CEPA II: A Song of Sixpence?

| BY

clpstaff &clp articles

A look into the newly signed Closer Economic Partnership Agreement II between Hong Kong and the PRC.

By Claudio de Bedin, Partner, and Susan Lavender, Associate, Dibb Lupton Alsop, Hong Kong

Arriving unexpectedly during the last quiet days of summer, and before the onset of the frenzied return to work in the autumn, the signing of the Record of Consultations on Further Liberalization under the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA II) on August 27 2004 by the mainland and Hong Kong governments (the Sides) took Hong Kong's business community somewhat by surprise. Some consider that CEPA II's timing, just two weeks before Hong Kong's general elections on September 12 2004, suggested a pre-election gift from China and a demonstration of China's ongoing solicitude for Hong Kong. Observers opine that this attitude remains subject always to Hong Kong's reciprocation through its ongoing loyalty to the motherland.1

This premium content is reserved for
China Law & Practice Subscribers.

  • A database of over 3,000 essential documents including key PRC legislation translated into English
  • A choice of newsletters to alert you to changes affecting your business including sector specific updates
  • Premium access to the mobile optimized site for timely analysis that guides you through China's ever-changing business environment
For enterprise-wide or corporate enquiries, please contact our experienced Sales Professionals at +44 (0)203 868 7546 or [email protected]