XN000022-1996-03-06 — Page 81

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An Infrastructure of Support

Upgrading Our Infrastructure

Improvements to the infrastructure are important to the development of Hong Kong as a regional services centre. Telecommunications, the port and airport, and domestic transportation facilities are some of the most obvious examples of the way in which infrastructure development supports the services sector of the economy. As the principal provider of Hong Kong's infrastructure. the Government will continue to review the requirements of the community and the economy to ensure that the necessary investments are made to provide Hong Kong with the high-quality infrastructure it needs to compete successfully. We are determined to invest in new railway projects, provide a financial services complex and launch the Electronic Data Interchange system.

Fair Competition

Keen domestic and international competition provides the best incentive for our service industries to innovate and improve their productivity. The Government will maintain a level playing field and an open market in services by removing rules and regulations in any of our service industries which may restrict market entry or reduce competition. A review of market transparency will be undertaken in 1996, in accordance with Hong Kong's commitment under the Bogor Declaration.

The Environment

No effort to promote Hong Kong as a services centre would succeed if the territory is perceived locally and internationally as a polluted and environmentally unfriendly place. The Government will continue with its investments in environmental infrastructure and legislative measures aimed at improving Hong Kong's environment. We shall also lay the foundations to achieve sustainable development to take us into the next century.

A Culture of Service and Quality

A service culture and a commitment to quality are essential if our services sector firms are to compete successfully. Most services depend for delivery on their front-line staff. It is essential that Hong Kong continues to develop its service culture and its commitment to quality through improved personnel policies and training. In conjunction with the private sector, the Government will ensure that ample training will be provided for the front-line staff. The Government also intends to work with private sector organisations, such as the Retail Management Association. to provide more extensive awards to recognise courtesy and excellence in the delivery of service, and to promote a service culture.