The project is spearheaded by the Hong Kong Software Industry Association (HKSIA) and involves setting up an e-marketplace where SMEs can choose from a range of ICT services and products.

A press statement said the online project was borne out of the fact that SMEs are still having difficulty getting funding for their ICT investments. This is despite the fact that Hong Kong is one of the dynamic economies in Asia with open market policies and ready infrastructure.

Through the e-marketplace, ICT suppliers can bid for projects of SMEs and SMEs can adopt some of the latest technologies they need to boost their business. Some of these latest technologies that can be beneficial to SMEs include cloud computing, VoIP and videoconferencing.

"The e-Marketplace creates an environment that allows SMEs to identify the ICT solutions that will most benefit their particular needs. At the same time, the portal also gives them access to service providers that can provide the technical skills and expertise they need to customise these solutions to their exacting needs. It also provides the local ICT community a far more accessible market to sell their services and expertise," said Duncan Chiu, chairman, HKSIA.