Rooted in a long tradition of craftsmanship guilds, the Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts (Hrvatska obrtnička komora, or HOK) promotes and protects the economic interests of artisans in Croatia and abroad. It is an active partner of the government, and through its actions addresses taxation policy, work legislation, vocational education issues and policies relevant to artisanal crafts. It provides legal and financial advisory services to craftsmen and women who are establishing their businesses and supports their participation in national and international fairs. HOK has an international arm, with an office at the European Association of Craft, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (UEAPME) in Brussels.