The following is issued on behalf of the Working Group on Industrial, Commercial and Professional Sectors of the Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee:
 
     The Working Group on Industrial, Commercial and Professional Sectors of the Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee held a seminar on the implementation of the Basic Law and its importance for the development of Hong Kong today (July 8).
 
     Speaking at the opening of the seminar, the Convenor of the Working Group, Mrs Janice Choi, said, "To tie in with the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) this year, the Working Group organised a series of Basic Law seminars. The seminar today aims to enhance the industry's knowledge of the Basic Law, and help members of the industrial, commercial and professional (ICP) sectors to seize the opportunities and develop their businesses by fully utilising the dual advantages under the principle of 'one country, two systems'."
 
     The Director-General of Trade and Industry, Ms Salina Yan, said, "The Basic Law is the driving force of our economy and the cornerstone of Hong Kong's success. It also provides solid backup to the Trade and Industry Department's work in fostering trade and investment liberalisation and facilitation, helping businesses and professionals to expand markets and supporting Hong Kong enterprises." She added that the Basic Law enables Hong Kong to actively pursue the signing of free trade agreements with its trading partners and to participate in international organisations such as the World Trade Organization and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation under the name Hong Kong, China.
 
     The keynote speakers of the seminar included Deputy Director of the HKSAR Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Ms Elsie Leung, member of the HKSAR Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Ms Maria Tam and Vice-President of the Law Society of Hong Kong Ms Melissa Pang. They delivered speeches on "Review of the 20th Anniversary of the Implementation of the Basic Law", "The Economic Development of Hong Kong under the Basic Law" and "Hong Kong's Rule of Law under the Basic Law: Now and Future" respectively.
 
     During the sharing session, Deputy Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries Mr Jimmy Kwok; Vice Chairman of the Research Department of the Hong Kong Chinese Importers' & Exporters' Association Mr Frank Leung; Vice President of the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong Dr Tony Tai; the Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Dr Jonathan Choi; member of the China Committee of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce Mr Wilfred Tsui; former Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association Ms Winnie Tam; and former President of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects Ms Anna Kwong shared their experience on how the implementation of the Basic Law facilitates the development of the sectors.
 
     The Working Group, under the Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee, is responsible for promoting the Basic Law among the ICP sectors, and fostering co-operation and exchange of experience of Basic Law promotion among industrial and commercial institutions or professional organisations.

Ends/Saturday, July 8, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:05

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