Replies to initial written questions raised by Finance Committee Members in examining the Estimates of Expenditure 2012-13 Director of Bureau : Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Session No. 12 File name : cedb(cit)- doc
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- Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2012-13
Question : Provision for 2012-13 is $80.9 million (834%) higher than the revised estimate for 2011-12. This is mainly due to the provision for the establishment and operation of the Competition Commission should the Competition Bill be enacted within 2012-13. In this connection, will the Administration inform this Committee: (a) of the basis on which $80.9 million was arrived at and the breakdown of each expenditure item, including the estimated salaries of various ranks, operational costs, office rentals and staff costs; and (b) whether it will consider postponing the legislation of the Competition Bill given the global economic downturn and views of the commerce and industry sector. If yes, what are the details? If not, what are the reasons? Asked by : Hon. LAM Tai-fai Reply : (a) Provision for Programme (4) in 2012-13 earmarked for the establishment and operation of the Competition Commission (the Commission) should be $80.7 million. In arriving at the estimate, we have drawn reference from the organizational structure and operational experience of overseas competition authorities and local regulatory bodies. The provision caters for the recruitment and employment of the Commission’s staff, the leasing of the Commission’s office accommodation, and research and promotional work of the Commission. The actual expenditure will depend on the legislative progress of the Competition Bill (the Bill). (b) The Administration appreciates the views expressed by stakeholders, in particular the small and medium-sized enterprises, on the Bill. In October 2011, we put forward six proposed amendments to address the major concerns. The Legislative Council Bills Committee on Competition Bill generally reacted positively to the proposed amendments. To meet the community’s aspiration for a cross-sector competition law, we will continue to work closely with the Bills Committee on its scrutiny of the Bill, with a view to enacting the Bill within the 2011-12 legislative session.
Question : The Hong Kong Tourism Board plans to implement measures on four fronts to create more business opportunities for MICE (Meetings, Incentive travels, Conventions and Exhibitions) tourism in 2012-13. Please provide a list detailing each specific plan and the estimated expenditure, as well as the projected economic benefits for Hong Kong’s MICE tourism. Asked by : Hon. LAM Tai-fai Reply : In 2012-13, the Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong (MEHK) under the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will continue to tailor-make promotional strategies according to the nature of MICE, with a view to generating more business opportunities for the sector. The MEHK will further promote Hong Kong’s unique MICE offerings, strengthen the branding of Hong Kong as an ideal MICE destination, attract more MICE events to Hong Kong and drive related arrivals. Major initiatives include: Meetings and Incentive Travels:
Conventions:
Exhibitions:
In 2012-13, the MEHK plans to spend $49.4 million on MICE promotion. Since the MEHK will deploy resources flexibly in response to changing needs, and the majority of the publicity activities can simultaneously promote MICE tourism, there is no breakdown of expenditure figures on individual items. The MICE industry has made significant contribution to the economy of Hong Kong. In 2011, there were 1.56 million overnight MICE visitors to Hong Kong, up by 9.3% over 2010. MICE visitors are usually high-spending visitors. According to provisional figures, the per-capita spending of overnight MICE visitors in 2011 was $9,328, up by 10.0% over 2010 ($8,475) and 27.2% higher than the overall figure of $7,333 in 2011. Various industries like tourism, hotel, aviation, retail, food and beverage, entertainment, etc. have been benefitted. We expect that MICE arrivals will increase by 11% to 1.73 million in 2012.
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