Airsoft is a sport played by mature individuals on private property. In many respects it is similar to paintball – the objective is to hit the enemy with your projectiles, while avoiding being hit yourself. Unlike paintball, there’s no paint and being hit relies entirely on the honor of the other player calling themselves out.

The past 4 years there’s been a tremendous advance in the airsoft gun technology, particularly due to the introduction of airsoft on the US market, and, as a result, increased demand for airsoft guns. Many Chinese airsoft manufacturers, such as CYMA, Double Eagle and Well, which were making low quality guns before, switched to manufacturing higher grade guns, and even invented their own! This makes airsoft guns affordable to a lot more people, and I hope will make airsoft a more mainstream sport in the US in the coming years!

Unfortunately, because most airsoft guns are imported, they are often hard to find, even online. To complicate the issue is the fact that most airsoft guns look like a replica firearm with very little separating them from each other externally.

To help you navigate through this soup of acronyms, especially if you are making a first time purchase, I put together this list of airosft electric pistols on the market today – May 2010

Tokyo Marui

• Glock 18c
• Beretta M93r
• HK USP

Cyma

• Glock 18c – Model name CM.030
• Desert Eagle – Model name CM.121
• Sig P226 – Model name CM.122

Double Eagle (DE)

• HK USP – Model M81
• Beretta M9 – Model M84

Jieke

• Beretta M93R – Model name P02

Well

• VZ61 – model name R2 and R2C
• HK MP7 – Model name R4

TSD

• HK MP7 – Model name R4, comes with more accessories

Jing Gong (JG)

• VZ61 – Model name 0451A

In Hong Kong, trademarks are protected by the Trademark Ordinance law. In case your trademark is not registered, other laws can be used to protect it as a last resort. In such cases, a lot of goodwill is needed to enforce such laws. Failing to register your trademark can give your competitors the opportunity to register similar marks as yours.

In case you intend to use a trademark, you can initiate the Hong Kong trademark registration process. You are not required by law to prove that you have been using your intended trademark. Once your application is processed, your trademark certificate will be issued. However, any registered trademark that remains unused in Hong Kong for a period of three years can be cancelled. All that is required is an application for its cancellation by anyone with vested interests.

In this Asian City, your trademark is considered to be in use when either your licensee or anyone else uses it with your consent. It is not mandatory to have your licensee registered, but for their own benefit, they can choose to do so. Foreign individuals or companies can apply to have their symbols registered in Hong Kong. Their country of origin or their current address cannot disqualify them from applying.

Benefits of Registering Your Trademark

· Registration assures you of safety while using your symbol. You avoid worries that may be caused by competitors who may intentionally infringe on your mark.

· The best form of proof you can use to lay claim to your symbol is a trademark certificate.

· Registering your trademark enables you to lawfully use the symbol ® next to your trademark.

· It also bars other individuals from having identical marks registered on goods that are in the same class as yours. It gives you the legal backing to fend off attempts by competitors to register similar marks that may later cause confusion.

· Registration gives you the power to pursue legal redress against counterfeiters.

· A registered trademark is a great corporate asset. It is useful when your company is valued in Initial Public Offers or M&A situations.

· In many major world trading centers, having the Hong Kong trademark registration is essential for your global marketing plans.

Some agents can process your registration for a fee of HK $4,500 per product category. Product categories are defined by the classes appearing in the Classification of Goods and Services (Nice). The agent fees are all-inclusive. No additional charge on publication, registration or trademark certificate issuance is required by the registry or the agents. For additional product categories, a sum of HK $2,250 should be paid to cover all the charges.

Trademark Distinctiveness

Only marks that are distinctive can be registered. Examples of marks that are not distinctive include marks that consist solely of your product’s actual shape. This may be the shape that gives your specific goods their substantial value.

The marks could also be those that basically consist of general signs that are used in commerce. Such signs may be used to indicate the product’s quality, type or quantity. It may also represent its value, or time of production.

For visitors and locals alike, one of the most memorable things about visiting Hong Kong is the food. Hong Kong cafes serve a variety of both traditional Asian, as well as Western dishes – often at very reasonable prices. But be warned – dining in Hong Kong is a bit different than in mainland China and other parts of Asia. Here are three rules to keep in mind.

Rule #1 – Prepare To Share

Unlike dining in many western countries – where each person gets their own plate and individual servings, dining in Hong Kong is all about sharing. Often many dishes of food will ordered. Once delivered to the center of table and you and the other guests will sample it together.

You might want to try and remember not to bring the food directly from the serving dishes to your mouth. Instead, take some from the center, place it on your plate first, and then eat from your plate.

Rule #2 – Honor Your Host

If you have been brought out to eat by someone else, it pays to show your respect. First, make sure you eat whatever is placed in front of you – especially if you host serves it to you. If you are served something you absolutely can’t eat – do your best to eat around it.

Whatever you do – please don’t finish the last serving of any dish either. This is because it can embarrass the host who may feel he or she didn’t order enough.

Rule #3 – Don’t Skip The Tip

Unlike mainland China and Japan, tipping is customary and welcomed in Hong Kong. Some cafes may automatically include a 10-15% service charge. Otherwise, feel free to leave coins on the table, or round up your bill to include the tip you feel is deserved.

Of course, this only applies if you are the one paying the bill. It would be extremely rude if your host paid the bill and then you left a tip as well.

Dining in Hong Kong is meant to be a celebration – so don’t be too worried about getting everything right. Instead, enjoy the experience, the food and the company of those you are dining with. If you follow the simple rules listed in this article, you will be able to enjoy yourself – and not have to worry about making any embarrassing cultural mistakes.

On top of that, your local host is bound to be impressed.

A key determinant for setting up a business in a given jurisdiction is the tax regime in force. In this regard, both Hong Kong and Singapore boast of being one of the lowest tax jurisdictions in the world. Detailed below is a comparative overview of the tax system in Singapore Vs HK.

Tax jurisdiction

Singapore

• Taxes are levied on a territorial principle i.e. companies and individuals are taxed on Singapore sourced income.
• Foreign sourced income (branch profits, dividends, service income, etc.) will be taxed when it is remitted or deemed remitted into Singapore unless the income was already subjected to taxes in a jurisdiction with headline tax rates of at least 15%.

Hong Kong

• Taxes are levied on the territorial principle i.e. only on income “derived from or arising in” HK and not on income sourced outside the SAR.
• No tax is levied on profits arising abroad, even if they are remitted to Hong Kong.

Corporate Tax Rate

• Singapore: Current corporate income tax rate – 18%. However, corporate income tax rate effective 2010 – 17%. Note: The effective tax rate is much lower – below 9% for profits up to SGD 300,000 and capped at 18% for profits above SGD 300,000
• Hong Kong: Current corporate income tax rate – 16.5%

Goods and Services Tax (known as VAT/Sales tax in other countries)

• Singapore: 7%
• Hong Kong: Nil

Capital gains tax

• Singapore and Hong Kong: Nil (Capital loss expenses are correspondingly not allowed as deductions)

Group relief for losses

• Singapore: Allowed
• HK: Not allowed

Withholding tax

• Singapore: Interest, royalties, rentals from movable properties, management and technical fees, and director’s fees paid to non-residents (individuals or companies) are subject to withholding tax. There is no withholding tax levied on dividends. 
• Hong Kong: Royalties, rentals from movable properties, and fees paid to non-resident entertainers or sportsmen for their performances in Hong Kong are subject to withholding tax. There are no withholding taxes levied on dividends and interest.

Double Tax Agreements

• Singapore: More than 50 bilateral comprehensive tax treaties
• HK: DTA network of 37 treaties

Tax Year

• Singapore: 1 January – 31 December
• HK: 1 April – 31 March

Filing tax returns

Singapore:

• Tax returns along with audited accounts must be filed with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore by 31 October each year.
• Note: Dormant companies (i.e no accounting transactions for the financial year) and exempt private companies (not more than 20 shareholders and shares are not held by another company) with an annual turnover of less than SGD 5 million are exempt from audit requirements and can file unaudited accounts.

Hong Kong

• Tax returns along with audited accounts must be filed with the Inland Revenue Department by 31 April each year. The auditor must be a member of the HK Institute of Certified Public Accountants and must hold a practicing certificate.
• Note: Dormant companies (i.e no accounting transactions for the financial year) and small corporations (i.e total gross income does not exceed HKD 500,000) are exempt from audit requirements and can file unaudited accounts.  

Hong Kong is one of the pioneering and astounding cities that calls for travelers and expats from all around the world. Being christened as the ‘Fragrant Harbor’ this city surely entertains millions from both near and far destinations. Hong Kong is part of two Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of the People’s Republic of China, the other Macau. As on date HK has its own governed rules with no link or rule of authority from mainland China. If you are planning to visit Hong Kong the best season to experience and enjoy the city’s amazing view is during the winter seasons between January and March when the weather is less humid and pleasant to meander around the city. Apart from this, the city has a lot to offer for expats looking for a home as this city has plethora of fun and awesome cityscapes.

Once you decide to relocate to Hong Kong you will surely be mesmerized to find hassle-free relocation companies overseas for end to end packing, moving and settling-in services. As part of professional services, one can also avail city orientation services for an exquisite experience in the city. Wanting to explore the city? One can visit the Victoria Peak and get a glimpse of the sprawling city. The Peak Tower which is a huge tower in the shape of a wok makes this possible. This peak has its shopping mall, restaurants and a world-famous Madame Tussaud’s museums to entertain all its visitors’. Expats visiting the city for the first time are fascinated and excited to the global statue laid in the famous wax museums. Apart from these the Hong Kong Museum of History is a much-deserved museum to be explored by travelers and residents alike. The temple street holding the Ten Thousand Buddhas statues is worth exploring too if you get stressed from the hectic work-life. Apart from the steel jungle this city exposes its nature freely to its guests with its natural scene, nothing can beat the Lantau Island which itself is most of the times responsible for people opting to move to Hong Kong. Holiday makers seeking an escape from their vivacious city lives often run off to the HK to seek the detached ambiance of the tranquil and cerulean crystallized beaches. Sight the renowned pink colored dolphins known as the Chinese White Dolphins and exhilarate in the adventures of the most engrossing theme park; Disneyland Park. The fun and excitement offered at the island is simply inexpressible if you are settling down in HK and want a stress-free life.

Shopping and Hong Kong go hand in hand. Shopaholics from around the world get enticed to the shopper’s paradise. The city is indeed blessed with the overabundance of goods on sale from emerald and jewel stones to apparels, cosmetics, toys, sports gears and electronics. Toys, video games, CDs, DVDs, cameras and other digital and electronic equipment tops the list of tourists and expats shopping list as it is relatively inexpensive in the city. Another most sought-after shopping item in the city is the decorated lanterns, theme dress, shoes and the good luck wind fan artifacts that links back to the city’s past. Some of the important shopping destinations within the city circumference include the Times Square, IFC Mall, Pacific Place and Harbour City to name just a few. One can also choose to hang out at Ladies Market, Stanley Market and Temple Street. Shopping aficionados can refer to the Hong Kong city guides before moving to the city.

When we talk about places and countries that are going financially well even now, the place of Hong Kong definitely comes into our minds. There is a lot of trade and commerce to the city and the place also gives an opportunity to utilize the financial resources and other natural resources.

Hong Kong has been successful when it comes to the financial side. It has a record of being the largest market in the world and this was achieved when there was a 22% initial public offering also known as IPO.

Hong Kong deals with a lot of transactions with various countries. And when there are these transactions taking place, Balance of Payments is an account that definitely helps the world to infer the credibility of the city's financial position and also helps the transactions to be recorded in a proper manner. As an entrepreneur and business person, company formation is easy and more importantly, business registration in Hong Kong takes only a few days.

The current account balance in the fourth quarter of 2012 was HK $ 17,077 million but the first quarter of this year, that is 2013 witnessed a deficit of HK $ 1,323 million. This is just the current account balance but to study the overall situation we need to see the overall Balance of Payments which in the final quarter of 2012 was HK $ 94,343 million which is 16.9 percent of the overall GDP. This year's first quarter reports revealed that the Balance of Payment was HK $ 16,404 million which is a part of GDP contributing towards it to the extent of 3.2 percent.

Hong Kong is a city with a lot of Foreign Direct Investments. The valuation of the position of these investments in the current year was positive in nature. The assets seemed to be around HK $ 26,671,140 million and the liabilities HK $ 20,951,601. From this information we definitely understand that there is a surplus of HK $ 5,719,539 million which is more than the Net International Investment Position of the fourth quarter of the year 2012 where the surplus amount was HK $ 5,674,762.

Since it is still the middle of the year 2013, the figures of the first quarter of the current year are not revised. But These figures definitely show an increase in the financial position of the financial capital of the world. There has also been a decrease in the external debt in the banking and investment sector which has combined effects on the financial position. As of today, there is certainly no doubt that Hong Kong is still growing rapidly in terms of the world's financial capital.

A stock screener can help you when trading in the Hong Kong stock market, stocks particularly. First, some valuable information about this market.

The main representative body of the Hong Kong stock market is the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, located in Victoria City, Hong Kong. This organization is second only to the Tokyo Stock Exchange within Asia, in terms of market capitalization. It is also the fifth largest exchange in the world. Its holding company is the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing.

Companies and Trades Within the Hong Kong Stock Exchange

This exchange has over 1400 companies that operate within it, having an overall market capitalization of HK$16.985 trillion. Many of the company stocks traded here are at low prices of HK$4 or less per share, while penny stocks are at the price of HK$ 0.50 and less.

Each of the stocks that are traded within the HKSE is given its own board lot size, and most purchases will be made in multiples of this amount. Any purchases that are made in other amounts are executed elsewhere, in the “odd lot market”.

The main market index is the Hang Seng index. It is a freefloat-adjusted index weighted according to market capitalization. It is used for monitoring and recording the daily changes within the HKSE’s largest companies, 48 in number, which represent nearly sixty percent of market capitalisation within the market.

History

Although informal securities exchanges are known to have been in place in Hong Kong since 1861, the first formal securities exchange was started there in the late 1800s. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange has remained the main exchange over the years, having monopolized the market between 1947 and 1969.

The computer-assisted trading system was initiated in the exchange on the 2nd of April 1986 while the AMS (Automatic Order Matching and Execution System) was launched in 1993 and later replaced in October 2000 with the generation system (AMS/3).

How to Trade Within The Hong Kong Stock Market

If you are thinking of investing within this market, you will want to know the best way to do that. What is the best way to trade profitably in any market? First of all, you need the right knowledge, and secondly, you need the right tools.

Let’s look at one essential tool. As stated earlier, a stock screener tool will assist you when trading in stocks. The stock screener is a piece of highly advanced software that allows an investor to clearly analyze and segregate the stocks that he wants to trade in based on the exact criteria that he specifies.

So, for example, if you as an investor need to decide what stocks will be financially profitable and also worth your time and effort, you could use a stock screener tool to select specific stocks based on certain characteristics that you desire that they have.

These factors could be anything from stock price to price-to-earnings ratio, and using them will give you more confidence in the trades that you are making.