Opening Speech by Mr K H Lau, Director of Information Technology Services at the 10th Asian IT Expo '99 on 15 - 9 - 1999

Mr. Tong, Mr. Lai, Ladies & Gentlemen,

I am delighted to be here to open this important event. However, I must admit the speed with which developments are taking place in information technology nowadays, opening ceremonies may soon be replaced by virtual reality!

Nevertheless, I can give you a guarantee that at this very moment, I am here in the flesh!

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Asian Information Technology Exhibition. Ever since its inception, the event has provided an overview of the rapidly changing technology landscape. This year the theme - "Showcasing IT Solutions for Better Business in the New Millennium" - aims at giving an insight into comprehensive business solutions. And brings together trade, professional, and business users under one roof.

This dovetails with the Government's "Digital 21" Information Technology Strategy which is designed to enhance and strengthen our information infrastructure and services to make Hong Kong a leading digital city in the globally connected world.

A key initiative of the strategy is to promote the development of electronic commerce in Hong Kong.

We in the government are taking the lead by providing public services via the Internet and other means of electronic access. The tendering exercise for this Electronic Service Delivery scheme is nearing completion and we hope to have the first phase up and running in the latter half of next year. This will cover services provided by some 10 departments and public agencies, including filing salaries tax returns, renewing driving licences, paying government bills, changing address, and many others.

This and other related initiatives of Digital 21 are part of our bid to create a favourable environment for electronic commerce to take hold and flourish in Hong Kong.

However, government action alone is not enough. We need the full support and participation of industries and businesses. This Exhibition and the related conference will enable us to exchange views and experiences, which hopefully will lead to the creation of new business opportunities.

I am sure we will all benefit from the event. It is now my pleasure to declare the 10th Asian IT Expo officially open.

Thank you.

- END -