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Destination: Hong Kong
Background:
Occupied by the UK in 1841, Hong Kong was formally ceded by China the following year;
Economy - overview:
Hong Kong has a bustling free market economy highly dependent on international trade.
Customs Clearance : Most household goods and personnel effects can be imported into Hong Kong without taxes or duty. It is not necessary to establish that the goods have been owned for a period of time to qualify for this exemption. Four Winds require : A copy of your passport (identification pages only). A letter authorizing Four Winds to act on your behalf for Customs purposes. Your full contact address, telephone and fax numbers in Hong Kong. All aspects of Customs clearance, port handling , inland transport, warehousing, deconsolidation, storage and delivery will be coordinated by our customer service representative. Most items can be imported without restriction. Wines, spirits, tobacco and perfumes are however subject to tax and duty. The charges vary dependant upon the nature of the goods and the quantity. It is generally more cost effective to purchase these items in Hong Kong. All firearms, including antiques and sporting weapons are restricted. A valid firearm certificate must be personally issued to the owner by the police authorities. Such certificates are not normally granted for sporting or personal interest purposes, and it is highly recommended that you do not include these in your shipment of personal effects. Non perishable food items packaged in durable packing are permitted in non commercial quantities for personal use. All vehicles which are imported are subject to strict regulatory inspection and high import taxes. The taxes are set to discourage the personal import of vehicles and it is highly recommended that you obtain an estimate of these costs before you consider shipping a vehicle. Boats are also subject to import duty. The original purchase invoice, insurance certificate and certificate of registration must be presented to The Marine Department within 24 hours of arrival. An import license is required for any new personal computers and printers. The manufacturer's manual or a copy giving full specification of the computer is required by the Hong Kong Trade Department to process the application, which takes about 4 days. Used equipment is not subject to these regulations, however a pro forma invoice is required for declaration purposes.
Information is as a guide only – Quarantine and Customs conditions may change without notice
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various adjacent lands were added later in the 19th century.
Pursuant to an agreement signed by China and the UK on 19 December 1984, Hong Kong became the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China on 1 July 1997.
In this agreement, China has promised that, under its "one country, two systems" formula, China's socialist economic system will not be practiced in Hong Kong and that Hong Kong will enjoy a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense affairs for the next 50 years.
Natural resources are limited, and food and raw materials must be imported.
Indeed, imports and exports, including re-exports, each exceed GDP in dollar value.
Even before Hong Kong reverted to Chinese administration on 1 July 1997 it had extensive trade and investment ties with China.
Per capita GDP compares with the level in the four big countries of Western Europe.
GDP growth averaged a strong 5% in 1989-97.
The widespread Asian economic difficulties in 1998 hit this trade-dependent economy quite hard, with GDP down 5%.
The economy is recovering, with growth of 1.8% in 1999 to be followed by projected growth of 3.7% in 2000.