Policy Address

54.         Our negotiations with the 10 member states of ASEAN on an FTA are progressing smoothly and the FTA is expected to be concluded this year.  The Government seeks to protect the investments of Hong Kong businessmen in ASEAN countries through the FTA.  Other key issues include reduction of tariffs and liberalisation of trade in services.  Moreover, we will continue to explore the possibility of joining the FTAs signed, or to be signed, by our country with its trading partners, including the Belt and Road countries.

55.         In addition, Hong Kong will expand its networks of investment protection agreements, comprehensive avoidance of double taxation agreements and agreements on double taxation relief arrangements for shipping income, with a view to protecting and facilitating business co-operation between Hong Kong and the Belt and Road countries.  For this purpose, we will seek to negotiate as soon as possible with those countries which have yet to sign these agreements. 

56.         The Government will step up research efforts and establish databases for the reference of the business sector.  The Trade Development Council (TDC) launched a Belt and Road Portal last month, and the Government is also considering building a platform for Hong Kong’s construction-related professional sector to participate in the infrastructure projects relating to the Belt and Road. 

Contents | Next