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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, today (September 9) continued discussion with leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) member economies on a wide range of issues aimed to advance free trade.
Reaffirming Hong Kong, China・s commitment to greater economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region, Mr Tsang pledged to strengthen efforts to work with other member economies towards this end.
Negotiation work on the Doha Development Agenda remains Hong Kong China・s first priority. At the same time, Hong Kong China was also fully committed to achieving the APEC・s Bogor goal of trade and investment liberalisation, Mr Tsang said.
Mr Tsang believed that structural reform to address ：behind-the-border； trade barriers would help the region become more resilient to economic shocks, achieve greater macroeconomic stability, and increase productivity in the longer run.
Other topics discussed at the Economic Leaders・ Meeting today included revitalising APEC process and institutions, APEC membership and reform, as well as human security.
Earlier in the morning, the Chief Executive had breakfast with President Hu Jintao and updated him on Hong Kong's latest social, economic and political development.
After the APEC meeting, Mr Tsang will depart for New Zealand in the evening for a three-day official visit. He will return to Hong Kong on September 12.
Ends/Sunday, September 9, 2007
Issued at HKT 15:12
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