The SAR government and Ministry of Commerce signed in Hong Kong on 29th, July  a supplement to the Hong Kong-Mainland Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) to give local service industries more access to the mainland market.      
  
The CEPA was first signed in June 2003 to help deepen economic co-operation between Hong Kong and the mainland.

Under the new supplement, Hong Kong residents can take examinations to become tourist guides on the mainland.

Hong Kong enterprises may also set up travel agencies in Guangdong pending approval from the provincial government.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong residents may obtain accreditation in order to practice medicine on the mainland.

Hong Kong medical companies will also be allowed to set up wholly-owned outpatient clinics in Guangdong.

For the banking sector, eligible mainland-incorporated banking institutions set up by a Hong Kong bank will be allowed to set up data centers in Hong Kong.

All the liberalization measures will be effective as of January 1, 2009.

Hong Kong and Guangdong also agreed to increase co-operation in branding, trademark and e-commerce.

The two sides will continue work on mutual recognition of professional qualifications in accounting and construction.

The agreement on trademark co-operation could encourage more Hong Kong companies to develop new products and build their own brands.

Tannet--A Sound Global Business Solution Partner, Serving the World of Business, Professionally & Reliably.

Please click here for further information...