SCED Urges APEC Member Economies to Support Regional Economic Integration

SCED calls on APEC member economies to join hands in promoting regional economic integration

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, called on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies' continued support for the multilateral trading system to deepen regional economic integration at the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Suzhou today (May 22).

Speaking at the session entitled "Build an Open and Predictable Regional and Multilateral Trade and Economic Order", Mr Yau said that against the backdrop of uncertainty and rising protectionism, the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core provides the much-needed stability, transparency and predictability to international trade.

Mr Yau called on fellow trade ministers to build upon the progress achieved at the WTO 14th Ministerial Conference and expedite follow-up work on those important outstanding issues, such as WTO reform, the extension of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions and the continuation of the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce. He also encouraged all APEC member economies to join the Agreement on Electronic Commerce so as to build the momentum for its eventual incorporation into the WTO legal framework.

Mr Yau noted that APEC member economies have been pursuing trade liberalisation through various means, and the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) is one of the long-term visions for deepening economic integration in the region. As the global trade landscape has undergone unprecedented changes since the idea of the FTAAP was first discussed some 20 years ago, Hong Kong fully supports the country's efforts this year to develop an FTAAP document to inject new impetus into the initiative and to demonstrate APEC's ability to lead by example.

Mr Yau stressed that as part of its efforts to contribute to the FTAAP agenda, Hong Kong is actively seeking early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

He said he looks forward to RCEP's next major milestone in setting up the Accession Working Group for Hong Kong as soon as possible within 2026, and to the continued support in Hong Kong's accession bid. Hong Kong's accession to RCEP would add concrete impetus to regional economic integration and help advance the FTAAP agenda.

On the sidelines of the MRT meeting, Mr Yau met with the China International Trade Representative and Vice Minister of Commerce, Mr Li Chenggan, and the Deputy Minister of Trade of Indonesia, Ms Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri, separately to exchange views on issues of mutual concern. He also met with the Mayor of Suzhou, Mr Wang Wei, and briefed him on Hong Kong's latest initiatives to drive economic development.

Mr Yau will continue to join the MRT Meeting tomorrow (May 23).

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau (left), meets with the Mayor of Suzhou, Mr Wang Wei (right), and briefs him on Hong Kong's latest initiatives to drive economic development on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting in Suzhou today (May 22). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau (second left), meets with the Deputy Minister of Trade of Indonesia, Ms Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri (second right), to exchange views on issues of mutual concern on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting in Suzhou today (May 22). The Director-General of Trade and Industry, Mr Aaron Liu (first left), also attends the meeting. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau (left), meets with the China International Trade Representative and Vice Minister of Commerce, Mr Li Chenggang (right), to exchange views on issues of mutual concern on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting in Suzhou today (May 22). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau (front row, centre), speaks at a discussion session entitled "Build an Open and Predictable Regional and Multilateral Trade and Economic Order" at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting in Suzhou today (May 22). Also pictured is the Director-General of Trade and Industry, Mr Aaron Liu (front row, right). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, speaks at a discussion session entitled "Build an Open and Predictable Regional and Multilateral Trade and Economic Order" at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting in Suzhou today (May 22). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Artist Showcased at Slovenia's Lighting Guerrilla Festival

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) supported Hong Kong artist Wong Chi-yung in presenting his artwork "The Tower of Light" in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Wong is a cross-disciplinary artist from Hong Kong, who focuses on creating immersive public artwork which incorporate multimedia technology elements. His installation, "The Tower of Light", is featured at the Lighting Guerrilla Festival, from May 26 to June 20 (Ljubljana time), the largest light festival event held annually in Slovenia.

"The Tower of Light" responds to this year's festival theme, "Diversity", by drawing inspiration from Ljubljana's famous Ljubljanica River. The work invites audiences to reflect on the evolving interplay between humanity, technology, and nature, while highlighting the fluid and ever-changing connection between light and water.

The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau provided funding support for the exhibition.

About HKETO Berlin

HKETO Berlin is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Germany as well as Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland.

Hong Kong Artist Showcased at Slovenia's Lighting Guerrilla Festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Artist Showcased at Slovenia's Lighting Guerrilla Festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases