MOU to foster information technology co-operation with Canada signed

May 22, 1998

Hong Kong and Canada today (Friday) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the two places to foster and promote co-operation and exchange on information and communications technology.

The Secretary for Information Technology and Broadcasting, Mr K C Kwong, representing the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and the Canadian Minister of Industry, the Honourable John Manley, representing Canada, signed the MOU this morning.

Mr Kwong welcomed the signing of the MOU which was the first bilateral arrangement on information and communications technology co-operation that Hong Kong has made with other countries.

"The MOU reflects the mutual interest of both sides in promoting co-operation and exchange on IT. It is a positive step in the further development of the close and long-standing relations between Hong Kong and Canada," he said.

Mr Kwong was speaking after the meeting with the Honourable John Manley and the MOU signing ceremony.

He said: "The MOU focuses on areas of mutual interest for co-operation, such as multimedia and software applications and products, electronic commerce infrastructure and policy, broadband networks and applications, and Internet applications. It will cover a period of five years and can be extended by mutual agreement."

"Canada is advanced in IT development and applications. The signing of the MOU will enable Hong Kong to benefit from the experience and expertise of Canada. This will in turn help us maintain our lead in IT and foster the growth of the local IT industry, "he added.

Mr Kwong noted that representatives of the IT industry of both sides had already met to explore opportunities for joint ventures and co-operation. Both sides are also planning to organise joint activities under the MOU.

Mr Kwong said he looked forward to increasing co-operation with Canada with the signing of the MOU. He indicated that Hong Kong would continue to explore opportunities for similar bilateral arrangements on IT co-operation with other places.

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