Adopt e-commerce to enhance competitiveness
23 - 09 - 2003

The Government is committed to promoting the adoption of information technology (IT) and e-commerce to enhance competitiveness, the Director of Information Technology Services, Mr Alan Wong Chi-kong, said today (September 23).

Speaking at the "Enhancing SME's Competitiveness Through e-Commerce Adoption" symposium this morning, Mr Wong said e-commerce not only brought convenience to customers, but also helped businesses expand and create opportunities.

Organised by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, the symposium forms part of the second phase of the "E-Commerce Adoption Campaign" launched in November last year.

"To assist companies overcome obstacles in doing business electronically, such as financial, technical support and information security concerns, the Government has taken forward a full range of measures," said Mr Wong.

To promote awareness of e-commerce and the benefits it brings, various promotional materials including pamphlets, websites and CD-Roms were produced. Free seminars and workshops were organised to provide information and advice.

One-stop information centres have been set up by the Government and other supporting organisations to help companies access relevant resources. A website "Virtual SME Information Centre" (www.sme.gcn.gov.hk) has also been set up for businesses to obtain information online.

This July, the Government injected additional funding of $4.7 million to launch the "IT Easy Link for Business", providing a telephone enquiry service and face-to-face consultations for SMEs when they encounter problems in using IT.

To help companies finance their IT projects, funding schemes tailored for different industries have been set up. These include the Innovation and Technology Fund, the Applied Research Fund and the $1.9 billion SME Funding Schemes.

The Government has also sponsored the "DO IT! Campaign" initiated by the IT industry to help small businesses join the IT and e-commerce revolution by offering them desktop computers at a low cost of $888.

"We are conducting studies on an integrated business entry portal to reorganise and enhance our present web-based services," Mr Wong said, adding that the new measures would be introduced early next year.

Information security is essential for creating a secure e-business environment. Multiple channels such as seminars, exhibitions, publications, websites and radio programmes have been utilised to get the message across.

Mr Wong believed the symposium would provide an opportunity for participants to share experience in adopting e-commerce to lower operating costs and improve efficiency.

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