Gita said ASEAN could not immediately give answer to the request, adding, there are a number of issues to be studied such as the procedure adopted by ACFTA.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is studying request to give Hong Kong access to ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA).

At a recent meeting of ASEAN economics minister in Cambodia, Chinese Trade Minister Chen Deming was proactive in seeking access for Hong Kong to ACFTA, Gita said.

Gita said ASEAN could not immediately give answer to the request, adding, there are a number of issues to be studied such as the procedure adopted by ACFTA.

ACFTA, which was effective since January 2010, has boosted regional trade between China and ASEAN countries, although many Indonesians were against it.

Bilateral trade with China has left wide deficit for Indonesia. Formerly the bilateral trade had been in favor of Indonesia.

Gita said ASEAN has yet to study the procedure adopted by ACFTA whether it is possible for Hong Kong to join the agreement.

In addition ASEAN needs to study what ASEAN would gain from allowing Hong Kong to join ACTFA, he added.

He said the answer to the Chinese request must be based on consensus of all ASEAN member countries, adding Asean consensus spirit is strong.

He said China welcomed the reaction shown by ASEAN that did not immediately rule out Hong Kong access to ACFTA.

He said China also gave a message that it is facing domestic political pressure that strongly demanded access for Hong Kong to AFCTA.

"We hope that early next year the study could be wrapped up and we could see whether Hong Kong joining ACFTA is positive or negative for ASEAN," he said.

Hong Kong Finance Minister John Tsang said Hong Kong is strong in financing service which is needed by member countries of ACFTA.

It would be easier for ASEAN to secure financing service and skills in logistic services, John Tsang said

He also said involvement of Hong Kong in ACTA would open more business opportunities and contribute to boosting regional trade.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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