July - August 2009
Hong Kong's Economy Rebounds in Second Quarter
Hong Kong’s economy rebounded in the second quarter, benefiting from faster growth on the Mainland and the waning of recessionary forces among advanced economies. Following a sharp year-on-year contraction of 7.8% in the first quarter of 2009, real gross domestic product (GDP) registered a smaller decline of 3.8% in the second quarter.
Norman Chan Named New HKMA Chief Executive
Norman Chan will take over as Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) on October 1.
Hong Kong-Guangdong Cooperation Advances
Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang and Guangdong Province Gov. Huang Huahua recently co-chaired the 12th Plenary of the Hong Kong/Guangdong Cooperation Joint Conference in Hong Kong.
Both sides, reviewing the progress of major cooperation initiatives over the past year and discussing future direction, agreed August 19 that concrete results had been attained in key areas, including the implementation of the “Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta” (the Outline), major cross-boundary infrastructural projects and boundary-control points, environmental protection, commerce and trade, finance, medical technology, education, tourism and town planning and development.
Hong Kong Disneyland Expansion to Add Jobs
The Hong Kong government and The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) have reached an agreement in principle on an expansion of Hong Kong Disneyland (HKD) that will enhance the theme park’s appeal while serving the overall interests of Hong Kong.
Views Sought on Bruce Lee's Home Restoration
The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Rita Lau, wants fans to submit contest entries on how to restore the former residence of the late Bruce Lee. The aim is to turn the Kowloon Tong residence into an attraction for locals and tourists to commemorate Mr. Lee’s contribution to martial arts and the film industry.
HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN WASHINGTON D.C.
1520 18th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202)331-8947 Fax: (202)331-8958
To subscribe or unsubscribe, please send an e-mail to hketo@hketowashington.gov.hk
Copyright @ 2003, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington D.C.
Hot Topics:
Useful Links:
Hong Kong Government Information Center
Hong Kong Trade Development Council