China supports HK's access to FTA with ASEAN

SIEM REAP, Cambodia -- China supports Hong Kong's access to the China-ASEAN Free Trade Zone (FTA) as it facilitates the economic integration of the southeastern Asian nations, said the Chinese Minister of Commerce Chen Deming here on Wednesday.

Chen made the remarks when speaking to the media at the sidelines of the on-going 44th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting in Cambodia's tourist City of Siem Reap.

Chen said that Hong Kong's access to the FTA is listed as one of the widely discussed topics during the ministers' meetings. Some of the ASEAN nations had voiced their desires to initiate the negation about Hong Kong's entrance.

"Hong Kong is a very important economy in east Asian area in terms of trade and investment," said Chen, adding, "its access to the China-ASEAN FTA will positively facilitate the regional economic integration."

According to Chen, Hong Kong's economic advantages lie in its investment environment, strong service industry and its ability to develop the international market.

"However, some ASEAN nations have to carefully assess Hong Kong 's access to the FTA as their interests might be hurt by the latter's high level of economic openness and freedom," Chen added.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the ministers meeting on Monday, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen appealed to the ministers to finalize the discussions of Hong Kong's access of FTA and submit it to the ASEAN summit in November for the final approval.