ENG-1998 — Page 18

CALENDAR OF EVENTS IN 1998

27

30

February

7

10

14

15

17

18

22

25

26

March

3

decides to appeal against the decision. Many fear that the ruling will open migration floodgates.

The government introduces a new honours and awards system to recognise outstanding individuals who have made meritorious contributions to the community. The new system is: the Order of the Grand Bauhinia; the Order of the Bauhinia Star; the Order of the Medal of Honour; the Order of the Medal for Bravery; and the Chief Executive's Commendation.

The North Point-Kowloon City vehicular ferry service terminates after more than 30 years service.

A Citybus double decker overturns at the Tonnochy Road flyover in Wan Chai on the third day of the Lunar New Year. Three people die and 54 are injured.

Hong Kong resumes importation of live chickens from the Mainland with a new control system to safeguard public health. Imports were cancelled and more than 1 million chickens killed at the end of 1997 because of an outbreak of avian flu.

The Chairman of the National People's Congress, Mr Qiao Shi, arrives in Hong Kong for a five-day visit.

A White Paper on Long Term Housing Strategy, entitled 'Homes for Hong Kong People into the 21st Century', is published. The White Paper is built upon the basic principles announced by the Chief Executive in his maiden policy address.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr Nawaz Sharif, arrives Hong Kong for a three-day visit.

The Executive Council decides not to renew the franchise for China Motor Bus after it expires in August and its 88 bus routes on Hong Kong Island are put up for tender. The Financial Secretary, Mr Donald Tsang, delivers the first Budget speech after the Handover.

The Financial Secretary, leaves Hong Kong for Beijing to brief senior officials on the first SAR Budget as well as the latest developments in the Asian financial markets and the impact of the financial turmoil on Hong Kong.

The Provisional Legislative Council passes the Provident Fund Schemes Legislation (Amendment) Bill. The scheme will benefit some two million people.

The Secretary for Constitutional Affairs, Mr Michael Suen, pays a three-day visit to Beijing and announces a plan to establish an HKSAR office there. It is scheduled to open at the end of the year and will be the largest of all HK representative offices.

The government of St Kitts and Nevis grants visa-free access for a period up to three months to holders of HKSAR passports, Hong Kong Certificates of Identity and BN(O) passports. On December 19, the Federated States of Micronesia becomes the 53rd government to follow suit.

National People's Congress Hong Kong delegates, Mr Ng Hong-mun and Miss Maria Tam, are elected the head and deputy head, respectively, of the local NPC delegation for a one-year term.

The Provisional Legislative Council passes legislation to scrap the port of first asylum policy.

The Chief Executive attends the opening of the National People's Congress meeting in Beijing.

The Chief Executive arrives in Bonn to start his six-day official visit to Germany and France.

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