THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF SWITZERLAND IN HONG KONG

Economy + Finance
Peg architect says it still suits HK: HK's currency link to the US dollar remains suitable for the city even when the US dollar is declining sharply, said John Greenwood, the architect of the 24-year-old peg. "The currency board arrangement in which the HK dollar is unified with the US dollar ... even to this day remains the best arrangement for an economy like HK," said Greenwood, who is a member of a HK Monetary Authority committee on currency board operations. Greenwood said the peg system is consistent with HK's high degree of openness, large ratio of trade in goods and services relative to domestic activities, vast size of capital movement, and absence of capital control.
HK inflation will continue to rise: Financial Secretary John Tsang said the government is concerned over the rise in inflation, but cannot do much to control the problem. The weak US dollar, the strong Yuan, the surge of food prices and the fluctuation of the oil prices were the major factors fuelling inflation. As food is the biggest expenditures for low-income earners, we expect the inflation will go to affect them more, Mr Tsang said. Responding to concerns, Mr. Tsang told legislators the price pressures would be tackled by going ahead with the planned 10 large infrastructure projects as soon as possible, which will create jobs, and by improving HK's efficiency and productivity.
HK bosses tight on pay, survey shows: Employers in HK are struggling with the highest employee turnover rate in the Asia Pacific region after Macau. And according to a study of 162 HK companies by Hewitt Associates, they are also offering the second-lowest salary increases in the region for 2008. The human resources outsourcing and consulting firm said HK's employee turnover rate of 18.3 percent - the highest in five years - was due to a recovering economy. Macau's turnover rate of 24 percent resulted from a rapidly growing gaming industry.
HKMA 'body check' on banks begins: The HK Monetary Authority said its "body check" for local banks will begin this month and last about five months. David Carse, former deputy chief executive of the HKMA, has been appointed as a consultant to head the review of banking stability in the SAR. "Considerable changes and developments have taken place in the banking industry in recent years," HKMA chief executive Joseph Yam said in a statement. "Now is a good time to take another look at how we can further strengthen our work in regulating the banking system."
Jobless rate falls to 3.6pc: HK's unemployment rate for September to November dropped to a 9-year record low of 3.6%, but economists are divided over whether this trend will continue into next year. According to the Census and Statistics Department, the unemployment rate is the lowest since the 3.9% reported for February to April 1998. The figure is also lower than the market prediction of 3.9%.
Stress test for local banks: The HK Monetary Authority expects the impact of the US subprime problem on the local banking sector's credit risk to be moderate. However, the de facto central bank urged banks to be vigilant to the possible risk of a sharp correction in stock prices, in an analysis, "Stress testing loan portfolios of retail banks in HK - the US subprime mortgage problems." The HKMA's tests indicate that HK's banks would be able to withstand hypothetical shocks.
Food, rents push HK inflation to 9-year high: HK's inflation accelerated to a nine-year high last month boosted by increases in food prices and private housing rents. Figures released by the Census and Statistics Department showed that consumer prices rose 3.4% in November from the same month a year ago, jumping from a 3.2% gain in October.
Rates hold key as flat prices head back to pre-handover high: HK's property market continued to pick up steam this year, with robust demand driven by end-users rather than speculators. If mortgage interest rates keep falling, some industry experts see flat prices returning to pre-handover levels as early as next year. "The rate cut in September started another uptrend in the market, which, I guess, will push flat prices back to the 1997 level," said Wong Leung, associate director of Centaline Property's research department.
HK stays on top in competitiveness: HK came first in terms of general competitiveness and governance in the ranking of China's most competitive cities for 2007, the China Institute of City Competitiveness announced. However, the city slipped from fourth to sixth in terms of growth competitiveness. Shenzhen, Macau and Suzhou were the top three.
Budget surplus may hit HK$100b: The government's budget surplus could swell to as much as HK$100 billion this financial year as it reaps the rewards of HK's robust economic growth. Such a staggering performance would almost certainly mean more generous tax cuts and handouts next year and continue to sideline concerns about a narrow tax base. In the first eight months, the surplus reached HK$50.64 billion, matching Financial Secretary John Tsang's revised estimate for 2007-08.

Domestic politics
Chan's win 'vote for democracy': Newly elected legislator Anson Chan said her victory in the Legco by- election was an endorsement for democracy. "This victory doesn't belong to me personally, but to all the HK people who want democracy and freedom," the 67-year-old former chief secretary said. "This victory has given us a strong boost to our fight for universal suffrage. We think we're all ready to implement universal suffrage in 2012."
Defining moment for local politics: The key event of the past seven days has obviously been the HK Island by-election campaign, which saw Anson Chan in a head-to-head face-off with Regina Ip. For the whole of HK, this election probably marked a defining moment in the development of local politics. It was the first time previously high-profile government officials had stood for popular election, in marked contrast to the normal format which sees most direct elections contested by generally well-meaning, but largely incompetent, professionals.
Government to play tough with 'hostile' Legco: HK's political landscape will become more confrontational and polarized in the run-up to the September 2008 Legislative Council election. This is particularly so with the addition of Anson Chan as lawmaker. Sources said Chief Executive Donald Tsang's government is prepared to take a more proactive stance to fight an increasing number of antagonistic challenges from the opposing camp in the coming nine months.
Tsang has pushed hard for 2017 vote target: Donald Tsang's report to China's top legislator Wu Bangguo urging that the chief executive be elected by universal suffrage no later than 2017 is the result of intense behind-the-scenes lobbying with Beijing, aides say. With the National People's Congress' executive arm likely to meet from December 23 to 29, Tsang's report to Wu appears to be a well-orchestrated step to kick off the tripartite mechanism. In fact, Tsang's lobbying began before he announced his decision to stand for the March chief executive election.
Democracy 'not in pocket', warns Anson Chan: Legislator Anson Chan has urged people not to give up the fight for universal suffrage in 2012 until there is a clear timetable for the implementation of "one person, one vote". Mrs Chan has cautioned people to note that neither the central government nor the HK government has made a commitment on a timetable for universal suffrage. Referring to the muted public reaction since Chief Executive Donald Tsang submitted a report on constitutional development to Beijing, she said people seemed to get the impression universal suffrage "is already in the pocket".
Hunger strike planned in suffrage push: Democratic Party members plan to go on a week-long hunger strike in an attempt to pressure the National People's Congress Standing Committee into granting HK elections by universal suffrage in 2012. The NPC committee will be meeting with HK's democratic reforms among items to be discussed. The party is also planning a rally, after which it will try to present a petition to the Central Government Liaison Office. The democrats are attempting to whip up enthusiasm over the universal suffrage issue despite Chief Executive Donald Tsang's call for pragmatism and at a time when the populace is heading into the busiest festive season in a mood made buoyant by the economic boom.
Legco democrats up the ante with direct action call: HK's pro-democracy camp has warned Beijing to expect intense protests if it refuses to give way to dual direct elections in 2012. Democrats will not be moderates, Civic Party lawmaker Ronny Tong said after a Frontier forum in Mong Kok. Tong said pan-democrat lawmakers should consider not attending Legislative Council meetings and the public should boycott schools, or even stop shopping and trading, to express their discontent if the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress decided against direct elections for the chief executive and Legco in 2012.
NPC unlikely to back down over suffrage calls: Beijing will stand firm on its principles despite opposition from pan-democrats, local National People's Congress Standing Committee member Tsang Hin said. "While there is freedom of demonstration, speech and press ... the opposition parties should put the overall interests of HK and its people first," Tsang said. "The central government will not change its basic principles because of protests by opposition parties."
Tsang's 2020 vision: The nation's top legislature has put an end to 20 years of contention over democratising HK by giving the green light to universal suffrage for the election of the Chief Executive in 2017 and of the Legislative Council thereafter. Chief Executive Donald Tsang praised the decision as a "most important step for HK's constitutional development" and said a "clear timetable" had effectively been set for returning all lawmakers by universal suffrage in 2020.
A big step but still a long way to go: The NPC Standing Committee's decision on a timetable for democracy will bring seismic changes in the political landscape and mainland-HK relations. By giving a nod to universal suffrage in 2017, having ruled out 2012, Beijing has made a significant attempt to end the decades-long row over the pace of democratisation.
Disappointment in Washington, Taipei: Washington and Taipei expressed disappointment that the National People's Congress Standing Committee had decided to rule out universal suffrage for HK in 2012.
Democracy activists planning big march: Pan-democracy activists are planning a major march on January 13 in protest against Beijing ruling out universal suffrage for HK in 2012.
Divisions surface on functional constituencies: Political parties differ on handling the Legislative Council's functional constituencies under universal suffrage, a major issue not specified in Beijing's decision on Saturday against granting HK democracy in 2012. The National People's Congress Standing Committee says universal suffrage for the legislature will take place only after the chief executive is elected by universal suffrage. The committee decided the 50-50 ratio between members returned by functional constituencies and those returned through direct election should remain unchanged in 2012. However, there was no specification of how the Legco functional constituencies should be dealt with under universal suffrage.

Transborder affairs
Rail line the best way to connect Shenzhen, HK airports: A rail link would be the best way to connect HK's and Shenzhen's airports and boost ties between the two cities' aviation sectors, Chief Secretary Henry Tang said after a meeting with Shenzhen Mayor Xu Zongheng. Two joint taskforces will be set up soon - one to study inter-airport co-operation and the other to look at development of the Lok Ma Chau Loop.

Health
Top-level split delays health reform plans: The long overdue health-care reform is set to be further delayed because the top echelons of the government have been unable to agree on the controversial plans for mandatory medical savings and insurance. This emerged as the Medical Association criticised health minister York Chow for keeping the profession in the dark while drawing up the blueprint. The delay is the latest in a series of postponements by the Food and Health Bureau in releasing a consultation paper on health-care financing.

Environment
Bad-air days leave critics choking mad: Critics rounded on the government over bad-air days as the air-pollution index hit a year's record high of 151 yesterday (7.12.2007), with the situation expected to continue this weekend. Air-quality activists blamed the "go-slow" policy of the government on air pollution, and others said that based on international standards, air pollution was actually worse than local readings indicated.
Public fears mount over air pollution: More than 90% of HKers recognize the threats posed by global warming and air pollution. "People are worried and ready to act. They want to do something," said Monika Fung, WWF HK climate program coordinator. But when it comes to paying higher electricity fees to combat abuses, less than one in every three respondents in a survey consider such a move effective.
Hongkongers happy to pay for cleaner air: More than three-quarters of people in HK are prepared to pay higher transport fees for cleaner air, and over 40% support the controversial electronic road pricing, according to the results of the city's biggest ever consultation exercise. The study, commissioned by the semi-official Council for Sustainable Development, also found that 95% of people want the government to respond to high air pollution days, including taking mandatory measures such as suspending outdoor activities.
Costs, practicality key to clean-air moves: The government will take practicality and the public's willingness to pay into account when considering recommendations by the Council for Sustainable Development to clean HK's air. A spokesman said this yesterday after results of the council's public consultation found a majority favoured a tougher hand by the government to improve air quality.

Culture and Education
HK teens up with the world's best at reading and maths: HK teenagers, who learned last week that a major international study has ranked them second in the world in science, can now add maths and reading to the list. The third Programme of International Student Assessment (Pisa) ranks HK 15-year-olds third in reading and equal third in mathematics out of 57 countries and regions surveyed. The study, by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), tested 400,000 randomly selected 15-year-olds between May and July last year.
Overseas study still seen as smart move: HK parents are eager to send their children to education institutes overseas despite the stronger euro and the pound, according to a placement agency. The credentials evaluation director of a private company promoting overseas studies said there was a 15% increase in inquiries this year, compared with the same period last year.

Macau
Macau casino revenues break US$1b barrier: Casino revenues in Macau soared 56.1% in October to an unprecedented 9.22 billion patacas (US$1.15 billion), the first time monthly winnings in the territory have surpassed the US$1 billion mark. Arrivals to Macau climbed 22% to 2.43 million visitors, with 56.3% coming from the mainland. Casino revenues rose 48% in the first 10 months of the year to 67.53 billion patacas, data released by the Macau Statistics and Census Service show.
Macau losing billions from betting scam: Macau may have lost more than HK$100 billion in casino revenue and HK$40 billion in taxes in the past five years due to an illegal but widespread form of under-the-table betting. Lost or skimmed revenue due to so-called side betting could represent almost 80 per cent of the officially reported VIP gaming market or around 50 per cent of all reported casino revenues, according to estimates by industry executives. Side betting is a form of secret, unreported wagering that takes place in Macau's VIP gaming halls between high-rollers and junket agents or VIP room operators.
Pro-democracy activists demand reform in Macau: Pro-democracy activists took to the streets of Macau, pressing for a crackdown on corruption and faster democratic reform in the gambling haven. The protest march coincided with the eighth anniversary of the former Portuguese enclave's return to Chinese sovereignty in 1999.
Timetable could spur change in Macau too: HK's timetable for universal suffrage would raise awareness and encourage greater steps towards democracy in Macau, a legislator said. But full democracy would depend on Macau residents' own efforts rather than changes in HK, a political observer said. The leader of Macau's fledgling democratic movement, legislator Ng Kuok, has targeted 2019 for achieving universal suffrage in the former Portuguese enclave.

Varia
Long work hours top list of challenges faced by families: Work stress, parenting and child education top the list of challenges faced by families, a survey has found. It revealed that nearly 60%, 300 of 512 households, were unhappy with long working hours and heavy workloads. Patricia Chu, chairwoman of the Consortium of Institutes on Family in the Asian Region, which commissioned the June/September study, said "the government should consider maximum working hours legislation and encourage employers to provide more flexible working hours".
Credit Suisse joins move to ICC amid soaring Central rents: Credit Suisse Group has become the second financial giant stung by soaring rents in Central, confirming it is deserting Exchange Square for the 118-storey International Commerce Centre in Kowloon. The Swiss group said it expected to move its entire HK operations to ICC by 2011, underpinning the landmark building's position as an alternative to the established Central business district. Hit by soaring rents and limited space in Central, some of the biggest names in finance are abandoning their long-held offices for cheaper cross-harbour accommodation.
Police station tower 'not just a glass giant': A proposed 160-metre tower in the historic Central Police Station compound will not just be a giant glass structure but will be substantially open, its designer has said. There had been a misunderstanding that a glass tower was going to be built on the Hollywood Road site, world-renowned architect Pierre de Meuron, who created London's Tate Modern and Beijing's National Stadium, told the SCMP. The Switzerland-based Mr de Meuron, who is partnering with fellow architect Jacques Herzog to revitalise the Central Police Station compound - a listed monument - was in town to unveil an exhibition on the project at the HK Racing Museum.
Luxury-watch smugglers held: Two HK businessmen and 13 mainlanders have been arrested in China's biggest luxury-watch smuggling case, involving 35,000 watches worth 224 million yuan. The brands include Rolex, Vacheron Constantin and Longines, made by Swiss watchmakers. At least nine HK watch firms have taken part in a nationwide smuggling network since 2005, according to police in Hangzhou. Customs attributed the increase in smuggling to the high import tax in the mainland - which is 57 percent for every watch costing more than HK$10,000.
Chek Lap Kok urgently needs third runway: HK's ambitions as a regional air hub could be threatened unless a third runway is urgently added as the city's busy airport is expected to reach full capacity by 2014, a Chinese University study has warned. Chek Lap Kok's two runways now handle 54 flights an hour, but could manage more than 60. Given likely growth in air-traffic demand of 5% a year, the airport would run out of capacity after six or seven years, said Law Cheung, a member of the university's aviation policy and research centre.

Press articles related to Switzerland and Swiss matters
Subprime woes deepen for UBS (SCMP 11.12.2007): UBS has become the European banking sector's biggest victim of the US subprime crisis to date, revealing new writedowns of US$10 billion. But the impact of the writedowns on the market was tempered by the bank's announcement that it had also secured an US$11.5 billion injection of emergency funds from Singapore and the Middle East. The Zurich-based bank said it expected a loss in the fourth quarter and possibly for this year.
UBS slams insider trading report (The Standard, 27.12.2007): Global investment bank UBS rejected mainland media reports that claimed it had improperly manipulated HK-listed shares and warrants in the country's top oil company, PetroChina. These allegations are entirely new, and at this stage UBS does not believe that they have any merit whatsoever, Reuters quoted the Swiss bank. UBS added it had strict procedures to prevent illegal activities.

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