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Local enterprises can apply for the Mainland's "Computer Information System Integration (SI) Qualification Certification" in Hong Kong from January 1, 2005. Enterprises that have obtained the certification will be eligible to provide computer SI services in the Mainland.
The arrangement is one of the liberalisation measures under the second phase of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA II) announced on August 27 this year.
Under CEPA II, Hong Kong service suppliers will be allowed to apply for the Mainland's qualification certification in computer SI services in accordance with the relevant regulations and rules promulgated by the Mainland.
The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) organised a briefing session in Hong Kong today (December 17) to announce the arrangement. Officials from the Ministry of Information Industry (MII) of the Central People's Government were present to explain the arrangement details to the local information technology (IT) industry.
Speaking at the briefing, the Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Alan Wong Chi-kong, said that the OGCIO had discussed with the MII the differences in the business environment and mode of operation of the local and the Mainland's IT enterprises and come up a set of arrangements specifically for Hong Kong.
A one-year transitional period will be introduced to allow local enterprises to obtain the qualification certification. Certain assessment criteria, such as the number of IT professional staff and company assets and capital, will be relaxed.
The OGCIO will take up the role as the management body of the qualification scheme in Hong Kong.
According to the regulations promulgated by the MII, computer information system integration refers to the overall planning, design, development, implementation and maintenance of computer application system and network system projects.
Enterprises offering SI services in the Mainland are required to obtain SI qualification certification, which is divided into four levels of capability representing the types and magnitude of projects that enterprises with the respective qualifications are able to take up, with level one as the highest level.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has recommended the Hong Kong Productivity Council set up an assessment centre in Hong Kong to process applications for levels 3 and 4 of the certification during the transitional period.
Enterprises which have obtained level 3 qualification can independently take up projects of a small and medium scale, and jointly take up projects of a large scale; while those with Level 4 qualification can independently take up projects of a small scale and jointly take up projects of medium scale.
Mr Wong encouraged Hong Kong enterprises to grasp the opportunities offered by the transitional period and participate in the qualification scheme. He said he hoped that qualified enterprises would actively take part in computer information SI projects in the Mainland.
Mr Wong said that CEPA was a continuous arrangement. The HKSAR Government will maintain close liaison with the Mainland Government and the local industry to explore the possibilities of including more measures in the arrangement, and expanding business opportunities for Hong Kong and the Mainland in a mutually beneficial manner.
For details of the application process, please visit the website http://www.ogcio.gov.hk/eng/pubpress/eogciosic.htm, or contact the OGCIO at 2189 2316 or by e-mail si-cert-office@ogcio.gov.hk.
Ends/Friday, December 17, 2004
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