FTA negotiation commences between China's HK and ASEAN
Updated: 2014-07-11 16:03
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||||
HONG KONG - The first round of negotiation on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between China's Hong Kong and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was held successfully on Friday.
The key elements covered in the negotiation include the elimination or reduction of tariffs, rules of origin, liberalization of trade in services, liberalization, promotion and protection of investment, and intellectual property cooperation.
Gregory So, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, greeted the ASEAN representatives and expressed wishes for a smooth negotiation process to pave the way for a fruitful outcome.
"ASEAN is an important trading partner of Hong Kong. A FTA between Hong Kong and ASEAN will boost the economic growth of the two sides, and at the same time further enhance Hong Kong's role as a regional trading hub, and as a gateway for trade and investment between ASEAN and the (Chinese) mainland," So said.
"The commencement of Hong Kong-ASEAN FTA negotiation marks a significant milestone of Hong Kong's participation in regional economic integration," So added.
Representatives from the governments of the member states of ASEAN met representatives of the HKSAR government on Thursday and Friday in Hong Kong for the first meeting of the Hong Kong-ASEAN Trade Negotiation Committee, which marks the formal commencement of the FTA negotiation.
ASEAN comprises Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
|
|
FTA with Switzerland to 'energize trade' ties | S. Korea, China to hold 12th FTA negotiations |
Related Stories
Reforms offer new opportunities for Japanese businesses 2014-07-01 17:08
Swiss free-trade deal comes into force 2014-07-04 08:11
Analysts say Sino-Swiss free trade deal to foster trade ties 2014-07-04 15:24
S. Korea, China to hold 12th FTA negotiations 2014-07-10 13:46
FTA with China makes Iceland more attractive for foreign investments 2014-07-11 10:15
Today's Top News
Berlin expels top US spy from Germany
Israelis hint at invasion of Gaza
Market to 'decide' yuan rate
Lotteries win big on World Cup
Italian EU Presidency: pushing for greater unity
Van Gaal: I taught Romero how to stop penalties
Snowden files asylum extension
Israel steps up offensive, 53 die
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
China helps fight international war on drugs |
Crackdown on terrorist attacks |
My China Story: Meeting the master |
Long march to end employment bias |
Variety is the spice of academic life |
Documents prove the truth can't be buried |