The Government today announced appointments to the Small & Medium Enterprises Committee, which advises the Chief Executive on issues affecting SMEs' development in Hong Kong and suggests ways to support their growth.

The 27 appointments are for the period January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008.

Yu Kwok-chun will chair the group. Other committee members include businesspeople, professionals, bankers, academics, representatives from organisations that provide support to SMEs, the Director-General of Trade & Industry and the Deputy Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology (Commerce and Industry).

Chief Executive Donald Tsang thanked the Chairman and committee members for accepting this important task.

"SMEs are the backbone of Hong Kong's economy," Mr Tsang said. He added the committee has made important contributions to supporting local SMEs over the years. He expressed confidence that the new committee would continue to provide valuable advice on the development of SMEs in Hong Kong.

"The Government will work closely with the committee to formulate policies that cater to the needs of SMEs in Hong Kong," he said.

He also thanked outgoing Chairman Chan Wing-kee, and other outgoing members for their valuable advice.