The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and his wife, Mrs Janet Lee, today (March 8) officiated at a reception to celebrate International Women's Day 2024 hosted by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) and the Women's Commission (WoC).
 
     The reception was attended by members of the WoC, and representatives from women's groups, non-governmental organisations and the local community. Thematic panels were set up at the reception to showcase the work done by the Government and the WoC on promoting women's development.
 
     Speaking at the reception, Mr Lee said that women in Hong Kong underpin the development of society. They facilitate economic and social development by contributing their wisdom and strength, and play an important role in promoting family virtues, Mr Lee said. 

     He said, "The Government will continue to unite all sectors in creating an enabling environment for women to develop their potentials and promote the all-rounded development of women, so as to drive forward the development of the country and Hong Kong." 
 
     The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, said at the reception that the Women Empowerment Fund which was launched in June last year, has approved 145 projects of diverse nature and themes so far. The HYAB will implement several new initiatives in relation to family and women's development as announced in the 2023 Policy Address, including the setting up of a dedicated Women Affairs Team and designating the post of Commissioner for Women Affairs. The HYAB will also organise the first Family and Women Development Summit and launch a one-stop family and women information portal.

     She said, "The HYAB will continue to work closely with the WoC in enabling women in Hong Kong to fully realise their due status, rights and opportunities in all aspects of life." 

     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government attaches great importance to women's development. It will continue to implement the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) through the provisions of the Basic Law and local laws, complemented and supplemented by the necessary administrative measures with a view to protect women's rights and ensure the full development of women.

     Also officiating at the reception were the Acting Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR, Mr Li Yongsheng; Deputy Director of the Political Department of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison Senior Colonel Qi Xiaochun; Deputy Director-General of the Coordination Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR Ms Li Ling; Deputy Director of the liaison office of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR Mr Xie Zhixiang; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the President of the Legislative Council, Mr Andrew Leung; the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam; and the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung.

      

     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the International Women's Day Reception 2024 today (March 8):
 
     Let me now turn to our English-speaking friends.
 
     It is my great pleasure to celebrate the International Women's Day with all of you. Today is a day dedicated specially to women. To pay tribute to your achievements. To reflect on what you have done for Hong Kong, and what more we could do for you.
 
     In my Policy Address, I announced that we will set up a Women Affairs Team, and designate the post of Commissioner for Women Affairs, to steer the Government's relevant work. The Commissioner will work, hand in hand, with the Women's Commission to advance our women's well-being. 
 
     Women make up 54 per cent of Hong Kong's population. Women are the majority, men and boys – we are the minority. Women are well accomplished, and well empowered, in various areas. The Hong Kong SAR Government attaches great importance to promoting women's development. To this end, the Women's Commission was set up in 2001 to advise the Government on women-related policies and initiatives.
 
     Dr Eliza Chan, a member of the Executive Council, has just taken up the role of chairing the Women's Commission this January. I have every confidence that Dr Chan will continue to lead the Commission in championing women's causes. I would also like to thank Ms Chan Yuen-han, who is here with us today, for her leadership in the past six years as the Commission's Chairperson.
 
     The Women's Commission is, today, 23 years of age and "23" means a lot. Not just to the Women's Commission this year. It also means a lot to Hong Kong today.
 
     Today, we are pressing ahead with the enactment of the Basic Law Article 23 legislation. Today, we have gazetted the Safeguarding National Security Bill and introduced the Bill to the Legislative Council (LegCo). Today, the LegCo, I am heartened to add, immediately convened a special meeting in the morning, and is conducting two Bills Committee meetings in the afternoon to scrutinise the Bill.
 
     The legislation aims to improve Hong Kong's legal framework in safeguarding national security, and is paramount to maintaining our long-term prosperity and stability.
 
     I appeal to all of you, as leaders of women's groups, as female professionals, or simply as members of the Hong Kong community, to support our work in ensuring the early enactment of the legislation. Getting it done even one day earlier means we can more effectively safeguard national security – one day earlier.
 
     And one last point. To all our ladies, I commend your contribution in taking care of your family. I applaud your effort in breaking the glass ceiling at the workplace. I salute your courage, competence and commitment. You are making Hong Kong a better place on every level, and we vow to continue in making Hong Kong a better place for you.
 
     Finally, may I wish you all good health and abundant happiness. Happy International Women's Day! Thank you!

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the speech.)

    

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (March 8) that Tsing Yi Southwest Swimming Pool in Kwai Tsing District has been temporarily closed for cleaning and superchlorination following the discovery of a small amount of vomit in the pool.

     It will be reopened at 6.30am tomorrow.

     The department appeals to swimmers to be considerate and to keep the swimming pools clean. They are advised not to swim after a full meal and should use the toilet facilities if necessary before swimming.

     The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Three-Places-One-Lock Scheme (Scheme) was officially launched today (March 8), with the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho; the Director General of the Macao Customs Service, Mr Vong Man-chong; and the Deputy Director General of the Guangdong Sub-Administration of the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, Mr Feng Guoqing, officiating at the launch ceremony held at the DHL Central Asia Hub (CAH). The first batch of transshipment cargo was successfully delivered to the Macao clearance point from DHL CAH via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) and the newly constructed Macao Cross-Border Cargo Transfer Terminal in the vicinity of the HZMB Macao Port today.

     Under the Scheme, Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao Customs conducted real-time monitoring on the batch of transshipment cargo using e-locks and GPS technology, enabling the transportation truck to arrive in Macao directly via the HZMB Hong Kong Port and avoiding duplicate inspections by Customs authorities.

     Speaking at the launch ceremony, Mr Yau said he looks forward to the further development of the Scheme to establish more clearance points across the country, and better facilitate the trade in conjunction with Hong Kong's closely knit transportation network covering air, land and sea.

     In her speech, Ms Ho expressed her gratitude for the dedicated support and co-ordination of the Customs administrations of Guangdong and Macao, as well as that of the business partners of the industries. She stressed that Hong Kong Customs will leverage its strengths to meet the needs of the country, fully dovetail with national strategies and actively integrate into the overall development of the country.

       The Scheme has connected Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. The new "green lane", under the speedy development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), also enhances cargo clearance efficiency and unleashes unlimited business opportunities for the logistics industries of the three sides. At the same time, the Scheme facilitates trade and commerce development and consolidates Hong Kong's leading position as an international logistics hub.

     To accelerate the development of logistics and trade in the GBA, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Customs have been engaging in close communication and co-operation. In 2016, Guangdong and Hong Kong Customs implemented the Single E-lock Scheme, while the Mainland and Macao Customs launched the Guangdong-Macao Customs Single E-lock Scheme in 2020.

     About 100 guests, including representatives of the Customs administrations of the Mainland and Macao, the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, officials of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, members of the Legislative Council, representatives of the Airport Authority Hong Kong and members of associations and liaison groups in logistics and transport industries, as well as private stakeholders, attended the launch ceremony.

          

     The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Three-Places-One-Lock Scheme (Scheme) was officially launched today (March 8), with the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho; the Director General of the Macao Customs Service, Mr Vong Man-chong; and the Deputy Director General of the Guangdong Sub-Administration of the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, Mr Feng Guoqing, officiating at the launch ceremony held at the DHL Central Asia Hub (CAH). The first batch of transshipment cargo was successfully delivered to the Macao clearance point from DHL CAH via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) and the newly constructed Macao Cross-Border Cargo Transfer Terminal in the vicinity of the HZMB Macao Port today.

     Under the Scheme, Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao Customs conducted real-time monitoring on the batch of transshipment cargo using e-locks and GPS technology, enabling the transportation truck to arrive in Macao directly via the HZMB Hong Kong Port and avoiding duplicate inspections by Customs authorities.

     Speaking at the launch ceremony, Mr Yau said he looks forward to the further development of the Scheme to establish more clearance points across the country, and better facilitate the trade in conjunction with Hong Kong's closely knit transportation network covering air, land and sea.

     In her speech, Ms Ho expressed her gratitude for the dedicated support and co-ordination of the Customs administrations of Guangdong and Macao, as well as that of the business partners of the industries. She stressed that Hong Kong Customs will leverage its strengths to meet the needs of the country, fully dovetail with national strategies and actively integrate into the overall development of the country.

       The Scheme has connected Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. The new "green lane", under the speedy development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), also enhances cargo clearance efficiency and unleashes unlimited business opportunities for the logistics industries of the three sides. At the same time, the Scheme facilitates trade and commerce development and consolidates Hong Kong's leading position as an international logistics hub.

     To accelerate the development of logistics and trade in the GBA, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Customs have been engaging in close communication and co-operation. In 2016, Guangdong and Hong Kong Customs implemented the Single E-lock Scheme, while the Mainland and Macao Customs launched the Guangdong-Macao Customs Single E-lock Scheme in 2020.

     About 100 guests, including representatives of the Customs administrations of the Mainland and Macao, the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, officials of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, members of the Legislative Council, representatives of the Airport Authority Hong Kong and members of associations and liaison groups in logistics and transport industries, as well as private stakeholders, attended the launch ceremony.