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Commerce and Industry 131

To promote counter-terrorism work, the department participates actively in the WCO Task Force on Security and Facilitation of the International Trade Supply Chain and the APEC Counter-Terrorism Task Force.

Recognising the importance of international cooperation with other customs administrations and law enforcement agencies in combating transnational customs crimes, the department maintains a good working relationship and close liaison with the customs attachés and representatives of other law enforcement agencies stationed in their consular missions in Hong Kong. Through regular bilateral meetings, the department has enhanced mutual cooperation with the Mainland and other customs administrations in building up a strong network for combating transnational customs crimes.

Container Security Initiative

In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 incident, the US Bureau of Customs and Border Protection proposed the Container Security Initiative (CSI) to address the perceived risks of terrorist attacks associated with ocean-going containers destined for the United States. Following careful consideration and discussion with the local exporting and shipping communities, Hong Kong agreed to join the CSI, and the Hong Kong and US Customs signed a 'Declaration of Principles' in September 2002. CSI became operational in Hong Kong on May 12, 2003. Hong Kong Customs cooperates with US Customs officers stationed in Hong Kong to identify containers that carry a high risk of being exploited for terrorist attacks for inspection by Hong Kong Customs. Hong Kong's participation in the CSI helps enhance the security of the global maritime trading system and facilitates the smooth flow of US-bound cargoes originating from Hong Kong.

Small and Medium Enterprises

SMEs are the driving force of economic growth. There are about 280 000 SMEs in Hong Kong, representing about 98 per cent of all local enterprises. They employ more than 1.3 million people. The Government is committed to helping SMEs grow and develop.

Four SME funding schemes were established in December 2001/January 2002 to help SMEs secure loans for acquiring business installations and equipment, meet working capital needs, expand overseas markets, upgrade human resources, and enhance overall competitiveness. They are, respectively, the SME Loan Guarantee Scheme, the SME Export Marketing Fund, the SME Training Fund and the SME Development Fund. Over 38 700 SMEs have so far benefited from these schemes and the total government guarantee or grant involved is about $5.9 billion.

The Support and Consultation Centre for SMEs (SUCCESS) of the Trade and Industry Department is the Government's flagship SME support centre. It provides business starters and SME entrepreneurs with free, reliable and practical business information and consultation services. SUCCESS runs various activities, such as seminars, workshops and company visits; publishes publications for SMEs; operates a reference library and provides electronic database facilities to enhance the business

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132 | Commerce and Industry