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     The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, spoke at a discussion session entitled “Supporting the Multilateral Trading System” at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, today (May 21).
      
     Mr Yau said that Hong Kong has all along been a staunch supporter of free and open trade and investment, adding that only with a stable and predictable rules-based multilateral trading system, international trade could be effectively conducted, global resources could be put to gainful use, and the livelihood of our people could be collectively improved.
      
     “APEC member economies should collectively serve as a powerful and running engine behind the multilateral trading system in searching for common ground to bridge differences and forge consensus,” he said.
      
     Meanwhile, Mr Yau noted that Hong Kong considers it vital for the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to be held three weeks later in Geneva, Switzerland, to deliver a WTO response to the pandemic, so that the world can address the immediate challenges and prepare for any future global health crisis. A successful MC12 is not only important for the WTO itself, but also for the global economy in its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
      
     In the morning, Mr Yau participated in a public-private dialogue between MRT and the APEC Business Advisory Council during which he reaffirmed Hong Kong’s support for APEC’s long-term efforts in advancing towards the realisation of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP).
      
     “2022 is a milestone year for FTAAP, not only because of the sweeping transformation of our global trade landscape, but also thanks to the entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) on January 1 which has provided a fertile ground for the Asia-Pacific region to pursue broader and deeper integration,” Mr Yau said.
      
     He reiterated that Hong Kong is ready to join and contribute to the RCEP in the soonest future, getting a step closer to the construction of the FTAAP.
      
     On the sidelines of the meeting, Mr Yau held bilateral meetings with the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dato’ Lim Jock Hoi; and the Minister for Trade and Export Growth of New Zealand, Hon Damien O’Connor, to exchange views on issues of mutual concerns. He also met with the Vice Minister of Trade and Undersecretary for International Economic Relations of Chile, Mr Jose Miguel Ahumada Franco; the Minister for Trade and Industry of Singapore, Mr Gan Kim Yong; and the Minister of Trade of Indonesia, H.E. Muhammad Lutfi, to discuss various trade and economic issues.
      
     This year, APEC has adopted the theme “Open. Connect. Balance.”, with discussions on topics under three priorities, namely open trade and investment to all opportunities; restoring connectivity in all dimensions; and promoting balance, sustainability and inclusivity in all aspects. Mr Yau will continue to join the MRT Meeting tomorrow (May 22).

                

         Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Edward Yau, at the discussion session entitled “Supporting the Multilateral Trading System” of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, today (May 21):
      
     Thank you Chair (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce of Thailand, Mr Jurin Laksanawisit), and I thank the Director-General of the WTO (World Trade Organization)(Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala) for her remarks, giving us very clear pointers and also the imminence on the way forward if MC12 (12th Ministerial Conference) outcomes are within reach.
      
     As a small but open economy, Hong Kong, China (HKC), has always been a staunch supporter of open trade and open investment. For we believe that only with a stable and predictable rules-based multilateral trading system, international trade could be effectively conducted, global resources could be put to gainful use, and the livelihood of our people could be collectively improved.
      
     We echo the remarks made by the DG/WTO, which I quote – “what the world needs right now is a responsive WTO, one that helps us meet the many challenges of our time and delivers on the aspirations of the people we serve”. I heard her saying also that it is also our joint responsibility among the WTO members. With MC12 just three weeks away, much work needs to be done. In this regard, I would join previous speakers in calling upon our colleagues for full commitment to the negotiations, and to give our negotiators in Geneva the mandate to exercise the flexibility needed to conclude the negotiations.
      
     HKC considers it vital for MC12 to deliver a WTO Response to the Pandemic, so that the world can address the immediate challenges and prepare for any future global health crisis. We also call for the conclusion of the fisheries subsidies negotiations – we are only moments away from the finishing line. In addition, there should be sound outcomes at MC12 in addressing the food crisis and the WTO Reform, including in particular the return to a fully functional dispute settlement system which is badly needed for all.  
      
     Mr Chair, a successful MC12 is not only important for the WTO itself, but also for the global economy in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s not forget our commitments made in the Aotearoa Plan of Action, as endorsed by our leaders last year, to play a leading role in driving important changes for the necessary reform of the WTO.
      
     While economies may not fully agree on every single issue, we do share some common goals for the common good and we also see this is a joint responsibility in making the WTO both functional and relevant. As a group, APEC member economies should collectively serve as a powerful and running engine behind the multilateral trading system in searching for a common ground to bridge differences and forge consensus. It remains HKC’s wish that this consensus can also be manifested in a joint statement to be made at this MRT, that I understand the Chair and many member representatives are still working very hard on it. Such a statement should demonstrate APEC’s continued commitment and support of the multilateral trading system. To conclude, HKC will continue to work constructively with fellow APEC member economies in making our contributions to MC12.
      
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     In light of positive test results for the COVID-19 virus from sewage samples collected in Tai Po, Sha Tin and Central and Western Districts, the Home Affairs Department (HAD) said today (May 21) that the Tai Po District Office (TPDO), the Sha Tin District Office (STDO) and the Central and Western District Office (C&WDO) have distributed a total of about 251 000 COVID-19 rapid test kits to households, cleansing workers and property management staff living and working in the Districts.

     The TPDO distributed rapid test kits to households, cleansing workers and property management staff living and working in Tai Wo Estate, Tai Po Garden, Tai Po Tau Shui Wai, Parc Versailles and Po Nga Court for voluntary testing through the property management companies, the owners’ corporations and the Village Representatives.

     The STDO also distributed rapid test kits to households, cleansing workers and property management staff living and working in Villa Oceania, Bayshore Towers, The Tolo Place, Ma On Shan Centre, Sunshine City, Fok On Garden and Yiu On Estate for voluntary testing through the property management companies and the owners’ corporations.
 
     In addition, the C&WDO distributed rapid test kits to households, cleansing workers and property management staff living and working in Poksmith Villa, Pokfield Garden, Sun Fat Building, Wai Wah Court, University Heights; residential premises around Sands Street, North Street and Smithfield for voluntary testing through the property management companies and the owners’ corporations. The C&WDO also arranged to distribute rapid test kits to households living in “three-nil” buildings in the district of which the sewage samples were tested positive.

     The HAD made the above arrangements in the hope of identifying infected persons early.

     Members of the public may refer to the demonstration video produced by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) under the Department of Health (DH) via www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzFAUzTtmKk to learn how to use the rapid antigen test (RAT) kit.

     Persons testing positive through an RAT should take a photo of the test result and declare the result within 24 hours via the Declaration System for Individuals Tested Positive for COVID-19 Using Rapid Antigen Test (www.chp.gov.hk/ratp). If members of the public encounter difficulties in using the online platform, they can call the automated system at 183 6119 to register their identification document and telephone number. The CHP under the DH will contact the relevant person later to complete the report procedure. There is no need to declare negative test results.

     The Government appeals for the co-operation of members of the public to safeguard the health of themselves and their families by undergoing testing on a voluntary basis and fighting the virus together. The Government urges all individuals who are in doubt about their own health condition, or individuals with infection risks (such as individuals who have visited places with epidemic outbreaks or had contact with cases that tested positive), to undergo testing promptly for early identification of infected persons to reduce the transmission risks of COVID-19.

      

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:      As at 0.00am today (May 21), a total of 533 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 are currently hospitalised for treatment, including 65 new patients. Amo… read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (May 21) announced the latest epidemic situation of COVID-19. As of 0.00am, May 21, the CHP was investigating 103 additional cases that tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus by nucleic acid tests (40 confirmed cases, 56 asymptomatic cases and seven cases with pending case status) in the past 24 hours. Separately, 125 additional positive cases through rapid antigen tests (RATs) (80 symptomatic cases and 45 asymptomatic cases) were reported. Hong Kong has recorded a total of 761 128 and 449 031 cases that have tested positive by nucleic acid tests and RATs respectively for the SARS-CoV-2 virus so far.

     The aforementioned newly reported cases consist of 16 imported cases (14 cases and two cases tested positive by nucleic acid tests and RATs respectively). The CHP is continuing with epidemiological investigations on the cases. Please refer to the “COVID-19 Thematic Website” (www.coronavirus.gov.hk) for more information.

     Meanwhile, whole genome sequencing analysis by the DH’s Public Health Laboratory Services Branch confirmed that two, three and 10 earlier imported cases were found to carry the sub-lineages BA.4, BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1 under the Omicron mutant strain respectively. The BA.4 cases involve a 52-year-old male who arrived in Hong Kong from Mexico on May 17 and a 22-year-old male who arrived in Hong Kong from the United Kingdom on the same day. Both of them tested positive on arrival. The BA.2.12 cases involve two males and one female aged 21 to 69 who arrived in Hong Kong from Canada and the United States during the period from May 16 to 17. All of them tested positive on arrival. The BA.2.12.1 cases involve five males and five females aged 20 to 44 who arrived in Hong Kong from the United States, Singapore, Australia, Israel and India during the period from May 11 to 18. Nine cases tested positive on arrival, while the remaining case tested positive during compulsory quarantine at a designated quarantine hotel. Together with the above new cases, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 11 imported cases with BA.4, 10 imported cases with BA.2.12 and 56 imported cases with BA.2.12.1.

     In addition, as of 0.00am, May 21, a total of 9 157 death cases that had tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the fifth wave (since December 31, 2021) were recorded (i.e. no new reported cases), with 9 079 and 75 deaths reported from the Hospital Authority and public mortuaries respectively as well as three deaths reported from the Chinese University of Hong Kong Medical Centre. Hong Kong has so far recorded a total of 9 370 death cases that have tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

     Furthermore, among the earlier cases by nucleic acid tests reported, there were cases (including pending cases) changed to confirmed, asymptomatic or re-positive cases. As at yesterday (May 20), the total number of confirmed cases was 331 910, while the figures for asymptomatic cases, re-positive cases and pending/unknown cases recorded since January 1 were 198 558, 23 and 230 534 respectively.

     The spokesman for the CHP stressed that as the local situation of COVID-19 infection is still severe, the CHP strongly appeals to the community to continue to comply with social distancing measures, avoid going out and refrain from participating in unnecessary or crowded activities or gatherings. This would lower the risk of infection and prevent the virus from spreading in the community.

     â€‹â€‹The spokesman reminded that COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe cases and deaths from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. They can provide effective protection to those vaccinated in preventing serious complications and even death after infection. People who have yet to receive vaccination, especially senior citizens, chronic patients and other immunocompromised persons who face a higher chance of death after COVID-19 infection, should get vaccinated as early as possible for self-protection and to reduce the risk of falling seriously ill and death should they get infected. read more