CE arrives in Chile for APEC meeting

Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa arrived in Santiago today (November 17) to attend the 12th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM) on Saturday and Sunday.

"The AELM provides a platform for 21 of us to discuss issues that are vital to the future development of the Asia-Pacific region. This is very useful in promoting the sustainable development and prosperity of the region," Mr Tung said.

"We will discuss a wide range of subjects including economic issues, the Doha Round of World Trade Organisation negotiations, oil prices, counter-terrorism, trade security and the control of infectious diseases. These affect every part of the world," he said.

"As a member of the global village, Hong Kong must work closely and actively with other trading partners to overcome the challenges brought about by these issues."

Hong Kong will play host to the WTO Sixth Ministerial Conference in December 2005, and the Chief Executive will take the opportunity to invite all APEC member economies to attend this important event.

"As a staunch supporter of the multilateral trading system, I would urge economic leaders to ride on the momentum of the negotiations following the WTO General Council in July towards a rewarding outcome of the round from next year's Ministerial Conference," he said

During his stay in Santiago, Mr Tung will meet President Hu Jintao and the President of Chile, Mr Ricardo Lagos. He will also attend the APEC CEO Summit and hold meetings with senior American business leaders.

Ends/Wednesday, November 17, 2004