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Commerce and Industry

External Commercial Relations

Hong Kong's Participation in the World Trade Organisation

Hong Kong is a founding member of the WTO and has continued its separate membership since the establishment of the HKSAR under the name of 'Hong Kong, China. Hong Kong participates in the WTO to sustain the momentum of trade liberalisation, and to strengthen the multilateral rules-based trading system. The HKSAR participates actively in the current round of multilateral trade negotiations launched in Doha, Qatar, in 2001, mainly to seek greater market access for its services sectors and industrial goods. The HKSAR participated in the Ninth WTO Ministerial Conference held in Bali, Indonesia, in December 2013.

Regional Economic Co-operation

Hong Kong continues to play an active role in enhancing regional economic co-operation. It participates as a full and separate member in Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC), a regional forum for high-level dialogue and co-operation on trade and economic issues, under the name of 'Hong Kong, China. In October 2013, the Chief Executive and the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development represented Hong Kong in Bali, Indonesia, at the 21st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and the 25th APEC Ministerial Meeting respectively. In 2013, some 83 per cent of Hong Kong's external trade was conducted with the other 20 member economies of APEC.

The Pacific Economic Co-operation Counci! (PECC) is a non-governmental regional forum comprising government officials, business leaders and academics. It works on policy issues to enhance trade, investment and economic development in the Pacific region. The Hong Kong Committee for Pacific Economic Co-operation advises on and co-ordinates the HKSAR's participation in the PECC and plays an active role in the PECC's activities.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

Hong Kong participates in the Trade Committee and the Committee on Financial Markets of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which are important forums for discussing policies on international trade and financial services.

Regional and Bilateral Trade Agreements

To secure more favourable access to overseas markets for Hong Kong goods and services, the government continues to pursue free trade agreements (FTAs) that are in Hong Kong's interests, consistent with WTO provisions and that contribute to multilateral trade liberalisation. In April 2013, Hong Kong and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations agreed to pursue a bilateral FTA. In addition, Hong Kong and some WTO members launched the negotiation on the Trade in Services Agreement in June 2013. These agreements will enhance trade and investment flows between the relevant markets and Hong Kong, generate new opportunities for Hong Kong businesses, and boost economic growth.

Liaison with the Mainland and the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement

The Mainland's rapid economic and trade growth has helped boost Hong Kong's external trade and intermediary services, and has facilitated economic and trade co-operation between the

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