- 3-
Mr Miller said while trade and investment liberation would bring some benefits for businessmen, it must be matched by collective action to cut through the red tape and bureaucratic hassle which wastes the time, money and energy of businessmen throughout the region.
He emphasised that trade facilitation must be tackled in the same convincing and comprehensive way as liberalisation and to an agreed timetable.
"Customs procedures must be simplified, standards harmonised, rules made transparent, and common principles agreed for investment, procurement, the defence of consumer and much more besides," he added.
Mr Miller described as "justified in Hong Kong's view" the mood of impatience among APEC members with the slowness of the multilateral process but pointed out that it must be channelled to constructive purpose.
"APEC does not need to reinvent the World Trade Organisation (WTO). It should complement the WTO's work, not duplicate it," he said.
"It should reaffirm and reinforce belief in the efficacy of its founding principles: non-discrimination, national treatment and transparency," he added.
"I think all this is achievable, and I have been impressed by the thoroughness and determination of the Japanese Chair this year in carrying forward the torch from Bogor.
11
End/Wednesday, June 7, 1995
Expert talks on the Court of Final Appeal
The eighth round of talks between experts of the British and Chinese sides of the Joint Liaison Group on matters relating to the Court of Final Appeal will be held in Hong Kong on June 7 and 8.
The British team will be led by British Representative Mr Alan Paul. The Chinese team will be led by Chinese Representative Mr Chen Zuo'er. They will be assisted by experts from the two sides.
End/Wednesday, June 7, 1995
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