********************************************
In his first visit to New York, the Convenor of the Working Group on Overseas Community under the Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Dr Eugene Chan, updated stakeholders about the developments of Hong Kong with the successful implementation of the Basic Law since 1997.
Speaking at a luncheon today (November 14, New York time), Dr Chan also gave insight into how the mini-constitution continues to be a road map for the direction of the city. The luncheon was co-hosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York and the Hong Kong Association of New York. Dr Chan's visit to New York comes after a stop in Toronto to promote the Basic Law earlier this week.
Dr Chan pointed out the key features of the Basic Law that underpin the success of the development of Hong Kong on various fronts. "The HKSAR exercises a high degree of autonomy in accordance with the Basic Law and enjoys executive, legislative and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication," he said.
"The Basic Law also safeguards the principle of 'Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong'," he added.
Dr Chan highlighted that under the name "Hong Kong, China", the HKSAR can on its own conclude and implement agreements with foreign states, regions and international organisations. The HKSAR, as "Hong Kong, China", has also taken part in more than 22 500 international conferences not limited to states, including those organised by the World Trade Organization and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. Representatives of the HKSAR Government have participated as members of People's Republic of China (PRC) delegations in more than 1 500 international conferences limited to states.
Dr Chan said, "Since our return to the Motherland in 1997, the Central Government has strictly observed the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle. It has also made a lot of effort to support Hong Kong's economic development to ensure Hong Kong's stability and prosperity."
The Basic Law Steering Committee was set up in 1998 for the promotion of programmes on the Basic Law as well as to co-ordinate the related efforts of government bodies and all sectors of the community. Its role is to steer the overall programme and strategy for promoting the Basic Law both locally and overseas.
"The Basic Law provides the blueprint for the HKSAR's future development and safeguards the fundamental rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people. So it is vital to keep the overseas community informed about the importance and successful implementation of the Basic Law in Hong Kong," said Dr Chan. The luncheon guests comprised leaders and senior executives from the business and legal sectors.
During his visit to New York, Dr Chan also met with the President of the National Committee on United States-China Relations, Mr Stephen Orlins; the President of the Foreign Policy Association, Mr Noel Lateef; and the Deputy Consul-General of the Consulate General of the PRC in New York, Mr Cheng Lei. He also conducted interviews with local media.
Ends/Friday, November 15, 2013
Issued at HKT 11:16
NNNN