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Chief Executive Mrs Carrie Lam has announced that the HKSAR Government will 'formally withdraw'; the controversial Fugitive Offenders Bill among 'four actions'; to foster dialogue that can help society move forward after more than two months of protests.  Second, the Government will fully support the work of the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) which will be reinforced by additional members.  Third, the Government will begin a direct dialogue with the community to look for solutions to the discontent in society.  Fourth, community leaders, professionals and academics will be invited to independently examine and review society's deep-seated problems and to advise the Government on finding solutions.  Mrs Lam said the four actions are her Government's sincere and solemn response to the five demands that have been raised by the public.  More info.

Mr Eddie Cheung is the new Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union, at the head of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels.  Mr Cheung previously served as the Hong Kong SAR Government's Deputy Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services).  His predecessor, Ms Shirley Lam, has returned to Hong Kong to take up the post of Permanent Secretary, Chief Executive's Office, on 2 September. More information.

In recent weeks, protests in Hong Kong have made the headlines and have caused some inconvenience to visitors.  But Hong Kong remains a welcoming city for tourists and investors, and a safe place for travellers from around the world.  This online portal puts the facts at your fingertips, covering transportation advice, clarifications of fake news, government press releases, conferences and events and more. It provides useful and timely information for businesspeople, travellers and residents alike.  Hong Kong Update

Financial Secretary Paul Chan unveiled a HK$ 19.1 billion (EUR 2.19 billion) package of measures on 15 August 2019 to support Hong Kong people and businesses amid the challenging external environment and slowing Hong Kong economy.  The measures include tax breaks to ease the burden on employees and companies; waiving government fees and charges to cushion the economic impact on various sectors including the maritime, logistics and tourism sectors; and an injection of funds into schemes that support brand promotion and marketing activities of local businesses.  More info.

Greater Bay Area Development: HK's role - Xiqu Centre for Chinese opera opens in West Kowloon Cultural District - Principal Officials visited Ireland, the Netherlands, France, Luxembourg - HK and Italy sign Working Holiday Scheme agreement - HK in mutual recognition of funds agreements with Luxembourg and the Netherlands – HK artist Shirley Tse at La Biennale di Venezia until 24 November - HKETO, Brussels supported HK films at nine international film festivals in Europe in 2018/19 - HK film "Still Human" wins top award at the 21st Far East Film Festival in Udine - Former textile factory gets a new lease of life as an arts complex…Read here

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, today told Germany's Acting Consul General in Hong Kong, Mr David Schmidt, that she strongly objects to, and deeply regrets, the reported granting of asylum to two Hong Kong residents who jumped bail to flee Hong Kong while awaiting trial on serious charges.  More.
 

Hong Kong films enjoyed a strong presence at the 21st Far East Film Festival (FEFF) in Udine, Italy from 26 April to 4 May 2019.   Renowned Hong Kong actor Anthony Wong Chau-sang received the Festival's Golden Mulberry for Outstanding Achievement Award.  More info.

Hong Kong's Secretary for Justice, Ms Teresa Cheng SC, visited France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands from 11 to 17 April 2019 before proceeding to Austria.  During her stay, she promoted Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services and called on various courts, government departments and international organisations.  More info.

Hong Kong has welcomed the promulgation by the Central Government of the eagerly-anticipated Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.  The Plan clearly supports Hong Kong to play an important role in the development. Hong Kong will focus among others on developing an international innovation and technology hub, expanding the scope of development for sectors in which Hong Kong's strengths lie, strengthening infrastructural connectivity, fostering youth innovation, and entrepreneurship.  Hong Kong's Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, said the Hong Kong SAR Government had actively participated in drafting the Plan.   More information.

In this issue: Chief Executive visits Belgium and France – Mega Bridge opens – Chief Executive unveils Lantau Tomorrow Vision – Boost for Innovation and Technology – Hong Kong seeks international talents – Xiqu Centre opens in West Kowloon Cultural District – Closer co-operation with Ireland – Mainland and Hong Kong enhance their free trade deal – Belt and Road Initiative and Greater Bay Area development - Cultural and forthcoming events ... Read here