ENG-1999 — Page 20

CALENDAR OF EVENTS IN 1999

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October

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6

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9

The Hurricane Signal, No. 10, is hoisted for the first time since 1983 as Typhoon York batters Hong Kong. Two men die and over 500 people are injured. Hundreds of trees are uprooted, and numerous roads blocked.

The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr John Tsang, declares intellectual piracy in Hong Kong is under control.

The Financial Secretary arrives in Las Vegas at the start of an 11-day, four-city visit to the United States, during which he will attend the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington.

The Airport Authority announces that it will reduce landing and parking charges by 15 per cent from January 1, 2000.

Hong Kong sends a rescue team of volunteer firemen and ambulancemen to help in rescue operations following a major earthquake in Taiwan.

The Government gazettes a bill providing for partial privatisation of the Mass Transit Railway Corporation.

Another major storm-Severe Tropical Storm Cam-hits Hong Kong. One man dies, over 20 people are injured, and there is widespread flooding. It is the fifth time in the year that the No. 8 or a higher signal is hoisted because of a tropical cyclone, equalling the record set in 1964. Four of these tropical cyclones crossed Hong Kong, breaking the record of two in 1964.

The Financial Secretary meets US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, in Washington, at the end of his visit to the United States.

The Chief Executive attends celebrations in Beijing marking the 50th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. He leads a SAR delegation that includes Principal Officials, including the Chief Secretary for Administration and the Financial Secretary, departmental heads and judges.

Returning to Hong Kong, Mr Tung in the evening attends a National Day Celebration Show that marks the culmination of local events held to celebrate the anniversary.

The Chief Executive delivers his 1999 Policy Address, outlining plans to position Hong Kong as Asia's premier international city for the 21st century, including major initiatives in education, the environment and urban renewal.

The Town Planning Board approves two applications for the development of liquefied petroleum gas filling stations, at Sheung Wan and Tai Po, as part of measures to reduce air pollution.

The Chief Executive presents honours and awards to 254 recipients at Government House.

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November

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The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr David Lan, tells the United Nations Human Rights Committee in Geneva that Hong Kong continues to flourish as a freewheeling society with a free market economy underpinned by the rule of law and the free flow of ideas and information.

Hong Kong and The Walt Disney Company announce a joint venture to build a world- class international theme park, a 1 400-room Disney themed resort hotel complex and a retail, dining and entertainment centre at Penny's Bay on Lantau Island. The Commissioner for Transport, Mr Robert Footman, approves an application from the Hongkong & Yaumati Ferry Co. Ltd. to transfer its ferry service licences to New World First Ferry Services Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of New World First Holdings Limited. The change-over will take effect on January 15, 2000.