The 2004 Hong Kong EC0-Business Awards Launching Ceremony was held here Monday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

Since its establishment in 1999, this Awards Scheme has introduced various new award categories or re-introduced popular awards each year, depending on the social, economic and environmental changes of the community with the aim of enhancing business sector's continuous momentum in environmental protection.This year, three awards are designed, namely, Green SME Award, Green Construction Contractor Award and Green innovative Practice Award.

Officiating guests included Secretary for Home Affairs of the Hong Kong government Patrick Ho Chi Ping, Chairman of the Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC) Joseph Lee, and Branch Director (Product Productivity) of Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) Stephen Lee. Last year's Business Awards winners were invited to share their experience in environmental management at the ceremony.

The 2004 Hong Kong EC0-Business Awards Scheme is jointly organized by the ECC, The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, theHong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and the HKPC. The winners ofthe Awards will be selected by a three-phase assessment which include preliminary screening, detailed assessment and final judging.

The Wastewi$e Logo was also presented at the Ceremony. The Wastewi$e Logo is jointly organized by the ECC, the HKPC and the Environmental Protection Department to commend and recognize wastereduction efforts of commercial and industrial organizations and to promote waste minimization and recycling.

Established in 1990, the ECC is an umbrella organization with members appointed by the chief executive of the Hong Kong government, with an objective of encouraging and mobilizing peoplefrom all walks of life to contribute to a better environment.

Source: Xinhua