It is a self-funding, not-for-profit organization that promotes and represents the interests of the Hong Kong business community.

A core function of its work is to formulate recommendations on improving the business environment, which its 23 industry-specific committees constantly analyze and make regular submissions to HKSAR Government officials and policy makers.

After China's accession to the WTO in 2001, HKGCC once again presented the idea to Tung Chee-hwa, the then HKSAR Chief Executive.

The idea struck a chord with Tung who then put forward the RTA concept to the Central Government.

On 20 December 2001, Jiang Zemin, General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, told Tung that the Central Government formally agreed to the suggestion, and consultation would begin immediately.