The Chinese and U.S. economic and trade teams are maintaining close communication on issues including tariff reductions, China's Ministry of Commerce said Thursday.
Ministry spokesman He Yadong made the remarks at a regular press conference when asked about the latest progress in consultations on a reciprocal tariff reduction framework arrangement that would cover 30 billion U.S. dollars worth of products from each side.
"Currently, the economic and trade teams of China and the United States are maintaining close communication on relevant issues, and further developments will be released in due course," He said.
Last week, ministry spokeswoman Huang Ling confirmed that consultations on a reciprocal tariff reduction framework were taking place between the two sides, with the aim of reaching an arrangement at the earliest possible date.
China, U.S. maintain close communication on tariff reduction arrangement: ministry
China, U.S. maintain close communication on tariff reduction arrangement: ministry
The Global Financial Centers Index (GFCI) 40 Report released on Wednesday once again fully affirms that Hong Kong remains a strong magnet with great influence and competitiveness as an international financial hub, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Thursday.
Hong Kong maintained the third place globally and continued to hold the top position in the Asia-Pacific region in the GFCI 40 Report released by British think tank Z/Yen Group and the China Development Institute in Shenzhen. The report assessed a total of 117 financial centers around the world.
"With the safeguards of 'one country, two systems', Hong Kong has witnessed remarkable economic growth. Its leading position as an international financial, shipping and trade center has been further reaffirmed. Hong Kong's IPO market in the first half of the year had come in second globally, raising around 203.3 billion Hong Kong dollars," said Guo Jiakun, the spokesman, at a press conference in Beijing.
"The report reaffirms Hong Kong's appeal, influence and competitiveness as an international financial hub. It represents yet another vote of confidence in Hong Kong's unique status and strengths and in the prospects of 'one country, two systems,'" he said.
Hong Kong's influence as international financial hub fully recognized: spokesman
