Hong Kong tops global enabling trade index
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    Hong Kong leads the world in terms of enabling trade, according to a report that measures and analyses factors enabling trade in 118 industrialised and emerging economies around the world released today (June 18) by the World Economic Forum.

    Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, welcomed the report. He said: "I am pleased to note that Hong Kong is ranked first overall in the Enabling Trade Index (ETI) 2008 developed by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with international trade experts and practitioners.

    "It demonstrates strong positive recognition of Hong Kong's open, transparent and efficient trading infrastructure."

    Published for the first time, the WEF's Global Enabling Trade Report 2008 is the result of years of research into factors, policies and services of national economies in trade facilitation; and the ETI covers four areas, namely, market access, border administration, transport and communications infrastructure, and business environment.

    Mr Tsang said that the research findings showed that Hong Kong performed strongly in all four areas.

    "We remain committed to free market access and tariff-free import of goods," he said.  "The recent decisions to abolish wine and beer duty and waive hotel accommodation tax are clear indications of our determination.

    "Our market promotion efforts in emerging economies, efforts to facilitate the importation of skills and talents, and the government's announcement of the introduction of a competition law are all examples of our commitment to ensure ease of access to markets and a fair and level playing field for investors."

    Citing the recently opened Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Corridor, Mr Tsang said Hong Kong would continue to invest in cross-boundary infrastructure to ensure maximum efficiency in transport and communications infrastructure.

    He said Hong Kong would also continue to enable trade through improving regulatory efficiency so as to reduce compliance costs.

    "We will continue our policy of facilitating free trade while ensuring an appropriate degree of government regulation to provide a fair business environment for investors, and aiming to maintain Hong Kong as a global leader in enabling trade in goods and services," Mr Tsang said.

Ends/Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:42

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