LCQ19: Information technology strategies

Following is a question by the Hon Sin Chung-kai and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Henry Tang, in the Legislative Council today (July 9):

Question:

"2001 Digital 21 Strategy: Hong Kong Connecting the World" was launched in May 2001, and the target completion dates of most of the tasks were scheduled by or before the end of this year. It is learnt that other countries and regions have also launched their medium-to-long-term blueprints for the development of information technology (IT), such as the "e-Taiwan Plan" of Taiwan, the "e-Korea Vision 2006" of South Korea and the "Connected Singapore" of Singapore. These plans are scheduled for completion in around 2006 or 2007. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) whether it will review the effectiveness of the implementation of the IT strategies; if so, of the timetable of and the criteria for the review;

(b) whether it will launch new medium-to-long-term IT strategies and consult the public and the IT sector when drawing up these strategies; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

(c) as other countries and regions are actively implementing their IT strategies and are striving to position themselves as leaders in the strategies concerned, what policies and measures the authorities have to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness in IT, so as to accomplish the long-term vision, set by the Chief Executive in 1997, of Hong Kong becoming "a leader and not a follower in the information world of tomorrow"?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a) The Government is reviewing the effectiveness of the implementation of the Digital 21 Strategy (the Strategy) launched in May 2001. We will assess and review the progress of implementing the initiatives in the five key result areas under the Strategy and whether the objectives set in the Strategy have been achieved. The review is expected to be completed within this year.

(b) After reviewing the implementation of the Strategy, we will revise the Strategy with a view to driving the development of information technology (IT) in Hong Kong. In September 2003, we will consult the Information Infrastructure Advisory Committee, the IT sector as well as relevant bodies on the direction, focus and major initiatives, etc. of the new Strategy. We will take into account the public views received when formulating the new Strategy, which will be released in early 2004.

(c) The Government has all along been committed to promoting IT development in Hong Kong. The first "Digital 21" Information Technology Strategy launched in 1998 aimed at enhancing the information infrastructure and services in Hong Kong. The Strategy was revised in 2001 with a view to developing Hong Kong into a leading e-business community and a digital city, building on the foundation Hong Kong had established for the use of IT. We will continue to actively promote IT development in the territory, so as to develop Hong Kong into a leading digital city and enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness through the application IT. The specific policies and initiatives will be announced in the 2004 Digital 21 Strategy, which will be formulated after the public consultation later this year.

Wednesday, July 9, 2003

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