MANILA (Bernama-PNA): Asean and Hong Kong signed a protocol on Sunday amending their investment agreement to enhance investment rules and facilitate greater two-way investment flows, Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.
The signing of the First Protocol to Amend the Asean-Hong Kong, China (HKC) Investment Agreement (AHKIA) was among the outcomes of the 10th Asean Economic Ministers-Hong Kong, China Consultation at the Philippine International Convention Centre in Pasay City.
The meeting was co-chaired by Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque and Hong Kong Undersecretary for Commerce and Economic Development Bernard Chan.
The meeting said the protocol would enhance the predictability and certainty of investment regimes for Asean and HKC investors and contribute to a more conducive and stable environment for two-way investment.
It also urged the parties to continue resolving outstanding issues under the AHKIA Work Programme, saying the completion of the work would further strengthen the investment framework, investor confidence and investment opportunities.
According to preliminary Asean statistics, two-way merchandise trade between Asean and Hong Kong reached US$154.5 billion in 2025, while Hong Kong's foreign direct investment (FDI) into Asean totalled US$16.5 billion.
The figures placed Hong Kong as Asean's seventh-largest trading partner and fourth-largest source of FDI in 2025.
Asean, as a bloc, was Hong Kong's second-largest merchandise trading partner during the same year, while Asean's FDI stock in Hong Kong stood at US$57.8 billion at the end of 2024.
The meeting also called for the early entry into force of the First Protocol to Amend the Asean-Hong Kong, China Free Trade Agreement (AHKFTA) to deliver additional benefits to traders and businesses.
It urged the remaining parties to expedite their written notifications on the implementation of the AHKFTA amendment protocol.
Asean and Hong Kong also discussed strengthening supply chain integration amid geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts and volatility in global energy markets.
The meeting also raised concerns over disruptions to oil and gas supply chains, which have increased costs for businesses and added to inflationary pressures, particularly affecting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
The meeting noted HKC's interest in joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), saying its accession could contribute to greater regional economic integration.
It encouraged the RCEP Joint Committee to advance the accession process for applicants, including Hong Kong.
ASEAN and Hong Kong further discussed cooperation between the ASEAN Single Window and HKC's Trade Single Window, including a pilot project for exchanging electronic Certificates of Origin. -- BERNAMA-PNA
