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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, joined leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) member economies at their annual meeting today (November 18, Busan time) to discuss a wide range of trade issues aimed to advance free trade.
Next month (December), Hong Kong will host the World Trade Organization Sixth Ministerial Conference, the outcome of which is important to the successful conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) negotiations. The negotiations are crucial for strengthening the multilateral trading system and promoting global economic growth.
Mr Tsang welcomed APEC members' political will by endorsing a standalone statement on DDA negotiations reaffirming the APEC economies' commitment to taking a lead to reach an agreement in key negotiation areas. He hoped the statement would help achieve a meaningful outcome of the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference.
The Chief Executive told the leaders that the proposed Busan Business Agenda would be a comprehensive business facilitation programme that would improve the business environment, especially for the SMEs.
He also urged member economies to give further impetus to economic and technical cooperation for sustainable growth and the well-being of our societies.
"APEC economies should continue to open our markets to international trade and investment so that the region can continue to enjoy higher-than-average economic growth," Mr Tsang said.
The Chief Executive had a busy day today. After attending the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, he joined economic leaders of the other 20 member economies to meet APEC Business Advisory Council members to exchange views on ways to further the work of APEC.
Earlier in the day, he had breakfast with President Hu Jintao. The Chief Executive updated President Hu on the latest social and economic development in Hong Kong. He also briefed him on the responses of different sectors to the Fifth Report of the Constitutional Development Task Force.
In the evening, the Chief Executive will attend the official dinner hosted by the President of the Republic of Korea and Chair of the 2005 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, Mr Roh Moo-hyun.
Tomorrow, Mr Tsang will continue to attend the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. He will also hold a bilateral meeting with Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra before attending the Hong Kong-Thailand Agreement for Investment Promotion and Protection Signing Ceremony.
Ends/Friday, November 18, 2005
Issued at HKT 18:16
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