Not only do we practise free trade, but we also promote trade liberalisation vigorously through the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and its successor, the World Trade Organisation, of which Hong Kong is a founding member. Among other achievements of the multilateral trading system, the simple average bound tariffs (tariff ceilings as committed by economies in the WTO) for industrial products of the most advanced countries have been brought down to less than 5 per cent over the past 50 years.

But continued trade liberalisation, taken almost for granted over past decades, is now at risk of going into reverse. In the midst of the economic downturn there have been rising calls for protectionist measures in many countries. Governments are under mounting domestic political pressure to erect trade barriers, and some of the measures taken are of questionable WTO consistency. The risk is real and the situation alarming.

In December last year, when the director general of the WTO, Pascal Lamy, proposed enhancing the WTO surveillance system on trade measures to discourage protectionist tendencies, Hong Kong was among the first to voice its full support. More importantly, we continue to advocate an early conclusion of the Doha Round negotiations which we consider as an antidote to the spillover of the financial contagion and the most effective means to counter trade protectionism.

At the highest political level, the chief executive of Hong Kong strongly urged economies not to go down the lose-lose protectionist path when he met Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum leaders and business representatives in Lima last November. The same message was reiterated when he visited Seoul and Tokyo last month.

The need to guard against protectionism was similarly a key message that the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Rita Lau Ng Wai-lan put across to the French trade minister in Paris two weeks ago.

Monitor's highlighting of the need to oppose the growing wave of protectionism could not be more timely and for this we owe Tom Holland our appreciation.

Joseph Y. T. Lai, director general of Trade and Industry

Wrong time for a salary rise

Different sections of society have been affected by the financial crisis. The downturn has led to companies closing over the last few months and many people have been put out of work.

In spite of what is happening, however, some big firms plan to increase staff salaries. I do not think now is the right time to make such a move.

It is more important that companies work towards preserving workers' jobs.

If more jobs are saved this reduces the unemployment rate and boosts people's morale.

During an economic crisis, citizens are desperate because the prospects of finding work are gloomy. There is no point raising salaries while at the same time forcing people out of work.

There is a pressing need for firms to co-operate with the government in order to keep the business cycle in Hong Kong as strong as possible.

We cannot overcome the challenges we face without the the collaboration of the entire community.

I hope business leaders and their employees can join forces so that we can get through this difficult time.

Cheung Wing-sum, Sha Tin

Opportunity has been lost

It is a shame that India cannot host the Indian Premier League cricket tournament starting next month, because of security concerns ('IPL to be held outside India', March 23).

It is events like this that Hong Kong should be trying to get involved in.

Our government should have put its hand up and offered to host at least one of the IPL franchises.

We have a strong cricket culture in Hong Kong with a vibrant supporting community, so it would have been another great sporting event on our calendar.

But as we do not have any type of creativity in our sports or tourism segment of government, we will always be left behind when it comes to hosting sports events.

Stephen Anderson, Macau

Why keep the Games a secret?

There seems to be a general lack of awareness in Hong Kong regarding the East Asian Games, even though we are hosting the event. I think this is partly due to inadequate promotion.

The Games can boost Hong Kong's reputation in Asia with participants and spectators coming from all over the region.

This can give Hong Kong's tourism industry a much-needed shot in the arm and help the city's economy. Therefore, the government should be trying harder to promote the Games, so that all Hongkongers are aware that it is taking place.

Recently, the government implemented policies such as a food bank aimed at helping people in need. However, it needs to show the same sort of initiative in other policy areas. Sports events and arts exhibition, for example, should not be neglected, because they can prove very popular.

An ambitious government should be drawing up long and short-term measures in order to ensure the city's prosperity.

Coco Liu Ching-yi, Sha Tin

Revamp doubts

The debate on whether or not it is better to renovate rather than demolish old buildings has caused a lot of controversy.

An old building that is revamped can mean saving time and money, and residents are spared the construction noise of a new building being erected.

However, sometimes, I think demolition can prove to be a better option. Making the necessary repairs may put right the problems, but it does not change the dimensions of the structure. Sometimes it is better to pull down the old building and replace it with a new one that better meets the needs of the community.

People talk of the historical importance of particular sites. The relevant government departments have to make assessments in this regard.

I think renovation is only suitable for those old buildings that have a high historical value.

Wong Tim-ming, Sha Tin

Arctic air-cons

I agree with Sven Erik Topp ('The big chill', March 23). Go into any refrigerated public building in Hong Kong and you will get the distinct impression that people are doing their utmost to increase the city's electrically generated air pollution.

I work in a wonderful school that is brilliantly managed in every respect but one.

In the cool spring and autumn months it is quite normal to see rooms full of people sitting around in jumpers and jackets with the air conditioning on full blast.

I dread to think what kind of an example is being set for the young people who hold the future of this world in their hands.

Warren Russell, Tseung Kwan O