The Government is inviting interested parties to share their views on areas a free trade agreement between Hong Kong and the European Free Trade Association should cover.

The two sides have agreed to start negotiations on an agreement in early 2010. It should provide the Hong Hong business sector with better market opportunities in the four EFTA member states - Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland - bringing multiple benefits to Hong Kong in trade, income and employment.

Hong Kong and these four states are service-oriented economies. Switzerland was Hong Kong's 12th largest trading partner in 2007 in terms of trade in services, with such trade totalling $10.7 billion, while Norway ranked 28th, with trade amounting to $921 million.

Two-way merchandise trade between Hong Kong and the EFTA has enjoyed remarkable growth for years, with average annual growth of 15.6% from 2004 to 2008. Total merchandise trade between Hong Kong and the EFTA amounted to about $72 billion in 2008, making EFTA the 11th largest trading partner of Hong Kong in that year.  

The free-trade negotiations will encompass a wide-ranging scope, with emphasis on trade and investment liberalisation and facilitation.

The Government has prepared a consultation document to help formulate Hong Kong's overall position in these talks, available online at the Trade & Industry Department's website.

Interested parties are welcome to send in their views by February 12. Send feedback to the Trade & Industry Department by mail, to Europe Division, 19/F, Trade & Industry Department Tower, 700 Nathan Road, Kowloon, by fax to 2789 9761 or  2789 2491, or by email to fta@tid.gov.hk.