ENG-2019 — Page 25

Calendar of Events

2019

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The Financial Secretary announces enhancements to the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme and a new guarantee product under the scheme to provide timely support to SMEs which are facing weakening cash flow amidst economic uncertainties.

The Financial Secretary says the government disagrees with Fitch's assessment in relation to the downgrading of Hong Kong's credit rating to AA from AA+, and its outlook to negative from stable. Despite the social incidents over the preceding months, the government does not agree that this should lead to Fitch's calling into question the effective implementation of the 'one country, two systems' principle in Hong Kong.

The 6,000 square metre Cattle Depot Art Park is opened after the completion of the Kowloon City District Signature Project Scheme, which revitalised the rear portion of the former Ma Tau Kok Animal Quarantine Depot, commonly called the Cattle Depot, a Grade 2 historic building.

Hong Kong is again ranked as the world's freest economy by the Canadian-based Fraser Institute, retaining the top position since 1996.

The hottest Mid-autumn Festival takes place as the maximum temperature at the Observatory reaches 33 degrees. There are seven consecutive hot nights - defined by a minimum of at least 28 degrees - from 8 to 14 September, the longest period on record for the month.

The Financial Secretary says the government disagrees with Moody's Investors. Service's decision to change Hong Kong's credit outlook to negative from stable on the grounds that the social incidents might have eroded the city's institutional strength. He adds that despite concerns over the social incidents, Hong Kong's financial markets and banking system have been functioning normally, and that Hong Kong's deeper economic and financial ties with the Mainland are a positive driver for the city's long-term development.

Three train carriages derail near Hung Hom Station on the East Rail Line, causing a suspension of services between Hung Hom and Mong Kok East stations. The MTR Corporation sets aside $25 million as fare concessions to passengers under the Service Performance Arrangement.

The first district health centre, Kwai Tsing District Health Centre, opens as part of efforts to establish a district-based, prevention-centred primary healthcare system.

The Chief Executive holds a Community Dialogue session at Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Wan Chai, with 150 participants chosen randomly from an open application. process to help the government fathom the discontent in society and look for solutions.

The minimum allowable wage for foreign domestic helpers rises from $4,520 to $4,630 per month, and the food allowance in lieu of free food from not less than $1,075 to not less than $1,121 per month, for all contracts signed from this day.

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