128 | Commerce and Industry
Participation in International Organisations
The Intellectual Property Department continued to participate in the activities of the WTO Council for Trade-related Aspects of intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). Representatives of the department also attended conferences at the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), including the meeting of the assemblies of the member states, and the conferences held by various committees, such as the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights. The department also represented Hong Kong, China at other international and regional intellectual property symposia and conferences, including the 20th meeting of the APEC Intellectual Property Experts Group held in Seoul, South Korea, in February and the 21st meeting held in Manila, Philippines, in August.
Professional Services Development Assistance Scheme
The $100 million Professional Services Development Assistance Scheme was launched in 2002 to provide funding support, on an equal matching basis, for professional service sectors to
to organise projects to enhance their external competitiveness and standard.
Business Facilitation
The Government has pledged to reduce red tape and simplify regulations to facilitate and sustain a vibrant business environment in Hong Kong. The Economic and Employment Council (EEC), which was made up of representatives from the political, business, labour and academic sectors and directors of bureaux, was set up in January 2004. The council and its sub-group on business facilitation guided the business facilitation programme. Under the council's guidance, reviews of regulations were conducted and measures were implemented to make government regulations and procedures more business-friendly and reduce compliance costs to business. In 2005, 24 studies and projects (focusing mainly on the regulations governing the construction, real estate, retail and entertainment business sectors) were completed or initiated and around 40 recommendations for improvements were implemented.
After a review of the role of the EEC, members concluded at their December meeting that a more focused approach should be adopted and that a dedicated advisory committee should replace the council to take forward its business facilitation initiatives. The EEC was subsequently dissolved on December 22, 2005.
The Business Facilitation Division of the Economic Analysis and Business. Facilitation Unit under the Financial Secretary's Office provided secretariat and other executive support to the EEC, the sub-group and its task forces. It coordinates and takes forward the Government's business facilitation efforts.
Trade Documentation
As a free port, the HKSAR maintains optimal import and export documentation requirements to facilitate legitimate trade. Most products do not need licences to enter or leave Hong Kong. Licences or notifications are only required if the HKSAR needs to fulfil its international obligations, protect public health, safety, environment,