The members appointed will serve for two years with effect from December 15, 2002.

The new SMEC comprises 26 members with Chan Wing-kee re-appointed as the chairman. Other members of the Committee include small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operators, businessmen, bankers, academics, representatives from organizations which provide support services to SMEs, director general of trade and industry and deputy secretary for commerce, industry and technology (commerce and industry).

The SMEC, established in 1996, is tasked with advising the chief executive on issues affecting the development of SMEs in Hong Kong and making suggestions on measures to support and facilitate their development and growth.

Henry Tang, secretary for commerce, industry and technology of the Hong Kong SAR, thanked the chairman and members of the new SMEC for accepting this important and challenging task.

"Accounting for 98 percent of all local enterprises and employing 60 percent of employees in the private sector, SMEs are the pillar of the Hong Kong economy," Tang said.

"I am confident that, under the able chairmanship of Mr. Chan Wing-kee, the new SMEC will live up to public expectations and continue to provide the government with excellent advice on the development of SMEs in Hong Kong," he added.

(Xinhua News Agency December 13, 2002)