Hosting the Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) is necessary if Hong Kong is to maintain its ranking as a world-class international city, Chief Secretary Rafael Hui said here Friday.

Speaking at the Christmas luncheon of the Hong Kong Exporters' Association, Hui said the conference has put Hong Kong squarely in the international limelight.

"It is a testimony to the world to Hong Kong's professionalism, efficiency and hospitability. It will highlight the 'guts' of what makes Hong Kong tick and our success as Asia's world city: a free, open, tolerant and outward-looking society as well as a responsible international player," said he.

Hui said the importance of a global environment governed by predictable trade rules can not be overemphasized, adding that Hong Kong is a good example of the prosperity that flows from free trade.

"Protectionism will only do harm to those who initiate and those who are at the receiving end of protectionist measures," he said. "It is therefore imperative that we should work hard to enhance and strengthen the multilateral trading system enshrined in the World Trade Organization," told he.

The chief secretary also outlined the various initiatives the government has taken to increase the community's understanding of the WTO and to enlist public support for the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference.

He said that the government has been explaining to the public, through a wide variety of channels and activities, what the WTO is about, the progress of the ongoing negotiations under the Doha Development Agenda, the objectives of the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference, and most important of all, the contribution of free trade to global economic development.

"In addition, we have briefed relevant organizations on the special security and transport arrangements in the vicinity of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center during the conference period," said he.

Hui said that in the run-up to the Ministerial Conference, the government will continue to update the public on the security and transport arrangements in order to minimize inconvenience.

Source: Xinhua