China News Service, Hong Kong, June 5th. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Qiu Tenghua, attended the 2021 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Trade Ministers Video Conference on the evening of June 5, saying that Hong Kong looks forward to joining the " The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) begins a formal dialogue.
Regarding the response to the epidemic crisis, Qiu Tenghua said that trade can ensure the effective circulation and distribution of vaccines and related materials. Hong Kong fully supports APEC’s timely announcement on the COVID-19 vaccine supply chain and the trade in services that promote the circulation of anti-epidemic necessities. statement.
Qiu Tenghua said that restarting cross-border tourism is an important measure to support economic recovery and reinvigorate hard-hit industries such as tourism.
As an organization that nurtures innovative ideas in the region, APEC has the responsibility to promote dialogue and encourage policy coordination.
Hong Kong is ready to cooperate with other member economies to promote relevant measures while balancing public health considerations.
As digital transformation is a prerequisite for post-epidemic recovery, Qiu Tenghua calls on member economies to make good use of digitalization to implement structural reforms and reduce business costs.
He said that APEC should strive to narrow the digital divide, support the business community in responding to this structural change, and seize the opportunities brought by digital trade.
Regarding free and open trade, Qiu Tenghua urges member economies to support a rules-based multilateral trading system and deepen regional economic integration, so that the Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area can eventually be realized.
He pointed out that high-quality regional free trade agreements can bring substantial economic benefits and strengthen the foundation of the regional economy.
Yau Tenghua said: "Hong Kong thanks RCEP member economies for their positive response to Hong Kong's proposal to join RCEP. When they are ready to accept new members, Hong Kong looks forward to starting a formal dialogue on joining RCEP as soon as possible."
It is reported that the Minister of Trade Video Conference held on the evening of the 5th was chaired by Damien O'Connor, Minister of Trade and Export Growth of New Zealand. It is the first ministerial meeting of APEC in 2021.
The ministers at the meeting exchanged views on economic and trade policies to promote post-epidemic recovery and reiterated their commitment to the multilateral trading system.
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