China's Hong Kong to ink FTA with ASEAN by 2016
Updated: 2015-04-27 09:04
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||||
KUALA LUMPUR - China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is expected to sign a free trade agreement ( FTA) with the Association of Southeastern Asian Nations (ASEAN) by 2016, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said on Sunday.
Speaking on the sidelines of an ASEAN summit, Leung said Hong Kong could play the role of a "good connector" in trade and economic activities between the Chinese mainland and ASEAN members, and some trading was settled via the Hong Kong SAR.
"The Hong Kong-ASEAN FTA negotiation has been going on since last year," Leung said. "We hope to wrap up the negotiations with all ASEAN nations by 2016."
Leung said Hong Kong could act as an important intermediary to facilitate trade and economic activities between ASEAN and the Chinese mainland for mutual benefit.
"Quite a number of Hong Kong companies and manufacturers eye ASEAN countries like Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos, so I see the negotiations and the finalisation of the FTA would benefit all countries in ASEAN," he said.
According to Leung, total trade between Malaysia and China, including the Hong Kong SAR, rose 16 percent last year, and 12 percent of the trade, now over $100 billion, was settled via Hong Kong.
Moving forward, he said cooperation between Malaysia and the Hong Kong SAR could be further strengthened in tourism and logistics industries.
Leung was scheduled to deliver a keynote speech and attend a dinner reception in Kuala Lumpur, while also meet officials from the ASEAN members, Malaysian business leaders, and Hong Kong people in Malaysia.
Related Stories
Renminbi to play key role in ASEAN trade, investment 2015-04-15 09:54
HK bourse seeks mainland link quota expansion 2015-04-11 09:14
Endless opportunities, not without risk: HKEx chief 2015-04-10 17:31
Mainland cash swells HK index 2015-04-10 07:14
Fund: HK stocks still attractive options 2015-04-18 08:12
Today's Top News
China plays down capital exodus
The real Apple Watchon sale Friday in China
US strike inadvertently killed US, Italian hostages
Duties on rare earth exports to be ended
European rail route upgrade to boost trade
China and Russia to start search for Soviet soldiers' remains
Kim likely to visit Russia in May for war victory ceremony
Specialists discuss hot topics in China-EEC relations
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
What do we know about AIIB |
Full coverage of Boao Forum for Asia |
Annual legislative and political advisory sessions |
Festival Special: Apps that make holiday shopping easier |
Listed firms caught in anti-corruption net |
Conca set to return to China |