Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau will depart for Bangkok tomorrow to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting on May 21 and 22.

APEC 2022 will hold discussions on topics under three priorities, namely open trade and investment to all opportunities; restoring connectivity in all dimensions; promoting balance, sustainability and inclusivity in all aspects.

Mr Yau will participate in discussion sessions entitled "Supporting the Multilateral Trading System" and "Living in the COVID-19 & Beyond". He will also attend the Business Advisory Council Public-Private Dialogue on the development of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific.

In addition to joining the discussion sessions of the APEC meeting, Mr Yau will hold bilateral meetings with other trade ministers to exchange views on issues of mutual interest.

Mr Yau will also meet senior officials of the Thai Government and business leaders to give an update on Hong Kong's economic and trade situation. He will also attend events to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region organised by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Bangkok.

During his absence, Under Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Bernard Chan will be Acting Secretary.