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Commerce and Industry

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 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 road shows and exhibitions). Of the 260 projects that received funding under the scheme up to the end of 2012, about 37 per cent were to enhance the competitiveness of local professional services in the Mainland market.

Business Facilitation

The Business Facilitation Advisory Committee (BFAC) advises the Government on the development and implementation of programmes and measures to facilitate business. compliance with government regulations and to sustain a competitive regulatory environment for business in Hong Kong while safeguarding the public interest. The BFAC is made up of representatives from the business, academic, professional and political sectors and senior government officials from the relevant bureaux. Around 30 Government bureaux and departments which issue licences to various business sectors participate in the Government's 'Be the Smart Regulator' programme, aimed at improving the efficiency, transparency and business-friendliness of the licensing system.

Business Liaison Groups foster communication between the Government bureaux and departments and the major business sectors and help resolve regulatory and licensing matters at the operational level. A business consultation e-platform (http://www.gov.hk/bizconsult) has been set up under the GovHK portal to help the business community access information on proposed regulations, administrative measures and procedures that would impact on business, and to offer their views or comments. Its mobile application is also available for free download (http://www.gov.hk/en/about/govdirectory/mobilesites.htm).

The Business Facilitation Division of the Financial Secretary's Office's Economic Analysis and Business Facilitation Unit co-ordinates the Government's efforts under the 'Be the Smart Regulator' programme and also supports the work of 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 required mainly to fulfil HKSAR's international obligations; to protect public health, safety, the environment, or intellectual property rights; or ensure Hong Kong's continued access to advanced technologies and hi-tech products.

The HKSAR also maintains an origin certification system to facilitate its exports to external markets.

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