November - December 2009
Economy Continues to Improve in Third Quarter
Hong Kong’s economy improved further in the third quarter, with real GDP growing 0.4% compared to the second quarter. The year-on-year decline in GDP in real terms narrowed to 2.4% in the third quarter from 3.6% in the second quarter, according to the Third Quarter Economic Report 2009, released by the Hong Kong government on November 13.
Public Consulted on 2012 Elections Blueprint
The Hong Kong government has started a three-month public consultation on the method of selecting the Chief Executive and for forming the Legislative Council (LegCo) in 2012. Unveiling the consultation paper at the Legislative Council on November 18, Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang said the 2012 electoral arrangements must comply with the decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and be consistent with the Basic Law.
Hong Kong Wins 110 Medals at East Asian Games
Local athletes achieved their best-ever result during the recent Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games (EAG) by winning a total of 110 medals. The medal tally of 26 gold, 31 silver and 53 bronze means Hong Kong placed fourth among the participating countries and regions.
Reform of Global Financial Architecture Remains Top Priority
Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang said reform of the global financial architecture should remain a top priority of the international community in the wake of the global financial crisis.
Three-pronged Strategy to Tackle Financial Crisis
Hong Kong has introduced a basket of targeted stimulus measures to tackle the financial crisis, Hong Kong Financial Secretary John C. Tsang said November 12 at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting.
Agreement Reached on Wine Exports to Mainland of China
In November, Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Rita Lau, met the Vice Minister of the General Administration of Customs, Lu Bin, in Beijing to discuss details of the facilitation measures for wine exported from Hong Kong to the Mainland of China, including agreement signing and implementation arrangements.
Copyright Protection in Digital Environment Strengthened
On November 17, the Hong Kong government released a package of refined proposals for more effective copyright protection in the digital environment.
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