Hong Kong delegation to participate in "Tokyo Game Show 2002

A Hong Kong delegation on digital entertainment, to be led by the Deputy Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology (Information Technology and Broadcasting), Mr Alan Siu, will visit Japan from September 19 to 25 to promote Hong Kong's digital entertainment industry in the international market.

Speaking at a media briefing held this afternoon (September 16) announcing details of the visit, Mr Siu said that the delegation would attend the internationally renowned trade fair "Tokyo Game Show 2002" and visit leading digital entertainment companies in Japan. Tokyo Game Show has been described as "the world's greatest festival of games". A total of 75 entities from Japan and other parts of the world will take part in the exhibition this year. Over 1 200 booths will be set up. Around 150 000 visitors are expected.

Hong Kong delegation comprises 25 members, including representatives from the local digital entertainment industry, the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Association, the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). Leading experts in the field from local academic institutions also take part in the trip.

"Hong Kong has good potential to develop digital entertainment. We have set up a Working Group on Digital Entertainment under the Information Infrastructure Advisory Committee was set up earlier this year, with the Hon Sin Chung Kai as the convenor, to advise the Government on how to support the development of local digital entertainment industry. The trip to participate in Tokyo Game Show is a recommendation of the Working Group to promote Hong Kong in overseas market" said Mr Siu.

"Hong Kong will, for the first time, participate in Tokyo Game Show as one of the exhibitors. We will set up a 'Hong Kong Pavilion' to showcase Hong Kong's excellence in digital entertainment," Mr Siu added. The participation in Tokyo Game Show is sponsored by the SME Development Fund.

The HKPC will be responsible for setting up the Hong Kong Pavilion to showcase Hong Kong's capabilities in digital game development and production, as well as animation and visual effects. The Pavilion will provide information about Hong Kong digital entertainment companies to the visitors and will feature digital games developed by local talents.

A short video film featuring the latest development of the local digital entertainment industry and our leading edges in the field has been specially produced to promote Hong Kong during the event. The film will be shown in the Hong Kong Pavilion and will be distributed to visitors in the form of DVD as souvenirs. "The production of the film represents the collective efforts of the local digital entertainment industry to promote Hong Kong. It has incorporated excerpts on digital entertainment productions of a number of local digital entertainment companies and related organizations," Mr Siu further added. The DVD also contains information on a web directory specially developed by the HKTDC on local digital entertainment companies. This will facilitate potential overseas partners to contact local companies. The directory can be accessed through TDC's web site: www.hkenterprise.com.

Mr Siu also added that the Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau will co-host a networking luncheon with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo to update Japanese companies on the development of Hong Kong's digital entertainment industry and to enable their representatives to meet with Hong Kong delegates to explore collaboration opportunities.

In addition, the delegation will also visit leading companies in the digital entertainment field, e.g. Sony Computer Entertainment Co., Microsoft Game Development Department, etc. during their stay in Tokyo for exchange and for exploring business opportunities.

Monday, September 16, 2002

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