Centre for anti-corruption studies to be established
The Independent Commission Against Corruption will set up a centre of anti-corruption studies to pave the way for international exchanges on combating graft, says commissioner Timothy Tong Hin-ming. It will invite experts from the mainland and overseas to carry out studies on anti-corruption regimes.
Government urged to help save small, medium-sized firms
The government should put its resources into saving Hong Kong's small and medium-sized enterprises during the downturn and waive provisional profits tax this year, the Institute of Accountants in Management said. Warning that failure to help struggling small and medium-sized companies - which comprise 98 per cent of firms in Hong Kong - would be disastrous, institute president Albert Law suggested that the government help finance them through preferential shares or convertible bonds in the companies.
HK, mainland customs officials aim to step up co-operation
Hong Kong and mainland customs officials have pledged to step up co-operation on exchanging intelligence and to further co-ordinate their efforts to crack down on smuggling syndicates. At the eighth annual meeting between the directorates of the two departments yesterday, both sides agreed to enhance co-operation to curb smuggling of hi-tech products and trafficking in drugs. They also hope to strengthen liaison.
