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Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Gregory So
The Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation was established by statute in 1966 with the aim of supporting Hong Kong's export trade by providing Hong Kong exporters with insurance protection.
The Government has been working hand-in-hand with the ECIC to help Hong Kong exporters sail smoothly through a dynamic and sometimes volatile world economy.
There can be no doubt that export trade has all along been the cornerstone of Hong Kong's economy. The ECIC's provision of export credit insurance in supporting Hong Kong's exports and the role of Hong Kong as one of the most important international trading hubs in the region are well appreciated.
I am delighted that the ECIC is playing an active role in the Berne Union and the Regional Co-operation Group.
I would like to extend my warm welcome to Berne Union members coming to Hong Kong from overseas to share their views on the development of trade and credit insurance in the Asia-Pacific region. This is an excellent occasion for major players like you to explore regional co-operation opportunities. I would also like to thank the Berne Union for facilitating cross-border trade by assembling professionals in the field.
Asia-Pacific key source of growth
The Asia-Pacific region is an important source of the world's economic growth. We attach great importance to strengthening our ties with partners in the region. Eight of our top 10 trading partners in 2013 were Asia-Pacific economies.
It is encouraging that merchandise trade between Hong Kong and our Asia-Pacific trading partners grew steadily at an average annual rate of 10% in the past five years.
As many of you would know, Hong Kong has been taking an active part in international and regional economic and trade fora, such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation.
We are a staunch supporter of the multilateral trading system and have an open mind on regional free trade agreements. Our current priority is to play a more active role in contributing to regional economic integration in the East Asia region, particularly by enhancing our economic ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Gregory So gave these remarks at the Berne Union 7th Regional Co-operation Group CEO meeting.
