Hong Kong has issued a joint statement with five other World Trade Organisation members urging major players to show the leadership needed for an early conclusion to the Doha Round negotiations.

The statement was signed by the trade Ministers of Hong Kong, Australia, Chile, Kenya, New Zealand and Singapore to coincide with the G8 summit and outreach meeting in St Petersburg.

"The WTO Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong last year had been a success and had served as a launching pad for the conclusion of the Doha Round," Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Joseph Wong said. "We are disappointed that despite efforts by all concerned, an agreement still eluded us."

Mr Wong hopes the statement highlights the importance of reaching an early conclusion to the talks.