International Business / Executive Travel : SPOTLIGHT ON HONG KONG : Resources

Some useful addresses, phone numbers and publications for doing business in Hong Kong:

OFFICIAL FOREIGN OFFICES

To obtain information on visa requirements and for updates on economic and political issues in Hong Kong, contact:

U.S. State Department

Office of Chinese & Mongolian Affairs

2201 C Street N.W.

Washington, DC 20520

(202) 647-6300

Fax: (202) 647-3001

For trade statistics, market information and U.S. contacts in Hong Kong, contact:

U.S. Commerce Department

Asia Business Center

14th & Constitution Ave. N.W.

Washington DC 20230

(202) 482-3583

Fax: (202) 482-4453

For general information on business opportunities in Hong Kong, including foreign investment, company incorporation and registration, contact the One-Stop Unit at:

Industry Department

14th Floor, Ocean Centre

5 Canton Road

Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong

(852-2) 737-2434

Fax: (852-2) 730-4633

The one-stop service is also available at:

Hong Kong Government Industrial Promotion Offices

c/o British Consulate

222 Kearny St., Suite 402

San Francisco, CA 94108

(415) 956-4560

Fax: (415) 421-0646

TRADE CONTACTS

To learn how to set up a limited company in Hong Kong, contact the Registrar of Companies. Foreign business people interested in incorporating a business or forming a local subsidiary in Hong Kong must file an application with the Companies Registry to comply with the Companies Ordinance. The registration fee is $185.

Registrar of Companies

Companies Registry

13th & 14th Floors

Queensway Government Offices

66 Queensway, Hong Kong

(852-2) 867-2604 or 867-2600 or 867-2579

Fax: (852-2) 596-0585

Businesses interested in exporting to Hong Kong must register with the Business Registration Office within one month of initiating business in the city. The annual registration fee is $289.

Inland Revenue Department

Business Registration Office

Revenue Tower, 4th Floor

5 Gloucester Road, Hong Kong

(852-2) 594-0888

There is no customs tariff in Hong Kong and excise duties are levied only on a limited number of products. Import and export licenses and certificates of origin are required. To obtain information concerning licensing requirements, contact:

Trade Department

Trade Licensing Section

700 Nathan Road

Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong

(852-2) 398-5390 or 398-5461

Fax: (852-2) 789-2491

To be paired with Hong Kong manufacturers and traders in various industrial sectors by a computerized trade inquiry service designed for overseas buyers, contact:

Hong Kong Trade Development Council

Los Angeles World Trade Center

350 S. Figueroa St., Suite 282

Los Angeles, CA 90071-1386

(213) 622-3194

Fax: (213) 613-1490

Contact the following agencies for published material related to setting up a business in Hong Kong:

For a copy of “Hong Kong for the Business Visitor,” contact:

Hong Kong Trade Development Council

36th-39th Floors, Office Tower

Convention Plaza

1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

(852-2) 833-4333

Fax: (852-2) 824-0249

To receive a copy of “Setting Up a Business in Hong Kong,” write:

Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce

22nd Floor, United Centre

95 Queensway, Hong Kong

(852-2) 529-9229

Fax: (852-2) 529-9843

For a copy of “Establishing an Office in Hong Kong,” contact:

The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong

Room 1030, Swire House

Charter Road, Central, Hong Kong

(852-2) 526-0165

Fax: (852-2) 810-1289

To receive country- and industry-specific research reports, foreign trade leads and descriptions of government programs, sign on to the Automated Trade Library Service database. Contact the California Trade and Commerce Agency to be connected to the service.

California Trade and Commerce Agency

Export Development Program

Office of Export Development

1 World Trade Center, Suite 990

Long Beach, CA 90831-0990

(310) 590-5965

Fax: (310) 590-5958

Sources: Europa Publications, Hong Kong Trade Development Council

--Researched by JENNIFER OLDHAM / Los Angeles Times