XN000022-1996-09-27 — Page 12

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Framework agreement for EMS trading fund signed

The framework agreement for the Electrical and Mechanical Services Trading Fund was signed today (Friday) between the Secretary for Works, Mr Kwong Hon- sang, and the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services (DEMS), Mr Hugh Phillipson.

A spokesman for the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) said the agreement governed the relationship between the Secretary and the Director in respect of the operation of the trading fund.

"The trading fund was established by a resolution of the Legislative Council under the Trading Funds Ordinance in June and came into operation on August 1 this year," he said.

Services provided under the trading fund include operating, continuously monitoring and maintaining the electrical, mechanical, electronic and building services systems and equipment in use at major installations such as office buildings, hospitals, airports and civic venues.

The department will also provide design, procurement, project management and other technical consultancy services in relation to electrical, mechanical and electronic systems and vehicle fleets.

It will also operate and maintain refuse incineration plant to agreed operational parameters.

"These services will continue to be provided to government departments, municipal councils and other government subvented or financially assisted agencies.

"The trading fund will also bid for and win business in other markets as opportunities arise," the spokesman said.

Under trading fund arrangements, operational assets employed in the provision of EMSD services and valued at around one billion dollars have been appropriated to the trading fund. This represents the Government's investment.