- Great
Place for Doing Business
Hong Kong is one of the best places to do business in the world. This is in no small part due to it being on the doorstep of the world's largest single market, China and its having an efficient, dedicated and hardworking labour force. But it is also due to its history as a leading free port in the Far East since the mid-19th century. The result is a very cosmopolitan and business-friendly environment for both foreign and local investors. The Hong Kong Government realises and greatly values the contribution that overseas-owned companies make to Hong Kong, and as a result places attracting more investment high on its agenda.
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Strategic Location
Strategically located at the heart of one of the fastest growing economic regions in the world, Hong Kong is within around four hours flying distance of Asia's major capital cities. Hong Kong is also ideally situated as a springboard into China. Acting as the gateway to trade with China, Hong Kong's container port is a model of efficiency.
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Low Tax
Hong Kong's tax regime allows companies to keep what they earn. There is no control on foreign exchange, and you can remit any sum of money to any place in the world.
Inland Revenue Department
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Infrastructure
Hong Kong's infrastructure support for business is among the best in the region. It's banking, telecommunications, air, sea and land transport infrastructures are regarded as the most transparent and efficient in the world.
Census and Statistics Department
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Office Rental
Whether you are looking for an office, factory or warehouse, Hong Kong has a wide range of sites and premises for rent at a similarly diverse price range. Residential properties are easily rented. Property agents can find the ideal commercial and residential properties that you seek for a fee. For the overall picture of supply and demand, the Government's Rating and Valuation Department's Web site provides the latest figures on all property types in Hong Kong.
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Dedicated Workforce
Hong Kong's success is also a result of its well-educated, often bilingual and dedicated workforce. The state of labour relations in Hong Kong is very harmonious.
Labour Department's Employment Services
Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority
Census and Statistics Department - Labour statistics
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Simple to Set Up Business
Setting up business in Hong Kong is simple. All companies must obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the Inland Revenue Department within one month of commencing business. There are a few exceptions, which require a license, the details of which can be found at the following Government Web sites. They also provide useful information for new start-ups.
Doing business in Hong Kong:
for
business start-ups and overseas investors
Invest Hong Kong
Business registration
Support and Consultation Centre for SMEs
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Law & Order
Hong Kong is one of the safest cities in the world. The well-trained Police Force is trusted and respected by residents, while the Independent Commission Against Corruption roots out corruption wherever it may lie. Judicial independence is highly respected, and intellectual property is also fully protected in Hong Kong.
Legal System and Hong Kong Laws
The Judiciary
Intellectual Property Department
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Business Support
Businesses starting up in Hong Kong enjoy support from a number of statutory bodies. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council can help promote your business in overseas markets and the Hong Kong Productivity Council can help improve your productivity.
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
Hong Kong Productivity Council
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Language & Leisure
Hong Kong is a melting pot of languages and cultures from around the world. English is the lingua franca in the business community, while Mandarin Chinese is also widely spoken. Its great cultural diversity also means that there is no shortage of excellent restaurants here, serving cuisine from the kitchens of the world. Shopping is a national pastime among Hongkongers, but many recreation facilities from sailing to golf are available.
Hong Kong Tourism Board
Leisure & Cultural Services Department - Cultural programmes
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Children's Education
Hong Kong provides strong educational support for expatriate families with children. There are a number of private and government-subsidised schools which take children from 3 years through to completion of high school. The wide range of international schools means there is a good chance that your child will be able to fit into an education system based on that of your home country. International schools are also sensitive to the needs of overseas investors and expatriate families.
Education Bureau
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Chambers of Commerce
Hong Kong has the largest expatriate community in the region, as most of the world's leading companies is represented here.
Trade associations and chambers of commerce in Hong Kong can provide useful information on setting up a business here, and are also a useful source of business connections. International chambers from around the world are also very active in Hong Kong and organise many business and social events throughout the year. Newcomers are always welcome, and chambers are willing to answer any questions on business and life in Hong Kong. Their first-hand experiences on doing business in Hong Kong are often from a viewpoint that may not be unlike your own.
Some of the leading ones are:
The Federation of Hong Kong Industries
The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong
The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce
International chambers:
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong
The French Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Hong Kong
German Industry and Commerce
The Indian Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong
Norwegian Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong
The Singapore Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong)
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Other Information
This Web site also contains summaries on:
- Major labour legislation
- Pamphlets and guides to such legislation
- Labour Department services
- Office addresses and contact numbers
- Commonly used forms
- Poster gallery, and
If
you need further information or have a specific question you wish answered,
we hope you will email us and we will be very
pleased to offer any help we can.
Hope to see you in Hong Kong soon!