Hong Kong Tops Global Enabling Trade Index

WASHINGTON, June 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hong Kong leads the world in
terms of enabling trade, according to a report released today by the World
Economic Forum.

The inaugural issue of the Global Enabling Trade Report 2008 measures and
analyzes factors enabling trade in 118 industrialized and emerging economies
around the world. The report covers four areas: market access, border
administration, transport and communications infrastructure, and business
environment.

Financial Secretary John C. Tsang welcomed the report saying that it
demonstrated positive recognition of Hong Kong's open, transparent and
efficient trading infrastructure.

"Our market promotion efforts in emerging economies, efforts to facilitate the
importation of skills and talents, and the government's announcement of the
introduction of a competition law are all examples of our commitment to ensure
ease of access to markets and a fair and level playing field for investors,"
Mr. Tsang said.

Citing the recently opened Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Corridor, Mr. Tsang said
Hong Kong would continue to invest in cross-boundary infrastructure to ensure
maximum efficiency in transport and communications infrastructure.

He said Hong Kong would also continue to enable trade through improving
regulatory efficiency so as to reduce compliance costs.

"We will continue our policy of facilitating free trade while ensuring an
appropriate degree of government regulation to provide a fair business
environment for investors, and aiming to maintain Hong Kong as a global leader
in enabling trade in goods and services."

According to the report, the findings illustrate Hong Kong's openness to
international trade and investment. The report finds that Hong Kong has a
highly efficient customs administration, well-developed transport and
telecommunications infrastructures, and a business environment conducive to
the logistics and transport industries.

World Economic Forum: http://www.weforum.org/en/index.htm

Financial Secretary's Office: http://www.fso.gov.hk/

SOURCE Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office

Daniel D. McAtee, Senior Information Officer of the Hong Kong Economic and
Trade Office, Washington, D.C., +1-202-238-6360