Hong Kong Small and Medium Enterprises General Association (HKSMEGA) visited the City of Changsha, Hunan Province on a study mission from 23 to 26 May, 2004. At the invitation extended by the People Changsha, the 12-member delegation of HKSMEGA visited anchor enterprises, industrial parks and attended conferences in exchange of viewpoints on economic development, investment and environmental issues. 

The study mission is highlighted by the on-site inspection of Changsha China SME Development Zone (the Zone), a joint project under the aegis of PeopleYutan Town, HKSMEGA and Huaxia SME Club. The Zone, which was launched in May, 2002, is situated in Yutan Town (35 kilometres from City of Changsha) and has a total area of 4 square kilometers. Currently, 26 SMEs have established their plants within the Zone, which is facilitated by core infrastructure and run under Hong Kong management practices.  

As regards environmentalism, the Zone prohibits any pollutive undertakings within. The plant buildings are designed for being eco-friendly and energy-saving. A case in point is the premises occupied by a manufacturer for herbal-medicine packing machinery, known as Chu Tian Hi-tech Company.  The building is a rectangular bungalow with skylights on its roof for natural illumination.  That the sloping sides of the roof meet at different levels gives rise to a gap to facilitate air convection from the top. The lateral ventilation is achieved by symmetrical windows and entrances on parallel but opposite walls.    

To enhance biodiversity and maintain pleasant ergonomic conditions, horticulturists are commissioned to design landscape gardening but keep the terrain intact as much as possible.  While the existing trees are not felled, new varieties are planted to create evergreen, refreshing and wholesome workplaces.  The dissipation of negative ions from the flora boosts morale and efficiency of workers.  

On 24 May, 2004, a discussion session was hosted between the delegation and officials of the Zone.  Mr. Albert Lau, Deputy Head of the Delegation, made some suggestions to turn the Zone into an eco-industrial park:

      To encourage the certification of ISO14000 to be bestowed on the SMEs in the Zone by tax concessions and accolades;

      To disseminate educational information for free in print format and CD-Rom;

      To treat waste water collectively prior to the discharge into the open;

      To set up a watchdog team for walk-about inspection and update on any irregularities and violation of environmental guidelines;

      To promote the environmentalism of the Zone as a buzzword so that SMEs therein benefit from the status of Practitioners of Corporate Social Responsibility;

      To match re-use and recycling industries with existing industries so that the waste materials are reduced to the minimum

HKSMEGA is going to make another study mission to the City of Nanchang, Jiangxi Province in July 2004 in collaboration with PeopleNanchang and Hong Kong Trade Development Council.  A similar eco-industrial park is planned in Nanchang and patterned after the Zone. HKSMEGA will share experience with the authorities for planning and implementation.    

The study mission posed at the entrance of the development zone