The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Clement Cheung, visited the Trade and Industry Department (TID) today (March 24) to learn more about the work of the department and to take the opportunity to meet its staff.

      Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Thomas Chow, Mr Cheung first met with the Director-General of Trade and Industry, Ms Salina Yan, and the directorate staff. He was pleased to learn that the TID is committed to consolidating and enhancing good relations with trading partners, maintaining a fair and stable trade regime, actively participating in international trade organisations and supporting Hong Kong's enterprises.

     Later, Mr Cheung visited the Strategic Trade Controls Branch of the Americas Division. The branch is mainly responsible for providing classification and licensing services for strategic commodities which are subject to import and export control, including munitions items and dual-use goods (i.e. goods that are capable of being used for both civil and military purposes).

     Mr Cheung was also briefed on the work related to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA). On trade in services, he noted from the Hong Kong Service Supplier Certification Section of the Mainland Division how its staff handle the applications of and enquiries about the Hong Kong Service Supplier Certificate, and disseminate related information. The TID had issued over 3 100 certificates to 1 787 enterprises as at the end of February 2017. On trade in goods, he took note that the Certificate of Hong Kong Origin - CEPA Section of the Systems Division provides certification services for goods of Hong Kong origin, including Certificates of Origin (CEPA). As at the end of February 2017, over 147 000 Certificates of Origin (CEPA) had been issued.

     When touring the SME Export Marketing Fund (EMF) Section of the Industries Support Division, Mr Cheung was briefed by staff on the processing of EMF applications and handling of enquiries. The EMF aims to encourage small and medium enterprises to expand their markets outside Hong Kong by providing financial assistance for their participation in export promotion activities. Mr Cheung also toured the Europe Division to get an update on the free trade agreements and investment agreements between Hong Kong and other places.

     Before concluding his visit, Mr Cheung met with staff representatives of various grades at a tea gathering to exchange views on issues of concern. He praised colleagues for their dedication and effort, and encouraged them to continue to facilitate and support the development of trade and industry.

     After assuming the post of Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Cheung has visited 30 departments, including the TID today, to take a closer look at their operations and meet departmental management and staff representatives to step up mutual communication, enhance staff relations and exchange views on human resources management.

Ends/Friday, March 24, 2017
Issued at HKT 17:20

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