July - August 2011 <Text Only Version>
Hong Kong Economic Update: Second Quarter GDP Up
On August 12, the Hong Kong Government released the “Half-yearly Economic Report 2011,” together with the preliminary figures on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the second quarter of 2011.
Hong Kong Government Welcomes Supportive Measures
The Hong Kong government welcomed the package of measures announced by the Vice-Premier of the State Council, Li Keqiang, to support social and economic development in Hong Kong at the Forum on the National 12th Five-Year Plan and Economic, Trade and Financial Cooperation and Development Between the Mainland and Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Seizes Record High Ranking as Global FDI Recipient
Hong Kong was the world’s third largest recipient of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows in 2010, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s “World Investment Report” 2011 (WIR) released July 27. This marks the first time that Hong Kong has gained third place in the global rankings, having jumped into fourth place in 2009 from ninth position in 2008.
Hong Kong Acquires Qualship 21 Status
The quality of ships flying the Hong Kong flag has been further confirmed as Hong Kong was among the six flag administrations added this year to the Qualship 21 program. The Qualship 21 program, or the Quality Shipping for the 21st Century program in full, is an initiative that has been implemented by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) since 2001.
Appointment of Chief Executive Officer of Securities and Futures Commission
Ashley Alder has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC).
14th Plenary of Hong Kong/Guangdong Cooperation Joint Conference
Leading the delegations of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Guangdong Province, Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang and Governor of Guangdong Province, Huang Huahua, co-chaired the 14th Plenary of the Hong Kong/Guangdong Cooperation Joint Conference in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Tops for Business
Hong Kong is the preferred location for global companies, attracting 68.2 percent of international businesses surveyed, according to new research by global realty firm CB Richard Ellis (CBRE). Its study, “Business Footprints,” is the first of its kind to analyze the office locations of 280 of the world’s largest companies across 232 cities.
The Pull of Hong Kong's Financial Sector
Hong Kong is one of the fastest-growing international finance centers in the world. Demand is driven by a robust domestic economy, and the city’s burgeoning role as a financial services provider for cross-border business in the region, in particular the Chinese mainland.
Hong Kong Government Adopts Cloud Computing for e-Service Delivery
The Hong Kong government will incrementally adopt the cloud computing model to deliver its e-services and information, the Government Chief Information Officer, Stephen Mak.
10th Meeting of Guangdong/Hong Kong Expert Group on Protection of IPR
On July 28, the 10th meeting of the Guangdong/Hong Kong Expert Group on Protection of Intellectual Property Rights was held in Guangzhou. The expert group agreed to deepen and actively promote cooperation and development of intellectual property (IP) in Hong Kong and Guangdong in a bid to enhance the economic strength, innovation capability and international competitiveness of the two places.
Intellectual Property Department Launches New Web-based Teaching Kit
On July 15, the Intellectual Property Department (IPD) launched the “IP Teen City” Web site. The new Web site includes a web-based teaching kit that aims to promote awareness of and respect for intellectual property (IP) among the younger generation.
Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Welcomes New Colleague
Alex Chan joined the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington, D.C. as an Assistant Director-General in August 2011.
16th Annual "Made in Hong Kong" Film Festival Concludes
The 16th Annual “Made in Hong Kong” Film Festival, co-sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office and the Freer Gallery of Art, concluded with a weekend of special events.
New Video Content Available
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in the United States have recently uploaded new video content to our Web site which offers unique, first-person perspectives on Hong Kong and the city’s significance to the U.S. business community.
New Chief Executive Officer of WKCDA Takes the Helm
In July, Michael Lynch officially assumed duty as Chief Executive Officer of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA). As CEO, Mr. Lynch will lead and manage the artistic and project development of the West Kowloon Cultural District.
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