The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government welcomes the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)'s approval today of the establishment of an Accession Working Group (AWG) to start the accession process for respective applicant economies including Hong Kong.

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau said today that the decision is a pivotal step forward in enlarging the membership of RCEP.

He added that Hong Kong will actively co-operate and take part in the AWG’s work, including the relevant accession negotiations with RCEP members, with a view to completing all the required procedures as soon as possible.

Mr Yau thanked in particular the Central People’s Government, including the Ministry of Commerce, for their strong and enduring support for Hong Kong’s early accession.

He also expressed appreciation to RCEP members, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, for their support of the AWG’s establishment.

Mr Yau said the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to work closely with the RCEP Support Unit, and maintain close liaison with all stakeholders of RCEP members to foster favourable conditions for Hong Kong’s early accession to RCEP.

The other applicant economies admitted to the AWG are Bangladesh, Chile and Sri Lanka.