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Andrew Chetham

Hong Kong intends to push ahead with the suggestion that Asia-Pacific countries cut import tariffs on toys.

 The proposal will form part of the territory's contribution to the early liberalisation programme drafted by the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (Apec).

 Submissions have to be made by July 15.

 'Toys are of particular interest to us as they account for a major percentage of the territory's exports,' director general of trade Alan Lai-nin said.

 While many countries, notably the United States, do not have tariffs on toy imports, some continue to have duties as high as 80 per cent. Most Apec members continue to charge tariffs on toys.

 Hong Kong also plans to suggest nuisance tariffs be abandoned under the early liberalisation scheme.

 'These are taxes as low as 2 to 3 per cent that often cost more to collect than they raise for a country,' he said.

 Support for this may not be as broad as it might seem because of employment considerations, Mr Lai said.

 The early sectoral liberalisation programme has no fixed timetable and depends on whether enough countries agree to proposals. Suggestions from other countries have included cutting tariffs on chemicals, environmental technology and wood and paper products.

 'In order for any planned liberalisation under the Apec scheme to stand a chance of acceptance a critical mass of support from member nations needs to be achieved,' Mr Lai said.

 A list of proposals will be put to Apec leaders in November.

 Reviewing the last two Apec meetings held this month, Mr Lai said both the trade ministerial meeting and the senior officials talks had provided a good and positive outcome and Hong Kong had largely achieved its objectives.

 The territory announced its intention to join the Apec business-travel card pilot scheme under which executives will get faster passage through the region's airports.

 Mr Lai said this decision depended on the outcome of a trial scheme. The results should be available this year.

 Mr Lai said Hong Kong had also agreed to implement all its commitments under the information technology agreement on July 1. The move does not cut any tariffs but binds the territory to a policy of zero tariffs in the field.

 'This was something trading partners were keen to ensure,' Mr Lai said.



Territory to propose the reduction of toy tariffs in Apec region