With the implementation of second phase of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement on January 1, Hong Kong service suppliers will gain preferential access to the Mainland market in 26 service areas, Trade and Industry Department says.
Also, Hong Kong origin products covered in 1,108 Mainland 2005 tariff codes - previously 1,087 items according to the 2004 classification - may enter the Mainland tariff-free.
Further trade liberalisation under CEPA II was agreed on August 27, after the full implementation of the first phase on January 1, 2004.
So far applications for CEPA Certificates of Origin and Certificates of Hong Kong Service Supplier are increasing steadily, the department said, adding it has started receiving applications for the two certificates under CEPA II.
2,991 Certificates of Origin approved
Of the 712 applications for Certificates of Hong Kong Service Supplier received, 663 have been approved while 2,991 certificates out of the 3,199 applications for Certificates of Origin have been issued, involving goods with a total value of about $1.145 billion.
The department has offered free one-stop enquiry and certification services to Hong Kong companies to help them gain access to the Mainland market.
With five other Government Approved Certification Organisations, it issues certificates to Hong Kong products for obtaining zero-tariff benefits under CEPA.
The department has met its performance pledge of processing a Certificate of Hong Kong Service Supplier application within 14 working days and approving an application for a Certificate of Origin within 1.5 working days.
Special CEPA website launched
A special CEPA website was launched to disseminate information to help local investors understand more about the investment environment and market opportunities in the Mainland, and about the application and approval procedures.
Updated laws and regulations from relevant Mainland authorities are available on the website which is hyperlinked to about 170 government, trade and investment websites in the Mainland.
A total of 182 commercial and information circulars containing Mainland business and trade investment details were issued this year and uploaded onto the website. Hotlines and email services were set up to answer questions.
CEPA publicity a priority
Being a priority area of the department's work, numerous seminars, briefings and workshops have been organised over the past year to publicise CEPA. Mainland officials were invited to join the sessions to take questions directly from Hong Kong companies.
The department operates four funding schemes for small and medium enterprises to help them secure financing to buy equipment to produce zero-tariff goods, to hold trade fairs and exhibitions to promote their business in the Mainland and to take courses about the opening-up of the Mainland market.
The department will continue to liaise with business and professional communities to understand their needs and discuss appropriate policy measures that may help them.
Applications accepted from January 1
Liaison and co-operation between the two governments will be stepped up through the Joint Steering Committee and the Liaison Office mechanisms under CEPA to discuss and resolve issues arising at the implementation stage.
CEPA is a continuous arrangement and adopts a building-block approach which provides a mechanism for further liberalisation measures.
Starting from tomorrow, the department will accept applications from local manufacturers wishing to include their goods in the next phase of zero tariffs under CEPA.
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