DotDotWeekly | Widespread support received for Article 23 legislation

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Weekly Highlights

Kevin Yeung congratulates Cheung Ka-long on ascending to world's number one in men's foil again

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Kevin Yeung, on Monday congratulated Hong Kong athlete Cheung Ka-long on ascending to the world's number one in men's foil again.

Yeung said, "Taking top slot in the world ranking once again, Cheung Ka-long has added another remarkable page to Hong Kong's fencing history. We are so thrilled by his achievement and all citizens in Hong Kong are proud of him."

Algernon Yau attends 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Algernon Yau, on Wednesday attended two plenary sessions of the 13th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Speaking at one of the plenary sessions on trade and sustainable development, Yau said that the multilateral trading system is the most important platform to take forward international efforts in achieving sustainable development, and the WTO is central to achieving this goal.

He noted that for instance, the WTO's focus on further integrating developing economies, especially small and vulnerable ones, into the multilateral trading system is key to improving the well-being of every individual in society.

John Lee: Xia Baolong's visit reflects Central Government's support for HK

Xia Baolong, Beijing's top official overseeing Hong Kong and Macao affairs, left Hong Kong on Wednesday through the Shenzhen Bay Port after a seven-day inspection tour of Hong Kong.

John Lee said that Xia's visit right after the Chinese New Year holidays conveys President Xi Jinping's care and concern to the HK community and the Central Government's expectations for HK's economic development and district governance.

Lee added that Xia's visit released the message that the Central Government will continue to introduce policies that will benefit HK, thus encouraging HK's better development at the new stage.

Paul Chan delivers 2024-25 Budget

The Financial Secretary, Paul Chan, delivered the 2024-25 Budget at the LegCo on February 28.

Paul Chan pointed out that HK's investment sentiment and capital flows are under the sway of the complicated and volatile external environment.

He said, "When we reflect on decades of development in Hong Kong, it is obvious that the path we have trodden, however winding or bumpy, has always led to a better tomorrow. The color of the cover of this year's Budget symbolizes the first glimmer of dawn, for this inspires hope, faith and our longing for greater unity and harmony.

For more information about this year's Budget, please check out our special coverage on DotDotNews website.

Views on Article 23 mostly positive

The Hong Kong government announced today that it received a total of 13,147 submissions during the public consultation period on Basic Law Article 23 legislation, which concluded on Wednesday.

Based on the initial figures, 98.64% of the participants showed their support for the legislation and made positive comments.

By referring to the views received, authorities said they will strive to finalize the Safeguarding National Security Bill as soon as possible so that it can be introduced to LegCo.