The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Yinghua Yau, attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Trade Ministers' Meeting held in Detroit (25 July) and stressed the importance of restoring the full operation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement mechanism in the discussion session entitled "Supporting the Multilateral Trading System".

At the end of last year, the World Trade Organization ruled that the United States prohibited Hong Kong exports from labeling products as made in Hong Kong in violation of WTO rules, and the United States threatened that it had no intention of withdrawing the regulations, and later said that it would appeal the ruling.

However, the WTO's current Appellate Body is being shut down because the United States has blocked the appointment of members. The Hong Kong Government has criticized the US appeal for only being dealt with when the Appellate Body is restored, criticizing the US side for paralyzing the Appellate Body on the one hand and filing an appeal on the other, which is contradictory, abuses the procedure, delays the withdrawal of the responsibility for the origin marking requirement, says that the HKSAR Government reserves the right to respond after the Appellate Body is reinstated, and also states that it will closely monitor and follow developments to safeguard Hong Kong's trade interests and rights.

Yau Yinghua pointed out at the APEC Trade Ministers' Meeting that the WTO, as the cornerstone of the multilateral trading system, is facing challenges. He called on APEC member economies and all other WTO members to continue to work constructively and expeditiously together to implement the resolution of the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference and restore a complete and well-functioning dispute settlement mechanism open to all members by 2024.

On the other hand, Mr Yau said that Hong Kong is well aware of the key role that investment plays in post-pandemic economic growth and global economic recovery, and is committed to promoting investment in various aspects, including participating in the Development-Based Joint Statement on Investment Facilitation. He called on all APEC member economies to participate more actively and implement the relevant measures.

During the meeting, Yau Yinghua met with Datuk Seri Lau Guangming, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs of Brunei, and Low Chun Tong, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia, to exchange views on issues of mutual concern.

Made in Hong Kong-WTO Court of Appeal suspended Yau Yinghua: Point appeal to the United States The Hong Kong government is ready to respond to the Federation of Industry and Industry's welcome of the WTO ruling, saying that "Made in Hong Kong" is an important brand Urge the United States to withdraw the stipulation that the United States bans the "Made in Hong Kong" label as soon as possible WTO ruling does not conform to WTO rules The Hong Kong government welcomes it