“Global Trade Thriving Due to E-commerce”

The Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development, Algernon Yau, made an appearance at a session focused on e-commerce during the 13th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. Highlighting the rapid growth of e-commerce as a significant driver for global trade and economic expansion, Mr. Yau emphasized the critical need for a conducive environment to support international e-commerce growth.

Mr. Yau acknowledged the crucial role of the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmission in providing stability and predictability for e-commerce over the past 25 years. He reiterated Hong Kong’s firm backing for extending the moratorium and urged WTO members to heed the global business community’s appeals for a predictable and tariff-free environment to foster the ongoing progress and success of digital trade.

In addition to his participation in the session, the commerce chief engaged in a bilateral meeting with the Federal Minister of Labour & Economy of Austria, Martin Kocher. The meeting allowed for the exchange of views on mutual interests during the sidelines of the ministerial conference.