ALGERNON YAU ATTENDS ASEAN FORUM

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau today attended the sixth Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers - Hong Kong, China Consultation in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Mr Yau and Minister of Commerce of Cambodia Pan Sorasak co-chaired the consultation to discuss issues relating to the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement and the Investment Agreement between Hong Kong and ASEAN.

“The conclusion of the two agreements is a strategic move in unlocking huge economic potential and injecting new impetus for our long-term and sustainable trade and economic development,” Mr Yau said.

ASEAN is Hong Kong's second largest partner in trade in goods and third largest partner in trade in services. Mr Yau stressed the strong ties between the two sides and said he looks forward to establishing a closer partnership and even stronger bonds in regional co-operation.

Additionally, he appealed for ASEAN member states' continued support for Hong Kong's early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Such member states welcomed the city's request and readiness for the launch of substantive accession discussions between RCEP members and Hong Kong.

The commerce chief also met ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General Satvinder Singh to update him on Hong Kong's preparatory work in seeking early accession to the RCEP.

Moreover, he held bilateral meetings with Mr Sorasak and Vice Minister of Trade of Indonesia Jerry Sambuaga to exchange views on issues of mutual interest.

Yesterday, Mr Yau paid a courtesy call on Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wentian, and met Constitutional Council of Cambodia Chairman Ek Sam Ol as well as representatives from local Hong Kong business association in Phnom Penh to brief them on Hong Kong's latest development.

Furthermore, he had a bilateral meeting with Vice Minister for Commerce of Thailand Sansern Samalapa before attending the gala dinner of the ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting in the evening.

---

PREVIOUSNEXT