MANILA/HONG KONG, Sept 21 — The First Protocol to Amend the Investment Agreement between ASEAN and Hong Kong was signed in Manila yesterday, said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government.
Xinhua reported that the protocol, signed during the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings, enables Hong Kong enterprises to enjoy treatment no less favourable than that accorded to local or foreign enterprises in 10 ASEAN member states.
HKSAR's Commerce and Economic Development Bureau said the signing of the protocol is set to bring about legal certainty, enhancing the investment environment and creating more investment flows.
In a statement, it added that ASEAN has been Hong Kong's third-largest destination of outward direct investment for four consecutive years, with a stock of HK$671.2 billion (RM348.7 billion).
An extension of the free trade agreement and investment agreement to Timor-Leste, the 11th member state of ASEAN, is pending ASEAN's internal procedures.
