TRADE AND INDUSTRY
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The EU terminated its anti-dumping duties against video cassette tapes from Hong Kong in January 1998. However, in May 1998 the EU initiated anti-circumvention investigation into disposable lighters consigned from Hong Kong. The HKSAR had made representations to the EU seeking termination of the proceedings.
During the year, electronic commerce emerged as an increasingly important issue in the international trade arena, including the WTO. The HKSAR participated in the discussions on the subject with a view to contributing to the development of this new form of trade and keeping the HKSAR in pace with the global trend.
Trade Department
The Trade Department is responsible for Hong Kong's commercial relations with trading partners. It implements trade policies and agreements, and conducts import and export licensing and origin certification.
The department has five divisions. The Multilateral Division deals with the multilateral aspects of HKSAR's external commercial relations, such as its participation in the WTO and the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The Regional Co-operation Division co-ordinates the HKSAR's participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation forum (APEC) and the Pacific Economic Co-operation Council (PECC). The Regional Co-operation Division is also responsible for multilateral matters relating to market access and government procurement.
The Asia and Americas Division and the Europe Division deal with bilateral commercial relations with the HKSAR's trading partners in their respective geographical areas. Such work includes the conduct of trade negotiations and the implementation of the WTO ATC, as well as the collection and dissemination of information on developments which may affect the HKSAR's external trade, especially those relating to trade policies and measures adopted in its major markets. The Europe Division also has responsibility for multilateral matters relating to anti- dumping, rules of origin, trade and competition as well as trade and investment.
The Systems Division is responsible for the textiles export control system, origin certification, production notification arrangements, planning and implementation of Electronic Data Interchange on textiles trade documents, computerisation of the department's licensing systems, strategic trade control system and the rice control scheme.
The department is assisted in its work on commercial relations by 10 overseas Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices. All overseas offices are under the administration of the Trade and Industry Bureau.
Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices
These offices seek to promote Hong Kong's economic and trade interests by enhancing understanding of the Special Administrative Region among opinion- formers; closely monitoring developments that might affect the SAR's economic and trading interests, such as proposed legislation; and liaising closely with the business and commercial sectors, politicians and the news media. They also regularly organise events to promote Hong Kong's image overseas.