The Joint Steering Committee of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement will hold its first meeting on December 17 in Beijing.

Vice Minister of Commerce An Min and Financial Secretary Henry Tang will jointly chair the meeting.

Representatives of the two sides' relevant bureaus and departments will take part in the meeting and the preceding preparatory meeting.

Committee to meet at least once a year

The committee, which is responsible for the overall co-ordination of the CEPA, was set up in accordance with Article 19 of CEPA signed on June 29.

Its functions include:

- supervising the implementation of CEPA;

- interpreting the provisions of CEPA;

- resolving disputes that may arise during CEPA's implementation;

- drafting additions and amendments to the content of CEPA;

- providing guidance on the work of the working groups which may be set up as the need arises; and

- dealing with any other business relating to CEPA's implementation.

The committee will meet at least once a year, to resolve any problems arising from the interpretation or implementation of CEPA.