Hong Kong ranked world’s freest economy for 18th consecutive year

Hong Kong has been ranked the world’s freest economy by the Heritage Foundation for the 18th consecutive year since the index was first published in 1995.

The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, said today (January 12), “We welcome the Heritage Foundation’s high regard of Hong Kong as the world’s freest economy, a ranking we have held for 18 consecutive years. We are determined to uphold economic freedom in Hong Kong, which is the cornerstone of sustained economic stability, growth and prosperity.

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Hong Kong tops World Economic Forum’s Financial Development Index

Hong Kong tops the World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) Financial Development Index for the first time, up from fourth in 2010. According to the WEF Financial Development Index released today (December 13), Hong Kong has overtaken the United States and United Kingdom to take the top spot with a score of 5.16 (scale of 1-7).

The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang said, “We welcome the WEF’s recognition of Hong Kong’s rising competitiveness as an international financial centre. Hong Kong is ranked first in financial development. This is the first time ever for an Asian financial centre to be given the top spot.

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Supplement VIII to CEPA deepens liberalisation of trade in services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSARG) and the Central People’s Government today (December 13) reached agreement on the enhancement of economic and trade co-operation and exchanges between the two places under the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA).

Witnessed by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, and other guests, the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, and the Vice-Minister of Commerce, Mr Jiang Yaoping, signed Supplement VIII to CEPA today.

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HKSAR Government welcomes supportive measures from Central Government on social and economic developments

The HKSAR Government welcomes and is grateful for the Central Government’s package of measures announced by the Vice-Premier of the State Council, Mr 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 Co-operation and Development Between the Mainland and Hong Kong today (August 17). Relevant ministers also expounded on the measures at the Forum.

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Gloria Lo is the new HKETO Director

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO), Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s representative office in Canada, announced today (Thursday) that Miss Gloria Lo, a senior civil servant of over 20 years, will assume the office of the Director on Monday, August 8, 2011, succeeding her predecessor Ms Maureen Siu, who has since returned to Hong Kong after 3-1/2 years of outstanding service in Canada.

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