Applications for holding WTO 6th Ministerial Conference-related public activities will be studied shortly, the Trade & Industry Department says. Broad arrangements are expected to be made known to the concerned NGOs by the end of October.

The department said Hong Kong, as the conference host, attaches great importance to maintaining dialogue with NGOs, which is conducive to a successful event.

Both the WTO 6th Ministerial Conference Co-ordination Office and Police have maintained regular dialogue with local NGOs. The office also met NGOs stationed in Geneva earlier this year.

An inter-departmental committee with members from the office, Police, the Leisure & Cultural Services Department has been formed to consider applications. Activities include inter-alia public forums, cultural performances and bazaars.

Views from District Councils will be considered to form the best arrangements and cause least interruption to the public.

Gov't pledge

The Government is committed to hosting an inclusive and transparent conference by aiding attendance of NGO representatives.

The NGO centre will be housed under the same roof as the proceedings for the conference and the press centre for the first time. It entails a wide range of conference support and information and communication equipment. It is expected that the centre will house about 2,000 international NGO representatives.

Apart from regular meetings, efforts are being made to exchange views with NGOs, including today's tea reception for local NGOs to meet WTO Secretariat External Relations Division Director Willy Alfaro and Counsellor Bernard Kuiten, who are currently visiting Hong Kong.

All NGOs are welcome to communicate and express their views to the department on issues of interest in the run-up to and during the conference. Other forums with NGOs will be organised as appropriate in the future.