ENG-2016 — Page 136

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Commerce and Industry

Mainland and her trading partners. The department supervises the transhipment and issues a Certificate of Non-manipulation enabling traders to claim preferential tariff from the authorities at the importing end.

Government Electronic Trading Services

The Government Electronic Trading Services allows the trading community to submit certain trade-related documents electronically to fulfil statutory obligations in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. Three government-appointed operators provide the services, which processed about 20 million transactions in 2016.

Trade Single Window

At present, the import and export trade submits trade documents to the government through different platforms, including the Government Electronic Trading Services. To maintain Hong Kong's trading competitiveness and position as a logistics hub, the government announced in the 2016-17 Budget Speech that it would establish a Trade Single Window to allow one-stop lodging of all 50-plus trade submissions with the government for trade declaration and customs clearance purposes. The Trade Single Window may connect with other governments' systems and with trade information platforms run by the private sector. The government set up a project management office in 2016 to coordinate among relevant departments, engage the industries and prepare a detailed design and implementation programme, and conducted a public consultation exercise between April and July. The first phase of the Trade Single Window is expected to be launched in 2018.

Trade and Industrial Support Organisations

Hong Kong Trade Development Council

The statutory Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) promotes, assists and develops trade with places outside Hong Kong. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Mainland, it promotes the territory as a platform for doing business with the Mainland, throughout Asia and the world.

The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to help companies, particularly SMEs, seize business opportunities on the Mainland and in international markets, while providing market information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels.

Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation

The statutory Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation encourages and supports export trade by providing insurance protection for Hong Kong exporters against non-payment risks arising from commercial and political events. It also offers a free buyer credit assessment service to help local exporters seize business opportunities.

In 2016, the corporation's total insured business increased 15.7 per cent to $125 billion, while gross premium income gained 6.2 per cent to $282.9 million amid the modest global economy. Payments over cash claims rose 37.6 per cent to $72.4 million. To help SMEs reduce operating

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