Hong Kong and ASEAN sign protocol to extend national treatment to investments
Hong Kong and ASEAN signed an investment protocol Sunday that will apply national-treatment and most-favoured-nation rules to Hong Kong enterprises in non-services sectors across 10 Southeast Asian states, according to a Hong Kong government release.
The amendment incorporates each party's reservation schedule into the investment agreement. The treatment is not unlimited: a state can keep the measures listed in its schedule. Services investments already receive national treatment in specified sectors under the linked free-trade agreement.
It is not in force yet. Hong Kong said the protocol text will be published after all parties finish signing, and that the 10 governments must still complete implementation. Timor-Leste, ASEAN's 11th member, is not covered pending ASEAN procedures.