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The Government launched the Helping Business Programme in 1996, with
the aim of creating a more business-friendly environment and maintaining
Hong Kong's position as one of the best places in the world for doing
business. Measures were initiated under the programme to cut government
red tape and eliminate over-regulation; reduce costs of compliance to
business; and introduce new and improved services.
During the year, 10 studies and projects were completed
under the Helping Business Programme and some 50 recommendations were
identified. Helping business initiatives introduced by various government
agencies in the year included implementation of an Open Bond System to
provide flexibility and reduce the operating costs for the dutiable commodity
trade; launch of on-screen fillable forms on the Government Forms website
(http://www.info.gov.hk/forms)
to provide alternatives for the public to access and fill in government
forms electronically; streamlining the Transport Department's processes
and operations and enhancing its communication with the trade; and identifying
opportunities to streamline the regulatory procedures and shorten the
processing time for issue of licences and permits for the construction
industry.
To promote services, the Government organised different
publicity activities such as the 'Soar Over Hong Kong' scheme, 'Quality
Customer Services' programme and other projects to promote among the community
a better understanding of Hong Kong's services economy and awareness of
the importance of quality service.
Specific efforts were also made by Government to promote
Hong Kong's professional services. These included the $100 million Professional
Services Development Assistance Scheme, which was launched in February
2002 to provide funding support, on an equal matching basis, for the eligible
professional service sectors to organise projects which aim to enhance
the external competitiveness and standard of Hong Kong's professional
services. Media publicity was also launched in the Pearl River Delta area
to promote Hong Kong's professional services there. |
