Wto Director-General designate visits Hong Kong, China

As part of his efforts to meet with as many WTO member governments as possible, director-general designate Mike Moore will visit Hong Kong, China, on 26-27 August on his way to take up his appointment in Geneva.

During his visit, Mr Moore will discuss the preparations for the 3^rd WTO Ministerial Meeting in Seattle with senior government officials, including The Hon. Tung Chee Hwa, Chief Executive; The Hon. Donald Tsang, Financial Secretary; and Mr Chau Tak Hay, Secretary for Trade and Industry.

"Hong Kong, China, has always been a good WTO citizen," said Mr Moore, "and there is much to learn from them and their regional insights."

Mr Moore’s visit to Hong Kong, China, will be his second engagement as WTO director-general designate, following his meeting with ministers and senior officials from African, Caribbean and Pacific countries at the end of July. Mr Moore will continue to meet with delegations from member governments to learn, first hand, their positions on the myriad of issues that are before the WTO.

Mr Moore was chosen as the new Director-General by the WTO General Council on 22 July. He will officially take office on 1 September.