Following is the transcript (English portion) of the media session by the Financial Secretary, Mr Henry Tang, on further liberalisation measures under the third phase of Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) at the lobby of Central Government Offices (West Wing) this afternoon (October 18):

Financial Secretary: I am pleased to have this opportunity to confirm that an agreement on liberalisation measures under the third phase of CEPA is reached today at the High Level Meeting of the Joint Steering Committee under CEPA.  This is the first time I have the pleasure and opportunity to work with Vice Minister Liao (Liao Xiaoqi). He has taken over the work of Vice Minister An (An Min) who has retired.

The content of CEPA III consists of trade in goods, trade in services, and trade and investment facilitation.  Going forward, the main thrust of our work will be in the realisation of the potential of CEPA, as well as to enhance and facilitate the work between Hong Kong and the Mainland.  We are looking forward to having positive contribution to our economy, our employment, as well as to the Mainland's reform policy.

Editor: May