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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Frederick Ma, will conclude his visit to Paris, France, after participating in a number of trade meetings at ministerial level today (June 5).
This morning (Paris time), he attended the Trade Session of the Ministerial Council Meeting of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to discuss with other trade ministers the WTO Doha Round negotiations and the future challenges for the multilateral trading system.
Delivering a statement at the session, Mr Ma said: "To help address the problem of rising food prices, we must work together to ensure freer trade in agricultural products."
"This is the moment to create an environment that would facilitate more efficient and speedy adjustments to imbalances in supply and demand in global food markets. I call upon all economies to dismantle trade barriers in agriculture by making timely and forthright decisions in the agriculture negotiations."
He stressed that Hong Kong, China remained firmly committed to the full implementation of the Hong Kong Ministerial Declaration of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
"The final outcome of the Round should therefore cover not only agriculture, but also real and significant market access improvements on non-agricultural products, improved market access commitments and domestic regulations for services, and a set of clear and improved trade rules to ensure that these market access improvements are not eroded by abuse or misinterpretation," said Mr Ma at the meeting.
Earlier today, Mr Ma exchanged views with other trade ministers on the latest development of the WTO Doha negotiations at a breakfast meeting hosted by Japan. He will also take part in an informal meeting of trade ministers organised by Australia to discuss the way forward to bring the Round to a successful conclusion. Mr Ma is accompanied by Hong Kong Permanent Representative to the WTO, Mr Martin Glass.
Immediately prior to the Paris visit, Mr Ma has participated in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation's Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting in Arequipa, Peru.
Mr Ma will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (June 6) evening.
Ends/Thursday, June 5, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:40
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