In Hong Kong, there are a number of government departments and organisations which have close relationships with the business development of corporations. If you are interested in opening a company, you should first of all secure a Business Registration and/or Registration of Local Limited Company. It is followed by Trade Mark Registration if you wish to make your products and services a specific brand of your company. The Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) provides companies in the export industry with Export Credit Insurance. The Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA) offers Certification and Value-adding Assessment Services for your company. To help SMEs explore more business opportunities through the Internet, Hong Kong Productivity Council launched the "Web-Building Program and Service for SMEs". Finally, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council has a wide range of services that facilitates your business in International Trade Promotion.

	Business Registration
	Registration of Local Limited Company
	Trade Mark
	Export Credit Insurance
	Certification and Value-adding Assessment Services
	Web-Building Program and Service for SMEs
	International Trade Promotion

Business Registration

		If you wish to run a new business or open a branch, it is required to register with the Business Registration Office of the Inland Revenue Department within one month of its commencement. The registration fee is HKD2,600 annually.
		Even though you have successfully obtained a business registration certificate or branch registration certificate, it does not imply that the requirements of any law in relation to such business have been complied with. Apart from business registration, you may be required to apply for other types of licences or obtain the recognised professional qualifications for operating certain kinds of business.
		For more details, please visit the Small and Medium Enterprises Office of the Trade and Industry Department, or the Department's Business Licence Information Service website at http://www.licence.tid.gov.hk, which provides information on all government licences, permits, certificates and approvals relevant to business operation in Hong Kong, as well as the function of 'Licence Database Search Engine'.

Registration of Local Limited Company

		Before incorporating a company, you must firstly choose a company name and ensure that it is not the same as a registered name appearing on the Registrar of Companies' index of company names. You may conduct a name search on registered companies by either visiting the Companies Registry in person, or search via the 'Companies Registry On-line Public Search System'.
		After deciding on the company name, you can register it at the Companies Registry with the following documents and prescribed fees: Memorandum and Articles of Association of the intended company. A Statutory Declaration of Compliance. A proforma stating the intended company name, the presentor's name, contact telephone number, fax number and address. The proforma is available at the Enquiries Counter on the 14th Floor of the Queensway Government Offices.
		For details, please refer to the Companies Registry's information pamphlets - Formation of New Companies and Price Guide To Main Services. You can view the information pamphlets on the Companies Registry's homepage on the Internet or obtain copies in person at the 14th Floor of the Queensway Government Offices.
Sources: Inland Revenue Department/ Trade and Industry Department/ Companies Registry

Trade Mark

		If your company wants to use a trade mark to distinguish your goods or services from the others, you should register your trade mark to prevent others from using them, or misleading the public by using similar marks.
		Typically a trade mark can be words (including personal names), indications, designs, letters, characters, numerals, figurative elements, colours, sounds, smells, the shape of the goods or their packaging or any combination of these. A sign must be capable of being represented graphically in order for it to be registered as a trade mark.
		After registering your trade mark, you have the exclusive right to use the trade mark in relation to the goods and services for which the mark is registered, and have the exclusive right to take legal action when unauthourised parties infringe your mark.
		Before submitting a trade mark registration, it is important to conduct a search of the trade mark to be registered to see if your trade mark has already been registered or has been applied for by another trader. The Search and Preliminary Advice Services provided by the Trade Marks Registry offer information on trade mark records. You may also conduct your own search at http://ipsearch.ipd.gov.hk.
		The New Trade Marks Ordinance has been implemented to simplify and improve the present registration system by broadening the definitions of trade marks. To ensure trade mark registration meets the requirements of New Trade Marks Ordinance, you are advised to read the document "How to apply to register a trade mark in Hong Kong?" in detail. The document can be downloaded at the website of the Trade Marks Registry.
		Once you have read through the document and conducted a trade mark search, you can submit the application form, provide a graphic representation of your trade mark and attach the required fee at the Trade Marks Registry.
Sources: Intellectual Property Department/ Trade Marks Registry

Export Credit Insurance

		If your company is an exporter and needs export credit insurance services, you can seek assistance from the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC). The Corporation provides a wide range of insurance facilities to Hong Kong exporters of both goods and services who trade with overseas buyers on credit terms, usually up to 180 days.
		The Corporation's facilities involve not only exports shipped and re-exported from Hong Kong, but also those transported directly from suppliers' countries to their destination without passing through Hong Kong. The indemnity provided is normally 90% of the loss incurred.
		The services provided by the Corporation include export credit insurance, credit management services, collateral for discounting export bills and advice on solving payment problems.
		ECIC's electronic platform "EC-link" (www.ec-link.com.hk) aims to provide a one-stop solution of export credit management. Through this platform, exporters can submit policy applications and manage their policies online, anytime and anywhere. Exporters can also find a wide range of trade related information and useful links within "EC-link".
Sources: Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation

Certification and Value-adding Assessment Services

		The Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA) provides your goods and services with third-party certification services as well as value-adding assessment services. The Agency operates in accordance with the international accreditation requirements illustrated in the applicable ISO/IEC guidance documents. Every application has to go through the same stringent process to ensure independence, and impartiality of certification.
		The Agency's assessment teams not only assist your company to evaluate operational efficiency, but also point out areas for improvement in the management system.
		HKQAA's ISO 9000 Certification Small Firm Scheme is particularly designed to assist small firms to improve productivity and product/service quality, in return enhancing reputation and competitiveness. The Scheme applies to companies with a simple organisational structure, simple product/service mix and with staff of less than 20. It offers a total package including price concession and free enrolment in HKQAA training courses. Most important of all, the participants enjoy equal standing and recognition in the international market as ISO 9000 certificate holders.
Sources: Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency

Web-Building Program and Service for SMEs

		With the support of more than 10 leading trade organisations and associations, the Hong Kong Productivity Council has launched the "WebEC" Program to help SMEs tackle the difficulties of building websites and promoting products and services on-line, with the ultimate goal of reaping the benefits of e-commerce.
		WebEC assists SMEs to build an easy-to-use DIY website at an affordable price. The program comes with a one-stop solution, including webpage design, domain name registration, web hosting, e-marketing and hit-rate reporting system. SMEs can also utilise e-commerce by choosing payment gateway service provided by bank.
		For dedicated customer support, WebEC offers a free customer services hotline and training courses on practical e-commerce skills.
		For program information, users' feedback, free seminar details and case studies of e-commerce implementation, please visit http://www.webec.com.hk.
Sources: Hong Kong Productivity Council

International Trade Promotion

		Market Opportunities - With more than 350 Product and Service Promotion Programmes each year, TDC strives to assist companies in Hong Kong to promote their business and raise their profile in world markets. TDC also helps local companies to market their own brand names and original designs as a competitive strategy, especially in the Mainland.
		Business Matching - The service helps your company search for a business partner worldwide. According to TDC, one in three enquiries placed by an overseas company results in business for a Hong Kong company. Four million enquiries are handled annually cover areas including sourcing, selling, agency deals, distributorships, licensing and partnerships. What's more, TDC has a unique database storing 600,000 business contacts all over the world.
		Market Intelligence - TDC provides your company with reliable trade information to enhance your competitiveness. The services include timely market reports, quality trade analysis and insights, resource-rich trade library as well as seminars and workshops.
		SME Development - TDC offers comprehensive programmes to help you sharpen your skills and improve your chances of success in international trade. With Business Advisory Service, you can obtain face-to-face consultations with trade specialists for free. You can also enrich your skills by joining the practical courses of the Business School for SMEs. Apart from this, TDC co-organises informal "Traders Meet" sessions with local industry associations on a regular basis, giving you opportunities to share experiences with your peers.
		TDC Cyber Platform - tdctrade.com is a cyber platform where you can access TDC contents and services, plus those of more than 60 Internet partners. Its one-stop Cyber Marketplace - hkenterprise.com has a powerful search engine, enabling users to access the most up-to-date information on products, services, business partners and exhibitions in an easy and convenient way.
		CEPA Business Service Centres - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council has set up four dedicated CEPA Business Service Centres in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, providing a one-stop solution for Mainland and Hong Kong companies to capture business opportunities brought about by CEPA. The Hong Kong Centre aims to provide the latest news and related market information on CEPA, and will also organize practical workshops for CEPA-relevant industries. Officials from the Mainland will be on hand to provide one-on-one advice and assistance to Hong Kong SMEs interested in entering the Mainland market. Latest timetable for upcoming advisory service and other CEPA Business Service Centre events is available at www.tdctrade.com/cepa.
Sources: Hong Kong Trade Development Council