Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah speaks at a meeting on dispute settlement reform during the 13th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, on Feb 28, 2024. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

HONG KONG - Hong Kong’s commerce chief on Wednesday urged World Trade Organization members to support the restoration of a fully functioning dispute resolution system to ensure predictability in global trade.

Speaking at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah said that the dispute settlement system has been the cornerstone that contributes to the predictability of global trade and its restoration would serve the interest of all WTO members.

The organization's trade dispute arbitration system, which rules on top disputes, has been stalled after the United States blocked the appointment of judges to the WTO's seven-member appellate court

The organization's trade dispute arbitration system, which rules on top disputes, has been stalled after the United States blocked the appointment of judges to the WTO's seven-member appellate court.

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Yau said Hong Kong, China has been involved in every stage of the system's reform process and will continue with active participation.

Speaking at another meeting on development, Yau said that the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement is a pro-development agreement as it helps WTO members attract more investments, addressing developmental issues and promoting sustainable development.

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah (right) meets with Minister of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica Manuel Tovar Rivera (left) on the sidelines of the 13th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, on Feb 28, 2024. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

Yau also held bilateral meetings at the sidelines of the conference with Minister of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica Manuel Tovar Rivera, and Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz to exchange views on various trade and economic issues.

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On Tuesday, he attended a lunch reception to mark the entry into force of the WTO Services Domestic Regulation disciplines, which aim to promote global services trade.

Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah (left) holds a bilateral meeting with Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz (right) on the sidelines of the 13th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, on Feb 27, 2024. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)