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About 30 departments that issue licences, and jointly with the Efficiency Unit and the Economic Analysis and Business Facilitation Unit, are taking forward the "Be the Smart Regulator" Programme to further improve licensing processes and the business environment.
A Government spokesman said today¡@(February 14) the objective of the programme was to improve the efficiency, transparency and business-friendliness of Hong Kong's licensing regime with the aim of reducing compliance costs to the business sector.
Representatives of the departments involved recently met to discuss the implementation details of various improvement measures, including setting up business liaison groups and providing clear licensing guides. During the meeting, the Financial Secretary, Mr Henry Tang, urged departments to work together to take forward the "Be the Smart Regulator" Programme in order to further enhance the business environment and competitiveness of Hong Kong.
In late 2006, the Efficiency Unit and the Economic Analysis and Business Facilitation Unit co-organised a number of focus group meetings with the operators of some business sectors to explore ways to further streamline Hong Kong's licensing system. After consideration of the views of the business community, the Government launched the "Be the Smart Regulator" Programme to further improve the licensing processes.
Ends/Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:01
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