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The fourth annual structured dialogue meeting between the European Commission (EC) and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSARG), held yesterday (November 22, Brussels time) in Brussels has yielded fruitful results for further co-operation between the two sides on a wide range of subjects.
The dialogue is an effective platform for the EC and the HKSARG to address issues of common interest based on a mutually agreed agenda.
Head of the EC delegation and Director for Asia of the Directorate General for External Relations of the European Commission, Mr James Moran, said that the dialogue this year was highly successful in furthering the already good co-operation between the European Union (EU) and Hong Kong.
"The flourishing Mainland market has strengthened Hong Kong's role as an international business hub and we look forward to working with Hong Kong to tap such enticing opportunities. We trust that our bilateral economic co-operation will grow and deepen further," said Mr Moran.
The Deputy Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce and Industry), Ms Linda Lai, who headed the Hong Kong delegation, said, "Both sides recognise the importance of mutual co-operation and exchange in fostering economic development in Hong Kong and the EU. We see the dialogue's significant role in facilitating discussion on a variety of issues and the setting up of expert group meetings to follow up on some of these issues."
Both sides were pleased to note that trade and economic relations between the EU and Hong Kong have continued to deepen over the past year. In 2009, the EU was Hong Kong's second largest trading partner, with bilateral trade steadily returning to the levels enjoyed before the financial crisis.
In view of subtle changes brought by the Treaty of Lisbon to the EU's trading partners, as well as the EU's recent Communication of the Future Trade Policy, the EC delegation provided the Hong Kong side with a detailed briefing on the EU's trade policy and its external representation after the Treaty of Lisbon. On regulatory aspects, the EC delegation updated Hong Kong on various areas, including the registration of chemicals, environmentally-friendly products and financial services regulation. The two sides also had constructive exchanges on the issue of food and consumer product safety.
The Hong Kong delegation briefed the EC on its continuous effort in developing the sectors of innovation and technology, creative industries, and testing and certification. On testing and certification, experts from both sides had a productive exchange of views. Hong Kong also took the opportunity to brief the EC on the latest developments in the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework and the implementation of its New Academic Structure, Hong Kong's proposed climate change strategy and action agenda, as well as progress on the Competition Bill.
The two sides were encouraged by positive developments in aviation relations between the EU and Hong Kong, and agreed to continue working towards strengthening aviation co-operation. They agreed to explore new initiatives on education co-operation between the EU and HKSARG and noted that a new EU-Hong Kong academic programme would be launched next year.
It was agreed that both sides should maintain close co-operation and endeavour to develop further initiatives for discussion at the next round of the dialogue.
Ends/Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Issued at HKT 11:24
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