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Focus on Hong Kong - Introduction
The Vitality of Hong Kong People
A Sound Administration with High Degree of Autonomy and Freedom
The Rule of Law
A Prosperous Economy
A Gateway to China
Global and Regional Centre for Businesses and Finance
A City where East Meets West
A Sound Administration with High Degree of Autonomy and Freedom
The Basic Law
Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China (PRC) on 1st July 1997. The Basic Law of the HKSAR came into effect the same day. The Basic Law prescribes the legal systems to be practiced in the HKSAR, while allowing it to continue enjoying a high degree of autonomy and freedom under "one country two systems". Under the Basic Law, the HKSAR exercises executive, legislative and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. The HKSAR remains a free port, a separate customs territory and an international financial centre.
The Chief Executive
The HKSAR Government is headed by the Chief Executive. The first Chief Executive of HKSAR was Mr. Tung Chee Hua. The incumbent Chief Executive Mr. Donald Tsang was elected as Mr. Tung's successor in June 2005, and Mr. Tsang was re-elected in March 2007. (http://www.ceo.gov.hk/)
The Executive Council
Under Article 55 of the Basic Law, the Chief Executive may make appointments – from among the principal officials of the executive authorities, members of the Legislative Council and public figures – to form the Executive Council. The role of the Executive Council is to advise the Chief Executive on policy decisions, introducing bills to the Legislative Council, as well as making subordinate legislation. (http://www.ceo.gov.hk/exco)
The Legislative Council
Under the Basic Law, the Legislative Council of the HKSAR is constituted by election. The Legislative Council is responsible for enacting, amending or repealing laws in accordance with the provisions of the Basic Law and legal procedures. The Legislative Council will also examine and approve budgets introduced by the Government; approve taxation and public expenditure; receive and debate the policy address of the Chief Executive and endorse the appointment and removal of the judges of the Court of Final Appeal and the Chief Judge of the High Court. (http://www.legco.gov.hk)
District Administration
The District Administration Scheme started in 1982 with the establishment of a District Board and a District Management Committee in each district. Through the scheme, the Government promotes public participation in district affairs and fosters a sense of belonging and mutual care among the people of Hong Kong. Following the 1998 review of the structure and functions of district organisations, District Boards were renamed District Councils to underline their important role in district administration.
(http://www.districtcouncils.gov.hk)
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