Good progress: Financial Secretary Henry Tang and Vice Minister of Commerce An Min say they are satisfied with the progress of CEPA's implementation.

Hong Kong and the Mainland held their first high-level meeting on CEPA since the signing of its six annexes in September.

Financial Secretary Henry Tang and the Central People's Government Vice Minister of Commerce An Min jointly chaired the meeting of the CEPA Joint Steering Committee in Beijing today.

Both sides are satisfied with progress and reiterated their determination and confidence in the smooth and effective implementation of CEPA.

The meeting reviewed preparatory work for the implementation of major liberalisation measures of CEPA on January 1.

On recognition of professional qualifications, both sides are satisfied with the substantial progress made in construction-related professions, the securities sector and legal services.

Both agree that mutual recognition of professional qualifications has contributed to the development of professional services and exchange of technical expertise between the two places.

Both will continue to encourage the relevant regulatory departments and professional bodies to actively study, consult and formulate detailed arrangements for the mutual recognition of professional qualifications.

The two sides, as proposed by the HK Government, have agreed that senior officials should convene a meeting by the end of February.

The meeting, with representatives from major professional bodies, will discuss problems encountered by professionals in launching or expanding their businesses on the Mainland, such as recognition of professional qualifications and entry thresholds.

The two sides have agreed to adopt a building-block approach to continued consultation on the fostering of trade liberalisation, and to incorporate the agreed liberalisation measures in CEPA.

On trade and investment facilitation, both sides recognise its importance in enhancing trade and promoting investment.

The two sides exchanged views on work plans for the coming year for the seven areas of facilitation under CEPA and reached consensus on many aspects. Relevant departments will follow up the work vigorously.

According to CEPA, the Steering Committee will meet at least once a year and may convene special meetings whenever necessary. Liaison offices will be set up in the Ministry of Commerce and the Commerce, Industry & Technology Bureau.

Set up under the Steering Committee, meetings on trade in goods, trade in services, trade and investment facilitation, and recognition of professional qualifications were held today. They discussed their respective areas and made reports to the Steering Committee. Both sides also agreed that the work of the Mainland/HK Joint Commission on Commerce & Trade will be taken up by the Steering Committee in future.

Other HK Government officials attending included Director of the Beijing Office Bowen Leung, Director-General of Trade & Industry Kevin Ho, and representatives from the Commerce, Industry & Technology, Environment, Transport & Works, Financial Services & the Treasury, and Health, Welfare & Food Bureaux, along with the Customs & Excise, Trade & Industry, Health, Justice, and Electrical & Mechanical Services Departments.