The government has welcomed a decision by the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to commence the accession process for Hong Kong.

This came as RCEP on Monday approved the setting up of an Accession Working Group (AWG) for a number of applicant economies.

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau described the decision as “a pivotal step forward in enlarging the membership of RCEP.”

“Hong Kong will actively cooperate and take part in the work of the AWG, including the relevant accession negotiations with RCEP members, with a view to completing all the required procedures as soon as possible,” he said.

Yau added that Hong Kong is fully ready for early accession to RCEP, and will leverage the SAR's strengths to contribute to RCEP and promote regional economic integration.

Apart from the SAR, Bangladesh, Chile and Sri Lanka are also admitted to the AWG.

The RCEP currently comprises 15 member economies, including the Chinese mainland, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and all 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).


Edited by Priscilla Ng