Services seminar: Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Yvonne Choi speaks at the 2006 CEPA Seminar on Services.

Guangdong is a popular investment location for Hong Kong's service enterprises. More than 40% of firms opened by Hong Kong service suppliers, under the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, are in the province.

Speaking at the 2006 CEPA Seminar on Services, Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Yvonne Choi said there has been very close economic and trade ties between Hong Kong and Guangdong. She hopes the two sides will continue to intensify co-operation on all fronts for the full implementation of CEPA.

The seminar, held at the Convention & Exhibition Centre today, attracted the participation of more than 200 Hong Kong business people. Targeting Hong Kong companies and service suppliers interested in starting businesses in Guangdong under CEPA, the seminar will enhance their understanding of the procedures and requirements for setting up firms in the province by leveraging on the advantages provided by CEPA.

At the plenary session, Guangdong officials explained general application procedures and requirements for setting up service enterprises, including company registration procedures, customs regulations and tax arrangements.

Breakout sessions were later held, in which Guangdong officials explained specific policies and regulations and took questions. Pamphlets on CEPA and operating business enterprises in Guangdong were also distributed.

Meanwhile, a database of reference materials on the Mainland's rules and regulations relating to CEPA and fact sheets in 14 service sectors are now available at Trade & Industry Department's website.