ENG-2003 — Page 21

CALENDAR OF EVENTS IN 2003

July

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5

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The Government announces two changes in structure will take effect on July 1: the Government Logistics Department is formed by merging the Government Land Transport Agency, the Government Supplies Department and the Printing Department; and the Labour Branch of the Economic Development and Labour Bureau merges with the Labour Department.

Ceremonies marking the HKSAR's sixth anniversary begin with a flag- raising ceremony at the Golden Bauhinia Square, attended by Premier Wen Jiabao and the Chief Executive, and some 3 000 guests. Afterwards, Premier Wen attends a reception hosted by the Chief Executive in the Grand Hall of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Chief Executive issues a statement expressing concern at the large number of people taking part in a march on Hong Kong Island, and also expressing his understanding of their aspirations.

The Financial Secretary welcomes Hong Kong's continued rating as the world's freest economy in the Economic Freedom of the World 2003 Annual Report by the Cato Institute of the United States in conjunction. with the Fraser Institute of Canada and some 50 other research institutes around the world.

The Executive Council decides to defer the resumption of the second reading of the National Security (Legislative Provisions) Bill in the Legislative Council.

The Chief Executive accepts the resignation of Mr James Tien from the Executive Council; he subsequently appoints Mrs Selina Chow to the council on September 22.

A KMB double-deck bus plunges off an elevated section of Tuen Mun Road near Ting Kau, reportedly after a collision with a container lorry; the tragedy claims the lives of 20 passengers and the bus driver. Police subsequently charge a lorry driver with dangerous driving causing death. Voting begins in the 2003 Village Representatives Elections and will continue every weekend until August 17; the elections are being conducted under a statutory framework for the first time.

Officiating at the naming and launching ceremony of 'Team Hong Kong Express', the Chief Secretary for Administration stresses the importance of public education and community support in keeping Hong Kong clean and hygienic.

The Chief Executive announces that he has accepted the resignations of Mr Antony Leung as Financial Secretary and Mrs Regina Ip as Secretary for Security.

The Chief Executive makes a duty visit to Beijing to brief Central People's Government leaders on the latest situation in Hong Kong; he meets. President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao.

Government Flying Services helicopters rescue 16 Mainland seamen from a container vessel adrift 30 miles northeast of Waglan Island, south of Daya Bay, during the passage of Typhoon Imbudo.

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