Meteorological Information Exchange Model (IWXXM) for the Exchange of Operational Meteorological (OPMET) Data (Hong Kong, China, 10-12 October 2017)

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Meteorological Information Exchange Model (IWXXM) for the Exchange of Operational Meteorological (OPMET) Data (Hong Kong, China, 10-12 October 2017) International Organisation Organizaci6n Me>KAyHapOAHas:~ ,)y.hll 4.....J:..:... ~ ~if- ~m Civil Aviation de !'aviation civile de Aviaci6n Civil opraHI!13al\111s:l JJ~\ ~..l..o.ll Organization internationale lnternacional rpaJKAaHCKOiii f.l1i: .:::r:...o;;":;: -~.13. ~0_,, as111a41!1111 Ref.: T 4/6.5:AP084/ 17 (MET) 02 August 2017 Subject: Workshop on implementation ofthe ICAO Meteorological Information Exchange Model (IWXXM) for the Exchange of Operational Meteorological (OPMET) Data (Hong Kong, China, 10-12 October 2017) Action required: Please submit nomination forms not later than 25 August 2017 Dear Sir/Madam, I wish to invite your State to participate in the Workshop on implementation of the ICAO Meteorological Information Exchange Model (IWXXM) for the Exchange of Operational Meteorological (OPMET) Data, hosted by the Director of the Hong Kong Observatory, Hong Kong, China, from 10 to 12 October 2017. The purpose ofthe workshop will be to introduce the latest approved version ofiWXXM, developed and governed jointly by ICAO and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) for use by States in the provision of meteorological service for international air navigation. Technical details will be shared on the use of IWXXM to encode and decode OPMET data, including the roles and responsibilities of aeronautical meteorological service providers in the implementation.. of IWXXM. The workshop is intended to identify and address knowledge gaps amongst participants with a view to enhancing the capability of States to kick-start their own IWXXM implementation projects. The workshop is aimed at personnel responsible for the technical aspects of the exchange of OPMET information for international civil aviation and especially in the migration to (the use of) IWXXM. The workshop will be conducted in English. Further information on the workshop is given at the Attachment 1 and an information sheet for participants is at Attachment 2. .. 2/ Asia and Pacific Office Postal Address: Tel. : +66 (2) 537-8189 www.icao.int/apac 252/1 Vibhavadi Rangsit Road P.O. Box 11 Fax: +66 (2) 537-8199 E-mail: [email protected] Chatuchak Samyaek Ladprao Bangkok 10900 Bangkok 10901 Thailand Thailand -2- To facilitate preparations for the workshop, I would be grateful if you could nominate suitable expert(s) from your State using the nomination form at Attachment 3, which should be sent directly to the host at the address below at your earliest convenience, but not later than 25 August 2017. Please note that as places on the workshop are limited, acceptance of nominations will be confirmed by the host by 1 September 2017. Workshop host's contact details Mr. William Shum Scientific Officer Hong Kong Observatory E-mail: [email protected] Fax:+852 2375 2645 Tel: +852 2926 8531 Yours sincerely, ~~Arun Mishra Regional Director Enclosures: Attachment 1: Workshop information Attachment 2: Information for participants Attachment 3: Nomination form Attachment 1 to AP084/17 (MET) Workshop on implementation of the ICAO Meteorological Information Exchange Model (IWXXM) for the Exchange of Operational Meteorological (OPMET) Data Hosted by the Director of the Hong Kong Observatory (Hong Kong, China, 10-12 October 2017) Objective To address the training and capacity building needs in the Asia/Pacific Region in relation to the implementation of IWXXM for the exchange of OPMET data. Contents 1. IWXXM and its importance to the Global Air Navigation Plan (GANP) and Aviation System Block Upgrade (ASBU); 2. Collaboration of WMO and ICAO in the development and governance of IWXXM 3. Regional considerations with respect to the Guidelines for the implementation of OPMET Data Exchange using IWXXM; 4. Technical aspects related to IWXXM with emphasis on assisting participants to kick start their own implementation project, such as: a. Introduction of IWXXM and its use for message encoding; b. Translation of TAC to IWXXM bulletins; c. Validation of IWXXM bulletins and available resources; and d. Infrastructural and operational requirements for IWXXM bulletin exchange; 5. Experience sharing on IWXXM implementation and gap identification; and 6. Discussion on preparation for local and regional implementation. Language English Dates 10-12 October 2017 Nominations Places on the workshop are limited, so please return the completed nomination form to the workshop host (contact details below) by 25 August 2017. Confirmation of participants Acceptance of nominations will be confirmed by the host by 1 September 2017. 1 - 1 Attachment 1 to AP084/17 (MET) Nominees should satisfy the following selection criteria: Proficient in English language; Experienced in processing aeronautical meteorological information, including preparation and exchange of OPMET data; Capable of leading and carrying out associated actions in the implementation of IWXXM; Prepared to provide feedback to the workshop host within 6 months after the workshop on the usefulness of the knowledge and skills acquired, especially on how the knowledge and skills are applied in their organizations; and Willing to continue to exchange technical information and experience with the workshop host and among the other participants after the workshop. Host’s contact details Mr. William Shum Scientific Officer Hong Kong Observatory E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +852 2375 2645 Tel: +852 2926 8531 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1 - 2 Attachment 2 to AP084/17 (MET) WMO VCP / ICAO APAC Workshop on Implementation of ICAO Meteorological Information Exchange Model (IWXXM) for the Exchange of Operational Meteorological (OPMET) Data Local Information for Participants 1. Date and Venue The workshop will be held from 10 to 12 October 2017 (Tuesday to Thursday) at the Conference Hall of the Hong Kong Observatory Headquarters, 134A Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. The meeting will start at 9 am on 10 October 2017 (Tuesday). 2. Working Language and Internet Access The working language will be English. Free Wi-Fi access is available in the venue. 3. Visa Information A valid passport is necessary for all persons entering Hong Kong. Some countries may need visa. You can apply the visa from the nearest Chinese diplomatic and consular mission. For further information, please visit the website of the Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. http://www.immd.gov.hk/en/services/hk-visas/visit-transit/visit-visa-entry-permit.html Please contact the local organizer if you require any assistance. 4. Accommodation There are numerous hotels in Hong Kong and maps showing their locations are available in Appendix A for participants’ information. Reservations can be made through their respective websites or online travel agents. As room rate fluctuates, participants are invited to secure their reservations at their earliest convenience. Hotels Website Stanford Hillview Hotel http://www.stanfordhillview.com/default-en.html BP International http://www.bpih.com.hk/ Best Western Grand http://www.bestwesterngrandhotel.com/en/ Empire Hotel Kowloon http://www.empirehotelsandresorts.com/en/ehk/overview.aspx The Kimberly Hotel http://www.kimberley.hk/eng/home/ The Mira Hong Kong http://www.themirahotel.com/category/rooms/ 2 - 1 Attachment 2 to AP084/17 (MET) 5. Transportation From the airport to the hotel: (a) Hotel Airport Shuttle Hotel airport shuttle from and to the airport is available. Please consult the hotel you are staying for the fare of a trip. (b) Airport Bus Take Cityflyer Route A21 from Hong Kong International Airport to Kimberley Road / Miramar Shopping Centre, Nathan Road (Stop 12). Then walk for about 10 – 15 minutes (~500 m) to the hotel (see map below). Note that you need to walk up the slope at the Observatory Road for Stanford Hillview Hotel. Fare: HKD33 (Approx 70 min) http://www.nwstbus.com.hk/routes/airport-bus/route/index.aspx Hotel Bus Stop Hotel Hotel Hotel (c) Taxi Taxis in Hong Kong are colour-coded according to their operating areas. Please take the red one which serves nearly all the destinations throughout Hong Kong. Fare: Approx. HKD250-300 from the Airport to Tsim Sha Tsui [depending on traffic] plus baggage charge http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/transport/to-from-airport/taxi.html 2 - 2 Attachment 2 to AP084/17 (MET) 6. Electricity The standard electrical voltage in Hong Kong is 220 V AC, 50Hz. The majority of electrical outlets in Hong Kong take a three-pronged UK-style plug as shown below. 7. Currency The unit of the currency is Hong Kong Dollar. Coins are in denominations of 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5 and 10. Bank notes of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 are in circulation. The exchange rate against US dollar is approximately HKD 7.8 ~ USD 1. Credit card use is common in most shops for major purchases and most accept VISA and MasterCard, and some accept American Express as well. ATM machines are also available in Tsim Sha Tsui. 8. Climate For October: Mean daily maximum temperature 27.8 oC Mean daily minimum temperature 23.7 oC Mean relative humidity 73 % Mean rainfall 100.9 mm Note: The venue is air-conditioned and you may consider bringing a light jacket if necessary. 9. Useful Information Discover Hong Kong: http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/index.jsp Hong Kong Travel Guide in wikitravel: http://wikitravel.org/en/Hong_Kong Hong Kong Observatory (for weather information): http://www.hko.gov.hk Consulates in Hong Kong: http://www.protocol.gov.hk/eng/consular/index.html In emergency situations, you can contact the local police, ambulance service, fire department and other emergency services by calling 999. 2 - 3
Recommended publications
  • Membership List
    MEMBERSHIP LIST Hotel Address Tel.No. Fax.No. 99 Bonham 99 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong 3940 1111 3940 1100 Hotel Alexandra 32 City Garden Road, North Point, Hong Kong 3893 2888 3893 2999 (opening in 2020) ALVA HOTEL BY ROYAL 1 Yuen Hong Street, Shatin, New Territories 3653 1111 3653 1122 Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong 88 Siena Avenue Discovery Bay Lantau Island, Hong Kong 2295 8288 2295 8188 BEST WESTERN Hotel Causeway Bay Cheung Woo Lane, Canal Road West, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong 2496 6666 2836 6162 BEST WESTERN PLUS Hotel Hong Kong 308 Des Voeux Road West, Hong Kong 3410 3333 2559 8499 Best Western PLUS Hotel Kowloon 73-75 Chatham Road South, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon 2311 1100 2311 6000 Bishop Lei International House 4 Robinson Road, Mid Levels, Hong Kong 2868 0828 2868 1551 Butterfly on Prat 21 Prat Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon 3962 8888 3962 8889 The Charterhouse Causeway Bay 209-219 Wanchai Road, Hong Kong 2833 5566 2833 5888 City Garden Hotel 9 City Garden Road, North Point, Hong Kong 2887 2888 2887 1111 The Cityview 23 Waterloo Road, Yaumatei, Kowloon 2783 3888 2783 3899 Conrad Hong Kong Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong 2521 3838 2521 3888 Cordis Hong Kong 555 Shanghai Street, Mongkok, Kowloon 3552 3388 3552 3322 Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong 375-377 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong 3552 8388 3552 8399 Courtyard by Marriott Hong Kong 167 Connaught Road West, Hong Kong 3717 8888 3717 8228 Courtyard by Marriott Hong Kong Sha Tin 1 On Ping Street, Shatin, New Territories 3940 8888 3940 8828 Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Kowloon East 3 Tong Tak Street, Tseung Kwan O, Kowloon 3983 0388 3983 0399 Disney Explorers Lodge Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Lantau Island, Hong Kong 3510 2000 3510 2333 Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Lantau Island, Hong Kong 3510 6000 3510 6333 Disney’s Hollywood Hotel Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Lantau Island, Hong Kong 3510 5000 3510 5333 Dorsett Kwun Tong, Hong Kong 84 Hung To Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon 3989 6888 3989 6868 Dorsett Mongkok, Hong Kong No.
    [Show full text]
  • Experimental Use of a Weather Buoy in Wind
    Reprint 893 Wind Data Collected by a Fixed-wing Aircraft in the Vicinity of a Typhoon over the South China Coastal Waters P.W. Chan & K.K. Hon The 29 th Conference on Hurricanes and Tropical Meteorology, 10-14 May 2010, Tucson, Arizona, USA Wind data collected by a fixed-wing aircraft in the vicinity of a typhoon over the south China coastal waters P.W. Chan * and K.K. Hon Hong Kong Observatory, Hong Kong, China Abstract: east of Hong Kong, GFS conducted a SAR operation near the typhoon. The J41 aircraft equipped with The fixed-wing aircraft of Government Flying Service AIMMS-20 flied within 100 km from the centre of of the Hong Kong Government has recently equipped Molave. At that time, the horizontal wind and with an upgraded meteorological measuring system. pressure measurements from AIMMS20 were Besides search and rescue (SAR) missions, this checked to be normal. This SAR operation provided aircraft is also used for windshear and turbulence valuable observations about the typhoon that could investigation flights at the Hong Kong International not be achieved with the conventional meteorological Airport. In a SAR operation in July 2009, the aircraft measurements (including both in situ and remote flew close to the eye of Typhoon Molave, when it was sensing measurements) available in the region. In located at about 200 km to the east of Hong Kong particular, the 20-Hz wind data could be used to over the south China coastal waters. The aircraft calculate the wind spectrum and turbulence intensity provided valuable information about the winds in such as eddy dissipation rate (EDR) at various association with Molave.
    [Show full text]
  • New HKETO Director to Promote Hong Kong in ASEAN Countries
    HONG KONG ECONOMIC & TRADE OFFICE • SINGAPORE FilesFiles FEBRUARY 2002 ISSUE • MITA (P) 297/09/2001 New HKETO Director to promote Hong Kong in ASEAN countries THE Hong Kong Economic and Trade rule of law, a clean and accountable Office (HKETO) would strive to its administration, the free flow of captial, uttermost to maintain and foster the close information and ideas, a level playing tie between Hong Kong and ASEAN field would continue to provide the countries in trade, business and culture, basis of Hong Kong’s success in the Mr Rex Chang, Director of HKETO in future. While Hong Kong’s strategic Singapore, said at a welcoming reception location with China as its hinterland, in January. low and simple taxes, world- class Mr Chang said, “ ASEAN, taken as a transport and communication group, is Hong Kong’s third largest infrastructure, concentration of top market for domestic exports, re-exports flight financial and business service and source of imports. It is also the Mr Rex Chang, Director of Hong Kong Economic providers had all worked out to make fourth largest trading partner of Hong and Trade Office, addressing at the reception. Hong Kong the Asia’s World City. Kong. Five of the ASEAN countries, Over 200 guests including diplomats, namely Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, enhance the understanding of Hong government officials, senior business the Philippines and Indonesia, are Kong in the region. Mr Chang added that executives and representatives from the among the top 20 trading partners of Hong Kong welcomed more investment media and community organisations Hong Kong.” from the region.
    [Show full text]
  • Information of the Mobile Apps of B/Ds Available for Download by the Public (As of End-April 2019)
    Annex A Information of the mobile apps of B/Ds available for download by the public (as of end-April 2019) B/D Name Annual Recurrent Cost Total Number (Approximate) of Downloads as at 30 April 2019 1. Agriculture, Fisheries Country Parks Tree $54,000 50 000 and Conservation Walks Department 2. Agriculture, Fisheries Enjoy Hiking $54,000 394 000 and Conservation Department 3. Agriculture, Fisheries Reef Check Hong $39,000 10 700 and Conservation Kong Department 4. Buildings Department Quick Guide for $65,000 12 700 MBIS/MWIS 5. Buildings Department Quick Guide for $120,000 33 000 Minor Works 6. Civil Engineering and HK Geology Maintained by deploying 22 900 Development internal resources. No Department additional expenditure is involved. 7. Civil Service Bureau Government Included in maintenance cost 600 000 Vacancies of other systems. As it is not a stand-alone project, no separate cost breakdown is available. 8. Companies Registry CR eFiling Included in the maintenance 13 900 cost of the Core System of the Companies Registry. As it is not a stand-alone project, no separate cost breakdown is available. 9. Constitutional and A Basic Law Quiz A $77,000 65 000 Mainland Affairs Bureau Day 10. Correctional Services Hong Kong Maintained by deploying 19 300 Department Correctional Services internal resources. Department Mobile No additional expenditure is App involved. 11. Customs and Excise HK Car First $45,000 19 400 Department Registration Tax 12. Department of Health CookSmart: $35,000 49 000 (Central Health EatSmart Recipes Education Unit) 13. Department of Health EatSmart Restaurant $16,000 41 000 (Central Health Education Unit) 14.
    [Show full text]
  • Astronomy Education in China, Hong Kong Or on This Document Please Contact the Office of Astronomy for Education ([email protected])
    Astronomy Education in China, Hong Kong This overview is part of the project "Astronomy Education Worldwide" of the International Astronomical Union's Office of Astronomy for Education. More information: https://astro4edu.org/worldwide ​ Structure of education: Usually, children start their learning in kindergartens from 3 to 6 years old. It ​ is followed by 6-year formal education in mainstream primary education (taught in Chinese, English and Mandarin). Secondary school is compulsory for 6 years, studying all subjects for the first 3 years and registering their interested subjects (from Liberal Arts, Science and Business) as electives for the remaining 3 years. There would be Territory-wide System Assessments for P.3, P.6 and F.3 students every year for evaluating the overall learning standard of students. All twelve years of education at public schools are free of charge if studying at government and aided schools. In the final year of secondary studies, Form 6 Students need to prepare for the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination to fulfill requirements for higher-level studies. As for Post-secondary Education, there are multiple study pathways, such as 4-year bachelor’s degree programs and 2-year sub-degree programs. For non-Chinese speaking students and foreign nationals, there are also some international schools and private schools in primary and secondary education. They will continue their further studies to overseas universities or high-level educational colleges after another public examination, such as GCE A-Level and IB Diploma (different curriculum comparing to the mainstream education). Education facilities: Hong Kong schools have typical class sizes of around 25 to 30 students, ​ students usually would have the same timetables from primary to secondary (P.1-P.6 and F.1-F.3).
    [Show full text]
  • Technical Note No
    HONG KONG OBSERVATORY Technical Note No. 109 Evolution of the Tropical Cyclone Warning Systems in Hong Kong since 1884 by W.H. Lui, T.C. Lee and C.M. Shun © Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Published January 2018 Prepared by Hong Kong Observatory 134A Nathan Road Kowloon Hong Kong This publication is prepared and disseminated in the interest of promoting information exchange. The finding, conclusions and views contained herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Hong Kong Observatory or the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including its servants and agents) makes no warranty, statement or representation, express or implied, with respect to the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information contained herein, and in so far as permitted by law, shall not have any legal liability or responsibility (including liability for negligence) for any loss, damage, or injury (including death) which may result, whether directly or indirectly, from the supply or use of such information. Mention of product of manufacturer does not necessarily constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation. Permission to reproduce any part of this publication should be obtained through the Hong Kong Observatory. 551.515.2 i ii Abstract Soon after the establishment of the Hong Kong Observatory* in 1883, a tropical cyclone warning system was implemented as one of the main tasks of the Observatory. The signal system consisted of the non-local storm signals and the local storm signals. The non-local storm signals provided the mariners and shipmasters with the position of tropical cyclone and its direction and speed of movement.
    [Show full text]
  • Windshear and Turbulence in Hong Kong
    WWiinnddsshheeaarr aanndd TTuurrbbuulleennccee iinn HHoonngg KKoonngg - information for pilots Published by the Hong Kong Observatory, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. 1st edition ©2002 2nd edition ©2005 3rd edition ©2010 Copyright reserved 2010. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the Director of the Hong Kong Observatory. Disclaimer The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including its servants and agents), the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations and The Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators make no warranty, statement or representation, express or implied, with respect to the accuracy, availability, completeness or usefulness of the information, contained herein, and in so far as permitted by law, shall not have any legal liability or responsibility (including liability for negligence) for any loss or damage, which may result, whether directly or indirectly, from the supply or use of such information or in reliance thereon. Foreword The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) provides windshear and turbulence alerting service for aircraft using the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). This booklet aims at providing pilots and air navigators with the basic information on windshear and turbulence, their causes, and the windshear and turbulence alerting service in Hong Kong. Compared with the last edition, the present edition has incorporated in particular the latest knowledge and experience with Published by the Hong Kong Observatory, Hong Kong Special the operation of LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging), a powerful Administrative Region Government. tool in warning windshear and turbulence under clear-air conditions. Other updated items include: aircraft flight data and 1st edition ©2002 some analyses in connection with “gentle windshear”.
    [Show full text]
  • ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee Fifty-Second Session of Typhoon Committee Hong Kong, China 27 - 29 May 2020
    FOR PARTICIPANTS ONLY ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee Fifty-second Session of Typhoon Committee Hong Kong, China 27 - 29 May 2020 INFORMATION NOTE FOR PARTICIPANTS Re-Schedule of meetings 1. The Fifty-second Session of the ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee is re-scheduled to be held at Tsim Sha Tsui Community Hall, 136A Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China from 27 to 29 May 2020 at the kind invitation of the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). Please refer to the details of the meeting venue and location map at Appendix A. 2. The official opening of the Session will be held on 27 May 2020. Subject to confirmation by the Typhoon Committee, the daily schedule, except for the opening ceremony, will be from 8:30 am to 12:00 and from 2:00 to 5:30 pm. 1 Registration 3. Participants are requested to make registration through the online registration website here (please click) or return the duly completed Registration Form (Appendix B) by email: [email protected] on or before 27 April 2020. 4. A Registration and Information Desk will be setup at the entrance of the meeting venue and will be operated during the Session. Participants are requested to wear identification badges during the meeting and official functions. Visa/Entry Requirements/Health Advice 5. Visitors to Hong Kong, China must hold a valid passport, endorsed where necessary for Hong Kong, China. Hong Kong, China has a liberal visa policy, allowing visa-free entry to nationals of more than 170 countries and territories. For country-specific visa information, please visit: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/visit-transit/visit-visa-entry-permit.html 6.
    [Show full text]
  • Harrow Hong Kong's Severe Weather Policy
    Harrow International School Hong Kong: Severe Weather Procedures The rainy season in Hong Kong usually runs from April to September and in severe weather conditions, the School adheres to official public announcements from the Hong Kong Observatory and the Education Bureau. Broadcasts are usually announced on both radio and television by 6.15am and are repeated at regular and frequent intervals throughout the day. Parents are advised to take note of the following arrangements, which apply in all cases except when pupils are taking external examinations (see External Examinations below). Procedures when a signal is raised before School starts: Typhoon 1 All Early Years to Y13 classes will operate as usual. Typhoon 3 Early Years will close. Y1 to Y13 classes operate as usual unless otherwise instructed Pre-Typhoon 8 Lessons will be stopped for the entire day for all pupils and boarders will be /Typhoon 8 or supervised by onsite staff. above # Amber Rainstorm All Early Years to Y13 classes will operate as usual. Red Rainstorm # Lessons will be stopped for the entire day for all pupils and boarders will be supervised by onsite staff Black Rainstorm # Lessons will be stopped for the entire day for all pupils and boarders will be supervised by onsite staff # If a signal is raised while pupils are travelling to School, the School will be responsible for their supervision until it is safe for them to return home or until a parent or carer collects them from School. Pupils who have not left for School should stay at home. Please note that formal lessons will not be conducted, even if some pupils do come to School.
    [Show full text]
  • Hong Kong 2007
    100 Chapter 5 Commerce and Industry As a place for doing business, Hong Kong is hard to beat. It has all the advantages for trade to flourish: low tax rates, modern infrastructure, rule of law, free flow of capital and information and, equally important, it is the world’s freest economy and gateway to today’s most sought-after market — the mainland of China. Hong Kong is a leading international trading and services hub as well as a high value-added manufacturing base. It is widely recognised as one of the freest economies in the world, and the gateway to the Mainland market. Hong Kong’s continuing economic success owes much to a simple tax structure and low tax rates, a versatile and industrious workforce, excellent infrastructure, free flow of capital and information, the rule of law, and the Government’s firm commitment to free trade and free enterprise. The Government sees its task as facilitating commerce and industry within the framework of a free market. It does not impose tariffs. Regulatory measures on international trade are kept to a minimum. Hong Kong also adopts an open and liberal investment policy and actively encourages inward investment. The Government’s industrial policy is designed to promote industrial development by creating a business-friendly environment and providing adequate support services and infrastructure. It promotes innovation and technological improvement to match Hong Kong industry’s shift towards knowledge-based and high value-added activities. It aims to strengthen support for technology development and application, promote the wider use of design, develop a critical mass of fine scientists, engineers and designers, skilled technicians and venture capitalists, and encourage the development of a significant cluster of innovation and technology- based businesses.
    [Show full text]
  • Administration's Paper on "Measure to Address Noise Impact of Existing
    For discussion on 15 December 2000 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Panels of Environmental Affairs and Transport Measures to Address Noise Impact of Existing Roads INTRODUCTION This paper supplements the Legislative Council brief issued to Members on 18 November 2000 concerning a new policy to address the noise impact of existing roads on nearby residents. A copy of the brief is at Enclosure 1. THE NEW POLICY 2. The new policy to address the noise impact of existing roads on residents in the neighbourhood is as follow - (a) engineering solutions, by way of retrofitting of barriers and enclosures, and resurfacing with low noise material, should be implemented where practicable at existing excessively noisy roads in accordance with the guiding principles set out in paragraphs 7 and 13 of the Legislative Council brief; and (b) Non-engineering solutions, such as traffic management measures, should be explored on a case-by-case basis and implemented where practicable at roads where engineering solutions are impracticable or where engineering solutions alone are inadequate in reducing the noise to an acceptable level. PAGE 2 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Roads exceeding noise limit 3. According to the assessment of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), 655 out of 3,000 existing roads in Hong Kong are currently generating noise in excess of the noise limit for new roads of 70dB(A). This does not mean, however, all flats near these 655 roads are exposed to high noise levels. This is because the degree of noise impact would depend on factors including height and location of the flats and any structure that screens the line-of-sight to the road.
    [Show full text]
  • A Draft Comprehensive Plan to Tackle Road Traffic Noise in Hong Kong
    A DRAFT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO TACKLE ROAD TRAFFIC NOISE IN HONG KONG THE DIGEST Environmental Protection Department April 2006 CONTENTS Page No. PREFACE I INTRODUCTION 1 II WHAT HAS THE GOVERNMENT DONE? 2 The Policy Objectives 2 The 4-pronged Approach 2 III THE PROGRESS AND SUCCESSES OF THE 4 EXISTING MEASURES Prevention of Noise Problems through Planning and 4 Environmental Impact Assessment New Land Uses 4 New Roads 4 New Residential Developments 5 Re-development 6 Legislative Control of Individual Vehicles 6 Noise Control Ordinance (NCO) 6 Road Traffic Ordinance (RTO) 7 Noise Abatement Programmes 7 Noise Abatement in Schools Programme 7 Highway Resurfacing Programme 8 Retrofitting Noise Barrier Programme 9 Low Noise Material Resurfacing 10 Traffic Management Scheme 10 Pedestrianization 11 Education, Public Engagement and Partnership 11 The Successes 12 IV THE EXTENT OF RESIDUAL ROAD TRAFFIC 13 NOISE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG The Extent of Residual Problem 13 Comparison with other Countries and Regions 14 V THE RATIONALE - WHY ACTION NOW 15 VI THE REMAINING PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES 16 VII THE KEY PRINCIPLES AND DRIVING CONCEPTS 17 VIII THE PROPOSED ENHANCED MEASURES 18 Formulating Enhanced Measures 18 Extending the Trial of Low Noise Road Surfacing 19 Materials Exploring New Design of Low Noise Road 19 Surfacing Materials Exploring Optimum Barrier Design for 20 Territory-wide Use Controlling Noise Emission from In-use Vehicles 20 Review the Professional Practice Note on Road 21 Traffic Noise (ProPECC PN1/97) Promotion of Disclosure of Noise
    [Show full text]