China News Service, Hong Kong, November 16th. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Qiu Tenghua, said at the ministerial meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) on the evening of the 16th that the "Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement" ("Agreement") The signing and launching of the CBRC is an important milestone in the region’s economic integration. It clearly and strongly releases the message of supporting open, inclusive and rules-based trade and investment arrangements.
Hong Kong is eagerly looking forward to joining the Agreement.
Qiu Tenghua said that Hong Kong has entered into a high-quality "Free Trade Agreement" with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Australia and New Zealand. It has also implemented the "Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic and Trade Relations Arrangement" with the Mainland. Hong Kong is eager to join the "Agreement." When the time is right and member economies allow new partners to join, Hong Kong is willing to start a dialogue on joining the Agreement.
Qiu Tenghua said that the epidemic has brought economic turmoil to various regions, and the recent sharp increase in protectionist measures has greatly affected the global trade exchanges and investment atmosphere, and weakened the ability to jointly resist the current economic recession.
He called on member economies to work hard to curb the escalating trade conflict through consultation and constructive dialogue.
He emphasized that under the epidemic, a rule-based multilateral trading system with the WTO as the core is essential to maintaining the stability of international trade and restoring economic vitality.
He said that one of the current urgent tasks is to restore the effective operation of the multilateral trading system by promoting the reform and progress of the WTO, and at the same time avoiding its function from stalling.
Hong Kong has always supported the WTO and is committed to launching a constructive dialogue with APEC member economies.
Qiu Tenghua pointed out that member economies should work together to plan the path of economic recovery after the epidemic, and mentioned that the "air tourism bubble" established by Hong Kong and Singapore will help the people of the two places to gradually resume cross-border communication in a safe and orderly manner.
He said that Hong Kong will continue to have relevant discussions with other APEC member economies, with a view to expanding the "air travel bubble" network in the region under the circumstance of adopting comprehensive health protection measures. This move can help public health, detect and support the epidemic. The new post-trade service sector opens up numerous business opportunities.
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