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Following is the full text of a speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Industry, Mr CHAU Tak Hay, at the Global e-ID Campaign Official Launch Ceremony of the Hong Kong Article Numbering Association today (February 20) (English only):

Mr Taylor, ladies and gentlemen,

It is my great pleasure to be here today to attend the launch of the Global Electronic Identification Promotion Campaign.

No forward-looking enterprise can afford to ignore the business creation potential of e-commerce. In particular, small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong stand to gain from the expanded global links that come with conducing business the electronic way.

I am therefore delighted to see the official launch of the Global Electronic Identifications Campaign, which is supported by the Government's Innovation and Technology Fund. As a key e-commerce enabler, Global e-ID not only helps to streamline business processes but also facilitates the rapid flow of information in the digital marketplace. Global e-ID represents speed, efficiency and enhanced connectivity. This useful tool will greatly boost the competitiveness of all SMEs engaged in trading activities.

I would like to congratulate the Hong Kong Article Numbering Association (HKANA) for its initiative in organising the Global e-ID Campaign. I am sure that the HKANA's SME Ambassadors Program, which forms a part of this Campaign, will encourage more SMEs to adopt this essential device and contribute further to the growth of e-commerce in Hong Kong.

End/Tuesday, February 20, 2001

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