SCED begins visit to Beijing
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, began his visit to Beijing today (May 9).
Mr Yau called on a number of departments of the Ministry of Commerce to update them on the latest developments of Hong Kong in promoting trade and attracting business and investment, and exchange views.
Mr Yau said that even in the face of protectionism and unilateralism, in particular the unreasonable coercion of the so-called reciprocal tariff, Hong Kong will continue to capitalise on the unparalleled advantages under "one country, two systems" to consolidate and enhance its status as an international trade centre, playing its dual roles of assisting Mainland enterprises to go global and attracting overseas investment. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will step up efforts in attracting enterprises and investment, explore more new markets and at the same time better integrate into the overall national development, seizing opportunities arising from the country's domestic circulation and giving full play to Hong Kong's roles as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" in addressing the changes in the global economic and trade landscape.
In addition, Mr Yau met with representatives of Hong Kong enterprises in Beijing to learn about the latest local developments and business opportunities, and exchange views on the challenges faced by enterprises in the complex international environment.
Mr Yau will proceed to Qatar tomorrow (May 10) to join the business delegation led by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, for a visit to the Middle East. During Mr Yau's absence, the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development.
Source: AI-generated images
Notice on appointments to advisory and statutory bodies
A Government spokesman said today (January 12) that Mr Chan Kin-por recently sought approval from the Chief Executive to suspend his three public positions as appointed by the Chief Executive, until the completion of the work of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po (Independent Committee). Mr Chan made this request to allow himself more time to dedicate to the work of the Independent Committee. After due consideration, the Chief Executive has agreed to and approved this request. The three public positions are: (1) Chairman of Independent Commission Against Corruption Advisory Committee on Corruption; (2) Non-executive Director of Urban Renewal Authority Board; and (3) Member of Honours and Non-official Justices of the Peace Selection Committee.
On December 12, 2025, the Government established the Independent Committee to examine the causes of the incident and related issues, ascertain the facts, and make recommendations on preventing similar tragedies and on improvement measures. The Independent Committee is chaired by Mr Justice David Lok, with Mr Chan Kin-por and Dr Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen serving as members. The Independent Committee held its first meeting on December 19 last year and aims to complete its work within nine months of commencing operations.
Mr Chan Kin-por wrote earlier to the Chief Executive, expressing his wish to suspend the aforementioned three public positions until the Independent Committee completes its work, in order to dedicate more time and focus to the Independent Committee's tasks. The Chief Executive has agreed to and approved the request.
A Government spokesperson said that since the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, both the Government and the wider community have been highly concerned about the causes of the incident and the follow-up work. The scope of the Independent Committee's work is extensive, particularly concerning systemic issues related to bid-rigging and connected interests. Given the numerous issues involved and their complex nature, the Government will fully co-operate with the Independent Committee to ensure that it can complete its work and compile its report within nine months. The Government extends its gratitude to Mr Chan for accepting the appointment as a member of the Independent Committee and for his professional and conscientious approach to the Committee's work. When the Independent Committee's work is completed, the Government looks forward to Mr Chan's continuous contribution through his aforementioned public positions.
Source: AI-found images
