13 -
New air services agreement between HK and Korea signed
An Air Services Agreement (ASA) was signed between the governments of Hong Kong and the Republic of Korea in Seoul today (Friday).
The Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Gordon Siu, signed on behalf of the Government of Hong Kong and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Lee Ki-choo, on behalf of the Government of Republic of Korea.
Both hailed the agreement as an important milestone in the development of bilateral air services links between the two places.
"The Hong Kong/Korea ASA is the twelfth air services agreement signed by Hong Kong in accordance with the provisions of the Sino-British Joint Declaration.
"It will provide a firm legal and regulating framework for the continuation of bilateral air services links between Hong Kong and Korea through and beyond 1997," said Mr Siu.
Mr Lee said the new agreement would further strengthen the long standing aviation relationship between Hong Kong and Korea which started in 1960, and will promote trade and tourism between the two places.
Currently, Cathay Pacific Airways, Asiana and Korean Airlines together offer some 40 flights and 16,000 seats and 200 tonnes of cargo capacity between Seoul and Hong Kong each week.
In 1995, tourist numbers between Hong Kong and Korea reached a record total of over half a million.
End
New chairmen of two standing committees appointed
The Governor has appointed Mr H C Lee to succeed Mr Ronnie Ross as the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Directorate Salaries and Conditions of Service and Standing Committee on Judicial Salaries and Conditions of Service.
The appointment is for three years with effect from April 1.