COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR USCC VISIT TO HONG KONG,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 HONG KONG 000688 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP/CM -- PLEASE PASS USCC E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL OREP HK SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR USCC VISIT TO HONG KONG, 09-12 MAY 2009 REF: STATE 36319 ¶1. Consulate General Hong Kong warmly welcomes the visit of Chairman Bartholomew and the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) delegation to Hong Kong May 9-12 ¶2009. Control Officer for the visit is Political Officer Benjamin Weber, office telephone:(852)2841-2110; mobile telephone:(852) 9631-8557; office fax:(852)2526-7382; State email address: weberb@state.gov. The Consulate is located at 26 Garden Road, Central. The after-hours and emergency number (available 24 hours/day) at Marine Post One is (852) 2841-2230. Country clearance does not automatically provide security clearance and access to the Consulate General. The RSO Office must still be provided with proof of security clearance level via official channels for those personnel who intend to visit the Consulate General. This proof should include the level of clearance granted, and should be included in the country clearance request or follow-on cable. ¶2. Transport from the airport: Per request, post will arrange airport transport and meet-and-assist. ¶3. Money exchange: A) The Hong Kong dollar is pegged in value against the U.S. dollar, with the rate set at approximately 7.8 HKD per one USD. Upon arrival in Hong Kong, money exchange (Thomas Cooke) is available in the area immediately outside of baggage claim/customs. Rates are not favorable, so we advise against changing large quantities of money at the airport exchange. However, there are ATM machines (currently connected to the Cirrus and Plus systems plus Visa and Master Card for cash advances) offering good exchange rates located just inside the public arrivals area. Note: the location of the ATM machines is not well marked. B) Credit cards are widely accepted in Hong Kong and cash can be obtained from automatic teller machines. Currency exchange is available at your hotel. It is also available at the Bank of America branch at the Consulate General Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm with a daily limit of USD 2000. ¶4. Accommodations: Reservations have been made at the Grand Hyatt in Wanchai within per diem. One breakfast per room is included in the room rate. Rooms are being held under the credit card number provided, but post understands individual travelers will settle bills themselves. The per diem rate for Hong Kong is USD 479 (335 for lodging & 144 for M&IE). ¶5. Visas: No/no visa is required for Hong Kong for American citizens making TDY visits of under 90 days. No visa should be requested from the Chinese Embassy for entry into Hong Kong for this category of visitor. Holders of Official or Diplomatic passports planning a short pleasure trip to Mainland China in addition to their official duties while in Hong Kong must obtain a PRC visa before departing the US. These visas take several days or more to acquire in Hong Kong in Official or Diplomatic passports, and Post cannot expedite the process. All travel to the Mainland, even short day trips to Shenzhen, requires a PRC visa. For more information regarding visa requirements for other nationalities, refer to the Hong Kong immigration website: http://www.info.gov.hk/immd/english/topical/e /1.htm ¶6. Telecommunications: U.S. government-provided Blackberry communicators generally work in Hong Kong without difficulty. Travelers wishing to use cell phones should review their phone's operational bands (Hong Kong uses GSM 900 and 1800) and their provider's roaming charges. Consulate can assist with official fax and other communications. ¶7. Threat Assessment: The Department of State issued a worldwide caution on June 6, 2006 to remind U.S. citizens of the continuing threat of terrorist actions and anti-American violence against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Ongoing events have resulted in demonstrations and associated violence in several countries; such events are likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Current information suggests that al-Qa'ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in many regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings. The terrorist groups may target facilities or public areas where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, HONG KONG 00000688 002 OF 002 including residential areas, business offices, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, public transportation systems, and aviation and maritime services. U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program available on the internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. ¶8. Health Information: China and Southeast Asia have been the world epicenter for several viral illnesses in recent years such as SARS and Avian Flu. While there are currently no specific health warnings, travelers to Hong Kong are encouraged to visit the Hong Kong Center for Health Protection website: http//www.chp.gov.hk/ or the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov for up-to-date advice and information on local health issues. Hong Kong has high public health standards, and health care in Hong Kong is similar in quality to that found in the U.S., although it can be extremely expensive. Hospitals and clinics expect payment when service is rendered and do not accept health insurance for payment. Pharmacies will accept only prescriptions from local physicians and may not be open after usual business hours. It is recommended that the traveler bring an adequate supply of prescription medications for the duration of their stay. ¶9. Protection of Intellectual Property: The protection of intellectual property rights is a key U.S. policy goal. The Consulate General works closely with local authorities in Hong Kong and Macau to strengthen the enforcement of existing laws against illegal production and sale of copyright and trademark protected products - such as CD's, DVD's, and brand name clothing, sporting goods, and pharmaceutical products. Post appreciates visitors' support of the policy of the United States and the Consulate's active efforts to stem the flow of pirated and counterfeit goods. Please keep this in mind as you shop here in Hong Kong and Macau. ¶10. Electronic Devices: The Consulate strictly controls the entry of laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other electronic devices into the Consulate office building. All government equipment of this nature must be inspected by the Information Management or Security sections before entering the Consulate. If you plan to bring official electronic equipment to post, please advise the Control Officer of the type of equipment, make/model, and serial or other control number. Providing this information in advance will speed the entry of the equipment into the Consulate. Upon arrival, Post 1 will confirm authorization of electronic equipment. Personally owned or unapproved USG equipment may not enter the building, but may be left with Consulate guards for safekeeping. ¶11. Airport Departure Procedures: Hong Kong International Airport has adopted the same practices as American carriers in the United States regarding carrying liquids/gels on board all aircraft, regardless of carrier (both American and foreign). Travelers will be able to travel with a one quart/liter (maximum) plastic bag and all contents of this nature - e.g., face cream, tooth paste, deodorant, perfume, etc. - must fit into this single plastic bag. No individual container in the bag may be more than three ounces. Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis for prescription medication and baby formula. ¶12. For more information, you may wish to consult the following web pages: Consulate General Hong Kong: http://www.hongkong.usconsulate.gov Hong Kong Tourist Association: http://www.hkta.org Hong Kong Trade Development Council: http://www.tdctrade.com.hk ¶13. Proposed schedule will be sent via email. DONOVAN