Heartfelt thanks: Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang presents a certificate of appreciation to an MC6 sponsor.

Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang says the Government will take an active role in trade negotiations at the WTO Ministerial Conference to safeguard Hong Kong's economic interests.

While securing the best possible market access for Hong Kong suppliers, the Government will do its best to create an environment to attract foreign investment.

Mr Tsang said improved market access around the world will be conducive to Hong Kong's economic growth and local employment.

"The Government has always been single minded in formulating our strategy for the WTO negotiations to ensure we maintain the best possible interest of our workforce and our economy in mind," he said.

Enthusiastic support

Organising the conference, possibly the largest global event to take place in Hong Kong in recent years, is not an easy task, Mr Tsang said.

"The business community's active involvement demonstrates clearly that our business leaders care for what we do in Hong Kong and take their social responsibility seriously."

The secretary said he was moved that the Government received some $55 million in sponsorship for the conference, both in cash as well as in kind, in the form of services and supplies, from 30 corporations in various sectors.