External direct investment helps to broaden the base of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) economy, brings in new technology and management culture, creates employment, and enriches the HKSAR as a cosmopolitan city. The HKSAR Government (HKSARG) actively attracts external direct investment.

The Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch assumes day-to-day responsibility for policy formulation and co-ordination of work. In discharging this function, the Branch is assisted by an executive agency named Invest Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices. A number of non-government organisations including the Hong Kong Trade Development Council also contribute actively to the investment promotion programme. Through these agencies, the HKSARG provides a wide range of advisory and support services to companies interested in investing in Hong Kong as well as those which have already invested in Hong Kong.