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 : Regarding the way forward for positioning the patent system in Hong Kong, what is the outcome of the consultation completed in late 2011? What is the estimated time for announcing the outcome and recommendations? At the present stage, does the Administration have any preferential stance? If yes, what are the details? Asked by : Hon. TAM Wai-ho, Samson Reply : To ensure that the patent system in Hong Kong continues to meet present-day circumstances and that its further evolution would complement our efforts to develop Hong Kong into a regional innovation and technology hub, we issued a public consultation paper in October 2011 to embark on a comprehensive review. By the end of the consultation period in December 2011, we received over 70 written submissions, mainly from stakeholders in the patent-related fields including various industrial associations and professional organizations, research and development centres, academia, the legal profession, as well as the business and industrial sectors. We maintain an open mind in taking forward the review. We are now examining the views received and will carefully scrutinize the relative merits of the comments/responses put in by different parties with a view to formulating proposals that will best serve the overall interest of Hong Kong. We intend to announce the proposed way forward in the first half of 2012.
Question : Many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are worried that the “Competition Law”, when implemented, might affect them. As the Bill is expected to be enacted within the current legislative year, would the Administration allocate resources to address the worries and doubts of SMEs about its enactment? Please provide details and estimated expenditures of the relevant measures. Asked by : Hon. TONG Ka-wah, Ronny Reply : The Legislative Council is examining the Competition Bill (the Bill). In October 2011, the Administration put forward six proposed amendments to address the major concerns raised by stakeholders, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), concerning the Bill. Following the enactment of the Bill, the statutory Competition Commission (Commission) will be tasked to promote the public understanding of the Bill and the value of market competition through public education. The Bill also makes it a statutory requirement for the Commission to consult before drawing up regulatory guidelines on interpretation and implementation of the law, so as to facilitate compliance by the business sector (including SMEs). In 2012-13, a provision of $80.7 million has been earmarked under Head 152 – Government Secretariat: Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch) to meet the expenses for the establishment and operation of the Commission should the Bill be enacted within 2012-13.
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