Commerce and Industry 1 101
According to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong was host to 6612 overseas, Mainland and Taiwan companies representing parent companies located outside Hong Kong as at June 2, 2008. This represents an increase of 2.7 per cent over 2007 and is an all-time high figure. Of these companies, 3 882 served as regional headquarters or regional offices.
The Institutional Framework
Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch
The Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (CEDB) is responsible for the formulation and co-ordination of policies and strategies in relation to Hong Kong's external commercial relations, tourism, inward investment promotion, convention and exhibition services, intellectual property protection, industry and business support, trade facilitation, consumer protection, promotion of competition, postal services and meteorological services.
It also oversees the development of policies and programmes for the industrial and trade sectors, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as the promotion of services industries. The branch is assisted by a number of departments: the Trade and Industry Department, Invest Hong Kong, the Customs and Excise Department, the Intellectual Property Department, the Post Office and the Hong Kong Observatory. It is also supported by a network of overseas Economic and Trade Offices.
Trade and Industry Department
The Trade and Industry Department is responsible for handling the commercial relations of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) with its trading partners, and for protecting Hong Kong's rights and trade interests. It also promotes Hong Kong's status as a separate customs territory and a model for international free trade.
Locally, the department provides a range of services to locally based trade and industry organisations and businesses, including issuing certificates of origin, export and import licences and certificates of Hong Kong service suppliers. It also administers a number of schemes that are aimed at providing general support services for the industrial sector, in particular small and medium enterprises. In addition, the department advises local enterprises on changes in the import regulations of our trading partners, and provides advice on legislation and procedures related to anti-dumping measures in importing economies.
The department also plays a leading role in the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) discussion with the Mainland authorities.
Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is responsible for spearheading the Government's efforts to attract inward investment. Its head office in Hong Kong works closely with Economic