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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, today (September 8) called on key players of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to resolve their differences for a breakthrough to the Doha Development Agenda negotiations.
Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' meeting in Sydney, Mr Tsang said: "Hong Kong, China, as always, will participate actively in the negotiations and we look forward to substantive and intensive discussion in the WTO meetings in September and beyond."
Mr Tsang said that bilateral and regional free trade agreements are no substitute for the multilateral trading system. "There is nothing we can do on an individual basis that can create a better trading environment than the Geneva-based system which applies multilaterally."
On coping with the harmful effects of climate change, Mr Tsang said it would be a team effort requiring close collaboration at all levels.
"Member economies should convey a clear and strong message to the business community that they need to factor core environmental values into their business decisions. We should also drive home the message that every individual can and must play a part in protecting the environment."
"We welcome the proposed Declaration on Climate Change, Energy Security and Clean Development. The initiatives set out in the Action Agenda to strength cooperation in areas such as energy efficiency, forest cover, energy research and bio-fuels should go a long way to enhancing APEC economies’ capacities to make positive responses to the challenges posed by climate change," Mr Tsang said.
Mr Tsang added that efforts have to be stepped up to increase the "sinks" of greenhouse gas emissions in the world by properly maintaining, managing and nurturing forest resources.
"We have planted more than 11 million trees over the past five years in Hong Kong and plan to do more in the future," Mr Tsang said.
The Chief Executive has a packed schedule today. Earlier in the morning, he joined other economic leaders to meet APEC Business Advisory Council members to exchange views on ways to further the work of APEC.
In the evening, he attended the official dinner hosted by the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon John Howard.
Tomorrow, Mr Tsang will continue to attend the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.
Ends/Saturday, September 8, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:28
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