Even though its harder now there are still ways to get a business visa in Hongkong without an invitation. I found an unofficial agency in Hongkong who sent my passport to America where they gave me a 1 year business visa without having to show any documents or prove that I was doing business. It cost me 7000 yuan

@Torangen: Yep, this has worked exactly as you say for other people too - although I'm not sure what you mean by 'unofficial agency' - place I know of has been in the visa-arranging business for about 20 years, seems perfectly legit and really knows what they are doing.

However, when did you do this? I only know that it worked about a year ago.

torangen. it looks like what you are saying is you did not get your visa issued in hk. the visa was issued in usa.

@Dazzer: Can't say what Torangen did for sure, of course, but in the case I have referred to, that is indeed the way it was done.