Copyright 2004 South China Morning Post Ltd.
September 26, 2004

Chirac to make first official HK visit
Niall Fraser

Jacques Chirac will visit Hong Kong next month, marking the first official visit to the special administrative region by an incumbent French president.

He will spend several hours in the city after a state visit to the mainland, where he will meet the central government's leadership.

Mr Chirac has been to Hong Kong many times in a private capacity and is expected to meet Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa as part of his official programme, French consulate spokesman Francois Fenster-Bank said.

The French president is due to arrive in Beijing on October 9 and come to Hong Kong on his way home.

His three-day trip to the mainland, which follows an Asia-European co -operation meeting in Vietnam, is part of a two-year programme of cultural exchanges that began last year with a "Year of China in France" celebration and continues this year with a "Year of France in China".

Mr Chirac will hold talks on investment while in the mainland.

Chirac in Hong Kong as Asian tour winds up
Tue Oct 12, 3:58 AM ET

HONG KONG, (AFP) - President Jacques Chirac has arrived in Hong Kong on the first official visit here by a French leader, rounding off an Asian tour that has won billions in trade contracts and avoided confrontation with China over thorny political issues.

The French president touched down just before 2:00 pm (0600 GMT) and is scheduled to spend just seven hours in the former British colony before jetting back to Paris.

During his whistle-stop visit Chirac will meet Hong Kong's political leader Tung Chee-hwa and members of the French business community.

His only public engagement will be the unveiling for the first time in Asia of a huge painting by Picasso, the famed "Parade", lent to Hong Kong by the Pompidou Centre in Paris.

The exhibition is being held to coincide with the announcement of the prestigious contemporary art institute's bid to open a modern art museum in the city.

Hong Kong had previously been left off the Asian itineraries of visiting French leaders because of diplomatic protocol preventing a head of state visiting a colonial territory of a rival power, the French consulate general said.

The city became a semi-autonomous Chinese territory when sovereignty was handed back to China in 1997.

Chirac's Hong Kong stop is intended to be a relaxed affair to round off a busy four-day visit to Beijing and Shanghai during which he met China's top leaders and signed billions of dollars worth of trade deals.

He had also promoted a culture agenda, pushing art events coupled with the "Year of France in China" festival, a year-long cultural exchange that began Sunday.

His Asian tour began with a stopover in Singapore, before moving on to the Asian European Meeting in Hanoi last week.

Following a weekend summit with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Chirac met Premier Wen Jiabao and parliamentary head Wu Bangguo on Sunday.

The trip has also been marked, however, by the French leader's reluctance to broach the contentious issue of China's poor human rights record and its suppression of democray on the mainland and in Hong Kong.

He has been criticised by human rights groups for not sharing his fellow European Union (news - web sites) leaders' concerns about other political issues, especially Beijing's frosty relations with Taiwan and how it will deal with attacks on freedom of expression in the run-up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

In an apparent attempt to quell the growing chorus of criticism, Chirac alluded in a Monday speech to the need to respect basic rights and democracy.

France hoped "to see equivalent progress in the state domain on rights and democracy to accompany the progress in the economy and society," he said.

His visit has won praise in China, nonetheless, where the press hailed his efforts to lift the EU arms embargo placed on China following the 1989 crackdown on the Tiananmen democracy protesters.

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French President Jacques Chirac (3rd L) speaks as his wife Bernadette (5th L) looks on after Chirac unveiled Pablo Picasso's 'Parade' at Hong Kong's Two IFC shopping mall October 12, 2004. 'Parade', one of Picasso's most famous works, is on loan from the Centre Pompidou in Paris, has only been on public display 10 times in over 50 years and this is the first time it has been shown outside of a museum environment. After the Hong Kong exhibition, 'Parade' will 'rest' for 20 years before another public appearance. REUTERS/Bobby Yip

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French President Jacques Chirac (L) meets Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa at the Government house, October 12, 2004. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer

Israeli Vice Prime Minister to visit HK

Israeli Consulate Website Hong Kong (http://hongkong.mfa.gov.il/)

Israel's Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Industry, Trade & Labour Ehud Olmert will pay an official visit to Hong Kong on January 19 and 20.

Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa and Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang will meet with Mr Olmert on Thursday.

During his stay here, Mr Olmert will meet with local business people and the Jewish community.

Hong Kong is one of the most important trade partners of Israel in Asia. A record of 72 Israeli companies have now established their regional headquarters in the Hong Kong SAR. Mutual trade between Israel and Hong Kong has grown significantly in the past half year with an increase of 20 per cent in hi-tech exports and another 20 per cent increase of imports. In 2003, Hong Kong has a 2.4 billion USD mutual trade with Israel.

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Irish Prime Minister to visit

Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern will arrive in Hong Kong on January 21 for an official two-day visit.

Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa and other Government officials will meet the Prime Minister that evening, and hold a banquet at Government House.

The Prime Minister will also meet with members of the local and Irish business communites at a breakfast meeting on January 22.

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WOW!!! It seems that hong kong is busy in those cnsecutive 3 days. ALso, are there other diplomatic visits planned from other countries for this year so far?

Are they just visiting HK or just an Asian trip plan, just a stop in HK? Woo Irish Prime Minister coming to HK, should be good~Hope the government can do things that benefits HK during these visits...

cooperation and peace~

Typically, foreign dignitaries visit a series of cities and countries and Hong Kong is one of many stops.

January 21, 2005
CE meets Irish Prime Minister

Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa has met visiting Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, encouraging more Irish businesses to use Hong Kong as their base for entering the Mainland market.

Mr Ahern, accompanied by Minister of Enterprise, Trade & Employment Michael Martin and Minister for Telecommunications, Marine & Natural Resources Noel Dempsey, is on a two-day trip to Hong Kong.

Mr Tung met Mr Ahern tonight and spoke of Hong Kong's significant role in the Mainland's economic development.

"Hong Kong hosts the largest Irish community in Asia. We are particularly thankful for the enormous contribution that the Irish community has made towards the development of education in Hong Kong," Mr Tung said, adding they will both push for enhanced co-operation.

They reviewed progress in bilateral co-operation, discussed the latest developments in both places and ways to strengthen ties not only in economic and trade areas but in education, information communication technology, taxation, justice, transport, culture and civil service exchange.

Working holiday scheme

Mr Ahern welcomed the opportunity for closer collaboration particularly in the area of software and telecommunications, education and engineering services.

"This is in line with the Irish government's Asia strategy which has been in place for the past six years. The strategy has contributed in a significant way to the development of our relations with Hong Kong, Mainland China and other Asian countries," he said.

Mr Tung and Mr Ahern witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the Working Holiday Scheme. The two sides also initialled an Agreement on the Surrender of Fugitive Offenders.

Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang will accompany Mr Ahearn to visit Wah Yan College which was founded by Irish Jesuit priests. A pilot programme for the exchange of secondary school students between Ireland and Hong Kong will be set up.

Mr Ahern will also meet the local Irish community and attend a Gaelic football match tomorrow at Happy Valley.


HK signs Working Holiday Scheme with Ireland

Hong Kong and Ireland today (January 21) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which marks the establishment of a new bilateral Working Holiday Scheme to benefit the young people of both places.

The MOU was signed by the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour of Hong Kong, Mr Stephen Ip; and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland, Mr Micheal Martin.

The scheme enables young people from both places to stay up to 12 months in each other's territory for holidays and short-term employment. Participants may take up temporary jobs for not more than three months with any one employer during their stay.

The scheme will come into effect on March 1 this year. There will be 100 visitor places each year available for both sides.

"The scheme will provide invaluable opportunities for our young people to gain exposure to a different culture and get work experience. I encourage our young people to make good use of this worthwhile scheme," Mr Ip said.

"It will also strengthen bilateral ties between Hong Kong and Ireland and help tourism both ways," he added.

To obtain a working holiday visa for Ireland, an applicant has to fulfil the following eligibility criteria:

* Be an ordinary resident of Hong Kong and possess a valid Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or British National Overseas passport;

* Be aged 18 to 30 and intend primarily to holiday in Ireland;

* Have the means to pay for his/her return journey and be able to maintain himself/herself while in Ireland; and

* Hold medical and comprehensive hospitalisation and liability insurance during his/her stay in Ireland.

The application procedures for the scheme will be announced later.

Hong Kong put in place a similar scheme with New Zealand and Australia in April 2001 and September 2001 respectively. Eligible applicants may approach the relevant consulates for application forms and enquiries about details of the scheme.

Canadian Prime Minister to visit HK

The Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honourable Paul Martin, will be in Hong Kong on Saturday (January 22) for an official two-day visit.

The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, and government officials will meet with the Prime Minister in the evening on January 22. A banquet will follow at Government House.

During his stay, the Prime Minister will also meet with local and Canadian businessmen at a reception. He will attend a remembrance service for those who died in the defence of Hong Kong at Sai Wan War Cemetery on January 23.

How come the Working Holiday Scheme had to be signed after I left Ireland...haha. Ah but thats ok, I have done some work experience in Ireland and they are quite nice~

now I am in Canada! Hope the prime minister of Canada would give us some good stuffs~~

thx hkskyline for the info~

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Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin upon his arrival in Hong Kong Saturday, Jan. 22, 2005. Across the globe in China on a trade mission, Martin said he would stake his leadership on defending the right of gay couples to wed under Canada's Charter of Rights, the country's 1982 counterpart to the U.S. Bill of Rights. (AP Photo/CP/Tom Hanson)

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Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin (L) meets Chief Executive of Hong Kong Tung Chee-hwa in Hong Kong, January 22, 2005. It is Martin's last stop on an eight-day, five country tour of Asia. REUTERS/Jim Young

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Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, left, and his Canadian counterpart Paul Martin shake hands at the start of their meeting in Hong Kong Saturday. The two prime ministers are both in Hong Kong for two days visits as the last leg of a visit to China. (AP/Anat Givon)

Martin pays tribute to Canadian soldiers killed in the battle of Hong Kong
Jan. 23, 2005

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Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin lays a wreath at the Chai Wan War Cemetery in Hong Kong, Sunday. (AP/Anat Givon)

BRUCE CHEADLE

HONG KONG (CP) - Aubrey Flegg still remembers the thump of the bodies under his truck's wheels as he raced blind along Hong Kong's tortuous roads in a bid to rescue two wounded British women.

"There's about 250 men lying dead in the road," Flegg, 87, said Sunday in a cemetery that harbours some 283 fallen Canadians from 1941's brief and bitter battle of Hong Kong.

"We had to drive thump-thump-thump over their bodies. I've had people say to me, well why didn't you get out and pull them out of the way? With a bunch of Japanese guns on you, at one o'clock in the morning, you're going to get out there and start pulling for 100 yards dead men off the road so you can get through?"

Flegg paused for effect.

"We were in a war," the veteran concluded.

Prime Minister Paul Martin had just wrapped up a moving remembrance ceremony at Sai Wan Military Cemetery, perched on a steep hillside above this former British protectorate.

Magpies squawked in the rising spring heat and school children and cadets fainted under the humidity. But a group of seven veterans of the December 1941 rout - including three Canadians - endured, as they had a half century earlier.

Two Canadian battalions, some 1,975 soldiers from the Royal Rifles from Quebec and the Winnipeg Grenadiers, were among 14,000 Allied troops sent to defend Hong Kong from the Japanese.

Winston Churchill knew the task was hopeless: "If Japan goes to war with us, there is not the slightest chance of holding Hong Kong or relieving it," he wrote at the time.

But the Canadian soldiers, barely trained and untested, had no idea. They arrived on Nov. 16, 1941, believing they would act as a deterrent to invasion. The Japanese hammer fell three weeks later on Dec. 8. The Canadians' heavy equipment hadn't even arrived yet.

The island fell on Christmas Day, Flegg told the gathering, his voice breaking. "To me, that's touching."

Martin was in Hong Kong at the end of a nine-day Asian trade and diplomatic mission, and he used the Sai Wan ceremony to mark the start of Canada's Year of the Veteran.

Martin paid tribute to what he described as an under-equipped, barely trained force facing a much larger, heavily armed and trained foe.

"The people, these men, engaged in acts of heroism that those of us who read of history by the fireplace couldn't even begin to understand," Martin told the gathering near the foot of the long, sloping cemetery.

"They fought and they fought and they fought."

Flegg and his buddy Frank Brown, who also survived the war and today lives in Kelowna, rescued the injured women after running two Japanese checkpoints that night in December 1941.

To this day Flegg thinks the Japanese simply couldn't believe two men in a locally commandeered truck would challenge their positions, and assumed the vehicle was one of their own.

"I had a name and reputation as being that crazy Canadian lorry driver," Flegg later confided to reporters.

It was the British Columbia native's first visit to the Hong Kong cemetery and he appeared deeply moved.

The white headstones speak to the chaos of the battle.

"A Soldier of the 1939-1945 War - A Canadian Regiment," say many inscriptions.

"Known unto God."

Montreal-born John Lowe, who fought with the Royal Rifles, broke down when he visited the grave of his brother for the first time this weekend. Lowe, like the other survivors of the initial battle, was interned in Japanese force labour camps until the war ended almost four years later.

Some 129 Canadians would die in the camps under brutal conditions.

Larry Stebbe, a large Manitoban with the build of a man who cut his teeth in the family blacksmith shop, described his arrival in Shamshuipo camp on the Kowloon side of the island: board huts, no windows, no bunks, no cooking utensils, broken toilets.

"It was the degradation that a person experienced immediately, just immediately," said Stebbe, who turns 82 next month.

"The first meal we had there - about a week later - was cooked out of an oil drum. When I first tasted it, I threw up," said Stebbe, laughing.

Flegg couldn't even muster grim humour when asked to compare the doomed battle with the desperation of internment.

"The battle of Hong Kong was hot and heavy and furious, and you didn't have any time really to think about it," he said.

"I was never frightened during that battle and I don't think any of the other Canadians were, either."

Once again, Flegg took a long pause in his tale.

"So the bad times came when we got in the PoW camps."

Martin's Asian message lost in a blur
Breakneck pace a necessity, he says
Tonda MacCharles
Toronto Star
24 January 2005

HONG KONG -- Prime Minister Paul Martin's closing news conference of his Asian tour was an illustration of what has plagued it.

With reporters on tight filing deadlines, he was asked, four times, a simple question about what exactly he had achieved on this whirlwind trip to Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Japan, China and Hong Kong.

With notes in hand, Martin was champing at the bit to have a big yak about it, but put off the question from English, French and Chinese journalists each time, asking if there were other issues to deal with first. There was - the explosion of the same-sex marriage debate.

Martin launched into an explanation of both.

It ran for nearly an hour. Martin talked and talked. So much that his press secretary had to redirect him at one point. There were many messages, all linked in Martin's mind.

He drew a thread through his thinking about same-sex marriage, the Charter of Rights and his view of Canada's international role.

"What is this all about? It is fundamentally that I believe that Canada can and has to make a difference in the world."

In Paul Martin's view, this trip was about ensuring Canada's voice is not drowned out in the rise of other economic and political powers. About putting in valuable face time with key political leaders. About pushing the idea that Canada as a tolerant, diverse country can be a broker of stability in the world's hotspots, and so ensure its own security and economic prosperity.

"I believe that Canada has assets which nobody has. We're not a colonial power," Martin said.

"We have a highly developed sense of values. We have a good education system, we have good health care and we understand more than most the need for good institution building. You can't just move in with your army and move out. And I believe we have a real role to play in those areas. And I think that is making a difference in the world."

And that's why, he said, he went to India, Japan, China and Hong Kong.

Aware of the criticism at home that his tour lacked a central focus, Martin went on the offensive.

He said just as Canadians "accept as a truism" that the Canadian prime minister has to get along with the U.S. president, "then it also ought to be an accepted truism that we've got to get along with the other major blocs."

Trips always take on a life of their own, and this one was so hard, the days blurring one into the other, it felt like Groundhog Day. Reporters dubbed it "The Great Bawl of China."

Martin explained the breakneck pace of his journey to meet leaders in this region is a function of the need for Canada to catch up.

"The time to do it is now, not to do it in 10 years from now," Martin said.

"So if you're asking me is it urgent? Yes, it is urgent. Absolutely, because I don't want to do it when they will have become great powers; I want to do it now."

It has been a physically gruelling tour. The day of departure, Jan. 14, turned into a nearly 65-hour day for reporters following him, with a few hours sleep grabbed on a 20-hour flight. On the ground, the working day began on a tsunami-washed beach in Thailand and ended in Sri Lanka's capital. It continued apace.

Staff in the Prime Minister's Office and journalists alike began getting sick. The medic on board said people were "dropping like flies." Many popped sleeping pills on overnight flights to ensure they got some rest.

One night, Martin said in an aside to a reporter that he runs on adrenaline by day, and by night can quickly drop into a deep sleep and awake afresh.

Nonetheless, Martin did appear tired at the end. He began his second-last day on the Great Wall of China. He flew to Hong Kong. Met Ireland's leader, Bertie Ahern, an international acquaintance of Martin's who was in town at the same time, and not, as senior government officials said, the current president of the European Union.

Lastly, there was a meeting and dinner hosted by Hong Kong chief administrative executive Tung Chee-hwa.

During his toast to Hong Kong leaders, Martin mixed up his words, apparently unaware he had suggested that investors interested in big markets try going to the U.S. first.

His communications strategy is baffling.

On any given day, Martin's message was a difficult one for media to capture and convey. Sometimes there was no time. Planes were leaving and no filing time was allotted, for example, for wire services to send out pictures of Martin and his wife at the Japanese emperor's Imperial Palace.

The story of his tribute to Canadian veterans in Hong Kong very nearly didn't make it to the television airwaves.

Sometimes there was nothing - no visit or photo opportunity - to illustrate Martin's accomplishments of the day, for example, a science and technology agreement in India, the energy co-operation agreement with China, or the cultural treaty that will see museum relics from a 4,000-year-old civilization come to Canada's Museum of Civilization.

More importantly, Martin's message frequently got stomped on, sometimes by events within his control, sometimes by events that overtook him.

His meeting with Tamil leaders whom Canada had barred because of their ties to a blacklisted guerrilla group became a story in itself when journalists learned of their backgrounds from NDP Leader Jack Layton. Asked about it, senior government officials could not or would not provide details.

Then came a top Sikh cleric's edict against same-sex marriage as he entered India, similar broadsides by Catholic leaders back home in Canada, and the death of former Communist leader Zhao Ziyang.

Ziyang had been purged from his party for sympathizing with the Tiananmen Square protestors. Martin learned of his death from reporters. But it took days before the federal government issued a formal note of condolence. Martin begged off a question about whether he would like to go pay his respects, saying it was not on his schedule, that "those who control my life" had not allotted time.

Martin was then upstaged by Conservative MP Jason Kenney's visit to the Zhao home, contrary to an official ban on public mourning.

Martin shrugged it off as a political stunt. But there was no doubting that a former Zhao aide came out and invited Kenney inside to pay his respects, and no doubting Kenney's interpreter was very moved by his first taste of defying a government order. He was elated by the opportunity to honour Zhao.

There was also the unequivocal declaration by Martin's industry minister, David Emerson, that Canada's laws on foreign investment need review, even as Martin was here trying to persuade China to open up its mining and energy sectors to Canadian companies.

Asked had Canadians understood his mission here, Martin said in his view, his message, in all its complexity, is reaching Canadians.

"When I go across the country and I speak on it, there's no doubt it strikes a resonant chord," said Martin. "I think that they believe that we have a responsibility to make a difference and they want to see us do it."

Then Martin hesitated and asked a reporter, "I don't know, is it getting through to you?"

"If it's not getting through (to Canadians) then that's clearly my responsibility to ensure that it does, but I believe that it is getting through."

Strategy for Asian trade to be reviewed in weeks
Mark Hennessy, Political Correspondent, in Hong Kong
24 January 2005
Irish Times

The Government's plan to boost Irish trade with Asia, including China, will be reviewed quickly following last week's visit by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, to China.

The week-long trade mission, involving 200 Irish companies saw €115 million worth of deals, and, more importantly, laid the seeds for further business, Enterprise Ireland predicted.

Leaving Hong Kong on Saturday, Mr Ahern said China would become "a trillion-dollar economy" in a few years. "We need just a small part of that to keep us successful in the years ahead. I am not even asking for a large part of it."

The Government's Asia Strategy has been in place since 1998, though senior officials now admit "it must move up a gear and more" to cope with the dramatic opportunities offered by growth in China and elsewhere in the Asia/Pacific region.

However, Mr Ahern said the Government's increased focus would not lead to "offices opening up everywhere" throughout the region.

Pointing to the opportunities offered by China's coastal provinces alone, including Guangdong, Mr Ahern said: "We don't have to be all over the place. I don't even think that we should try to do that."

A strategy for Asia to run up to 2010 will be drawn up in weeks involving the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Education and Science, Enterprise Ireland and other agencies.

Mr Ahern also indicated that the Industrial Development Authority could set up an office in Shanghai to attract Chinese companies to start up operations in Ireland. "Shanghai, in particular, is looking for foreign direct investment opportunities abroad. We can go after that," Mr Ahern told The Irish Times.

Shannon Development last week pitched to a number of Chinese companies to set up so-called "incubator" factories in its area that could grow to serve the EU and US market.

Questioned again about China's human rights record, Mr Ahern said he had been impressed by President Hu Jintao's commitment to making changes to the country's judicial system.

The Chinese government, he said, had listened to the criticisms of the world community, though he emphasised his acceptance of the Chinese argument that progress had to be gradual.

Meanwhile, Mr Ahern said the Bush administration had not lobbied him over its opposition to the dropping of the EU's embargo on arms sales to China. Throughout the visit, Mr Ahern has made clear that he supports the ending of the ban, subject to safeguards being put in place.

Though the British government had been hesitant about making concessions to Beijing, Mr Ahern said he believed the UK was now ready to do so. "You will see the United Kingdom's strategic interest sorting this out, probably during its EU presidency (later this year), and they will probably claim that they were the ones to sort it out."

Meanwhile, Mr Ahern met with Father Joseph Mallon, whose father, Michael, was one of the volunteers killed during the Easter Rising.

Before his departure on Saturday night, Mr Ahern attended a GAA all-Stars match involving the Vodafone 2003 and 2004 all-stars, which was attended by hundreds of Irish living in Asia.

Deals with China take time, Ahern tells Irish firms
Liana Cafolla
23 January 2005
South China Morning Post

Irish companies seeking partnerships on the mainland and in Hong Kong need to invest a lot of time in building relationships, Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern told a meeting of Irish and Hong Kong business people yesterday.

Mr Ahern was in Hong Kong on the last stop of a visit to China, leading the largest foreign trade mission in Irish history.

Clearly delighted with the success of the mission, which has resulted in {euro}125 million ($1.27 billion) in trade deals, he said: "We are proud of the fact that a comparatively small country like Ireland has the capability to offer world-class products and services to the world's largest marketplace.

"China is a fixed size but the cake isn't. If you're in there, your slice of the cake will get bigger."

The delegation has signed deals in the education, food and other sectors. Irish companies are also interested in providing software, telecommunications, aviation, electronics and engineering, food, consultancy, training and international financial products and services.

Mr Ahern said building relationships was time-consuming, but essential for doing business in China. Some Irish companies have spent up to five years building relationships before closing deals on the mainland. "The Chinese are slow about building up a relationship, but they're equally slow about breaking them up," he said.

China was aware of the need to improve its legal system and he believed progress would be made within the decade. "The rule of law is always a problem for businesses, but to date it hasn't been a big problem for Irish companies," he said.

Mr Ahern briefly commented on the proposed lifting of the EU's embargo on selling arms to China, saying the move would depend on reaching agreement on the use of the arms.

In Hong Kong, Ireland's ninth largest trading partner outside the EU, the Irish government wants to promote the ability of Irish companies to form partnerships. But Mr Ahern said there was a similar need to build relationships.

"We know that our whole mission here is to build good friendships and relationships that will last into the years ahead. Business between us has been growing, but there's scope to do a lot more business," he said.

Mr Ahern compared Hong Kong's role in easing trade with China to Ireland's ability to help the city's companies establish themselves in the EU. "Nothing seems to happen on the mainland that doesn't go through the financial services or the airport or the port here," he said.

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As Hong Kong is a major international city, there is considerable diplomatic traffic into and out of the city. This thread tracks foreign dignitaries visiting Hong Kong, and also Hong Kong officials visiting abroad.

CE touches down in Canada to kick off North America visit
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Government Press Release

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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, is greeted on arrival in Vancouver by British Columbia's Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations, Mr John van Dongen.

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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, and Mrs Tsang are greeted on arrival in Vancouver by British Columbia's Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations, Mr John van Dongen, and Consul General of the PRC, Madame Tian Chunyan.

The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, has touched down in Vancouver today (October 22, Vancouver time) to kick off his first official visit to North America as Chief Executive.

Mr Tsang's seven-day visit takes in Vancouver, New York and the US capital Washington D.C.

"Canada and the US are two of our most important trading partners," said Mr Tsang.

"But what makes our relationship so special with both countries is the fact that we have such close people-to-people links.

"There are tens of thousands of Canadian and US citizens living and working in Hong Kong. At the same time, tens of thousands Hong Kong people live, work or study in these two countries.

"We cherish these economic and social links and I hope that my visit to North America can reinforce and strengthen these ties."

During a packed week of breakfasts, briefings and meetings the Chief Executive will update government leaders, business chiefs and thing-tanks on Hong Kong's latest economic and political developments.

He will encourage more Canadian and US companies to make use of Hong Kong's strengths as Asia's business and financial services hub.

He will stress Hong Kong's unbeatable advantages as the best two-way platform for doing business in the rapidly growing Mainland China market.

Mr Tsang will also outline the numerous business opportunities in the burgeoning Pearl River Delta and highlight the massive potential of the Pan-PRD region with a possible market of 460 million people.

On the political front, the Chief Executive will explain in detail Hong Kong's electoral reform package and plans to boost the representativeness of the elections of the Chief Executive in 2007 and the Legislative Council in 2008.

Tomorrow (October 23, Vancouver time), Mr Tsang takes to the airwaves with legislator and former radio host Albert Cheng for a one-hour interview and phone-in programme on Chinese-language station, AM1320.

Following the radio programme, Mr Tsang will meet British Columbia Premier, Mr Gordon Campbell.

Later that day the Chief Executive will attend a VIP Reception hosted by Mr Campbell for top officials and corporate leaders attending Canada's first Hong Kong - Guangdong Business Forum in Vancouver on October 24.

Among the guests at the reception will be Guangdong Governor Huang Huahua, leading Canadian business executives and members of British Columbia's Asia Pacific Trade Council.

Mr Tsang will then join Governor Huang and 800 guests for the Pearl River Delta Dinner hosted by Mr Campbell at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Transcript of remarks by CE in Vancouver
Government Press Release

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at a media standup in Vancouver today (October 23, Vancouver time):

Chief Executive: I left Hong Kong yesterday, Saturday, and today is Sunday and this is my first working day. I have used this opportunity to talk to the erstwhile Hong Kong residents who are here and who are very anxious to know the latest developments in Hong Kong. They are very instrumental, I suppose, in the flow of investments into Hong Kong so I met them, and talked to them over the radio, and also met the media here.

This evening the Premier of British Columbia will host a dinner for me and the Governor of Guangdong Province and we are going to have a meeting as well. The theme of our discussion would be the rising opportunities for business in the Pearl River Delta and the Pan-Pearl River Delta area. This should be a quite interesting discussion.

Tomorrow, on Monday, that would be the main fixture of my coming to Vancouver, that would be a joint promotion by ourselves and the Governor of Guangdong Province to outline the rising opportunities that are arising in the Pearl River Delta generally and how they would offer new business opportunities for businessmen in Canada. Our seminar will be participated by other people as well, by the Federal Minister of Industry here, together with our Ambassador coming here particularly for this occasion from Ottawa.

Reporter: You are here in Canada, so why is Canada important?

Chief Executive: Canada is important because it is a major trading partner of Hong Kong and there are also a lot of Canadians living in Hong Kong. There are nearly a quarter of million Canadians living in Hong Kong and half a million Hong Kong residents have relations of one kind or another with Canada. So this is an important partner for us.

So it is important, from my point of view, to continue these strong ties with a view to attracting more Canadian investment and businessmen to come to Hong Kong to trade and invest. And I think they should need up-to-date information about Hong Kong and about the increasing opportunities that exist in areas around Hong Kong, including the Pearl River Delta and the nine provinces near Hong Kong. And this is the main purpose of my promotion exercise here conducted together with the Governor of Guangdong Province.

October 24, 2005
Government Press Release
HK helps fuel Canada's economy: CE

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Chief Executive Donald Tsang meets British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell and chats with the Canadian community at the Pearl River Delta dinner and on a phone-in programme.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang says the strong economic and social ties between Hong Kong and Canada will be instrumental in supporting Canada's initiative to double the level of its trade and investment relationship with China by 2010.

Speaking at a Pearl River Delta dinner in Vancouver, Mr Tsang said the connection between Canada and Hong Kong has strengthened during the past five years.

Almost a quarter of a million residents of Hong Kong who are Canadian passport holders and about 1.1 million people - nearly one-sixth of Hong Kong's population - have close family links to Canada, and about 8% of Hong Kong's population has studied in Canada.

Strong links nurture economic partnership

"Strong social links like these have nurtured the ever-growing and vibrant economic partnership between us," he said.

"Hong Kong businesses have invested C$5.3 billion here in Canada, making Hong Kong Canada's eighth-largest investor, and the second biggest from Asia. "

In this way, Hong Kong people have helped fuel the economies of British Columbia and Canada, Mr Tsang added.

"And it works both ways, of course. Hong Kong is now home to the largest Canadian business community in Asia. One hundred and fifty Canadian companies maintain branches or subsidiaries in Hong Kong, and another 450 are represented by distributors, agents or joint-venture partners."

Apart from attending the dinner, Mr Tsang also went on radio in Canada to explain the latest developments in Hong Kong - the first Chief Executive to participate on a live phone-in programme in Canada.

He was guest of honour during an hour-long interview and phone-in programme hosted by Hong Kong legislator Albert Cheng on radio station AM1320.

Wide range of issues discussed

During the Chinese-language programme, Mr Tsang chatted with listeners in the Vancouver area and gave them an overview of Hong Kong's economic prospects and political development.

He discussed a range of issues including Hong Kong-Canada ties, the quality of life in Hong Kong, job opportunities for professionals and young people, political development, the Policy Address, air pollution and environmental protection.

Mr Tsang also met British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell, and provided him with an update on Hong Kong's GDP growth, the exciting developments in the tourism industry and the improving employment situation.

The Chief Executive outlined the benefits of enhanced economic co-operation with the Mainland, in particular the potential of the Pan-PRD area and the operation of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement.

Mr Tsang also highlighted Hong Kong's strengths as the best gateway for Canadian companies to enter the Mainland market, and for Mainland companies to explore opportunities globally, including in Canada.

US visit to start

The two further discussed British Columbia's recently launched Asia-Pacific strategy to promote the province's trade, tourism and cultural opportunities and to strengthen relations with Asia-Pacific economies, including Hong Kong.

Tomorrow, Mr Tsang will attend a Hong Kong-Guangdong Business Forum and meet Canada's Federal Minister for Industry David Emerson before leaving for New York to start the US leg of his seven-day North America visit.

October 25, 2005
Government Press Release
HK the best partner to tap Mainland market: CE

Canadian companies wishing to tap the 'awe-inspiring' potential of the Mainland's rapidly growing economy will find no better partner than Hong Kong, Chief Executive Donald Tsang says.

He urged Canadian businesses to leverage Hong Kong's strengths in financial and professional services to enter the Asian market, especially the Mainland.

Speaking to more than 800 guests at the Hong Kong - Guangdong Business Forum in Vancouver on Monday, Mr Tsang said Hong Kong and Guangdong are the leading players in the rapidly developing south China economy, which has a potential market of 460 million people.

"Hong Kong supplies capital; accounting, insurance, legal and trade services; expertise, connections and international experience. Guangdong supplies land, infrastructure, manpower, entrepreneurial drive, ambition and spirit. Canadian companies bring their investments, innovations and marketing skills.

Overseas companies welcome

"We welcome overseas companies large and small. The Mainland is opening quickly, but making money in China is no piece of cake. Even multinationals have encountered unexpected problems when entering the Mainland market.

"Small and medium-sized enterprises that are looking for support will find what they need in Hong Kong. We invite you to join us as we enter a new era of opportunity in southern China."

Mr Tsang stressed the importance of Hong Kong's legal system and intellectual property rights protection regime to international investors, noting the city has just this week become the first jurisdiction in the world to successfully prosecute the illegal distribution of copyright-protected material online.

"This highlights Hong Kong's determination to deal with intellectual property rights infringements and to protect intellectual property rights to the highest possible standard," he said.

Ways to boost bilateral flows discussed

Earlier in the day, Mr Tsang held a breakfast meeting with Canada's Federal Minister of Industry David Emerson. They discussed Canada's recently launched Pacific Gateway Strategy, a C$590 million initiative to strengthen trade, investment and tourism links between Canada and Pacific economies, including Hong Kong and the Mainland. Ways to improve bilateral flows of people, goods and capital through such areas as enhanced air services as well as double taxation and investment promotion agreements were also discussed.

Mr Emerson said pro-active steps are being taken to improve and intensify links with Hong Kong and China and to boost the efficiency and competitiveness of Canadian business in the region and 'take it to a whole new level'.

He said the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement between Hong Kong & the Mainland provided opportunities for Canadian companies, especially SMEs, to service the China market via Hong Kong.

Mr Tsang will leaves Vancouver on Monday afternoon (Vancouver time) for New York, where he starts the US-leg of his seven-day North America visit.

Hong Kong stopover for Schwarzenegger trade tour
26 October 2005
South China Morning Post

Californian Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will visit Hong Kong next month as part of a trade mission to China. The actor-turned-politician will attend an American Chamber of Commerce luncheon in Hong Kong as part of his week-long tour of China.

Republicans Abroad chairman Mark Simon said: "I'm sure Amcham will have no trouble filling tables for this lunch. There will be a lot of interest in Arnold and it will be interesting to hear what he has to say."

Hong Kong's Trade and Industry Department said it had no meetings scheduled with the California trade delegation.

The California governor is no stranger to China - in 2000, he toured the country attending an Arnold Schwarzenegger film festival, the first time the mainland had staged a festival in honour of a western movie star.

This trip, which begins on November 14, is being held to boost trade links between California and China.

The spokeswoman at the governor's office said the trip was being privately financed to ease the burden on Californian taxpayers. Critics fear that individual businessmen funding the trip will be the only ones to gain access to any deals the delegation drums up, and have called on the governor to reveal the names of donors.

Up to 50 trade delegates are expected to accompany Mr Schwarzenegger.

Use Hong Kong as your Asian base, CE tells New York audience
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Government Press Release

The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, has today (October 25 New York time) urged American business and finance chiefs to use Hong Kong as their Asian base.

During a busy day in New York, Mr Tsang stressed the sophistication of Hong Kong's financial and business services and the ease in which international companies, big and small, can do business via Hong Kong for both the Asian and China markets.

"Hong Kong has become a supercharged turbine for international finance, commerce and trade," Mr Tsang told 350 luncheon guests at New York's famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel on the first day of his US visit.

"Today Hong Kong clearly emerges as the services hub for business in Asia. All kinds of businesses, from entrepreneurs making the most of our lifestyle and world-class infrastructure, to multi-national corporations serving the region concentrate in Hong Kong.

"There are now nearly 3,800 overseas companies with regional operations in Hong Kong, which is a record high, and American firms are the largest group among them, with 868.

"Since 1997, the number of overseas companies with regional operations has grown by over 50%, confirming Hong Kong as the most popular place in Asia to establish a base.

"These companies recognise Hong Kong's value as the best platform for doing business, not only in the Mainland, but in the Asia-Pacific region as a whole."

Mr Tsang also highlighted Hong Kong's role as the principal services hub for Chinese companies looking to expand their customer base on the world stage.

He said Mainland enterprises had raised over US$120 billion on the Hong Kong stock exchange, and were increasingly using Hong Kong and its international know-how to venture into global markets.

During a meeting with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the Chief Executive briefed a distinguished group of US bankers and financiers on the latest developments in Hong Kong, in particular the financial front, including bond market development, renminbi business, the revaluation of the renminbi and the expansion of renminbi business for Hong Kong banks.

Mr Tsang outlined plans to further enhance links between Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta, and explained the huge market potential of the Pan-PRD economic grouping.

In a very cordial meeting with former US President Bill Clinton, whose office is in New York, the Chief Executive discussed a range of issues including Hong Kong's economic development, political reform, and Sino-US relations.

Tonight (New York time), Mr Tsang arrives in Washington D.C. for a three-day visit to the US capital.

Tomorrow (October 26 New York time), the Chief Executive will meet US political leaders, attend a lunch hosted by the Business Roundtable and attend a reception hosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Washington).

Transcript of remarks by CE in New York City
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Government Press Release

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at a Q&A session at the Luncheon held at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York today (October 25, New York time): (English only)

Question: Mr Tsang, with all of the recent worldwide attention on the Avian virus, people are very interested in knowing what steps Hong Kong has taken to avoid a repetition of the SARS virus. And whether or not you feel those steps will be effective if a return of the flu virus occurs?

Chief Executive: Well, nobody can be so complacent to say that they're fully equipped to deal with a major outbreak in that field, although we are all expecting it. We are a bit unfortunate, or fortunate you may say, that we suffered a very serious outbreak of SARS epidemic in Hong Kong, which took away a number of lives including some very brave lives of our doctors and nurses. We have learned in the process - We have devised a contingency measure, we have restructured our public health services, and we have created a centre of health protection. And, at the same time, we have devised several levels of emergency response, mobilising the whole government in the process together with our private sector and our medical sector.

If it's unfortunate enough to have an outbreak in the world, the place where I want to be is in Hong Kong. We are not complacent and we are doing exactly what most other people are doing, including stocking up of Tamiflu. That is a very expensive process. But that's not the only thing. We are participating in most global initiatives in the discussion of this. Recently President Bush convened a meeting, and we sent our representatives there as well. Hong Kong, of course is the reference laboratory for testing viruses of a kind which we see for a particular Avian virus, an H5 series and we serve the whole Asian region.

We are reasonably well prepared but, as I said, we are not complacent. We are constantly revising our plan. We do occasional exercises on our plan. But my people, our journalists, always believe that we haven't done enough. And I think they might be right. But, as I said, it might not be enough but perhaps among the best in the world.

Question: What chance do you think your governance reform package has of passage in December?

Chief Executive: You're talking about our package of constitutional development. We have been consulting the public on this for nearly two years now and the package we have proposed represent a major advancement in our democratisation. It also has the support of a majority of people in Hong Kong. So I am sure the legislators will focus on it and give its best vote at the end of the day. But this is an arrangement which requires tri-partite consensus. We need the support of two-third majority in our legislature. We also need the personal agreement of the chief executive - myself. And we also need the agreement of the National People's Congress in Beijing. It is not an easy enterprise, but we have got a good package. A package supported by the people. I'm sure our legislators will act responsibly at the end of the day.

Question: Here's a follow up question. What is your response to your opposition, which is calling for set targets on the path to democracy?

Chief Executive: Well, I personally believe that it is a building block process. We have to decide what these blocks are. Some of the blocks are still missing. For instance, the structure which our legislature should take, when we reach universal suffrage, has not been devised yet. There are the questions of the political institutions underpinning a mature system, exercising universal suffrage. And there's a question of grooming politicians in the process.

There will be a lot of debate on this. But I would suggest that we should work on this, and reach the final destination of universal suffrage as quickly as possible. But we must not do it in a way in which would cause social rupture, particularly economic disasters.

I'm sure we have to work something out on our own. We cannot simply clone a foreign system onto Hong Kong. We are not starting on a clean slate. We are starting with certain political institutions. We must build on those institutions. And I believe this is a job and a work which must be done by Hong Kong people. And I must say we will try to do it as quickly as possible but it must be at a pace not to cause unnecessary hardship for our own people too.

Question: The next question takes us into a slightly different area than politics. But equally important, and that is pollution. And the question is that, in the context of the unparalleled growth in the Pearl River Delta, what is Hong Kong doing to protect itself against pollution?

Chief Executive: Well, first of all, there is no complacency in dealing with pollution in the modern world today. In Hong Kong we have to clean up our own act. That means we have, for instance, prohibited the use of diesel in our taxi fleet and we are encouraging them to change it into LPG. We are also cleaning up our power stations as well. Some of them are using solid fuel. We are encouraging them to use liquid fuel and gas for power generation.

But we realise that, when talking about pollution, they ignore boundaries and borders. So we must work together with our neighbours. In this regard we must work with the Pearl River Delta, particularly in Guangdong Province. And we already have an agreement. An agreement, that by the year 2010, we are going to reduce all emissions by half. That's the first step. And that has been signed.

In order to monitor this, we are now establishing monitoring centres in 16 places, scattered in different parts of the Pearl River Delta. Three of those centres are in Hong Kong, thirteen of them in Pearl River Delta. So that we know exactly the deteriorations, and the main generators and creators of these pollutants in the Pearl River Delta.

At the same time, our businesses in Hong Kong, who are setting up factories in the mainland, probably are the main polluters themselves. We are now signing up a charter to ask them to clean up their own act in the factories in the mainland. There is a movement that is going. It is not an easy task. But I am sure two or three years down the road, the quality of air in Hong Kong will definitely be better than it is now. Although it is not bad by Asian standards and compares quite favourably with many, it is not quite the same quality as in Scandinavia and elsewhere. But we are trying hard.

We believe that, unless we have clean air, we cannot pretend to be an Asia world city. We cannot pretend to be a world city. As a world city, we are international, where expatriates can stay and settle and raise their families. We must be able to produce world-class services, including first-class air, world-class air.

Question: The first question is when do you think a decision on the West Kowloon Cultural Development project will be taken? And the second question is do you see a role for American businesses to participate in that development project?

Chief Executive: In my speech today, I said we've got practically everything in New York except the Broadway. We need a cultural centre. We need it because of our desire, our ambition to be a world city. But it must be a first rate one.

And so we went through a whole series of competition on design concept and then invitational proposals to develop it. We have reached a stage that everyone's now debating on it. I look at it positively. Because I think we have got the right sort of concept. We have got lots of financers wishing to put money on it. The question is whether our politicians will give it a go.

I personally believe that, with a bit of good will, we'll conclude these argumentations probably next year. And then, from there onwards, we then talk about construction. But as far as construction goes, we, as you know, operate on a level playing field. We allow anybody to come and participate. Provided they promise and they pledge first rate service at that reasonable price. So American developers, designers will be able to participate in this process. But in that we want to make sure that we are responding to the public wish that it will not be a single developer. So there would be a number of developers in this project.

Question: The next question bears upon terrorism. Hong Kong, like New York, and many other major cities in the world, is a cosmopolitan centre and therefore, subject to acts of terrorism. And the question is what steps has Hong Kong taken to protect itself against such an event?

Chief Executive: We do this thing quietly but we do it efficiently. We belong to an international network in sharing intelligence in this regard. And, at the same time, we take initiatives whenever something erupts. Hong Kong has never been, luckily, a favourite terrorist destination. But we are not complacent. We cooperate, as I said, with American government, with other economies, with other countries in this regard. And whenever something happens we protect our expatriate communities as well, as best we can.

I think it is common knowledge Hong Kong is relatively safe in this regard. And we are rather proud of that. Our police force is participating in the international intelligence network. And they are getting first rate response from other people in this regard. I'm sure, in relative terms, Hong Kong is a lot safer than many other cities. I certainly feel very safe there. I'm sure your businessmen feel the same as well. I've just heard, for instance, colleagues here saying they want to go back to Hong Kong as quickly as possible.

Question: Here's a question bearing upon trade and negotiations between the United States and mainland China. And the question is what role has Hong Kong played in those trade negotiations? And would you share with us your views with regard to the quotas imposed, the recent quotas imposed by the United States on certain Chinese goods this past summer?

Chief Executive: Well, we are free traders. We, ourselves, never believe in quotas. We believe that things should be fairly traded. I also realised that Americans formed an opinion in the upsurge and imports of Chinese products have caused in textile and apparel field, a certain dislocations or hardship in the textile and apparel industry in America.

Personally, I think that needs to be proven. But, in any case, quota is being negotiated. We don't play a part in this. We are simply customs territory in WTO. So negotiation between the mainland of China and the United States are really bi-lateral affairs, in which we do not interfere. We cannot intervene.

But if you impose quota on China, we will benefit in a way although we don't necessarily need it very much. But what happen is, if quota is imposed, we are close to China. We are able to set up certain factories there and do some exports ourselves in product lines, it would not have been economic for us to do so in the past.

But the most important thing is when we look at bi-lateral relationship, I believe it might not be very helpful to concentrate on one area, one sector of relationship, like trading goods. There's a certain imbalance there.

We have to look at that relationship in its totality. For instance, in a case of relationship between mainland China and the United States, there is a trade surplus to China's advantage. But you must remember the money which mainland China makes is going to plow back to America in terms of buying your treasury bills.

So whatever money it gets, it gives it back to America. So if you look at the whole thing in totality, one wonders what's the complaint. But, anyway, I'm only a trader. I'm only a chief executive. I can't deal with mighty things like that.

CE explains political, economic situation in US capital
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Government Press Release

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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, meets US House of Representatives Committee on International Relations chairman, Mr Henry Hyde, in Washington D.C. today (October 26, Washington time).

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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, attends a lunch with the Business Roundtable (BR) today (October 26, Washington time) with BR President John Castellani (left) and HSBC's Denis O'Toole.

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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, briefs members of the free-market think-tank The Cato Institute in Washington D.C. today (October 26, Washington time).

The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, has today (October 26, Washington time) explained Hong Kong's latest economic and political developments to a range of influential Congressmen, business leaders and a prominent think-tank in the US capital, Washington D.C.

On the first day of a three-day visit, Mr Tsang met House of Representatives Speaker Dennis Hastert, the corporate lobby group Business Roundtable and the free-market think tank the Cato Institute.

He also met House Committee on International Relations chairman Henry Hyde and committee members, including the committee's Ranking Member Tom Lantos, and the chairman of the Asia and the Pacific sub-committee Jim Leach.

"They all expressed a very keen interest in the latest developments in Hong Kong, both on the political and economic fronts," said Mr Tsang.

"These are very important and significant political figures and organisations in the United States, which directly and indirectly influence the relationship between Hong Kong and United States, and perhaps the international impression of Hong Kong.

"I think it is important that we talk to them candidly, explaining to them the intentions behind major policies taken in Hong Kong, which have caught international interest - particularly the role of the Central Government in some of these policy issues.

"I think these exchanges are very important and useful at dispelling unnecessary misconceptions about Hong Kong among leading figures in the American administration, Congress and the business sector."

On the political reform issue, Mr Tsang explained that the proposals released last week represented a major advance of Hong Kong's democratic arrangements.

"These developments were welcomed by my interlocutors, including chairman Hyde who made this assurance to all of you."

Mr Hyde had earlier told reporters, when asked if he had seen progress on the political reform issue: "Hong Kong is an area of great promise and hope . . . I do see progress, yes I do."

Other issues of interest during the day included Hong Kong's contingency plans for a possible outbreak of avian flu, and Hong Kong's preparations for World Trade Organisation's 6th Ministerial Conference in December.

The Chief Executive said Hong Kong was determined to work for a meaningful outcome at the WTO Ministerial Conference. As a non-agricultural economy, he said Hong Kong was well placed to act as an 'honest broker' to try to help narrow differences on the contentious agriculture issue.

Mr Tsang also outlined how the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) with the Mainland, and the Pan-PRD economic co-operation initiative were both designed to boost two-way trade and investment flows through Hong Kong to the Mainland and global markets.

"Our role as a financial centre and logistics hub has been strengthened by CEPA and will be boosted further over time as the Pan-PRD initiative takes root," he said.

"CEPA's objectives are to strengthen trade and investment co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong, open up the market further, remove trade and investment hurdles, progressively improve market access and realise trade liberalisation."

Tomorrow, Mr Tsang is due to meet Vice President Dick Cheney, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senator Dianne Feinstein, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, as well as have breakfast with The Heritage Foundation and lunch with the Brookings Institution.

Tomorrow night, he will deliver a keynote speech at the annual gala dinner of the Asia Society Washington Centre, during which he will explain the background and context of Hong Kong's political reform package and process.

Note: The Business Roundtable is an association of the chief executive officers of more than 160 of America's leading corporations with a combined workforce of more than 10 million and revenues exceeding US$4 trillion.

The Cato Institute's stated mission is to 'defend liberty by promoting policy solutions that rely on free markets and civil society, rather than government, to solve societal problems'. The Institute, along with Canada's Fraser Institute, has consistently ranked Hong Kong as the world's freest economy.

CE's transcript in Washington

Follows is a transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, to reporters in Washington D.C. today (October 27, Washington time):

Chief Executive: This is my second working day in DC. The first item of work today, following church, was a breakfast meeting with The Heritage Foundation, the whole array of the leadership in the Heritage Foundation. They know Hong Kong very well. I merely updated them on the latest events on the economic and political front over the past six months. I also mentioned the Policy Address, which I delivered on the 12th, its contents and its main themes. I also outlined to them the contents of the Report No. 5 on constitutional development. They showed keen interest and were supportive. We discussed other issues as well throughout the breakfast. It was a very good meeting. The Heritage Foundation is coming again to Hong Kong before too long.

I then went to see the Vice President. We had an excellent meeting for just over half an hour. First of all, I updated him on the implementation of 'One Country, Two Systems' and the Basic Law in Hong Kong over the last eight years, against the backdrop of severe economic setback. And, I also told him how the economy is now recovering quite well. His reaction was that overall development is 'so far, so good' in Hong Kong.

I also updated him on the content of Report No. 5 on constitutional development, particularly the proposals under which we are going to advance democracy in Hong Kong. His reaction was quite positive. He said it was a welcome change.

Then we canvassed other subjects including the preventive measures we are taking in Hong Kong against avian flu and then also the latest developments on intellectual property rights protection.

I then invited him to come to Hong Kong. He responded quite enthusiastically, saying he had not been to Hong Kong for a while, the last time was merely a hop-over. He wished very much to do so, and take up my invitation. That's about it.

Reporter: Do you have any sense of what the VP meant when he said a 'welcome change'?

Chief Executive: It was in the context of my description of the latest package of proposals on constitutional reform, Report No. 5.

Reporter: Did he expand at all?

Chief Executive: No. He reacted very favourably, very positively but he was not a voluble person, he spoke sparingly. But I thought it was quite a positive response.

Reporter: Did you get a chance to talk about China-US relations?

Chief Executive: Yes we touched on that subject. I just updated him on my own perceptions on the affairs across the Strait. And I also told him I believed there is a golden opportunity to develop a much closer relationship between the two powers. That would be to the benefit of the rest of the world, particularly Hong Kong.

Reporter: I wonder if you have any reaction, after the meeting with Hyde...... [on agency reports that Mr Hyde and members of the House Committee on International Relations were disappointed with the progress of democracy in Hong Kong].

Chief Executive: Francis, you were there, and you saw everything. That report that came over AFP has yet to be verified. Apparently it came from one of his, I do not know the person, his communications director. We had the opportunity of having breakfast with the senior aide of Chairman Hyde today. He sat next to me. He said he found no foundation on what the report was, and that he would return and clarify it.

Reporter: I know nothing about the AFP report but I did report myself...... [on the contents of a speaking note prepared for chairman Hyde].

Chief Executive: Clearly, Chairman Hyde, rejected that speaking note. He did not use that at all. What he used was exactly what he said. That was what happened.

Reporter: What did he say exactly?

Chief Executive: Well, you were present.

Reporter: But I was not present when he said it again afterwards.

Chief Executive: He said it was good progress, an advancement. It was a speaking note prepared for him. For that, let me clarify the issue - then it must be a speaking note he thought was inappropriate and he rejected it. He did not use it.

Reporter: Have anyone expressed any concerns to you [in your discussions]?

Chief Executive: Not that I have noticed at all. In fact, I was very candid about the content of our proposals contained in the constitutional report No 5. And I explained the background to it and the consultations that had taken place in the preparation of that report. And all the responses I have had so far were very positive. I have not heard a single word of concern so far. Isn't that clear, I think that was very clear.

Reporter: Could you just characterise the tenure of the meeting with the Vice President?

Chief Executive: Very cordial and very friendly, very positive.

CE honoured by Asia Society in Washington
Friday, October 28, 2005
Government Press Release

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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, receives the Asia Society Leadership Award from Asia Society Washington Center chairman, Leo Daly, at a gala dinner tonight (October 27, Washington time).

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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, delivers a keynote speech at the annual gala dinner of the Asia Society Washington Center in Washington tonight (October 27, Washington time).

The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, has been honoured by the Asia Society Washington Center for his leading role in promoting stronger relations between the United States, Hong Kong, China and the rest of Asia.

Mr Tsang was presented with the Asia Society Leadership Award at the society's annual gala dinner in Washington D.C. last night (October 27, Washington time).

The society's annual dinner - usually held in the spring - was rescheduled especially to welcome Mr Tsang to Washington and to present him with the award.

Mr Tsang joins a distinguished list of previous recipients, including Indira Ghandhi, Lee Kuan Yew, Fidel Ramos, Dr Henry Kissinger, former Chief Secretary for Administration Anson Chan, and US Transport Secretary Norman Mineta.

Mr Tsang said he was honoured to receive the award, especially from an esteemed organisation such as the Asia Society.

"For almost 50 years, the Asia Society has provided a forum for engagement between Asia and America. I am very happy to play a part in this important and ongoing mission tonight," he said to more than 300 dinner guests.

"I will certainly do all that I can to ensure that this dialogue continues to become stronger, broader and deeper. Indeed, there is nothing like a face-to-face dialogue to further cement the already strong bonds of friendship that exist between Hong Kong and the United States."

The award was presented to Mr Tsang by prominent architect, long-time Hong Kong supporter and the chairman of the Asia Society Washington Center, Mr Leo Daly.

In presenting the award, Mr Daly said no-one he had ever met embodied the spirit of the Asia Society as much as Donald Tsang in promoting closer ties between Asia and America.

"In all of his positions [in government] Donald Tsang has worked hard for the people of Hong Kong and in doing so has consistently worked hard for a close relationship with the United States," he said.

SCIT to visit key developing WTO members in the Caribbean
Friday, October 28, 2005
Government Press Release

The Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr John Tsang, will visit key developing World Trade Organization (WTO) members in the Caribbean starting on Monday (October 31) to discuss issues crucial to the success of the Sixth Ministerial Conference (MC6).

The visit, conducted some 40 days before the MC6, aims to appeal for more political will among trade ministers to make the Hong Kong Ministerial Meeting a significant milestone to the successful conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda.

Mr Tsang will be calling on the trade ministers of the Caribbean countries, Guyana, Barbados and Jamaica, and they will exchange views on how best to prepare for the Hong Kong conference.

"In about six weeks, the whole WTO membership needs to flesh out the framework agreed in July 2004 on agriculture and non-agricultural market access, define the level of ambition for the services negotiations, agree on the next concrete steps for the rules negotiations, and properly reflect the development perspective in the outcome to all these negotiations.

"This is no easy task, but all WTO Members will have to ensure that it is accomplished," Mr Tsang said, adding that a successful MC6 will be beneficial to the global economy, in particular the developing countries.

Mr Tsang will return to Hong Kong on November 6.

US Congress raises civil liberty curbs with Hong Kong chief executive
Thu Oct 27, 3:48 AM ET

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The US Congress has expressed concerns over civil liberty curbs in Hong Kong directly to the Chinese territory's chief executive, Donald Tsang, during talks in Capitol Hill.

Media and immigration controls, disappointment over a constitutional reform plan and failure to make progress on universal suffrage were among the concerns raised by leaders of the US legislature during talks with Tsang, who is on a three day visit to Washington.

Henry Hyde, the Republican chairman of the powerful committee on international relations of the House of Representatives, and ranking Democratic member Tom Lantos raised the issues in a "very candid but cordial" fashion, Hyde's spokesman Sam Stratman told AFP.

"The concerns over civil liberties were on freedom of the press -- self censorship and interference in press -- and denial of visas to pro-democracy activists, Beijing's lack of respect for the Basic Law, disappointment with the constitutional reform plan and failure to make progress on universal suffrage," Stratman said.

Congress sought "further progress in the development of democracy in Hong Kong," said Lynne Weil, spokeswoman for Lantos.

"The positive sign is the upcoming election of the chief executive," she said.

Tsang, named by Beijing this year, told reporters that he briefed Congress on the latest proposal submitted to the Hong Kong legislative council seeking elections in 2006 of a chief executive and 2007 for the territory's legislature.

The plan also calls for doubling the size of the 800-member election committee that chooses the chief executive and is currently stacked with prominent citizens loyal to Beijing.

It did not however spell out a timetable for giving the public the right to elect the territory's leader and lawmakers, and unconvinced opposition lawmakers have vowed to vote it down in the legislature.

They are also organising a large-scale protest on December 4 for the public to denounce the reform proposals.

But Tsang on Wednesday defended the reform plans, saying they "represent a major advancement in our democratic arrangements in Hong Kong" and "these developments were welcome by our interlocutors, including Chairman Hyde."

Hong Kong is a special administrative region of communist China which switched from British colonial rule under the "One Country, Two Systems" political model which protects its freewheeling way of life until 2047.

Under its post-colonial constitution, it must enact laws that will eventually create a fully representative electoral system.

But China stymied a swift transition in a controversial ruling last year, insisting change must be gradual.

Tsang said the meetings with US lawmakers, senior officials and business leaders here were "very important and very useful to dispel unnecessary conceptions of Hong Kong among leading figures in the American administration, Congress and private sector."

He is scheduled to hold talks with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Vice-President Dick Cheney on Thursday.

His predecessors had the privilege of meetings with the US President during their trips to Washington but Tsang did not consider it a "downgrade" for not being able to meet with President George W. Bush.

"The president is going to Florida" to visit the hurricane devastated region on Thursday, Tsang noted.

The Hong Kong leader also attend a lunch Wednesday hosted by the Business Roundtable, an association of chief executive officers of leading US corporations with a combined workforce of more than 10 million employees.

The United States has substantial economic and social ties with Hong Kong. There are some 1,100 US firms, including 740 regional operations, and about 54,000 American residents in Hong Kong.

According to US government figures, US exports to Hong Kong totaled 15.8 billion in 2004 while US direct investment in Hong Kong at the end of 2003 totaled about 44.3 billion dollars, making the United States one of Hong Kong's largest investors.

October 29, 2005
Government Press Release
North American trip clears misunderstandings: CE

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Clear understanding: Chief Executive Donald Tsang meets US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Washington DC.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang says his North American visit has brought an excellent opportunity to engage a host of business and political leaders in friendly, frank and useful exchanges on Hong Kong's future.

Mr Tsang met US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice yesterday and also briefed the Center for Strategic & International Studies.

He discussed the WTO 6th Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong in December, avian flu contingency plans, intellectual property rights protection and anti-terrorism measures.

"All of these subjects are close to the heart of Americans. Overall, I believe I have completed my mission in Washington. I met as many think tanks, and as many people in business, in government and in congress as possible within the time available," he said.

Misunderstandings cleared

Mr Tsang added: "I think I have dispelled certain misunderstandings. I can see their excitement concerning the rapid economic recovery of Hong Kong. I am sure it might lead to further investment and further exchanges between Hong Kong and the US. On the whole, it was very busy, very occupied, but I think it was very worthwhile."

Mr Tsang said he had very candid and frank exchanges on the question of political development in Hong Kong.

"We discussed constitutional development. There have been different reactions, most of them very supportive of the measures we have taken to go forward in reaching universal suffrage. As far as the speed of democratisation is concerned, we have some positive support. For instance, yesterday Vice President Cheney was very supportive and very positive. I also had a discussion with Secretary of State Rice on this matter. I agree entirely with her that we should quickly discuss the form of the legislature, the constitutional legislature, under the universal suffrage system. I assured her we are pursuing this in the Commission for Strategic Development where there is a specific panel to pursue this."

Mr Tsang said he had done a lot of soul-searching, and put himself in the position of a lawmaker who may oppose the political reform proposals. On reflection he could not find any rational reason why a lawmaker should reject the recommendations of the reform package. He also felt his plans to nurture political talent at the district level, as outlined in his Policy Address, is the right direction for Hong Kong.

CE meets with PM Tony Blair in London
Thursday, November 3, 2005
Government Press Release

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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, met today (November 2, London time) with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who commended the way Hong Kong affairs were being handled.

On the first day of a three day visit to the UK, Mr Tsang said after the meeting at the House of Commons that Mr Blair "told me how he was impressed by the way in which Hong Kong matters have been handled well by the Central People's Government and by the Hong Kong SAR Government since reunification -- despite all the challenges that we have faced. He then said that there was continuous progress being made on democratisation."

Briefing the media after his meeting with the Prime Minister, Mr Tsang said he took the opportunity to update Mr Blair on Hong Kong's situation, including the latest package of proposals on constitutional development in Hong Kong.

On economic issues, the Chief Executive discussed with the Prime Minister the new opportunities arising from Hong Kong's increasing co-operation with the rapidly growing Mainland economy.

"I also reminded him about the potential for Hong Kong as the best platform for trade for British businessmen into the large Mainland market," Mr Tsang said. "I reminded him of the potential of Hong Kong and what we could do and offer, and the irreplaceable facilities that Hong Kong provides in establishing any commercial relationship with the Mainland. He took that on board."

He said the two leaders also discussed at some length the World Trade Organisation Ministerial Meeting to be held in Hong Kong next month, as well as a critical meeting being held on Monday, November 7, in London involving the US, the European Union, India and Brazil on the agricultural issue. Mr Tsang called the London meeting "a litmus test on the success of the coming ministerial meeting" and said Mr Blair told him "he would see the negotiators and put to them the importance he attached to the success of the ministerial meeting. He hoped very much that the Hong Kong meeting would be a great success."

Asked by a reporter whether the Hong Kong ministerial meeting might not go ahead, Mr Tsang replied: "It will go ahead." He said his confidence was based on "the efforts being made by all the parties concerned and by the effort we have made in Hong Kong, and by the fact that we are organising it and pulling all these things together." He noted that the Secretary for Commerce and Industry, Mr John Tsang, had been travelling around the globe. "He has been putting all his strength and energies into this and he has the backing of the entire cabinet in Hong Kong and of myself. We are going to make it a success."

In the evening, Mr Tsang delivered the keynote address at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council Annual Dinner.

Mr Tsang told the audience how Hong Kong was leveraging its closer co-operation with the Mainland to help fuel China's dramatic economic growth, and to reap the benefits of it. In the process, he said, the horizon of business possibilities for British companies was expanding.

"The Mainland's growth will require a strong international financial infrastructure to sustain it," he said. "This is where the unique Hong Kong features come into this equation. Hong Kong provides that infrastructure."

The Chief Executive outlined how the Pan-Pearl River Delta co-operation initiative was designed to develop a huge regional economy in an area with a current population of 460 million -- equivalent to that of the European Union.

"The growth of the Pan-PRD will revolve around Hong Kong in terms of financial and technical support. We are the principal services hub for outward-looking Chinese companies, and we are the Mainland's premier capital formation centre. Mainland enterprises have raised over 67 billion pounds sterling on the Hong Kong stock exchange, and increasingly they are using Hong Kong and its international know-how to venture into global markets.

"Pan-PRD will broaden Hong Kong's market access to more ventures in project financing, capital-raising and investment consultation. And, by providing this capital-formation and investment platform, Hong Kong will contribute even more to the reforms and modernisation of the Pan-PRD region."

On the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), the Chief Executive said the Mainland's rapid growth and accumulation of wealth meant that it was not lacking in capital. "What it lacks are modern knowledge and management skills. Hong Kong has another key role to play here, as either a source or a bridge for the Mainland to acquire these skills and expertise. Hong Kong can help the Mainland raise the level of its service quality and ultimately transform itself from a 'relationship-based' to a modern 'rules-based' market economy. In particular, Hong Kong can help the Mainland strengthen its financial system and diversify its financial intermediation."

He said Hong Kong was serious about protecting intellectual property, and was well known for its sound legal system, well-regulated market and adherence to international business standards.

"It's a place where foreign investors feel safe to operate and manage their investment in the Mainland. Indeed, since 1997, the number of overseas companies with regional operations in Hong Kong has risen by over 50 per cent, to nearly 3,800 -- confirming Hong Kong as the most popular place in Asia to establish a base, and as the premier platform for doing business in the Mainland and around the Asia-Pacific region."

Earlier in the day, Mr Tsang met with Lord Charles Falconer, Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor, and with the Executive Committee of the Hong Kong Association. At both meetings he provided updates on Hong Kong's economic and constitutional development, and discussed other major issues including the Hong Kong WTO Ministerial Conference.

Tomorrow, the Chief Executive is scheduled to deliver a speech at a Wilton Park Conference in West Sussex on "The Future Role of Hong Kong in the Region", during which he will bring participants up to date on Hong Kong's constitutional development. He will also meet with Mr Ian Pearson, Minister of State for Trade, and introduce a joint concert of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

November 3, 2005
Government Press Release
CE urges UK to push for WTO talks progress

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Eclectic exchange: Chief Executive Donald Tsang met with Minister of State for Trade Ian Pearson; gave an address at Wilton Park conference; and spoke with students of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts at a music and dance performance in London.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang has urged the British Government to use its influence to help achieve progress in global trade talks ahead of the WTO's Sixth Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong in December.

During a meeting with Minister of State for Trade Ian Pearson, Mr Tsang said Hong Kong was fully committed to delivering a conference that was successful in terms of substance and logistics. He said the WTO could not afford to have two failed Ministerial Conferences in a row, and added Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang and his team had been working diligently throughout the year to prepare for this key meeting.

Mr Tsang expressed concern that the entire Doha Development Agenda might be held hostage to agriculture. As current EU president, it was imperative the UK should exert its influence on the member states to move further on agriculture, he said. In that regard, a G4 meeting involving the US, the EU, India and Brazil on November 7 in London was crucial in unlocking the impasse.

Mr Pearson assured him the UK would do everything it could to ensure a good MC6 outcome.

CE's address outlined constitutional development proposals

Earlier in the day, at a Wilton Park Conference in West Sussex, Mr Tsang explained the efforts being made towards constitutional development in Hong Kong.

He outlined the package of measures contained in the Constitutional Development Task Force's Fifth Report to broaden the electoral francise for the 2007 and 2008 elections.

"My aim is to ensure that the arrangements for these next two major elections are more open and inclusive, and also to lay the foundations for further development of our own 'Made in Hong Kong' model of democracy," he said.

"The new package of proposals is our immediate political challenge. It is a defining moment for political development in Hong Kong. What happens next sets the scene for our future reform efforts. If we don't succeed in steering this package through the Legislative Council, then the status quo remains. The hard work over the past two years, of intensive and widespread consultation and of putting the proposals together, will be lost.

"Worse, the mutual trust we have taken pains to build between the Central Government and ourselves, the trust we need to take our democratisation forward, will dissipate."

Constitutional reform of interest to HK trading partners

After his return to London, Mr Tsang told the media that while Hong Kong's constitutional development was a matter for China and Hong Kong, he recognised that it was also a matter of interest to many of Hong Kong's trading partners. The Hong Kong Government had been explaining the package to them, and he had heard many views.

"The US Government wants Hong Kong to have universal suffrage as soon as possible. This has always been their position," he said.

"As to the UK, on Wednesday the Prime Minister said that on the democratisation front, Hong Kong has always made progress since reunification. (Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor ) Lord Falconer also expressed his opinion on the Fifth Report, which he regarded as constructive and progressive."

In the evening, Mr Tsang was guest of honour at a joint performance of music and dance by students of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

CE's speech at the Wilton Park Conference

Following is a speech entitled "The Future Role of Hong Kong in the Region" delivered by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang at the Wilton Park Conference on November 3 (London time):

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Thank you Colin for your opening remarks, and thank you all for the warm welcome. Thank you also for allowing me to kick off the proceedings for this conference on the future of Hong Kong in such a respected forum as Wilton Park.

As you might expect from the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, I do believe that Hong Kong has a bright future. And I do believe that your discussions over the next three days will attest to that assessment.

But I am equally sure there are many varied views on how we can ensure that Hong Kong does indeed have a bright future, and continues to develop in a stable and sustainable way over the next 10, 20, 30 years and beyond.

Economically, I feel Hong Kong is on the threshold of a new stage of development and prosperity. We endured a painful economic restructuring, exacerbated by the Asian financial crisis, and have emerged all the more stronger and competitive for the experience. We are boosting economic, government and social links with the ‘factory of the world’ across the boundary in the Pearl River Delta, where every day more than US$300 million worth of goods are produced for export to all corners of the globe – much of it by Hong Kong-linked enterprises. We are setting our sights on becoming the predominant services centre, especially financial services and business-related services, for a south China common market of 460 million people, that we call the Pan PRD. We are deepening our role as the key base for multi-national corporations in Asia.

All of these elements augur extremely well for the future of Hong Kong. Indeed, many on the speakers' roster for this Conference have a great depth of knowledge about Hong Kong and, I would say also, a great love for our city. I am sure that, despite our personal differences, they are as committed as I am to making Hong Kong a superb place to live and do business – truly, Asia’s world city.

Today, I want to focus on one topic that is in the news in Hong Kong now, but which has a great bearing on our future, and that is the question of political reform in Hong Kong.

There is no denying that Hong Kong and Britain share a common past. The institutional legacy of British administration is, to a large extent, what sets us apart in Asia, and in particular within our own nation, China. By this I mean the rights and freedoms we enjoy, and the free-wheeling capitalist system that has been honed and refined in the decades since World War II. Free speech, a free and open media, freedom of belief, freedom of movement, freedom of association, freedom of assembly – these are just some of the freedoms we enjoy and cherish. These are entrenched in our constitutional development, the Basic Law and the British common law system that is the cornerstone of our success as an international city.

While we do share a common past, there is no doubt also that Hong Kong's future – then and now – has always been inextricably linked to that of China. The relationship between Hong Kong and Britain changed forever on July 1, 1997. When once we had the benign hand of London guiding the way, now we have the Basic Law as our roadmap for the future. The Basic Law protects all of those elements that I know are important to British business and the British people – our capitalist system, our low tax policies, our clean and efficient civil service, the free flow of information, and a level playing field for business. These are the foundations of our past and future success. They allow us to play to our strengths in the international arena. They define our role as a Special Administrative Region of China. They set us apart in Asia. We espouse them. We will vigorously protect them.

Political development is also an integral part of the Basic Law. As one of the signatories to the Sino-British Joint Declaration, I know that Britain still retains a very keen interest in our development. Political reform is no exception. I believe our political development is of interest generally to the international community because many see it as a litmus test for 'One Country, Two Systems' and our promised high degree of autonomy under the Basic Law.

Viewed from afar – even in such esteemed and knowledgeable company – it is often difficult to get a full picture of what is happening on an issue as complicated as political development in a tiny place like Hong Kong that is half-way around the world. So, today I want to provide some insight and context into how the political development process is working in Hong Kong – and what the future holds in this regard.

I know there are some people in Hong Kong – indeed, some people in this room – who say that political development is not that complicated; that all we need to do is introduce one man, one vote and voila! – instant democracy. It is not that simple. The UK’s long history of democratic evolution is an example of the complexity of this process. In addition, there is no one-size-fits-all model for democracy. Every democratic system in every country is different.

Hong Kong has followed a unique trajectory of democratic development. In many other societies, democracy spawns the rule of law, liberty, human rights, economic development and a government that serves the well being of the people.

In Hong Kong, all these goodies have been well entrenched before the introduction of a fully-fledged democratic system, and these goodies have been exercised to the full, no less favourably than the most advanced economies in the world. This unique situation is the outcome of our distinct path of development and our unparallelled international setting. Because of this unique character, a majority of people in Hong Kong are adamant that our road to universal suffrage be sustainable.

In that regard, we must be allowed to find our own way forward, in our own time, and with a formula that works for our community and our country. That is what we are doing.

To be sustainable, Hong Kong's democratic development must be accompanied by faithful implementation of the Basic Law, the preservation of a good relationship with the Central People's Government, political stability, effective governance, the maintenance of liberties, the protection of human rights, particularly the rights of those holding minority views, the retention of a favorable investment environment, a low tax regime and the prevention of excessive populism. Indeed, Hong Kong people demand that the Government take a cautious and incremental approach towards democratization.

Personally, I support universal suffrage for Hong Kong as early as possible. Hong Kong people are educated and sophisticated enough to elect their own political leaders. And while I will do my best to make our system as representative as possible, I must also operate within certain legal and political parameters and having full regard to the present day circumstances in Hong Kong.

Legally, the Basic Law sets out the timetable and structure of political development for the first decade after 1997. We have had three legislative elections since 1997. Every time, we have increased the number of directly elected seats. These three elections were hotly contested by candidates of all political persuasions. We have more democracy now than we ever had during British administration. And I am firmly committed to ensuring that this process of political development continues in Hong Kong. The next opportunities are the 2007 Chief Executive election and the 2008 Legislative Council election.

The Basic Law also provides a mechanism to change our electoral methods after 2007. Any changes must be in a gradual and orderly manner. The changes must have the express support of two-thirds of the legislature, the incumbent Chief Executive, and the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. The ultimate aim is universal suffrage – for both the elections of the Chief Executive and the Legislative Council.

In accordance with our Basic Law, our sovereign government defined last year the scope of the changes allowed for the next election of the Chief Executive in 2007 and the next election of our Legislative Council in 2008. While they laid down the ground rules for what is possible and what is not, they provided enough room for advancement towards universal suffrage in the next set of elections. Their decision is legally and constitutionally binding. We must abide by it.

It is only natural that our sovereign takes a close interest in our political development. I see nothing unusual in that. Indeed, it would be irresponsible for any sovereign not to take a very close interest in the constitutional development of its regional governments. Hong Kong cannot act unilaterally in this regard, although some people, naively in my view, believe we can and should. But, they seem to have forgotten that Hong Kong is a part of China. Our political development is as much a national issue as it is an issue for Hong Kong.

At the same time, our sovereign is determined to uphold the Basic Law, including the specific provisions on Hong Kong’s political development. She has acted faithfully, responsibly and transparently in this regard since the enactment of the Basic Law. Universal suffrage remains an established policy and constitutional commitment of the nation as a whole. My job as Chief Executive is to work within all of the constitutional parameters and devise a set of proposals for change that are acceptable to our sovereign, to our legislature, and to the people of Hong Kong.

Another vitally important issue we must address is the type of political system we want for Hong Kong, and how to develop it. You only have to look around the world to see that there is no one-size-fits-all model for democracy. The principle is the same, but the practice is different. What’s good for the UK, the US or Sweden; or Japan, Singapore or South Korea is not necessarily suited to Hong Kong.

Indeed, we are starting the whole process rather late. We had our first elections to the legislature only in 1991. Before that, all members were appointed by the British administration, including the Governor who was appointed by London. We have also inherited a structure that incorporates people elected in geographical constituencies, and those elected in functional constituencies representing important sectors such as the labour unions, chambers of commerce, health services, social welfare, industry, manufacturing, financial services and even rural communities. These functional constituencies represent powerful interests in the community, and are entrenched in our political system. They cannot easily be expunged or cancelled at will.

For the Chief Executive election, it is fairly clear what we mean by universal suffrage – that is, every voter having a chance to elect the leader of the Hong Kong SAR. But for the legislature, the Basic Law is silent on how we are to achieve universal suffrage.

For example, do we stick with our uni-cameral system, or do we move towards a bi-cameral system prevalent in most advanced democracies? Do we retain the functional constituencies? If we don't, how can we phase them out without arousing a long, drawn out political upheaval and uncertainty, that may even entail serious economic consequences? Do we look to the bicameral Congressional system in the United States as our model for reform? Or, are we more suited to the Parliamentary, also bicameral, models in the UK or Canada? Do we stick with our proportional voting system, or do we adopt a first-past-the-post system?

All of these systems have evolved over a long period of time elsewhere. We need time too, hopefully much shorter than most others. There are fundamental questions about the structure of our future system that we have not yet even started to address. This is something that the Administration, all our political parties, lobby groups, activists, academics, the media and the man and woman in the street need to think about seriously.

We also need to groom more political talent. At the moment, our largest political party has about 3,500 members, while the next largest has about 800 members. In a city of almost 7 million, such numbers are quite low. So, we need to look for ways to help political parties develop and mature. This takes time, too.

In my first Policy Address delivered just last month, I unveiled plans to enhance governance in Hong Kong. One of the ways we will do this is to bring in more people, from a broader cross-section of the community, to serve on our advisory boards and statutory bodies. We will significantly boost the strength of our Commission on Strategic Development, our most important advisory body. We will empower our district-level councils to manage certain local services. This will give District Councillors a taste of political responsibility, and a greater say in providing the services that are so important to local communities.

Now you may get an idea of what I meant earlier when I said it is not that simple, even for tiny Hong Kong. But I am determined to make a success of the opportunities we have been given.

Two weeks ago, we released a package of measures to boost the electoral franchise for the 2007 and 2008 elections. I believe it represents a significant step forward on the road to universal suffrage. In essence, the package of proposals aims at broadening the electorate for the Chief Executive election in 2007 by incorporating over 500 members of the District Councils into an expanded 1,600 Election Committee. And most of those District Council members were directly elected in the first place. We also propose that the Legislative Council to be formed in 2008 should be expanded from the current composition of 60 seats to 70 seats. All 10 new seats will be returned by direct or indirect district-based elections. Five will be directly elected and another five elected among District Councillors.

Eighty percent of these District Councillors are directly elected on the basis of three million registered voters. Currently, we have a debate in Hong Kong regarding the participation of appointed District Councillors in these elections. Our view is that both elected and appointed District Councillors are already part of our political institutions and we should give them parity of treatment under our electoral laws. I note that there are elements of appointment to parliaments in different parts of the world. Here in the UK, there is an ongoing lively debate of constitutional reforms to the House of Lords.

Back in Hong Kong, my Administration will be lobbying hard to get the necessary support from legislators, which won't be an easy job I can tell you. Most of our bills are passed by a slender majority, but we need a two-thirds majority to pass any changes to the electoral system.

My aim is to ensure that the arrangements for these next two major elections are more open and inclusive; and also to lay the foundations for further development of our own 'Made in Hong Kong' model of democracy.

The new package of proposals is our immediate political challenge. It is a defining moment for political development in Hong Kong. What happens next sets the scene for our future reform efforts. If we don’t succeed in steering this package through the Legislative Council, then the status quo remains. The hard work over the past two years, of intensive and widespread consultation and of putting the proposals together, will be lost.

Worse, the mutual trust we have taken pains to build between the Central Government and ourselves, the trust we will need to take our democratization forward, will dissipate.

In practical terms, we would then have to wait until at least 2012 – when both the Chief Executive and Legislative Council elections are to be held – before we could see an expansion of the electoral franchise. I believe that would be a great pity, and an opportunity lost for Hong Kong.

The debate on the 2007 and 2008 arrangements has just begun in Hong Kong. I have faith that our legislators will ultimately reach the right decision, because the package of proposals announced by the Administration has the support of a majority of people in Hong Kong. They understand that universal suffrage is not achievable
in 2007 and 2008.

To sum up, we intend to open up the system of government across the board to make it more representative and more inclusive:

· we are creating more room for political participation, for example, through increasing seats in the next general election of the Legislative Council;

· we will put forth proposals for expanding the system of political appointments, so that our Principal Officials will have political offices through which they can extend their network of liaison throughout the community and our Civil Service will remain politically neutral;

· we will devolve more power and responsibility to District Councils;

· we will work out the roadmap for attaining universal suffrage through the Commission on Strategic Development.

We are taking these rather bold steps on the basis of experience in our efforts to achieve effective governance since the reunification in 1997. We are now ready to move ahead on all fronts. These reforms will bring into life the principle of 'Hong Kong people running Hong Kong' as envisaged in the Basic Law.

Here, I must also mention that it is up to us in Hong Kong to prove that we do indeed have the ability to be masters of our own house. Rather than endless bickering over differences, we need to look for common ground when discussing our political development, and use this as a basis for building trust – not just between the various political parties and the government in Hong Kong; but also between Hong Kong people and our sovereign after a separation of one and a half centuries. Trust remains the key element in going forward.

Eight years after reunification, Hong Kong is now entering a new phase of economic, political and social development. Economically, as I mentioned earlier, we are in the best shape we have been in years and our prospects are bright.

Socially and politically, Hong Kong is maturing and becoming even more sophisticated. Our political development is just one important issue that we have to deal with to ensure our ongoing prosperity, and the faithful implementation of ‘One Country, Two Systems’.

For sure, 'One Country, Two Systems' is about protecting the rights and freedoms we enjoy under the 'two systems' part of the formula. We are a free society under the rule of law, and we vigorously defend all of those freedoms that make us such an open society and successful economy. But, 'One Country, Two Systems' is also about defining our role within China; how we can make best use of our 'special' status and strengths to help our country develop and engage the world. We are just eight years into this remarkable undertaking. It is a solemn mission, and I know that our national leaders are firmly committed to its success. As are all of us in Hong Kong.

Thank you very much.

Ontario Trade Minister briefed on Hong Kong's role as gateway to China
Friday, November 4, 2005
Government Press Release

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Ontario Economic Development and Trade Minister Joseph Cordiano was briefed today (November 3, Canada time) on Hong Kong's important role as the gateway to the Mainland China market before leaving on a trade mission to China and Hong Kong on Friday.

The trade mission, to be led by Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty, will visit Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing and Hong Kong from November 6 to November 15.

At the briefing given by the Director of the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (Canada), Mr Bassanio So, views were exchanged on the role of Hong Kong as a gateway for Ontario companies to enter the Mainland China market.

Mr So welcomed the Premier and the 60-member Ontario business delegation to Hong Kong and encouraged Ontario companies to collaborate with the research facilities and expertise in Hong Kong to service the Mainland China market, especially the booming Pearl River Delta area. Mr So and Minister Cordiano also exchanged views on possible future collaboration between Hong Kong and Ontario in the areas of life sciences, auto parts and IT industries.

The Ontario trade delegation to China and Hong Kong comprises many business sectors including agriculture; architecture/planning/engineering services; automotive; education; environment; financial services; information technologies; life sciences; mining; and tourism.

Hong Kong on verge of 'golden era', CE tells UK parliamentarians and business leaders
Government Press Release
Saturday, November 5, 2005

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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, wrapped up his visit to the UK today (November 4, London time) with a series of meetings at which he briefed business leaders, Parliamentarians, academics and journalists on Hong Kong's status and prospects as the international financial centre of Asia.

Mr Tsang updated them on Hong Kong's broad-based recovery and said that barring unforeseen circumstances which could adversely affect the global economy, Hong Kong was poised for a period of sustained economic growth.

"Hong Kong's economic prospects are exceedingly good," he said. "I'd go further to say that we're likely to see a golden era of Hong Kong emerging."

On the final day of his three-day programme in London, the Chief Executive spoke at a breakfast meeting with Parliamentarians, leading business executives and academics; participated in a round-table session with financial executives; had a lunch meeting with Mr Mervyn King, Governor of the Bank of England; and briefed editors of the Financial Times. He also was interviewed by The Economist and held a briefing for the news media.

His discussions covered a wide range of topics including the economy, political development, air quality, cross-boundary infrastructure, Hong Kong's competitiveness in the Asia-Pacific region, and the Sixth WTO Ministerial Conference to be hosted by Hong Kong next month.

During his meetings, Mr Tsang provided updates on Hong Kong's current broad-based economic recovery, which was marked by strong GDP expansion and trade growth, low inflation, record tourist arrivals, robust consumer consumption and continued inflow of external investment.

The Chief Executive recounted how the Asian financial crisis, the bursting of the property price bubble and the SARS outbreak had disheartened Hong Kong people. But in the past year-and-a-half, their confidence in the future had returned.

"If you've visited Hong Kong, you must have felt the buzz," he said. "The feel-good factor has returned."

Mr Tsang said he was honoured to have become Chief Executive in June, and would do his utmost during the rest of his term to ensure that Hong Kong continued to prosper and grow.

After his meetings Friday, Mr Tsang said his briefings were well received by his interlocutors.

"It has been a very encouraging and stimulating visit to the UK," he said. "The business and government leaders I met were extremely knowledgeable about and interested in Hong Kong. There is a great store of goodwill in the UK towards Hong Kong, stemming from our historical relationship and longstanding business ties. There's a special bond between us stretching back for one and a half centuries.

"Many of those I met make frequent trips to Hong Kong or have been in our city recently, and invariably they concur with my assessment that the buzz has returned."

The Chief Executive said one issue raised a few times during his visit was Hong Kong's air quality. Mr Tsang replied that it was "an issue I am critically concerned about" and assured them that both the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Guangdong authorities recognised the need to address it. In terms of air quality in the Pearl River Delta region, he detailed the ways that Hong Kong officials were co-operating with their Guangdong counterparts, including having set targets for reducing the emission of particulates by half by 2010 and conducting joint air quality monitoring, with 16 stations reporting daily. The SAR Hong Kong Government was also requiring power companies to install effective emission reduction facilities.

During his meetings, Mr Tsang noted that Hong Kong stood out among Asian cities as an international financial, trade and logistics hub, thanks to its unique advantages such as a fully convertible currency, the rule of law, an independent judiciary, a clean administration, the free flow of information, a level playing field for business, excellent corporate governance standards and a highly liquid financial market. "All this indicates that there is no other rival for us in the foreseeable future in the area of international finance and international trade."

Hong Kong would continue to benefit as more Mainland enterprises sought to enter the international market. For example, he said, Mainland enterprises had raised over 67 billion pounds sterling on Hong Kong's stock market. This process would accelerate as the Pan-Pearl River Delta co-operation initiative gained momentum and Mainland enterprises chose to take advantage of Hong Kong's global connections and strong regulatory environment.

The Chief Executive also updated business leaders on the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement between the Mainland and Hong Kong, which offered foreign companies earlier access to the burgeoning Mainland market.

In the evening, Mr Tsang officiated at a Hong Kong Tourism Board 'Discover Hong Kong 2006' promotion and a Dragon Eye-dotting Ceremony to launch Hong Kong's participation in the Lord Mayor's Show 2005.

The Chief Executive will depart London for Hong Kong tomorrow (November 5, London time).

Prime Minister of Belgium to visit Hong Kong
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
Government Press Release

The Prime Minister of Belgium, Mr Guy Verhofstadt, will arrive in Hong Kong on Thursday (November 10) on an official three-day visit. It will form part of his Asian tour to Singapore, Seoul and Tokyo.

The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, will meet the prime minister in a bilateral meeting before an official luncheon on Saturday (November 12).

While in Hong Kong, the prime minister will attend the Gala-Dinner of the Best of Belgium Festival and hold a special seminar to promote the Double Taxation Agreement, the new notional interest measures taken by the Belgian Government as well as the financial and investment relations between Hong Kong and Belgium.

CE speaks at luncheon in honour of Prime Minister of Belgium
Government Press Release
Saturday, November 12, 2005

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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Belgium, Mr Guy Verhofstadt, and hosted a luncheon in honour of the Prime Minister at The Ritz Carlton, Central, today (November 12). Picture shows Mr Tsang greeting Mr Guy Verhofstadt.

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Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at a luncheon in honour of the Prime Minister of Belgium, Mr Guy Verhofstadt, at The Ritz Carlton today (November 12) (English only):

Prime Minister, Ministers, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

I would like to warmly welcome the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance back to Hong Kong. It is always a pleasure to see our Belgian friends, who share with us a common desire to build ever-closer business and cultural ties between Belgium and Hong Kong.

Hong Kong and Belgium have many things in common. Being small and open to the world, we have each employed our strengths to become regional gateways. Belgium is at the heart of Europe, hosting the headquarters of several major international organisations. Hong Kong is the most popular place in Asia for international companies to set up their regional operations. We have both developed into cosmopolitan communities with a substantial population of foreign nationals, active diplomatic corps and big concentration of foreign journalists, international schools and foreign banks.

In Hong Kong, some 700 Belgian nationals and 135 companies make up the vibrant Belgian community. We are fortunate to have the Belgium-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce and the Belgian Club, which are very active in the business and social spheres here. Over in Brussels, the Belgium-Hong Kong Society hosts an annual Chinese New Year event and works diligently to promote commercial, social and cultural links between us.

I am happy to see the robust growth of our bilateral trade which owes in no small part to the landmark Double Taxation Agreement between Belgium and Hong Kong. The Agreement is a powerful tool to facilitate two-way investment flows. Indeed, when the diamond manufacturer IGC became the latest Belgian company to establish its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong, it cited the Double Taxation Agreement as one of the attractions.

There are plenty of other reasons why international companies set up in Hong Kong: the rule of law, upheld by an independent judiciary; a low and simple tax system; a minimum of red tape; a fully convertible currency; the free flow of capital and information; and many more. At the same time, Mainland companies are increasingly using Hong Kong as their platform to raise capital and reach out to international markets.

As China's economy continues to grow dramatically, Hong Kong has leveraged its advantages to play an important role in our country's economic development. Hong Kong is the business services and logistics hub of the Pearl River Delta (PRD), known as "the factory of the world". Now, that co-operation is being extended to include nine southern provinces of China, plus the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, in the Pan-PRD development initiative. The initiative aims to break down local barriers to trade to create a huge common market with a population the size of the European Union's. So, like Brussels, Hong Kong is becoming the hub of a vast and prosperous regional economy.

This will create more opportunities for Belgian companies, as does CEPA, our Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement with the Mainland. I would like to encourage Belgian companies, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, to take advantage of CEPA and use Hong Kong as their base for doing business in China and the rest of Asia.

Prime Minister, it is wonderful that you could visit Hong Kong during the month-long Best of Belgium 2005 festival, which aims to show our local people, in the words of your esteemed Consul-General, Mr Nijs, that Belgium is "not only about quality chocolates and beer" – a statement I can certainly verify from personal experience.

I wish you all the best on the rest of your trip. I am confident that business people elsewhere will respond just as avidly as those in Hong Kong to the opportunities available in your country. We value your friendship, and want you to know that you and your countrymen are always welcome in Asia's world city.

And now, ladies and gentlemen, please rise to join me in a toast:

"To the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance, to the continued close and productive Belgian-Hong Kong partnership. To Belgium."

Chris Patten Visits Hong Kong
Emotional day for quite the diplomat
Perhaps it was the egg tarts. Or the crowds eager to see him. Whatever it was, former governor Chris Patten could not help but become teary-eyed Friday as he attended two book-signing sessions and the opening ceremony of a branch of his favorite egg tart shop.

Leslie Kwoh
Hong Kong Standard
Saturday, November 12, 2005

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Perhaps it was the egg tarts. Or the crowds eager to see him. Whatever it was, former governor Chris Patten could not help but become teary-eyed Friday as he attended two book-signing sessions and the opening ceremony of a branch of his favorite egg tart shop.

In his first visit to Hong Kong since 2000, the man known for his fiery opinions and daring reforms when he governed what was then the crown colony could not help but reminisce about his former home.

He apologized to locals for his long absence. "I've been away far too long," he told an excited crowd at a book signing session promoting his latest work, Not Quite the Diplomat.

"The five years I spent in Hong Kong were the happiest in my life."

A crowd of about 200 lined up Friday morning outside the Page One bookstore at Festival Walk, prepared to wait more than two hours for the chance of a handshake and an autograph.

"It nearly killed me just to get here," said Katrina Ngai, who is in her 34th week of pregnancy. But Ngai said it was well worth the trouble to spend a few moments with a man she said she has always admired.

Following the book-signing session, Patten rushed off to get a taste of his favorite egg tarts at the opening ceremony of a new branch of Tai Cheong Bakery in Mong Kok.

After a much-anticipated bite, he declared the tarts "as good as ever" and once again proclaimed owner Au Yeung Tin-yun "the best baker ever."

After eating to his heart's content, Patten was off once again, this time to Sha Tin, where almost 100 students waited for him at another book signing.

When one student asked for advice on how to become a world leader, Patten responded: "The important thing for young people is to recognize that life is about more than making money.

"The better your education, the more responsibility you have to give back to the community, to ensure it is civilized and compassionate."

In the evening, Patten pleased the crowd at "What Happened to the New World Order," a discussion forum co- sponsored by The Standard.

He told the audience that his term as governor may have been "less than perfect" and his dream of democracy not yet fully realized, but he perceived that Hong Kong had "developed a sense of citizenship."

He said: "It's powerful, and it's one of Hong Kong's best defenses now."

When asked by one audience member whether he will regret retiring from the political arena and being the "best prime minister the UK never had," Patten responded that his decision to withdraw from politics reflected his firm belief in the Conservative Party - "a party that used to get votes," he joked.

"Like the great Winston Churchill once said, part of committing political suicide is living to regret it," he said. But he admitted he will have a tough time quitting politics cold turkey. "I'll still be there to stir things up once in awhile."

And though he was quite the diplomat throughout the day, Patten refused to discuss one issue: politics.

When asked what he planned to discuss with Chief Executive Donald Tsang over dinner, he replied: "Shanghai crabs, I suppose."

Patten had Shanghai crabs with all the policy secretaries.

Emotional Patten sees rosy future for Hong Kong
Sun Nov 13, 6:21 AM ET

HONG KONG (AFP) - Former Hong Kong governor Chris Patten has offered cautious praise for China's hands-off rule of Hong Kong since he handed the reins of the territory to Beijing in 1997.

But in an exclusive interview with AFP he urged the Chinese government to grant the city full democracy or risk destabilising the Asian financial hub.

Patten, 61, who is visiting Hong Kong for the fourth time since his five-year term as Britain's last colonial governor ended on a rainy June night eight years ago, said he was generally impressed with the city's new rulers.

"China certainly hasn't lobotomised Hong Kong," he said in reference to pre-1997 fears that China's communist government would impose its authoritarian rule over the tiny southern territory.

"The current Chinese government is in a very successful period of economic growth," he added.

"But I still criticise its human rights record and believe that one day it will be democratic," said a tired Patten at the end of a gruelling three-days that saw him sign thousands of books, give half a dozen speeches, meet the city's political leaders and take lunch with Asia's richest man, Li Ka-shing.

Britain handed sovereignty of Hong Kong back to China after more than 150 years of colonial rule but only after securing assurances from the ruling Communist Party that it would maintain the city's freewheeling capitalist way of life.

Patten was appointed governor in 1992 by then British Prime Minister John Major to oversee the transition.

The former governor -- known affectionately in Hong Kong as Fat Pang because of his love of food -- is back to promote his latest book, "Not Quite the Diplomat", an irreverent memoir of his 30-odd year political career.

Focusing mostly on his stint as the
European Union's commissioner for external affairs, he pulls no punches in his observations of the world's political leaders.

In a series of speeches and lectures, he similarly lampooned the likes of US
President George W. Bush, defence secretary Donald Rumsfeld and various French leaders.

However, he has been noticeably coy in reference to China's leaders.

He'll not be drawn on his feelings about the current leadership of President
Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao. "I don't really know them," he said.

And China's controversial intervention in Hong Kong's judicial system over the past eight years are passed off merely as a "a pity".

His reticence is most noticeable on the one subject with which he is most closely associated - the democratisation of Hong Kong.

Patten's visit coincides with the resumption of a row that has bedevilled the post-colonial administration over the timing of democratic reforms promised in the post-colonial Basic Law constitution.

The document states that Hong Kong's ultimate goal is for its leaders to eventually be elected by universal suffrage.

However, it gives no timeframe for when that should be achieved, an issue that has been at the centre of most of the conflict between the largely pro-democratic half-elected, half-appointed legislature, the government and China.

Hong Kong's Beijing-appointed political leader Donald Tsang recently proposed a list of moderate reforms, but democrats have objected saying the measures don't go far enough.

As a result, they have threatened to block the reform bill, a move that could paralyse government in a constitutional crisis.

As governor, Patten was chastised by China as a "sinner for eternity" when he sought to introduce his own modest democratic reforms behind the backs of Chinese officials negotiating the city's return to China.

Although he said it was "a shame" those changes were rolled back after the handover, he steadfastly refuses to give an opinion on the present row.

"I hope that both sides of the argument will find agreement because Hong Kong is stronger when it is united," is all he will say.

"Everybody knows my feelings that Hong Kong will eventually be democratic."

A major theme of his speeches during this tour has been his belief that democracy would be beneficial to Hong Kong.

China opposes a swift transition because it fears the change could destabilise the city and choke the conduit of foreign investments that fuels the mainland's economic growth.

Patten, however, says China is barking up the wrong tree.

"Not having democracy is destabilising," he said.

"I believe that economic and social growth inevitably lead to political consequences," he said. "Of course, Hong Kong will and must become fully democratic."

Patten leaves behind democracy warning
14 November 2005
South China Morning Post

The strength of the case for universal suffrage in Hong Kong should not be judged by the turnout for next month's pro-democracy march, former governor Chris Patten said as he bade farewell to the city yesterday.

"Certainly it is very unlikely the turnout will be the same as for the marches over Article 23," Lord Patten said, referring to the shelved national security law.

Half a million people took to the streets in Hong Kong two years ago, forcing the government to drop the proposed legislation.

"[It will be] unwise, either for Beijing advisers to think that you can judge the case for democracy on numbers, or for those who actually organise the demonstration," he said.

Lord Patten was speaking to Allen Lee Peng-fei, a local deputy to the National People's Congress, before leaving for Melbourne.

Democrats have urged the public to join the march on December 4 in a demand for universal suffrage. They have also vowed to vote down the government's constitutional reform proposal next month.

During his four-day visit, Hong Kong's last governor refrained from making any direct comments on the government's electoral reform package. "I have been diplomatic for my entire visit to Hong Kong, and I am going to continue to be because I don't want to make life more difficult for my friends in the democratic parties and I don't want to make life more difficult for the administration," he said.

While praising his former subordinates Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, now chief executive, and Anson Chan Fang On-sang, Lord Patten also complimented former chief executive Tung Chee-hwa.

"Tung Chee-hwa is a very successful businessman," he said. "He deserves credit for the way Hong Kong got through the financial crash. It would be very unfair to criticise him for things that he never claimed to be, or wanted to be."

Lord Patten, who arrived on Thursday to promote his new book Not Quite the Diplomat, left yesterday morning after signing books for his fans at an airport bookshop.

Saturday, November 19, 2005
Filipino First Family goes to Disneyland Hong Kong

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PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo fly on Saturday in Hong Kong to join members of the First Family for a short "vacation" and a reported quick trip to the recently-opened Hong Kong Disneyland.

Arroyo will leave Busan, South Korea, where she attended the 23rd Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit at 4 p.m. to join First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo who left Wednesday at 2 p.m. with daughter-in-law Angela and granddaughters Mikaela Gloria and Marie Angela.

Reports said eldest granddaughter Mikaela had pleaded with the First Gentleman to fulfill his promised visit to Disneyland.

Pampanga Representative Juan Miguel Arroyo joined his father and family Friday morning after leaving Manila around 8 a.m. while youngest presidential son Diosdado Ignacio left with wife Viktoria and daughter Eva Viktoria around 6 pm.

Presidential daughter Evangelina Lourdes reportedly followed after taking a connecting flight in Manila for Hong Kong. She was supposed to arrive in Manila from Korea Friday night.

The First Family is expected to arrive in Manila on Monday at 1 p.m.

Lawyer Jesus Santos, spokesman of the First Gentleman, appealed in a press conference Thursday to reporters to spare his client from criticism and allow him to enjoy his vacation.

Members of the Office of the Press Secretary declined to give details on the purpose of the President's visit to Hong Kong claiming "the Disneyland (trip)? It's private."

The Arroyos were heavily criticized in 2004 for bringing along the whole family and several baby sitters during the Presidential visit to China from Sept. 1 to 4, 2004 after the President issued Administrative Order 103, which directs all government agencies to adopt austerity measures in order to reduce the deficit and the country's debt and improve investor confidence, on the eve of their trip. (JMR/Sunnex)

November 16, 2005
Government Press Release
CE makes APEC plea for progress

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Business trip: Chief Executive Donald Tsang arrives in Busan for the 13th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang says the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Economic Leaders' Meeting is an opportunity for leaders to inject strong political impetus to bring a forward looking and balanced outcome to the WTO 6th Ministerial Conference.

It will pave the way to a successful conclusion of the Doha round of trade negotiations in 2006, he added.

Mr Tsang arrived in Busan, South Korea, tonight to attend the 13th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.

Free trade promotion

"Member economies made their pledge in Bogor, Indonesia, in 1994 to reach free and open trade and investment by 2010 for industrialised economies and by 2020 for developing economies. Since then, members have worked hard towards these goals," he said.

"Ten years have passed and a mid-term stock-take exercise just took place earlier this year. The findings have revealed that member economies are making good progress in the right direction. A roadmap is being drawn to identify further actions and expedite our endeavors towards its accomplishment."

Mr Tsang said one of the building blocks to the Bogor Goals will be a satisfactory outcome from the WTO Doha Development Agenda negotiations.

"As Hong Kong will host the 6th Ministerial Conference in December, we are keen to see the negotiations moving forward."

Bird flu co-operation

Noting the recent outbreaks of avian influenza in poultry across Europe and Asia had aroused concern, Mr Tsang said strengthened co-operation through the collective measures of APEC will greatly enhance regional preparedness for and capability to combat the disease.

During his four-day stay in Busan, Mr Tsang will hold meetings with other economic leaders. Tomorrow, he will attend the APEC CEO Summit at which President Hu Jintao will deliver a keynote speech.

He will join other economic leaders at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting on Friday and Saturday to discuss a range of issues.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jackie Chan join with IPD to fight piracy
Government Press Release
Friday, November 18, 2005

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The Intellectual Property Department (IPD) has joined with the California Commission for Jobs and Economic Growth (CAJOBS) to fight piracy and promote the respect of intellectual property rights (IPRs).

The effort is featured in a new TV Announcement in the Public Interest (API) which was launched today (November 18) at a luncheon organised by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) and the Amercian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (AmCham) in co-operation with the IPD and the CAJOBS.

Featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Governor of California, in the United States, and movie star Jackie Chan, the API was shot in California in September.

Speaking at the luncheon, the Director of Intellectual Property, Mr Stephen Selby, said that the protection of intellectual property rights was an issue of global concern.

"This API is the result of co-operation between Hong Kong and the US. It shows a strong determination to fight piracy. Apart from effective enforcement measures to combat piracy and counterfeiting, a soft-sell approach like this API is an additional measure to bring this message to the public."

"We are so glad that California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jackie Chan have agreed to feature in the API. Their contribution was made without a fee. We believe that the impact of this API will be phenomenal," Mr Selby said.

"Stamping out piracy is good for trade, good for our economies and good for consumers," Mr Schwarzenegger said. "The illegal duplication and marketing of all sorts of products, from medical equipment to DVDs, is stealing from the workers who design and manufacture the real goods, harming the consumers who purchase the fakes and hindering job growth."

"Speaking as a business owner, I can tell you that pirating of intellectual property is no different than a thief walking into your store and stealing your merchandise," co-chairman of the California Commission for Jobs and Economic Growth Mr Warren Hellman said. "I congratulate Governor Schwarzenegger, the Hong Kong SAR Intellectual Property Department and Jackie Chan for taking on this illegal and immoral practice."

The API, which was released today, was directed by Jonathan Mostow, the director of the movie "Terminator 3 - Rise of the Machines". It is being shown on local & regional TV stations and on buses.

Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected California's governor in 2003.

He is visiting China and Hong Kong from November 14-19, 2005, on behalf of California business to promote California goods and services and obtain direct foreign investment for California. He will also highlight the importance of intellectual property rights enforcement when he is in China and Hong Kong.

The California Commission for Jobs and Economic Growth is a member-supported California non-profit corporation that works to attract and retain employers and jobs in California and to market the state across the country and around the world as a place to do business, visit, invest and buy products and services.

Financial Secretary to visit Beijing, Wuhan and Shanghai
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Government Press Release

The Financial Secretary, Henry Tang, will leave Hong Kong for Beijing tomorrow evening (November 27) to attend various promotional events under the 9th Beijing-Hong Kong Economic Cooperation Symposium, which is organised by the Beijing Municipal Government in conjunction with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the major business chambers in Hong Kong. The objective is to explore business opportunities available to enterprises of the two places through direct investment and business cooperation.

Mr Tang will officiate and speak at the opening ceremony of economic cooperation symposium on November 28 morning. While he is in Beijing, Mr Tang will also meet with the Mayor and other leaders of the Beijing Municipal Government.

Mr Tang will fly to Wuhan on November 30 to attend a variety of promotional activities under the "Hubei – Hong Kong Week" jointly organised by the Hubei Provincial People's Government and the Hong Kong SAR Government. The objective is to promote economic co-operation and exchanges under the framework of the Mainland/Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement.

The Hong Kong delegation to Hubei will be led by the Financial Secretary. Other HKSAR senior officials attending the "Hubei – Hong Kong Week" include Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Frederick Ma; Acting Director of Beijing Office, Mr Patrick Nip; and Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Mike Rowse. More than 200 Hong Kong representatives from commerce, industry, financial services, legal services, tourism and other professional services sectors will participate in various activities of the "Hubei – Hong Kong Week".

During his stay in Wuhan, Mr Tang will meet with leaders of the Hubei Provincial People's Government on November 30 afternoon before attending a welcome dinner to be hosted by the Provincial Government. In the morning of December 1, Mr Tang will speak at the opening ceremony of the "Hubei – Hong Kong Week". He will also deliver a keynote speech at the Hong Kong Dinner to be organised by the Beijing Office in the evening.

Mr Tang will leave Wuhan on December 2 for Shanghai, where he will attend the 2005 Shanghai-Hong Kong Metropolitan Development Seminar scheduled for December 3. Mr Tang will also call on the Mayor and meet with other leaders of the Shanghai Municipal Government during his stay in Shanghai.

Mr Tang will return to Hong Kong on December 4. During Mr Tang's absence from Hong Kong, Mr Stephen Ip, the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, will double up as the Financial Secretary in addition to his own duties.

so wonderful to see HK stepping into its global-shoes now...

MORE! MORE!!! :)

SCIT's statement at WTO General Council Meeting in Geneva
Government Press Release
Friday, December 2, 2005

Following is a statement (English only) given by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr John Tsang, at the World Trade Organisation General Council Meeting in Geneva, Switzerland today (December 2):

Thank you Madam Chair,

Let me start by saying how pleased I am to be here. I realize that the last couple of weeks has been a period of intense activity preparing the draft Declaration for the Sixth Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong. My thanks to you all.

It is not a secret that many of us would have liked to see agreement on full modalities in Hong Kong, but I am not going to agonize over that now. Multilateral negotiations have a life and a rhythm of their own. As with baking, you cannot force the pace without risk of spoiling the cake.

From Hong Kong, China’s point of view, what is important is that we add value to the process. The Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong will not be just an occasion for stocktaking. We will be fully engaged in serious negotiations. We will aim to ratchet up the extent and quality of our convergence, and set the platform for the next stage of our preparation towards the conclusion of the Round by the end of 2006.

Pascal is fond of aeronautical metaphors. So let me say that our aim is to emerge from the ministerial meeting refueled, re-charged and re-focused with an unambiguous flight-plan for the final leg of the journey. To my mind, that has always meant that we must concentrate colleagues’ minds on key issues in each area and secure decisions, which clear the way for the final stage of negotiations here in Geneva.

In that context, allow me to say a few words about how we plan to run the meeting in Hong Kong. The strategy for the preparatory work is a bottom-up process with no surprises. That is exactly how I intend to run the Hong Kong meeting: bottom-up and no surprises. We want to have, indeed, we need to have, an open, transparent and inclusive process, with nothing new or novel, nothing untried, nothing untested or nothing unfamiliar.

I fully understand that communication amongst delegations and groups of delegations is a key ingredient for an effective ministerial meeting. We will, therefore, be adhering to past practice in having two daily one hour slots, morning and afternoon, to facilitate this sort of coordination. I will also ask the coordinators and spokespersons of various groupings to assist me in disseminating information on the latest developments to their respective constituencies to ensure that everyone is up to date on the state of the discussion and that the process remains as transparent as possible.

Madam Chair, I understand that you intend to say a few words later on about the organization of work, and I have no wish to duplicate this. However, let me just emphasize that after the formal opening of the Conference on the afternoon of Tuesday 13 December, we will move quickly to the business session of the conference at which we will need to adopt an agenda and agree on the organization of work. I have been in close touch with the Director General on this over the last few weeks, and I will communicate with delegations more formally on detailed arrangements shortly. Allow me today simply to say that the informal process in Hong Kong will essentially mirror the process you are familiar with here in Geneva. There will be regular informal Heads-of-Delegations meetings, at least once a day.

As part of this, I believe that, like my predecessors, I will need the assistance of a number of colleagues to facilitate the process in Hong Kong. I have, therefore, approached a number of them to ensure, initially, that they are both willing – you will understand me when I say that there are few volunteers for this sort of work (!) – and that they are available. I am happy to say that I have secured the services of six courageous colleagues. They are:

Humayun Khan of Pakistan, who will deal with NAMA;
Mukhisa Kituyi of Kenya, who will deal with Agriculture; and
Clement Rohee of Guyana, who will deal with specific development-related issues.

For Services, Rules and other issues, I have secured the assistance of three other colleagues who will serve as facilitators at large. They are:

Hyun Chong Kim of Korea;
Jonas Store of Norway; and
Ignacio Walker of Chile.

So there it is, my slate of facilitators who will assist me in Hong Kong. In choosing them I have borne in mind the five core areas of work, which we have pursued since the beginning of this year, and the need to be even-handed. I also have in mind the need for some flexibility in the organization of work as negotiations evolve during the conference. I will be giving further thought to this in the time remaining between now and our meeting in Hong Kong, but I thought it best to share my broad thinking with you at this earliest possible moment.

I can assure Members that all facilitators will provide opportunities for every delegation to make its views known, and will keep transparency and inclusiveness close to their hearts.

Madam Chair, preparations for the Hong Kong Ministerial are complete. Logistically, everything that can be done to facilitate a successful meeting of ministers has been done. Hong Kong, China, looks forward to welcoming you all and to making every aspect of your stay with us as comfortable and enjoyable an experience as possible. What we cannot do is guarantee success; we cannot do your work for you. Success is something for which we have a collective responsibility.

We are all fond of repeating that the WTO is a member-driven organization; the agenda is member-driven; the process is member-driven; and so success must also by definition be member-driven. Hong Kong, China is delighted that we have been given the opportunity to host the coming conference. We hope that it will help move negotiations forward, but a successful conclusion of this Round depends on you, the members, having the global vision and the individual courage necessary to drive determinedly through the Ministerial and onto the final stage. For sure, colleagues, the world will be watching.

In conclusion, Madam Chair, let me say how pleased I am to have had the opportunity of being with you all at this meeting of the General Council this morning. It has been immensely valuable in helping me think through my final preparations for the task ahead. Thank you for taking the process this far; I look forward to seeing you all in Hong Kong and working with you all collectively towards a successful conclusion of the Doha Development Round.

Thank you.

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz arrives in Hong Kong

Hong Kong, Jan 27, SPA -- The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud arrived in Hong Kong tonight coming from New Delhi.

The King was received at the airport by Vice Executive President of Hong Kong's government Rafael Hoi, senior officials, Saudi Consul General in Hong Kong Ala'a Aldeen Al'Askary, chairmen of Islamic organizations, Consuls General accredited to Hong Kong, and Saudi Aramco personnel.

King Abdullah was accompanied by his official delegation.


King Abdullah tours Hong Kong

Hong Kong, Jan 29, SPA -- The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz made today a tour of Hong Kong City visiting its important landmarks.

The King, who was accompanied by his official accompanying delegation, was briefed on the urban development in the city.

The Arnold/Jackie campaign is a good one hopefully. Piracy killed the entertainment business in Asia!

Irish Minister praises Hong Kong's bilateral co-operation with Ireland
Government Press Release
Saturday, February 25, 2006

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Acting Special Representative for Hong Kong to the European Communities, Ms Shirley Lam, and Irish Minister of State, Mr Tom Kitt T.D, celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Dog?at a luncheon in Dublin today (February 24, Dublin time).

Ireland's Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Prime Minister), Mr Tom Kitt, in Dublin today (February 24, Dublin time) praised Hong Kong's bilateral co-operation with Ireland.

The minister was speaking at a luncheon attended by 200 Irish businessmen and officials and co-organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels, to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Mr Kitt, who is also the Irish Government's Chief Whip, said Ireland's exports to Hong Kong for the last year amounted to about 641 million euro, reflecting the strong levels of trade between Ireland and Hong Kong.?Many Irish companies have seen the opportunities offered there for sales of goods and services.

"A number of our indigenous companies in the financial services software sector, for instance, have been very active in developing sales in Hong Kong," he said.

Mr Kitt said that as for so many countries, Hong Kong played a valuable role in helping Ireland gain access to the Mainland, thanks to its cross-cultural expertise.

"I would also like to mention that Ireland and Hong Kong co-operate on EU issues as well," he said.

Both places have very open and globalised economies and their world perspective means that they share an interest in matters pertaining to the World Trade Organization, and in particular, a successful outcome of the Doha Round.?In this regard, Mr Kitt congratulated Hong Kong on its superb management of last December's WTO ministerial conference.?He said the delegation of three Irish ministers had been "extremely impressed" with the HKSAR Government's manner of hosting the conference.

"I would wish to commend the very definite and skilled contribution of the Chairman of the Conference, John Tsang, who played a leading role in this achievement."

"Hong Kong lived up to its worldwide reputation as a vital logistics hub. Expertise in logistics matters was self-evident in the superb organisational arrangements that were put in place and executed."

Hong Kong's acting Special Representative for Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Communities, Ms Shirley Lam, said that Hong Kong's economy had performed exceedingly well in 2005. "The Financial Secretary had announced in his Budget speech that we achieved a GDP growth of 7.3% in 2005, and the economy was expected to grow by 4 to 5% this year," she said.

The third phase of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) had just entered into force in January and all goods produced in Hong Kong could now access the Mainland market tariff-free, in parallel with a liberalisation of services.

"'One Country, Two Systems' is not just a concept. It really works," Ms Lam said.

Ms Lam said that 23 million people had visited Hong Kong in 2005, with arrivals from Europe alone up by 22%.

"AsiaWorld-Expo, which was set to stage several major international exhibitions this year, would be an additional draw for business visitors, while Hong Kong Disneyland would be a magnet for families," she said.

The luncheon was the last of a series of Chinese New Year events organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels in 14 major European cities. Ms Lam addressed a total of some 3,000 guests, including members of the European institutions, government officials, businessmen, academics and the media in Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, Dublin, Frankfurt, Helsinki, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Rome, Stockholm, The Hague and Vienna.?The Prime Minister of Belgium, Guy Verhofstadt, was the guest of honour at a reception in Brussels.

SFST in Dubai to promote Hong Kong
Government Press Release

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The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Frederick Ma, continued his visit programme in Dubai today (February 27) to promote Hong Kong's strengths as an international financial centre and investment opportunities in the territory.

Mr Ma is visiting Dubai with a delegation of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council which comprises representatives of the financial services sector as well as the infrastructure and real estate industry.

During the day, Mr Ma met with the Chairman of the Dubai Financial Services Authority, Dr Habib Al Mulla, and senior officials of the Ministry of Finance and Industry of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dubai Municipality. He also called on the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and briefed them on Hong Kong's latest developments and business opportunities.

Besides visiting Dubai's port facilities, Mr Ma was shown around and briefed on a joint project between the Emirati and Chinese governments - Dragon Mart - which is the biggest Chinese commodity exchange, trade market and entertainment complex of its kind in the UAE.

On the first day of his visit, Mr Ma delivered a keynote address at a seminar attended by major local corporations and institutional investors. He also called on, among others, the Dubai Investment Group, which is a subsidiary of the government body that oversees large-scale infrastructure and investment projects in Dubai.

Legco ITB Panel's visit at Ottawa
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Government Press Release

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The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

A delegation of the Legislative Council Panel on Information Technology and Broadcasting arrived at Ottawa today (April 12) to begin its 9-day overseas visit to Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom to study the public service broadcasting in these countries.

The delegation visited the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and the Department of Canadian Heritage (DCH) and met with the senior directorate of the two organisations, including Mr Nick Ketchum, Senior Director, Television Policy and Application, CRTC; and Mr Rene Bouchard, Director General of International Affairs, DHC. The delegation also visited the facilities of Canada's national public service broadcaster, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).

The delegation will continue its visit in Ottawa tomorrow to exchange views with the senior management of CBC. It will also visit the facilities of the Cable Public Affairs Channel and discuss with its President before heading for Washington DC tomorrow afternoon.

The delegation comprises Panel Chairman Hon Sin Chung-kai, Deputy Chairman Hon Albert Jinghan Cheng, Hon Emily Lau and staff of the Legislative Council Secretariat.

SHWF continues his visit in Switzerland
Friday, April 21, 2006
Government Press Release

The Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food, Dr York Chow, is continuing his visit in Switzerland, meeting the Secretariat of the Swiss Conference of the Cantonal Ministers of Public Health and a Swiss mandatory health insurer in Bern on April 20 (Swiss time).

Through the meetings, Dr Chow has learnt more about the health care policies and financing models adopted by the Swiss.

Dr Chow also visited the University Hospital in Bern, which is a non-profit foundation, a world-renowned university hospital and one of the largest health institutions in the country.

"In Hong Kong, the Health and Medical Development Advisory Committee is studying the issue of health care financing options in a bid to build up a sustainable and affordable health care system," Dr Chow said.

"Studying overseas practice, such as the Swiss model which relies heavily on an insurance system, can help us come up with viable financing recommendations for HK people to consider," he said.

The Swiss Conference of the Cantonal Ministers of Public Health is a political co-ordination body established to promote co-operation in health care matters among the cantons and between the cantons and the confederation.

Belgian Prince to visit HK
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Government Press Release

His Royal Highness Prince Philippe of Belgium will arrive in Hong Kong on Friday (June 22) on an official three-day visit as part of his China tour which will also cover Beijing, Shenyang, Chengdu and Shanghai.

The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, will meet the Prince in a bilateral meeting on Friday.

While in Hong Kong, the Prince will attend a gala dinner organised by the Belgian-Luxemburg Chamber of Commerce.

China rejects Japan navy port call over Uighur visit: media
18 August 2009
Agence France Presse

China has rejected a Hong Kong port call by a Japanese naval training fleet, apparently in anger after Tokyo hosted the exiled Uighur leader last month, a media report said Tuesday.

China told Japan's embassy in Beijing on August 12 it would be difficult to accept the three ships, citing "sensitive issues," the English version of the Asahi daily quoted unnamed Japanese government sources as saying.

Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force had reportedly asked China whether the two training vessels and one destroyer, on a 13-nation tour, could make an unscheduled stop in Hong Kong in late August or early September.

The Japanese daily said Chinese officials did not give specific reasons for denying the port call but expressed displeasure with Tokyo for allowing Uighur leader Rebiya Kadeer to visit and speak in Japan last month.

In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang said in a brief statement: "Due to technical reasons, it is not convenient for China to receive the Japanese Self-Defence Forces warships in Hong Kong."

Beijing has accused US-based Kadeer, head of the World Uighur Congress, of instigating last month's unrest in China's Xinjiang region, in which the government says at least 197 people were killed.

Kadeer said in Tokyo that up to 10,000 Uighurs "disappeared" in the unrest in the regional capital Urumqi.

The state-run China Daily newspaper published an article Tuesday that said China had "good reason to refuse a proposed visit to Hong Kong of three Japanese warships," citing Chinese media and experts.

The report mentioned the visit of "Xinjiang separatist" Kadeer to Japan, as well as planned visits this year by former Taiwan leader Lee Teng-hui and exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.

The China Daily reported that a Japanese diplomat who declined to be named had said Tokyo and Beijing were still negotiating the suggested visit.

A Japanese defence ministry spokeswoman confirmed the naval training fleet's global voyage with its numerous port calls but said that "since these are diplomatic arrangements, the ministry cannot make further comments."

Japan's foreign ministry declined to comment on the Asahi report.

Asian brokerage talks up Palin ahead of HK debut
31 August 2009
Agence France Presse

One of Asia's top investment houses touted Sarah Palin Tuesday as a global heavyweight ahead of the former US vice presidential nominee's first public speaking engagement outside North America.

The former Alaska governor will be the keynote speaker at an annual conference bringing hundreds of chief executives, fund managers and other financial big-hitters from around the world to Hong Kong this month.

Palin, ridiculed during last year's presidential campaign for her lack of experience in international affairs, is due to speak at the CLSA Investors' Forum on September 23.

Past speakers at the yearly event hosted by brokerage and investment group CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets include former US president Bill Clinton, Clinton's vice president Al Gore, and ex-Federal Reserve chief Alan Greenspan.

"We like to present to our investors people of significant public profile who can present a view on what is happening globally and geopolitically," CLSA spokeswoman Simone Wheeler told AFP.

"We have had many keynote speakers at these events who have used the forum as a platform to launch a position" on their view of the world, she said.

Wheeler said organisers were still discussing with Palin the topic of her address, and said that CLSA was unable to disclose her fee.

"As the first female governor of Alaska and the youngest person ever elected governor of that state, Palin has broken new ground in US politics and we are delighted that she will make her first visit to Asia to present at the CLSA Investors' Forum," the group's chairman Jonathan Sloane said.

Palin, 45, emerged as a darling of the US right after she became the surprise running mate to Senator John McCain in his doomed bid for the presidency against Democrat Barack Obama.

She resigned as Alaska governor in late July, giving few clues about her plans upon leaving office.

But she cited financial constraints caused by a slew of lawsuits and ethics complaints, and pundits she was likely to hit the lucrative speaking tour as well as write a book.

Asian brokerage talks up Palin ahead of HK debut


Can I have a banner "Take the train back to Alaska, Hockey Mom!!!" to welcome her?

Prime Minister of Czech Republic to visit HK
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Government Press Release

The Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Mr Jan Fischer, will visit Hong Kong during an official tour to Asia. He will arrive with a business delegation tomorrow (September 4) on state aircraft.

The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, will meet the Prime Minister at a bilateral meeting on September 5 at Government House.

During his stay, the Prime Minister will also meet the local business community at a breakfast meeting hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. The official delegation will exchange views concerning economic co-operation, culture, tourism and developments with the participants.

Palin emerges in Asia with speech to investors

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Hong Kong speech marks first major appearance since she vanished from public view after resigning as Alaska governor

Jeremiah Marquez

Hong Kong — Associated Press Last updated on Wednesday, Sep. 23, 2009 05:14AM EDT

Former U.S. vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin, criticized for her lack of foreign policy experience, emerged in Asia on Wednesday to share her views from “Main Street U.S.A” with a group of high-flying global investors.

In her first trip to the region, the former Alaska governor addressed an annual conference of investors in Hong Kong in what was billed as a wide-ranging talk about governance, economics and U.S and Asian affairs.

“I'm going to call it like I see it and I will share with you candidly a view right from Main Street, Main Street U.S.A.,” Ms. Palin told a room full of asset managers and other finance professionals, according to a video of part of the speech obtained by The Associated Press. “And how perhaps my view of Main Street ... how that affects you and your business.”

It marked Ms. Palin's first major appearance since she resigned as governor in July, and the speech's location and international scope could help boost her credentials ahead of a possible presidential bid in 2012.

In her speech – closed to reporters – Ms. Palin argued that many average Americans are uncomfortable with health care reforms that infringe on private enterprise, Chris Palmer, an American fund manager for Gartmore Investment Ltd., told reporters.

Discussing Sino-U.S. relations, Ms. Palin said she believes the U.S. has a role in helping China find its future and that the U.S. will always be on the side of promoting freedom, according to Mr. Palmer.

In an apparent reference to renewed tensions between Muslim Uighurs and Han Chinese that have led to violent riots, the former Alaska governor mentioned China's ethnic problems, arguing they are “a sign that China lacks mechanisms to deal with regional issues,” Mr. Palmer said.

She also criticized the U.S. Federal Reserve's massive intervention in the economy over the last year, arguing its actions only exacerbated the crisis, according to another attendee. She also praised the conservative economic policies of former U.S. president Ronald Reagan and former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, according to another attendee who declined to be named.

“She was careful not to be over-critical ... but she said she saw the fiscal situation is going out of control,” said Gregory Lesko, managing director of New York-based Deltec Asset Management.

Former president Bill Clinton, former vice-president Al Gore and former Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan have spoken in the past at the conference, hosted by brokerage and investment group CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets.

“She was chosen because she's a woman of news value and presents an opinion that we feel would be of value to our fund managers,” said CLSA spokeswoman Simone Wheeler.

Ms. Palin, who burst on the U.S. political scene last year when she was chosen as Republican Sen. John McCain's running mate, was ridiculed during the campaign after contending her state's proximity to Russia gave her foreign policy experience.

“You can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska,” she said.

Ms. Palin received her first passport in 2007, to visit Alaska National Guard members serving in Kuwait and Germany.

Since leaving office, Ms. Palin has vanished from public view, ducking mainstream news outlets and communicating with supporters largely via her popular Facebook page.

She also signed with the prestigious Washington Speakers Bureau and reportedly has been flooded with over a thousand offers.

Palin aides refused to disclose her fee for the appearance, which has been rumoured to be in the low six figures.

While she's thought to be considering a bid for the GOP presidential nomination in 2012, her Hong Kong trip bore no political overtones, said Fred Malek, a friend and Palin adviser.

“You can read a lot of things into it, ‘Is she trying to burnish her foreign policy credentials?' and the like. But really, it's a trip that will be beneficial to her knowledge base and will defray some legal and other bills that she has,” Mr. Malek said.

Ms. Palin left office in part because of the toll of multiple ethics complaints filed against her. Almost all of the complaints were dismissed, but she says she amassed more than $500,000 in legal fees.

CLSA requested Ms. Palin's speech be closed to reporters so she could make an “unfettered” presentation to investors, according to spokeswoman Ms. Wheeler. And Ms. Palin, whose supporters have long accused the media of bias and harsh treatment, agreed.

Hari Sevugan, a spokesman for the Democratic National Committee, said Tuesday the group knew little about Ms. Palin's speech.

“We're curious as to what she's willing to say in private but not in public,” Mr. Sevugan said. “Are there other countries that she can see from her window that she doesn't want us to know about?”

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Geithner to meet top HK official as yuan talk mounts

HONG KONG, April 8 (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner will meet the top Hong Kong government official on Thursday before heading to Beijing for talks, with speculation swirling that the diplomacy presaged a change in China's currency policy.

"On Thursday, Secretary Geithner will stop in Hong Kong on his return from India. There he will meet with Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang, and others, including Tung Chee Hwa and Joseph Yam," the U.S. consulate in Hong Kong told Reuters.

Both Tung and Yam are advisers on mainland Chinese policy.

The meetings in Hong Kong will be closed to the press and there is no indication if they will meet miore than once, the consulate said. It gave no further details regarding the meeting.

The yuan, which has been effectively pegged to the U.S. dollar since July 2008, will presumably be a topic of discussion between Geithner and Vice Premier Wang Qishan in Beijing.

Geithner would leave for Beijing later on Thursday, the U.S. consulate said.

China would like Hong Kong to be an international centre for yuan-denominated trade and capital markets. Last June, HSBC became the first foreign bank to sell yuan bonds, part of an effort by China to spread the influence of its currency.

Tung, the first Chief Executive in Hong Kong, is now vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Politics Consultative Conference, which advises China's main policymaking body. Yam, who retired as Hong Kong's top central banker in 2009, is an honorary consultant of the People's Bank of China.