The Business and Services Promotion Unit (BSPU) of the Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau oversees the implementation of the Helping Business Programme and coordinates the Government's efforts in services promotion. The Helping Business Programme, launched in 1996, aims to create a more business-friendly environment and to maintain Hong Kong's position as the best place in the world for business. A Business Advisory Group, chaired by the Financial Secretary, provides a forum for identifying problems encountered by the business sector in the Government's operations and for recommending solutions. The group comprises 14 leading members of the business community and four Principal Officials of the Government. It meets quarterly to take forward the programme under four main strands of activities to cut government red tape and eliminate over-regulation; reduce costs of compliance to business; introduce new and improved services; and transfer public services to the private sector where appropriate market conditions prevail. The BSPU is responsible for the first three strands of activities.

    The BSPU works closely with government bureaux and departments to identify opportunities for improving government operations and services and to implement initiatives to help business. During the year, 10 studies and projects under the Helping Business Programme were completed and some 50 recommendations identified. Departments implemented more than 30 specific measures, including streamlining the procedures and reducing the processing time for registration and licensing of pharmaceutical products; introducing bulk billing functionality for rates and government rent; applying information technology to re-engineer the processing and issue of environmental-related licences and permits; relaxing restrictions to give light refreshment restaurants greater flexibility in selling food items; and launching a web-based one-stop advisory centre to provide the concerned trades with all the necessary information relating to cargo clearance matters. The BSPU is making continuous efforts to engender a helping business culture and mindset among civil servants by pursuing the Helping Business Awards Schemes, conducting talks, participating in exhibitions and promoting the Helping Business Programme.

    On services promotion, the Government's role is to ensure that the right policies and programmes are in place to facilitate the growth and development of the services sector. In 2002, the BSPU coordinated the efforts of relevant bureaux and departments in the implementation of 12 projects such as identifying appropriate measures to support the development of the digital entertainment industry and fostering the role of Hong Kong as a leading maritime centre. All of these initiatives were progressing well.

    As part of the Services Promotion Programme, the BSPU launched a series of publicity activities to enhance local understanding of the importance of quality service. These included the production of a television Announcement in the Public Interest and the launching of a publicity campaign for youngsters. The objective of the campaign is to build up young people's confidence in Hong Kong's economic future and promote their understanding of a knowledge-based services economy.

    The BSPU was also active in promoting professional services. A major initiative during the year was setting up the $100 million Professional Services Development Assistance Scheme to provide funding support for projects which aim to enhance the external competitiveness and standard of Hong Kong's professional services. The unit has also developed a website to help promote Hong Kong professional services to Mainland enterprises. The unit will continue to coordinate the efforts of government bureaux and departments in helping the professional services sector to grasp the business opportunities arising from Beijing's hosting of the 2008 Olympic Games.