Newsletter

Hong Kong COVID-19 Updates	Dec 2020

Dear friends in the ASEAN,

This is a special COVID-19 series, through which we would like to bring you updates on how Hong Kong responds to the pandemic and also share with you some exciting buzzes of how our city moves forward. We hope that you will find it relevant and encouraging. Please feel free to share the news with your friends and families.

Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Belt and Road Summit Although COVID-19 is still with us, Hong Kong continues to engage government and business leaders to explore collaboration opportunities. The Belt and Road Summit was held on November 30 virtually in Hong Kong. The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, delivered an opening address. Featuring high level officials from Hong Kong and the Mainland, the Summit also drew high level participation from the ASEAN. President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo graced the Summit and delivered the keynote speech, while high level trade officials from Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand attend the policy dialogue session chaired by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau. Read more about the Summit here.
Policy Address 2020 The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, delivered her Policy Address on November 25. While noting that there is a resurgence of confirmed COVID-19 cases, Mrs Lam called for support and co-operation of the general public in a bid to achieve the target of “zero infection” in the city. Titled “Striving Ahead with Renewed Perseverance”, the Policy Address also revealed wide-ranging strategies which would propel Hong Kong’s further development beyond the pandemic. Making full use of our city's advantages under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, the Government strives to reboot Hong Kong's economy, create new opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and further promote innovation and technology. It also seeks to restore Hong Kong's constitutional order, consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's strengths and diversify its economic development, and build on past efforts to continue to improve people's well-being, with a view to resolving our immediate and long-term social problems. Read more about the policy address here.
Updates in Hong Kong As the epidemic situation in Hong Kong turn serious with over few hundred confirmed cases reported from outbreak cluster in indoor premises in late November, the Hong Kong SAR Government further tighten the social distancing measures targeting those closed, crowded, closely-contacted, and mask-off leisure and entertainment group activities. Click here to learn more. A contact tracing app – LeaveHomeSafe – was launched in November 16 to encourage the public to keep a more precise record of their whereabouts, so as to minimise the risk of further virus transmission. The Government launched the Return2hk scheme which allows Hong Kong residents who fulfil specified conditions to be exempted from the 14-day compulsory quarantine requirement when they return to Hong Kong from Guangdong or Macau, facilitating cross border travel. The inaugural flights under HK-Singapore Air Travel Bubble was deferred to 2021 in view of the recent developments of the pandemic. Following such a responsible call, the two Governments will review the arrangement for 2021 towards late December.
Hong Kong hi-tech firms’ rapid response helps detect signs of COVID-19 Hong Kong entrepreneurs have been quick to respond to the challenges of COVID-19 by developing a range of technologies to help reduce transmission rates and detect signs of the virus. Hong Kong has a thriving entrepreneurial scene supported by significant government funding and infrastructure, making the city a hive of innovation. Read the stories of three Hong Kong tech firms – Roborn Technology, Prenetics and Belun Technology - in the fight against the pandemic.
Hong Kong Supply Chain The coronavirus pandemic has dealt a major shock to already overextended and fragile supply chains around the world. But with our unique strengths, Hong Kong looks set to bounce back in recovery as an even more resilient logistics hub regionally and globally. Click here to learn more.
Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival Join the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival to enjoy an epicurean journey unlike any other, whether online or in town. Share interactive moments during live-streamed masterclasses. Pleasure your palate with exquisite drinks and tastes delivered right to your door. What’s more, indulge in myriad themed events in restaurants — from Michelin-starred dishes to iconic street food — along with exclusive offers in Hong Kong. Cheers!
Useful links Hong Kong update: Response to COVID-19 https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/html/en/Hong-Kong-Update/Response-to-COVID-19.html HKSAR Government COVID-19 Thematic Website http://www.coronavirus.gov.hk