50. The representative of Hong Kong, China thanked the European Communities for the written compilation of the oral replies of last December. She said that the EC's flexibilities and concessions as highlighted were much appreciated and that it was encouraging to see Members’ active participation and level of engagement in the recent discussions and the questions and answers process. Although Members had not been able to resolve the issues, notably the key issues of participation, legal effects and product coverage, which were still at stalemate, the process had at least helped forge a better understanding of the proposal and Members' positions.
51. She recalled that Hong Kong, China had submitted its own proposal in TN/IP/W/8 back in April 2003 on the basis of its own interpretation of the negotiating mandate under Article 23.4 of the TRIPS Agreement and paragraph 18 of the Doha Ministerial Declaration. Hong Kong, China's position, systemic interest and objectives in these negotiations were already set out in a statement at the last formal meeting on 29 October 2008, and reflected in paragraphs 28 and 29 of document TN/IP/M/20. Hong Kong, China had proposed a voluntary register with limited legal effects necessary to facilitate protection of GIs. Non-participating Members would not be required to bear any costs of the register. Hong Kong, China's proposal and the other two proposals on the table did share some common features on the proposed notification and registration system of GIs for wines and spirits, even with respect to the key issues of participation and legal effects.
52. She expressed support for the Chair's suggestion to proceed with the discussions by clusters. She further said that Members should keep the pace of the negotiations in the coming months and continue technical discussions on the key issues and other elements dependent on the key issues. More importantly, the negotiating group should start to make progress and preserve that already made, however limited, with a view to reaching a final compromise solution as early as possible.
