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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, today (November 22, Lima time) appealed to world leaders not to step back from commitments to further liberalise trade and investment.
Speaking at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima, Mr Tsang said governments should take the lead in encouraging and facilitating more intra-regional trade and investment and reaffirm their commitment to achieving the Bogor Goals.
"I also hope we can give a much-needed and collective push to the WTO's Doha Round - to build on the progress made during the WTO Ministerial meeting in July, and to intensify efforts to reach agreement on the modalities by this year for achieving an ambitious and balanced outcome," the Chief Executive said.
Mr Tsang noted that government leaders should not underestimate the extent to which public spending could do to keep the wheels of domestic economies turning at a time when private investment and construction are under severe strain and were likely to remain stressed for some time.
He urged Member Economies to resist the temptation to cut government expenditure in response to the global economic slowdown.
This afternoon, the Chief Executive also 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 an official dinner hosted by the President of Peru, Mr Alan Garcia.
Tomorrow, Mr Tsang will continue to attend the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.
Ends/Sunday, November 23, 2008
Issued at HKT 09:10
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