The Hong Kong, China - Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Free Trade Agreement, which is under negotiation, will strengthen economic ties between Hong Kong and ASEAN and by facilitating the flow of goods, services and investments.
Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Gregory So made the comment in his speech at the 13th ASEAN Leadership Forum on “China - Hong Kong - ASEAN Partnership: Growing together for Shared Prosperity” in Laos today.
He said Hong Kong can bring to the partnership its locational advantages, such as world-class infrastructure, a deep pool of talent, its unique role under the Belt & Road Initiative, as well as the forthcoming Hong Kong, China - ASEAN Free Trade Agreement.
He said Hong Kong possess unparalleled access across the Asia-Pacific region, and unrivalled connections both to the international markets and to Mainland China.
With its unique location and remarkable infrastructure and logistics network, Hong Kong has been serving and supporting ASEAN businesses in capitalising all forms of growth opportunities, including those emerging from the Belt & Road Initiative.
On the software side, Mr So said Hong Kong attracts an abundance of the world’s best professionals, ranging from engineers and surveyors to architects, designers and planners, as well as other professionals in financing, insurance, arbitration, risk management and project consulting.
He said all of them are excited to take part in the development, management and operation of infrastructure projects overseas.
"Hong Kong is well placed to partner with ASEAN countries and companies to participate in the Belt & Road Initiative. With our distinctive advantages operating under the unique ‘one country, two systems’ framework, Hong Kong can play a central role in delivering the enormous opportunities presented by this grand scheme."
He said when the Hong Kong, China - ASEAN Free Trade Agreement negotiation is completed, he believes the China - ASEAN Free Trade Area, the Hong Kong, China - ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, coupled with the Mainland & Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, will provide a solid platform to facilitate trade and investment among Hong Kong and ASEAN countries.
It will also help unleash Hong Kong’s full potential as a hub for international trade and investment, he added.
Before the forum, Mr So met with Acting President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce & Industry Oudet Souvannavong, as well as Hong Kong people in Laos.
Tonight he will meet representatives of the Lao Chinese Chamber of Commerce before returning to Hong Kong tomorrow.
