Public views sought on measures to support SMEs
Wednesday, March 7, 2001

The following is issued on behalf of the Small and Medium Enterprises Committee (SMEC):

The SMEC today (March 7) invited the public's views on measures to further support the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with a view to helping it to come up with practical recommendations to the Chief Executive in mid June.

The public consultation will last for three weeks until end of March. Views from trade and industrial organizations, SMEs, supporting organizations, academics as well as individuals are welcome.

The SMEC has published a consultation paper which is available at the website of the Trade and Industry Department and its Virtual SME Information Centre. Copies are also available at the Trade and Industry Department Tower, 700 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, Kowloon.

Written comments on the consultation paper should be addressed to the SMEC Secretariat at 6th Floor, Trade and Industry Department Tower, 700 Nathan Road, Kowloon (fax: 2317 4852), or by e-mail to smec@tid.gcn.gov.hk on or before March 31, 2001.

The SMEC is a Government advisory body that advises the Chief Executive on issues affecting the development of SMEs in Hong Kong and to suggest measures to facilitate their development and growth. It has commenced work on December 15 last year. Its priority is to explore possible new measures to help SMEs solve different problems at different stages of their development, under the themes of "helping to start a new business", "helping to build a new business", and "helping to expand a new business" as mandated by the Chief Executive in his Policy Address in October last year.

The SMEC has formed five working groups to help it identify challenges facing SMEs on five areas, namely SME financing, human resources development, technology applications, improvement of business environment and enhancement of market access, and recommend support measures.