Hong Kong to sign free-trade deal with Peru, John Lee says ahead of Apec summit

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah on Wednesday afternoon Lima time also met his Thai and Indonesian counterparts to explore collaboration opportunities.

Yau thanked them for supporting the city’s bid to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world’s biggest free-trade agreement.

Lee, who made his first official visit to South America, said the new deal with Peru would cover trade in goods and services, as well as investment and other related areas.

“[It will provide] a transparent and favourable platform for Hong Kong’s investors to expand their businesses in Peru,” he said in a social media post.

Lee added he would have bilateral meetings with leaders of other economies to exchange views on issues of mutual interest and meet local business leaders in Lima.

He also described his visit as a “significant trip” and said he looked forward to the meetings.