LegCo to debate motion on actively implementing the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement and the relevant new measures
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The following is issued on behalf of Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting tomorrow (July 4) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, Members will debate a motion on actively implementing the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement and the relevant new measures to promote the development of new industries in Hong Kong.

     The motion, to be moved by Dr Samson Tam, states: "That, since the signing of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), both sides have agreed to strengthen co-operation in the following 10 areas, namely: (1) customs clearance facilitation; (2) commodity inspection and quarantine, food safety, quality and standardization; (3) co-operation of small and medium-sized enterprises;(4) co-operation in industries; (5) electronic business;(6) trade and investment promotion;(7) transparency in laws and regulations;(8)¡@protection of intellectual property;(9) co-operation in branding; and (10) co-operation in education; however, the actual situation is that quite a number of small and medium-sized enterprises consider that the co-operation in the aforesaid areas is still at the policy discussion stage and fails to provide any concrete assistance; in this connection, this Council urges the SAR Government to expeditiously review the current situation of implementing CEPA, give an account of the difficulties involved during the implementation process, explore adjustments to the implementation framework, enhance accountability, and at the same time adopt more concrete actions and complementary policies for actively implementing CEPA and the relevant new measures, so as to provide greater support to small and medium-sized enterprises and promote the development of new industries in Hong Kong."

     Members will also debate a motion on the report of the Subcommittee on Improving Barrier Free Access and Facilities for Persons with Disabilities. The motion, to be moved by Mr Wong Sing-chi, says: "That this Council notes the Report of the Subcommittee on Improving Barrier Free Access and Facilities for Persons with Disabilities."

     Mr James To will move a proposed resolution under Article 159 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. The motion states: "Resolved that this Council consents to forwarding the following amendments to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China to the delegation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to the National People's Congress, for submission to the National People's Congress -

     "Article 1

     Article 24(2)(1) of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China which provides that '(1) Chinese citizens born in Hong Kong before or after the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region;' shall be amended as: '(1) Chinese citizens born in Hong Kong before or after the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, during which either one or both of their parents were lawfully residing in Hong Kong;'."

     On bills, Members will also resume Second Reading debate on the Supplementary Appropriation (2011-2012) Bill. If the Bill is supported by Members and receives its Second Reading, it will then goes through the Committee Stage and be read the Third time.

     In addition, Mrs Sophie Leung will present the Independent Commission Against Corruption complaints Committee Annual Report 2011 at the LegCo meeting and address the Council. Mr Fred Li will present the Report of the Subcommittee on Pesticide Residues in Food Regulation and address the Council.

     During the meeting, Members will also ask the Administration 20 questions on various policy   areas, six of which require oral replies.

     The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the LegCo website (www.legco.gov.hk). Please note that the agenda is subject to change, and the latest information about the agenda could be found in the LegCo website.

     Members of the public are welcome to observe the proceedings of the meeting from the public galleries of the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. They may reserve seats by calling 3919 3399 during office hours. Seats will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Members of the public can also watch or listen the meeting via the web broadcast system on the LegCo website.

Ends/Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:29

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