The General Chamber of Commerce is the oldest business organisation in Hong Kong. Founded in 1861, it is probably the only one association bearing witness to all the successes, tides and ebbs, that Hong Kong has experienced over the past 140 years. The Chamber is also the largest business organisation in Hong Kong. With a membership of merely 62 companies when it first started, the Chamber has flourished with Hong Kong's economy and trade, and now stands as a top business organisation with a corporate membership of over 4,000. Throughout these years, it has worked incessantly to promote, represent and safeguard the interest of Hong Kong's business community.

With members coming from a broad spectrum of trade and industries, the Chamber also serves as a very important bridge between the business community and government. It is government's close working partner and offers valuable advice.

The entry of China into the World Trade Organisation and the advent of information technology bring rapid changes to the global economic landscape. With its extensive business networks and wealth of experience, the Chamber is uniquely positioned to help Hong Kong businesses build on their excellent fundamentals, to strengthen our intermediary role between the Mainland and the rest of the world, and to assist our businesses to brave the challenges ahead with new vigour. I am confident that the Chamber would continue to carry on its mission with deep commitment and devotion.

I wish the Chamber and its members every success in their future endeavours.