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The Trade Department will extend the scope of the electronic data interchange (EDI) service to cover the Certificate of Origin and Production Notification later this year, and more trade documents in the near future.

This is one of the commitments set out in the Trade Department's new performance pledge programme announced today (Monday).

Other improved pledges include shortening the processing time of Outward Processing Arrangement from four to three working days; and quicker processing of the applications of Registration of Local Appointed Agent.

Announcing the latest version of performance pledge programme, the Deputy Director-General of Trade, Mr Edward Yau said: "The Government is committed to the wider use of EDI service in Hong Kong's business community as a means to enhance its efficiency and competitiveness."

"Since its launching in 1996, the EDI service has provided a speedy and convenient service to traders for submission of applications for restrained textiles export licence (RTEL). Starting from 1999, RTEL applications can only be submitted through EDI.

"Our plan to extend the coverage of EDI service will certainly help to facilitate our traders and maintain Hong Kong's competitiveness." Mr Yau said.

Reviewing the department's performance in meeting the pledge targets last year, Mr Yau said more than 150 surveys were conducted at intervals randomly selected by computer to check whether the standard of our services met the pledge targets. The surveys revealed that over 99% of the applications for licences and registrations have been processed within the pledged time.

"The processing time for a number of restrained textiles export licences at the end of the year was nonetheless longer. This was partly due to the change in certification and licensing requirements and procedures, and partly due to a sudden upsurge of applications near the year end," said Mr Yau.

"We have reviewed the position and have taken appropriate actions to ensure the performance targets will be met in future." Mr Yau added.

During 1998, the department received four substantiated or partially substantiated complaints out of a total of about 1.8 million applications processed. All complaints were properly followed up.

The department also continued to gear up its facilities to meet the needs of the trading community.

In the past year, the department's home page (http://www.info.gov.hk/trade) was further enriched with the addition of the quota holders' list, textiles controls registration list, apparel quota utilisation report, and hyperlinks to many related web sites.

"Up-to-date trade information, including circulars issued from time to time by the Trade Department, is now only a few mouse clicks away from our traders. We are also proud to see that our home page has become one of the most popular government web sites." Mr Yau said.

"In a bid to further improve our service, we opened our second Customer Service Centre in April 1998. The delivery of quality licensing service under a business friendly environment has been well received by traders. Plan is in hand to open more customer service centres in 1999.

"The Department strives to achieve professional excellence and quality service. We welcome feedback and suggestions to help us serve our customers better." Mr Yau said.

Copies of the Trade Department Performance Pledge 1999 booklet printed in English and Chinese versions are now available for collection by members of the public from the information counter of the Trade Department at 700 Nathan Road, ground floor, Trade Department Tower, Mong Kok.

End/Monday, March 22, 1999

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