Calendar of Events in 2000
January
1
7
11
15
18
19
29
31
Hongkong Post issues The New Millennium special stamps and also marks the historic date by placing mementoes in a time capsule to be opened 50 years later.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority reports that the HKSAR's foreign currency assets amounted to US$96.3 billion at the end of 1999.
The Electronic Transactions Ordinance is enacted, providing a clear legislative framework for the conduct of electronic transactions.
The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, receives the Economic Freedom of the World: 2000 Annual Report published by Canada's Fraser Institute, the Hong Kong Centre for Economic Research and the US-based Cato Institute - recognising Hong Kong as the most economically free jurisdiction in the world.
New World First Ferry begins its daily operation of ferry services upon the transfer of licences from Hongkong and Yaumati Ferry.
The Housing Authority publishes its consultative document on Quality Housing: Partnering for Change, which proposes 50 recommendations to enhance the quality of public housing.
The Government announces it will issue five licences for local fixed telecommunications network services (FTNS) using wireless networks and 12 licences for external FTNS using satellites. Hong Kong Cable Television Limited is also permitted to offer telecommunications services using cable modem technology over its hybrid fibre coaxial cable network.
The Legislative Council passes the Organised and Serious Crimes (Amendment) Bill 1999, which seeks to enhance Hong Kong's anti-money-laundering regime. Hong Kong is destined to become the premier international financial centre in the Asian time zone, the Financial Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang, tells delegates attending the World Economic Forum's 30th annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
Establishment of the local Public Key Infrastructure by the Hong Kong Post Certification Authority provides electronic authentication services to facilitate the development of e-commerce.
February
1
16
18
The Telecommunications Authority announces it will issue Letters of Intent to 13 applicants for cable-based external fixed telecommunication network services, which will invest directly in bringing new physical cables to Hong Kong.
The Government introduces the Broadcasting Bill into the Legislative Council. With the full support of the council, the Broadcasting Ordinance comes into effect on July 7. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, represents the HKSAR at the opening ceremony of the Youth Seminar on Meeting the New Challenges of the New
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