Tag Archives: China

     The “Seminar on ‘Hong Kong’s Experiences for International Trade’: New Horizon·New Technology·New Model” jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) was held successfully today (November 6) at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. The seminar was attended by more than 460 people, including representatives from Mainland provincial and municipal governments and enterprises in various industries. It was one of the major events organised by the HKSAR at the first China International Import Expo.

     The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, delivered an opening speech under the theme “Hong Kong – Gateway to the Country’s Import and Export”. He elaborated on Hong Kong’s unique role as a gateway for the country’s imports and exports. 

     He talked about three historic moments which made Hong Kong a gateway to the country’s imports and exports. First, Hong Kong acted as the country’s first gateway when it started reforms and opening up. Hong Kong entrepreneurs were the first batch of investors in the Mainland market. Hong Kong companies have since played an important role in the country’s opening up. Second, the country’s accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001 has led to further opening up of its market and increase of its external trade, consolidating Hong Kong’s role as a trading centre. Third, the Belt and Road Initiative and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area initiated by the country have made Hong Kong the best gateway and platform for Mainland companies to “go global”.
 
     At the seminar, the Chairman of the Fung Group, Dr Victor Fung, delivered a keynote speech on the theme “Hong Kong’s Experiences for International Trade – New Horizon·New Technology·New Model”, and shared his opinions and insights on the global landscape and Hong Kong’s unique role.

     The Executive Director of the HKTDC, Ms Margaret Fong, gave welcoming remarks. The Director-General of Trade and Industry, Ms Salina Yan, was the moderator for the panel discussion and question-and-answer session. Other participating speakers included Expert Partner of Sequoia China Fund, Mr Herbert Chia; the Chief Corporate Banking Officer of Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, Mr Lin Guangming; and Member of the Greater China Legal Affairs Committee of the Law Society of Hong Kong, Mr Lawrence Yeung. They briefed the participants on the latest industry developments in respect of technology application and financial and legal services, and spoke on how Hong Kong’s service industries can help Mainland companies seize new opportunities and face challenges in international trade. read more

     The Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Michelle Li, today (November 6) signed a Letter of Intent on Cultural Exchange and Co-operation with the Director of Hubei Provincial Museum, Mr Fang Qin, to strengthen cultural exchange and collaboration between the two sides and facilitate the sharing of resources.

     In the coming five years, the two sides will aim to strengthen exchange and collaboration in organising exhibitions to give full exposure to their respective and unique qualities. They will also promote the exchange, co-operation and training of staff in accordance with future needs and development. In addition, the two sides will explore mutual exchange and study opportunities for students.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department has long held a good and close relationship with Hubei Provincial Museum. In 2011, they jointly organised an exhibition entitled “Centenary of China’s 1911 Revolution”, which showcased over 400 invaluable artefacts to illustrate the significance of that period of China’s modern history. read more

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 is 105.5 (up 0.1 against yesterday’s index). read more

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:      Hong Kong Monetary Authority Exchange Fund Bills Tender Results:   Tender date : November 6, 2018 Paper on of… read more

     Two illegal workers comprising a Vietnamese and an Indian were jailed by Shatin Magistrates’ Courts yesterday (November 5).
      
     Immigration Department (ImmD) investigators received referrals from the Police to further investigate two illegal employment cases in September. A male Vietnamese illegal worker and a male Indian illegal worker, aged 31 and 44, were arrested at a recycling depot in Tin Shui Wai and a wet market in Kwun Tong respectively. When intercepted they were working as odd-job workers. Upon identity checking, they produced for inspection recognisance forms issued by the ImmD, which prohibit them from taking employment. Further investigation revealed that they were non-refoulement claimants. An employer suspected of employing an illegal worker was arrested and the investigation is ongoing.
      
     The two illegal workers were charged at Shatin Magistrates’ Courts yesterday with taking employment after landing in Hong Kong unlawfully and remaining in Hong Kong without the authority of the Director of Immigration or while being a person in respect of whom a removal order or deportation order was in force. They pleaded guilty to the charges and they were sentenced to imprisonment ranging from 15 months to 15 months and two weeks.

     The ImmD spokesman warned that, as stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, illegal immigrants or people who are the subject of a removal order or a deportation order are prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining in any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years’ imprisonment. The Court of Appeal has issued a guideline ruling that a sentence of 15 months’ imprisonment should be applied in such cases.
      
     The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. The maximum penalty is imprisonment for three years and a fine of $350,000. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence. According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. The maximum penalty for failing to inspect such a document is imprisonment for one year and a fine of $150,000.
 
     Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct initial screening on vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation, with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) victims. When any TIP indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threat and coercion in the recruitment phase and the nature of exploitation. Identified TIP victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent interference, medical services, counselling, shelter, temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments. read more