The third phase of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement will be implemented from January 1, Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang says, adding details will be announced in October.

Mr Tsang said today trade views on goods and services should be sent to the Government by the end of April so further discussions with the Ministry of Commerce can be made.

He said CEPA has benefited Hong Kong's economy, bringing 20,000 in the first phase.

Other areas

Meanwhile, Mr Tsang said the World Trade Organisation Sixth Ministerial Meeting will be a continuation of previous discussions. Five issues, such as agriculture, non-agricultural products, and services and development, will be covered. Workshops for the media will be held in mid-April.

On copyright, Mr Tsang said legal action has been taken against the first case of peer-to-peer downloading. The Customs & Excise Department will continue efforts against copyright infringement activities.