In his statement made at the review session, Mr Lai explained that Hong Kong maintained a long-established policy of free and open trade and investment without any barriers on trade, as best evidenced by being named the freest economy for the 13th consecutive year by the Heritage Foundation.
Principal Economist Miss Elley Mao gave an overall account of Hong Kong's recent economic and fiscal situations, followed by Assistant Commissioner for Customs and Excise Mr Chow Kwong who outlined Hong Kong's efforts in protecting intellectual property rights (IPR).
In underlining Hong Kong's long-standing commitment to free trade, Mr Lai took the opportunity to appeal to APEC member economies for their support in concluding an ambitious and balanced World Trade Organization Doha agreement.
Mr Lai said Hong Kong's firm commitment to protecting IPR through a four-pronged approach - legislation, enforcement, public education and co-operation with IPR owners and other law enforcement agencies. He also provided a brief update on the development of competition policy in Hong Kong.
Mr Lai joined 20 other APEC senior officials yesterday (January 15, Canberra time) to discuss various issues including regional economic integration, behind-the-border barriers to trade and structural reform. APEC senior officials will meet again on Thursday (January 18) to continue the discussion.
Trade and Industry Department, HK
-Ltd..jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Thermore (Far East) Ltd.")
.jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation Limited (TSllC Ltd)")
.jpg?tr=w-120,h-60,c-at_max,cm-pad_resize,bg-ffffff "Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF)")
