Port's cargo volume drops 17pc
The total volume of Hong Kong's port cargo shrank 17 per cent in the first quarter to 52.2 million tonnes compared to a year ago, the Census and Statistics Department said. Inward cargo dropped 16 per cent to 30.4 million tonnes and outward cargo fell 17 per cent to 21.8 million tonnes. Hong Kong ports also handled 4.6 million containers, down one-fifth from a year ago.
Council appointment 'a mockery'
The government's appointment of Yang Mo as Southern District councillor has been branded a mockery of democracy. Dr Yang is to replace Fong Chun-chun, also an appointed council member, who died in April. Democrats said the appointment system deprived voters of the right to choose a member.
Pact to promote e-commerce
A new framework for the mutual recognition of electronic signature certificates issued by Hong Kong and Guangdong came into effect yesterday. The pact, signed in Beijing yesterday, will enable closer e-commerce co-operation.
