Take the advantage: Financial Secretary Antony Leung and Vice Minister of Commerce An Min speak at a CEPA luncheon organised by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.

As competition for the Mainland market becomes increasingly keen and globalised, Hong Kong should take advantage of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement and further strengthen its foothold there.

Speaking at a business seminar on CEPA today, Financial Secretary Antony Leung said Hong Kong will become the best stepping stone for expansion into the vast Mainland market.

Mr Leung said CEPA will facilitate the economic re-structuring of Hong Kong and is important for our economic recovery.

The seminar was organised by the Trade Development Council and the Commerce, Industry & Technology Bureau.

Meanwhile, Vice Minister of Commerce An Min said if the Hong Kong Government and the community work together, Hong Kong will overcome its economic difficulties.

Speaking at a CEPA luncheon organised by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, Mr An said although the arrangements now made under CEPA fall short of what the Hong Kong Government had asked for, they are already better than the trading arrangements between China and the WTO and ASEAN.

The Mainland and Hong Kong are discussing the rules of origin principle under CEPA. A decision will be made around October, he said.