**************************************************
The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, says he is encouraged that APEC Economic Leaders have reaffirmed their strong commitment to finalising the current round of global trade negotiations known as the Doha Development Agenda (DDA).
Speaking today (October 21) at the conclusion of the 11th APEC Annual Economic Leaders Meeting in Bangkok, Mr Tung said Hong Kong was pleased that Economic Leaders had stressed the primacy of the multilateral trading system in promoting free and open trade and investment within APEC and other economies.
He said Hong Kong fully supported re-energising the global trade negotiations that became stalled at the World Trade Organisation's Ministerial Conference in Cancun, Mexico, in September.
He agreed with APEC Economic Leaders that flexibility and political will were urgently needed to successfully conclude the DDA negotiations by the end of the current timetable of January 1, 2005.
"As a great supporter of the multilateral trading system, Hong Kong would like to see a successful conclusion of the DDA and to advance free trade in a co-ordinated manner among multilateral, regional and bilateral frameworks," he said.
Mr Tung said that promoting trade and investment liberalisation was one of three major topics discussed by Economic Leaders during their meeting this year under the theme of 'World of Differences : Partnership for the future'.
The other two major topics were enhancing human security and using APEC to help people and societies benefit from globalisation.
On security, Mr Tung said that Hong Kong took its international responsibilities extremely seriously and would work closely with other economies to combat transnational terrorist groups.
Hong Kong has played a leading role in curbing the financing of terrorist activities during its presidency of the Financial Action Task Force Against Money Laundering.
"Hong Kong has willingly played its role in enhancing sea transport security, while stringent Customs controls had prevented the illicit trade and transshipment of weapons and strategic commodities," he said.
Mr Tung welcomed endorsement of the APEC Action Plan on SARS and a Health Security Initiative to help prevent and respond to regional health threats.
"We learnt valuable lessons from the SARS crisis earlier this year. We remain vigilant against, and prepared for, a resurgence of SARS or other infectious diseases in the winter," he said.
"We are happy to share our experience with other APEC economies and to work with regional health authorities to share information so we can respond quickly and appropriately to any outbreaks of disease in the future."
Mr Tung also backed regional efforts to promote sound and efficient financial systems and fundamentals.
He said Hong Kong would continue to co-operate with other Asian central banks and monetary authorities to promote the development of regional bond markets in particular phase two of the Asian Bond Fund.
Mr Tung, attending his seventh consecutive APEC AELM, also added a new shirt to his wardrobe courtesy of hosts Thailand.
The Chief Executive chose a brown Thai silk shirt in line with APEC's long-standing practice to provide leaders with traditional attire for the final day of their meetings.
Next year's AELM will be held in Chile, with Korea taking over the chair for 2005, Vietnam in 2006, Australia in 2007 and Peru in 2008.
End/Tuesday, October 21, 2003
NNNN
