The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau comprises the Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch and the Communications and Creative Industries Branch. The Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch is responsible for policy matters on Hong Kong's external commercial relations, inward investment promotion, intellectual property protection, industry and business support, tourism, consumer protection and competition. The Communications and Creative Industries Branch is responsible for policy matters on broadcasting, film-related issues, overall view of creative industries, development of telecommunications, and control of obscene and indecent articles.

In addition to the above policy responsibilities, the Bureau also oversees the operation of eight executive arms, namely the Invest Hong Kong, Intellectual Property Department, Trade and Industry Department, Hong Kong Observatory, Post Office, Office for Film, Newspaper and Article Administration, Radio Television Hong Kong, Office of the Communications Authority, and the overseas Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices.