ENG-2009 — Page 15

Calendar of Events in 2009

January

8

00

9

12

13

19

20

22

February

7

The Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, orders an immediate review to improve the regulatory structure and enhance investor protection after receiving reports from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Securities and Futures Commission examining the Lehman Brothers Minibonds incident.

Hong Kong scientists receive a first-class and six second-class awards in the 2008 State Science and Technology Awards organised by the State Council.

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Wong Yan Lung, speaking at the opening of the 2009 Legal Year, says amid the global financial crisis, Hong Kong should take the opportunity to strengthen its international competitiveness in the legal services market.

The Heritage Foundation names Hong Kong as the world's freest economy for the 15th consecutive year.

Hong Kong hosts the Asian Financial Forum to discuss the opportunities and challenges faced by Asia in relation to the financial crisis.

Hong Kong and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees sign a Memorandum of Understanding on enhancing co-operation.

The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, announces the appointment of five new members to the Executive Council: Mr Lau Wong-fat, Professor Lawrence Lau, Ms Anna Wu, Ms Marjorie Yang and Mr V Nee Yeh.

The People's Bank of China and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority sign a currency swap agreement to provide short-term liquidity support to the Mainland operations of Hong Kong banks and the Hong Kong operations of Mainland banks in case of need.

The Chief Executive announces a series of measures to deal with expected job losses and company closures caused by the global financial crisis.

Bosnia and Herzegovina grants visa-free entry for Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport holders.

The Chief Executive attends a ceremony in Shenzhen to mark the start of construction on the eastern section of the Second West-East Natural Gas Pipeline to supply Hong Kong with clean energy.

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