Public consultation set on Digital 21 Strategy review

The Government will conduct a public consultation on the Digital 21 Strategy with a view to further promoting the use and development of information technology in Hong Kong, the Information Infrastructure Advisory Committee (IIAC) was told at its meeting today (October 3).

The Digital 21 Strategy was unveiled in November 1998, with the aim of enhancing and promoting Hong Kong's information infrastructure and services. An update was issued in May 2001, designed to position Hong Kong as a world leader in e-business and digital development. Most of the initiatives set out in the 2001 Strategy have achieved their goals, while the remainder are proceeding on schedule.

To sustain the momentum created in the last five years and to harness the benefits of IT for business, the community and Hong Kong's position in the world, the Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau has conducted a review of the 2001 Strategy.

The public consultation will commence in mid-October and last for two months. The plan is to issue an updated strategy in early 2004.

Following the signing of the annexes of the Mainland/Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement on September 29, the meeting was briefed on the coverage of the IT and telecommunications sector under CEPA and implementation details.

The meeting noted the report of the IIAC Working Group on Digital Entertainment, which contains a set of recommendations to promote the development of the digital entertainment industry.

IIAC members were also briefed on the progress of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Promotion of Wireless Services and Technology, established in July 2003. The group will submit its recommendations to IIAC late this month.

Chaired by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, the IIAC is an advisory body established in August 1998 to advise the Government on how to drive IT development in Hong Kong. The committee comprises three other official members and 15 unofficial members appointed by the Chief Executive from the IT and business sectors and the academic field.

Friday, October 3, 2003

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