HKCSI welcomes Services Promotion Initiatives

The Financial Secretary's proposals to promote Hong Kong's services sector receives a thumbs-up from the Hong Kong Coalition of Service Industries (HKCSI).

"We welcome warmly Mr Donald Tsang's initiative, in particular, his emphasis on government taking a supportive, business-friendly but non-interventionist approach in promoting services," said HKCSI Chairman Mr T Brian Stevenson.

The Financial Secretary's Budget contains many concrete and action-oriented proposals on the development of the service industries, such as the $50 million Services Support Fund. "Many of the proposals are the result of consultation with the private sector, including the HKCSI," said Mr Stevenson.

The HKCSI supports the Financial Secretary's proposal to draw upon the expertise of a number of existing agencies such as government's overseas Economic & Trade Offices, the Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Productivity Council in the promotion of services. "This will call for adjustment in the way many of these agencies work. There will be a heightened need for cooperation and coordination between these promotional agencies and the business sector but I am sure there is a strong will from all parties concerned to achieve the most effective results," said HKCSI Secretary General Dr W.K. Chan.

"Promotion" is more than just marketing Hong Kong's services abroad but should also include the promotion of high standards and good quality, as well as an efficient regulatory system, which together underlie Hong Kong's competitiveness. As such promotion of services has to be, by nature, a joint and multi-sectoral effort. "It is clear that the Financial Secretary recognises that this and we hope this multi-sectoral effort will continue to good effect," said Mr Stevenson.

"The HKCSI will continue its efforts to assist private sector industry bodies, promote self-regulation and high quality, as well as facilitate regulatory efficiency. At the same time, we support the establishment of an institution within government secretariat to deal independently with the planning, strategy formulation, coordination and monitoring of services promotion," said Dr Chan.

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