• Hollywood Concert & Picnic (August 9, 2008)
• U.S. Regional Caucus in Seattle (July 14-16, 2008)
• Mixer in Orange County (July 24, 2008)
• Sponsors Appreciation Dinner (June 19, 2008)
• Mixer in San Diego (May 22, 2008)
• HKTDC Services Workshop and the 11th Networking Joint Mixer (May 1, 2008)
• Year of the Rat Chinese New Year Gala
• Hong Kong - Your Best Partner and Risk Manager in China
• Private Presentation by Edward Yau, Secretary for the Environment, HKSAR

• Hong Kong Chief Executive Appoints Political Assistants (May 22, 2008)
• Hong Kong Chief Executive Appoints Under Secretaries (May 20, 2008)
• Diskeeper Corporation Chooses Hong Kong as its Hub to Explore the
  Greater China Market (May 20, 2008)
• US-based Cotton Incorporated Opens its Regional Office in Hong Kong (May 19, 2008)
• Olympic torch lights up HK (May 2, 2008)
• New cargo terminal to meet future demand (May 2, 2008)
• Re-visit of Olympic Flame to Hong Kong (April 30, 2008)
• Legislative Amendments on Wine Duty Reduction (April 23, 2008)
  
• Hong Kong Houseware Fair Opens with Nearly 2,400 Exhibitors New Zone for Paintings and Art Supplies Highlights Asia's Largest Houseware Fair (April 21, 2008)
  
• 53,000 Buyers Source Electronics Products and IT Software at HKTDC Twin Electronics Fairs (April 17, 2008)
• HKTDC website officially renamed as www.hktdc.com (April 1, 2008)
• Highlights of the 2008 National Trade Estimate Report released by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on issues relating to mainland China and Hong Kong (March 28, 2008)
• Hong Kong Monetary Authority Recognized as Asia's Leading Bank Regulator
• Hong Kong Ranked as World's Freest Economy (January 15, 2008)
• Hong Kong Fashion Week and World Boutique attracted more than 1,700 international exhibitors (January 14, 2008)
• Latest Product Safety Directives of the Toy Industry and Good Practices in Achieving Safety Standards - a seminar on American Consumer Activism and Consumer Policy and Impact in the U.S. Market and Abroad by Richard W. O'Brien, Director of International Programs and Intergovernmental Affairs, US Consumer Products Safety Commission
• US Companies in Hong Kong gave strong vote of confidence in Hong Kong

• Lee Kum Kee Celebrates 120-Year Heritage of Excellence
  with a New Production Plant in Los Angeles
• Six Decades of Cathay Pacific History Displayed at New SFO Airport Museum Exhibition
• Member Feature - August 2008
• Member Feature - July 2008
• Sourcing easier than ever
• Customized Business Matching- your partnering service
• HKTDC Trade Fairs

• Upcoming Events
• Announcements
• Past Issues

Located at the San Gabriel historical mission district, the Mission 261 Restaurant was filled with 140 special guests and friends of HKASC at the Sponsors Appreciation Dinner on Thursday, June 19, 2008.

On behalf of HKASC, president Raymond Cheng thanked the current directors, past directors, Orange County chapter committee member, and San Diego committee members for their support of HKASC programs and activities in the past years. Also, eight long time company sponsors were invited to showcase their latest business development and news. Eleven of the luckiest lucky draw winners also took home some fabulous prizes. (fully story)

(learn more)

Facilitating the interest of HKASC members in the Orange County area, a speaker luncheon featuring Invest Hong Kong Director-General Mike Rowse was co-organized with Invest Hong Kong, HKSAR Government, at the luxurious AAA Four-Diamond Hyatt Regency Irvine on Friday, February 1, 2008.

Mike Rowse's presentation titled "Hong Kong - Your Best Partner and Risk Manager in China" charmed over 90 guests who attended the program. (full story)

(From left: Dennis Lee, HKASC Vice President & Orange County Chair; Lawrence Tang, Head, Investment Promotion, HKSAR Government)

Edward Yau was appointed as Secretary for the Environment on July 1, 2007. His portfolio covers environmental protection, nature conservation, energy and sustainable development. He is responsible for formulating policies, promoting public awareness as well as encouraging community participation regarding his portfolio areas. He also oversees plans and programmes implemented by the Environmental Protection Department, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Drainage Services Department.

A speaker luncheon hosted by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in San Francisco featuring Edward Yau, Secretary for the Environment, HKSAR, was held at the Los Angeles Omni Hotel on Wednesday, January 16, 2008.

Attended by almost 60 HKASC members and business executives from the environment industry, Edward Yau addressed on the latest policy of HKSAR in bringing Hong Kong a better, cleaner and greener business environment.

His visit to Los Angeles was the first stop of a three-day visit to the U.S.A. In addition to the luncheon, he also met with the Lieutenant-Governor of California, as well as government officials, academics, think-tank experts and business leaders to exchange views on how to improve air quality and tackle climate change.

(From left: HKETO San Francisco Director Doris Cheung; HKASC Director John Gilbaugh; HKSAR Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau; HKSAR President Raymond Cheng; HKSAR Director Ernie So)

Click here to view more photos and learn about the speakers.

A virtual meeting on joint venture and intellectual property issues for American companies in doing business with Hong Kong and China was held in Los Angeles with a satellite location in San Diego on Wednesday, December 5, 2007.

The event was organized by the Association of Corporate Counsel, Hong Kong Corporate Counsel Association, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Hong Kong Association of Southern California, and supported by the National U.S. Hong Kong Business Association . The event was also sponsored by Morrison & Foerster.

Following welcome remarks by Stephen Wong (Regional Director, Americas, Hong Kong Trade Development Council), Hillel Cohen (Partner, Morrison & Foerster), and (Jim Merklinger, Association of Corporate Counsel), via video conference, a panel of legal experts on doing business with China in Hong Kong discussed on hot topics on doing business with Hong Kong from what to do to protect intellectual property rights, conducting due diligence on prospect partner, and the do's and don'ts of terminating a business relationship in China on joint venture and intellectual property issues for American companies.

Speakers in Hong Kong included Ralph Ybema, Hong Kong Corporate Counsel Association; Christopher To, Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre; and Jonathan Ross, Transamerica Life Insurance.

At his closing remarks, Dennis Lee (Vice President, HKASC) encouraged all of the attendees to take part in other HKASC upcoming events.

The HKASC Annual Members' Meeting was held at the Pacific Palm Conference & Resort in City of Industry on Thursday, September 13, 2007. Sponsored by PCCW, a Joint Mixer co-organized with the Industry Manufacturers Council was held after the AGM. The new HKASC Board of Directors and the 100 guests attending the event were welcomed by Donald Sachs, Executive Director of the Industry Manufacturers Council and other officials representing City of Industry. (Full Story)

Over 200 HKASC and HKSAF members attended the relaxing and enjoyable summer picnic at the Hollywood Bowl on Saturday, August 3, 2007. Following the picnic was the spectacular Concert South Pacific with Reba McEntire and Brian Stokes Mitchell.

Over 100 businessmen in Orange County attended an annual networking event organized by the Orange County Chapter of the Hong Kong Association of Southern California (HKASC) - the largest Hong Kong association in the U.S.A with almost 650 individual members. The event was held at the Doubletree Irvine Spectrum Hotel located in the heart of Southern California's Technology Coast on Thursday, July 26, 2007.

At a breakfast briefing held Thursday, September 7, 2006, at the Jonathan Club in Los Angeles, Richard N. Frank, Chairman of the renowed Lawry's Restaurant group and his son, Richard R. Frank, shared the group's successful story in launching the first Lawry's in Hong Kong through working with the right partner. (Full Story)

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Among the 165 attendees, Godwin Tsui of HSBC Mortgage Corp was the luckiest one who won the Grand Raffle Prize, a roundtrip air ticket Los Angeles/Hong Kong, donated by Cathay Pacific Airways.

The 4th Orange County Summer Mixer was held on Thursday, July 13, 2006 at the Irvine Marriott Hotel.

The evening was filled with valuable networking opportunities with members of other trade groups in the Orange County area including the Asian Business Association of Orange County, Asian Business League of Southern California, Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County, Irvine Chamber of Commerce, Korean American Bar Association, Singapore American Business Association of Southern California, Vietnamese-American Chamber of Commerce in Orange County .....

(Full story)

The panel of speakers included Roger Shahnazarian, Pulse; Gavin Lam, Lynns Concepts; John Rutherford, Invest Hong Kong; Steve Alexander, HKTDC; Vice-Mayor Lu Depei, Jiangmen; Clellen Ip, Emerson Electric; Nader Nemati, Epicore; and Kam Li, Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch. Christopher Leu, Chairman, FHKBAW, was the moderator.

The pace of change in China is unprecedented. Long a major manufacturing center and exporter, China is now also a major importer with demand for technology, equipment and products growing at a blistering rate. To succeed in China, sufficient preparation is vital. The size and complexity of the China market require a commitment and a viable business strategy, particularly if you're a small or mid-sized enterprise.

Helping HKASC members to gain entry into China, HKASC co-operated a business seminar with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, San Diego World Trade Center as well as the Jiangmen People's Municipal Government at the Hyatt Regency Islandia in San Diego on June 15.

Click here for photo album or please visit event website for complete program information and speakers' presentations.

Updates on Hong Kong

Hong Kong Chief Executive Appoints Political Assistants (May 22, 2008)

Hong Kong Chief Executive, Mr. Donald Tsang, today appointed the first batch of nine Political Assistants of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The Chief Executive praised the new appointees for their passion and commitment. He said he was confident that they would be able to assist the Secretaries and Under Secretaries of Bureaux and work closely with the highly professional civil service to better serve Hong Kong. The Political Assistants are appointed under the expanded political appointment system on non-civil service terms for the term ending June 30, 2012. The Government will make further announcements on the remaining positions of Under Secretaries and Political Assistants in due course. (Full Story)

Hong Kong Chief Executive Appoints Under Secretaries (May 20, 2008)

Hong Kong Chief Executive, Mr. Donald Tsang, today appointed the first batch of eight Under Secretaries to bolster the strength and capacity of the Government's team of political appointees under the political appointment system.

At the rank of Deputy Directors of Bureau, the new Under Secretaries are drawn from the finance, legal and medical professions, as well as academia and the media. One of them is an Administrative Officer. (Full Story)

Diskeeper Corporation Chooses Hong Kong as its Hub to Explore the
Greater China Market (May 20, 2008)

Diskeeper Corporation today announced the grand opening of Diskeeper Corporation China Limited in Hong Kong. The launch of this new office signifies Diskeeper Corporation¡¦s commitment to the Greater Chinese market, providing computer users in the market unparalleled speed and reliability technology. (Full Story)

US-based Cotton Incorporated Opens its Regional Office in Hong Kong (May 19, 2008)

US-based Cotton Incorporated announced the grand opening of its regional office in Hong Kong today. Cotton Incorporated is the research and marketing company representing US upland cotton, providing solutions to supply chain partners to influence the use of cotton. Its mission is to build the demand for and profitability of cotton worldwide. The new regional office in Hong Kong will offer technical services for mills and manufacturers in the region. It will also provide information on cotton supply and demand, fibre quality and consumer research trends as well as product trend analysis services which include sourcing specialists and supplier information. (Full Story)

Re-visit of Olympic Flame to Hong Kong (April 30, 2008)

The Olympic flame today arrived in its first stop on Chinese soil, Hong Kong, for the Torch Relay in the territory to be conducted on May 2 (Friday). This is the second time for the Olympic flame to be relayed in Hong Kong since the Tokyo Olympic Games in 1964. (Full Story)

The Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), 2008 Beijing Olympic Equestrian Events Hong Kong Fund and the Home Affairs Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government jointly held the ¡§Celebration of the 100-day Countdown to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games¡¨ at Hong Kong Coliseum on April 30 to mark the 100 days to the opening of the Olympic Games. (Full Story)

Legislative Amendments on Wine Duty Reduction (April 23, 2008)

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will publish in the Gazette on April 25 the legislative amendments that are required for giving effect to the Budget proposals on the reduction of wine duty to zero. In his 2008-09 Budget, the Financial Secretary proposed reducing duties on wine (and other liquors) to zero, and the removal of licensing/permit arrangements related to duty collection. (Full Story)

Bonhams Holds Its Inaugural Hong Kong Fine & Rare Wines Auction (April 24, 2008)

Following the company¡¦s recent expansion in Hong Kong, Bonhams today held its inaugural Hong Kong fine & rare wines auction in Crown Wine Cellars. The wine auction is the first one to be held in Hong Kong in 10 years and also the first one to be held since the announcement of the exemption of wine from duty by the Financial Secretary, Mr. John C. Tsang in the Budget Speech announced in February. (Full Story)

Hong Kong Monetary Authority Recognized as Asia's Leading Bank Regulator

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) was presented with The Asian Banker Award for Achievement in Regulation in the Financial Services Industry 2007 on March 16. The annual Asian Banker Achievement Awards program has been organized by The Asian Banker magazine since 2005 to recognize individual excellence in the financial services industry. The award was based on a rigorous selection process chaired by Mr. David Eldon, Chairman of Dubai International Financial Centre Authority. (Full Story)

Hong Kong Ranked as World's Freest Economy

Hong Kong has been ranked as the world's freest economy for the 14th consecutive year in the 2008 Index of Economic Freedom, jointly published by The Heritage Foundation and Wall Street Journal. According to the index, Hong Kong scores exceptionally well in almost all areas of economic freedom. Among the 10 factors assessed, Hong Kong ranks first in trade freedom, investment freedom, financial freedom and property rights. Hong Kong ranks in the top 10 in fiscal freedom, government size, monetary freedom and labor freedom. (Full Story)

Fashion Week, World Boutique in the Fashion Spotlight -
More than 1,700 International Exhibitors Attracted to the Twin Fairs

Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2008, Asia's largest fashion fair, opened today featuring 1,490 exhibitors from around the world. The fair continues through January 17 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

World Boutique, Hong Kong, which runs concurrently with Fashion Week for Fall/Winter, has attracted 366 brands and 255 exhibitors from 13 countries and regions. The two high-style fashion fairs are organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC).

(Full Story)

US Companies in Hong Kong gave strong vote of confidence in Hong Kong

US companies have given a strong vote of confidence to Hong Kong's business outlook, culminating another year of vibrant economic performance.

The annual AmCham Business Outlook Survey, released in December, revealed that many member companies are preparing for growth and further investments in Hong Kong. This positive sentiment is largely credited to Hong Kong's ability to offer a business-friendly environment, and for positioning itself to remain competitive within the region. (Full Story)

Hong Kong Government Announces 2008 Digital 21 Strategy (December 21, 2007)

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today announced the 2008 Digital 21 Strategy, the latest blueprint for the development of information and communications technology (ICT) in Hong Kong. Under the new strategy, five action areas have been identified to achieve the vision of enhancing Hong Kong's status as a world digital city: to facilitating a digital economy, to promoting advanced technology and innovation, to develop Hong Kong as a hub for technological cooperation and trade - Harness Hong Kong's role as the two-way platform for Mainland enterprises to bring in foreign investment and participate in the global economy, to enable the next generation of public services, and to build an inclusive, knowledge-based society. (Full Story)

World SME Expo Opens with Big Mainland Presence (December 12, 2007)

One of the world's largest events for small and medium-sized enterprises, World SME Expo, opened today and continues through December 14 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. About 330 exhibitors from more than 40 countries and regions are taking part in this, the 7th edition of World SME Expo. In all, about 40,000 participants are expected at SME Expo and a variety of concurrent events, including Inno Design Tech Expo (IDT Expo) and Business of Design Week (BODW). (Full Story)

Hong Kong's foreign currency reserves stood at US$150.4 billion at the end of November 2007, according to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, up from US$142.2 billion at end-October 2007. The US$8.2 billion increase in settled foreign currency assets in the month of November was mainly due to the purchase of foreign currencies with Hong Kong dollars. Including unsettled forward contracts, the foreign currency reserve assets of Hong Kong at the end of November 2007 stood at US$150.6 billion, up from US$143.7 billion at end-October 2007. Hong Kong is the world's ninth largest holder of foreign currency reserves based on the latest published figures, after Mainland China, Japan, Russia, India, Taiwan, Korea, Brazil and Singapore. The total foreign currency reserve assets of US$150.4 billion represent over seven times the currency in circulation or about 31% of Hong Kong dollar M3.

Hong Kong Moves Towards Wireless City (December 7, 2007)

A great step forward in making Hong Kong a wireless city has been taken with the awarding of the contract for the Government Wi-Fi program, which provides the public with convenient and free access to wireless Internet facilities. Speaking at the contract signing ceremony today, the Government Chief Information Officer, Mr. Howard Dickson, said that the Government's vision was to make Internet broadband services available to all citizens in Hong Kong, whether at home or on the move. "The 'GovWiFi' program is one of the many initiatives to be taken forward in leading towards the vision," he said. (Full Story)

Developing Democracy and Enhancing Governance a Key Theme of Chief Executive's Policy Address (Oct 10, 2007)

In his annual Policy Address, Hong Kong Chief Executive Mr. Donald Tsang promised to develop democracy and promote excellence in governance.

The release of Mr. Tsang¡¦s Policy Address, the first of the Third Term Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), also coincided with the end of the three-month public consultation on constitutional reform.

As of October 10 afternoon, the HKSAR Government had received more than 17,500 submissions, including more than 12,000 standard responses put to the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau by various political parties and groups.

¡§During the consultation period, the Government received thousands of submissions and proposals from different sectors and strata of the community," he said. "These views have expressed thoroughly the community's pluralistic aspirations on democratic development. I am particularly moved and encouraged by the fact that the entire consultation has been conducted in a rational and pragmatic manner." (Full Story)

Chief Executive Outlines New Direction for Hong Kong in Policy Address (Oct 10, 2007)

Hong Kong Chief Executive Mr. Donald Tsang, has outlined a new direction for Hong Kong¡¦s development in his first Policy Address of the Third Term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

Speaking at the Legislative Council, Mr. Tsang said he had full confidence in the city¡¦s future.

¡§The rise of our country brings new opportunities. It also ushers in a new era for Hong Kong,¡¨ said Mr. Tsang in his Policy Address entitled ¡¥A New Direction for Hong Kong¡¦.

¡§Over the next five years, we need to cultivate a new spirit for these new times. We need to become new Hongkongers, better equipped to sustain developments in the new era,¡¨ he said. ¡§To capitalize on these opportunities, we all have to set new goals. We need vision, but, more importantly, we need practical plans to achieve that vision.¡¨

Mr. Tsang set out three ¡¥guiding principles¡¦ to realize his vision over the next five years:

• Promoting economic development as a primary goal;
• Promoting sustainable, balanced and diversified development; and,
• Enhance social harmony to facilitate social mobility, help the poor, create job opportunities and promote a caring culture in the community

The Chief Executive advocated the concept of ¡¥Progressive Development¡¦ to achieve these goals.

(Full Story)

Hong Kong remains Asia's top city for international companies

Invest Hong Kong said it was pleased to note that Hong Kong remained the preferred city in Asia for overseas and Mainland companies, according to the results of an annual survey released today (October 2). At the same time, the Department cautioned that more needed to be done to ensure Hong Kong¡¦s continued competitiveness in the years ahead.

¡§Once again, Hong Kong is one of the most preferred locations for overseas and Mainland companies managing their operations in Asia Pacific. According to the survey results, of the 6,440 companies in Hong Kong representing parent companies located outside Hong Kong, 3,890 are regional offices or headquarters. This is an all-time high,¡¨ said the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Mike Rowse.

¡§For us at Invest Hong Kong, there is no better advertisement for our city than companies which do their due diligence and select Hong Kong as their primary office in the region,¡¨ Mr Rowse added.

Mr Rowse recognised that Hong Kong could not rest on its laurels. ¡§We¡¦re at the heart of a competitive, high-growth region and investors have more and more choices. What I¡¦m hearing from the international chambers in Hong Kong and during my trips overseas is that Hong Kong has three key challenges ahead. We need to focus on the high cost of office premises, on improving our air quality and on increasing the number of international school places. The Government is aware of these problems and is working to address them.¡¨

The results are based on the "Annual Survey of Companies in Hong Kong Representing Parent Companies Located outside Hong Kong" conducted by the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong SAR Government. (Full Story)

Government Welcomes Pilot Scheme for Mainland Individuals to Invest Directly in Hong Kong Securities (August 20, 2007)

Hong Kong Financial Secretary John Tsang and the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), Joseph Yam, have welcomed the pilot scheme announced by the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) for Mainland individuals to invest directly in securities in Hong Kong. Under the scheme, resident individuals can use foreign currency funds of their own or those converted from renminbi to invest in securities listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. (Full Story)

Greater Pearl River Delta Business Council Issues 2006-07 Annual Report

The Greater Pearl River Delta Business Council issued its third annual report on its work for 2006-07 on July 31, 2007. On the publication of the 2006-07 annual report, Hong Kong Chief Executive said he was pleased to note that the Business Council had put forth very constructive views on various major co-operation items relating to Hong Kong/Guangdong co-operation. He said participation of the private sector was crucial to the development of Hong Kong and Guangdong, and he looked forward to the continued efforts and contribution made by the Business Council in promoting co-operation between the two places. The annual report can be found on the Web site: [www.cmab.gov.hk/en/issues/council_report_0607.htm]

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government today published a Green Paper on Constitutional Development to consult the public on the models, roadmap and timetable for electing the Chief Executive and for forming the Legislative Council (LegCo) by universal suffrage - the ultimate aim as provided under Hong Kong¡¦s mini-constitution, the Basic Law. (Full Story)

Greater Pearl River Delta Business Council Publishes Study Report (July 11, 2007)

The Greater Pearl River Delta Business Council has today published a study report on "The Impact of Mainland Processing Trade Policy on Hong Kong".

Chairman of the council, Dr. Victor Fung, said that starting from the latter half of 2006, the Central Government had introduced changes to the processing trade policy, which aimed at restricting the production and export of high pollution, high energy consumption and resource consumption products while encouraging the upgrading and restructuring of processing trade at a faster pace. (Full Story)

Treasury Markets Association to Launch Renminbi Bond Price Fixing (July 11, 2007)

The Treasury Markets Association (TMA) announced today that it will launch a daily price fixing commencing July 12, 2007 for renminbi denominated bonds issued in Hong Kong.

The introduction of the fixing will enhance the price transparency of the renminbi bonds and facilitate the development of the renminbi bond market in Hong Kong. The fixing will be launched on the same day as the first renminbi bond is issued in Hong Kong and will be extended to other new renminbi bond issues in the future. (Full Story)

Hong Kong Remains Highly Attractive to Foreign Investors (July 11, 2007)

Hong Kong Chief Executive, Mr. Donald Tsang, thanked new overseas and Mainland investors for their vote of confidence in Hong Kong at a reception today for about 200 chief executive officers and senior representatives of overseas and Mainland companies that recently established a business presence or expanded operations in Hong Kong. (Full Story)

Shenzhen Bay Port and Bridge to Commence Operation on July 1, 2007 (June 25, 2007)

The Shenzhen Bay Port and the Shenzhen Bay Bridge - also known as the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Corridor - will commence operation on July 1, 2007.

"The Shenzhen Bay Port will be officially opened after a ceremony at noon on July 1, and passenger and cargo clearance facilities will be opened for public use from 6pm," a spokesman for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government said today. (Full Story)

HKSAR Executive Council Membership Announced (June 25, 2007)

The Chief Executive, Mr. Donald Tsang, tod

ay announced the membership of the Executive Council (Exco) for the third term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

The new Exco comprises all 15 Principal Officials appointed under the accountability system and 16 non-official members. Their term will take effect on July 1.

The 16 non-official members are Mr. Leung Chun-ying, Mr. Tsang Yok-sing, Mr. Cheng Yiu-tong, Mr. Andrew Liao, Mrs. Selina Chow, Mrs. Laura Cha, Mr. Bernard Chan, Mr. Rafael Hui, Mr. Charles Lee, Mr. Ronald Arculli, Dr. David Li, Dr. Leong Che-hung, Dr. Marvin Cheung, Mr. Henry Fan, Mr. Victor Lo and Professor Anthony Cheung. (Full Story)

New Team of Principal Officials Appointed (June 25, 2007)

The Central People's Government, on the nomination of the Chief Executive, Mr. Donald Tsang, approved the appointments of Principal Officials of the Third Term of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government on June 23.

Commenting on the appointments, the Chief Executive said that he believed the professional, pragmatic and committed new team would single-mindedly work with him to deliver on the pledges he made in his election platform.

"The appointments include incumbent Principal Officials and several new faces. This will help us to ensure stability and continuity, as well as add some new blood to our governing team. All members of my new team have displayed in their work a strong sense of pragmatism that I promote," the Chief Executive said.

"While their backgrounds are diverse, the three Secretaries and 12 Directors of Bureaus share a common commitment to our country, our territory and our people. Importantly, they share my governing philosophy. Given their talents and abilities, they are the best candidates for these senior positions. Together, they will make a great team." (Full Story)

Chief Executive's Hong Kong Letter (June 18, 2007)

Following is the translation of the "Hong Kong Letter - Just because you are here" by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr. Donald Tsang, broadcast on Radio Television Hong Kong:

Fellow citizens,

This year, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's reunification with the motherland. Ten years is a significant period of time. Looking back over the past decade, Hong Kong people will have different thoughts and recount different experiences. So today, I would like to share with you my own feelings about these past 10 years.

My feelings are a mix of joy and grief. The past decade has been full of challenges. As Premier Wen Jiabao puts it, since our return to the motherland 10 years ago, Hong Kong has taken a truly extraordinary path. We have encountered unprecedented difficulties : the Asian financial turmoil, avian influenza, SARS, to name a few. None of these were resolved by referring to previous experience, or by following quick-fix solutions. The journey has been long and tough, but ultimately we weathered all these crises... (Full story)

CEPA Benefits Hong Kong Economy and Business Enterprises (June 12, 2007)

The Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) continues to bring benefits to both business enterprises and the Hong Kong economy as a whole, according to the Administration¡¦s second study on the CEPA¡¦s economic impact.

The report of the study, which covers trade in goods, trade in services and the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS), has been submitted to the Legislative Council¡¦s Panel on Commerce and Industry.

The report sets out findings on the economic impact of CEPA liberalization measures implemented between 2004 and 2006, and also made forecast of the CEPA¡¦s impact on the Hong Kong economy in 2007 and beyond. (Full story)

Hong Kong Hosts Chief Justices of Asia and the Pacific Conference (June 4, 2007)

The 12th Conference of Chief Justices of Asia and the Pacific opened on June 4 with comments from Hong Kong¡¦s Honorable Chief Justice Mr. Andrew Kwok-nang Li on the effect of the ¡§One Country, Two Systems¡¨ principle on the legal system. The biennial conference, which gathers 29 chief justices from jurisdictions across Asia, is hosted by the Judiciary of the HKSAR and takes place in Hong Kong for the first time. Participants will also attend the 20th LAWASIA Biennial Conference on June 6, hosted by the Law Society of Hong Kong.

In his remarks, Chief Justice Li declared that since the 1997 handover, Hong Kong¡¦s common law system has continued to develop and thrive. Hong Kong still faces ¡§common problems and challenges in the fair and effective administration of justice,¡¨ but Chief Justice Li believes that great benefit is derived from maintaining links and exchanges with other jurisdictions via such forums. The conference, which runs through June 7, focuses on the administration of justice and the development of judicial systems in various Asian jurisdictions.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Mr. Donald Tsang announced today the plan to reorganize the Government Secretariat which will take effect from July 1, 2007.

Addressing the Legislative Council (LegCo) on the reorganization plan, the Chief Executive said that the reorganization served two key objectives.

Firstly, the reorganization aims to rationalize the distribution of responsibilities between policy bureaux. Putting related responsibilities under one bureau will help optimize the synergy and enable the Government to sharpen its focus on important and complex issues.

"Secondly, this will better facilitate the Chief Executive to implement the priority policy initiatives pledged during the Chief Executive election to meet the opportunities and challenges of Hong Kong ahead," said Mr. Tsang.

Pursuant to the reorganization, there will be 12 bureaux, with the net addition of one, being the Labour and Welfare Bureau, after the reorganization. Each bureau will be headed by a Director of Bureau. The setting up of the private office of the additional Director of Bureau constitutes the only net increase in civil service establishment. (Full Story)

Hong Kong Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works (Environment) Ms. Anissa Wong Sean-yee and the Chairman of California Air Resources Board Dr. Robert F Sawyer, today signed to renew a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on collaboration between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and California on air quality management.

The previous MOU, signed in December 2002, has enhanced the co-operation between the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department and the California Air Resources Board in the effort to safeguard the air environment. Both the Department and the Board have benefited from the strengthened collaboration during the past five years through technical exchanges, information sharing and visits covering the control of volatile organic compounds, vehicle emissions and air pollution emission modeling.

Under the renewed MOU, both parties will continue the collaboration and further exchange information, share experience and conduct joint projects on air management practices and pollution control technologies. Specific areas of co-operation will include:

• strategies of controlling air pollution
• ambient air quality monitoring
• air quality modeling, emission inventory and forecast
• motor vehicle emission standards and control technology
• alternative fuels for vehicles
• toxic air pollutants
• ozone depleting substances
• volatile organic compounds

The renewed MOU came into effect today and will remain valid for five years.

(http://www.hketousa.gov.hk/usa/press/2007/apr07/040307.htm)

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To celebrate the first decade of Hong Kong as a Special Administrative Region, the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in San Francisco co-organized a reception with the Hong Kong Association of Southern California and Hong Kong Schools Alumni at the Los Angeles Omni Hotel on Thursday, June 21, 2007.

At a speaker luncheon held Thursday, April 6, 2006 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, Jack Maisano, President, American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, discussed on business environment in Hong Kong and how U.S. companies are doing there. This event was jointly organized by the Hong Kong Association of Southern California and Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, San Francisco, and supported by other trade organizations. (Full Story)

For the most accurate assessment of Hong Kong as Asia's business platform, who is more of an expert than the man who helped set up over 200 hundred foreign companies there just last year? Mike Rowse, Director-General of Invest Hong Kong, will tell you that regardless of the nature of your business, Hong Kong is the ideal hub for locating or expanding a regional base - and he will have the inside statistics to back it up. As part of a nationwide program promoting Hong Kong as the "Engine of Growth and Risk Manager for China," Rowse was the featured speaker at a complimentary luncheon held by the HKASC, in conjunction with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco, at the Marriott Newport Beach Hotel & Spa on February 23. (Full Story)

With 28% of China's total international trade routed through Hong Kong, at a luncheon program in Long Beach, Ms. Sandra Lee, Permanent Secretary for Economic Development of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, presented the role of Hong Kong as an important logistics hub for China and the region as well as a key player in the global supply chain. (Full Story)

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FIRM: Marketing & Management Consulting

IN BRIEF: MARKETING & MANAGEMENT CONSULTING is an international, marketing consulting firm assisting companies and entrepreneurs in developing new products and taking these products to market. The company focuses on developing and executing aggressive marketing programs in a variety of industries, including Technology, E-commerce, Consumer Products & Services, Industrial Manufacturing and Packaged Food Products.

Marketing & Management Consulting provides less than full-time and interim marketing personnel to support and supplement an organization's marketing staff. Its experienced team of senior marketing executives, product managers and other creative personnel can quickly step-in to assist the on-site marketing team to meet important deadlines and implement strategic marketing programs.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE: (Click here to view complete company profile)

• Branding & Positioning
• Internet & E-Commerce Marketing
• Start Up & Strategic Business Planning
• Product Marketing . Product Development
• Advertising . Promotions . Trade Show Development
• Competitive Analysis . Marketing Analysis . Public Relations

CONTACT:
Lawrence Kirsch
Marketing & Management Consulting
2792 Southampton Road
Carlsbad, CA 92010
Phone: 760-845-1633
Email: Larry@LawrenceKirsch.com
www.LawrenceKirsch.com

FIRM: THE ROBERTS COMPANY, LLC

IN BRIEF: THE ROBERTS COMPANY, LLC specializes in the regulatory compliance, risk management services, accounting, operations and information technology practices, fraud prevention and detection programs, and Corporate Governance. They help clients to align internal controls and technology in support of their client business. They apply practices in identifying and managing the risks as part of an active approach towards innovative solutions of complex business issues and compliance.

In addition, THE ROBERTS COMPANY, LLC introduces a computerized approach to interrogate business transactions and identify data patterns associated with fraud situations, external and internal audits, litigation cases and regularity compliance requirements.

DOMESTIC SERVICES: (Click here to view complete line of services in PDF format, 65KB)

• Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance Services
• Regulatory Compliance Services
• Information Technology Services
• Fraud Deterrence Services

CONTACT:
Robert Putrus, PE, CMC, CFE
THE ROBERTS COMPANY, LLC
3394 Holly Oak Lane
Escondido, CA 92027
Tel: 760.550.2160
Fax: 760.839.2160
robertputrus@therobertsglobal.com
http://www.therobertsglobal.com/

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