Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce
Encyclopedia
The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC; ) was founded in 1861. It is a self-funding, non-profit organization whose mission is to safeguard and represent trade, service and industry in Hong Kong
. It is the most international local business organization, the largest and the most influential chamber of commerce in Hong Kong, with about 4,000 members including multi-national corporations, local companies and Mainland companies.
Advocacy
is one of the core functions and strengths of the Chamber. Every year it formulates positions on issues relevant to the business sector and communicates regularly with government officials and policy makers in the form of public campaigns, or position statements delivered to government.
The Chamber is the organization which came up with the concept of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA
) between Mainland and Hong Kong. In a report released in January 2000, the Chamber recommended the possibility of a “regional trade agreement” to enhance trade and economic relations between Hong Kong and Mainland China. The idea was taken positively by the then HKSAR Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa, and the discussions between the HKSAR and the Central governments began. After the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003, Hong Kong’s economy was given a strong shot in the arm to help it get back on its feet with the signing of CEPA, which gave Hong Kong companies access to the enormous China market.
The Chamber is a strong supporter of environmental protection. The Clean Air Charter was introduced in 2005 to encourage Hong Kong and Guangdong companies to reduce air pollution. More than 600 companies have endorsed the Charter. The Chamber has reduced its electricity consumption by 10% through the introduction of a series of energy-saving measures in 2006. All savings were donated to green organizations
with Alexander Perceval of British owned trading conglomerate Jardine, Matheson & Co
as its first chairman. The original membership consisted of 62 companies.
At that inaugural meeting, the Chamber's role was clearly set out:
"The object of the Chamber shall be to watch over and protect the general interests of Commerce, to collect information on all matters of interest to the Mercantile Community, and to use every means within its power for the removal of evils, the redress of grievances, and the promotion of the common good; to communicate with authorities and other thereupon; to form a code of practice whereby the transaction of business may be simplified and facilitated; to receive references; and to arbitrate between disputants -- the decisions in such references to be recorded for future guidance."
told Tung that the Central Government formally agreed to the suggestion, and consultation would begin immediately.
In January 2002, discussions between the HKSAR and the Central governments formally began, and a regional trade agreement was hammered out and formally named “Mainland/Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement” or CEPA
. HKGCC then submitted a paper entitled “Topwards a Regional Trade Agreement between China and HKSAR” to Antony Leung on 21 January 2002, put forward seven principles to guide the discussions on the RTA, emphasizing that CEPA must be compliant with WTO principles.
Despite being put on hold for months due to the outbreak of SARS during March – June 2003, negotiations resumed and CEPA's text was finally concluded by the Central and HKSAR government negotiators, and signed on 29 June 2003.
, Document Endorsement, Consulate Endorsement Facilitation and Paper to EDI Conversion issued are fully recognized by consulates, banks and customs houses throughout the world.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
. It is the most international local business organization, the largest and the most influential chamber of commerce in Hong Kong, with about 4,000 members including multi-national corporations, local companies and Mainland companies.
Advocacy
Advocacy
Advocacy is a political process by an individual or a large group which normally aims to influence public-policy and resource allocation decisions within political, economic, and social systems and institutions; it may be motivated from moral, ethical or faith principles or simply to protect an...
is one of the core functions and strengths of the Chamber. Every year it formulates positions on issues relevant to the business sector and communicates regularly with government officials and policy makers in the form of public campaigns, or position statements delivered to government.
The Chamber is the organization which came up with the concept of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA
CEPA
CEPA may refer to:* Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and Republic of Korea. Enforced on 1 January, 2010.* Canadian Environmental Protection Act* Center for Economic Policy Analysis at New School University, New York City...
) between Mainland and Hong Kong. In a report released in January 2000, the Chamber recommended the possibility of a “regional trade agreement” to enhance trade and economic relations between Hong Kong and Mainland China. The idea was taken positively by the then HKSAR Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa, and the discussions between the HKSAR and the Central governments began. After the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003, Hong Kong’s economy was given a strong shot in the arm to help it get back on its feet with the signing of CEPA, which gave Hong Kong companies access to the enormous China market.
The Chamber is a strong supporter of environmental protection. The Clean Air Charter was introduced in 2005 to encourage Hong Kong and Guangdong companies to reduce air pollution. More than 600 companies have endorsed the Charter. The Chamber has reduced its electricity consumption by 10% through the introduction of a series of energy-saving measures in 2006. All savings were donated to green organizations
History
The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1861, just 20 years after the foundation of the Colony of Hong KongColonial Hong Kong
In the 19th century the British, Dutch, French, Indians and Americans saw Imperial China as the world's largest untapped market. In 1840 the British Empire launched their first and one of the most aggressive expeditionary forces to claim the territory that would later be known as Hong Kong.In a few...
with Alexander Perceval of British owned trading conglomerate Jardine, Matheson & Co
History of Jardine, Matheson & Co.
Jardine Matheson & Co., later Jardine Matheson & Co. Ltd., forerunner of today's Jardine Matheson Holdings, was a Far Eastern trading company founded in 1832 with Scotsmen William Jardine and James Matheson as senior partners...
as its first chairman. The original membership consisted of 62 companies.
At that inaugural meeting, the Chamber's role was clearly set out:
"The object of the Chamber shall be to watch over and protect the general interests of Commerce, to collect information on all matters of interest to the Mercantile Community, and to use every means within its power for the removal of evils, the redress of grievances, and the promotion of the common good; to communicate with authorities and other thereupon; to form a code of practice whereby the transaction of business may be simplified and facilitated; to receive references; and to arbitrate between disputants -- the decisions in such references to be recorded for future guidance."
CEPA
In HKGCC's report “China’s Entry into the WTO and its Impact on Hong Kong Business”, released on 18 January 2000, one of the key recommendations was to explore the possibility of setting up a regional trade agreement (RTA), also sometimes called a “free trade agreement”, as a concrete means to enhance further integration of trade and economic relations between Hong Kong and Mainland China. After China’s accession to the WTO in 2001, HKGCC once again presented the idea to Tung Chee-hwa, the then HKSAR Chief Executive. The idea struck a chord with Tung who then put forward the RTA concept to the Central Government. On 20 December 2001, President Jiang ZeminJiang Zemin
Jiang Zemin is a former Chinese politician, who served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China from 1989 to 2002, as President of the People's Republic of China from 1993 to 2003, and as Chairman of the Central Military Commission from 1989 to 2005...
told Tung that the Central Government formally agreed to the suggestion, and consultation would begin immediately.
In January 2002, discussions between the HKSAR and the Central governments formally began, and a regional trade agreement was hammered out and formally named “Mainland/Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement” or CEPA
CEPA
CEPA may refer to:* Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and Republic of Korea. Enforced on 1 January, 2010.* Canadian Environmental Protection Act* Center for Economic Policy Analysis at New School University, New York City...
. HKGCC then submitted a paper entitled “Topwards a Regional Trade Agreement between China and HKSAR” to Antony Leung on 21 January 2002, put forward seven principles to guide the discussions on the RTA, emphasizing that CEPA must be compliant with WTO principles.
Despite being put on hold for months due to the outbreak of SARS during March – June 2003, negotiations resumed and CEPA's text was finally concluded by the Central and HKSAR government negotiators, and signed on 29 June 2003.
Certificates of Origin Services
The Chamber provides certification services in 7 districts in Hong Kong, and is by far the biggest location network in Hong Kong. The Certificates of OriginCertificate of origin
A Certificate of Origin is a document used in international trade. It traditionally states from what country the shipped goods originate, but "originate" in a CO does not mean the country the goods are shipped from, but the country where the goodtion problem in cases where less than 100% of the...
, Document Endorsement, Consulate Endorsement Facilitation and Paper to EDI Conversion issued are fully recognized by consulates, banks and customs houses throughout the world.
Good Citizen Award
HKGCC has been the sole sponsor of the Good Citizen Award since its inception in 1973. The Award rewards citizens who have contributed to the safety of the community by assisting the police catch criminals. The scheme was set up as part of the first Fight Crime Campaign, funded by generous donations from Chamber members and the community. Over the years, more than 3,600 citizens have been commended for their bravery in combating crime.List of Chairperson
| Name | Tenure | Business Affiliation and Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Anthony Wu Ting-yuk | (2010–present) | Bauhinia Foundation; Hospital Authority Hospital Authority The Hospital Authority is a statutory body managing all the public hospitals and institutes in Hong Kong. It is managed by the Hospital Authority Board and is under the monitor of the Secretary for Food and Health of the Hong Kong Government. Its chairman is Mr... |
| Andrew Brandler | (2007–10) | CLP (acting from 11/07; elected 5/08) |
| Lily Chiang | (2007) | Eco-Tek Holdings (on leave 11/07-5/08) |
| David Eldon David Eldon David Gordon Eldon is former Chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited. He retired in May 2005, after spending 37 years with HSBC Group. He is now the Senior Adviser of PricewaterhouseCoopers.-Personal history:... |
(2005–07) | HSBC HSBC HSBC Holdings plc is a global banking and financial services company headquartered in Canary Wharf, London, United Kingdom. it is the world's second-largest banking and financial services group and second-largest public company according to a composite measure by Forbes magazine... |
| Anthony Nightingale | (2003–05) | Jardine Matheson & Co |
| Christopher Cheng | (2001–2003) | Wing Tai Corporation |
| Tung Chee-chen Tung Chee-chen Tung Chee-chen, SBS, JP is a Hong Kong businessman and entrepreneur. He is a member of the Hong Kong Port Development Board.-Education:Tung's ancestral hometown is Ningbo of Zhejiang Province... |
(1999–2001) | OOCL |
| Peter Sutch | (1998) | Swire Group Swire Group The Swire Group is a transnational corporation headquartered in the Swire House in the City of Westminster, London, England. It controls a range of wholly owned businesses, including deep-sea shipping, cold storage, road transport, and agricultural activities. The current chairman is James... |
| James Tien James Tien James Tien Pei-chun GBS OBE JP is the former Chairman of the Liberal Party , a pro-business and pro-Beijing political party in Hong Kong, and former member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong . He was also a member of the District Council of Hong Kong in the Central and Western district... |
(1996–1997) | Manhattan Garments |
| William Fung Kwok-lun | (1994–1995) | Li & Fung Li & Fung Li & Fung Limited is a global trading group, based in Hong Kong, that supplies high-volume, time-sensitive consumer goods. Garments make up around two-thirds of the Li & Fung business which also covers the sourcing of hardgoods such as fashion accessories, furnishings, gifts, handicrafts, home... |
| Paul Cheng Ming-fun | (1992–1994) | Inchape |
| Vincent H S Lo | (1991) | Shui On Group |
| Helmut Sohmen | (1988–90) | World-Wide Shipping |
| Allen Lee | (1988) | Sonca |
| Tom Clydesdale | (1986–87) | Lowe, Bingham & Matthews |
| Jack Tang | (1984–85) | South Seas Textile |
| John L Marken | (1982–83) | Wheelok Marden |
| David Kennedy Newbigging | (1980–81) | Jardine Matheson & Co |
| N A Rigg | (1978–79) | |
| Leslie W Gordon | (1967–77) | Lowe, Bingham & Matthews |
| Peter Foxon | (1974–75) | Gilman & Co (Inchape) |
| P G Williams | (1972–73) | Dodwell & Co |
| G M B Salmon | (1970–71) | Mackinnon Mackenzie & Co |
| M A R Herries | (1968–69) | Jardine Matheson & Co |
| J Dickson Leach | (1967) | Union Insurance Society Canton |
| G R Ross | (1965–66) | Deacon & Co |
| S S Gordon | (1963–64) | Lowe, Bingham & Matthews |
| W C G Knowles | (1961–62) | Butterfield & Swire |
| G M Goldsack | (1960) | Dodwell & Co |
| J D Clague | (1958–59) | John D Hutchison & Co |
| C Blaker | (1956–57) | Gilman & Co (Inchape) |
| J A Blackwood | (1954–55) | Butterfield & Swire |
| C Blaker | (1953) | Gilman & Co |
| H J Collar | (1952) | Imperial Chemical Industries |
| P.S. Cassidy | (1951) | John D Hutchison & Co |
| C C Roberts | (1950) | Butterfield & Swire |
| P S Casidy | (1948–49) | John D Hutchison & Co |
| C C Roberts | (1948) | Butterfield & Swire |
| R D Gillespie | (194-47-) | Imperial Chemical Industries |
| Activities suspended -- | (1942–45) | |
| S H Dodwell | (1941) | Dodwell & Co |
| J K Bousfield | (1940) | The Asiatic Petroleum Co |
| T E Pearce | (1939) | John D Hutchison & Co |
| A L Shields | (1938) | Shewan, Tomes & Co |
| M T Johnson | (1937) | Mackinnon, Mackenzie & Co |
| S H Dodwell | (1936) | Dodwell & Co |
| W H Bell | (1935) | The Asiatic Petroleum Co |
| G Gordon Mackie | (1933–34) | Mackinnon, Mackenzie & Co |
| J A Plummer | (1932) | Bradley & Co |
| T H R Shaw (acting) | (1932) | Butterfield & Swire |
| W H Bell | (1931) | The Asiatic Petroleum Co |
| G Gordon Mackie | (1930) | Mackinnon, Mackenzie & Co |
| B D F Beath | (1929) | Jardine Matheson & Co |
| T G Weall | (1928) | Dodwell & Co |
| D G M Bernard | (1926–27) | Jardine Matheson & Co |
| J Owen Hughes | (1924) | Harry Wicking & Co |
| D G M Bernard | (1923) | Jardine Matheson & Co |
| A O Lang | (1922) | Gibb, Livingston & Co (Inchape) |
| P H Holyoak | (1920–21) | Reiss & Co |
| S H Dodwell | (1919) | Dodwell & Co |
| P H Holyoak | (1917–18) | Reiss & Co |
| G T Edkins | (1916) | Butterfield & Swire |
| D Landale | (1915) | Jardine Matheson & Co |
| E W Hewett | (1903–15) | P&O Steam Navigation Co |
| C S Sharp | (1902) | Gibb, Livingston & Co (Inchape) |
| Sir Thomas Jackson | (1901) | Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank |
| R M Gray | (1897-00) | Reiss & Co |
| A McConachie | (1896) | Gilman & Co (Inchape) |
| A G Wood | (1895) | Gibb, Livingston & Co (Inchape) |
| J.J. Keswick | (1893–95) | Jardine Matheson & Co |
| E Mackintosh | (1890–92) | Butterfield & Swire |
| Phineas Ryrie | (1886–89) | Turner & Co; Legco 24½ years |
| W Keswick | (1884–85) | Jardine Matheson & Co |
| F B Johnson | (1882–83) | Jardine Matheson & Co |
| W Keswick | (1877–81) | Jardine Matheson & Co |
| Phineas Ryrie | (1871–76) | Turner & Co; Legco 24½ years |
| W Keswick | (1870) | Jardine Matheson & Co |
| W J Bryans | (1869) | Turner & Co |
| Phineas Ryrie | (1867–68) | Turner & Co; Legco 24½ years |
| John Dent | (1866) | Dent & Co |
| H B Lemann | (1865) | Gilman & Co (Inchape) |
| H B Gibb | (1864) | Gibb, Livingston & Co (Inchape) |
| J J Mackenzie | (1863–64) | Dent & Co |
| James Macandrew | (1862-63-) | Jardine Matheson & Co |
| Alexander Perceval | (1861–62) | Jardine Matheson & Co |
External links
- The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce Official website
- Clean Air Charter Official website
- Certificates of Origin Services, HKGCC Official website