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To promote the joint economic prosperity and development of the Mainland[1] and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (hereinafter referred to as the ¨two sides"), to facilitate the further development of economic links between the two sides and other countries and regions, the two sides decided to sign the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (hereinafter referred to as the ¨CEPA〃).

To strengthen trade and investment cooperation between the Mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (hereinafter referred to as ¨Hong Kong〃) and promote joint development of the two sides, through the implementation of the following measures :

progressively reducing or eliminating tariff and non-tariff barriers on substantially all the trade in goods between the two sides;

progressively achieving liberalization of trade in services through reduction or elimination of substantially all discriminatory measures;

The conclusion, implementation and amendment of the ¨CEPA〃 shall adhere to the following principles :

to be consistent with the rules of the World Trade Organisation (hereinafter referred to as the ¨WTO〃);

to accord with the needs of both sides to adjust and upgrade their industries and enterprises and to promote steady and sustained development;

to achieve reciprocity and mutual benefits, complementarity with each otherˇs advantages and joint prosperity;

to take progressive action, dealing with the easier subjects before the more difficult ones.

1. From 1 January 2004, the two sides will start to implement the specific commitments in liberalization of trade in goods and services under the ¨CEPA〃.

2. The two sides will broaden and enrich the content of the ¨CEPA〃 through continuous and further reciprocal liberalization between them.

The two sides recognise that through over 20 years of reform and opening up, the market economy system of the Mainland has been continuously improving, and the mode of production and operation of Mainland enterprises is in line with the requirements of a market economy. The two sides agree that Articles 15 and 16 of the ¨Protocol on the Accession of the People's Republic of China to the WTO〃 and paragraph 242 of the ¨Report of the Working Party on the Accession of China〃 will not be applicable to trade between the Mainland and Hong Kong.

1. Hong Kong will continue to apply zero tariff to all imported goods of Mainland origin.

2. From 1 January 2004, the Mainland will apply zero tariff to the import of those goods of Hong Kong origin listed in Table 1 of Annex 1.

3. No later than 1 January 2006, the Mainland will apply zero tariff to the import of goods of Hong Kong origin that are outside Table 1 of Annex 1. Detailed implementation procedures are set out in Annex 1.

4. Any new goods that are subject to elimination of import tariffs in accordance with paragraph 3 of this Article shall be added to Annex 1.

1. Neither side shall apply non-tariff measures inconsistent with WTO rules to goods imported and originated from the other side.

The two sides undertake that neither side will apply anti-dumping measures to goods imported and originated from the other side.

The two sides reiterate their observance of the WTO ¨Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures〃 and Article XVI of ¨the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994〃, and undertake not to apply countervailing measures to goods imported and originated from each other.

If the implementation of the ¨CEPA〃 causes sharp increase in the import of a product included in Annex 1 originating from the other side which has caused or threatened to cause serious injury to the affected sideˇs domestic industry that produces like or directly competitive products, the affected side may, after giving written notice, temporarily suspend the concessions on the import of the concerned product from the other side, and shall, at the request of the other side, promptly commence consultations under Article 19 of the ¨CEPA〃 in order to reach an agreement.

1. The rules of origin applicable to preferential measures related to trade in goods under the ¨CEPA〃 are set out in Annex 2.

2. To ensure the implementation of the preferential measures in respect of trade in goods, the two sides decide to strengthen and extend the content and scope of mutual administrative assistance including the establishment and strict implementation of the procedures for issuing certificates of origin, the establishment of auditing and regulatory mechanisms, the development of a computer link and electronic data interchange between the issuing and regulatory authorities of both sides. Details are set out in Annex 3.

1. Either side will progressively reduce or eliminate existing restrictive measures against services and service suppliers of the other side in accordance with the content and timetable set out in Annex 4.

2. At the request of either side, the two sides may, through consultation, pursue further liberalization of trade in services between them.

3. Any new measures on liberalization of trade in services implemented pursuant to paragraph 2 of this Article shall be added to Annex 4.

1. The definition and related provisions on "service suppliers" under the ¨CEPA〃 are set out in Annex 5.

2. Service suppliers of other WTO Members that are juridical persons established under the laws of one side will be entitled to preferential treatments granted by the other side under the ¨CEPA〃, provided that they are engaged in substantive business operations as stipulated in Annex 5 in the area of the former side.

The two sides shall adopt the following measures to further strengthen cooperation in the areas of banking, securities and insurance :

1. The Mainland supports wholly state-owned commercial banks and certain joint-equity commercial banks in re-locating their international treasury and foreign exchange trading centres to Hong Kong.

2. The Mainland supports its banks in developing network and business activities in Hong Kong through acquisition.

3 The Mainland supports the full utilization of financial intermediaries in Hong Kong during the process of reform, restructuring and development of the financial sector in the Mainland.

4. The two sides shall strengthen cooperation and information sharing between their financial regulators.

5. The Mainland shall, in line with the principles of observing market rules and enhancing regulatory efficiency, support eligible Mainland insurance companies and other companies, including private enterprises, in listing in Hong Kong.

1. In order to further promote the development of the tourism industry of Hong Kong, the Mainland will allow residents in Guangdong Province to visit Hong Kong individually. This measure will be implemented on a trial basis first in Dongguan, Zhongshan and Jiangmen and it will be extended to the entire Guangdong Province no later than 1 July 2004.

2. The two sides shall strengthen cooperation in tourism promotion, including promotion of tourism between each other and development of external promotion programmes centered around the Pearl River Delta.

3. The two sides shall cooperate to raise the service standards of their tourism industries and protect the legitimate rights and interests of tourists.

1. The two sides shall encourage mutual recognition of professional qualifications and promote the exchange of professional talents between each other.

2. Competent authorities and professional bodies of both sides will, in consultation with each other, consider and design specific methodologies for mutual recognition of professional qualifications.

The two sides shall promote trade and investment facilitation through greater transparency, standard conformity and enhanced information exchange.

commodity inspection and quarantine, food safety and quality and standardization;

2. Details on the areas of cooperation listed in paragraph 1 of this Article are set out in Annex 6.

3. At the request of either side, the two sides may expand the scope and content of trade and investment facilitation through consultation.

4. Any new scope or content concluded under paragraph 3 of this Article shall be added to Annex 6.

The ¨CEPA〃 and provisions in its Annexes shall not affect the ability of the Mainland or Hong Kong to maintain or adopt exception measures consistent with the rules of the WTO.

1. The two sides shall set up a Joint Steering Committee (hereinafter referred to as "Steering Committee"), which will comprise senior representatives or officials designated by the two sides.

2. Liaison Offices shall be set up under the Steering Committee. Working groups may be set up as the need arises. The Liaison offices shall be set up respectively in the Ministry of Commerce of the Central People's Government and the Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

dealing with any other business relating to the implementation of the ¨CEPA〃.

4. The Steering Committee shall meet at least once a year, and may convene special meetings within 30 days upon request by either side.

5. The two sides shall resolve any problems arising from the interpretation or implementation of the ¨CEPA〃 through consultation in the spirit of friendship and cooperation. The Steering Committee shall make its decisions by consensus.

1. Except as otherwise provided in the ¨CEPA〃, any action taken under it shall not affect or nullify the rights and obligations of either side under other existing agreements to which it is a contracting party.

2. The two sides shall endeavour to refrain from increasing restrictive measures affecting the implementation of the ¨CEPA〃.

The provisions of the ¨CEPA〃 or its Annexes may be amended in writing when the need arises. Any amendment shall come into effect after it has been signed by the duly authorised representatives of the two sides.

The ¨CEPA〃 shall come into effect on the day of signature by the representatives of the two sides.

Signed in duplicate in Hong Kong, this 29th day of June, 2003 in the Chinese language.

Pursuant to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (hereinafter referred to as the "CEPA"), the Mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have concluded this Annex on the arrangements for implementation of zero tariff on trade in goods.

Hong Kong shall continue to apply zero tariff to all imported goods of Mainland origin.

From 1 January 2004, the Mainland shall implement by stages zero tariff on imported goods of Hong Kong origin. The term "imported goods of Hong Kong origin" refers to those goods that fulfil the requirements stipulated in Annex 2 of the ¨CEPA〃. The responsible department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and its approved certificate issuing bodies shall issue certificates of origin under the ¨CEPA〃 according to the relevant laws of Hong Kong. Importers of goods subject to zero tariff under the ¨CEPA〃 shall submit to the Mainland Customs the certificates of origin issued by the responsible department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government or its approved certificate issuing bodies in accordance with the procedures set out in Annex 3 of the ¨CEPA〃.

From 1 January 2004 the Mainland shall apply zero tariff to imported goods of Hong Kong origin as set out in Table 1 of this Annex. Table 1 forms an integral part of this Annex. Changes in the Mainland tariff codes will result in corresponding changes in the tariff codes set out in Table 1. In submitting applications for goods subject to zero tariff, Hong Kong manufacturers should refer to the prevailing tariff codes of the Mainland in that year.

The Mainland shall apply zero tariff to imported goods of Hong Kong origin other than those set out in Table 1 of this Annex no later than 1 January 2006. The detailed implementation procedures are as follows:

From 1 January 2004, Hong Kong manufacturers may, in accordance with the relevant rules of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, submit applications for goods subject to zero tariff to the Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department.

The applicants shall present the Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department with information and data including description of the goods, production capacity or projected level of production.

The Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department and the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department shall verify and certify the information provided by the applicants, and compile such information respectively into categories of goods currently produced and proposed to be produced.

Prior to 1 June each year, the Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department shall submit the consolidated information and data on description of goods, production capacity or projected level of production to the Ministry of Commerce.

In conjunction with other relevant Mainland departments, the Ministry of Commerce and the Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department shall jointly examine and confirm the list of goods before 1 August of the same year.

After confirmation of the list of goods, the Customs General Administration and the Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department shall enter into consultations on the rules of origin for the relevant goods. The two sides shall complete the consultations on the rules of origin before 1 October of that year.

1. For goods under current production in Hong Kong, the Mainland shall, in accordance with the consensus reached between the two sides, add the list of goods and the corresponding rules of origin to Table 1 of this Annex and Table 1 of Annex 2 respectively. As from 1 January of the year following the completion of consultations, the Mainland shall, release the relevant imports on zero tariff basis in line with the ¨CEPA〃 upon presentation of the certificates of origin issued by the Hong Kong issuing authorities.

2. For products proposed to be produced, the Mainland shall, in accordance with the consensus reached between the two sides, add the rules of origin of the goods concerned into Table 1 of Annex 2. After the applicant has put the proposed goods into production, the Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department shall conduct verification jointly with the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department and inform the Ministry of Commerce. The Mainland shall, after confirmation by both sides, add the list of goods to Table 1 of Annex 1. As from 1 January of the year following confirmation by both sides, the Mainland shall, upon presentation of the certificates of origin issued by the Hong Kong issuing authorities, release the relevant imports on zero tariff basis in line with the ¨CEPA〃.

3. Both sides shall promulgate the confirmed list of goods and the rules of origin prior to 1 December each year.

The timetable for tariff reduction will be deferred by one year if information on goods seeking for zero tariff treatment under the ¨CEPA〃 is submitted by the Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department to the Ministry of Commerce after 1 June each year.

In the event that the implementation of this Annex causes substantial impact on the trade and relevant industries of either side, the two sides shall, at the request of one side, conduct consultations on the relevant provisions of this Annex.

This Annex shall come into effect on the day of signature by the representatives of the two sides.

Signed in duplicate in Hong Kong, this 29th day of September, 2003 in the Chinese language.

Pursuant to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (hereinafter referred to as the ¨CEPA〃), the Mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have concluded this Annex on the rules of origin for trade in goods.

Goods which are entitled to zero tariff under the ¨CEPA〃 and directly imported by one side from the other side will have the origin determined in accordance with the principles set out below:

goods not wholly obtained in one side are considered as originating in that side only if they have undergone substantial transformation in that side.

The term ¨goods wholly obtained in one side" as set out in Article 2(1) of this Annex refers to:

products obtained in that side from live animals specified in paragraph (3) of this Article;

fish and other marine products obtained by fishing conducted in the high seas by vessels holding a licence issued by that side and flying the national flag (for Mainland vessels) or the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region flag (for Hong Kong vessels);

products obtained from the processing of products set out in paragraph (6) of this Article aboard vessels holding a licence issued by that side and flying the national flag (for Mainland vessels) or the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region flag (for Hong Kong vessels);

waste and scrap articles collected in that side which are produced from consumption in that side and are fit only for the recovery of raw materials;

waste and scrap which are produced from processing or manufacturing operations in that side and are fit only for the recovery of raw materials;

(10) goods obtained through processing in that side of products set out in paragraphs (1) to (9) of this Article.

Processes or treatment for the following specified purposes, whether undertaken individually or collectively, is regarded as minor processing treatment. Such treatment will not be taken into account in determining whether the goods are wholly obtained or not:

processing or treatment such as packaging or display for distribution and sale of goods.

On the criteria for ¨substantial transformation〃 set out in Article 2 (2) of this Annex, the two sides agree on the following:

the criteria for determining ¨substantial transformation〃 may include ¨manufacturing or processing operations〃, ¨change in tariff heading〃, ¨value-added content", ¨other criteria〃 or ¨mixed criteria〃;

¨manufacturing or processing operations〃 refers to the principal manufacturing or processing operations carried out in the area of one side which confer essential characteristics to the goods derived after the operations;

¨change in tariff heading〃 refers to the processing and manufacturing operations of non-originating materials carried out in the area of one side and resulting in a product of a different four-digit tariff heading under the ¨Product Description and Harmonized System Codes〃. Moreover, no production, processing or manufacturing operations will be carried out in countries or territories other than that side which will result in a change in the four-digit tariff heading;

¨value-added content〃 refers to the total value of raw materials, component parts, labour costs and product development costs exclusively incurred in one side being greater than or equal to 30% of the FOB value of the exporting goods, and that the final manufacturing or processing operations should be completed in the area of that side. The formula for calculation is as follows:

¨product development〃 refers to product development carried out in the area of one side for the purposes of producing or processing the exporting goods. Development expenses incurred should be related to the exporting goods. These expenses include fees payable for the development of designs, patents, patented technologies, trademarks or copyrights (collectively "these rights") carried out by the manufacturer himself, fees payable to a natural or legal person in the area of one side for undertaking development of these rights, and fees payable for purchasing these rights owned by a natural or legal person in the area of one side. The fees payable should be clearly identifiable under generally accepted accounting principles and the requirements of ¨Agreement on Implementation of Article VII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994〃;

calculation of the above ¨value-added content〃 will be consistent with generally accepted accounting principles and the ¨Agreement on Implementation of Article VII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994〃;

¨other criteria〃 refers to methods agreed by both sides in determining origin, other than ¨manufacturing or processing operations〃, ¨change in tariff heading〃 and ¨value-added content〃 as set out above;

¨mixed criteria〃 refers to the use of two or more of the above criteria in determining origin.

Simple diluting, mixing, packaging, bottling, drying, assembling, sorting or decorating will not be regarded as substantial transformation. Enterprises adopting production or pricing practices with the purpose of circumventing provisions in this Annex will also not be regarded as substantial transformation.

In determining the origin of goods, the origin of energy, factory premises, facilities, machinery and equipment, and tools for production of the goods will not be taken into account; origin of the materials used in the production process but not constituting the composition or the component parts of the goods will also not be taken into account.

package, packaging materials and repository accompanying the goods for import customs declaration and classified as the same item with the goods in the ¨Customs Import and Export Tariff of the Peopleˇs Republic of China〃;

parts, spare parts, tools and explanatory materials accompanying the goods for import customs declaration classified as the same item with the goods in the ¨Customs Import and Export Tariff of the Peopleˇs Republic of China〃.

9. The two sides have drawn up the ¨Schedule on Rules of Origin for Hong Kong Goods Benefiting from Tariff Preference for Trade in Goods〃 (Table 1 of this Annex) in accordance with the eight-digit tariff headings of the ¨Customs Import and Export Tariff of the Peopleˇs Republic of China〃 and the criteria prescribed in this Annex. Table 1 forms an integral part of this Annex. Under the ¨CEPA〃, goods which meet the origin requirements of Table 1 of this Annex are regarded as having undergone substantial transformation in Hong Kong.

For goods of Hong Kong origin and goods proposed to be produced in Hong Kong which are entitled to zero tariff under Article 5 of Annex 1, their rules of origin will be supplemented in Table 1 of this Annex.

10. Goods seeking zero tariff under the ¨CEPA〃 should be directly transported from the port of one side to the port of the other side.

11. Upon implementation of this Annex, if one side considers necessary to amend the content of this Annex or the rules of origin of the goods listed in the Table 1 of this Annex due to the advancement of production technologies or other reasons, it may request the other side to enter into consultations and submit a written explanation with supporting data and information. Resolution will be made through consultations conducted by the Joint Steering Committee established under Article 19 of the ¨ CEPA〃.

12. This Annex will come into effect on the day of signature by the representatives of the two sides.

Signed in duplicate in Hong Kong, this 29th day of September 2003 in the Chinese language.

The issuing authorities of certificates of Hong Kong origin are the Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department and the ¨approved bodies〃 specified in the ¨Protection of Non-Government Certificates of Origin Ordinance〃 (Chapter 324, Laws of Hong Kong). If there is any change to the Hong Kong issuing authorities, the Customs General Administration will be informed immediately.

The content and format of the certificate of Hong Kong origin is set out in Form 1. Form 1 is an integral part of this Annex. Any change to the content and format of the certificate of origin will be agreed by both sides through consultation.

The Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department will provide specimens of the official stamps on the certificates of origin to the Customs General Administration for record purpose. If there is any change to the official stamps used on the certificates of origin, the Customs General Administration will be informed immediately.

Prior to exportation of goods of Hong Kong which are entitled to zero tariff under the ¨CEPA〃, the exporter or manufacturer will apply for a certificate of Hong Kong origin from the Hong Kong issuing authorities.

A certificate of Hong Kong origin issued by the Hong Kong issuing authorities must satisfy the following requirements:

Each certificate of origin will only cover one batch of goods that enter into the Mainland at the same time. A certificate of origin may contain not more than five eight-digit tariff heading items, and all of them must be goods listed in Table 1 of Annex 1 of the ¨CEPA〃.

The Mainland Harmonized System code for products on a certificate of origin will be completed in accordance with the eight-digit tariff code stipulated in the applicable ¨Customs Import and Export Tariff of the Peopleˇs Republic of China〃.

The quantity unit on a certificate of origin will be completed by reference to the applicable quantity unit as used in the actual transaction.

Correction or double printing is not allowed on a certificate of origin; otherwise, the certificate must be re-issued.

A certificate of origin will be printed in Chinese on A4 size paper according to the format of Form 1. This language requirement will be implemented not later than 1 July 2004.

In the event of theft, loss or damage of a certificate of origin, the exporter or manufacturer may make a written request to the Hong Kong issuing authorities for the issue of a duplicate certificate. The exporter or manufacturer will ensure that the original copy has not been used. The duplicate certificate will bear the words ¨certified true copy〃. If the original certificate has been used, the duplicate certificate will be invalid. If the duplicate certificate has been used, the original certificate will be invalid.

The two sides will administer the origin declarations of Hong Kong goods which are entitled to zero tariff under the ¨CEPA〃 through interconnection, and will transmit the following information by means of electronic data interchange through a dedicated line to the Customs General Administration:

From 1 January 2004, the Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department will, within ten days after the end of each quarter, transmit to the Customs General Administration production data and information on certificates of origin issued for Hong Kong goods benefiting from zero tariff in the previous quarter;

After the issue of a certificate of origin by the Hong Kong issuing authorities, the Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department will immediately transmit basic information on the certificate of origin, including the certificate number, name of exporter, factory registration number, port of discharge, Mainland Harmonised System code of the product, product name, quantity unit and quantity, amount and currency, and the name of the Hong Kong issuing authority, etc., to the Customs General Administration through a designated line;

The customs administration at the port of clearance will verify the certificate of origin submitted by the importer against the electronic data transmitted by the Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department. If the information is verified to be in order, the verification and endorsement process should be completed within 7 days and the Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department should be informed of the completion;

In making an import declaration, the importer should take the initiative to inform the customs administration at the port of clearance that the goods are eligible for zero tariff and submit a valid certificate of origin. If the information is verified to be in order through interconnection by the customs administration at the port of clearance, the imported goods will be granted zero tariff treatment. In the event that the information cannot be verified through interconnection, the customs administration at the port of clearance may, at the request of the importer, act in accordance with the stipulated import procedures and release the goods. However, a deposit of an amount equal to the tariff charged at the applicable ¨non-CEPA〃 import tariff rate will be collected for the goods concerned. The customs administration at the port of clearance will verify the details on the certificate of origin within 90 days following the release of the goods and, in accordance with the verification results, proceed with the procedure to either return the deposit or convert the deposit to import tariff.

If the customs administration at the port of clearance has doubts about the authenticity of the content of a certificate of origin, it may, through the Customs General Administration or its authorised customs unit, seek assistance from the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department for verification. The Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department will respond within 90 days after receiving such requests. If the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department cannot complete the verification and confirm the status of the certificate of origin of the goods concerned within 90 days, the Customs General Administration may notify the customs administration at the port of clearance to act in accordance with the stipulated import procedures and release the goods. However, a deposit of an amount equal to the tariff charged at the applicable ¨non-CEPA〃 import tariff rate will be collected for the goods. After verification by the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, the customs administration at the port of clearance will, in accordance with the verification results, immediately proceed with the procedure to either return the deposit or convert the deposit to import tariff.

The two sides may incorporate the administrative assistance required for the purpose of implementing the rules of origin in Annex 2 of the ¨CEPA〃 and this Annex in the ¨Customs Co-operative Arrangement〃 concluded between the Customs General Administration and the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department. The two sides may exchange relevant information, including information about the origin of the goods imported from Hong Kong to the Mainland, the authenticity of the contents in a certificate of origin, whether the Hong Kong goods enjoying zero tariff comply with the rules of origin, and other information which may facilitate the monitoring of the proper implementation of this Annex. If need be, the staff of one side may conduct visits to the other side for the purpose of understanding the relevant situation subject to the agreement of both sides.

The customs administrations of the two sides will notify each other and take action according to applicable laws if the investigation by one side confirms that goods subject to zero tariff do not comply with the requirements set out in Table 1 of Annex 2 of the ¨CEPA〃 and this Annex.

Both sides will maintain the confidentiality of information in respect of information exchanged for the purpose of verifying the origin of goods imported. In the absence of consent from the applicant of the certificate of origin, no such information will be disclosed or used for other purposes, unless it is required by judicial proceedings.

This Annex will come into effect on the day of signature by the representatives of the two sides.

Signed in duplicate in Hong Kong, this 29th day of September 2003 in the Chinese language.

1. Pursuant to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (hereinafter referred to as the ¨CEPA〃), the Mainland and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have concluded this Annex on the specific commitments on liberalization of trade in services.

2. As from 1 January 2004, the Mainland will apply to services and service suppliers of Hong Kong the specific commitments set out in Table 1 of this Annex. Table 1 forms an integral part of this Annex. The commitments on value-added telecommunications services will apply as from 1 October 2003.

3. In respect of the service sectors, sub-sectors or relevant measures not covered by this Annex, the Mainland will apply Annex 9 of the ¨Schedule of Specific Commitments on Services List of Article II MFN Exemptions〃 of the ¨Protocol on the Accession of the Peopleˇs Republic of China〃.

4. In respect of the implementation of the specific commitments set out in Table 1 of this Annex, apart from applying the provisions of this Annex, the relevant laws and regulations, and administrative regulations of the Mainland should also be applicable.

5. As from 1 January 2004, Hong Kong will not impose any new discriminatory measures on Mainlandˇs services and service suppliers in the areas of services covered in Table 1 of this Annex.

6. The two sides will, through consultations, formulate and implement further liberalization of Hong Kongˇs service sectors for the Mainland. The relevant specific commitments will be listed in Table 2. Table 2 forms an integral part of this Annex.

7. The two sides will, through consultations, formulate and implement specific commitments of Hong Kong in relation to Mainland people obtaining professional qualifications of Hong Kong.

8. In the event that the implementation of this Annex causes substantial impact on the trade and relevant sectors of either side, the two sides will conduct consultations on the relevant provisions of this Annex at the request of either side.

9. This Annex will come into effect on the day of signature by the representatives of the two sides.

Signed in duplicate in Hong Kong, this 29^th day of September 2003 in the Chinese language.

The Mainlandˇs Specific Commitments on Liberalization of Trade in Services for Hong Kong[2]

Hong Kongˇs Specific Commitments on Liberalization of Trade in Services for the Mainland¹

1. Pursuant to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (hereinafter referred to as the ¨CEPA〃), the Mainland and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have concluded this Annex on the definition of ¨service supplier〃 and related requirements.

2. Unless otherwise stipulated in the ¨CEPA〃 and its Annexes, ¨service supplier〃 as used in the ¨CEPA〃 and its Annexes refers to any person that supplies a service. In this context:

2.2.1. in the case of the Mainland, means a citizen of the Peopleˇs Republic of China;

2.2.2. in the case of Hong Kong, means a permanent resident of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the Peopleˇs Republic of China;

2.3. ¨juridical person〃 means any legal entity duly constituted or otherwise organized under the applicable laws of the Mainland or the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, whether for profit or otherwise, and whether privately-owned or governmentally-owned, including any corporation, trust, partnership, joint venture, sole proprietorship or association (business association).

3. The specific criteria for Hong Kong service suppliers who provide services in the form of juridical persons:

3.1. with the exception of the legal services sector, a Hong Kong service supplier, when applying to provide the relevant services under Annex 4 in the Mainland, should:

3.1.1. be incorporated or established pursuant to the Companies Ordinance or other relevant laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,[18] and have obtained a valid Business Registration Certificate. If required by law, it should also have obtained the licence or permit for providing such services; and

3.1.2. engage in substantive business operations in Hong Kong. The criteria for determination are:

The nature and scope of the services provided by a Hong Kong service supplier in Hong Kong should encompass the nature and scope of the services it intends to provide in the Mainland.

A Hong Kong service supplier should be incorporated or established in Hong Kong, and have engaged in substantive business operations for 3 years or more.[19]

A Hong Kong service supplier providing construction and related engineering services should be incorporated or established in Hong Kong, and have engaged in substantive business operations for 5 years or more; there is no limitation on the years of substantive business operations in Hong Kong for Hong Kong service suppliers providing real estate services;

A Hong Kong service supplier providing banking and other financial services (excluding insurance and securities), i.e. a Hong Kong bank or finance company should have engaged in substantive business operations for 5 years or more after it has been granted a relevant licence by the Monetary Authority pursuant to the Banking Ordinance;

A Hong Kong service supplier providing insurance and related services, i.e. a Hong Kong insurance company should be incorporated or established in Hong Kong and have engaged in substantive business operations for 5 years or more.

During the period of substantive business operations in Hong Kong, a Hong Kong service supplier should have paid profits tax in accordance with the law.

A Hong Kong service supplier should own or rent premises in Hong Kong to engage in substantive business operations. The scale of its business premises should be commensurate with the scope and the scale of its business.

For a Hong Kong service supplier providing maritime transport services, 50% or more of the ships owned by it, calculated in terms of tonnage, should be registered in Hong Kong.

more than 50% of the staff employed in Hong Kong by the Hong Kong service supplier should be residents staying in Hong Kong without limit of stay, and people from the Mainland staying in Hong Kong on One Way Permit.

3.2. A Hong Kong law firm (office) of the legal services sector, when applying to provide the relevant services under Annex 4 in the Mainland, should:

3.2.1. be registered and established as a Hong Kong law firm (office) and have obtained a valid Business Registration Certificate pursuant to the relevant legislation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

3.2.2. The sole proprietor and all the partners of the law firm (office) should be registered Hong Kong practising lawyers.

3.2.3. The principal scope of business of the law firm (office) should be to provide Hong Kong legal services in Hong Kong.

3.2.4. The law firm (office) or its sole proprietor or partners should pay profits tax in accordance with the law.

3.2.5. The law firm (office) should have engaged in substantive business operations in Hong Kong for 3 years or more.

3.2.6. The law firm (office) should own or rent premises in Hong Kong to engage in substantive business operations.

4. Unless otherwise stipulated in the ¨CEPA〃 and its Annexes, Hong Kong service suppliers providing services in the form of natural persons should be permanent residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the Peopleˇs Republic of China.

5. Service suppliers of the Mainland should fulfil the definition of Article 2 of this Annex. Specific criteria will be determined by the two sides through consultation.

6. To obtain the treatment under the ¨CEPA〃, a Hong Kong service supplier should provide:

6.1. In the event that the Hong Kong service supplier is a juridical person, the Hong Kong service supplier should submit the following documents and information, and statutory declaration, which have been verified by relevant institutions (persons) of Hong Kong, as well as the certificate issued by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region:

(1)Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Companies Registry of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region;

(2)Copies of the Business Registration Certificate of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and an Extract of Information in the Register of Businesses;

(3)Annual reports or audited financial statements of the Hong Kong service supplier for the past 3 years (or 5 years);

(4)Original or copy of document(s) substantiating that the Hong Kong service supplier owns or rents business premises in Hong Kong;[20]

(5)Copy of the Profits Tax Returns, Notice of Assessment and Demand for Tax in respect of the Hong Kong service supplier for the past 3 years (or 5 years); in the event of loss, the Hong Kong service supplier should provide supporting document(s) from the relevant department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region attesting to the loss;

(6)Copy of the Employerˇs Return of Remuneration and Pensions of the Hong Kong service supplier in respect of the remuneration and pension of its employees in Hong Kong, and the original or a copy of other relevant document(s) substantiating that the company fulfils the requirement of Article 3.1.2.(5) of this Annex on the percentage threshold;

(7)Original or copy of other relevant document(s) that can substantiate the nature and scope of the business in Hong Kong of the Hong Kong service supplier.

For any Hong Kong service supplier applying to obtain treatment under the ¨CEPA〃, its authorized representative should make a statutory declaration pursuant to the procedures and requirements of the Oaths and Declarations Ordinance of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.[21] The form of the declaration will be determined by the relevant authorities of the Mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region through consultation.

A Hong Kong service supplier should submit the documents and information, and the statutory declaration as required under Article 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 of this Annex to the Trade and Industry Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (hereinafter referred to as the ¨TID〃) for examination. The ¨TID〃 may, in the circumstances it considers necessary, entrust other government departments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, statutory bodies, or independent professional institutions (personnel) to conduct verification.[22] The ¨TID〃 will issue a certificate to the applicants that it considers to have fulfilled the criteria of Hong Kong service suppliers as required under this Annex. The contents and form of the certificate will be determined by the relevant authorities of the Mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region through consultation.

6.2. In the event that a Hong Kong service supplier is a natural person, the Hong Kong service supplier should provide identification of his or her Hong Kong permanent resident status. For Chinese citizens among such service suppliers, their Home Visit Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents or Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport should also be provided.

6.3. Copies of the statutory declarations and the identification documents of natural persons, as well as the documents and information that the ¨TID〃 considers should be attested by a lawyer, as required under Article 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 and 6.2 of this Annex, should be attested by attesting officers recognized by the Mainland.

7. When applying to the Mainlandˇs examining authorities to obtain treatment under the ¨CEPA〃, a Hong Kong service supplier should follow the following procedures:

7.1. When it applies to provide the services under Annex 4 in the Mainland, a Hong Kong service supplier should submit to the Mainlandˇs examining authorities the documents and information, statutory declaration and certificate as required under Article 6 of this Annex.

7.2. Pursuant to the powers conferred under Mainland laws and regulations, the Mainland examining authorities, in examining the application for supplying Hong Kong services, should at the same time verify the qualifications of the Hong Kong service supplier.

7.3. When holding a different view in respect of the qualification of the Hong Kong service supplier, the Mainland examining authority should inform the Hong Kong service supplier within a stipulated period, and notify the Ministry of Commerce. The Ministry of Commerce will in turn inform the ¨TID〃, giving the reasons for the divergent views. The Hong Kong service supplier may, through the ¨TID〃 and with written justification, request the Ministry of Commerce for reconsideration. The Ministry of Commerce should give a written reply to the ¨TID〃 within a stipulated period.

8. Hong Kong service suppliers who have already been providing services in the Mainland should apply for obtaining treatment under the ¨CEPA〃 in accordance with the requirements of Articles 6 and 7 of this Annex.

9. This Annex will come into effect on the day of signature by the representatives of the two sides.

Signed in duplicate in Hong Kong, this 29^th day of September 2003 in the Chinese Language.

1. Pursuant to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (hereinafter referred to as the ¨CEPA〃), the Mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have concluded this Annex on cooperation in trade and investment facilitation.

2. The two sides agree to cooperate in trade and investment facilitation in seven areas, namely, trade and investment promotion; customs clearance facilitation; commodity inspection and quarantine, food safety, quality and standardization; electronic business; transparency in laws and regulations; cooperation of small and medium enterprises, and cooperation in Chinese traditional medicine and medical products sector. Cooperation in these areas will follow the guidance and coordination of the Joint Steering Committee set up in accordance with Article 19 of the ¨CEPA〃.

The two sides recognize the importance of mutual trade and investment to their economic and social development. Taking into account the actual development of trade and investment as well as the need for growth, the two sides agree to strengthen cooperation in trade and investment promotion.

Relevant working groups under the Joint Steering Committee will be made full use of in guiding and coordinating cooperation in trade and investment promotion between the two sides.

Based on past cooperation experience, as well as the development of economic and trade exchanges between both sides, the two sides will strengthen cooperation in the following areas:

3.2.1. Notify and publicize their respective policies and regulations on external trade and foreign investment promotion, with a view to achieving information sharing.

3.2.2. Exchange views and conduct consultations to solve common problems relating to trade and investment of both sides.

3.2.3. Strengthen communication and cooperation in mutual investment and joint promotion of overseas investment.

3.2.4. Strengthen cooperation in organizing exhibitions and arranging delegations to participate in overseas exhibitions.

3.2.5. Conduct exchanges on other issues of mutual concern relating to trade and investment promotion.

The two sides note that the participation of semi-official and non-official organizations in the area of trade and investment promotion has positive effect and significance. The two sides agree to support and assist these organizations in various ways to launch trade and investment promotion activities.

Recognizing the importance of close and long-term cooperation between the two Customs Administrations and of the implementation of customs clearance facilitation to their economic and social development, the two sides agree to strengthen cooperation in customs clearance facilitation.

The two sides will steer and coordinate cooperation in customs clearance facilitation through the Annual Review Meeting between the senior leaders of the General Administration of Customs and the Customs and Excise Department of Hong Kong, and will promote the launch of cooperation in customs clearance facilitation through expert groups of the Customs Administrations and relevant departments of the two sides.

Taking into account the need for different customs clearance systems and monitoring modes as well as experience in cooperation, the two sides agree to strengthen cooperation in the following areas:

4.2.1. Establish a reciprocal notification system to report their respective policies and regulations on customs clearance and management of clearance facilitation.

4.2.2. Conduct studies and exchanges on the differences between their respective customs clearance systems and on existing problems, with a view to enriching the specific content of cooperation in customs clearance facilitation.

4.2.3. Explore the expansion of the scope for further cooperation in strengthening control and enhancing efficiency in respect of customs clearance in areas such as sea and land transportation, intermodal operation and logistics.

4.2.4. Strengthen cooperation in establishing a crisis management mechanism at control points and adopt effective measures to maintain as far as possible smooth clearance on the two sides.

4.2.5. Establish a regular liaison mechanism, to make full use of the Guangdong and Hong Kong Customs Working Group on Operational Efficiency of Control Points set up under the Guangdong Branch of the General Administration of Customs and the Customs and Excise Department of Hong Kong.

4.2.6. Strengthen the work of the Expert Group on Cargo Data Sharing and Road Cargo Clearance set up under the two Customs Administrations, study the feasibility of data interchange and development of electronic customs clearance system at control points, strengthen the risk management of customs clearance and enhance its efficiency with technical solutions.

5. Commodity Inspection and Quarantine, Food Safety and Quality and Standardization

Recognizing the importance of protecting the health and safety of Mainland and Hong Kong people in the course of trade in goods and movement of persons, the two sides agree to strengthen cooperation in the areas of commodity inspection and quarantine, food safety, health and quarantine of people, and certification, accreditation and standardization.

The two sides will make use of the existing cooperation channels of relevant departments to promote the launch of cooperation in the relevant areas through reciprocal visits, discussions and other modes of communication.

To ensure the safety of consumers of both sides, the two sides will enhance information flow and exchanges through established communication channels, in particular the exchange of information and intelligence on the safety of electrical and mechanical products, so as to jointly prevent safety problems associated with these products. The two sides will also promote cooperation in the training of inspection and supervisory officers.

The two sides are committed to implementing the ¨Cooperation Arrangement on Electrical and Mechanical Products Safety〃 signed between the State General Administration for Quality Supervision and Inspection and Quarantine, and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department of Hong Kong on 12 February 2003.

The two sides will make use of the existing coordination mechanism to step up cooperation in inspection and quarantine of animals and plants as well as in food safety, so as to enable both sides to enforce their respective regulations more effectively.

The two sides will make use of the existing channels to regularly notify each other of the information on epidemic outbreaks and to step up academic exchange and joint research on health and quarantine issues; discuss health monitoring issues in respect of small vessels plying between the control points of Guangdong and Shenzhen; enhance cooperation in areas such as investigation and prevention of tropical infectious diseases and live vectors, surveillance and control of special articles and radioactive articles, transportation of biological disease factors and the related inspection, treatment and control measures.

The two sides will urge their respective organizations to strengthen cooperation with a view to promoting conformity assessment (including testing, certification and inspection), accreditation and standardization management.

The two sides recognize that the application and promotion of electronic business will create more trade and investment opportunities for both sides. They agree to step up exchange and cooperation in the area of electronic business.

Under the guidance and coordination of the Joint Steering Committee, the two sides will set up a working group to act as a communication channel as well as a consultation and coordination mechanism for cooperation in electronic business, with a view to promoting cooperation and joint development in the area of electronic business.

6.2.1. Cooperate in specialized projects in respect of the study and formulation of rules, standards and regulations of electronic business, with a view to creating a favourable environment for promoting and ensuring the healthy development of electronic business.

6.2.2. Strengthen exchange and cooperation in areas such as corporate application, promotion and training. Make full use of the relevant government departments of the two sides in promotion and coordination, step up promotion for electronic business, foster interaction between the enterprises of the two sides, and facilitate the launching of electronic business among the enterprises through demonstration projects.

6.2.3. Strengthen cooperation in implementing e‑government, intensify exchange and cooperation in the development of e-government at various levels.

6.2.4. Cooperate in economic and trade information exchange, and expand the scope and extent of cooperation.

The two sides recognize that enhanced transparency in laws and regulations is an important foundation for promoting economic and trade flow between both sides. In the spirit of serving the commercial and industrial enterprises in the two places, the two sides agree to strengthen cooperation in the area of enhanced transparency of laws and regulations.

The two sides will cooperate through relevant working groups under the Joint Steering Committee as well as their respective representative agencies.

7.2.1. Exchange information on the enactment and revision of laws, regulations and rules in respect of investment, trade and other economic areas.

7.2.2. Disseminate in a timely manner information on policies and regulations through various media including newspapers, journals and websites.

7.2.3. Organize and support the organization of various briefings and seminars on economic and trade policies and regulations.

7.2.4. Provide advisory services to commercial and industrial enterprises through channels such as WTO enquiry points and websites of ¨Invest in China〃 and ¨China Business Guide〃 of the Mainland.

The two sides recognize that the development of small and medium enterprises plays an important role in increasing employment, promoting economic development and maintaining social stability. The two sides agree to promote exchanges and cooperation between small and medium enterprises of the two places.

Establish an operational mechanism between relevant government departments of both sides to promote cooperation between small and medium enterprises of the two sides, with a view to fostering their cooperation and seeking mutual development.

8.2.1. Explore jointly the strategy and support policy for the development of small and medium enterprises through visits and exchanges.

8.2.2. Organize visits and exchanges on the organizational and operational modes of the intermediaries providing services to small and medium enterprises in the two places, and promote cooperation of the intermediaries.

8.2.3. Establish channels for providing information services to small and medium enterprises in the two places, exchange regularly relevant publications, set up dedicated websites, implement progressively information interchange and the interconnection of information website databases of the two sides.

8.2.4. Organize through different modes direct exchanges and communication between small and medium enterprises of the two places to promote their cooperation.

The two sides support and assist semi-official and non-official organizations to play a part in promoting cooperation between small and medium enterprises of the two places.

The two sides recognize that traditional Chinese medicine and medical products, being a fine component of the Chinese culture, bears tremendous market application potential and economic benefits. Both sides have their own competitive edge in areas such as promoting the industrialization of traditional Chinese medicine and medical products and advancing its modernization and internationalization. Cooperation in this area will be of notable significance to economic and social development of both sides. The two sides agree to strengthen cooperation in the development of the traditional Chinese medicine and medical products sector.

The two sides will strengthen and improve the mechanism of liaison and cooperation between their respective government departments so as to promote the development of cooperation in traditional Chinese medicine and medical products sector of the two places.

Based on the situation and development trend of cooperation in traditional Chinese medicine and medical products sector in the two places, the two sides agree to strengthen cooperation in the following areas

9.2.1. Communicate on the formulation of their respective regulations on and management of traditional Chinese medicine and medical products with a view to achieving information sharing.

9.2.2. Enhance cooperation in research on traditional Chinese medicine and medical products, exchange and share information on areas such as industry development strategy and development orientation of traditional Chinese medicine and medical products.

9.2.3. Strengthen communication and coordination in registration management of traditional Chinese medical products, implement standardization in the management of traditional Chinese medical products, and facilitate mutual trade in traditional Chinese medical products.

9.2.4. Cooperate in such areas as facility management and regulations and requirements for clinical trials, with a view to achieving mutual recognition of clinical data.

9.2.5. Conduct exchanges and cooperate in quality standardization for traditional Chinese medical products, and jointly promote the enhancement of quality standards for traditional Chinese medical products.

9.2.6. Support cooperation between the traditional Chinese medicine and medical products enterprises of the two places and jointly strive for international market expansion.

9.2.7. Strengthen trade and investment promotion and cooperation in the traditional Chinese medicine and medical products sector.

9.2.8. Conduct exchanges and consultations on ways to solve problems arising from cooperation in traditional Chinese medicine and medical products sector.

The two sides will support and assist the participation of semi-official and non-official organizations in cooperation in the traditional Chinese medicine and medical products sector, including the cooperation already established between the National Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Institute of Chinese Medicine Ltd.

10. According to paragraphs 3 and 4 of Article 17 of the ¨CEPA〃, any new area or content of trade and investment facilitation agreed by the two sides will be incorporated into this Annex.

11. This Annex will come into effect on the day of signature by the representatives of the two sides.

Signed in duplicate in Hong Kong, this 29th day of September, 2003 in the Chinese language.

[1] In the ¨CEPA〃, the "Mainland" refers to the entire customs territory of China.

[2] Sectoral classification is based on WTOˇs GATS Services Sectoral Classification List (GNS/W/120). For the contents of the sectors, reference is made to the relevant CPC, United Nations Provisional Central Product Classification.

2 In this Annex, Hong Kong legal practitioners refer to solicitors and barristers of Hong Kong.

[3] Hong Kong service suppliers may set up wholly-owned engineering consultancy companies in the Mainland to provide the above services.

[4] High standard real estate projects refer to the real estate projects with construction costs per unit two times more than the average construction costs per unit in the same city.

[5] In this sector, a Hong Kong service supplier must be an enterprise juridical person engaging in advertising services (but not necessarily as its principal business).

[6] Excluding exhibitions outside the Mainland.

[7] To implement in accordance with the Mainlandˇs ¨Telecommunication business classification〃.

1 In undertaking distribution services in the Mainland in respect of videos and sound recording products, Hong Kong service suppliers should comply with the relevant laws, regulations and requirements of the review system in the Mainland.

[8] Principal personnel includes personnel performing the roles of director, screenwriter, leading actor, leading actress, supporting actor, supporting actress, producer, cinematographer, editor, art director, costume designer, action choreographer, and composer of the original film score.

[9] Major creative personnel refers to personnel performing the roles of director, screenwriter, cinematographer and leading artistes. Leading artistes refer to leading actor, leading actress, leading supporting actor and leading supporting actress.

[10] Including dredging services relating to infrastructure construction.

[11] Coverage is limited only to the rental and leasing services of construction and/or demolition machines (with operators) which are owned and used by foreign construction enterprises in the course of providing services.

[12] The wholesale trade services and commission agents' services provided by Hong Kong service suppliers in the Mainland in respect of books, newspapers, magazines, pharmaceutical products, pesticides, mulching film, chemical fertilizers, processed oil and crude oil remain subject to Mainlandˇs commitments to members of the World Trade Organization.

2 In this Annex, the Central and Western Region include Central Region and Western Region. Western Region refers to 12 provinces/autonomous regions/municipality including Chongqing, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Tibet, Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia and Guangxi; and Xianxi Tugia-Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Hunan Province, Enshi Tugia-Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Hubei Province and Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture of Jilin Province. Central Region refers to 8 provinces including Heilongjiang, Jilin, Shanxi, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Anhui and Jiangxi.

[13] The retailing services provided by Hong Kong service suppliers in the Mainland in respect of books, newspapers, magazines, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, mulching film, chemical fertilizers, staple food, vegetable oil, edible sugar, cotton and processed oil remain subject to Mainlandˇs commitments to members of the World Trade Organization.

2 Chain stores with more than 30 outlets remain subject to Mainlandˇs commitments to members of the World Trade Organization.

[14] The relevant laws and regulations will be promulgated separately.

[15] In this sector, professionals refer to Hong Kong permanent residents who have been licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong.

[16] In this sector, the Hong Kong service suppliers must be enterprise juridical persons.

[17] Non-stop services mean direct road transport services between Hong Kong and the Mainland. In this sector, Hong Kong service suppliers supplying non-stop services must be enterprise juridical persons.

1 In this sector, Hong Kong service suppliers must be enterprise juridical persons.

1 The two sides will, through consultations, formulate and implement further liberalization of Hong Kongˇs service sectors for the Mainland. The relevant specific commitments will be listed in this table.

[18] Any overseas company, representative office, liaison office, ¨mail box company〃 and company specifically established for providing certain services to its parent company, which is registered in Hong Kong, is not a Hong Kong service supplier under this Annex.

[19] From the day the "CEPA" comes into effect, where more than 50% of the equity interest of a Hong Kong service supplier has been owned for at least one year since a merger or acquisition by a service supplier other than one from either side, the service supplier which has been acquired or merged will be regarded as a Hong Kong service supplier.

[20] A Hong Kong service supplier applying to provide maritime transport services in the Mainland should separately submit document(s) or its copy (verified) to attest that 50% or more of the ships owned by it, calculated in terms of tonnage, is registered in Hong Kong.

[21] A person is subject to criminal liability of Hong Kong if he wilfully makes a false or untrue declaration pursuant to the Oaths and Declarations Ordinance.

[22] In the telecommunications sector, the ¨TID〃 will entrust the authority of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region that regulates telecommunications to conduct verification with a view to substantiating the nature and scope of business of the Hong Kong service suppliers providing internet data centre services, call centre services, and content services.


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