Press Release

Government facilitates NGO activities during Hong Kong Ministerial Conference

Friday, September 23, 2005

Hong Kong, as the host of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Sixth Ministerial Conference (Hong Kong Ministerial Conference), attaches great importance to maintaining dialogue with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which is conducive to the successful conduct of the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference.

As such, from early days, both the WTO Sixth Ministerial Conference Co-ordination Office (MCO) and the Hong Kong Police Force have established and maintained regular dialogue with local NGOs. MCO also met NGOs stationed in Geneva twice earlier this year to exchange views.

An inter-departmental committee comprising members from the MCO, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department etc. has been formed to consider applications from NGOs for holding MC6-related public activities during the Conference period. Such activities include inter alia public forums, cultural performances and bazaars.

"We have earlier requested all NGOs to forward applications to the Government if they wish to hold MC6-related public activities during the Conference period so that we can consider applications together and have a better view of the situation.

"We will also taking into account views from the relevant District Councils. We hope to work out the best possible arrangements to enable smooth conduct of activities but at the same time causing the least interruption to the public," a spokesman for the Trade and Industry Department said.

"Noting that NGOs would need time to make the necessary arrangements beforehand, the inter-departmental committee will meet shortly to study the applications. It is hoped that broad arrangements can be made known to the concerned NGOs before end October."

The spokesman also said Hong Kong Government was committed to host an inclusive and transparent conference by facilitating attendance of representatives of NGOs.

For the first time in the history of WTO Ministerial Conferences, the NGO Centre will be housed under the same roof as the proceedings for the Ministerial Conference and the Press Centre. It entails a wide range of conference support and information and communication equipment.

It is expected that the NGO Centre will house about 2,000 NGO representatives from around the world.

Besides holding regular meetings with NGOs, the Government is also making other efforts to facilitate exchange of views. For instance, a tea reception was held earlier today for local NGOs to meet representatives from WTO Secretariat, Mr Willy Alfaro, Director and Mr Bernard Kuiten, Counsellor of the External Relations Division, who are currently visiting Hong Kong.

"We welcome all NGOs to communicate and express their views to us on issues of interest in the run-up to and during the Ministerial Conference. We will organise other forums with NGOs as appropriate in the future," the spokesman said.

Ends