ENG-2004 — Page 15

Calendar of Events in 2004

January

1

7

9

11

30

February

8

17

21

25

The liberalisation measures covered by the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) are implemented. Goods from Hong Kong in 374 Mainland 2004 tariff codes meeting CEPA origin rules enjoy zero tariff upon entry into the Mainland, and Hong Kong service suppliers in 18 service sectors enjoy preferential market access treatment in the Mainland.

In his annual Policy Address, the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, is optimistic about Hong Kong's economic prospects and expects to see a continuing decline in unemployment and an easing of deflation in 2004.

Hong Kong is ranked the world's freest economy for the 10th consecutive year by The Heritage Foundation in its '2004 Index of Economic Freedom'.

The Financial Secretary, Mr Henry Tang, leaves for a six-day duty visit to the United States and the United Kingdom for meetings with financial and business leaders.

Hong Kong receives its millionth Mainland visitor since the Individual Visit Scheme was launched on July 28, 2003.

The Constitutional Development Task Force, led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Donald Tsang, leaves for Beijing to discuss issues relating to constitutional development in Hong Kong.

The Financial Secretary leads a high-level delegation to Beijing for talks on the recognition of professional qualifications and other issues under CEPA.

The Government agrees to acquire the historic Kom Tong Hall in Castle Road, Central and Western District, from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for $53 million and convert it into a Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum.

Hong Kong banks introduce personal renminbi banking, including deposit taking, currency exchange and remittance services. From April 30 they will issue renminbi debit and credit cards.

!

Page 15Page 16