Our 2002 membership retention drive is now complete. Almost 83 per cent of those invoiced renewed their membership with the Chamber -- a rate much higher than the worst days of the Asian Financial Crisis, but short of the historic high of 86 per cent in 2000. Although this is quite good, considering the poor economic conditions, we must replenish our membership with new members.

A membership organisation such as the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce depends on its members not only for financial support, but also for policy input and for networking mass. In recent years, the economic downturn, combined with a proliferation of competing business organisations, have made maintaining our membership numbers a difficult job. We pride ourselves on being an international chamber, but the 30 or so foreign chambers, with some very active and strong ones, now target some of the same members we are interested in. Locally, we are one of the "big four" chambers, but there are many local business associations which claim to provide some of the same services that we do. We are still the most influential chamber, and the only true "international bridge" business organisation in Hong Kong, but when dollars are scarce, organisations like ours have to scramble to be needed.

Therefore, in this crowded landscape, with every businessperson watching their budget very carefully, what is the Chamber doing? The answer must be varied, since there are hundreds of reasons why our 4,000 members join our Chamber. Some like our large luncheons, such as our Distinguished Speakers Series. Some like our sandwich luncheons where a detailed discussion of a more technical nature can take place. Many like the networking and camaraderie at our events -- with many women very keen about our new Women Executives Club. Others like our business matching services when we receive incoming delegations or when we go out on trade missions. The SMEs like the fact that our weight helps promote their interests too. Our China work, especially in WTO areas, attracts many members. Still others like the fact we speak up on behalf of the business community whenever we can, using both our good relations with the press and with the government to offer advice that furthers economic development here. Trading members like our Certificate of Origin service. Many like the information and trade leads we provide, especially through our Web site. Finally, many like the ability to find answers and assistance from either our staff or from other members -- our Bulletin now documents our "success stories" in helping members. All our work is geared towards satisfying different constituents within our membership by staying relevant to as many of them as possible.