December 2008 <Text Only Version>
Stimulus Plan to Support SMEs and Prevent Job Losses
On December 8, Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang announced that the government would provide up to US$12.82 billion in loan guarantees for enterprises and spur employment opportunities next year as part of its efforts to lead Hong Kong out of the global economic downturn.
IMF Commends Hong Kong's Decisive Actions to Bolster Financial Stability
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its Staff Report on Hong Kong, commends the measures of the Hong Kong government to contain the contagious risks from the global financial turmoil and reiterated its support for the Linked Exchange Rate system (LERS).
Hong Kong's Third Quarter GDP Up 1.7 Percent
Hong Kong's economic growth slowed notably in the third quarter of 2008, with GDP rising 1.7 percent, after a 4.2 percent increase in the second quarter, according to the government's Third Quarter Economic Report 2008.
International Arbitrator Expands Global Reach
In November, the Secretariat of the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) opened an office in Hong Kong, a move that should further raise Hong Kong's profile as a regional arbitration hub.
Hong Kong Emerges as a Wine Trading Hub
New York wine merchant, Acker Merrall & Condit, rivaled its inaugural sale earlier this year when the company netted a record US$8.2 in sales in Hong Kong.
Sharpening the MICE Edge
Hong Kong government committed to reinforcing Hong Kong's role as Asia's convention and exhibition capital as the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Industry Association strengthen their collaboration and step-up promotional efforts.
First W Hotel Opens
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has brought its global luxury lifestyle brand, W Hotels, to China, opening its first property in Hong Kong.
Newly Refurbished Design Gallery
Some of Hong Kong's biggest names in design were on hand for the reopening of the newly refurbished Design Gallery at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Gourmet Capital Stars in New Michelin Guide
Hong Kong has long prided itself as the culinary capital of Asia. Now the city has made an even greater imprint on the international food map with the newly released Hong Kong edition of the famed Michelin Guide.
American-born Chinese Medicine Practitioner Thrives in Hong Kong
Alternative healer Steve Paine is one of only a handful of expatriate-listed and registered Chinese medicine practitioners in Hong Kong.
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