Author Archives: hksar gov

Attention TV/radio announcers: Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:      Here is an item of interest to swimmers.      The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (Ju… read more

     Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, at the Cambodia – Hong Kong Trade Promotion Forum today (June 29):

Mr Chhuon Dara (Secretary of State of the Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. It is my great pleasure to be here with you all at this trade promotion forum. I am particularly glad that the Commercial Centre of Cambodia in Hong Kong will be officially opened today. I am confident that the Commercial Centre will further enhance the linkage between Cambodia and Hong Kong, and help step up co-operation between the enterprises of the two places, especially with the increasing mutual co-operation driven by the Belt and Road Initiative.

     Three months ago, I led a strong business and professional delegation to visit Phnom Penh of Cambodia. During my stay, I was much impressed by the openness, friendliness and rapid development of the country, and my delegate members were all enthusiastic about the potential opportunities being offered by Cambodia. In the visit, I said Hong Kong and Cambodia were much closer than we thought and together we could foster an even closer economic and trade relationship. I am very delighted that in just a few months’ time, our Cambodian colleagues are making a reciprocal visit to Hong Kong, joining the Belt and Road Summit held yesterday, and celebrating the opening of the Commercial Centre today.

     Being strategically located at the centre of Asia, and with established international trade networks, world-class infrastructure, well-connected communication and transport networks, Hong Kong is well placed to act as the Belt and Road platform of finance and professional services. The rich pool of professionals underpins our role as a key financial, trade and logistics centre in the region. As an important hub connecting China to the world as well as East and West in many aspects, we stand ready to be the springboard for enterprises in accessing the Mainland market and connecting this part of Asia with the world.

     The Belt and Road Initiative is not merely about business. Hong Kong is also ready to partner with Cambodia in taking forward other aspects of the Initiative, such as cultivating the people-to-people bonds. I am glad to know that the business chambers of the two sides (the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Business Association of Cambodia) are joining hands in taking forward a charity project that will provide medical assistance in 10 provinces in Cambodia which will benefit hundreds and thousands of local families. I believe this is just a start, and I would say a very impressive one, which certainly will pave a way for many more such collaborations between the two places.

     Over the years, Hong Kong has developed close ties with Cambodia both economically and socially. With the Belt and Road Initiative going ahead at full throttle, our relationship will only get stronger and stronger. Last but not least, let me wish all our Cambodian friends a joyful stay in Hong Kong, and the Commercial Centre every success in your future endeavours.

     Thank you. read more

     The Government announced today (June 29) the Chief Executive’s appointment of the Chairperson and five members to serve on the Harbourfront Commission (HC) for a two-year term commencing on July 1, 2018.
      
      Mr Vincent Ng Wing-shun, a long-serving HC member, will succeed Mr Charles Nicholas Brooke as the new Chairman. Ms Janice Lai Wai-man and Ms Christina Lee Maisenne will join the HC for the first time as members, while three existing members, Ms Kelly Chan Yuen-sau, Mr Alan Lo Yeung-kit and Mr Ngan Man-yu, have been re-appointed. 
      
     The Secretary for Development, Mr Michael Wong, welcomed the appointments and re-appointments.
      
     “With Mr Ng’s rich experience in the work of harbourfront enhancement and his outstanding leadership demonstrated as the chairman of the Task Force on Kai Tak Harbourfront Development, I am confident that the good work of the HC can be sustained in the years to come. The HC deliberations will also continue to benefit from the diversity brought about by the different backgrounds of new and existing members,” Mr Wong said.
      
     “I wish to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing Chairman, Mr Nicholas Brooke, who has been involved in harbourfront-related matters since the establishment of the former Harbour-front Enhancement Committee (HEC) back in 2004, for his able chairmanship since 2010 and his invaluable contribution to the HC over the past years.
      
     “Harbourfront development and enhancement is a core vision shared by both the Government and the HC. The next few years will be challenging for the HC, which is expected to take forward a number of major harbourfront initiatives including those funded by the $500 million dedicated funding,” Mr Wong added.
      
     To provide enhanced support to the HC in taking forward harbourfront initiatives, the Government will, from July 1, 2018, onwards, re-organise the Harbour Unit under the Development Bureau into a dedicated Harbour Office (HO). The HO will be staffed by a multi-disciplinary team comprising different professional and supporting officers. 
      
     The HC was established in July 2010 to succeed the HEC to advise the Government on harbourfront planning, design, management and other related matters with the objective of fostering and facilitating the development of the Victoria harbourfront.  
      
     Following is the membership of the HC commencing on July 1, 2018:
 
Chairperson
—————-
Mr Vincent Ng Wing-shun
 
Vice-Chairperson
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Secretary for Development
 
Non-official Members (Organisations)
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Business Environment Council
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong
Conservancy Association
Friends of the Earth
Hong Kong Institute of Architects
Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects
Hong Kong Institute of Planners
Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors
Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design
Hong Kong Institution of Engineers
Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong
Society for Protection of the Harbour
           
Non-official Members (Individuals)
————————————————
Mr Chan Ka-kui
Mr Walter Chan Kar-lok
Ms Kelly Chan Yuen-sau
Mr Hans Joachim Isler
Mr Karl Kwok Chi-leung
Ms Janice Lai Wai-man
Ms Christina Lee Maisenne
Ms Vivian Lee Ying-shih
Mr Alan Lo Yeung-kit
Mr Ngan Man-yu
Mr Tony Tse Wai-chuen
 
Official Members
————————–
Permanent Secretary for Development (Planning and Lands) or her representative
Commissioner for Tourism or his representative
Commissioner for Transport or her representative
Director of Civil Engineering and Development or his representative
Director of Leisure and Cultural Services or her representative
Director of Marine or her representative
Director of Planning or his representative
 
Secretary
————-
Principal Assistant Secretary for Development (Harbour) 
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     The Government today (June 29) announced the appointment of the chairman and members to the Land and Development Advisory Committee (LDAC) for a new term of three years, from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2021.
 
     Dr Greg Wong Chak-yan is appointed as chairman of the LDAC. The other 20 non-official members, appointed on an individual basis, are nine nominees from trade and professional organisations, and 11 persons from diverse professional backgrounds covering engineering, construction, real estate development and administration, education, legal, environment, finance, policy research and social services.
      
     The LDAC is tasked to advise the Government, through the Secretary for Development, on policies and procedures in relation to planning, land and buildings matters; specific development proposals and projects initiated by non-governmental organisations or private sector proponents which carry broader economic or social merits; and policies, measures and specific development proposals conducive to Energizing Kowloon East.
      
     With members’ extensive professional expertise and experience, the Government will continue to seek the LDAC’s advice on development-related policies and procedures in the coming three years.
      
     The full membership of the Committee is as follows:

Chairman
———–
Dr Greg Wong Chak-yan
 
Non-official members nominated by professional/trade organisations
—————————————————————————-
Mr Au Choi-kai (Hong Kong Institute of Real Estate Administrators)
Mr Joel Chan Cho-sing (Hong Kong Institute of Urban Design)
Mr Allan Chan Sau-kit (Hong Kong Construction Association)
Professor Chan Siu-lai (Hong Kong Institution of Engineers)
Mr Dick Kwok Ngok-chung (Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors)
Mr Andrew Hall Lewis (Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects)
Dr Eunice Mak Hoi-cheung (Hong Kong Institute of Planners)
Mr Douglas Woo Chun-kuen (Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong)
Mr Franklin Yu (Hong Kong Institute of Architects)
 
Other non-official members
————————–
Professor Chau Kwai-cheong
Professor Chau Kwong-wing
Professor Cheung Sai-on
Professor Chong Tai-leung
Mr Chua Hoi-wai
Mr Leung Hing-fung
Mr Ma Kam-wah
Ms Anita Ma Wing-tseung
Mr Francis Ngai Wah-sing
Dr Derrick Pang Yat-bond
Dr Anthony Yeung Chun-wai
 
Ex-officio members
——————
Secretary for Development
Director of Buildings
Director of Lands
Director of Planning
Government Economist read more

     After a five-year hiatus, the Ballet Nacional de España (Spanish National Ballet) will return to Hong Kong in September to stage three performances of its latest production, “Zaguán & Alento”.
 
     “Zaguán & Alento” comprises two renowned pieces and follows a challenging proposition to the Spanish National Ballet from the company’s director, Antonio Najarro, through which he aims to showcase the company’s new aesthetic and style. The performances will be held at 8pm on September 21 and 22 (Friday and Saturday) and at 3pm on September 23 (Sunday) at the Auditorium of Sha Tin Town Hall.
 
     “Zaguán” is a flamenco ballet that seeks to portray transitional space from an array of perspectives, in which three young artists will showcase their personal dance vocabulary, approach and style. The company will also perform “Soleá del Mantón” by Blanca del Rey, one of the grand dames of Spanish flamenco.
 
     “Alento” is presented as a living reflection of Najarro’s style as a creator, as well as of his personal vision of classic Spanish dance. It is a reminder of his choreographic trajectory, inspired by the scores of the great composer and guitarist Fernando Egozcue, who has created music full of rhythm and sensitivity.
 
     Founded in 1978, the Spanish National Ballet is one of the original projects of the National Institute for the Stage Arts and Music. The Ballet has evolved with the times but has preserved its interest in all styles of Spanish dance, performing choreographies, flamenco and stylised Spanish dance. It combines tradition and modernity while not forgetting key aspects such as training and performing new projects.
 
     Antonio Najarro is an accomplished dancer and choreographer. He began his career at 15, performing in many prominent Spanish dance companies. He was accepted into the Spanish National Ballet in 1997 and three years later ascended to the rank of Principal Dancer under the direction of Aida Gomez. Najarro was appointed the ballet’s director in 2011.
 
     “Zaguán & Alento” by the Spanish National Ballet is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. Tickets ranging from $160 to $460 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone credit card bookings, please call 2111 5999. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7323 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/dance/programs_572.html. read more