ENG-1999 — Page 18

CALENDAR OF EVENTS IN 1999

15

23

April

1

19

28

30

The Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Gordon Siu, says Hong Kong and Guangdong will co-operate on sustainable development in the region.

The Chief Executive announces that Mrs Anson Chan's service as Chief Secretary for Administration has been extended until June 30, 2002.

The sponsored 4th World Swimming Championships begin at the Hong Kong Coliseum. More than 600 swimmers from about 70 countries participate, including several world short-course record holders.

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands arrives in Hong Kong, with Prince Claus, after a visit to the Mainland.

The Chief Executive meets the President of Israel, Mr Ezer Weizman, at Government House. Mr Weizman is visiting Hong Kong as part of his state visit to China.

The Chief Executive in Council approves a draft zoning plan for South Lantau Coast covering a total of about 2 449 hectares. About 1 565 hectares of land are zoned 'Country Park', 475 hectares are zoned 'Green Belt' and another 138 hectares are zoned 'Coastal Protection Area'.

The Chief Executive attends the opening ceremony of the '99 International Horticultural Exposition in Kunming, in which Hong Kong is represented.

May

2

3

نیا

4

17

18

26

June

3

00

8

12

15

16

ii

The approach of Typhoon Leo necessitates the hoisting of the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8. It is the earliest hoisting of the No. 8 signal since 1946. The Financial Secretary begins a promotional visit to four Nordic countries: Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Finland.

The Chief Secretary for Administration visits Beijing, where she meets Central Government leaders and officials of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office.

A State Councillor, Madam Wu Yi, arrives for a two-day visit.

The Chief Executive announces he will ask the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC), through the State Council, to interpret Articles 22(4) and 24(2)(3) of the Basic Law in accordance with the true legislative intent of the provisions which concern right of abode in Hong Kong.

The second 3 800-metre runway at the Hong Kong International Airport opens. The Transport Department selects the Hong Kong Tunnels and Highways Management Company Limited to manage, operate and maintain the Cross-Harbour Tunnel for two years after the current 30-year franchise on the tunnel operation expires on August 31.

The Financial Secretary departs for a visit to Beijing where he calls on Mainland leaders. Following the visit, he leads a 10-member delegation to Dubai and Bahrain on June 5.

The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr W.K. Lam, announces that Civil Service pay will be frozen for all salary bands in the 1999-2000 financial year.

The Chief Secretary for Administration leads a high-powered delegation on a two-week promotional visit to the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Chief Executive appoints Mr C.Y. Leung as the Convenor of the Executive Council, for a two-year term, succeeding Dr S.Y. Chung.

The Government announces arrangements for Lingnan College to acquire university status and be retitled Lingnan University. Formal gazettal follows a day later.