China’s vice-minister of commerce has thrown his support behind Hong Kong joining the world‘s biggest free-trade deal to expand cooperation with other Asian countries amid the economic turmoil of Covid-19, with the city’s leader hoping to begin accession talks “at the earliest opportunity”.
Hong Kong’s accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership(RCEP) – a Beijing-led trade pact between 15 countries, seen as a counterweight to US influence in the region – was highlighted by high-ranking Chinese officials at the annual Belt and Road Summit, which was held virtually on Monday.
Addressing the audience of business leaders, Chinese vice-minister of commerce, Wang Bingnan, said he endorsed Hong Kong’s “very important role” in advancing the country’s development, and called for its accession to the deal.
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