The First Protocol to Amend the Investment Agreement between Hong Kong and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) (hereinafter referred to as the "Protocol") was signed on the 20th to activate the relevant provisions of the Investment Agreement, enabling Hong Kong enterprises to enjoy treatment no less favorable than that enjoyed by local or foreign enterprises in the ten ASEAN member countries.  
The Protocol mainly includes a list of reservation measures in the Investment Agreement, allowing its Article 3 (National Treatment) and Article 4 (Most Favored Treatment) to come into effect. In addition to measures retained on the list, contracting parties shall provide non discriminatory treatment to enterprises and their investments of other contracting parties in accordance with Articles 3 and 4 of the Investment Agreement. The signing of the Protocol will help provide legal protection, improve the investment environment, and create more investment flows.
A spokesperson for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government stated that ASEAN is Hong Kong's main investment partner and has been the third largest destination for outward direct investment in Hong Kong for four consecutive years, with a total investment stock of HKD 671.2 billion. The Investment Agreement has driven the sustained and thriving investment relationship between Hong Kong and ASEAN, and consolidated Hong Kong's position as an international investment hub.
The spokesperson firmly believes that the signing and subsequent implementation of the Protocol will steadily promote the economic, trade, and investment relations between Hong Kong and the ASEAN region. Hong Kong will work side by side with its ASEAN partners to further promote regional economic development and investment growth. (Looking into the New Era)