The Economic & Employment Council Subgroup on Business Facilitation held its fourth meeting today to discuss reports from task forces reviewing regulations on the construction development process and retail trade.

The Pre-construction Task Force is working on simplifying lease conditions and improving the lease modification mechanism. The Retail Task Force is deliberating on the regulations affecting catering, supermarkets and convenience stores and the trade's concerns on the proposed regulatory control of Volatile Organic Compounds.

The Task Force to review the Construction Stage of Development Process under the Provisional Construction Industry Co-ordination Board also briefed the subgroup on the progress of its review and highlighted a work plan comprising six broad priority tasks.

Members were briefed by Government officials on a request by the trade to approve bulkhead doors for vans to facilitate business development and enhance Hong Kong's position as an international logistics hub.

Members also discussed a complaint from the travel services industry regarding the current regulatory scheme.

The Subgroup on Business Facilitation is chaired by General Chamber of Commerce Chairman Anthony Nightingale.