport Department (TD) announced today (May 25) that temporary special traffic arrangements will be implemented during the initial period upon the commissioning of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) to ensure … read more

     The Labour Department launched prosecution against an employer for failing to pay periodical payments in accordance with the requirements of the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance (ECO). The employer earlier pleaded guilty at Shatin Magistrates’ Courts and was fined $60,000 today (May 25).

     A floorboard worker sustained multiple burn injuries while working on May 15, 2015. The employer failed to pay periodical payments to the employee on the normal paydays or within seven days thereafter as required by the ECO.

     Section 10(10) of the ECO stipulates that during a period of temporary incapacity, the employer shall pay the injured employee periodical payments at the rate of four-fifths of the difference between the employee’s monthly earnings at the time of the accident and his or her monthly earnings during the period of temporary incapacity.

     The periodical payments are payable on the injured employee’s normal paydays. An employer who, without reasonable excuse, fails to pay within seven days after the due day commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $100,000. read more

     The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, spoke at a discussion session on “Supporting the Multilateral Trading System” at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea today (May 25).

     He said that trade disputes, if loomed large, do not only hurt the rival parties, but world trade and economic development also suffer collateral damage. Given their interdependence in the closely-knit world economy, APEC member economies are all vulnerable, he added, and they all have their part to play to redouble support for the predictability of the rule-based multilateral trading system (MTS), with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its centre.
 
     “This rule-based international system helps sustain a dynamic but stable international market environment, in which our goods and services can compete on a level playing field. And in the event of disputes, it allows a fair hearing for all, regardless of size and economic power.
 
     “The WTO, as a member-driven organisation, is as good as we members want it to be. As a loyal member and a responsible custodian, Hong Kong stands ready to discuss its imperfections and work with the other 163 WTO members to make the WTO a stronger ship to brave the storm and current of protectionism. However, we cannot have a meaningful discussion if any one of us behaves like a captain getting ready to abandon its ship,” said Mr Yau.
 
     He added that as a staunch supporter of the MTS and a free trade practitioner, Hong Kong is deeply concerned about the prolonged impasse in filling the vacancies in the Appellate Body (AB) of the WTO.
 
     “All APEC and WTO Members should spare no efforts to preserve this key pillar in the dispute settlement mechanism and uphold the credibility and effective functioning of the MTS. At this critical juncture, we urge all member economies to redouble our efforts in pushing forward the process for filling in the AB vacancies at the WTO,” he said.
 
     The theme of APEC 2018 is “Harnessing Inclusive Opportunities, Embracing the Digital Futur”. Mr Yau also participated in two other discussion sessions, namely “Fostering Sustainable and Inclusive Growth Through Digital Agenda” and “Deepening Regional Economic Integration and Connectivity”.
 
     Between the discussion sessions, Mr Yau attended a minister’s working lunch to exchange views with participating ministers on enhancing market access for micro, small and medium enterprises using information and communications technology.
 
     On the sidelines of the MRT Meeting, Mr Yau took the opportunity to have exchanges with the Director-General of International Trade Cooperation and Deputy Trade Minister of the Ministry of Trade of Indonesia, Mr Iman Pambagyo; the Secretary of Trade and Industry of the Philippines, Mr Ramon Lopez; the Minister for Trade and Industry of Singapore, Mr Chan Chun-sing; the Deputy Minister and Coordinator of International Economic Relations with Global Affairs of Canada, Mr Jonathan Fried; the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development of New Zealand, Mr Fletcher Tabuteau; the Deputy Secretary General (Trade) of Ministry of International Trade and Industry of Malaysia, Datuk Isham Ishak; the Deputy Minister of Commerce of Thailand, Ms Chutima Bunyapraphasara; and the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, Mr Tran Quoc Khanh, on trade-related issues.
 
     Mr Yau will continue to join the MRT Meeting tomorrow (May 26).

        

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:      The Legislative Council (LegCo) and its Committees will hold 15 open meetings, one public hearing and two closed meetings during the week from May 28 … read more