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The fifth annual Structured Dialogue meeting between the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSARG) and the European Union (EU) was held today (December 8) in Hong Kong. The meeting was co-chaired by the Deputy Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce and Industry), Ms Linda Lai, and the Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific, European External Action Service, Mr Viorel Isticioaia Budura. The two sides conducted fruitful discussions on a wide range of subjects to enhance mutual understanding and further co-operation.
The Structured Dialogue is an effective high-level platform for the HKSARG and the EU to address and discuss issues of common interest based on a mutually agreed agenda.
The Head of the HKSARG delegation, Ms Lai, welcomed the Head of the EU delegation, Mr Isticioaia Budura, to Hong Kong. She noted that the economic and trade relations between Hong Kong and the EU have continued to be strong and close. In 2010, the EU was the second largest trading partner of Hong Kong, with trade amounting to $586 billion, which marked an increase of more than 13 per cent compared with 2009.
"The regular dialogue continues to play a significant role in forthcoming co-operation with the EU on a variety of issues which are important to Hong Kong, including those on testing and certification as well as innovation and technology. Both sides recognise the importance of continual enhancement of co-operation and mutual understanding for the benefits of the economies in Hong Kong and the EU. We look forward to continuing working with the EU to promote research and development collaboration in the coming year," Ms Lai said.
Mr Isticioaia Budura noted that the dialogue this year had served to further solidify the existing co-operation between the EU and Hong Kong.
"Hong Kong remains an important regional hub for EU companies. Given its unique position and experienced service providers, it facilitates EU companies' access to the Mainland market and other countries in the region. We look forward to the further development of our close political, economic and trade relations, as well as increased co-operation in other important areas, such as education, climate action and competition policy, with Hong Kong in the future," he said.
The Hong Kong delegation informed the EU about its ongoing efforts in developing sectors in which Hong Kong enjoys an advantage, such as creative industries and education; the efforts made in customs control; and plans for tackling air pollution in the marine sector. To keep the EU apprised of the business and regulatory environment in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong side updated the EU on the progress of its Competition Bill and the mandatory registration of proprietary Chinese medicine. The Hong Kong delegation also updated the EU of Hong Kong's role as a premier offshore Renminbi business centre.
The EU delegation welcomed all these developments. They updated Hong Kong on the latest economic and financial developments regarding the Euro zone and measures taken in support thereof, as well as the regulation of financial services. The EU delegation also presented recent initiatives linked to the overall EU efforts aimed at combating climate change, such as the inclusion of the aviation sector in the EU Emissions Trading System, as well as possible future measures for the maritime sector. It also shared its experience in controlling air pollutant emissions from marine vessels. The EU welcomed the existing close co-operation between laboratories in Hong Kong and in the EU and will continue to encourage such voluntary co-operation as a tool to facilitate trade and build market confidence.
The EU delegation also informed Hong Kong of the recently launched EU Academic Programme aimed at raising awareness and knowledge of the EU in Hong Kong through research seminars, workshops and other academic activities.
Both sides agreed to maintain close contact through the established channels and to identify areas for further co-operation at the next round of the dialogue.
Ends/Thursday, December 8, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:17
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