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The Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr John Tsang, today (November 29) reiterated that the Government is taking an active role in the trade negotiations, particularly those in the services sector, in the forthcoming WTO Hong Kong Ministerial Conference (HKMC) to safeguard the overall economic interest of Hong Kong while securing the best possible market access for Hong Kong suppliers, and provide the best possible environment for Hong Kong to attract foreign investment.
Officiating at a Presentation Ceremony of Certificates of Appreciation organised by the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference Co-ordination Office (MCO), Mr Tsang expressed his deep gratitude to the HKMC sponsors for their generous support to make the organisation of the Conference a less daunting task than expected.
"Improved market access around the world will be conducive to our further economic growth and local employment. The Government has always been single minded in formulating our strategy for the WTO negotiations to ensure that we maintain the best possible interest of our workforce and our economy in mind," said Mr Tsang.
Hosting the WTO HKMC demonstrates not only Hong Kong's commitment and contribution to WTO as a full and separate member under the "One Country, Two Systems", but also Hong Kong's full autonomy in trade and economic matters provided under the Basic Law, he added.
"The organisation of HKMC, possibly the largest global event to take place in Hong Kong in recent years, is not an easy task. It requires the support of the entire community. The business community's active involvement demonstrates clearly that our business leaders care for what we do in Hong Kong and take their social responsibility seriously," Mr Tsang said.
"I am deeply moved that we have received some HK$55 million in sponsorship, both in cash as well as in kind, in the form of services and supplies, from some 30 corporations in various sectors," he said. "That touches me most is not just the encouraging monetary value we achieved but the unfailing support and unity of our business community."
Also present at today's ceremony were the Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology (Commerce and Industry), Miss Denise Yue; Director-General of Trade and Industry, Mr Raymond Young; and Head of MCO, Miss Janet Wong.
Ends/Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Issued at HKT 19:46
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