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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, held bilateral meetings with the trade and commerce ministers of Indonesia and Thailand respectively after attending the 27th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministerial Meeting in Manila, the Philippines today (November 17).
Mr So first met with the Minister of Trade of Indonesia, Mr Thomas Trikasih Lembong, to discuss bilateral trade and economic issues. In particular, Mr So expressed his gratitude to the Indonesian Government for its agreement to the establishment of a Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Jakarta. He said the new HKETO in Jakarta would help bring the ties between Hong Kong and Indonesia on various fronts to a new height, and further enhance bilateral and economic co-operation.
Mr So also had a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Commerce of Thailand, Mrs Apiradi Tantraporn, to exchange views on issues of mutual concern. During the meeting, Mr So noted that the negotiation of the Hong Kong-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) had been progressing steadily, with its fifth round to be held in December in Hong Kong. He said the FTA would strengthen economic and trade relations between Hong Kong and Thailand by facilitating the flow of goods, services and investment. He said he hoped that Thailand would continue to be a champion for the smooth progress of the negotiation for a successful conclusion next year.
Mr So will return to Hong Kong this evening.
Ends/Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:08
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