In Brief
Half of HK computers still plagued by pirated software
More than half of Hong Kong's computers continue to contain pirated software, although the number has dropped by 1 per cent compared with last year, a software piracy watchdog says. The annual survey by the Business Software Alliance showed 53 per cent of the software on personal computers in the city was pirated, considerably higher than the worldwide average of 35 per cent. The alliance said the pirated or unlicensed software in Hong Kong was losing manufacturers US$180 million.
Effective food registration system vital, says health official
An effective importer/supplier registration system is important to promote food safety, a senior health official said in Beijing, addressing the inaugural meeting of the Steering Group on Safe Food Supply to Hong Kong. Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food Carrie Yau Tsang Ka-lai said such a system could help trace the sources of food, identify problematic food earlier, help keep problematic food from entering the food chain and thereby protect public health. She said the government would continue to explore with relevant mainland departments ways to improve the food regulatory system.
Treasury secretary leads financial mission to Beijing
Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Frederick Ma Si-hang will lead a high-level financial services delegation to Beijing this week to promote Hong Kong's financial services and explore further opportunities to improve mutual economic co-operation. The 100-plus delegates include heavyweights from various sectors of the city's financial services industry, including commercial and investment banking, venture capital and private equity, securities, fund management, insurance and financial intermediaries.
Use HK, firms in Fujian urged
Treasury chief Frederick Ma Si-hang urged Fujianese firms to use Hong Kong as a platform for capital formation and global investment, during a visit to Fuzhou and met government officials, and attended the opening of the branch office of a Hong Kong accountancy firm.
