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 From Hong Kong's Information Services Department
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February 12, 2004
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Trade
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Lack of WTO meeting date 'disappointing'

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Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang says he was disappointed that the World Trade Organisation's General Council was not able to decide on the timing of the next Ministerial Conference at a meeting yesterday.

 

It was agreed late last year that Hong Kong will be the venue of the next Ministerial Conference.

 

Noting that Hong Kong needs about a year's time for preparation, Mr Tsang said that could be shortened to nine months.

 

"So if they were able to make a decision yesterday, we should have been able to have the meeting before the end of the year," he added.

 

Mr Tsang pledged that Hong Kong will be working together with the other members in the next few months to ensure that there is significant progress and to identify a  suitable time for the next Ministerial meeting.