World-class city: Chief Secretary Rafael Hui says MC6 will put the international spotlight on Hong Kong.

Hosting the WTO's 6th Ministerial Conference is necessary if Hong Kong wants to maintain its ranking as a world-class international city, Chief Secretary for Administration Rafael Hui says.

Speaking at the Exporters' Association Christmas luncheon today, Mr Hui said for Hong Kong to sustain its world-class position, it must continuously show to the world it has what it takes to be an international city.

Hosting MC6, and hosting it successfully, is both natural and necessary, he said, adding it puts Hong Kong in the international limelight.

"It is a testimony to the world to Hong Kong's professionalism, efficiency and hospitability. It will highlight the 'guts' of what makes Hong Kong tick and our success as Asia's world city: a free, open, tolerant and outward-looking society as well as a responsible international player."

He noted some in the community have questioned why Hong Kong should suffer the inconvenience and pay for the direct and indirect costs of hosting MC6, which starts December 13.

"Being a world-class international city is not a matter of vanity. It is part and parcel of our continued prosperity," he said.