Commerce and Industry 115
Professional Services Development Assistance Scheme
A $100 million Professional Services Development Assistance Scheme was launched in 2002 to provide funding support, on an equal matching basis, for professional service sectors to organise projects that
to organise projects that enhance their external competitiveness and standards. These include capacity building programmes (such as international conferences and training courses), market research and promotional activities (such as roadshows and exhibitions). Of the 188 projects that have received funding under the scheme, about 43 per cent relate to enhancing the competitiveness of the local professional service sector in the Mainland market.
Business Facilitation
The Government has pledged to cut red tape and simplify regulations to facilitate and sustain a vibrant business environment in Hong Kong. The business facilitation initiatives are taken forward under the overall guidance of the Business Facilitation Advisory Committee (BFAC) set up in January 2006. The BFAC is made up of representatives from the business, academic, professional and political sectors and senior government officials from the relevant bureaux. Trade representatives provide their input through participation in the business facilitation task forces. Under the guidance of the BFAC and its task forces, regulatory reviews were conducted and measures were initiated to make government regulations and procedures more business-friendly and reduce compliance costs to business. In 2008, 20 studies or projects, focusing mainly on the regulatory or licensing issues affecting the construction, real estate, retail, and food business sectors, were initiated or completed, and more than 40 recommendations for
40 recommendations for improvements were implemented.
In February 2007, the Government launched the 'Be the Smart Regulator' Programme to further improve Hong Kong's business licensing processes and business environment. The programme aims to enhance the efficiency, transparency and customer-friendliness of licensing services provided by bureaux/departments concerned and to reduce compliance cost to business. Around 30 government bureaux/departments providing licensing services to various business sectors are participating in the programme. Good progress has also been made on various fronts to improve the overall licensing environment for doing business in Hong Kong.
The Business Facilitation Division of the Economic Analysis and Business Facilitation Unit under the Financial Secretary's Office co-ordinates the Government's efforts to take forward various business facilitation measures. The division also provides secretariat and other executive support to the BFAC and its task forces.
Trade Documentation
As a free port, the HKSAR maintains optimal import and export documentation requirements to facilitate legitimate trade. Most products do not need licences to enter or leave Hong Kong. Licences are only required if the HKSAR needs to fulfil its international obligations and protect public health, safety, the environment, or
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.