Hong Kong Welcomes RCEP Accession Working Group Establishment

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has welcomed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership's (RCEP) approval of the Accession Working Group (AWG) establishment. This decision marks a pivotal step forward in enlarging RCEP membership. Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau stated that Hong Kong will actively cooperate and participate in the AWG's work, including accession negotiations with RCEP members, to complete required procedures as soon as possible. Hong Kong's accession process will be supported by the Central People's Government and RCEP members, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The Hong Kong SAR Government will work closely with the RCEP Support Unit and maintain liaison with stakeholders to foster favourable conditions for early accession. Bangladesh, Chile, and Sri Lanka are also part of the AWG. The Hong Kong Government expressed gratitude to the Central People's Government and RCEP members for their support. Hong Kong will continue to work towards completing the accession process.