viii | Calendar of Events in 2008
December
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The Chief Executive tells guests at the Clinton Global Initiative dinner that Hong Kong has been moving gradually but surely towards low-carbon and green living on environmental initiatives.
The 'MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong Macau 2009', the first English and Chinese version of the renowned hotel and restaurant guide, is launched in Hong Kong.
A 40-member delegation of China's Shenzhou-7 manned space mission, including astronauts Zhai Zhigang, Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng, arrives in Hong Kong for a four-day visit.
The Chief Executive officiates at the one-year countdown to the Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games.
The Government's $100 million allocation for short-term food assistance to the needy in Hong Kong is approved by the Legislative Council.
The Chief Executive announces a $100 billion Special Loan Guarantee Scheme for enterprises and the provision of over 60 000 jobs in 2009 as part of the Government's effort to lead Hong Kong out of the economic downturn.
The International Monetary Fund commends Hong Kong's decisive actions to contain the impact of the global financial turmoil.
An international study, the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2007, announces that Hong Kong Primary Four (P4) students' performance in mathematics rose to the world's top.
The Financial Secretary leads a Hong Kong business delegation to Nanning and Hanoi.
The report on the first stage of the public consultation on healthcare reform is released.
A new code for prosecutors, entitled 'The Statement of Prosecution Policy and Practice' is released, providing for greater transparency and accountability of the actions of prosecutors.
Hong Kong introduces two new measures to provide greater convenience for Taiwan residents to visit the city from January 1, 2009. They are the lifting of the rule that restricts applications for iPermits to only two within 30 days; and extending the period of stay from 14 days. to 30 for permit holders.