Appointments to Consultative Committee on Economic and Trade Co-operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland announced
************************************************************

     The Chief Executive announced in the Policy Address the plan to establish the Consultative Committee on Economic and Trade Co-operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland (the Committee) to advise the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government on matters related to strengthening co-operation with the Mainland in trade, economic and other relevant areas. The Government announced today (October 7) that the Chief Executive has appointed Mr Jack So as the Chairman, Dr Henry Cheng and Dr Joseph Lee as Deputy Chairmen, and 23 non-official members and six official members to the Committee, for a term of two years, from October 7, 2013 to October 6, 2015.

     The Committee will focus on exploring business opportunities on the Mainland for Hong Kong enterprises and talent; studying the implications of Nansha, Hengqin, Qianhai and the Loop area on the future development of Hong Kong, as well as opportunities and possible modes of co-operation; and providing active support to the business sector in further opening up the Mainland market. Members of the Committee include prominent business sector leaders and persons with good knowledge of Hong Kong Mainland co-operation, practical experience in the development of various types of business in the Mainland, and extensive connections in the business sector.

     The terms of reference of the Committee are to advise the SAR Government on the following:

(1) how to capitalise on the opportunities arising from the economic and social development of the Mainland, facilitate development of Hong Kong enterprises and talent on the Mainland, and promote economic and trade co-operation between the Mainland and Hong Kong, both in Hong Kong and overseas;

(2) study the implications of Nansha, Hengqin, Qianhai and the Loop area on the future development of Hong Kong, opportunities and possible modes of co-operation; and

(3) how to provide active support to the business sector in further developing the Mainland market, and fully implement trade liberalisation and investment facilitation.

     The membership list is as follows:

Chairman
--------
Mr Jack So Chak-kwong

Deputy Chairmen
---------------
Dr Joseph Lee
Dr Henry Cheng Kar-shun

Non-official Members (23)
--------------------
Dr Joe Fang
Dr Dennis Ng Wang-pun
Mr Frederick Lam Tin-fuk
Mr Lam Lap-fong
Dr Peter Lam Kin-ngok
Mr Andrew Lam Siu-lo
Mr Irons Sze
Professor Shane Zee Sze-yong
Mr Paul Cheung Kwok-wing
Mr Peter Leung Pak-yan
Mr Leung Moon-lam
Mr Chong Shing-hum
Mr Pang Yiu-kai
Mr Spencer Theodore Fung
Mr Huang Xiaofeng
Mr Wong Chun-hong
Mr Tony Wong Hong-wang
Dr Charles Yeung
Ms Marjorie Yang Mun-tak
Mr Tang To
Mr Ken Lu
Dr Roy Chung Chi-ping
Mrs Katherine Ngan Ng Yu-ying

Official Members
----------------
Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, or representative
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, or representative
Director-General or Deputy Director-General of Trade and Industry
Secretary for Development, or representative (participate when necessary)
Head, Central Policy Unit (participate when necessary)
Government Economist (participate when necessary)

Ends/Monday, October 7, 2013
Issued at HKT 12:00

NNNN