Question :
In recent years, the issue of online piracy has been getting more serious. What are the major approaches adopted by the Government to combat the crime? Has the Government endeavoured to combat it through publicity and public education? In 2010-11, has the Government allocated resources for the publicity and educational work? If yes, what is the amount?
Asked by : Hon. WONG Ting-kwong
Reply :
The Administration acts to protect intellectual protection rights through a robust legal regime, stringent enforcement and sustained public education activities. We are committed to providing an environment conducive to the sustainable development of creative industries in Hong Kong.
On the enforcement front, Hong Kong Customs has established two Anti-Internet Piracy Teams to combat piracy and counterfeiting activities on the Internet. The rapid changes to the mode of online infringement over time are such that Customs well recognises the need to utilise advanced computer technology and train up investigation officers for the purpose of equipping them with the appropriate enforcement capability.
On the public education front, the Intellectual Property Department will roll out a new series of television APIs in 2010-11, continue to organise talks and interactive dramas in primary/ secondary schools as well as collaborate with other organisations in launching a movie clips production competition to promote awareness of and respect for intellectual property rights amongst our teenagers. Separately, Customs will continue to run the Youth Ambassador Against Internet Piracy Scheme to enlist support from members of 11 uniformed groups in combating online piracy, thus helping to uphold a positive attitude towards the protection of intellectual property rights. The expenditure for these activities is about $1.2 million.
Moreover, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer has rolled out in September 2009 a one-year territory wide Internet Education Campaign giving guidance to Internet users, especially teenagers, on how to conduct themselves properly online, including respect for intellectual property rights.
Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce, Industry and Tourism)
Date
18.3.2010
Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2010-11
Reply Serial No.
CONTROLLING OFFICER’S REPLY TO
INITIAL WRITTEN QUESTION
CEDB(CIT)146
Question Serial No.
1684
Head :
Head 152 - Government Secretariat: Commerce and Economic Development Bureau (Commerce, Industry and Tourism Branch)
Subhead (No. & title) :
Programme :
(2) Commerce and Industry
Controlling Officer :
Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Commerce, Industry and Tourism )
Director of Bureau :
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development
Question :
Amidst the uncertainties in the global economy, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are still facing serious hardship. However, the sector generally considers that the support provided to them in the Budget is very limited and basically only the measure of waiving business registration fees for one year is of some help. What is the stand of the Government towards SMEs? Does the Government think that the policy set out in the Budget is sufficient to help SMEs tide over the difficulties caused by the financial tsunami?
Asked by : Hon Wong Ting-kwong
Reply :
The Government attaches a lot of importance to the development of SMEs. We are very concerned about the impact of the financial tsunami on SMEs. In late 2008, the Government implemented a series of measures to “stabilize the financial system, support enterprises and preserve employment”, including the introduction of a Special Loan Guarantee Scheme (SpGS) with a total loan guarantee commitment of $100 billion. The SpGS is well-received by the trade. As at the end of February 2010, the Trade and Industry Department (TID) has approved 28 533 applications, involving a total loan amount of over $69 billion. Apart from effectively alleviating the pressure on enterprises in terms of finance and liquidity, SpGS also helps to stabilize employment.
SpGS is an exceptional measure which aims to assist Hong Kong enterprises in coping with the global financial crisis. It is a time-limited scheme. The application period has been extended twice till the end of June this year. We will closely monitor the pace of economic recovery in the coming months and decide when to let the credit market resume normal operation.
At the same time, TID has been administering other SME funding schemes, including the SME Loan Guarantee Scheme (SGS), the SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF) and the SME Development Fund (SDF). We introduced a series of enhancement measures in late 2008 to allow more flexibility in the use of SGS loans and increase the grant ceiling and scope of EMF. In 2010-2011, TID’s estimated expenditure on SME support is $783.3 million, representing a 50% increase compared to the revised estimate in 2009-10.
Furthermore, to assist Hong Kong exporters to sustain their business and develop new markets, the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) will review and seek to enhance its services on a regular basis. ECIC has also decided to extend the provision of free buyer credit check services to exporters and the waiver for its annual policy fee.
