The .hk extension was released in 1990 while Hong Kong was still a British colony. Since 1997 when the city was returned to China, companies there have the advantage of operating from a domain in the .hk, .cn, or both extensions. This gives them the flexibility to target different audiences.

Take the example of Asia Business Centre, a Hong Kong-based provider of business management services such as company formation, offshore bank accounts, accounting, and virtual office.

Hosting a .hk (or .cn) website in Hong Kong has one advantage over doing that in mainland China –- no ICP license is required. Therefore, you can register a .hk domain and launch its website on the same day to start your business in Hong Kong. (All websites hosted in mainland China must carry an ICP license.)

How do you register a .hk domain? According to Wikipedia, direct registration of .hk domains is open to “local or overseas individuals or entities,” but .com.hk is limited to “commercial entities registered in Hong Kong.” Therefore, the shorter and direct registration of a .hk domain is the way to go.

Many registrars offer .hk domain registration. For English-speaking investors, you can try NiceNIC, who offers free trustee service on both .HK and .COM.HK domain names.

Domain Promos and Deals - Save on Domains

.COM $11.99, .CN $6.99

http://www.unionroom.cn/domain/domains_on_offer.php

ICANN & CNNIC & HKIRC Accredited Registrar

Shared Hosting & Dedicated Server Provider (HK)