Session No. 5 File name : cedb(cit)- doc
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- Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2010-11
Question: As the main source of funding for the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will the Government consider carrying out value for money audits on HKTDC to review its functions and corporate governance standards, and make recommendations for improvement? If yes, what are the details? If no, what are the reasons? Furthermore, is there any mechanism for the Government to monitor the operation of the HKTDC? If yes, what are the details? If no, will the Government consider putting in place such a monitoring mechanism? Asked by: Hon. NG Margaret Reply: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) was established under the Hong Kong Trade Development Council Ordinance, which does not subject HKTDC to the Audit Commission’s value for money audits. Moreover, according to a set of guidelines agreed between the Public Accounts Committee of the Legislative Council and the Director of Audit and accepted by the Government, HKTDC, which receives less than half of its income from public moneys (about 16% for 2010-11), is not within the scope of Audit Commission’s value for money audits. The Government oversees HKTDC’s major decisions on allocation of resources through various channels. In addition to our liaison with HKTDC through our daily work, HKTDC’s annual programme of its proposed activities and budget estimates need to be approved by the Government. The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development and her representatives also sit on the HKTDC Council and its Staff and Finance Committee (which scrutinises HKTDC’s key financial and manpower matters).
Question: In view that many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have reflected that they encountered difficulties in participating in trade fairs organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will the Bureau consider advising HKTDC on the appropriate measures to be taken and providing appropriate resources to assist SMEs in participating in trade fairs and conducting other business promotion activities? If so, what are the details? If not, for what reasons? Asked by: Hon. NG Margaret Reply: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will freeze the basic participation fees for its events and services this year. Hong Kong’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are the major users of HKTDC’s services, will be the major beneficiaries. Moreover, to cater for the different needs of SMEs, TDC will offer "economy" exhibition booths with a smaller size but lower fee. HKTDC will also continue the operation of its “Buyers Sponsorship Programme” in order to attract more overseas buyers to attend trade fairs in Hong Kong. SMEs may also apply for grants under the Government’s SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF). The EMF aims to help SMEs exploit export markets through participation in export promotion activities such as exhibitions and business missions. The Government has expanded the scope of the EMF and increased the amount of grant since November 2008. In June 2009, the Government injected an additional provision of $1 billion to sustain the operation of two SME Funding Schemes (including the EMF). The Government discusses with HKTDC from time to time the problems encountered by SMEs and possible ways to assist them.
Directory: citb -> doc doc -> 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 Download 4.7 Mb. Share with your friends:
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