ENG-2019 — Page 135

5

Commerce and Industry

of non-manipulation, enabling traders to claim preferential tariffs from the authorities at the importing end.

Government Electronic Trading Services

The Government Electronic Trading Services allows the trading community to submit a number of key trade-related documents electronically to fulfil statutory obligations in a cost-effective and environment-friendly manner. Three government-appointed operators selected by open tender provide the services. They processed more than 20 million transactions in 2019.

Trade Single Window

The government is setting up a Trade Single Window to allow one-stop lodging of all 50-plus types of trade submissions with the government for trade declaration and customs clearance purposes. Phase 1 was extended to cover 12 types of trade documents by end-2019. The last type of trade document under phase 1 will be rolled out in mid-2020.

Trade and Industrial Support Organisations

Hong Kong Trade Development Council

The statutory HKTDC promotes, assists in and develops Hong Kong's external trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Mainland, it promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment, trade and business hub.

The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create for companies, particularly SMEs, business opportunities in the Mainland and international markets. It also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via trade publications, research reports and digital news 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.

Amid the uncertain and unstable global economy, the corporation's total insured business and gross premium income respectively slipped 20.6 per cent to $124.7 billion and 10.8 per cent to $296.4 million in 2019, while payment of claims rose 14.8 per cent to $414 million. During the year, the corporation twice extended special enhanced measures to 30 June 2022 to step up support to Hong Kong exporters, especially SMEs, amid the worsening business environment caused by the volatile global economy, the continued China-US trade conflict and weakening external demands.

Other Trade and Industrial Support Organisations

The Federation of Hong Kong Industries, Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, and Hong Kong Chinese Importers' and Exporters' Association promote the interests of, and foster

:

97

Page 135Page 136