ENG-2007 — Page 146

106 Commerce and Industry

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. The department plays an active part in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, whose members account for some 80 per cent of Hong Kong's total external trade.

As a founding member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Hong Kong participates actively in the organisation's work. The Trade and Industry Department plays a key role in monitoring and evaluating the implementation of the Uruguay Round agreements. It also contributes to the new round of multilateral trade negotiations, the Doha Development Agenda, particularly in the negotiations on trade in services. The department also monitors the implementation of accession commitments by recently acceded WTO members.

Also on the international front, the department coordinates the drafting and negotiation of regional trade agreements between Hong Kong and other economies. It is also responsible for the negotiation of bilateral investment promotion and protection agreements with Hong Kong's trading partners.

Locally, the department provides a range of services to locally based trade and industry organisations and to local 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-sized enterprises.

In addition, the department advises local enterprises on changes in the import regulations of Hong Kong's trading partners, and provides advice on legislation and procedures related to anti-dumping measures in importing economies.

One other key area in which the department is closely involved is the promotion of understanding of CEPA liberalisation and implementation measures. In this context the department conducts regular discussions with Mainland authorities on further trade liberalisation and facilitation measures, while also consulting local trade organisations and reflecting their views to the Mainland. The department also ensures that up-to-date information on CEPA matters is disseminated to the trade in a timely manner.

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 the Economic and Trade Offices (ETOs) and consultants engaged overseas to offer solution-oriented investment promotion, facilitation and after-care services to ensure that foreign companies have the support required to establish or expand their operations in the HKSAR, and on the Mainland and in the Asia-Pacific region through Hong Kong. Invest Hong Kong also provides information to help companies make