The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, will depart for Arequipa, Peru, tomorrow evening (May 12) to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting.
 
     APEC this year has adopted the theme "Empower. Include. Grow", with discussions on topics under three priorities, namely trade and investment for inclusive and interconnected growth; innovation and digitalisation to promote transition to the formal and global economy; and sustainable growth for resilient development.
 
     During the two-day (May 17 and 18) meeting, Mr Yau and trade ministers of other member economies will participate in sessions entitled "Trade Liberalisation: World Trade Organization", "Trade Liberalisation: Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific" and "Trade Facilitation and Trade and Inclusion". They will also attend a joint meeting with the Ministers Responsible for Women to discuss women's economic empowerment through trade in the Asia-Pacific region.
 
     On the margins of the MRT Meeting, Mr Yau will meet with other trade ministers to exchange views on issues of mutual interest.
 
     Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong on May 22 morning. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development.

Ends/Saturday, May 11, 2024
Issued at HKT 16:00

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