INDUSTRY AND TRADE
The Brussels Office represents and promotes Hong Kong's economic, commercial and public relations interests to the European Commission and the member states of the European Community (other than the United Kingdom), and to Turkey, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Hungary, Poland, and other Central and Eastern European countries. With effect from July 1, it also took over responsibility for Hong Kong's commercial relations with Austria and the Nordic countries (Finland, Norway and Sweden).
The London Office is responsible for Hong Kong's commercial relations with the United Kingdom. Moreover, it is also responsible for monitoring the economic and political developments in the United Kingdom that are of interest to Hong Kong, for promoting the territory's interests, enhancing understanding of Hong Kong affairs and promoting Hong Kong's image in the United Kingdom. In this connection, the office maintains close liaison with the business and commercial sectors, politicians and the media in the United Kingdom.
The Washington, New York and San Francisco Offices closely monitor economic and trade developments, proposed legislation and other matters in the United States that might affect Hong Kong's economic and trading interests in general.
The Toronto Office has a similar role in Canada, while the Tokyo Office conducts similar activities in Japan.
Participation in International Organisations
As an integral part of the Asian-Pacific economy and an important regional services centre, Hong Kong has a role to play and a contribution to make in regional economic co-operation.
The territory's economic links with the region have been expanding. In 1992, some 80 per cent of Hong Kong's total external trade was accounted for by the other 14 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC).
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During the year, Hong Kong participated actively in the work of the APEC, culminating in the fifth APEC Ministerial Meeting held from November 17 to 19 in Seattle. The Financial Secretary represented Hong Kong at the APEC Economic Leaders Conference held on November 20 to discuss strategic economic and trade issues affecting the region.
The Hong Kong Committee of the Pacific Economic Co-operation Council (PECC), set up in March 1990 to advise on Hong Kong's participation in, and co-ordinate the territory's input to, the PECC process, continued to participate actively in the various task forces. The 10th general meeting of the PECC will be held from March 23 to 25, 1994 in Kuala Lumpur.
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) was set up by statute in 1966 to promote and expand the territory's trade. As the international marketing arm for the territory's manufacturers and traders, it plays a vanguard role in opening new or difficult markets for Hong Kong companies.
Through a network of 37 branch offices in 26 countries, the TDC also generates international awareness of business opportunities in Hong Kong, and the territory's advantages as a gateway to markets throughout Asia.
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