ENG-2007 — Page 408

344 | Communications, the Media and Information Technology

To keep in step with the advances in technology and the changing needs of the community, the Government promulgated the 2008 Digital 21 Strategy in December 2007 upon completing the public consultation process and further updating the strategy. The vision underpinning the latest strategy is entitled 'advancing our achievements and seizing new opportunities: building on Hong Kong's position as a world digital city'.

Driving E-business

The Government is committed to providing the necessary infrastructure for e-business to prosper. The Electronic Transactions Ordinance (ETO) was enacted in 2000 and updated in 2004 to provide a legal framework for the conduct of secure electronic transactions.

There are now two certification authorities (CAs) recognised under the ordinance, which issue digital certificates for use by the community to conduct electronic transactions in a secure manner.

In collaboration with industry and professional bodies, the Government conducts the Sector-specific Programme (SSP) to raise the capabilities of Small- and Medium- sized Enterprises (SMEs) in specific industries in leveraging e-business. Between 2004 and 2006, the Government had sponsored industrial bodies to organise eight projects focusing on SMEs in six types of businesses travel agencies, private medical practices, pharmacies, accounting, logistics, and beauty services. These projects were completed. In 2007, the Government supported five new projects by providing sponsorship under the SSP to drive the development of practical information technology (IT) solutions for use by SMEs in five sectors, namely beauty service, medical and health, watches and clocks, social service and trade. These new projects will continue to facilitate SMEs in the relevant industries to exploit the potential and benefits of e-business to improve their competitiveness.

Driving the IT Industry

The local IT industry is an important part of Hong Kong's economy and a major driver of economic growth. The Government has introduced a wide range of measures to make ICT a vibrant, competitive and innovative industry. These measures will help to increase business opportunities, improve service quality, build expertise and provide financial and infrastructural support. For example, the Government has supported the industry to establish the Hong Kong Software Outsourcing Alliance to promote Hong Kong and Guangdong cooperation in the software outsourcing business.

The Government has been adopting an aggressive outsourcing policy for its IT projects. This, together with programmes aimed at promoting the use of IT in business and the community, has created a good environment for the local industry's growth. The Government will continue to facilitate the industry to explore business opportunities on the Mainland and in overseas markets. It has also established funding schemes to help local software companies to achieve international standards and to support research and development projects.