ENG-2001 — Page 146

COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

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July 1, 2000 with the mission to spearhead Hong Kong's drive to become a world- class, knowledge-based economy. The commission formulates and implements policies and measures to promote innovation and technology; supports applied research, technology transfer and application; promotes technological entrepreneurship; facilitates the provision of technology infrastructure and development of human resources; and promotes internationally accepted standards and conformity assessment services to underpin technological development and international trade. The commission works closely with its partners in the Government, industry, business, tertiary education institutions and industrial support organisations. The commission also provides secretariat support to an inter-bureau committee chaired by the Financial Secretary for co-ordinating the Government's efforts in the development of innovation and technology.

Trade and Industry Department

The Trade and Industry Department is responsible for handling the HKSAR's commercial relations with its trading partners, implementing trade policies and agreements, including the issue of certification of origin and export and import licences, as well as supporting the industrial sector and the development of SMEs.

The department has seven divisions. The Multilateral Division deals with the multilateral aspects of Hong Kong's external commercial relations, such as its participation in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The Regional Cooperation Division co-ordinates Hong Kong's participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and is also responsible for multilateral matters relating to market access and government procurement.

The Americas Division, the Asia Division (which covers the Mainland) and the Europe Division deal with bilateral commercial relations with the HKSAR's trading partners in their respective geographical areas. Their work includes the conduct of trade negotiations as well as the collection and dissemination of information on developments that may affect the HKSAR's external trade, especially those relating to trade policies and measures adopted in its major markets. In addition, the Americas Division is in charge of Hong Kong's strategic trade control system. The Asia Division is responsible for the planning and implementation of Electronic Data Interchange and related computer systems for processing documents handled by the department, implementation of the rice control scheme, as well as the non-restrained textiles and non-textiles licensing and notification systems. The Europe Division is also responsible for multilateral matters relating to anti-dumping, rules of origin, trade and competition as well as trade and investment.

The Systems Division looks after the implementation and policy co-ordination of the textiles export control system and origin certification.

The Industrial Support Division gives support to SMEs, handles matters related to regional co-operation on SMEs, provides assistance on industrial development and co-ordinates input on infrastructure support to industry.

Invest Hong Kong

The Government is committed to promoting and enhancing the attractiveness of Hong Kong as a premier investment destination. Invest Hong Kong is a new government department established on July 1, 2000 to spearhead Hong Kong's