中外专家吁尽快推动香港加入RCEP

Core Viewpoint - Experts are urging for the expedited inclusion of Hong Kong into the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), highlighting its potential benefits for trade and economic growth in the region [1][2]. Group 1: RCEP Overview - RCEP officially came into effect on January 1, 2022, with applications from Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, and Chile for membership, but no expansions have been realized yet [1]. - The absence of expansion could pose serious challenges to RCEP, which is considered the world's largest and most inclusive free trade arrangement [1]. Group 2: Benefits of Hong Kong's Inclusion - Hong Kong's trade statistics indicate that 70% of its goods trade, over 40% of its service trade, and 60% of its investments are within the RCEP region, suggesting that its inclusion would significantly enhance RCEP's international influence [1]. - The potential role of Hong Kong in RCEP extends beyond traditional trade facilitation, encompassing areas such as the digital economy and green economy, which could accelerate RCEP's growth [1]. Group 3: Unique Advantages of Hong Kong - Hong Kong possesses unique advantages as a free trade port, a global financial center, and a logistics hub, which, combined with its commitment to innovation and regional cooperation, would create mutual benefits for all RCEP members [1]. - The RCEP Joint Committee Chair from ASEAN, Tina Kuniarasari, emphasized the need for a more flexible application process for Hong Kong, considering its cultural and institutional context [2].