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Minutes of a meeting of the Executive Committee held on Wednesday, 8 September 1999 at 4:30 pm at the Chamber Boardroom.
Meeting Chairman :
Mr Anthony Griffiths, GML Consulting Ltd
Present :
Mr Nicholas Brooke, Brooke International
Mr Marshall Byres, Ernst & Young
Mr John Chan, HK Assn of Freight Forwarding Agents Ltd
Dr Shamus Mok, The Chinese Banks Association Ltd
Professor Richard Wong, Hong Kong Centre for Economic Research
Mr K K Yeung, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd
Dr W K Chan, Secretary General
Ms Charlotte Chow, Deputy Secretary
By invitation :
Ms Maureen Siu, Business & Services Promotion Unit
Mrs Betty Fung, Trade Department
Ms Elina Ng, Trade Department
Absent :
Mr Ian A Christie, Acceptor Trust Corp Ltd
Dr Jane Lee, Hong Kong Policy Research Institute Ltd
Apologies:
Mr K C Kwok, Standard Chartered Bank
Mr Tony Au, HK Information Technology Federation Ltd
Mr Alfred Chan, Hong Kong & China Gas Co Ltd
Mr Garmen Chan, Wharf Communications Investments Ltd
Mr Douglas Gautier, Hong Kong Tourist Association
Mr Eric Ip, Hong Kong International Terminals Ltd
Mr Robert Kenny, Hong Kong Telecom
Mr Denis Lee, Omac Production House
Mr George Leung, Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corp
Mr James Lu, Hong Kong Hotels Association
Mr Ross Matthews, The Hong Kong Federation of Insurers Ltd
Ms Lorita Tam, Hong Kong Association of Banks, The
Mr Roderick Woo, Law Society of Hong Kong
Mr Howard Young, Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd
Out of town:
Mr Stanley Ko (Chairman), Jardine Pacific Ltd
Mr Richard Pyvis, Credit Lyonnaise Securities (Asia) Ltd
Mr David Ruan, AXA Investment Managers Hong Kong Ltd
Dr Eden Woon, HKGCC
1) Confirmation of Minutes
Minutes of the meeting held on 3 June 1999 were confirmed and signed.
2) Promotion of Services
At the invitation of the Chairman, Ms Maureen Siu briefed members on the Business and Services Promotion Unit’s (BSPU) action agenda for services promotion. Of the 10 initiatives, two were HKCSI related, namely the Servicing Economy - Quad Forum (previously known as Tripartite Forum) and the Delegation to the World Services Congress. Other initiatives included:
i The Financial Secretary would work with the Government Economist to review and clarify Hong Kong’s economic policy and articulate a clear and concise economic blueprint. The issue of government intervention would be considered, among others. Mr Griffiths offered to provide input from the HKCSI on the subject.
ii A stock-taking survey of all continuing and professional courses available to the working population would be conducted. It was hoped that as a result, the quality of professional output would be enhanced.
iii A comprehensive plan to exploit the potential of the harbour for tourism and leisure purposes would be developed. The Town Planning Board’s draft vision statement in May was supported by the Legislative Council and the public. The Hong Kong Tourist Association, Planning Department and the Planning, Environment and Lands Bureau had agreed to start the study soon. Ms Siu would pass HKCSI’s request for information on the brief of the study to the responsible departments.
iv As an ongoing process, a consultancy study would be conducted to streamline procedures and take measures to facilitate the transfer of air and sea cargo, having due regard to our separate customs territory status.
v The proposal on how to turn Hong Kong into a world class visitor/resort/ convention/gaming destination would be critically evaluated. The Home Affairs Bureau had been in contact with the Jockey Club on the possibility of setting up a race course or other facilities in Lantau.
vi Various bureaux were working together to formulate and market a strategic plan to promote Hong Kong as an international financial centre for the region. Mr Bryes suggested that the brief could be expanded to promote Hong Kong as a centre for trading and e-commerce. Mr Griffiths indicated that the HKCSI would be happy to provide input on this.
vii The government would devise and implement a dedicated publicity programme to address specific issues making full use of electronic and other media slots available to the government. Members echoed that especially after 97, Hong Kong had been the subject of unfavourable publicity on many occasions. It was agreed that our image should be strengthened through liaison with international economic organizations such as the Heritage Foundation, World Economic Forum, etc.
viii Publicity programmes including videos and pamphlets should be targeted at overseas visitors as well as the local community. BSPU’s website design competition held earlier in the year had also raised local awareness on the services sector.
3) Hong Kong Awards for Services
3.1 Dr Chan reported that the Secretariat was satisfied with the response to the Awards, both in terms of the number of entries and sponsorship level which were both better than last year. He was confident of securing quality winners for the various awards.
3.2 Members endorsed the suggestion that the HKCSI should relinquish the role as central secretariat of the Awards Scheme. However, the HKCSI would retain the status as leading organizer of the Innovation category. It was believed that the Hong Kong Productivity would take up the role as the Central Secretariat for the Awards Scheme.
4) World Services Congress
4.1 A paper was circulated to members earlier. Mr Griffiths thanked the BSPU as the main sponsor of the event. The Hong Kong delegation would include representatives from HKCSI, HKTDC, HKPC, the government, academia and the private sector. It would be led by a senior policy secretary from the Hong Kong Government. Mr Griffiths pointed out that the Congress provided a good networking opportunity and encouraged members to attend.
5) The Servicing Economy - Quad Forum 1999 (Previously “Tripartite Forum”)
5.1 The Chairman told members that preparation for the Forum was underway. One special feature of the Forum was that politicians would be invited this time. Preparatory sessions would be conducted to generate more ideas on what should be covered at the Forum. As soon as the topics were finalized, invitations to panelists and participants would be sent.
5.2 Ms Siu relayed Mr Mike Rowse’s comment that tourism was a very important issue and warranted a separate session on its own. Members acknowledged that although closely related, tourism and environment were two distinct subjects. It was agreed that the preparatory session on tourism and environment should be asked to decide whether to focus on one issue only at the Forum. If so, which one.
5.3 Professor Wong suggested that the title for Session A should be modified to "Vision for Hong Kong - the next decade"
6) GATS, WTO and services
6.1 Mrs Fung briefed members on the latest development. She said that preparation was underway for the third Ministerial Meeting in Seattle in November/December. WTO members had resumed preparation for the negotiations and over 140 proposals by members would be discussed. The issues would be presented to the Seattle Ministerial. It was hoped that the next round of negotiations would be concluded by 2003.
6.2 A set of decisions would be taken by Ministers in Seattle. A moratorium on customs duty on electronic transmission was anticipated. She added that some WTO members felt the need to have trade principles on e-commerce set out. It was also suggested that some specific and concrete decision to help the least developed economies should be provided eg greater technical assistance on better market access.
6.3 Mrs Fung revealed that there would be some contentious issues for the ministerial, inlcuding trade and labour standards; and the extent to which non-government organizations (NGOs) should be involved in the negotiation process.
6.4 Mrs Fung told members that it was hoped that negotiation would resume after the meeting on 11 September between President Jiang and President Clinton in New Zealand. It was believed that US was keen to reach a deal by mid October so as to enable US Congress to grant normal trade relation status to China.
6.5 Other than the bi-lateral arrangement with the US, there would be other bi-lateral negotiations between China and other economies.
6.6 Even though there was little Hong Kong can help in China’s accession, Mrs Fung believed Hong Kong played an important bridging role between the developed and developing camps within the WTO.
6.7 Mr Griffiths reported that the Chamber and the HKCSI had organized a successful conference on 26 August on “Services 2000” with over 100 participants. It also served as the Asian preparatory conference for the World Services Congress.
7) HKCSI Guidelines on Codes of Practice on Competition
The Chairman reported that the Guidelines was supported by organizations including Hong Kong Association of Banks, Hong Kong Society of Accountants, Association of Retailers and Tourism Services, etc. It was hoped that more support could be received. The HKCSI would communicate the Guidelines to the Consumer Council and to explore ways of cooperating with the Consumer Council on making use of these Guidelines to raise awareness about competition.
8) HKCSI Chairmen's brainstorming
8.1 Mr Griffiths told members that the HKCSI Chairmen brainstorming sessions were very useful in coming up with strategic ideas for the HKCSI. As a result, useful lunch meetings with Legislative Councilors were held and would be continued. Mr Griffiths added that he had lined up a lunch meeting with Mr C Y Leung in November.
8.2 It was agreed that the vision for Hong Kong should not be left only to the HKSAR government, businessmen should also had their input. Professor Wong said he was aware of a study now underway entitled "Project 2022" commissioned by The Hong Kong Forum which was headed by Dr Victor Fung.
9) Progress Report
A Progress Report was circulated earlier. On the proposed joint business centre for small professional bodies, Mr Griffiths reported that the HKCSI study had been completed. While the study had not been conclusive on the need for such a centre for small associations, he felt that the earlier proposal for a similar centre for the nine big professional bodies was not needed. Dr Chan added that the HKCSI Professional Services Committee would be discussing the need for a centre for smaller trade associations at its next meeting.
10) Date of Next Meeting
Wednesday, 1 December 1999 at 4:30 pm.
There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 5:45 pm.
| Secretary | Confirmed |
Chairman |
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Minutes of a meeting of the Executive Committee held on Tuesday, 1 December 1998 at 4:30 pm at the Chamber Boardroom.
Chairman:
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Mr Stanley Ko, Jardine Pacific Ltd |
Vice Chairman:
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Mr Anthony Griffiths, GML Consulting Ltd |
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Mr K C Kwok, Standard Chartered Bank Ltd |
Present :
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Mr Tony Au, HK Information Technology Federation Ltd |
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Mr Marshall Byres, Ernst & Young |
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Mr Alfred Chan, Hong Kong & China Gas Co Ltd |
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Mr John Chan, HK Assn of Freight Forwarding Agents Ltd |
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Mr Paul Lowndes, Hong Kong Association of Banks, The |
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Dr Shamus Mok, The Chinese Banks Association Ltd |
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Dr W K Chan, Secretary General |
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Ms Charlotte Chow, Deputy Secretary |
By invitation:
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Mr Mike Rowse, Business and Services Promotion Unit |
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Mr David Wong, Business and Services Promotion Unit |
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Ms Cherry Ling, Trade Department |
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Ms Alice Cheung, Trade Department |
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Mr Sidney Chan, Industry Department |
Absent:
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Mr Eric Ip, Hong Kong International Terminals Ltd |
Apologies:
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Ms Anita Bagaman, Hong Kong Retail Management Association |
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Mr Nicholas Brooke, Brooke International |
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Mr Garmen Chan, Wharf Communications Investments Ltd |
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Mr Douglas Gautier, Hong Kong Tourist Association |
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Mr Denis Lee, Kingscore Industrial Ltd |
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Dr Jane Lee, Hong Kong Policy Research Institute |
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Mr George Leung, Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corp |
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Mr James Lu, Hong Kong Hotels Association |
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Mr Ross Matthews, The Hong Kong Federation of Insurers Ltd |
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Mr Richard Pyvis, Credit Lyonnaise Securities (Asia) Ltd |
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Mr David Ruan, Barclays Global Investors Hong Kong |
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Professor Richard Wong, Hong Kong Centre for Economic Research |
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Mr Roderick Woo, Law Society of Hong Kong |
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Mr K K Yeung, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd |
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Mr Howard Young, Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd |
Out of town:
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Mr Ian A Christie, Acceptor Trust Corp Ltd |
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Mr Robert Kenny, Hong Kong Telecom |
1) Confirmation of Minutes
Minutes of the meeting held on 8 September 1998 were confirmed and signed.
2) Promotion of Services
2.1 Government plan and progress – At the invitation of the Chairman, Mr Rowse briefed members on the progress of work of the BSPU. He said that a leaflet on service promotion was published and drew members’ attention to a web-site design competition. With its closing deadline in about three weeks’ time, 150 entries had been received. He told members that a study on the business park had been launched and the Industry Department was about to establish an SME office.
2.2 Mr Sidney Chan told members that the Services Support Fund had started to call for a new round of applications. The balance of the Fund was about HK$32 million. The previous round attracted about 70 applications.
2.3 General Progress Report – A report was circulated earlier.
2.4 Hong Kong Award for Services – Organization and Financing – Dr Chan told members that the deficit incurred from last year was partly offset by more careful control on this year’s budget and it was hoped that the remaining deficit could be settled within this year through contribution by leading organizations. He added that the Secretariat was planning to submit to the SSF for a subsidy of HK$1.5 million from the SSF for the coming year. The issue relating to the future secretariat had not been decided yet and the HKCSI would continue to take up the Secretariat’s role by default.
3) GATS, WTO and services
3.1 At the invitation of the Chairman, Ms Ling briefed members on the latest development of WTO negotiations. As part of the built-in agenda of the WTO, another round of negotiations would start by year 2000. For services, it was believed that this would include the subjects of regulatory reform and further liberalization.
3.2 It was expected that the subject of investment, competition and e-commerce would be included in the negotiations. In particular, e-commerce would present huge trade potential. However, the issue was still very fluid and discussion on e-commerce was still at an initial conceptual brainstorming stage. For the time being, WTO members had agreed not to impose tax on e-commerce. The work programme of e-commerce cut across both goods and services. The Trade and Industry Bureau would work with ITBB during the negotiations. The private sector would also be consulted.
3.3 At present, as an observer, China would not have the right to join the formal WTO negotiations. It was felt that if China failed to enter the WTO, it would be difficult for China to join later as new areas would be covered in future negotiations.
3.4 “Services 2000” – A progress report on this SSF-funded project was circulated earlier.
3.5 13th Conference of International CSIs and the World Service Congress 1999 – Papers on both events were circulated to members earlier. Dr Chan reported that the next International CSI Conference would be part of the World Services Congress 1999 which was also the first large scale global congress dedicated to services.
3.6 The host (USCSI) was working closely with the services directors of OECD and other lobby groups in the US. A number of studies and papers were commissioned and an exhibition might be held. The Chairman told members that the HKCSI was in contact with the HKTDC and BSPU to organize Hong Kong’s participation at the events.
3.7 Dr Chan added that the Congress was the first of its kind and the HKCSI had been approached by the USCSI for hosting a preparatory conference in Hong Kong. It was felt that a meeting between the HKCSI, HKTDC, PBEC and the Hong Kong government should be held to decide on the possibility of hosting the preparatory conference. Mr Rowse told members that a new government unit would be set up next April to focus on bringing conferences to Hong Kong. Members felt that having an international conference in Hong Kong would be a good opportunity to promote Hong Kong. Financing for the conference needed to be considered.
3.8 Members felt that as e-commerce would become a main topic on the agenda, Hong Kong should pay particular attention to its development.
4) HKCSI Strategy
4.1 A paper was circulated earlier. Dr Chan reminded that the next brainstorming session would be held on 8 January 1999.
4.2 Dr Chan reported that the CSI had written to LegCo members drawing their attention to the HKCSI homepage and papers developed by the Coalition. It was suggested that LegCo members could be invited to have informal exchanges of views with the Committee. Mr Griffiths had kindly agreed to coordinate. The secretariat would continue to enhance communications with other bodies.
5) China Programme
5.1 The report of the Seminar on Tertiary Industries in Nanjing was circulated earlier. Dr Chan reported that the seminar was well attended by 80 officials from the State Planning and Development Commission (SPDC), including Director General Jiang and 20-30 people from officials and businessmen in Nanjing.
5.2 The Chairman told members that another training seminar with MOFTEC and the State Economic and Trade Commission (SETC) was being planned. He suggested that the training sessions could be held immediately before or after the Chamber’s mission to Beijing.
5.3 Members suggested that it would be helpful if the China Committee of the Chamber could consider organizing talks or seminars on issues of concern to Hong Kong businessmen such as the impact of the anti-smuggling campaign.
5.4 Mr Kwok added that the China Committee could organize forums or talks on mainland policies which might affect Hong Kong traders and businessmen and cited a recent experience encountered by the Standard Chartered Bank (SCB). This referred to multi-nationals in the mainland obtaining RMB loans from foreign banks based in the mainland which in turn would obtain loans from local banks. However, restriction in providing loans by mainland banks were then imposed and multinationals were unable to obtain RMB loans. Nevertheless, SCB, together with some multi-nationals, succeeded in communicating to the mainland the adverse impact of the prohibition and the restriction was dealt with flexibly. The Bank had recently organized seminars on the issue which were well-attended. Mr Kwok suggested that similar forum could be held on the various services sectors such as accounting, legal, etc which were tied with trade in goods.
6) Progress Report
6.1 A progress report was circulated to members earlier. Mr Griffiths told members that development on the management consultancy profession was progressing steadily and it was decided that a management consultancy association would be set up. A steering committee chaired by Mr K K Yeung had been formed.
6.2 Mr Au told members that an urgent meeting had been called the previous Friday by LegCo on the take-over of Star Paging by Hong Kong Telecom. He felt that the rapid development in telecommunications would bring about many regulatory issues.
7) Date of next meeting
To be advised
| Secretary | Confirmed |
Chairman |
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Minutes of a meeting of the Executive Committee held on 8 September 1998 at 4:30 pm at the Chamber Boardroom.
Chairman :
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Mr Stanley Ko, Jardine Pacific Ltd |
Vice Chairman:
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Mr Anthony Griffiths, GML Consulting Ltd |
Present:
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Mr Tony Au, HK Information Technology Federation Ltd |
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Mr Nicholas Brooke, Brooke Hillier Parker |
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Mr George Leung, Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corp |
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Dr Jane Lee, Hong Kong Policy Research Institute |
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Mr Paul Lowndes, Hong Kong Association of Banks, The |
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Mr Ross Matthews, The Hong Kong Federation of Insurers Ltd |
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Dr Shamus Mok, The Chinese Banks Association Ltd |
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Mr David Ruan, Barclays Global Investors Hong Kong |
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Mr Howard Young, Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd |
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Dr W K Chan, Secretary General |
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Ms Charlotte Chow, Deputy Secretary |
By invitation:
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Mr Mike Rowse, Business and Services Promotion Unit |
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Ms Betty Ching, Trade Department |
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Ms Alice Cheung, Trade Department |
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Mr Thomas Or , Industry Department |
Apologies:
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Mr Mike Booth, Hong Kong International Terminals Ltd |
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Mr Garmen Chan, Wharf Communications Investments Ltd |
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Mr John Chan, HK Assn of Freight Forwarding Agents Ltd |
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Mr Ian A Christie, Acceptor Trust Corp Ltd |
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Mr Douglas Gautier, Hong Kong Tourist Association |
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Mr Robert Kenny, Hong Kong Telecom |
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Mr Denis Lee, Kingscore Industrial Ltd |
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Mr James Lu, Hong Kong Hotels Association |
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Mr Roderick Woo, Law Society of Hong Kong |
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Mr K K Yeung, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd |
Out of town:
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Mr K C Kwok, Standard Chartered Bank Ltd |
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Ms Anita Bagaman, Hong Kong Retail Management Association |
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Mr Marshall Byres, Ernst & Young |
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Mr Alfred Chan, Hong Kong & China Gas Co Ltd |
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Mr Richard Pyvis, Credit Lyonnaise Securities (Asia) Ltd |
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Professor Richard Wong, Hong Kong Centre for Economic Research |
1) Confirmation of Minutes
Minutes of the meeting held on 2 June 1998 were confirmed and signed.
2) HKCSI Brainstorming Session
2.1 Members approved the new “aim” for the HKCSI as “To promote the continuing development and competitiveness of Hong Kong's service industries”. It was agreed that the original aim “to provide a focal point for liaison with government” should be maintained as one of the objectives.
2.2 Notes of the July brainstorming session and a proposal for a second brainstorming session had been circulated earlier. It was agreed that the exercise was a useful one and that another session should be arranged in January / February 1999. It was suggested that the issue on the HKCSI initiative to “endeavour to make Hong Kong the focal point for services for Asia” should be on the agenda of the next brainstorming session.
2.3 Members identified the following priority areas to start with as suggested during the brainstorming session:
i) To maintain liaison with LegCo
ii) Education and in particular English language
iii) Publicity plan for HKCSI – Mr Griffiths would invite Mr David Dodwell / Mr Martin Spurrier for assistance on an honorary basis.
A working group chaired by Mr Griffiths would be set up to monitor the progress in the above areas. Mr Au, Mr Brooke and Mr Young had kindly volunteered to join the group.
3) Promotion of Services
3.1 Government plan and progress – At the invitation of the Chairman, Mr Rowse told members that the Financial Secretary had held a brainstorming session recently with members of the Services Promotion Strategy Group. The next meeting of SPSG had been scheduled for October and education would be one of the items on the Agenda. Based on the Action Agenda for Services Promotion, BSPU was implementing concrete projects for promotion. Among these was the Second Tripartite Forum to be held next January. He added that BSPU would be launching a web-site design competition shortly.
3.2 Services Support Fund – Mr Or told members that the Services Support Fund had approved granting about HK$20 million to 14 projects. The Industry Department would invite applications to the second tranche later in the year.
3.3 Management Consultancy Study – Dr Chan reported that since the last progress report, the Management Consultancy Group had met twice, one of which was with the academic study team. The result of the study was adopted and an executive summary would be produced by the academic team in due course. A series of programmes to promote the findings of the study would be arranged later following a meeting with the Management Services Agency which was also being arranged. A proposal would be sent to MSA, BSPU and SPSG on the promotion of the management consultancy profession. Mr Griffiths felt that promotion of the profession would best be achieved through the setting up of an association, for which substantial support and participation from the industry (30 companies with about 15% of the target market) would be essential. Besides, government endorsement at some stage would be helpful.
4) The Hong Kong Awards for Services – Organization and Financing
4.1 A discussion paper was circulated to members earlier in which three issues were raised, namely secretariat for the Awards scheme, future financing and the 1997 deficit.
4.2 In the discussion it was felt that government financial support might be unlikely. The original aim was to achieve self-financing through sponsorship but with the downturn of the economy, this aim would not be accomplished in the short-term. This might mean having to run the scheme at a smaller budget.
4.3 The Chairman expressed the view that it would be a great pity if this worthwhile Award Scheme would have to be cancelled because of lack of fund.
4.4 The possibility of merging the Industry Award and the Services Award was suggested but that was not considered realistic in the short-term.
4.5 Members felt that as far as possible, the 1997 deficit should be settled rather than being carried forward.
4.6 After some discussion, members agreed to submit the paper, with some modification based on the views of members, to the Awards Organising Committee.
5) GATS, WTO and Services
5.1 An information paper was circulated earlier. At the invitation of the Chairman, Ms Ching told members that the WTO had started discussion on the Third Ministerial Meeting scheduled for late 1999. At the second Ministerial Meeting held in May in Geneva, two major decisions had been taken. Firstly, WTO should start discussing the scope, structure and time frame of the negotiation to be launched in year 2000. A work programme should also be started on electronic commerce. Ms Ching was confident of having a round of negotiation on services for year 2000 even if the prospect for an overall round of negotiations was unknown. In the discussion on trade in services, WTO members would embark on an information exchange programme focusing on how particular services were traded in member territories.
5.2 Ms Ching said that within government, discussion on how to prepare Hong Kong for the next round of negotiation had started. She believed the HKCSI project “Services 2000” would help the government in drawing up a wish list for the negotiations. The Trade Department would also start its consultation exercise by the middle of next year. She welcomed the opportunity to discuss with the HKCSI on the scope and direction for the next round at an early opportunity.
5.3 Members agreed in principle to commission CITYU Consultants for the “Services 2000” study, subject to details of the contract. Members also agreed to set up two committees, one advisory in nature and the other to monitor the progress of the study.
5.4 Dr Chan told members that the study would be completed in mid 1999 and the whole project would be completed by the first quarter of year 2000, following a series of promotional and dissemination programmes.
6) China Programme
6.1 A proposal for a seminar to be held with the State Development and Planning Commission on distribution, logistics, etc was circulated to members earlier. The Chairman reported that the topics were chosen by SDPC and that the aim was to be more in-depth rather than broadbrush. Members endorsed the proposal.
6.2 Mr Griffiths suggested that in the seminar there should be more interaction and exchange of views. Members were encouraged to participate in the seminar, if interested.
6.3 Mr Ruan suggested that financial services be put forward to SDPC for future cooperation.
7) Progress Report
7.1 A progress report was circulated to members earlier. Dr Chan drew members’ attention to a paper on self regulation which was tabled. He explained that the HKCSI was invited by the Consumer Council to promote competition through self regulation. Members agreed that the CSI should cooperate with the Consumer Council to explore the concept further.
7.2 Dr Chan reported that the HKCSI was invited by the Intellectual Property Department to participate in a ‘No Fakes’ campaign where serialised ‘No Fakes’ stickers would be distributed to participating companies for display. While endorsing the proposal, members felt that it would be essential for the campaign to be enforceable.
7.3 Members endorsed a paper circulated earlier on deregulation of the electricity industry.
7.4 A draft letter on the Mandatory Provident Fund was tabled. Mr Matthews suggested that more time should be allowed for companies to prepare themselves for the Mandatory Provident Fund Scheme. After some discussion, members agreed that the CSI should propose that the introduction of MPF should be on voluntary basis initially and that the reference to the number of staff should be deleted. Members then endorsed the draft letter on MPF and agreed that the letter should be addressed to the Secretary for Financial Services.
7.5 Dr Chan told members that on corporate rescue, a paper had been developed and would be sent to members for comments.
7.6 Financial Services Committee – On the Special Finance Scheme for SMEs, Mr Ruan reported that the Financial Services Committee would facilitate a meeting with the Hong Kong Associaton of Banks, the Hong Kong Deposit Taking Companies Association and the Chamber SME committee on possible ways of improving the scheme to increase its attractiveness to bankers and lending institutions.
7.7 Information Services Committee – Mr Au reported that Mrs Jessie Ting, Deputy Secretary for Information Technology and Broadcasting was invited to brief members on the 1998 Review of Fixed Telecommunications. The Committee also considered the 1998 Television Review for which members felt that the consultation period was too short. Dr Chan would write to the Secretary for ITB to request for an extension of consultation period for that paper. Dr Chan added that a meeting had been arranged for 30 September with Mrs Rita Lau, Deputy Secretary for ITB to brief members on the consultation paper on the 1998 Review of Television Policy. Dr Chan told members that a response on the OFTA consultation paper on junk fax had been drafted and circulated to members earlier for comments.
7.8 Real Estate Services Committee – Responding to Mr Brooke's suggestion of HKCSI providing its comments to the Chief Executive's October policy address, Dr Chan said that the Chamber had arranged for a subscription luncheon in honour of the CE shortly after his policy address during which views could be expressed. The Chamber would usually provide its more detailed response later on.
8) Date of next meeting
Tuesday, 1 December 1998 at 4:30 pm.
There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 6:10 pm.
| Secretary | Confirmed |
Chairman |
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Minutes of a meeting of the Executive Committee held on 2 June 1998 at 4:30 pm at the Chamber Boardroom.
Chairman:
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Mr Stanley Ko, Jardine Pacific Ltd |
Vice Chairman:
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Mr Anthony Griffiths, GML Consulting Ltd |
Present:
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Mr Marshall Byres, Ernst & Young |
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Mr Ian A Christie, Acceptor Trust Corp Ltd |
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Mr Peter Dunn, The Hong Kong Federation of Insurers Ltd |
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Mr Denis Lee, Kingscore Industrial Ltd |
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Mr George Leung, Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corp |
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Dr Jane Lee, Hong Kong Policy Research Institute |
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Mr Paul Lowndes, Hong Kong Association of Banks, The |
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Mr James Lu, Hong Kong Hotels Association |
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Mr Richard Pyvis, Credit Lyonnaise Securities (Asia) Ltd |
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Mr Howard Young, Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd |
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Dr Eden Woon, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce |
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Dr W K Chan, Secretary General |
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Ms Charlotte Chow, Deputy Secretary |
By invitation:
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Mr Mike Rowse, Business and Services Promotion Unit |
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Ms Alice Cheung, Trade Department |
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Mr Sidney Chan, Industry Department |
Apologies:
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Mr Tony Au, HK Information Technology Federation Ltd |
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Ms Anita Bagaman, Hong Kong Retail Management Association |
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Mr Mike Booth, Hong Kong International Terminals Ltd |
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Mr Alfred Chan, Hong Kong & China Gas Co Ltd |
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Mr Garmen Chan, Wharf Communications Investments Ltd |
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Mr John Chan, HK Assn of Freight Forwarding Agents Ltd |
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Mr Douglas Gautier, Hong Kong Tourist Association |
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Mr Jeremy Godfrey, Hong Kong Telecom |
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Dr Shamus Mok, The Chinese Banks Association Ltd |
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Mr David Ruan, Barclays Global Investors Hong Kong |
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Professor Richard Wong, Hong Kong Centre for Economic Research |
Out of town:
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Mr K C Kwok, Standard Chartered Bank Ltd |
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Mr Nicholas Brooke, Brooke Hillier Parker |
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Mr Roderick Woo, Law Society of Hong Kong |
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Mr K K Yeung, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd |
1) Confirmation of Minutes
Minutes of the meeting held on 3 March 1998 were confirmed and signed.
2) Promotion of Services
Government Plan and Progress
2.1 Mr Rowse told members that the first meeting of the newly constituted Services Promotion Strategy Group had taken place in April in which past initiatives were monitored and the Action Agenda for 1998-99 was approved. He added that the 15 points Action Agenda was available from BSPU's homepage.
General Progress Report
2.2. A general progress report on the promotion of services was circulated earlier. On the Hong Kong Awards for Services, Dr Chan reported that the Secretariat had contacted about 400 companies for sponsorship of the event. About half of the revenue required had been raised. He anticipated that sponsorship would not be easy to obtain in view of the current situation. The Chairman sought members'support in this respect.
2.3 Dr Chan added that the deadline for application would be 30 June and response of HKCSI pre-application promotional events had been good. He remarked that innovation would be more important in bad times than in good times.
Services Support Fund
2.4 Mr Sidney Chan told members that the Industry Department had called for application to the SSF in March. 78 applications were received by the deadline of 11 May. The results would be announced by August. It was believed that if the fund was found worthy, the government would continue its support to the fund.
3) GATS, WTO and services
3.1 At the invitation of the Chairman, Ms Cheung told members that during the Second WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva, a declaration was issued which included a number of important messages on implementation, the future and political aspects of the WTO. The declaration reaffirmed the WTO commitment to achieve further liberalisation in trade in services. It suggested that benefits should be extended to less developed countries as well and that the accession process for new members should be speed up.
3.2 It had been mandated that the Third WTO Ministerial Conference to be held in the US in 1999 should include an evaluation of individual commitments. It was also decided that the WTO should establish recommendations for further liberalisation. Hong Kong was satisfied with the Conference as it could pave the way for further liberalisation and negotiations.
3.3 Ms Cheung drew members’ attention that the WTO Trade Policy Review for Hong Kong had been scheduled for the end of the year. However, the government and the WTO had begun working on it already, including a meeting with the CSI to be held soon.
3.4 During the Conference, it was also suggested that electronic transmission should be standardised to facilitate global electronic commerce. Dr Chan pointed out that the “Services 2000” Conference in Ditchley Park, Oxford in April also touched on issues relating to electronic commerce. It was felt that WTO process was not responsive enough to changes in reality, especially in electronic commerce.
4) China programme
4.1 The Chairman told members that the HKCSI visit to Beijing was scheduled for 9-11 June. The 10 member delegation would meet the Vice Chairman of the State Development and Planning Commission, the Tertiary Office of the SDPC, the Internal Trade Bureau, the State and Economic Trade Commission and MOFTEC.
4.2 The Chairman felt that it would be a good opportunity to have a better understanding of the re-structuring of the Chinese government, whether there was any change in direction and where the tertiary industry office would fit in.
4.3 Members agreed that the visit could help the CSI appreciate the Chinese government's view of their economic development and how Hong Kong could fit in.
4.4 Dr Chan said that the delegation would also discuss with SDPC whether the earlier proposal of training on tertiary industries would be continued.
5) CSI Brainstorming
5.1 The Chairman told members that the brainstorming session was scheduled for 24 July. Mr Tony Griffiths and Mr Marshall Byres had kindly agreed to be facilitators for the session. The aim was to set the direction for the CSI before end August.
5.2 Members were encouraged to attend the session. Members were also urged to submit their comments if they were unable to attend. It was suggested that a limited number of guests could be invited eg Mr Rowse and Mr Ian Perkin.
6) Progress Report
6.1 A progress report was circulated to members earlier.
6.2 Professional Services Committee - Mr Griffiths reported that a key issue for the committee was professional services in the mainland in relation to the role of Hong Kong. Other issues of concern included international recognition of professional qualifications, employment and salaries in the region, tourism, legislation on corporate rescue, etc.
6.3 Travel and Tourism Group – Mr Lu told members that the occupancy rate of hotels was poor and the spending power of visitors was low. He saw no potential recovery for the next twelve months. He commented that tourism was not a standalone industry and could not solve the problems by itself. He commented on the need to attract more visitors from the mainland and from Russia. Mr Rowse remarked that changes might be forthcoming on the immigration front regarding Taiwan and the mainland. The Chairman added that on tourism, the Hong Kong Tourist Association had suggested two temporary locations for arts and entertainment activities, namely the site of the Kai Tak Airport and the East Tamar.
7) Any Other Business
7.1 Members were concerned of the civil servants pay increase and felt that the government should match the private sector in restraining pay rises. To help solve unemployment, it was suggested that the government could consider hiring temporary staff for one-off jobs eg for cleaning beaches and country parks. It was agreed that the CSI and Chamber should keep a close monthly watch on pay and employment changes among members and service industries.
7.2 It was suggested that a logistics centre be considered for Lantau for airfreight activities. Dr Chan added that the CSI input into the Business Park was along this concept.
8) Date of next meeting
Tuesday, 8 September 1998 at 4:30 pm.
There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 6:00 pm.
| Secretary | Confirmed |
Chairman |
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Minutes of a meeting of the Executive Committee held on 3 March 1998 at 4:30 pm at the Chamber Boardroom.
Chairman :
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Mr Stanley Ko, Jardine Pacific Ltd |
Vice Chairman:
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Mr Anthony Griffiths, GML Consulting Ltd |
Present :
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Mr Tony Au, HK Information Technology Federation Ltd |
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Mr Mike Booth, Hong Kong International Terminals Ltd |
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Mr Gareth Bullock, Standard Chartered Bank Ltd |
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Mr Marshall Byres, Ernst & Young |
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Mr Nicholas Brooke, Brooke Hillier Parker |
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Mr Alfred Chan, Hong Kong & China Gas Co Ltd |
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Mr John Chan, HK Assn of Freight Forwarding Agents Ltd |
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Mr Ian A Christie, Acceptor Trust Corp Ltd |
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Mr C K Leung, Hong Kong Telecom |
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Mr George Leung, Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corp |
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Dr Jane Li, Hong Kong Policy Research Institute |
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Dr Shamus Mok, The Chinese Banks Association Ltd |
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Mr Richard Pyvis, Credit Lyonnaise Securities (Asia) Ltd |
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Professor Richard Wong, Hong Kong Centre for Economic Research |
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Mr Roderick Woo Law, Society of Hong Kong |
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Mr Howard Young Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd |
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Dr Eden Woon, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce |
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Dr W K Chan, Secretary General |
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Ms Charlotte Chow, Deputy Secretary |
By invitation :
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Mr David Wong, Business and Services Promotion Unit |
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Ms Betty Ching, Trade and Industry Branch |
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Ms Alice Cheung, Trade Department |
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Mr Sidney Chan, Industry Department |
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Mr Kent Hayden, Sadler Hong Kong Tourist Association |
Apologies :
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Mr K C Kwok, Standard Chartered Bank Ltd |
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Mr Garmen Chan, Wharf Communications Investments Ltd |
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Mr James Lu, Hong Kong Hotels Association |
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Mr K K Yeung, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd |
Out of town :
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Ms Anita Bagaman, Retail Management Association Ltd |
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Mr Peter Dunn, The Hong Kong Federation of Insurers Ltd |
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Mr Denis Lee, Kingscore Industrial Ltd |
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Mr Paul Lowndes, Hong Kong Association of Banks, The |
The Chairman welcomed new members to the meeting. They included: Mr Tony Au, Chairman of the HKCSI Information Services Committee; Mr George Leung, Chairman of the HKCSI Statistics Committee; Mr Marshall Byres; Mr Alfred Chan and Dr Jane Li. He also welcomed guests from the government to the meeting.
1) Confirmation of Minutes
Minutes of the meeting held on 4 December 1997 were confirmed and signed.
2) Promotion of Services
Government plan and progress
2.1 Mr David Wong of BSPU briefed members on the progress of the government effort and plan in promoting services. BSPU had worked with the HKCSI in producing the Servicing Economy newsletter and organising a Tripartite Forum on the policy agenda for promotion of services. The Unit also monitored studies by other government departments on manpower resources, the travel industry and the concept of a business park. The Unit was formulating an action agenda and priorities for 98-99 and suggestions from HKCSI were welcomed.
2.2. At present, promotion of Hong Kong overseas was being carried out jointly by HKTDC, HKTA and the Industry Department. Mr Brooke suggested an approach emphasising the uniqueness of Hong Kong in overseas promotion would be useful. Members were urged to submit suggestions to the BSPU through the secretariat preferably before the weekend.
2.3 Mr Sidney Chan told members that the Finance Committee had approved a HK$500 million fund for the pilot credit guarantee scheme. The Export Credit Insurance Corporation was entrusted with the administration of the scheme which would be launched in summer and be reviewed after one year of operation.
Progress Report
2.4 The Secretary General reported that a meeting involving academia, business and trade bodies was held earlier to consider projects suitable for the Services Support Fund. It was decided that the HKCSI would act as a “match maker” by setting up a bulletin board within the HKCSI homepage to provide a platform for interested parties to display their proposals.
2.5 On the Joint Professional Centre, Mr Brooke told members that the Town Planning Board had requested the Land Development Corp to re-submit their proposal. The Secretary General reported that the HKCSI had conducted an initial survey and found that small trade associations were interested in the concept of a similar joint meeting facility. The HKCSI would propose to the BSPU to conduct a full feasibility study to ascertain the need.
2.6 The Secretary General told members that a working group involving the HKCSI, HAFFA, HKANA and the Logistics Association had drafted a discussion paper on a business park for submission to the Industry Department. The paper would propose that priority be given to the distribution sector in the design for a business park. Mr Sidney Chan added that the government would conduct a consultancy study on the need for a business park.
Tripartite Forum
2.7 The Chairman reported that the Forum had been very useful in stimulating thoughts and suggestions. There was a general view to have a similar event in future. Dr Chan added that there was a suggestion to change the format of the dinner session to include a focused speech rather than making it a reporting session. Mr Griffiths suggested that small group discussions be carried out followed by a full forum to allow more active participation and suggestions from participants. Dr Chan said that a summary report would be produced as a special supplement of the Servicing Economy Newsletter.
2.8 Dr Woon suggested that in the fullness of time the forum could be expanded at some future date to include legislators and politicians because of the changing policy making environment in the SAR. Members agreed that the concept could be further examined at a suitable time in future.
2.9 The Secretary General suggested that the HKCSI take the leadership in exploring the possibility of promoting the education and health care sectors, which was one of the themes discussed at the forum.
3) GATS, WTO and services
3.1 At the invitation of the Chairman, Ms Ching briefed members on the progress of the negotiations on financial services which were concluded last December. 102 contracting parties had made binding commitments on the various sectors of financial services. They together represented over 95% of the world trade in financial services. The commitments would be implemented by March 1999 after ratification by January 1999. She thanked the HKCSI for its input to government.
3.2 According to Ms Ching, the government was busy preparing for the ministerial conference scheduled for 18-19 May and the 50th Anniversary of GATT on 20 May in Geneva. Hong Kong would be represented by the Secretary for Trade and Industry.
3.3 The Chairman drew members’ attention to a HKCSI proposal on a study on Liberalisation of Services Beyond 2000. The study would be undertaken from July 1998 to June 1999 to prepare for the next round of negotiations in 2000. The purpose was to analyse and promote better understanding of GATS and to identify a Hong Kong wish list. Academia and consultants might be involved.
3.4 The Secretary General felt that support from the Hong Kong Committee of the Pacific Basin Economic Council (PBEC) would be beneficial. He would start seeking sponsors for the event. Failing this, support from the Services Support Fund would be sought.
3.5 Ms Ching welcomed this HKCSI initiative and added that the government would be happy to assist where appropriate.
3.6 Mr Pyvis felt that the study could add value to promoting Hong Kong as a service centre. He pointed out that the advantages of Hong Kong in comparison with Singapore could be highlighted. After some discussion, members endorsed the project proposal.
3.7 The Secretary General reported that he would be participating at a conference organised by USCSI and Europe to prepare for the 2000 negotiations in England in April.
4) China programme
4.1 The Chairman told members that the HKCSI was awaiting confirmation on the date of the proposed visit to Beijing which was tentatively scheduled for 21-22 April. It was pointed out that the recent proposal for re-structuring of the Chinese government might have some effect on the State Planning Commission. The Secretary General encouraged members to suggest topics for discussion.
4.2 Dr Wong commented that it would be useful if the State Planning Commission could collaborate with Hong Kong to produce reports on the tertiary industries as had been done for the industrial sector. The HKCSI should explore this further with the State Planning Commission.
5) Progress Report
5.1 A progress report was circulated to members earlier.
5.2 The Secretary General reported that the international CSI conference to be held in Santiago had been rescheduled from May to September.
5.3 Hong Kong Awards for Services - Mr Bullock reported that preparation for the Second Hong Kong Awards for Services was underway. For the Innovative category, it was hoped that more promotional activities be carried out to attract more participants.
5.4 Real Estate Services Committee - Mr Brooke reported that the HKCSI and the Chamber would jointly be organising a forum on the future development of the property market in Hong Kong on 25 March. The Chairman of the Housing Authority Ms Rosanna Wong would be the luncheon speaker.
5.5 Transport/Infrastructure Committee - Mr Booth informed members that a meeting had been arranged with representative of the River Trade Terminal Co Ltd.
5.6 Tourism Group – The Secretary General reported that the Tourism Group had met Mr Joe Wong, Principal Assistant Secretary for Economic Services and had drafted a 7th Position Paper to be submitted to the Economic Services Bureau, HKTA and the Joint Travel Council. Comments before the end of the week were welcomed
6) Brainstorming session
The Chairman suggested and members concurred that a half day brainstorming and strategy meeting for the Executive Committee on the future role and ambition of the CSI should be conducted. The Secretariat would arrange.
7) Date of next meeting
Tuesday, 2 June 1998 at 4:30 pm.
There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 5:45 pm.
| Secretary | Confirmed |
Chairman |
|
Minutes of a meeting of the HKCSI Executive Committee held on Wednesday, 10 September 1997 at 4:30 p.m. at the Chamber Boardroom.
| Chairman: | Mr T Brian Stevenson | HK Society of Accountants |
| Vice Chairman: | Mr Stanley Ko | Jardine Pacific Limited |
| Present: | Ms Anita Bagaman | Retail Management Association Ltd |
| Mr Mike Booth | Hong Kong International Terminals Ltd | |
| Mr Nicholas Brooke | Brooke Hillier Parker | |
| Mr Gareth Bullock | Standard Chartered Bank | |
| Mr Ian A Christie | Acceptor Trust Corporation Ltd | |
| Mr Henry Goldstein | Asia Link Holdings Ltd | |
| Mr Anthony Griffiths | GML Consulting Ltd | |
| Mr K C Kwok | Standard Chartered Bank | |
| Mr Denis Lee | Kingscore Industrial Ltd | |
| Mrs Grace Lee | Hong Kong Tourist Association | |
| Mr C K Leung | Hong Kong Telecom | |
| Mr Richard Pyvis | Credit Lyonnais Securities (Asia) Ltd | |
| Dr Eden Y Woon | Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce | |
| Dr W K Chan | Secretary General | |
| Ms Eva Chow | Manager | |
| By invitation : | Mr Mike Rowse | Business and Services Promotion Unit |
| Mr David Wong | Business and Services Promotion Unit | |
| Ms Betty Ching | Trade Department | |
| Apologies : | Mr Garmen Chan | Wharf Communications Investment Ltd |
| Mr John Chan | HK Assn of Freight Forwarding Agents Ltd | |
| Mr Peter J Dunn | Hong Kong Federation of Insurers, The | |
| Mr James Lu | Hong Kong Hotels Association | |
| Dr C Y Mok | Chinese Banks Association Ltd, The | |
| Mr Guy Priestley | Hong Kong Association of Banks | |
| Professor Richard Wong | Hong Kong Centre for Economic Research | |
| Mr Roderick Woo | Law Society of Hong Kong | |
| Mr K K Yeung | Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd | |
| Mr Howard Young | Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd | |
The Chairman welcomed new member Mr Denis Lee and Mrs Grace Lee, who represented Mr Kent Hayden-Sadler from the Hong Kong Tourist Association. He also welcomed guests from the government: Mr Mike Rowse, Mr David Wong and Ms Betty Ching.
Minutes of the meeting held on 13 March 1997 were confirmed and signed.
Government plan and the Services Promotion Strategy Group
There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 6:20 pm.
| Secretary | Confirmed |
Chairman |
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