Monday, 13 May 2019, Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium: Catalan Foreign and European Union Affairs Secretary Dr Mireia Borrel i Porta is the newest member in the EU Committee of Regions (CoR).
Dr Borrel hails from the Balearic Islands, and holds a PhD in European Economic Policy from the European Institute of London School of Economics (LSE). Previously she held the role of Director General of Foreign Affairs at the Catalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Institutional Relations and Transparency currently headed by Government Counsellor Alfred Bosch.
The European Union’s Committee of Regions is the assembly of local and regional representatives that provides sub-national authorities (i.e. regions, counties, provinces, municipalities and cities) with a direct voice within the EU’s institutional network.
H.E. Mr. Hector Horacio Salvador, Ambassador of Argentina and his wife Jane Berger de Salvador, celebrated with a crowd of more than a hundred guests, the National day of the Argentine Republic, on May 23.
The Argentineans commemorated the May Revolution that in 1810, marked the beginning of the liberation of South America from Spain.
The Argentinean celebration has been for many years the reception of the season that sets itself apart and to prove it, the gardens of the impressive residence are always at their best to receive the many friends of Argentina with music, traditional cuisine and fine Argentinean wine.
The Embassy of Cuba together with the Diplomat Magazine organized a three day class of salsa by the Cuban dancer Rafael Cala.
Many diplomats attended and in between mojitos, managed to replicate the movements, following the Cuban rhythm with joy. In the end H.E. Ms Soraya Alvarez Nunez, the Ambassador of Cuba, gave to each one a certificate of accomplishment.
EU Member States are giving more priority to investigating genocide and war crimes. The number of new cases rose by a third over the last three years, with 1 430 new investigations launched in 2018. This stark increase was one of the major topics of the discussion held on May 23rd, 2019, on the occasion of the 4th EU Day against Impunity for Genocide, Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes. The discussion was organised by Eurojust, the Romanian EU Council Presidency, the European Commission, and the Genocide Network, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the four Geneva Conventions. Eurojust, the EU’s Judicial Cooperation Unit, hosts the Secretariat of the Genocide Network, which started its work exactly 15 years ago.
Ahead of the event, Eurojust’s President Ladislav Hamran welcomed the sense of responsibility showed by EU member states, stressing the importance of the EU in the fight against genocide and war crimes.
In 2018, a total number of 2 943 cases regarding genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes were pending or ongoing, which is the highest number documented since the creation of the Genocide Network. These cases concern crimes committed worldwide.
The Genocide Network provides a forum for practitioners to exchange information on ongoing cases and share expertise and best practice for the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of international crimes. Further, the Genocide Network is dedicated to raising awareness of the crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, thus proving the EU’s commitment to fighting impunity of suspected war criminals.
Since the establishment of the Genocide Network, increased action has been taken in the area of international criminal justice. Eurojust, Europol and EU Member States deal with these crimes as key priorities and are stepping up their efforts as well. Moreover, the new legal basis of Eurojust provides it with more power to engage in fighting impunity and bring to justice perpetrators of these crimes.
In 2016, 1 073 new investigations into international crimes were initiated in the 28 EU Member States. This figure rose to 1 233 in 2017, with a further increase to 1 430 in 2018. This trend shows not only the commitment of more and more EU Member States to join the common fight against these crimes, but also the rising impact of armed conflicts in the proximity of the European Union.
With regard to Syria, for instance, France and Germany serve as an example by having set up a joint investigation team (JIT) for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the regime in this country. The JIT is financially and operationally supported by Eurojust, showing the strong effort made by the European Union to target impunity.
The event of May 23rd started with a word of welcome from Eurojust President Mr Ladislav Hamran, who stressed the importance of holding accountable the perpetrators of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, praising the cooperation between Eurojust and Genocide Network in this regard.
Eurojust’s President Ladislav Hamran.
The opening speech was then delivered by HE Ms Ana Birchall, Deputy Prime Minister of Romania and acting Minister of Justice. Her remarks were then followed by those of Mr Ferd Grapperhaus, Dutch Minister of Justice and Security, and Ms Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, as well as by a video message of Ms Vera Jurová, European Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality.
Addressing the audience, Minister Grapperhaus welcomed the Dutch government’s commitment to ensure justice in addressing cases of crimes against humanity. He also welcomed the progress made by EU member states in this regard, expressing his wish to make further progress on this path.
These keynote speeches were then followed by a panel discussion with: HE Mr Mika-Markus Leinonen, Ambassador and EU Liaison Officer in The Hague for the European External Action Service; Ms Olympia Bekou, professor of public international law and head of the International Criminal Justice Unit of the University of Nottingham, UK; Ms Nicole Vogelenzang, head of the International Crimes Unit, National Prosecution Office, the Netherlands; Ms Iulia Motoc, judge at the European Court for Human Rights, Strasbourg; and Ms Virginie Amato, Europe regional coordinator, Coalition for the ICC. The panel was moderated by HE Ms Brândușa Predescu, Romanian Ambassador to the Netherlands.
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is often referred to as “the Paris of the East”. If you are planning to visit this beautiful city, here is a piece of advice for you: profit from the precious tips of Anna Balazs.
Anna is an expert organizer of trips to Hungary. Since Wizzair Airlines started to link Hungary to the Netherlands, Anna, who has been living in the Netherlands for 25 years, started to specialize in the organization of visits to the Hungarian capital, especially for adult visitors.
Anna’s approach is based on customizing the visit to each visitor’s needs. Ahead of the trip, the visitor schedules an appointment with her, allowing her to know each one’s personal preferences.
“I like to discover what people like to do, from biking to go to the Opera House, from wine tasting and restaurants to museums and shopping” – Anna says.
Hungarian Parliament House.
On her website (www.naarbudapest.nl), Anna provides customized lists of tips for different types of holiday. “To do” things for an active holiday, for instance, include walking, running, and cycling tours, hikes outside the city, as well as playing golf and attending music festivals. For a more relaxing holiday, Anna advises instead to profit from the thermal baths, to enjoy Hungarian food and drinks in specific restaurants or parks, to enjoy performances at the Opera House, and to explore the city with carts and boats.
Anna’s apartment is located close to Budapest’s center, ten minutes from downtown. “This allows to experience Budapest from a local perspective” – she notes – “Going to the local bakery and taking a coffee before getting to the touristic area: this is a unique experience and it makes a short trip more relaxing. You can be a tourist in a local and Hungarian way, the taste is much different”.
Anna Balazs.
Anna also helps her guests by providing insider tips for local restaurants, including for instance a local bakery and a breakfast restaurant located on the ground floor of the apartment’s building. Moreover, she organizes cooking workshops in proximity of the apartment.
Anna’s organizational skills are impeccable. Consulting the calendar, she can spot special activities happening during your time in Budapest. There is no need for you to check travel books or look for information, most of them not so relevant for short stays. Anna can help you with this. Moreover, while several Hungarian websites are in Hungarian only, Anna’s website is both in English and in Dutch.
Budapest Church.
As an experienced trip organizer, Anna is also extremely reliable. She is reachable at any time and for any kind of tips, including on shops’ opening hours, or where to buy a specific souvenir, or where to eat the best goulash in town. Moreover, she also provides a taxi in case, during short stays, you might want to go directly to certain places.
If you are willing to visit Budapest, we can already give you a few tips, advising you not to miss some key highlights such as including the Gellert SPA, the Danube boat tours, the famous Opera House, and the Great Market Hall. However, if you want a full, customized experience, please do get in touch with Anna!
Contacts:
Anna Balazs: www.naarbudapest.nl / info@naarbudapest.nl
On Monday 27th May, friends from the diplomatic community were invited by H.E. Mr. Tigran Balayan, the Ambassador of Armenia together with Diplomat Magazine to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the birth of the legendary French-Armenian singer and diplomat Charles Aznavour. Many ambassadors, judges from the international courts and international organizations sitting in The Hague together with the Armenian diaspora attended the event.
The celebratory concert followed by a reception took place at the Gymnasium Haganum in The Hague, which was an ideal venue for this event with its monumental hallways and a spacious auditorium.
Aznavour’s 95 Anniversary by the Embassy of Armenia and Diplomat Magazine.
H.E. Mr. Ambassador Tigran Balayan opened the evening with his speech dedicated to Aznavour, a man of great honour with whom Mr. Balayan luckily had the chance to meet many times in his life.
During his speech, Mr. Ambassador also mentioned the great achievement of Armenia, the presidency of the International Organisation of la Francophonie from 2018 until 2020. To end his speech by stressing the deep and valued relationship of Armenia and la Francophonie, Mr. Ambassador used a quote by Charles Aznavour who said:
“I am 100% French and 100% Armenian.”
Dominique Peters, President of L’Amité-Club de La Haye.
Following Mr. Ambassador’s speech, the moderator of the evening, Ms. Dominique Peters, President of L’Amité-Club de La Haye, presented a vibrant tribute to the genius Charles Aznavour:
“He was not only an Ambassador of the Song and an Ambassador of la Francophonie, which he had made one of his priorities, but also the Ambassador of Armenia in Switzerland.”
The testimonial by Ms. Peters, which underlined the recognition for the many faces and contributions of Charles Aznavour, continued:
“A lyricist, composer, singer and actor-interpreter, he was a genius of French poetry and one of the greatest artists of the twentieth century. A realistic singer, he sang about life, love, nostalgia, as well as time passing: themes that invite reflection.”
Aznaband boys during the concert.
“Charles Aznavour was also one of the most symbolic representatives of the Armenian Diaspora with his flag bearer: “We start Armenian, we end humanist,” what he used to say. Deeply humanistic, he has devoted himself to full commitment to society as Permanent Delegate to UNESCO and to the United Nations Office.”
“Moreover, we cannot forget his filmography which includes more than 80 feature films, made by some of the biggest names in French cinema, where he depicts almost all the characters going from one emotion to another.”
H.E. Philippe Couvreur, Registrar at the International Court of Justice and H.E. Mr. Amgad Ghaffar, Ambassador of Egypt.
Thereafter, the concert was opened by the talented Armenian pianist, Arayik Mirzoyan, who played Pour toi Arménie, a song written by Charles Aznavour and Georges Gavarentz in 1989, and devoted to help victims of an earthquake tragedy that happened in Armenia the previous year.
Following was another musical performance of two of Aznavour’s pieces performed by a five-boys Aznaband chore from the Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh, accompanied by their pianist teacher Ms. Helene Perrotin. This ensemble performed the songs Emmenez-moi as well as Hier encore,which were followed by a great applause from the audience.
A cake for Aznavour’s anniversary.
A subsequent point of the evening programme was a captivating ten-minute video collage about the life of Charles Aznavour, which was produced by his son Mr. Nicolas Aznavour and displayed the genius with his many faces and roles that he took up during his life.
Following the video projection was the last musical piece by Charles Aznavour, the famous La Bohème, a song which was performed by a talented Armenian lawyer and singer Vardgues Khanjaryan that travelled from Brussels to attend, and his brilliant performance marked the highlight of the evening programme.
Armenian lawyer and singer, Vardgues Khanjaryan.
After the concert a reception took place, at which Armenian wines together with other delicacies, as well as a colossal cake with the figure of Charles Aznavour made by the Armenian community, were served to the guests.
During the reception, Aznavour’s songs were played by a duo of piano and contrabass Guillaume Marcenac while the guests were chatting about the spectacle and enjoying the great wines as well as company.
Ambassador Balayan with the boys of Aznaband.
The celebration of the 95th Anniversary that honoured the great Charles Aznavour, organised by the Armenian Embassy in collaboration with Diplomat Magazine, marked another pleasurable evening for the diplomatic community of The Hague.
Andrés Bellos Catholic National University of Venezuela wins 7th ICC Moot Court Competition, Spanish version
29 May 2019, the Andrés Bellos Catholic National University (Venezuela) won the final round of the 7th Edition of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Moot Court Competition, Spanish version, held in ICC Courtroom I in The Hague (Netherlands). The Autonomous University of Mexico (Mexico) and the Andres Hurtado University (Chile) won, respectively, second and third places. The award for the Best Speaker went to Bianca Valentina Labraña Palma of the Andres Hurtado University (Chile).
Members of the winning team are Edith Lorena González Jiménez, Georges Abraham Mussa Quijada, Jhomar Alexander López Salmerón, and Raúl Uriel Arcángel La Cruz Gomes. Today’s final round took place before a bench composed of ICC Judge Luz del Carmen Ibañez Carranza, presiding, and ICC legal officers Alejandro Kiss and Juan Pablo Calderón Meza. The teams competed on a fictitious case, presenting oral arguments in the roles of the Office of the Prosecutor, Defence and Legal Representatives of Victims, which were web-streamed live on the Court’s official website. After a break for deliberations, the bench announced their decision and an awards ceremony was held for all participants.
Nineteen teams from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Spain and Venezuela participated in this year’s simulation exercise on the applicable law and jurisprudence of the ICC, of which 9 teams participated in the semi-finals during the Iberoamerican Week of International Justice in The Hague.
The seventh edition of the Spanish version of the ICC Moot Court Competition is organised by the Ibero-American Institute for Peace, Human Rights and International Justice (IIH), with the institutional support of the International Criminal Court, and in the context of the 9th edition of the Ibero-American Week of International Justice held in The Hague from 22 May to 6 June 2019.
In the context of its Academic Programme, the ICC supports the organisation of ICC Moot Court Competitions in Chinese, English, Russian and Spanish, with a view to also support Arabic and French versions in the future. These initiatives play a critical role in galvanising interest in the Court’s work with academic communities as well as in enhancing promotion and respect for international criminal law.
On the weekend of 20 and 21 July 2019, the foundation “Delft Quality” organizes during the “De Delftse Keramiekdagen” the 15th edition of Delft Ceramica, the international ceramics market. The Delft Ceramic days is the event to experience ceramics in Delft.
DelftCeramica: International Ceramics Market 20 and 21 July 2019
In the picturesque city centre of Delft, during the Delft ceramic days on the international ceramics market Delft Ceramica Enjoy the work of over 60-70 ceramists from all over Europe. As a participant in Delft Ceramica, only artists can participate, who present their own work. They show their latest work and let the audience get acquainted with the latest techniques and trends. Visitors can expect a wide variety of works of art, such as organically shaped use ceramics, raku, (garden) sculptures, jewellery, pots and vases, animals, masks.
Information about the participants in Delft Ceramica 2019 and pictures of their work can be found at www.delftceramica.nl
The ceramics market is held on the historic market of Delft with its atmospheric terraces between the historic town hall and the new church with the royal burial vaults.
Accessibility:
Delft Ceramica on the market is easy to reach by public transport – train, bus and tram-. From Station NS, bus station NS, Tram 1 stop Station NS and Prinsenhof stop it is a walk of 8 minutes.
The car restricted inner city is closed for traffic: see https://parkerendelft.com/
Delfies: Make your Delft Ceramica selfie. Visitors contest. More information from the 1th of July.
The Vermeer centre: The Vermeer Centre Delft organises an exhibition in the sign of ‘ The Milk Girl ‘ by Johannes Vermeer in ceramics.www.vermeerdelft.nl
Carillon concert on the carillon of the new church by Henk Groeneweg on Saturday 20 July from 11 am to 12 am.
Information Booth DelftCeramica: on the market there is an information booth for visitors.
Saturday 20 July 10-17:00 \ Sunday 21 July 10-17:00
The UK-based ‘Channel 4 News’ in September 2017 first débuted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the ‘Mother of Humanity’ after her valiant resolution to open Bangladesh-Myanmar borders for the fleeing persecuted Rohingya people from Myanmar’s Rakhine State. Following this, the daughter of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina, has come to be known as the ‘Mother of Humanity’.
Sheik Hasina, leader of the highly densely populated developing country, demonstrated a unique example of an altruistic gesture.
The persecution by the Myanmar security forces and local vigilantes on the Rohingya people in the Rakhine State has resulted fleeing of over a million Rohingya people to Bangladesh. An estimated 738,805 Rohingya people arrived in Bangladesh within a few days since 25 August 2017 when the Myanmar military coordinated an operation, which the world came to term as a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing”.
Among the latest Rohingya arrivals, 58 per cent are children, 34338 women are pregnant, 39841 are orphans.
Moreover, over 87,000 Rohingya people entered into Bangladesh after October 2016 and over 300,000 entered into Bangladesh between 2005 and 2015 following the grave human rights violations in the Rakhine State by the Myanmar security forces and the local vigilantes. As many as 1,118,576 registered Rohingya people are now sheltered in Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina visiting Rohinya Camp in Kutupalong, Cox’s Bazar.
The latest exodus of Rohingya people following the events of 25 August 2017 in the Rakhine State has been described as the fastest displacementcrisis in the history of mankind.The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in coordination with international agencies, has been extending all sorts of humanitarian assistance including shelter, food, healthcare, water and sanitation, etc. to the persecuted Rohingya people solely on humanitarian ground. As long as the forcibly displaced Rohingya people remain in Bangladesh, awaiting return to their homelands in the Rakhine State, Bangladesh would continue to provide them shelter and other humanitarian assistances.
AUNG SAN SUU KYI – 1991 Nobel Peace Prize, Myanmar leader: “We have to take care of our citizens. We have to take care of everybody who is in our country, whether or not they are our citizens.” September 07, 2017
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has stated that “if my government can arrange food for over one hundred sixty million people of Bangladesh, we would also be able to feed one million people more”.
The government of Bangladesh has allocated 6,200 acres of land for construction of shelter-houses, sanitation and other related services; 30 camps have been set up while 212,607 houses have been built in the camps for the forcibly displaced Rohingya people. As many as 845,914 Rohingya people now receive food and other relief support while 142,823 have so far received nutritional support; 177,725 Rohingya children receive informal education through 3,271 education centres. As many as 219 medical camps and other family welfare centres have been set up to provide reproductive health services to the Rohingya people. 137,464 have so far received reproductive health services while 1,668,860 Myanmar nationals have received different services. Over 8,063 tube-wells, 57,891 toilets and 15,982 shower rooms have been set up to provide drinking water and sanitation services to the Rohingya people.
MALALA YOUSAFZAI – 2014 Nobel Peace Prize: “Over the last several years, I have repeatedly condemned this tragic and shameful treatment. I am still waiting for my fellow Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to do the same.” September 03, 2017.
The government of Bangladesh has spent Tk. 957,000,000 approximately US$ 11.50 million for the humanitarian assistance to the forcibly displaced Rohingya people. The NGO Affairs Bureau of Bangladesh government has allocated over Tk. 7.87 billion (approximately US$ 95 million) to provide safe drinking water and sanitation services to the Rohingya people through 122 local and international NGOs. Different agencies of Bangladesh government have been implementing different projects including roads, drains, cyclone-shelter-cum-schools, multipurpose centres, and food distribution centres in Cox’s Bazar with the financial support of the World Bank (US$ 480 million) and Asian Development Bank (US$ 240 million) for the welfare of the forcibly displaced Rohingya people.
Sheikh Hasina, PM of Bangladesh.
The persecution of Rohingya people has generated multi-dimensional and multi-layered crisis for Bangladesh ranging from economic, security, environmental, social, and political. The crisis has also severely impacted on Cox Bazar’s ecosystem, wildlife habitat, labour market, access to public services, law and order situation, etc. Despite various challenges to the economy, ecology and overall societal rubrics of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s decision to shelter the persecuted Rohingya people emanates from humanity alone.
The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina believes that humanitarian responses would help the forcibly displaced Rohingya people only temporarily. A durable solution of the problem is a must for the sake of humanity. Bangladesh government has engaged diplomatically with Myanmar to make sure that the Rohingya people are enabled to exercise their right to return to their own homeland.
Bangladesh is determined to follow human rights based return of the forcibly displaced Rohingya people to their homelands in the Rakhine State of Myanmar.
No one will be forced to return. Bangladesh is committed to comply with international standards and UNHCR has been involved to complement its efforts. Ensuring sustainable return, non-criminalization, non- discrimination, resettlement and reintegration, etc. would be the hallmarks for the return of the forcibly displaced Rohingya people from Bangladesh to their homeland in the Rakhine State.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presented a 5-point proposal at the 72ndSession of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2017 for a permanent solution to the protracted Rohingya crisis:
First: Myanmar must unconditionally stop the violence and the practice of ethnic cleansing in the Rakhine State immediately and forever;
Second: Secretary General of the United Nations should immediately send a Fact-Finding Mission to Myanmar;
Third: All civilians irrespective of religion and ethnicity must be protected in Myanmar. For that “safe zones” could be created inside Myanmar under UN supervision;
Fourth: Ensure sustainable return of all forcibly displaced Rohingyas in Bangladesh to their homes in Myanmar; and
Fifth: The recommendations of Kofi Annan Commission Report must be implemented unconditionally as soon as possible.
Open letter to Aung San Suu Kyi from five Nobel Peace laureates, “How many Rohingya have to die; how many Rohingya women will be raped; how many communities will be razed before you raise your voice in defense of those who have no voice?” SEPTEMBER 11, 2017
At the ‘High-level Event on the Global Compact on Refugees: A Model for Greater Solidarity and Cooperation’ organized by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees at the UN Headquarters in New York on 24 September 2018, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina placed a 3-point proposal to resolve the Rohingya crisis:
First: Myanmar must abolish discriminatory laws, policies and practices against Rohingyas and address the root causes of forced displacement in a genuine and timely manner;
Second:Myanmar must create a conducive environment by building trust and guaranteeing protection, rights and pathway to citizenship for all Rohingyas. If needed, create a “safe zone” inside Myanmar to protect all civilians; and
Third:prevent atrocity crimes against Rohingyas in Myanmar by bringing accountability and justice, particularly in light of the recommendations of the Fact-Finding Mission of the UN Human Rights Council.
The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina committed to the principle of voluntary repatriation and would return the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals to the Rakhine State only when they are willing. In the meantime, Bangladesh government would urge the Myanmar side to demonstrate genuine efforts towards meeting the demands of the Rohingya people, as committed by them in the UN and create conducive environment in Myanmar in its efforts to convince them to return to their homes.
Bangladesh government believes that durable solution of the Rohingya crisis lies in sustainable return of the displaced people to the original places of their residence with safety, dignity and assurance of livelihoods, and more importantly in restoring civil, political and economic rights of these people as underscored by the Kofi Annan Commission. Bangladesh would continue to remain engaged with the Rohingyas through UNHCR and other UN agencies to encourage them to return at their own choice. The international community needs to remain seized with the matter and intensify its engagements with Myanmar towards creating conducive environment in the Rakhine State and help secure a durable and just solution to this protracted Rohingya crisis.
Likewise the world seen even in some developed parts of the world the policy of closed borders and push back of refugees, had Bangladesh followed the same script that would have resulted in the death of thousands of persecuted Rohingya people. But Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina saved the lives of thousands of Rohingya people by opening borders and providing them shelter and other humanitarian assistances, out of only her humanitarian compassion.
Over the years, I have visited San Francisco, Tokyo and New York. They are the world’s most celebrated bay areas. Soon enough, they will find company and competition in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is a key development strategy in the People’s Republic of China as it enters a new era of deepening reform and opening up. Comprising the two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao and nine prosperous municipalities in southern China’s Guangdong Province, the GBA’s collective GDP in 2018 was US$1.6 trillion. Covering an area of 56 000 square kilometers, the GBA accommodates the world’s most intensive cluster of ports and airports, handling 66.5 million TEUs and 200 million air passengers a year. With a combined population of about 71 million, the GBA is both a manufacturing hub and a huge market for quality goods and services.
Beyond the numbers, the GBA’s wide-ranging strengths, diversified markets and far-reaching promise herald a new economic era for Hong Kong. Innovation and technology, advanced manufacturing, high-end services, trade, transport and more will drive this bay area economy and meet the growing middle class’aspirations. And Hong Kong will be at its fast-beating economic heart.
The Outline Development Plan for the Greater Bay Area announced in February emphasises coordinated economic development, complementing the varying expertise of each of its 11 member cities. Hong Kong will lead the way in several key sectors, from financial and professional services to trade and transport. Hong Kong will also play a vital role in innovation and technology, in building the GBA into the Silicon Valley of the East.
The free flow of people, goods, capital and information is critical to the success of the GBA. That means ensuring superior physical and administrative connectivity and people-to-people bonds. Our infrastructural connectivity has been significantly enhanced, thanks to last year’s opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link. Both reduce travelling time considerably between Hong Kong and key GBA centres. For example, a ride on the high speed train from Hong Kong’s West Kowloon to Shenzhen’s Futian, both being business hubs, takes a mere 14 minutes.
Later this year, a new land-based border crossing, the seventh between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, will open. Outside Hong Kong, in addition to the Humen Bridge and the Nansha Bridge, opened in 1997 and this year respectively, another central artery across the Pearl River Delta, the Shenzhen-ZhongshanLink, is under construction. These infrastructure projects will contribute to a fast and efficient one-hour living circle within the GBA.
Caption: The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, attended the Symposium on the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area on February 21, 2019, in Hong Kong. Photo shows (from left) the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Xie Feng; the Deputy Chairman of the Office of the Leading Group for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Mr Lin Nianxiu; the Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Chui Sai-on; Mrs Lam; Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Mr Tung Chee Hwa; the Governor of Guangdong Province, Mr Ma Xingrui; the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Wang Zhimin; Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Mr Huang Liuquan; and the Director General of the Department of Regional Economy of the National Development and Reform Commission, Mr Guo Lanfeng; at the symposium.
Apart from infrastructural connectivity, the GBA’s Outline Development Plan envisages ambitious objectives to develop an international innovation and technology hub, a globally competitive modern industrial system, as well as a quality living circle embracing innovation, ecological conservation, culture and leisure. As the most open and cosmopolitan city in the GBA, enjoying the unique advantages of “One Country, Two Systems”, Hong Kong has much to offer. These in turn will inject new impetus to Hong Kong’s economic development.
In the end, of course, the GBA must look outward if it is to compete with the world. Hong Kong’s renowned connectivity – underpinned by the network of HKSARG overseas economic and trade offices in Brussels, London, Berlin, Geneva, New York, Washington DC, San Francisco, Toronto, Sydney, Tokyo, Singapore, Jakarta and Bangkok, as well as offices of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council around the world, will make that happen.
Furthermore, leveraging on the high degree of autonomy under “One Country, Two Systems”, Hong Kong maintains and develops relations and concludes and implements agreements with other economies. For example, Hong Kong signed its eighth free trade agreement (FTA) with Australia earlier this year. More FTAs will follow. In all, Hong Kong has inked more than 250 binding bilateral agreements with some 70 nations. They cover a wide variety of areas, from investment promotion and protection, to air services, avoidance of double taxation and legal accords.
“One Country, Two Systems” also enables Hong Kong’s adherence to common law. Rule of law and an independent judiciary have been critical to Hong Kong’s standing as Asia’s world city and our contribution to the success of the GBA. Indeed, the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2018 topped Hong Kong in Asia for judicial independence. It’s why so many notable regional and global organisations specialising in legal and dispute resolution services maintain offices in Hong Kong.
Later this year, Hong Kong will usher in a legal hub in the heart of our Central Business District. Offices have been set aside there to accommodate these organisations alongside our Department of Justice. That enhances the synergy and operational efficiency of our legal services sector, and underscores the role Hong Kong will take on as the GBA’s centre for international legal and dispute resolution services.
If the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is just beginning to make its name, its long-term promise is big, bold and welcoming. I invite institutions and companies, entrepreneurs and start-ups, to join us – to connect and excel in Hong Kong, where we are building a greater future.
