Trade talk: Financial Secretary John Tsang speaks at the CEPA Supplement IV Business Forum.

Hong Kong industry must keep abreast of the Mainland's development and the rising influence of globalisation and economic integration, and prepare to reap the opportunities and fully tap CEPA's potential, Financial Secretary John Tsang says.

Opening the CEPA Supplement IV Business Forum with Vice Minister of Commerce Liao Xiaoqi today, Mr Tsang pointed out that CEPA - the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement between Hong Kong and the Mainland - has established a brand new economic platform which further bolsters Hong Kong's status in both regional and international markets.

CEPA has also bolstered Hong Kong's economic recovery and enhanced the access of professionals to the Mainland market, he added.

Forum details

Mr Tsang said today's forum aims to update Hong Kong industry on CEPA's implementation progress and help them understand more about the new liberalisation package and business opportunities that it brings.

Noting the forum is one of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's 10th anniversary celebration events, the Financial Secretary said the event marks the importance of CEPA to Hong Kong's economic development since reunification and shows the joint efforts of Hong Kong and the Mainland in implementing the trade pact.

400 attendees

About 400 Hong Kong traders and professionals attended the forum. Representatives of 11 Central ministries and 13 provincial and municipal governments briefed forum attendants on the new areas of liberalisation under CEPA Supplement IV and the implementation arrangements at local levels.

Mainland officials and other speakers answered questions from the industry, while representatives of Hong Kong service sectors shared their experience in investment and business operation on the Mainland.

Click here for more details about the forum.