Author Archives: hksar gov

     In the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) 2024 published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), Hong Kong’s ranking improved by two places to fifth globally. 
 
     Among the four competitiveness factors in the WCY 2024, Hong Kong’s rankings in “Business efficiency” and “Infrastructure” rose notably and came within the top 10 globally. Our ranking in “Government efficiency” also stayed high among the top three. Our ranking in “Economic performance” also saw significant improvement, reflecting the economic recovery in 2023. As regards the sub-factors, Hong Kong topped the rankings in “International trade” and “Business legislation”, and was among the global top five in “Tax policy”, “International investment”, “Basic infrastructure”, “Finance” and “Education”.
 
     A Government spokesperson said today (June 18), “Having taken into account a host of factors including objective data and business opinions, the IMD’s WCY 2024 continued to recognise Hong Kong as one of the most competitive economies in the world. With staunch support from the Central Government, the Hong Kong economy has continued to recover after the epidemic. The HKSAR Government has launched an array of measures to bolster market confidence and has organised mega events to bolster tourism and consumption, with a view to consolidating the momentum of economic recovery. At the same time, we are vigorously attracting enterprises, capital and talent from around the world to come to Hong Kong, proactively driving the development of areas including financial services, innovation and technology, and trading where Hong Kong enjoys an edge, and embracing green transformation and digital economy development, so as to expedite the formation of new quality productive forces and spearhead the high-quality development of our economy in the medium to long run. Work in these areas is being implemented steadily and has made good progress, as widely recognised.”
 
     The spokesperson added, “Under ‘one country, two systems’, Hong Kong enjoys the strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world, and is the only city that combines Chinese advantages and international advantages.  Looking forward, Hong Kong will continue to perform our roles and functions as a ‘super-connector’ and a ‘super value-adder’, and proactively integrate into the overall national development and align with national development strategies. We will continue to expand our economic capacity, cultivate new growth areas and enhance competitiveness, so as to bring our economic development to a higher level, creating more and better development opportunities for the people and enterprises.”
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     Three property owners were convicted and fined over $370,000 in total at the Tuen Mun and Fanling Magistrates’ Courts last month and earlier this month for failing to comply with removal orders issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).
 
     The first case involved three unauthorised structures with a total area of about 900 square meters on the roof of an industrial building on Kin Tai Street, Tuen Mun. As the unauthorised building works (UBWs) were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), three removal orders were served on the owner under section 24(1) of the BO.
 
     Failing to comply with the removal orders, the owner was prosecuted by the BD and was fined a total of $193,500, of which over $103,500 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction at the Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts on May 31.
 
     The second case involved several UBWs with a total area of about 32 square metres at the balcony and the roof of a village house in San Uk Ka, Tai Po. The subject premises is co-owned by two owners. Since the Lands Department would not issue a certificate of exemption for the structure and the UBWs were carried out without prior approval and consent from the BD, a removal order was served on the owners under section 24(1) of the BO.
 
     Failing to comply with the removal order, the two owners were prosecuted by the BD and were fined a total of $179,400, of which $149,400 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction at the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts on May 28 and June 4 respectively.
 
     A spokesman for the BD said today (June 18). “UBWs may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement action against owners who have failed to comply with removal orders, including instigation of prosecution, so as to ensure building safety.”
 
     Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is one year’s imprisonment and a fine of $200,000, and a further fine of $20,000 for each day that the offence continues. read more

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (June 18) that Tung Cheong Street Swimming Pool in Tai Po District will be temporarily closed from July 2 for repair works, which are expected to be completed in late Octo… read more

     The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, was saddened today (June 18) over the passing of renowned composer and music educator Dr Yip Wai-hong, and extended deepest condolences to his family.

     Mr Yeung said, “Dr Yip devoted his life to musical composition and made significant contributions to children’s music education in particular, nurturing many music talents. The Hong Kong Children’s Choir and Pan Asia Symphony Orchestra, founded by Dr Yip, have made remarkable achievements. Dr Yip is an exemplar among Hong Kong artists. His passing is our loss and we will fondly remember him.” read more

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 toda… read more