The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC) held the "Connecting Belt & Road, Capturing Opportunities Together" High-level Roundtable, in Hong Kong on August 15 and 16. The event aimed to conduct in-depth discussions on how Hong Kong could facilitate Central State-owned Enterprises' (CSoEs) investment and expansion in Belt and Road countries.
 
     The High-level Roundtable covered how Hong Kong could leverage its strategic role and unique advantages in Mainland China's reform and opening up, and assist CSoEs in their infrastructure investment, financing and development in the Belt and Road region. It also explored with leading international institutional investors on the bankability and risk management of Belt and Road infrastructure project financing, and looked at the role that the HKMA Infrastructure Financing Facilitation Office (IFFO) could play in assisting CSoEs in pursuing their overseas projects. The event was the first of its kind in bringing together some 40 senior officials from SASAC and 10 CSoEs, as well as high-level representatives from the financial and professional service sectors in Hong Kong. The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, also hosted a cocktail reception to welcome the participating guests.
 
     The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Norman Chan, said, "Hong Kong has always been a springboard and hub for Mainland enterprises' 'going-out'. Hong Kong offers both comprehensive and full-fledged financial platform and professional services, creating a conducive environment for business. The Roundtable also provides a new forum for high-level representatives from both CSoEs and relevant sectors in Hong Kong to exchange views and experiences. We are very grateful to SASAC's support and encouragement to CSoEs in making greater use of Hong Kong as a platform for overseas development. We look forward to continuing to work closely with SASAC in future to strengthen the communication and cooperation between CSoEs and the Hong Kong business community, with a view to exploring development opportunities together."
 
     The Secretary General of SASAC, Mr Yan Xiaofeng, said, "SASAC attaches great importance to the cooperation between CSoEs and the various sectors in Hong Kong. When participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, many CSoEs have been actively leveraging the advantages of Hong Kong's platform to expand overseas markets. It is expected that the CSoEs will continue to strengthen cooperation with the different sectors of Hong Kong, and focus their keen and precise effort in pursuing the 'Three Joints' and 'Five Areas of Connectivity'*, giving full play to the respective strengths of all concerned while focusing on the key areas of development to collaborate creatively to achieve prosperous growth together through deeper cooperation with the Belt and Road countries at higher levels."
 
*"Three Joints" refer to the principle of achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration; "Five Areas of Connectivity" refer to policy co-ordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people bond.

    

     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Mr Frank Chan Fan, at a media session in Beijing today (August 16):

Reporter: What is the agreement between the Mainland bureau and Hong Kong Government? And can you tell us more on the arrangement of the MTRC and the Government on how much of the surplus or deficit will be borne by the MTRC and the Government?

Secretary for Transport and Housing: In respect of the agreement reached during the past (meetings) and the meeting today, we have agreed with the China Railway Corporation that the frequency, destination, finance and fare arrangements are basically finalised. We will arrange to announce the details within this month and we are going to inform the public and the media.

     As regards the financial arrangement under the operating agreement, that will be dealt with between the Hong Kong (SAR) Government and the MTRC (MTR Corporation). We will disclose all the details in due course within this month.

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

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Thursday, August 16, 2018 is 104.8 (down 0.2 against yesterday's index).

     The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) announced today (August 16) that it has confirmed the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) is safe and in sound condition after consulting relevant government departments, and has notified the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL).
 
     The EMSD is responsible for regulating and monitoring the safe operation of the railway system of the MTRCL. Before the commissioning of any new railway project, the EMSD and relevant government departments will conduct assessment to ascertain that the various railway systems are safe and in sound condition.
 
     The EMSD and relevant government departments have conducted on-site inspection and approval of all safety-related systems during the testing and commissioning stage of the Hong Kong Section of the XRL. These systems include fire services systems, emergency evacuation facilities, high-speed trains, and signalling and communication systems. The EMSD has also scrutinised the emergency handling procedures prepared by the MTRCL together with the Security Bureau and relevant departments, and observed the drills and exercises conducted by the MTRCL, including the joint exercises with relevant government departments, so as to review the effectiveness of all contingency plans. The MTRCL has submitted relevant structural documents to the Buildings Department and the Highways Department. The Buildings Department and the Highways Department have inspected all relevant structural documents and conducted site inspection of works, and have confirmed that they have met the prescribed statutory standards. All relevant government departments have also confirmed that the operating systems, train compartments and station facilities can function normally.
 
     Taking into account the above, the EMSD has confirmed the Hong Kong Section of the XRL is safe and in sound condition. The EMSD and relevant government departments will continue to supervise the MTRCL in its final preparatory works prior to the commissioning of the Hong Kong Section of the XRL in late September 2018.
 
     The Hong Kong Section of the XRL is a 26-kilometre-long underground rail corridor linking Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to the Hong Kong/Shenzhen boundary at Huanggang, where it is connected with the Mainland Section of the XRL. There is also an emergency rescue siding and stabling sidings at Shek Kong to support emergency evacuation and maintenance.

     A man who went missing in Sham Shui Po was located.

     Tso Yik-hang, aged 34, went missing after he left his residence in Pak Tin Estate on August 14 afternoon. His family member made a report to Police on the same day.

     The man returned to his residence this morning (August 16). He sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.