Session No. 5 File name : cedb(cit)- doc
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- Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2010-11
Question: During the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in mid-January 2010, some local manufacturers complained that the exhibition booths allocated to them were at less favourable locations, while the better located ones were reserved for mainland manufacturers. Given that the HKTDC’s accounts are not subject to the Audit Commission’s examination, how can the Government ensure that the funds provided for the HKTDC are used in assisting local manufacturers rather than businesses from elsewhere? Asked by: Hon. HO Chun-yan, Albert Reply: The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)’s major objective for organising trade fairs is to provide an effective platform for Hong Kong’s small and medium-sized enterprises to meet international buyers so that they could acquire more orders. Currently, there is a trend toward internationalisation and professionalism for trade fairs around the world. To attract more international buyers to come to the trade shows in Hong Kong, HKTDC fairs need to evolve along these two directions. In this connection, HKTDC’s trade fairs increasingly showcase their exhibits in different product zones to which exhibitors are assigned on the basis of their product types. As regards the complaints concerning the locations of booths allocated to some Hong Kong companies at HKTDC’s Toys & Games Fair held in January this year, HKTDC explained that the booths were allocated on the basis of classification of their products (the complainants were assigned to the “multiple toy products” zone). The allocations were not done on the basis of the countries of origin of exhibitors. HKTDC is a statutory body established under the Hong Kong Trade Development Council Ordinance. Under the Ordinance, the 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: What criteria have been adopted for allocating a subvention of $3,74.5 million to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in 2010-11? Subvention accounts for about 18% to 25% of the annual income of the HKTDC and most of its income comes from organising trade fairs. Why does the Government still have to provide the HKTDC with a subvention? Asked by: Hon. HO Chun-yan, Albert Reply: The subvention to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is determined having regard to the Government’s financial position, HKTDC’s funding requirements and by way of reference to 60% of the total amount of trade declaration charges received in the preceding year. HKTDC is a statutory organisation established under the Hong Kong Trade Development Council Ordinance. Its function is to promote Hong Kong’s external trade, with particular reference to exports. In this connection, TDC has been assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong to explore business opportunities in markets all over the world. It has also been promoting Hong Kong’s branded products and services by conducting or organising promotion activities such as trade fairs, business missions as well as international forums and expos etc. To help SMEs capture new opportunities, TDC also organises seminars and workshops regularly, produces trade and research publications and offers consultancy services for them. The Government considers that the annual subvention is necessary and will provide HKTDC with a stable income to finance its activities for promoting Hong Kong’s enterprises and supporting SMEs.
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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