Hong Kong and ASEAN Sign Investment Protocol to Boost Regional Trade
Hkgov · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau announced that Hong Kong, represented by Under Secretary Bernard Chan, signed the "First Protocol to Amend the Investment Agreement Between ASEAN and Hong Kong" in Manila, Philippines, on Sunday. The protocol establishes non-discriminatory treatment for Hong Kong enterprises and investments across all 10 ASEAN member states by implementing Article 3 (National Treatment) and Article 4 (Most-Favoured-Nation Treatment) of the existing investment agreement. ASEAN has maintained its position as Hong Kong's third-largest destination of outward direct investment for four consecutive years, with cumulative investments totaling HK$671.2 billion .
Key Points
- Protocol signed in Manila, Philippines by Under Secretary Bernard Chan with officials from the Philippines and Thailand
- ASEAN serves as Hong Kong's third-largest outward direct investment destination for four straight years
- Cumulative Hong Kong investment in ASEAN reaches HK$671.2 billion across all member states
- Protocol implements National Treatment and Most-Favoured-Nation Treatment with scheduled reservations
- Philippines co-chaired the 10th ASEAN Economic Ministers-Hong Kong Consultation following the signing
Why It Matters
The signing reinforces Hong Kong's role as an international investment hub by guaranteeing equitable market access across Southeast Asia's 10-nation bloc. The protocol's implementation is expected to accelerate economic and trade growth between Hong Kong and ASEAN, strengthening regional investment ties at a time when diversification of trade partnerships remains strategically important for the city.
The signing reinforces Hong Kong's role as an international investment hub by guaranteeing equitable market access across Southeast Asia's 10-nation bloc. The protocol's implementation is expected to accelerate economic and trade growth between Hong Kong and ASEAN, strengthening regional investment ties at a time when diversification of trade partnerships remains strategically important for the city.