114 | Commerce and Industry
The department also maintains close liaison with the WCO Regional Intelligence. Liaison Office (RILO) in Beijing and has seconded an officer to the RILO Beijing Office to enhance the regional intelligence network in the Asia-Pacific Region.
In December 2006, Hong Kong conducted the WCO Diagnostic Mission, a strategic assessment of Hong Kong's capability in reforming and modernising its customs service to provide advice on the implementation of the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade.
The department has concluded a number of bilateral Customs Cooperative. Arrangement (CCA) with other customs administrations and maintains a good working relationship and close liaison with the customs attachés and representatives of other law enforcement agencies in Hong Kong. Regular bilateral meetings are held with Mainland and other customs administrations to build up a strong network for exchanging intelligence of transnational customs crimes.
Small and Medium Enterprises
Manufacturing businesses in Hong Kong employing less than 100 people and non-manufacturing businesses with less than 50 are regarded as SMEs. There are about 276 000 SMEs in Hong Kong, representing about 98 per cent of all local enterprises and employing more than 1.18 million people. SMEs are the driving force of economic growth and the Government is committed to helping them develop.
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the Loan Guarantee Scheme, the Export Three SME funding schemes Marketing Fund and the Development Fund are in place to help SMEs secure loans from financial institutions, expand overseas markets and enhance overall competitiveness.
The Support and Consultation Centre for SMEs (SUCCESS) of the Trade and Industry Department provides free business information and consultation services for SMEs. Through SUCCESS' Business Advisory Service and SME Mentorship Programme, SMEs can obtain free advice on business operation from experienced businessmen or professionals.
Promotion of Innovation and Technology
Innovation and Technology Commission
The Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) is responsible for spearheading Hong Kong's drive to become a world-class, knowledge-based economy. The commission, which is under the Communications and Technology Branch of CITB, formulates and implements policies and measures to promote innovation and technology; supports applied research and development (R&D), supports technology transfer and application; promotes technological entrepreneurship; promotes the wider use of design; facilitates the provision of innovation and technology infrastructure and development of human resources; and promotes internationally accepted standards and conformity assessment services to underpin technological development and international trade. The commission works closely with its partners
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