Hong Kong is a free port that pursues a free trade policy. No tariff is charged on import or export of goods. Although licensing is required for the import and export of some goods, this is only to fulfil obligations undertaken by Hong Kong to its trading partners, or to meet public health, safety or internal security needs. The licensing procedures are as simplified as possible in such cases.
Through participating in multilateral, regional, plurilateral, and bilateral trade agreements, Hong Kong secures, maintains and improves access to foreign markets for its goods and services.
Hong Kong actively supports and promotes a free, open and stable multilateral trading system. The World Trade Organization (WTO), established in 1995, succeeded the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Hong Kong is a founding member of the WTO and has been participating actively in its activities. Hong Kong has continued its separate membership after return to China in 1997 using the name "Hong Kong, China".
Hong Kong is the trading gateway to China. With the signing of Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) in 2003 and many other trade agreements, Hong Kong marked an ever growing economic tie with the Mainland.
For more information, please visit the website of Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department and Hong Kong Trade Development Council.