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The Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, said today (November 19) at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM) Leaders' Retreat in Manila, the Philippines, that Hong Kong strongly supports efforts to realise a free trade area of the Asia-Pacific region, which would help create jobs and promote economic growth, bringing benefits to member economies and enhancing overall regional competitiveness, integration and prosperity.
At the AELM Leaders' Retreat entitled "Inclusive Growth through Integrated Economies" this morning, leaders deliberated on how regional trade and connectivity could impact the multilateral trade system.
Earlier this morning, the Chief Executive met with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr Prayuth Chan-ocha, and discussed a range of issues including trade in foodstuffs, tourism, infrastructure, shipping and education. Mr Leung thanked Thailand for its support in Hong Kong's discussions with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on a Free Trade Agreement.
The Chief Executive also joined the Leaders Luncheon and the AELM Leaders' Retreat II on "Inclusive Growth through Sustainable and Resilient Communities" this afternoon.
Yesterday morning (November 18), the Chief Executive held a bilateral meeting with the President of Vietnam, Mr Truong Tan Sang. At the meeting, Mr Leung encouraged Vietnam businesses to make the best use of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge after completion, which should greatly enhance trade between Hong Kong and Vietnam. He also welcomed Vietnamese students to pursue further education in Hong Kong to enhance the people-to-people bonds in the region.
The Chief Executive also joined a session of the APEC CEO Summit yesterday morning, during which President Xi Jinping delivered his keynote speech.
Yesterday afternoon, the Chief Executive attended the APEC Chair's Official Welcome for APEC Leaders, as well as the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Dialogue, where he discussed with leaders of other participating economies the recommendations of the 2015 ABAC Annual Report to APEC Leaders, including supporting the multilateral trading system, advancing the services agenda and accelerating investment liberalisation and facilitation.
The Chief Executive also met with President Xi and briefed him on Hong Kong's latest developments.
The Chief Executive will return to Hong Kong this evening.
Ends/Thursday, November 19, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:15
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