The Government held the second annual structured dialogue meeting with the European Commission in Brussels yesterday.

The meeting devoted substantial discussion to the global financial crisis with both sides appreciating the response by their governments, focusing on stimulus and a reappraisal of regulatory frameworks.

The commission said there will be seminars on product safety, recycling, technical standards and intellectual property rights in 2009 in the trade seminar for Hong Kong and Macau and the EU's Business Information Programme, and possibly an event on construction standards.

Deputy Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Linda Lai headed the Hong Kong delegation, and briefed the commission on Hong Kong's efforts in promoting energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. The delegation also highlighted its stringent food and product safety standards, enforcement action and food safety laws.

Both sides agreed to exchange epidemiology information on communicable diseases.

Keen interest in cultural district

The commission showed interest in the West Kowloon Cultural District project, which will develop Hong Kong into a world-class arts and culture destination.

The European Commission has also proposed Hong Kong create a wine museum to showcase the industry and its cultural, historic and geographic background, and have it comprise facilities for tasting and marketing.

The commission proposed the museum idea after learning of Hong Kong's efforts to develop the city into an international wine-trading centre, following the removal of its wine duty last February.

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