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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, will leave for Paris, France, tonight (May 22) to attend the Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Mr So will address the trade session of the MCM on the agenda entitled "Towards a More Open Trading System and Job-rich Growth" on May 24, during which ministers will discuss policy issues relating to reducing the growing risk of protectionism, market opening and liberalisation of services trade. These issues have impacts on economic growth and job creation. Ministers will also reflect on the emergence of global value chains and its economic impact.
Mr So will also attend an informal gathering of ministers responsible for the World Trade Organization Doha Round negotiations on the margins of the MCM. The meeting will assess the latest developments in the Doha Round negotiations, including trade facilitation issues, with the aim of providing further impetus to move the round forward.
Mr So will be back in Hong Kong on May 25.
Ends/Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:00
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