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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Qingdao today (May 17).
In the morning, Mr So and other heads of delegation were met by the Vice-Premier of the State Council, Mr Wang Yang. The Minister of Commerce, Mr Gao Hucheng, hosted a lunch for all trade ministers.
On the sidelines of the MRT Meeting, Mr So requested for a meeting with the Minister of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, Mr Vu Huy Hoang. He expressed concern about the recent outbreak of protests and public disorder in Vietnam, and urged the Vietnamese government to take appropriate action to protect Hong Kong people and their properties in Vietnam. He also asked the Vietnamese government to step up such protection during the upcoming major demonstration in Vietnam as reported.
During the MRT Meeting themed "Shaping the Future through Asia-Pacific Partnership" this year, trade ministers from APEC member economies discussed the three priorities for APEC. They are advancing regional economic integration; promoting innovative development, economic reform and growth; and strengthening comprehensive connectivity and infrastructure development.
Ministers also exchanged views on how APEC could further support the multilateral trading system after the successful conclusion of the Bali Package achieved during the Ninth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization last year.
The MRT Meeting will continue tomorrow (May 18) morning. Mr So will return to Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon.
Ends/Saturday, May 17, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:35
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