The Transport Department (TD) today (February 28) reminded members of the public that in anticipation of a large number of grave-sweepers heading to the cemeteries along Cape Collinson Road in Chai Wan during the Ching Ming Festival period, the following special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented there to facilitate their visits to the cemeteries.

A. Special traffic arrangements
 
(i) Temporary prohibited zone
 
The section of Cape Collinson Road to the east of Lin Shing Road (i.e. the left-turning movement from Lin Shing Road to Cape Collinson Road leading to the Chinese Permanent Cemetery) will be temporarily designated as private car and light goods vehicle prohibited zone from 7am to 3pm daily from March 8 to April 27. All private cars and light goods vehicles, expect those with permits, will be prohibited from entering the prohibited zone.
 
(ii) Road closures
 
In connection with the implementation of road closures at Cape Collinson Road and its vicinity by the Police, except for the exempted vehicles, Lin Shing Road and Cape Collinson Road will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 7am to 5pm on the specified dates.
 

 
B. Public transport services
 
(i) The following special bus services will be operated on the specified dates and the bus services will be strengthened depending on the passenger demand and traffic conditions.
 

 
(ii) CTB route X9 will operate additional departures from Shek O to Central (Central Ferry Piers) from noon to 4pm on April 4 (Ching Ming Festival).
 
(iii) CTB routes 8X, 9 and 780 and cross harbour routes 106, 118 and 606, and GMB route 18M will be strengthened subject to passenger demand.
 
     During the Ching Ming Festival period, adjustments to the extent of road closures, traffic control measures and public transport diversions will be made by the Police depending on the actual traffic conditions in the areas.
 
     Grave-sweepers are advised to plan their journey early and allow more travelling time. If they would like to go to the cemeteries along Cape Collinson Road in Chai Wan outside the above-mentioned road closure periods, they should use public transport services as far as possible. They can take GMB routes 16A, 16M, 16X or 18M at Chai Wan MTR Station to Cape Collinson Road, or take CTB Route 9 at Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminus to Shek O Road near Cape Collinson Road. Grave-sweepers heading to the Cape Collinson-San Ha Columbarium may also make use of the escalators and pedestrian access route connecting San Ha Street at Chai Wan (near Chai Wan MTR Station Exit A) and the said columbarium.
 
     The TD anticipates that the traffic in the vicinity of Cape Collinson Road, Lin Shing Road and Wan Tsui Road in Chai Wan will be busy. Motorists are advised not to drive to the congested and affected areas, and should exercise tolerance and patience in case of traffic congestion and observe the instruction given by the Police.
 
     Members of the public are advised to be alert to the latest traffic news on radio and television. They may also visit the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk) or use the mobile application "HKeMobility" for the latest traffic and public transport information.

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

     Legislative Council (LegCo) Members met with Yuen Long District Council (DC) and Islands DC members at the LegCo Complex today (February 28). They held in-depth discussions and exchanged views on issues related to community development and people's concern.

     During the meeting with Yuen Long DC, LegCo Members discussed and exchanged views with DC members on various issues, including expediting the recreational and sports facility projects in the district; studying the expansion plan of Tin Shui Wai Hospital to address the increasing demand for public healthcare services arising from the anticipated population surge and the development of the Northern Metropolis; as well as seizing development opportunities in the Northern Metropolis to replan the public sewerage system and rural drainage projects in the new development areas to improve environmental hygiene.

     The meeting was convened by Mr Michael Tien. A total of 23 Members attended the meeting including Professor Priscilla Leung, Mr Steven Ho, Mr Ma Fung-kwok, Dr Lo Wai-kwok, Dr Junius Ho, Mr Holden Chow, Mr Luk Chung-hung, Mr Lau Kwok-fan, Mr Kenneth Lau, Ms Doreen Kong, Ms Nixie Lam, Mr Lam San-keung, Mr Kenneth Leung, Ms Chan Yuet-ming, Mr Chan Pui-leung, Mr Gary Zhang, Mr Benson Luk, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, Professor Lau Chi-pang, Dr Ngan Man-yu, Mr Yim Kong and Professor Chan Wing-kwong.

     As for the meeting with Islands DC, LegCo Members discussed and exchanged views with DC members on various issues, including the public facilities, public services, and ancillary transport facilities of the Tung Chung New Town Extension; the traffic congestion in the vicinity of Tung Chung Town centre and suggestions for improvements; as well as implementing initiatives from the Policy Address to develop tourist hotspots in the Islands districts to fully utilise its tourism potential.

     The meeting was convened by Mrs Regina Ip. A total of 19 Members attended the meeting including Professor Priscilla Leung, Dr Chan Han-pan, Mr Kwok Wai-keung, Dr Lo Wai-kwok, Mr Chan Chun-ying, Mr Kenneth Lau, Mr Tony Tse, Ms Doreen Kong, Mr Kenneth Leung, Ms Chan Yuet-ming, Ms Judy Chan, Mr Chan Siu-hung, Ms Joephy Chan, Mr Chan Hok-fung, Mr Benson Luk, Mr Edmund Wong, Mr Kenneth Fok and Dr So Cheung-wing.

            

     Following is the speech by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung kwok-kwan, at the closing ceremony of the National Training Course for Talents Handling Foreign-related Arbitration (Hong Kong) today (February 28):
 
Mr Zhao (Vice Chairman and General Manager of China Legal Service (H.K.) Limited, Mr Zhao Zhenhua), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good afternoon. As we gather here today to conclude the National Training Course for Talents Handling Foreign-related Arbitration (Hong Kong), I am reminded of the saying that "time flies when you are having fun 歡樂的時間é�Žå¾—特別快". It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming you to this Course. Yet, here we are, at the end of an enriching journey that has spanned several days of insightful lectures, engaging dialogues and practical experience.
 
     First, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Justice, the China University of Political Science and Law, and the China Legal Service (H.K.) Limited for their support and trust in the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy. We are deeply grateful for their support and assistance, which have been crucial to the success of this Course. I eagerly anticipate our continued collaboration and future endeavors together.
 
     I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to each of you for your active participation and valuable contributions. The thoughtful questions you asked, the insightful perspectives you shared, and the engaging discussions you participated in have all significantly enriched our collective learning experience.
 
     As you may be aware of, the Supreme People's Court and the Ministry of Justice of the People's Republic of China have jointly issued the "關於充分發æ�®ä»²è£�è�·èƒ½ä½œç”¨ã€€æœ�務粵港澳大ç�£å�€é«˜è³ªé‡�發展的æ„�見" (Opinions on Giving Full Play to the Role of Arbitration to Serve the High-quality Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area), expanding the scope of arbitration services regarding "Hong Kong-invested enterprises choosing Hong Kong Law" "港資港法" and "Hong Kong-invested enterprises choosing Hong Kong as the arbitration place" "港資港仲è£�".
 
     The new measures, effective from February 14 of this year, include that (i) Hong Kong-invested enterprises registered in Shenzhen and Zhuhai may choose Hong Kong law as the applicable laws in contracts, regardless of the proportion of investment; and (ii) Hong Kong-invested enterprises registered in the nine Mainland municipalities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) may choose Hong Kong as the place of arbitration to resolve commercial disputes, in addition to being able to agree on the Mainland as the arbitration location.

     These new measures implement the content of the Second Agreement Concerning Amendment to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement Agreement on Trade in Services in October last year, providing investors and enterprises in the GBA with more and broader legal services options. They also establish a better, more diversified dispute resolution mechanism based on joint discussion, joint construction, and shared benefits.
 
     The Opinions provide suggestions for accelerating the construction of world-class arbitration institutions in the GBA, establishing unified first-class arbitration rules and online negotiation and resolution platforms in the GBA, expanding the service areas of arbitration institutions in the nine Mainland municipalities of the GBA, improving the arbitration and succession mechanisms, as well as the judicial supervision mechanisms, and establishing a training mechanism for foreign-related arbitration.
 
     The Department of Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region will continue to actively co-operate with municipalities in the GBA to promote the integrated development, seeking to give full play to Hong Kong's capability in nurturing foreign-related legal talents, and assist the country in providing more training for foreign-related talents.
 
     As the Academy strives to continuously improve and enhance our training programmes, we would greatly appreciate your feedback on this Course. As you all hail from diverse backgrounds in government, universities, lawyers' associations and enterprises, and are all leaders and experts in your respective fields, your insights and suggestions are very invaluable to us, helping us tailor future courses to better meet your needs and expectations.
 
     As we move forward, let us continue to build on the connections and insights that we gained from this Course. I wish you all a safe journey back home, and continued success in your professional pursuits. Thank you very much.

     The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau organised the GoGBA Development Day today (February 28), attracting more than 300 participants to learn about the country's latest strategic development direction of new quality productive forces. The seminar aimed to assist Hong Kong enterprises in understanding the latest trends of innovation and technology (I&T) development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and, from the perspective of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to explore how to adjust corporate strategies to leverage the GBA's strengths and technological advancements to cultivate and stimulate their own momentum for new quality growth and forge ahead with their business development.
 
     In her opening address at the event, the Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Ms Maisie Chan, said, "As one of the core cities and regional development engines of the GBA, Hong Kong plays a pivotal role in driving the development of new quality productive forces in the GBA. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government is vigorously nurturing new quality productive forces to achieve high-quality economic development through technological empowerment. The HKSAR Government will continue to explore the formulation of more facilitative policies conducive to the development of I&T, with the aim of attracting and encouraging more Mainland and overseas enterprises to establish a presence in Hong Kong or invest in Hong Kong, thereby converging international innovation resources. By adopting a multipronged approach, the aim is to realise the vision of developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre."
 
     Today's seminar featured multidimensional insights and experiences from industry leaders, professionals and academic experts, ranging from policy interpretations and corporate practices to technology applications. Discussions included how enterprises can achieve sustainable development through technological innovation, how I&T firms can support SMEs in embracing new quality productive forces, and interpreting the policy direction of new quality productive forces and its impacts on enterprises from a macro perspective. During the panel discussion, experts and business representatives shared their invaluable insights on the developments and trends of I&T in the GBA from the perspective of SMEs, and how to capitalise on the opportunities arising from the development of new quality productive forces. On-site one-on-one consultation services were also provided by supporting partners from Hong Kong and other GBA cities.
 
     For more information about the GBA, please visit the dedicated website (www.bayarea.gov.hk/en), which also covers the content of the Greater Bay Area Information Station (www.bayarea.gov.hk/gbais/en) for easy browsing by members of the public.

    

     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (February 28) said that the Second Agreement Concerning Amendment to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) Agreement on Trade in Services (Amendment Agreement II) signed between the Ministry of Commerce and the HKSAR Government under the framework of CEPA will be implemented tomorrow (March 1).
 
     The Amendment Agreement II further opens up the services market of the Mainland to Hong Kong, enabling Hong Kong businesses and professionals to enter the Mainland market with more preferential treatments. The Amendment Agreement II introduces new liberalisation measures across a number of service sectors where Hong Kong enjoys competitive advantages, such as financial services, construction and related engineering services, testing and certification, telecommunications, motion pictures, television and tourism services. The liberalisation measures take various forms, including removing or relaxing restrictions on equity shareholding and business scope in the establishment of enterprises; relaxing qualification requirements for Hong Kong professionals providing services; and easing restrictions on Hong Kong's exports of services to the Mainland market. Most of the liberalisation measures apply to the whole Mainland, while some of them are designated for pilot implementation in the nine Pearl River Delta municipalities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
 
     The Amendment Agreement II also brings along institutional innovation and collaboration enhancements. It includes the addition of "allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to adopt Hong Kong law" and "allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to choose for arbitration to be seated in Hong Kong" as facilitation measures for Hong Kong investors; and removal of the period requirement on Hong Kong service suppliers to engage in substantive business operations in Hong Kong for three years in most service sectors.
 
     Since the signing of the Amendment Agreement II, the HKSAR Government has been proactively liaising with various chambers of commerce, industries and advisory bodies, etc, to enhance the trade's understanding of the liberalisation measures. In addition, in the middle of this month, the HKSAR Government co-organised with the Ministry of Commerce a forum to introduce the content and implementation arrangements of the measures as well as the criteria and procedures for application for preferential treatments to over 350 participants, including representatives from local and foreign chambers of commerce, consulates, major trade associations and professional sectors. The HKSAR Government will continue to assist the trade in making good use of the preferential measures of the Amendment Agreement II to facilitate Hong Kong in fully capitalising on the city's distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and maintaining close connection to the world under the "one country, two systems" principle, and to contribute to the national development of new quality productive forces and solid progress in promoting high-quality development.
 
     The Mainland and Hong Kong signed the Agreement on Trade in Services (the Services Agreement) under the framework of CEPA in November 2015, basically achieving liberalisation of trade in services between the two places. Subsequently, the two sides signed an agreement to amend the Services Agreement in November 2019 and the relevant liberalisation measures have been implemented since June 2020. To further enhance liberalisation and facilitate trade in services in response to the aspirations of the Hong Kong business community for greater participation in the development of the Mainland market, the two sides signed the Amendment Agreement II on October 9, 2024, to make further amendments to the Services Agreement.
 
     To provide one-stop facilitation to the trade, the Trade and Industry Department (TID) has established a dedicated website (www.tid.gov.hk/english/cepa/index.html) where the enterprises and professionals concerned can access more details about CEPA.
 
     The TID also maintains a telephone hotline (2398 5667) and email (cepa@tid.gov.hk) for CEPA-related enquiries, and helps liaise with relevant bureaux, departments or the Mainland authorities to follow up on those issues.