"Retail Technology Adoption Assistance Scheme for Manpower Demand Management" Opens for Application

To alleviate the manpower shortage problem of the retail industry, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau today (1 December 2014) launched a $50-million "Retail Technology Adoption Assistance Scheme for Manpower Demand Management" (ReTAAS) in partnership with the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) to help the industry to adopt relevant information and communications technology and other technologies to enhance productivity and manage manpower demand. HKPC is the Secretariat of the Scheme.
 
Mr Godfrey Leung, the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, and Dr Clement Chen, Chairman of HKPC, officiated at the launching ceremony today. 
 
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Mr Leung said: "ReTAAS supports two industries in one go.  It alleviates the manpower shortage faced by the funded enterprises, and creates a demonstration effect to other enterprises with similar retail operations. As the scheme also encourages technology adoption, it also fosters the development of the technology industry."
 
He said that ReTAAS is one of the three pillar measures that support the manpower development of the retail industry, for which the Government has set aside $130 million. The other two pillars are the Earn and Learn Pilot Scheme for the Retail Industry, and the forthcoming promotion campaign for the industry. The measures will enhance the professionalism of the retail industry.
 
The HKSAR Government set up the Task Force on Manpower Development of the Retail Industry to study the outlook of the retail industry and its manpower demand and supply in 2013. In the Budget Speech of this year, the Government announced the acceptance of the Task Force’s recommendations. A sum of $130 million was allocated for their implementation.
 
Dr Chen said, "Facing the challenges of rising operation costs and labour shortages, local retailers can utilize technologies to improve business operation and eliminate tedious tasks, thus reduces staff turnover. In addition to actively supporting the retail sector to enhance service standards, HKPC also has rich experience in implementing Government funding schemes like the BUD Fund and the Cleaner Production Partnership Programme. Being the Secretariat of ReTAAS, HKPC will strive to assist the industry to widely adopt applied technologies and enhance practitioners’ productivity."
 
All non-listed companies registered in Hong Kong under the Business Registration Ordinance (Chapter 310) with substantive retail business operations in Hong Kong are eligible to apply for support from ReTAAS. Funding would be provided on a matching basis, i.e. the Government will cover a maximum of 50% of the total approved project cost (or $50,000 whichever is lower), and the applicant has to contribute no less than 50% of the total approved project cost in cash. 
 
Each enterprise may obtain funding for a maximum of two approved projects, subject to a cumulative ceiling of funding support of $50,000. Each funded project should be completed within six months.  
 
ReTAAS is now open for application. Applications will be considered on a first-come-first-served basis by a dedicated vetting committee. The Scheme will remain open for application until funding is fully committed. 
 
For more information about ReTAAS, please visit the website: www.retaas.hkpc.org, or contact the programme secretariat at tel. (852) 2788 6262, or email: retaas_sec@hkpc.org. For other media enquiries, please contact Chloe Chau of HKPC at tel. (852) 2788 6158 or email: chloechau@hkpc.org.
 
* * *
 
Mr Jonathan Ho
General Manager
Corporate Communications
Tel: (852) 2788 6390
Fax: (852) 2788 5056
Email: jonathanho@hkpc.org
Website: www.hkpc.org
 
1 December 2014
 
Mr Godfrey Leung, Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (right), and Dr Clement Chen, Chairman of HKPC, officiated at the launching ceremony of “Retail Technology Adoption Assistance Scheme for Manpower Demand Management” (ReTAAS).
Mr Godfrey Leung, Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (right), and Dr Clement Chen, Chairman of HKPC, officiated at the launching ceremony of "Retail Technology Adoption Assistance Scheme for Manpower Demand Management" (ReTAAS). 
 
The
The "Retail Technology Adoption Assistance Scheme for Manpower Demand Management" is open for application. Officiating guests pose for a group photo at the launching ceremony.  
 
 
 

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