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Further textiles talks with US fail to reach agreement

The second round of bilateral consultations between Hong Kong and the United held in Washington DC in the last two days over the additional import measures imposed unilaterally by the US has failed to reach an agreement despite Hong Kong's offer to enhance the effectiveness of the cooperation between the two sides against illegal transhipment.

"We are disappointed that after two days' consultations, the two sides have not been able to come to an agreement," a government spokesman said today (Thursday).

"It is particularly regrettable since we have put forward a package of proposals that would enhance the two sides' effectiveness in combating illegal transhipment, in place of the unilateral measures that the US has imposed on us."

The Hong Kong delegation to the second round was led by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Lawrence Li, and members comprised the Deputy Director-General of Trade, Mrs Rebecca Lai, and other officials from the Customs and Excise Department and the Trade Department.

The US side was led by the Deputy Commissioner for US Customs, Mr Michael Lane.

The spokesman said during the consultations, the two sides also discussed Hong Kong's views on the US measures.

"We maintained our fundamental objections to these discriminatory measures which have been introduced unilaterally without any prior consultations and discussions with us to seek to establish the facts about the perceived problem of transshipment in Hong Kong," he said.

"The two sides have a better understanding of each other's position after the consultations but it is regrettable that the two sides have not been able to reach a resolution.

"We have therefore made clear to the US side that we would seriously consider taking the matter to the World Trade Organisation."

Hong Kong will now review its position, taking into account the discussion, before deciding on the way forward, the spokesman said.

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