CE calls for support of APEC growth strategy (with photos/video)

CE calls for support of APEC growth strategy (with photos/video)
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     The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, today (November 13) called on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economies to pursue balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative and secure growth in the region.

     Speaking on APEC growth strategy on the first day of the APEC Economic Leaders﷿ Meeting in Yokohama, Mr Tsang said that while Asia continued to lead the global economic recovery, uncertainties remained.

     䩕By acting individually and responsibly to realise these five attributes, we can make a positive and collective difference to the health of the world economy as a whole,蒅 the Chief Executive said.

     On balanced growth, Mr Tsang said Hong Kong pursued a strategy that focuses on selected development sectors that give us the greatest comparative advantage, but also appreciated the need to broaden the scope of the economic mix.

     Mr Tsang said that to achieve inclusive growth, the HKSAR Government attached paramount importance to investment in the people and helping those in need.

     䩕We have recently legislated for a minimum wage to better protect the interest of grassroots workers,蒅 he said.

     Keen to maintain sustainable growth, Hong Kong had in place a range of policy initiatives to reduce carbon footprint, make air and water cleaner, and promote energy efficiency, he said.

     䩕Our per capita emission level would also drop from about 6.5 tonnes in 2005 to around 4 tonnes in 2020. This would be among the lowest even in developed economies.蒅

     Mr Tsang assured the APEC Economic Leaders that Hong Kong will strive to achieve innovative growth by investing heavily in the development of  creative industries, innovation and technology, as well as secure growth by providing strong institutional fundamentals to provide an environment in which business can flourish.

     Earlier in the morning, the Chief Executive met President Hu Jintao and updated him on Hong Kong﷿s latest development.

     He joined other leaders to meet APEC Business Advisory Council Members in the afternoon to exchange views on ways to further the work of APEC.

Ends/Saturday, November 13, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:51

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