ENG-2005 — Page 16

ii Calendar of Events in 2005

March

5

8

00

10

12

16

April

2

6

01

22

27

The Security Bureau, together with a number of other government departments and organisations, launches a year-long public education campaign, 'Safer Living — Reducing Natural Disasters', to encourage the public to take precautions against natural disasters.

Modern Terminals Limited, Hong Kong's first container terminal operator since 1972, celebrates handling its 50 millionth container.

Mr Tung Chee Hwa tenders his resignation as the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to the Central People's Government (CPG).

The CPG approves Mr Tung Chee Hwa's resignation as the Chief Executive. In accordance with the Basic Law, the Chief Secretary for Administration temporarily assumes the duties of the Chief Executive.

In his Budget Speech, the Financial Secretary pledges continued fiscal restraint and a balanced budget by 2007-08. He earmarks an extra $500 million for tourism promotion and proposes that estate tax be abolished.

The Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, announces that experts from the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao have recommended San Shek Wan on Lantau, Gongbei in Zhuhai and A Pérola in Macao as the landing points of the proposed Hong Kong- Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

The Acting Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, submits a report to the State Council proposing that the council ask the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) to interpret the Basic Law concerning the term of office of the new Chief Executive.

The Acting Chief Executive leads a delegation of officials and local business leaders to Hainan Province for the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2005.

The Standing Committee of the NPC interprets Article 53 of the Basic Law concerning the term of office of the new Chief Executive.

May

1

Polling stations across Hong Kong open for the by-elections to fill 27 vacancies in 16 subsectors on the 800-seat Election Committee which is charged with electing the Chief Executive in July.