2000 Hong Kong SME Award Presentation

The 2000 Hong Kong SME Award was presented today by the Director-General of Industry Francis Ho at the JW Marriott Hotel. Ten companies received honours in the two categories of the Award: New SME and Best Managed SME. (Please refer to the attached list of winners). The top two winners are the Everbright Group Limited for the New SME Gold Award, and Carven Circuits Limited for the Best Managed SME Gold Award.

Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Hong Kong SME Award Denis Lee said at the Awards Presentation, "The recent economic turmoil has brought new challenges to small and medium enterprises (SME). With rapid changes in the operating environment, companies in Hong Kong are reassessing and repositioning themselves in order to stay ahead in the increasingly competitive markets both domestically and abroad. I am pleased to note that these qualities are shared by many of the Award entrants."

Recognising the importance of small and medium enterprises and their contribution to Hong Kong's economy, the Hong Kong SME Award aims to promote the development of SMEs by identifying successful models to spearhead Hong Kong's continued economic growth. The Award, into its second consecutive year, had made innovation and finance its main theme for 2000. It is jointly organised by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and the Hong Kong Productivity Council.　

Mr Lee at the Presentation Ceremony said Hong Kong SME companies are "the lustre of pearl". He explained, "Although small, they are bright. Hong Kong, the Pearl of the Orient, will lose its lustre without the SMEs."

More than 300 guests including those from government and the private sector attended the Award Presentation Ceremony, at which the Organising Committee thanked the Award's sole sponsor, Greenwood Capital Limited for its generous donation, and the support from coorganisers including the Information and Technology Broadcasting Bureau, the Industry Department and the Business and Services Promotion Unit of the Financial Secretary's Office, as well as 16 supporting organisations.

Issued by: Secretariat, Hong Kong SME Award
Enquiries: Dr W K Chan (Tel: 28231293/Fax: 25279843), Assistant Director, Business Policy, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce