Representation

SAR Legislative Council

We have been a functional constituency representing Hong Kong's business community in the Legislative Council since 1988. This gives our members the privilege of electing the Chamber's own representative to the 60-member Legislative Council every four years.

Business Policy Input

On our own initiative or by invitation, the Chamber frequently recommends and comments to the Hong Kong SAR Government on issues affecting business and economic development of the SAR, such as inflation, taxation, trade problems between Hong Kong and the Mainland, environment, labor issues and draft legislation. These are based on input from members through over 20 active committees, as well as research by the Chamber's staff.

Apart from topical issues, representation to the SAR Government is crucial prior to two junctures of the year: the Chief Executive's annual policy address to the Legislative Council in the autumn, and the Financial Secretary's budget speech in the spring.

Chamber Committees

There are over 20 Chamber committees, identified by geographical areas, business sectors and management/social issues. Chaired by a Chamber member whose expertise in the field prevails, each committee is served by a secretariat from the Chamber staff. They convene regular meetings to discuss issues relevant to their terms of reference and make recommendations to the General Committee. They also deal with representatives of foreign governments on commercial issues influencing their business.

Hong Kong Advisory Bodies

Chamber representation in the Hong Kong's advisory bodies is significant. Of the over 70 Hong Kong bodies and committees in which 64 Chamber members participate, half are official government advisory bodies, such as the Labour Advisory Board, Trade Advisory Board and Joint Liaison Committee on Taxation, etc.