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The Chairman of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Hong Kong Ministerial Conference (HKMC), Mr John Tsang, hosted a cocktail reception this afternoon (December 15) for the non-government organisation (NGO) representatives attending the HKMC being held from December 13 to 18.
Welcoming the NGO representatives, Mr Tsang said he and the WTO attached great importance to their role in the proceedings of the HKMC meeting. He noted that there was a record number of more than 1,000 NGOs accredited for the HKMC and it was also the first time accredited NGO representatives and delegates were housed under the same roof.
Mr Tsang told the participants that he was optimistic about the HKMC. Even though Hong Kong was not meant to be the conclusion of the Doha Round, he believed Members would achieve a useful outcome that would become a milestone from which the negotiations for the Doha Development Agenda could go forward and be completed by the end of 2006.
Mr Tsang urged the NGOs and their peers to add their voice and their weight to support a smooth conclusion to the HKMC, and the eventual success of the Doha Development Agenda.
Ends/Thursday, December 15, 2005
Issued at HKT 18:15
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