Starting this April, the Chamber will extend membership benefits to individual businessmen, professionals, civil servants and academics joining the Chamber as Individual Associates.

Associates will have access to certain Chamber public information and the Chamber's Web site www.chamber.org.hk. They will also be listed on the Hong Kong Business Executives Profile on the Chamber's Web site.

They can also enjoy member rates at Chamber events, training courses and other activities. In addition, they will receive a complimentary copy of The Bulletin monthly and be eligible to take advantage of special discounts offered by the Chamber Discount Club.

However, Individual Associates have no voting rights; they cannot join any Chamber committees, nor can they enjoy member rates for Certificate of Origin services.

As an introductory offer, Associates joining before April 15, 2000, will receive a 25 per cent discount off the joining fee and an additional 50 per cent off the first year's annual fee. The one-off joining fee may be used to offset the switch from Individual Associate to Full Member within the first three years.

Executives of current Chamber member companies wishing to join as Individual Associates will have the joining fee waived and only need to pay 50 per cent of the first year's annual fees if they apply during the introductory period.

This is an ideal opportunity for enterprising individuals to expand their networking circles, obtain pertinent business information and enjoy other substantial benefits that Chamber membership brings.