ENG-2011 — Page 29

Calendar of Events 2011 | vii

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25-29

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29/9-2/10

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October

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Hong Kong is again ranked by the Fraser Institute as the world's freest economy in the Economic Freedom of the World 2011 Annual Report. The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, pays a five-day visit to Moscow and St Petersburg to discuss co-operation on culture and sport with Russian government officials.

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development leads the HKSAR delegation to Beijing for the first meeting of the Inter-ministries Joint Conference on the Development of Shenzhen's Qianhai Area. The Secretary for Development attends a conference on city planning at the Rockefeller Conference Centre in Bellagio, Italy.

The Central People's Government approves the resignation of Mr Henry Tang as Chief Secretary for Administration, as well as the Chief Executive's recommendation to appoint Mr Stephen Lam to fill the post; for Mr Raymond Tam takes up Mr Lam's post as the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs; and for Professor Gabriel Leung to be appointed as the Director of the Chief Executive's Office.

The Chief Executive speaks about Hong Kong's strengths and advantages as China's international financial centre and its support of the nation's development in a speech in Hong Kong marking the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare congratulates the Hong Kong delegation to the International Abilympics 2011 on winning two gold awards and five special prizes.

The Convenor of the Non-official Members of the Executive Council, Mr Leung Chun-ying, tenders his resignation from the council. His post is filled by fellow-councillor, Mr Ronald Arculli.

The Secretary for Justice departs for his visit to Paris, Brussels, the Hague and Amsterdam to strengthen ties with those cities and to promote Hong Kong as a premier legal dispute resolution centre. The Work Incentive Transport Subsidy Scheme invites applications. It was set up to help low income households with employed members offset travelling expenses to and from work.

Cultural ministers and senior officials from 11 Asian countries attend a panel discussion in Hong Kong, a highlight of the 'Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum 2011' held to support the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage.

The Chief Executive delivers his final annual Policy Address in which he tackles some of Hong Kong's most pressing concerns, including the need for affordable housing, more help for the elderly, enhancing the city's competitiveness and improving living standards.

Hong Kong and New Zealand sign an 'Arrangement on Education Co-operation' to help build and strengthen the education relationship between the two places.