The Trade and Industry Department has promised to lobby on behalf of local manufacturers disappointed with the closer economic partnership arrangement (Cepa) with the mainland, details of which are due to be revealed today.
The undertaking was given on Friday by Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology John Tsang Chun-wah. An agreement in principle to foster closer trade links under Cepa was announced in July.
However, local manufacturers who operate export-oriented businesses on the mainland are still lukewarm about the Cepa accord.
They see little benefit in Cepa if the mainland continues to insist that only goods which have 30 per cent or more of their value added in Hong Kong can be imported to the mainland tariff free.
Watch and jewellery makers have also suggested that design, assembly and quality control be counted towards a product's value-added content, therefore making it easier for them to qualify for the zero-tariff benefit.
Talks were continuing with mainland officials, Mr Tsang said. 'The pact will be implemented on January 1. That gives us three months to allow businesses to clarify things,' he said.
