Tag Archives: China

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Hong Kong objects to US’ proposed modification to its commitments under WTO GPA

     As one of the 21 Parties to the revised Agreement on Government Procurement of the World Trade Organization (WTO GPA), Hong Kong notified the WTO Committee on Government Procurement (GP Committee) today (January 11) of its objection to the modification proposed by the United States (US) to its commitments under the Agreement.
 
     On November 27, 2020, the US circulated a communication to the GP Committee notifying the Parties the proposed modification to its commitments under the WTO GPA, viz. removing its committed coverage from all central government entities of any goods that the US deemed necessary for responding to threats arising from chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats and public health emergencies, such as medicines and medical devices.
 
     “Hong Kong considers that the US’ proposed modification amounts to a withdrawal of its coverage commitment from the WTO GPA and will result in a reduced list of products being subject to the WTO GPA rules, thereby affecting the business opportunities of Hong Kong suppliers to the US government procurement market. Hong Kong is also concerned that it may affect the balance of rights and obligations among Parties under the WTO GPA,” a Government spokesman said.
 
     In this regard, a communication from Hong Kong is circulated in accordance with the provisions of the WTO GPA today. The communication raises objection to the US’ withdrawal of its coverage commitment, and requests the US to provide more comprehensive information to facilitate assessment by Parties to the WTO GPA of the likely consequences of the modification. Hong Kong further reserves its right to take necessary steps to ensure that the balance of rights and obligations under the WTO GPA is maintained. read more

East Asia

Princess Margaret Hospital two staff members test positive and preliminarily positive for COVID-19

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on a patient care assistant (PCA) in the out-patient clinic of the Occupational Therapy Department who tested preliminarily positive for COVID-19 (case number: 9113), the spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital made the following update today (January 11):
 
     Upon knowing the preliminary positive results of the PCA, as a precautionary measure, the hospital has arranged COVID-19 tests for staff members working in the out-patient clinic concerned on January 6 and all the test results were negative.
 
     One of the PCAs working in the out-patient clinic of the Occupational Therapy Department underwent the COVID-19 test again at a Community Testing Centre on January 10 due to throat discomfort since January 8. Her test result was positive on the same day (case number: 9265).
 
     The hospital’s infection control team conducted contact tracing immediately. It was found that one more PCA of the Occupational Therapy Department had meal at the same workplace but separately with the PCA tested preliminarily positive for COVID-19 on January 10. She has also presented with runny nose since January 10. The PCA was tested negative for COVID-19 in the test arranged by the hospital on January 6. She was arranged again to undergo COVID-19 test today and the result was positive. The two PCAs are currently treated under isolation with stable condition.
 
     Both of the PCAs do not perform any high-risk clinical procedures and are equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment at work. No patient was hence identified as close contacts.
 
     In addition, three more staff members had meals at the same workplace but separately are classified as close contacts and are required to quarantine for 14 days. The hospital will arrange COVID-19 tests and medical surveillance for all staff members of the out-patient clinic of the Occupational Therapy Department. In view of the sequential occurrence of confirmed cases in the out-patient clinic of the Occupational Therapy Department, the hospital’s infection control team would expand the scope of contact tracing. The investigation is still underway.
 
     The workplace concerned has been closed for thorough cleaning and disinfection. PMH will continue to closely monitor the health of our staff, as well as communicating with the Centre for Health Protection on the latest situation. read more

East Asia

LegCo to debate motion on enabling committees to meet remotely by video conference

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

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday (January 13) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, Members will debate a motion moved under Article 75 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.
 
     The motion, moved by Ms Starry Lee, seeks the Council’s approval to enable Panels (or their subcommittees), Bills Committees and subcommittees appointed by the House Committee to continue to meet remotely by video conference during the COVID-19 pandemic in the performance of their functions under the Rules of Procedure and the House Rules of LegCo while ensuring social distancing. The motion is set out in the Attachment.
 
     Members will also ask the Government 19 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.
 
     The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the LegCo Website (www.legco.gov.hk). Members of the public can watch or listen to the meeting via the Webcast system on the LegCo Website. To observe the proceedings of the meeting at the LegCo Complex, members of the public may call 3919 3399 during office hours to reserve seats. read more

East Asia