Economic partnership deal to facilitate trade
( 2003-06-08 10:53) (8)
An Agreement on Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement between Hong Kong and the Mainland is expected sometime this month, a Hong Kong government official said Saturday. Speaking at a local radio program, Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Henry Tang said the agreement would further facilitate trade in goods and services between the two sides. He said the Central People's Government is working on the target of " zero tariff" for Hong Kong products. Tang said details of the agreement would be made public to let the international community know that Hong Kong is an open and transparent city. It would also create unlimited business opportunities for local enterprises and overseas companies based in Hong Kong, he added. The Central People's Government also hopes more large-scale exhibitions would be staged in Hong Kong to promote trade and attract business travelers, he said. Tang also mentioned that the Hong Kong government is actively considering building phase three of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. The Legislative Council will be consulted on the project, which would need the Central People's Government's financial support, he said.
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