Free Trade Agreement between Hong Kong and the Member States of the European Free Trade Association
Hong Kong and the Member States of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), namely Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, signed a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (the Agreement) on 21 June 2011 in Liechtenstein. This Agreement is Hong Kong's first free trade agreement (FTA) with the European economies. It is an important milestone in our trade relations with the four EFTA States. It will serve as a catalyst to enhance the bilateral trade and investment ties between the two sides.
The Agreement covers trade in services and goods as well as investment, and other trade related issues such as protection of intellectual property. It is fully consistent with provisions of the World Trade Organization.
The dates of entry into force of the Agreement are as follows:
- 1 October 2012 - between Hong Kong, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland
- 1 November 2012 - between Hong Kong and Norway