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New addition lists are prepared by the Library each month to provide up-to-date listing of library materials recently acquired, including books, annual reports and other serials. These library materials are obtained through purchase, gift or exchange.
The Library regularly monitors various official websites of the Mainland Government to take stock of the latest national and regional policies, important planning and legislative papers as well as policy initiatives related to Hong Kong for Members and staff's reference.
Measures to accelerate the construction of artificial intelligence in Shenzhen Municipality (December 2024) (Chinese version only) [Official highlights]
Subject: information technology and broadcasting, artificial intelligence, Shenzhen
This document briefly explains 18 policy initiatives formulated by the Shenzhen Municipality to promote the high-quality development of the artificial intelligence ("AI") industry, which provide financial support in various areas, including reducing the cost of AI research and development ("R&D") and application, promoting the application of AI, strengthening basic research to enhance innovation capabilities, and optimizing the industrial development environment. Specific policy initiatives include providing funding to institutions that build key AI laboratories and establishing an AI industry fund.

Opinions on accelerating the construction of a unified and open transport market (December 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: transport affairs, transport management
This document gives a brief account of the latest work plan of the country to accelerate the construction of a unified transport market in order to promote the smooth circulation of the national economy. Apart from outlining the background information and setting out the basic principles for development, the document also states 21 specific tasks in four areas, namely deepening reform in priority transport areas, improving the market system in the transport sector, optimizing resource allocation, and improving the regulatory mechanism.

Guangdong's action plan for continuous air quality improvement (November 2024) (Chinese version only) [Official highlights]
Subject: environmental affairs, air quality, Guangdong Province
This document illustrates the Guangdong Provincial Government's latest action plan to further improve air quality, aiming to promote green, low-carbon and high-quality development in the Province. Apart from setting out the development goals by 2025 and the support measures, it also states specific policy measures in a number of areas, such as promoting the development of green industries, facilitating the use of renewable energy, reducing emissions from transportation and industry, strengthening urban governance, and establishing pilot demonstration zones for air quality improvement.

Opinions on the reform and innovative development of digital trade (November 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: commerce and industry, digital trade
This document gives a brief account of the latest work plan of the country to promote the innovative development of digital trade. Apart from setting out the development goals for 2029 and 2035, it states 18 major tasks in four areas, namely enhancing related products and services while fostering the industry development, encouraging system openness, enhancing internationalization of the industry, and strengthening legal protection.

Regulations on the Construction and Management of Low-Altitude Transportation in the Zhuhai Special Economic Zone (November 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: economic development, development, low-altitude economy, Zhuhai
On 21 November 2024, the Standing Committee of the 10th Zhuhai Provincial People's Congress passed the "Regulations on the Construction and Management of Low-Altitude Transportation in the Zhuhai Special Economic Zone", aiming to provide adequate and reliable legal backing and protection for strengthening the low-‍altitude transportation in Zhuhai and promoting the high-quality development of low-altitude economy. The regulations, to take effect from 1 January 2025, comprise 60 articles under nine chapters which cover different areas, including promoting the construction of infrastructural facilities, clarifying airspace management, regulating flight activities, specifying safety supervision, developing use cases, and promoting related developments in the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone.

Comprehensive territorial spatial planning of Guangzhou (2021-2035) (October 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: development, city planning, Guangzhou
This document sets out Guangzhou's sustainable development blueprint for the next decade. Apart from outlining the existing development status and setting the development goals for 2035, it details major tasks, namely territorial spatial planning, construction of infrastructure, planning of central city districts, optimization of town space and functions, transport network management, preservation of ecological space and natural resources, etc.

Guangdong's action plan to further advance high-quality development in the bio-pharmaceutical industry (October 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: health affairs, bio-pharmaceuticals, Guangdong Province
This document briefly explains 38 policy initiatives formulated by the Guangdong Provincial Government to promote the development of high quality bio-pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, which cover system enhancement, supply chain development, addressing challenges of the industries, etc. Specific policy initiatives include encouraging hospitals to conduct clinical trials of drugs and medical devices, setting up an industrial park, advancing innovation, supporting enterprises to explore international market, and cultivating talents, etc.

Implementation plan for promoting the high-quality development of financial leasing in Shenzhen Municipality (October 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: financial affairs, financial leasing, Shenzhen
This document illustrates the latest work plan formulated by the Shenzhen Municipal Government to promote the development of financial leasing market. Apart from setting out the development goals for 2027 and support measures, it also puts forth a total of 17 measures covering four areas, namely enhancing sector competitiveness, encouraging financial leasing enterprises to support local major priority industries, fostering a high-standard financial leasing cluster in Qianhai, and improving complementary support to optimize the business environment of the sector.

Measures for further optimizing payment services and facilitating payments in Guangdong Province (October 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: financial affairs, payment services, Guangdong Province
This document briefly explains 21 policy measures formulated by the Guangdong Provincial Government to take forward the "opinions of the State Council on further optimizing payment services to facilitate payments", aiming to promote the diversification and raise the standard of payment services. The policy measures include expanding the coverage of acceptance of payment cards issued by foreign banks, optimizing the environment for the use of Renminbi cash, enhancing the convenience of mobile payments, safeguarding consumers' choices in payment modes, and strengthening publicity and promotion of diverse payment services, etc.

Measures to accelerate the optimization of the birth support policy regime to promote building a birth-friendly society (October 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: manpower, birth policy
This document gives a brief account of 13 policy measures formulated by the country to accelerate the optimization of the birth support policy regime, aiming to promote the building of a birth-friendly society. They include establishing a childbirth subsidy system, raising children healthcare services standard, improving the policy on women employment and creating a family-friendly working environment, and proactively cultivating a new culture of marriage and childbearing.

Shenzhen's comprehensive three-dimensional transportation network plan (2024-2035) (October 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: transport, Shenzhen
This document contains Shenzhen's strategic transportation plan for the next decade. Apart from outlining the present development and stating the development goals by 2035, it also sets out 18 specific tasks in four areas, namely further developing an international comprehensive transportation hub, improving regional transportation network, facilitating integrated development of transportation and logistics as well as other related industries, and promoting the high-quality development of comprehensive transportation.

Implementation measures for strengthening strategic emerging industrial clusters and nurturing future industries to accelerate the development of new quality productive forces (September 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: economic development, new quality productive forces, Dongguan
This document sets out the latest work plan formulated by the Dongguan Municipal Government to promote the development of emerging industries and future industries. Apart from stating the development goals by 2027 and the support measures, it also sets out major directions of development in a number of industries, such as artificial intelligence, low-altitude economy, biomedicine and high-end medical devices, new generation of electronic information technology, and new energy.

Measures of the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone to support high-quality development and high-level application of artificial intelligence (September 2024) (Chinese version only) [Official highlights]
Subject: information technology and broadcasting, artificial intelligence, Shenzhen, Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation
This document lists out 16 policy initiatives formulated by the Shenzhen Municipality to promote the high-quality development of artificial intelligence (“AI”) in the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone, which include providing financial support to AI enterprises, facilitating the construction of AI computing power infrastructures, studying the wide application of AI, building an open and innovative environment with international competitiveness, and establishing an inclusive and prudent regulatory mechanism.

Guangdong's New Technology Innovation Regulations (August 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: information technology and broadcasting, information technology, innovation, Guangdong Province
On 31 July 2024, the Standing Committee of the 14th Guangdong Provincial People's Congress passed Guangdong's New Technology Innovation Regulations, aiming to provide adequate and reliable legal backing and protection for taking forward the promotion of high-level technology innovation and the development of new quality productive forces in Guangdong Province. The regulations, to take effect from 1 October 2024, comprise 94 articles under 11 chapters which cover different areas, including specifying strategies for fostering innovation development, enhancing the building of basic research capabilities, optimizing the system for technology innovation, encouraging the transformation and application of technological advancements, facilitating the integration of technology and finance, enhancing related talent nurturing, expanding technological exchanges and cooperation with places outside Guangdong Province, and creating an ecosystem that is favourable to innovation.

Implementation plan for promoting high-quality development of the low-altitude economy in Dongguan Municipality (2024-2026) (August 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: economic development, development, low-altitude economy, Dongguan
This document illustrates the latest work plan formulated by the Dongguan Municipal Government to implement the “action plan to promote the high-quality development of low-altitude economy in Guangdong Province (2024-2026)”. Apart from stating the development goals by 2026 and the support measures, it also sets out specific policy initiatives covering a number of areas, namely strengthening the construction of ground infrastructure, expediting the reform of airspace management, accelerating the development of the low-altitude manufacturing industry, promoting the innovative capabilities of industries, exploring the wider application of low-altitude economy, enhancing safety management and control of low-altitude operations, and improving institutional development.

Opinions of the State Council on promoting high-quality development of service consumption (August 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: economic development, consumption
This document sets out 20 latest national initiatives to promote the development of quality service industries, with the purposes to unleash the consumption potential and meet the consumption demands of the public. Specific initiatives include encouraging various places to propagate traditional culinary art and dining culture, facilitating the use of innovative modes in developing national night-time culture and tourism spending clusters, building smart business districts and stores, etc. to promote new consumption modes, expanding the scale of opening up service industries, and enhancing regulation of service industries, etc.

Opinions on accelerating comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development (August 2024) (Chinese version only) [Official highlights]
Subject: environment, energy conservation, carbon neutrality, carbon reduction and sustainable development
This document gives a brief account of the latest national plan to further promote the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development. Apart from setting out the development goals by 2030 and 2035 respectively, the document also states a number of specific tasks in various areas, namely forming a spatial pattern with high-quality green and low-carbon development; accelerating green and low-carbon transformation of the industrial structure; encouraging green transformation in building and development of urban and rural regions as well as consumption modes; and implementing a comprehensive savings strategy.

Three-year action plan for building Guangzhou international shipping hub (2024-2026) (August 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: economic development, logistics, Guangzhou
This document illustrates the latest action plan of the Guangzhou Municipal Government to take forward the building of an international shipping hub, aiming to elevate and strengthen the core status of Guangzhou Port within the integrated transport system and in the provision of maritime service functions. Apart from setting out the development targets by 2026 and support measures, the document also presents a total of 31 measures covering eight areas, namely enhancing the facilities of the Guangzhou international shipping hub, improving Guangzhou's integrated port service capabilities, establishing a Guangzhou Lingang Economic Zone, fostering new quality productive forces in port and maritime logistics, promoting the high-quality development of modern maritime service industry, raising the quality of yacht and cruise services, encouraging the clustered development of major industries such as automobiles and logistics, and deepening opening up efforts.

Work plan of Shenzhen for implementing "various measures on accelerating the integrated development of domestic and foreign trade" (August 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: economic development, trade, foreign trade, Shenzhen
This document lists out 17 policy initiatives formulated by the Shenzhen Municipality to implement "various measures on accelerating the integrated development of domestic and foreign trade" promulgated by the State Council, which include facilitating the alignment of domestic and foreign trade with international standards, supporting foreign trade enterprises to explore the domestic market, strengthening the protection of intellectual property rights, enhancing cooperation in cross-boundary transport with ports outside Shenzhen, promoting the brand building of domestic and foreign trade, etc.

Action plan of the Shenzhen Municipality to accelerate the building of an AI pioneer city (July 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: information technology and broadcasting, artificial intelligence, Shenzhen
This document gives a brief account of 22 policy initiatives formulated by the Shenzhen Municipality to promote high-quality development of artificial intelligence ("AI") industry, covering the enhancement and innovation of AI technology, use cases and business models. Specific policy initiatives include supporting the establishment of a joint laboratory by International Digital Economy Academy and enterprises, accelerating the construction of an innovation centre for intelligent robotics in Guangdong Province, promoting the flow of relevant data and deepening data governance, encouraging the development of the AI-empowered modern service industry, and enhancing exchanges and cooperation among related industries.

Measures to promote the high-quality development of low-altitude economy in Guangzhou (July 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: economic development, development, low-altitude economy, Guangzhou
This document contains 20 policy initiatives formulated by the Guangzhou Municipal Government to implement the "national comprehensive three-dimensional transportation network planning outline" and the "action plan to promote the high-quality development of low-altitude economy in Guangdong Province (2024-2026)". Examples of these policy initiatives include providing financial support to enterprises engaging in low-altitude economy, accelerating the construction of infrastructure, enhancing the innovative capabilities of the industries, expanding the application of public services in relevant areas, and encouraging the development of low-altitude tourism as well as other related aviation businesses.

Regulations of Guangdong Province on promoting the employment and entrepreneurship of Hong Kong and Macao youth in the nine Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (July 2024)(Chinese version only)
Subject: manpower, youth, employment, entrepreneurship, Guangdong Province, the Greater Bay Area
On 31 July 2024, the Standing Committee of the 14th Guangdong Provincial People’s Congress passed the “Regulations of Guangdong Province on promoting the employment and entrepreneurship of Hong Kong and Macao youth in the nine Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area”. Effective 1 September 2024, the Regulations contain 31 provisions covering different areas, including enhancing protection of the rights and interests of Hong Kong and Macao youth in seeking employment and starting businesses in the Greater Bay Area, optimizing cross-departmental coordination and working mechanisms, strengthening and refining the policies for supporting employment and entrepreneurship, taking forward the building of a service platform for employment and entrepreneurship, and providing more employment and entrepreneurship support services.

Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization (July 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: development, economic development, national development, reform
This document is an outline document deliberated and adopted at the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, setting out the country's measures to further deepen reform, so as to keep improving and developing the socialist system with Chinese characteristics. Apart from setting out the development targets by 2035, the document also proposes reform measures in regard to different areas, such as economics, politics, culture, people's livelihood, ecological civilization and national security, as well as enhancing the level of the Party's leadership in reform to build China into a great modern socialist country in all respects.

Implementation opinions on building a data base system and promoting the high-quality development of the data factor market (June 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: information technology and broadcasting, information technology, data, Guangdong Province
This document presents 20 latest policy initiatives formulated by the Guangdong Provincial Government to promote the quality development of data industry, with a view to expediting the development of digital economy. Apart from setting out the development targets by 2025 and 2030 respectively, the document also states a number of specific tasks in various areas, namely building a system for data intellectual property rights, promoting the flow and trading of data, strengthening the management and governance mechanisms of the data market, improving data quality development capabilities, and taking forward the synchronized development of data in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Measures to empower industries and business with artificial intelligence in Guangdong Province (June 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: information technology and broadcasting, economic development, artificial intelligence, Guangdong Province
This document explains the 45 latest policy initiatives formulated by the Guangdong Provincial Government to promote the high-quality development of the artificial intelligence ("AI") industry, with a view to expediting the development of new quality productive forces. Apart from stating the development goals by 2027 and the support measures, it also sets out various specific tasks in a number of areas, namely building an AI chip ecosystem and infrastructures; facilitating AI-related researches, development and production; expanding the consumption market of AI products; and encouraging the wider application of AI.

Measures to promote the high-quality development of venture capital (June 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: commerce and industry, venture capital
This document gives a brief account of 17 latest policy measures to promote the country's high-quality development of venture capital, with a view to encouraging the joint development of financial services, technologies and industry sectors. In gist, it sets out a number of tasks in five areas, namely nurturing diversified venture capital organizations, exploring more sources of funding for venture capital, enhancing government support and further opening-up of venture capital, strengthening the exit mechanism for venture capital organizations, and optimizing the environment of venture capital market.

Three-year action plan of Guangzhou for promoting the construction of an international first-class business environment in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (2024-2026) (June 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: economic development, commerce and trade, business environment, Guangzhou
This document sets out the latest work plan of the Guangzhou Municipal Government to construct an international first-class business environment. Apart from stating the development goals by 2026 and the support measures, it also sets out various specific tasks in six areas, namely creating an ecosystem for the development of fair market competition, optimizing the resources allocation to promote the development of industries, raising the capabilities and standard of government services, enhancing the protection of the rights of enterprises, promoting the opening-up of the market, and stimulating the regional reformation and innovation vitality on an on-going basis.

2024-2025 action plan for energy conservation and carbon reduction (May 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: environment, energy conservation, carbon neutrality, carbon reduction and sustainable development
This document illustrates the latest national action plan for energy conservation and carbon reduction, with a view to promoting the green transformation in society. Apart from stating the goals by 2025 and support measures, the document also sets out specific tasks in promoting the use of renewable energy in place of fossil fuels, for areas such as building materials supplies, construction, transport, and public services.

Action plan to promote the high-quality development of low-altitude economy in Guangdong Province (2024-2026) (May 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: economic development, development, low-altitude economy, Guangdong Province
This document explains the latest work plan of the Guangdong Provincial Government to develop low-altitude economy (i.e. economic activities driven by manned and unmanned aircrafts and the integration of related fields). Apart from setting out the development goals by 2026 and facilitation measures, the document also states specific policy measures in a number of areas, such as expediting the reform of airspace management, taking forward the construction of infrastructures, actively exploring a wider scope of application, enhancing the innovative capabilities of the industries, securing a world-leading position in terms of manufacturing, research and development, and improving institutional development.

Guangzhou digital economy high-quality development plan (May 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: information technology and broadcasting, information technology, digital economy
This document contains the latest plan of the Guangzhou Municipal Government to develop digital economy. Apart from setting out the development background and support measures, the document also states the specific tasks in the following six areas: (a) improving the layout for the spatial development of digital economy in the city; (b) developing and upgrading related infrastructures; (c) stimulating the development of digital industries; (d) promoting the digital transformation of traditional economic sectors; (e) raising the standard of e-government services; and (f) optimizing the ecology for development.

Implementation measures of Shenzhen for further increasing the attraction and utilization of foreign investment (May 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: commerce and industry, innovation and technology, economic development, foreign investment, Shenzhen
This document gives a brief account of 20 policy measures formulated by the Shenzhen Municipal Government to implement the "opinions on further optimizing the foreign investment environment and attracting foreign investment" and "action plan to steadily promote high-level opening up and make greater efforts to attract and utilize foreign investment" promulgated by the State Council. The relevant policy measures cover promoting the internationalization of the advanced manufacturing industry, strengthening protection of the rights of foreign investors, facilitating the work of overseas talents, enhancing the financial support for the development of headquarters economy, fostering cross-border trade and investment, etc.

Measures to further promote private investment in Shenzhen Municipality (May 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: economic development, promoting business and attracting investment, private investment, Shenzhen
This document gives a brief account of 20 policy initiatives formulated by the Shenzhen Municipality to promote private investment, with a view to taking forward the development of private sector economy. The relevant policy initiatives take care of private investment in respect of setting its work target, guiding its development direction, specifying its particular projects, increasing the investment effectiveness and enhancing the relevant service support.

Opinions on strengthening regulation, forestalling risks and promoting the high-quality development of capital markets (April 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: financial affairs, capital markets, risk management
This document gives a brief account of the latest national plan to further promote the high-quality development of capital markets, with focuses on strengthening regulation and risk management. Apart from setting out the basic principles of developing capital markets and the development targets by 2035, the document also provides for a list of specific tasks in a number of areas, including refining the issuance and listing regimes, raising the standards of information disclosure, governance and regulation of listed companies, actively cultivating good industry culture and investment culture, and promoting the establishment of rule of law in capital markets, etc.

Work plan of Guangdong Province for launching a pilot programme on the innovative development of national standardization (April 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: development, economic development, innovation, Guangdong Province
This document explains the latest plan of the Guangdong Provincial Government to promote the innovative development of standardization with a view to building a high-quality advanced system of standards with local characteristics. Apart from the brief descriptions of the background and the development targets by 2025, the document also sets out a total of 22 measures covering six areas, namely guiding industries in the Province to upgrade their operation so as to facilitate further development of the manufacturing industry, foster the coordinated development between urban and rural regions, expedite the construction of an ecological environment within the Province, raise the living standard of residents, deepen exchanges and cooperation between Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao and the international community, and enhance the quality and standards of enterprises.

Action plan to steadily promote high-level opening up and make greater efforts to attract and utilize foreign investment (March 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: commerce and industry, innovation and technology, economic development, commerce and trade, foreign investment
This document gives a brief account of the country's latest action plan to promote high-level opening up and attract foreign investment, aiming to enhance foreign investors' confidence in growing their businesses in the country and raise the quality and standards of cooperation in trade and investment. It proposes a total of 24 policy initiatives in five areas, namely loosening restrictions on conducting investment in domestic market, stepping up policy support to enhance the attractiveness of domestic industries and projects to foreign investors, optimizing the competitive market environment, supporting the cooperation between domestic and foreign organizations and innovative development, and refining the laws and regulations of the country to align with international high standards. It also calls for devising relevant complementary policies by local authorities to create stronger synergy.

Implementation measures for accelerating the development of new quality productive forces and further promoting strategic emerging industrial clusters and high-quality development of future industries (March 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: economic development, headquarters economy, new industries, Shenzhen
This document provides the latest plan for Shenzhen to accelerate the development of new quality productive forces (i.e. advanced productivity that is led by technological innovation which is characterized by high-end technology, high efficiency as well as high quality and quantity, and is in line with new development concepts and able to break away from the traditional mode of economic growth and development pathway), with a view to promoting the high-quality development of emerging industries and future industries in the city. Apart from stating the development goals by 2025 and the support measures to be provided by the government, the document also proposes eight major tasks to promote the upgrading and transformation of industries.

Measures to further optimize payment services to facilitate payments in Guangzhou Municipality (March 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: financial affairs, payment services
This document sets out 22 policy measures formulated by the Guangzhou Municipal Government to take forward the "opinions of the State Council on further optimizing payment services to facilitate payments", with a view to providing more convenient payment services to elderly people and foreigners in the city. Examples of these measures include expanding the coverage of acceptance of payment cards issued by foreign banks, further optimizing the environment for the use of Renminbi cash, encouraging the acceptance and use of new payment methods, and safeguarding consumers' rights in payment modes, etc.

Measures to promote high-quality development of cultural, sports and entertainment industries (March 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: home affairs, culture and sports, recreation and sports, Shenzhen
This document gives a brief account of the latest policy measures formulated by the Shenzhen Municipal Government to promote the high-quality development of the cultural, sports and entertainment industries. It includes a number of financial assistance measures for various aspects, such as providing support for renowned cultural, sports and entertainment enterprises in setting up businesses there, creating venues for diversified forms of performing arts, encouraging enterprises to organize large-scale performing arts activities and sports events, and cultivating manager agencies for cultural, sports and entertainment industries. In addition, the relevant business environment will be optimized continuously to encourage innovation in the said industries.

Measures to promote the high-quality development of silver economy in the Guangzhou Development District (Huangpu District) (March 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: economic development, silver economy, Guangzhou
This document lists out the latest policy measures formulated by Guangzhou Huangpu District to promote the development of silver economy. It includes a number of financial assistance measures for various aspects, such as providing support for eligible elderly service organizations setting up operations there, participating in the building of infrastructures such as nursing homes for the elderly, conducting researches on and developing health products for the elderly, and improving the brand image of companies operating in the District, etc.

Opinions on further optimizing payment services to facilitate payments (March 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: financial affairs, payment services
This document gives a brief account of the country's latest strategic plan to further optimize payment services, aiming to enhance the standard of payment services and focus on promoting payment convenience for the elderly and foreign nationals in the country. In addition to giving a brief account of the background and setting out the basic principles of the development, the document also sets out specific tasks in six areas, namely expanding the scope of bank card payment services, continuously optimizing the environment for cash payments (especially services related to people's livelihood), further facilitating mobile payments, safeguarding consumers' rights in payment modes, improving service standard for the accounts of banks and payment institutions, and continuously strengthening publicity and promotion of payment services.

Implementation opinions in relation to expediting the promotion of the in-depth integration of technology and finance and fostering the innovative development of technological enterprises (February 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: financial affairs, financial technologies, innovation, Guangdong Province
This document sets out 15 latest policy initiatives formulated by the Guangdong Provincial Government to enhance the integration of technology and finance as well as foster the innovative development of technological enterprises. Examples of such measures include attracting venture capital organizations and top-tier talents to develop in the Province, encouraging financial institutions to expand the supply of credit to innovation and technology ("I&T") enterprises, further facilitating cross-boundary financing activities of I&T enterprises, establishing mechanisms to coordinate the innovative development of financial technologies and financial risks management, etc.

Measures for promoting a stable scale, market share and growth of foreign trade in the Shenzhen Municipality (February 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: economic development, foreign trade, import and export, Shenzhen
This document provides the latest policy measures formulated by the Shenzhen Municipality to promote the high-quality development of foreign trade. It also sets out various specific tasks in seven areas, namely fostering a closer connection between industries and foreign trade, continuously improving the types and market shares of imported goods, taking forward the innovative development of foreign trade, assisting enterprises to explore domestic and overseas markets, improving the effectiveness of foreign trade infrastructures, increasing financial support, and optimizing the cross-border trade business environment.

Circular on optimizing and adjusting policies and measures on stabilizing employment, and making every effort to boost development and benefit people's livelihood (January 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: manpower, youth, employment, Shenzhen
This document provides the implementation plan of the Shenzhen Municipality to take forward the "Circular on optimizing and adjusting policies and measures on stabilizing employment, and making every effort to boost development and benefit people's livelihood" previously issued respectively by the State Council and Guangdong Province, while also incorporating the employment protection policies of the municipality. Specifically, the document sets out a total of 20 measures covering six areas, namely creating different types of employment opportunities through multiple channels, encouraging entrepreneurship to bolster job creation, promoting employment of local young people, assisting the young people from Hong Kong and Macao in seeking employment and starting businesses there, strengthening support for the unemployed and job seekers, and enhancing information transparency of job market.

Implementation opinions in relation to enhancing the construction of Guangdong's high-skilled talent team in the new era (January 2024) (Chinese version only)
Author: The General Affairs Office of the Guangdong Provincial Committees of the Communist Party of China, the General Affairs Office of the People's Government of Guangdong Province
Subject: manpower, talents, Guangdong Province
This document gives a brief account of the 21 latest policy measures formulated by Guangdong Province to nurture high-skilled talents. Examples of such measures include improving the remuneration of high-skilled talents, taking forward apprenticeships with Chinese characteristics, nurturing an ecosystem for skills development, promoting a diversified talent assessment mechanism, and increasing the recognition and rewards for high-skilled talents.

Implementation plan for Dongguan to develop as a strong and quality city (January 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: development, economic development, city planning, Dongguan
This document illustrates the latest plan of the Dongguan Municipal Government to promote the city's modernization. Apart from setting out the development goals by 2025, the visions by 2035 and relevant support measures provided by the government, the document also sets out specific tasks in seven areas: (a) enhancing the competitiveness of the manufacturing industry and promoting industrial innovation; (b) ensuring the safety of food produced and sold in the city; (c) enhancing the quality of construction projects; (d) providing more quality services; (e) creating more local brands; (f) building high-quality infrastructures; and (g) optimizing the quality control mechanism.

Opinions on developing a silver economy to enhance the well-being of the elderly (January 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: economic development, silver economy
This document gives a brief account of the country's latest plan to promote the development of a silver economy, aiming to improve the well-being of the elderly. It puts forth a total of 26 specific measures covering four areas, namely enhancing the development of livelihood-related service industries, expanding product supplies and raising product quality, supporting innovation in industries and products, and refining the conditions to support development. Examples of such measures include improving elderly care services, fostering enterprises' brand-building, encouraging financial institutions to introduce financial products for the elderly, etc.

Regulations of Guangdong Province on promoting high-quality development of manufacturing industry (January 2024) (Chinese version only)
Subject: commerce and industry, innovation and technology, economic development, the manufacturing industry, Guangdong Province
This document, passed by the Standing Committee of the 14th Guangdong Provincial People's Congress, provides adequate and reliable legal backing and protection for promoting innovative and high-quality development of the manufacturing industry in Guangdong Province. The regulations, to take effect from March 2024, comprise 44 articles under six chapters, covering areas such as developing industries and related infrastructure and platforms, facilitating investment and enterprise development, strengthening the market system, and refining the business environment, etc.

The Library regularly monitors portals of selected overseas governments and parliaments to take stock of their latest policy papers, important legislative and financial proposals, major inquiry and audit reports for Members and staff's reference.
Subject: financial affairs, digital trade
This document provides an overview of the digital trade in the United Kingdom, covering the government's trade strategy, governance and regulation of data flows. It provides a series of recommendations to the government, including the categorization of digital trade, establishment of a consensus on terminology and guidance relating to data and digital trade with its international partners and undertaking a comprehensive review of the provisions in trade agreements.

Subject: environmental affairs, climate change
This document sets out the New Zealand government's latest emission reduction plan to minimize the negative impacts of climate change such as increasing cost to society. It encompasses a series of actions that the government would take across the sectors of energy, building and construction, transport, agriculture, forestry and wood processing, non-forestry removals (e.g. on-farm vegetation and wetlands) and waste.

Subject: economic development, productivity
This document examines the potential impacts of emerging global challenges such as geopolitical competition and the climate change, and domestic structural issues such as availability of R&D skilled labour, on economic productivity and competitiveness of Finland. It also explores how investments in education, research and capital have evolved in the country, calling for a more rapid promotion of green transition to boost the productivity.

Subject: information technology and broadcasting, artificial intelligence
This document provides an overview of the trends, opportunities, impacts and risks related to the development and adoption of AI in Australia. It provides recommendations to the government for a balanced approach to foster the development of the AI industry, focusing on the promotion of market competition while protecting public safety, privacy and intellectual property.

Subject: financial affairs, financial services
This document seeks public views on the proposed strategy to develop the financial services sector in the United Kingdom for sustainable economic growth. It outlines the proposed initiatives of the government in five focused areas, namely innovation and technology, regulatory environment, regional growth, skills and access to talent, and international partnerships and trade.

Subject: information technology and broadcasting, cyber security
This document outlines the latest strategy of the Finnish government for promoting its cyber security. It sets out the commitments and missions for 2035, with four focuses, namely establishing a competent, innovative and inventive cyber ecosystem, enhancing societal cyber resilience and operational reliability, strengthening the cooperation between the public and private sectors while increasing international influence, and ensuring timely responses to cyber threats.

Subject: information technology and broadcasting, online safety, social media
On 29 November 2024, the Australian government legislated to require social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent those aged below 16 from having a user account, placing responsibility on the platforms for their users' safety. Specifically, the new legislation sets out the details of regulated business entities and activities, privacy safeguards, penalties for breaching the obligations, and the commencement arrangements and the effectiveness review.

Subject: information technology and broadcasting, digitalization
This document outlines the latest strategy of the Norwegian government for promoting digitalization in the country. It sets out the commitments and missions for 2030, including increasing the sharing and use of data, ensuring the safeguarded privacy in the digital interactions, leveraging the opportunities of artificial intelligence, accelerating the green and digital transition, promoting the innovative use of data and digitalization in the business sector and enhancing digital inclusion for children and young people.

Subject: welfare services, active ageing
This document seeks public views on the proposed approach of the New Zealand government to promote active ageing. It outlines the government's planned actions in several key areas, including increasing social connectedness, expediting age-friendly housing and urban development, establishing age-friendly neighbourhoods and environments, and supporting active ageing in the healthcare workforce.

Subject: health services, healthcare, public health
This document outlines the New Zealand government's latest plan to safeguard and enhance public health in the face of climate change. It encompasses a series of actions that the government would take across the following five areas: (a) leadership and governance; (b) social and environmental determinants of health; (c) knowledge and risk assessment; (d) resilience of the health system; and (e) community partnership.

Subject: financial affairs, tax
This document seeks public views on the proposed tax compliance measures for the waste, animal welfare, and transport sectors in the United Kingdom. With the aim of minimizing the tax gap from the hidden economy, the measures include a range of proposed tax reporting requirements during the licence application and renewal processes for these sectors.

Subject: economic development, tourism
This document examines the issues and opportunities for Australia's tourism and international education sectors in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. It provides a series of recommendations for the government, including establishing a robust accreditation scheme to ensure the integrity of tourism products, developing a joint visa scheme with neighboring countries to promote multi-country tourism and increasing housing supply for international students and tourism workers.

Subject: economic development, tourism, night economy
This document outlines the latest strategy of the New South Wales government to develop the 24-hour economy, aiming to create globally recognized 24-hour precincts. It includes an array of government initiatives in respect of: (a) establishing an enabling regulatory framework; (b) fostering collaboration among stakeholders to support precinct building and place-based economies.; (c) supporting night-time workers, businesses and cultural entrepreneurs; (d) enhancing safety, mobility, access and inclusion within the night-time economy; and (e) telling well the stories of New South Wales to visitors from all over the world.

Subject: manpower, occupational safety and health
This document presents the latest plan of the Finnish government to promote occupational safety and health in the country. It includes an array of government initiatives, focusing on: (a) ensuring effective regulation and governance to tackle potential challenges in occupational safety and health and wellbeing; (b) promoting a safe and healthy workplace atmosphere; and (c) strengthening functional capacity, work ability and employability of workers.

Subject: manpower, labour market, nurturing talent
This document examines the major skills challenges that limit the economic growth of the United Kingdom. It provides an initial assessment of the skills required in the country and forecasts how future megatrends such as demographic shifts, technological advancement and the transition to a greener economy will impact the composition of the workforce.

Subject: constitutional affairs, regulatory review
This document provides the latest plan of the New Zealand government to improve the quality of regulation and the performance of regulatory systems, focusing on: (a) minimizing existing red tape through sector reviews; (b) improving the scrutiny of new laws; (c) raising the capability of regulators; and (d) setting targets and thresholds for performance of regulatory systems.

Subject: information technology and broadcasting, cyber security, artificial intelligence
This document seeks public views on the draft Cyber Security Code of Practice for artificial intelligence ("AI") in the UK, aiming to enhance user protection and build public trust. Specifically, the proposed voluntary Code sets baseline security requirements for AI technologies and outlines different responsibilities for various stakeholders (e.g. AI developers and organizations using AI models or systems) throughout the AI supply chain.

Subject: manpower, labour market, employment
This document provides the latest plan of the New Zealand government to promote employment, aiming to improve the productivity and strengthen the economy. It outlines the development targets for 2030, including measures to enhance support for job seekers in finding and retaining suitable employment, equip individuals with essential job skills at different stages of life, and improve the alignment between employers' needs and employees' capabilities.

Subject: information technology and broadcasting, public service, artificial intelligence
This document sets out a framework for the Australian government agencies to adopt and utilize artificial intelligence ("AI"), aiming to strengthen public trust and embed a forward leaning, adaptive approach. It outlines key policy principles and requirements for government agencies, including the designation of officials accountable for policy implementation and the public disclosure of policy statements, detailing their strategies for AI adoption and use.

Subject: education, digital technologies
This document outlines the Irish government's latest strategy to promote the effective use of data in the education sector. It encompasses a range of goals and measures aimed at: (a) strengthening data governance; (b) uplifting data culture and literacy; (c) focusing on data quality; and (d) facilitating the optimal use of data.

Subject: information technology and broadcasting, public service, digital economy
This document sets out the 10 criteria for the Australian government agencies to design and deliver digital services. Specifically, they include: (a) defining a clear objective for each service; (b) understanding users' needs; (c) ensuring the service is inclusive, accessible and useful; (d) increasing the connectivity between the services; (e) building user's confidence in government; (f) adopting common platforms, patterns and standards ; (g) protecting users' digital rights and privacy; (h) pursuing innovation with a clear and meaningful objective; (i) monitoring the effectiveness of the services; and (j) responding to the changing users' needs. These criteria would help assess the agencies' compliance with the digital service standard.

Subject: environmental affairs, climate change
This document is the consultation document for the New Zealand government to seek public views on its second emissions reduction plan. It sets out an array of proposed measures that the government plans to take in respect of strengthening the emission trading scheme (i.e. a government's tool requiring relevant businesses to measure, report and pay for their greenhouse gas emissions), supporting private investment in reducing emissions, and minimizing emissions in various sectors such as energy, transport and waste.

Subject: economic development, trade, export
This document outlines the latest strategy of the Finnish government for promoting trade development in the changing global landscape. It includes an array of measures to support small and medium-sized enterprises in boosting exports, increasing private sector participation in international development cooperation and investment, and fostering mutually beneficial commercial opportunities with developing countries.

Subject: economic development, ticket resales
This document provides an overview of the current regulation of the online resale of tickets in the United Kingdom, covering relevant legislations on protecting consumer rights and the roles of various enforcement agencies. In addition, it includes some key enforcement actions and reviews of the sector in the past, as well as the recommendations of the Competition and Markets Authority for more stringent laws to tackle illegal ticket resales.

Subject: health services, healthcare, artificial intelligence
This document provides an overview of use of artificial intelligence ("AI") in healthcare in Scotland, covering the existing policies, strategies and key stakeholders. It also discusses the potential impacts related to the growing use of AI on healthcare regarding patients' safety, privacy and data protection, and legal issues.

Subject: health services, public health
This document sets out the public health strategy in New Zealand over the next three years. It encompasses the measures and anticipated outcomes concerning: (a) coverage and availability of healthcare services; (b) timeliness for healthcare delivery; (c) quality of the services; (d) the healthcare workforce ; and (e) the digital and physical infrastructure.

Subject: information technology, consumer protection, digital regulation
This document reviews competition and consumer concerns related to services offered by data firms in Australia. It highlights the data collection, processing and analysis practices of these companies, and recommends the government banning unfair business practices while reinforcing privacy regulations.

Subject: information technology and broadcasting, artificial intelligence
This document examines the governance and regulation of AI in the United Kingdom, covering the assessment of the roles of regulators and the government's efforts to promote the application of AI in the public and private sectors. Having made reference to the regulatory approaches in the United States and the European Union, it identifies twelve governance challenges and offers potential solutions for policymakers.

Subject: transport, road safety
This document reviews changes to road users' behaviour during and after the COVID‑19 pandemic and the impact on the safety of vulnerable road users (e.g. pedestrians, bike riders and motorcyclists) in Queensland. It provides a series of recommendations to the government, including the development of a road user hierarchy system to provide guidance for the responsibilities of the road users and placing greater emphasis on the safety of vulnerable road users in future road and urban infrastructure design.

Subject: food safety and environmental hygiene, food safety and food surveillance, public health
This document examines the public health challenges of the food system in New Zealand by looking into the production, distribution and consumption processes. It provides a series of recommendations to the government to improve and protect the public health, focusing on: (a) developing a unified food system; (b) supporting community participation in local and national food system planning; (c) fostering healthy food environments through legislative means; (d) enhancing food safety; and (e) improving monitoring and surveillance of the food system.

Subject: financial services, accounting
This document seeks public views on the regulation of accounting, auditing and consulting firms in Australia. Specifically, it explores the adequacies of various aspects, including prescribed governance requirements for large partnerships, transparency requirements for accounting, auditing and consulting firms, regulatory enforcement capabilities and standard settings, the protection of whistleblowers, etc.

Subject: economic development, business regulation
This roadmap sets out the UK government's latest plan to reform the country's regulatory landscape for businesses with a view to encouraging innovation, investment and economic growth, covering the following five areas: (a) introducing guiding principles of smarter regulation; (b) publishing a register of regulators for a "one stop shop" of regulatory information; (c) establishing a new Regulators Council to improve the communication between regulators and government; (d) creating a "Share Once Support Register" to facilitate vulnerable consumers' access to extra help regarding essential services (such as energy, telecoms and water); and (e) requiring regulators to enhance their transparency and accountability.

Subject: health services, diseases control and prevention, physical inactivity
This document provides the latest plan of promoting physical activity in Finland. It includes an array of government initiatives in respect of: (a) encouraging more physical activity in schools and companies; (b) motivating people to become physically active; (c) creating a facilitative environment for physical activity; (d) enhancing exercise skills and competence in different fields of education and training; and (e) exploring the feasibility of using financial measures for promoting physical activity.

Subject: security, emergency preparedness
This document examines the effectiveness of the emergency management system of New Zealand. By identifying the lessons learnt from the severe weather events in past few years, it proposes changes to legislative, regulatory and operational settings of the system with a focus on improving the response and readiness towards the emergency events.

Subject: home affairs, culture and sports, youth services
This document sets out the latest strategy to promote youth development in Finland, including the measures that the government would take to promote social inclusion of young people, support their mental health and improve their wellbeing. Examples of these measures include increasing the opportunities for employment, education and training, promoting physical and cultural activities for young people, and strengthening community security.

Subject: economic development, data economy, data sharing
This roadmap sets out the UK government's latest plan to promote the use of smart data (i.e. secured sharing of customer data upon the customer's request through authorized third party providers) in selected sectors such as banking, telecommunication, transport and retail, with a view to facilitating businesses' delivery of new services and enhancing their productivity and competitiveness. It includes an array of measures that the government would take on smart data to foster legitimacy, encourage consumers to participate, and drive innovation.

Subject: economic development, productivity, competition
This document reviews the level of competition and economic dynamism in Australia with a particular focus on the financial services sector, the aviation sector, the digital platforms and the retail markets. It provides recommendations to the government on areas of legal and regulatory reform, with a view to lowering barriers that hinder competition and business formation as well as further limiting anti-competitive behaviour.

Subject: Development, home affairs, rural development rural economy
This document sets out the UK's latest plan to develop the rural economy. Apart from reporting the latest progress of the government's actions to support rural people and businesses, it includes an array of measures for rural development focusing on: (a) creating more job opportunities; (b) enhancing digital connectivity; (c) building more homes and upgrading the energy infrastructure; and (d) supporting communities, including through improving access to health and social care as well as enhancing community security.

Subject: economic development, environmental affairs, green economy
This document presents the latest plan of the Norwegian government to foster the development of green industries. It outlines the government's goals, investments, and priorities in selected key areas such as renewable energy industries, processing industries and manufacturing industries, with aims to provide better framework conditions for green industrial projects and enhance the confidence of companies in investing green projects.

Subject: economic development, supply chain, trade, logistics
This document analyzes the economic impacts of global supply chain disruptions on New Zealand. With reference to international experiences, it recommends the government to focus on strengthening industry-government collaboration, aiming to build resilience, foster innovation and raise productivity.

Subject: information technology and broadcasting, artificial intelligence, generative AI
This document examines the possible impacts of the rise of large language models and generative artificial intelligence ("AI") on the United Kingdom. Having reviewed the risks and opportunities of these new technology as well as drawing reference from international experiences, it calls for the government to adopt a pro-innovation strategy to maximize the social and economic benefits, and enable the country to compete globally.

Subject: health services, mental health, youth services
This document examines the mental health status of young people in New Zealand and evaluates the effectiveness of the government agencies in addressing their mental needs over the past few years. It provides a series of recommendations to the government, including the creation of a coherent system of mental health services and the development of a national plan for strengthening mental health and anti-addiction workforce.

Subject: welfare services, poverty
This document reviews the poverty in Australia through identifying the underlying causes of poverty, analyzing the impacts on individuals and communities, and assessing the effectiveness of the current social security system. It also provides recommendations to the government on poverty alleviation, including to establish concrete targets to eradicate poverty, and to implement relevant initiatives in key areas such as housing and education.

Subject: information technology and broadcasting, cybersecurity
This document seeks public views on the draft Cyber Governance Code of Practice in the UK, aiming to strengthen the cyber security protection of businesses and other organizations. Apart from presenting the development background and the current regulatory landscape, it includes an array of proposed guidelines of the critical governance areas for managers to follow in order to protect their organizations.

Subject: economic development, international engagement
This document describes Scotland's latest international engagement strategy. It begins with an overview of the international role, vision and values of Scotland, followed by proposed actions of the government in three focused areas: (a) economy, trade, and investment; (b) climate change, biodiversity, and renewable energy; and (c) reputation, influence, and relationships.

Subject: health services, healthcare, social welfare, innovation
This document sets out the Finnish government's latest strategy to foster the use of digital technologies and promote information management in healthcare and social welfare. It covers a total of 13 key sets of tasks for 2023-2035, including launching a national digital health and social services centre on a trial basis, giving customers access to their own data and ensuring digital security, along with the responsible parties and proposed indicators for evaluating and monitoring of each set of tasks.

The Library regularly monitors portals of selected overseas parliaments to take stock of their latest developments in the rules and practices, as well as reports on parliamentary procedures and related issues for Members and staff's reference.
This document provides an overview of the legislative procedures in the House of Representatives of the US Congress, focusing on suspension of the rules, the multi-stage process involving the Committee on Rules, and measures under the terms of special rules. It also covers the procedural stages for bill consideration and methods for resolving differences with the Senate.

This document serves as a comprehensive reference guide on the use of artificial intelligence ("AI") in parliaments. It delves into key areas such as the potential applications of AI in parliamentary functions, related risks and challenges, suggested governance structures, training and capacity-building needs, as well as planning and implementation considerations.

This document takes stock of the use cases for artificial intelligence ("AI") in parliaments. Specifically, it covers AI tools for facilitating bill drafting and amendments, generating verbatim records and video subtitles, analyzing large volumes of public submissions, and protecting parliamentary systems through cybersecurity applications.

This document provides an overview of parliamentary stages for private Members' Bills in the UK House of Commons. It also describes the allocated debate time and procedural differences between private Members' Bills and government bills.

In the House of Representatives of the US Congress, Members are assigned to serve on various committees which involve the party caucuses as well as the House's and parties' rules and practices. This document provides an overview of the committee assignment process, covering the different types of committees and the related rules, as well as the nomination process of the political parties' steering committees.

This document provides an overview of financial scrutiny in the United Kingdom ("UK") Parliament, covering the roles in public finance, the historical background, and current practices during the budget planning and review processes. It also gives a brief account of the best practices for enhancing financial scrutiny in parliaments recommended by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and outlines the recent proposed initiatives to improve the system within the UK Parliament.

This document provides an overview of the Independent Expert Panel ("IEP") established in the United Kingdom Parliament to consider cases involving Members accused of violent or sexual offences. It covers the development background, its functions, composition and appointment methods, as well as the recent developments.

This issue of electronic bulletin provides the news of the innovative developments of selected parliaments, include applying speech-to-text technology to prepare meeting notes , establishing cloud-based document management systems, developing a customized mobile application for Members, and taking forward the promotion of paperless meetings.

This document reviews the post-legislative scrutiny undertaken in the Scottish Parliament, analyzing committee recommendations, government responses, and interviews with Members and parliamentary staff. The briefing provides recommendations to enhance the performance of post-legislative scrutiny in the Scottish Parliament, including the development of a repository system and a trial of establishing ad hoc post-legislative scrutiny committees.

The Origination Clause of the United States Constitution stipulates that all bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives while the Senate may propose or concur with amendments as on other bills. This document examines the development background of the clause by reviewing precedents set in Congress and the courts regarding its constitutional interpretation. It also covers the parliamentary procedures which aim to address and resolve relevant disputes between the two Houses.

This report provides the latest overview of digitalization of parliaments, incorporating findings from a survey of 115 parliaments. Based on the survey findings, it proposes a total of 31 measures to parliaments to advance their digital transformation across six areas: (a) developing clear visions and comprehensive digital strategies; (b) allocating adequate financial, human and technological resources; (c) establishing robust governance frameworks; (d) investing in capacity-building; (e) prioritizing public engagement; and (f) strengthening inter-parliamentary collaboration.

This document provides an overview of the current contingency procedures of the US Congress in response to emergencies, including setting up the provisional quorum and holding the special elections in extraordinary circumstances following substantial vacancies in the Congress. It discusses the considerations and options for the Congress to ensure its representation and continuity of the operations.

This paper sets out the procedures for recalling Parliament of the United Kingdom, i.e. calling for sittings on non-sitting days (e.g. at the weekends, or during a recess), at the request of the government for events of major national importance. The paper also details recent occasions when the Parliament was recalled and discusses the proposal to allow Members of Parliament to request recalling the Parliament.

This report reviews the effectiveness of the Independent Complaints Officer (“ICO”) in the New South Wales Legislative Council, which was tasked with investigating complaints against its members’ regarding their alleged breaches of the Code of Conduct. It provides recommendations to improve the overall mechanism such as enhancing the public awareness of the ICO and bolstering its transparency in reporting on the complaint cases.

This document provides an overview of how the UK Parliament scrutinizes the government's tax and spending policies. It outlines the mechanisms Parliament uses to examine the proposed taxes and expenditure, review the departmental spending, and hold the government accountable through the approval process of the annual Budget.

This document examines the historical role and impact of the Modernisation Committee of the UK House of Commons, which was responsible for reviewing and enhancing the practices and procedures of the House. It provides an overview of the Committee's past composition and highlights key recommendations that led to operational improvement. The document also discusses a recent proposal to re-establish the committee, which would be tasked with driving up standards, improving work practices and reforming procedures, in the House.

This document reviews the current regulatory arrangements of dealing with disorderly conduct by members during committee proceedings in the New South Wales Legislative Council of Australia. Having referred to relevant rules and practices operating in other jurisdictions, it provides recommendations to ensure effective management of members' disorder in committees, including enabling committees to order the withdrawal of a committee member for disorderly conduct.

This document provides an overview of the roles of the Speaker of the UK House of Commons, covering its presiding, administrative and representative aspects. It also talks about several traditions associated with the office of the Speaker, and a brief introduction of the Speakers in other overseas parliaments.

The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies of the US Congress was established in 1901 to plan and execute the swearing-in ceremony and host an inaugural luncheon for the President and the Vice President of the US. This document provides an overview of the committee, including its origin, composition and the features of inaugural activities.

The legislative branch appropriations bill provides funding for the US Congress and for the agencies that serve the Congress. This document responds to frequently asked questions in that regard, comprising: (a) items that are funded within this bill; (b) development, presentation, and consideration of the legislative branch budget requests; (c) the legislative branch budget in historical perspective; and (d) recent developments.

This document provides a summary report on the proposed rule changes in the Scottish Parliament regarding the procedures on consent to the bills passed in the UK Parliament. It outlines the issues that prompted a review of the rules, feedback from stakeholders on introducing a formal process for refusing consent, and sets out the proposed amendments to Standing Orders with a view to establishing clearer procedures for both granting and refusing legislative consent.

This document reviews the current regulatory arrangements of lobbying in the Australian parliament, covering the development background, challenges faced by the parliament and the effectiveness regarding the implementation of the Code of Conduct. It provides recommendations to the government on revising the Code of Conduct and ask for an enhanced collaboration between relevant regulatory authorities.

This issue of electronic bulletin provides the latest news of the innovative developments from the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Specifically, it provides an overview of the recent advocacy events and issue briefs about artificial intelligence ("AI"), and updates on proposed guidelines on AI governance in parliaments.

This document reviews the effectiveness of the current mechanism in regulating the standards and conduct of the Members of the UK House of Commons, covering the key elements of the standards landscape such as the regulatory bodies and relevant rules. In order to improve and streamline the mechanism, it provides a series of recommendations to the government, including setting up an online platform for consolidating the regulatory information and conducting a more regular liaison with the regulatory bodies.

This document outlines the actions and strategies of the Parliament of New South Wales in improving its operations during the 58th Parliament (2023-2027). Apart from stating its vision, values and operating principles, the document includes a series of high-level actions of the Parliament in five areas: (a) strengthening engagement with the public and other stakeholders; (b) enhancing its support to the Members; (c) developing its parliamentary staff; (d) promoting accountability and effectiveness; and (e) applying technology to modernize its operations.

This document provides an overview of the roles of ministers as the leader/Members of the UK House of Lords. It also discusses how they are scrutinized in the House of Commons and the recently proposed changes on how the secretaries of state should be questioned.

This document outlines various parliamentary authorities, including official sources like the House Manual and published precedents of the House of Representatives of the US Congress. It then discusses the principles of House procedures and sets out additional, but unofficial parliamentary authorities such as the House's party conference rules having considered their reference values in relation to understand the House proceedings.

This document outlines the key considerations of using generative AI ("GenAI") in parliaments, covering: (a) preparing for rapid changes of technologies (including other emerging forms of AI); (b) managing risks and impacts for the applications; (c) establishing a strong culture of digital transformation; (d) understanding the limitations; (e) keeping Members, staff and other users informed; and (f) building capacity for the users. While suggesting parliaments to adopt a risk-based approach, it encourages parliaments to start with experimenting with GenAI on efficiency-promoting tasks such as producing summaries of texts and creating records of parliamentary debates in a controlled environment.

This document is a progress report that summarizes the second-year achievements made by the Inter-Parliamentary Union ("IPU") under its 2022-2026 strategy. It describes, with statistics and examples, the activities of IPU in strengthening, connecting and supporting parliaments worldwide, and provided some case studies of parliaments that IPU has helped make significant progress under its seven priority policy goals, namely: (a) tackling climate change including digital transformation; (b) democracy and strong parliaments; (c) human rights; (d) gender equality; (e) youth participation; (f) peace and security; and (g) sustainable development.

This document provides findings and recommendations to the New South Wales ("NSW") Legislative Assembly on protecting parliamentary privilege when law enforcement bodies utilize coercive, intrusive or covert investigatory powers. It includes a draft protocol between the NSW Legislative Assembly and the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption to set out the processes to be followed for conducting necessary investigations.

This document proposes changes to selected practices of the House of Lords of the UK Parliament with a view to making amending stages of public bills more efficient while safeguarding freedom of speech of the Members. For instance, it proposes to revise the guidance on the length of speeches for debates on groups of amendments and to introduce new guidance to reduce repetition of arguments.

The House Office of Congressional Ethics was established in 2008 as an independent entity to investigate allegations of misconduct by Members, officers, and employees of the US Congress. This report describes the background of the creation of the Office, its composition, powers, investigation procedures, and relationship with the House Committee on Ethics.

This document provides an overview of the executive budget process in the United States ("the US"), covering the roles of the US President, executive agencies and the Congress. In addition to outlining the milestones of the process during the annual submission to the Congress, it also highlights various potential issues for congressional deliberation, aiming to enhance transparency of the budget activities.

This article presents an overview of the Federation Chamber in the Australian Parliament, which functions as a second debating chamber for the House of Representatives. It discusses the historical context and primary functions of the Federation Chamber, and provides statistics and examples regarding its usage. Additionally, it compares the Federation Chamber with a similar, parallel debating chamber in the UK Parliament and briefly describes relevant developments in the parliaments of Canada and Kenya.