TRADE AND INDUSTRY
2000. Given the importance of services trade to the economy, the HKSAR will participate actively and constructively in the negotiations. Preparatory work for the new services negotiations has already started.
Electronic commerce is an increasingly important issue and has been widely discussed in the international trade arena, including the WTO. The HKSAR participated actively 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.
The Government was all along concerned with the adverse effects on Hong Kong's economy if the USA were to withdraw China's Normal Trade Relations (NTR) trade status (formerly known as Most Favoured Nation trade status), or to impose conditions on the renewal of the status. On June 3, US President Bill Clinton announced his decision to renew China's NTR trade status unconditionally for another year. A resolution disapproving his decision was subsequently introduced but was voted down in the House of Representatives on July 27. With the conclusion of a bilateral agreement on November 15, between the USA and the Mainland on the latter's accession to the WTO, the US Congress will have to grant Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status to China in lieu of the existing annual renewal mechanism. The granting of the PNTR status to China will provide a firm basis for HKSAR businessmen to plan their businesses with the Mainland and the USA.
The European Union (EU) terminated its anti-circumvention investigation into disposable lighters consigned from Hong Kong on January 30. It, however, initiated anti-dumping proceedings against hair brushes originating in Hong Kong and an expiry review of existing anti-dumping duties on 3.5-inch microdisks originating in Hong Kong in 1999. The Government had made representations to the EU on all cases seeking termination of all proceedings.
Trade Department
The Trade Department is responsible for the HKSAR's commercial relations with trading partners. It implements trade policies and agreements, and conducts import and export licensing and origin certification.
The department consists of five divisions. The Multilateral Division deals with the multilateral aspects of the HKSAR's external commercial relations, such as its participation in the WTO and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The Regional Co-operation Division co-ordinates the HKSAR's participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) and 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, in addition, has the responsibility for multilateral matters relating to anti-dumping, rules of origin, trade and competition as well as trade and investment.
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