• GDP: US$187.1 billion (2006).
• Main exports: Electrical machinery and appliances, textiles, watches and clocks, toys and precious stones.
• Main imports: Raw materials and semi-manufactured goods, consumer goods, capital goods, food and fuel (most is re-exported).
• Main trade partners: China (PR), Japan, USA, Taiwan, Singapore and Korea (Rep).

Hong Kong's economy has moved away from manufacturing and is now service-based, acting as a major corporate and banking centre as well as a conduit for China's burgeoning exports. Manufacturing is concentrated in textiles, consumer electronics and other consumer goods (Hong Kong is the world's largest producer of children's toys). Hong Kong's natural deep-water harbour is probably the best in the region. Much regional trade is still conducted through Hong Kong.

Soon after Hong Kong's handover to China in July 1997, Asia's financial crisis hit. With its mature and stable banking system, Hong Kong weathered the immediate storm. However, the depressed regional economy took its toll. After a brief recovery, by mid 2002 the economy was contracting at an annual rate of 1.5%. Unemployment, meanwhile, peaked at 8%. The economy is now rebounding, unemployment is falling and the property market has picked up. Tourism and trade are now the key drivers of growth.

Businesspeople are generally expected to dress smartly. Local businesspeople are usually extremely hospitable and speak English. Appointments should be made in advance and punctuality is appreciated. Business cards are widely used with a Chinese translation on the reverse. Most top hotels provide business centres for visiting businesspeople, with typing, duplication, translation and other services. 

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1300 and 1400-1700, Sat 0900-1300. Some Chinese offices open earlier than 0900 and close later than 1700.

The Hong Kong Convention and Incentive Travel Bureau is a division of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, which specialises in promoting Hong Kong as a leading venue with a special East/West position; it publishes lavish and detailed brochures showcasing the region for conference and incentive planners, together with a glossy catalogue of promotional material and a directory of associations and societies in Hong Kong. There are venues with seating for up to 12,500 people.

Hong Kong Trade Development Council in the UK
16 Upper Grosvenor Street, London W1K 7PL, UK
Tel: (020) 7616 9500.
Website: www.uk.tdctrade.com

Hong Kong Trade Development Council
38th Floor, Office Tower, Convention Plaza, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong (SAR)
Tel: 183 0668.
Website: www.tdctrade.com

Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce
22nd Floor, United Centre, 95 Queensway, Hong Kong (SAR)
Tel: 2529 9229.
Website: www.chamber.org.hk

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
1 Expo Drive, Wanchai, Hong Kong (SAR)
Tel: 2582 8888.
Website: www.hkcec.com.hk