Advisory Committee discusses implementation of 2004 Digital 21 Strategy
21 - 10 - 2004

The Digital 21 Strategy Advisory Committee reviewed the progress on the implementation of the programmes and initiatives undertaken by the Government in the 2004 Digital 21 Strategy at its first meeting today (October 21).

Chaired by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology (SCIT), the advisory committee was set up on October 1 to replace the Information Infrastructure Advisory Committee as the highest level government advisory body on IT matters. It advises the Government on IT strategies, programmes and measures to attain and further the goals and objectives set out in the Digital 21 Strategy, the blueprint for information and communications technology development in Hong Kong.

At the meeting, members of the advisory committee noted that the Government had made good progress on the key items under the eight main action areas set out in the Digital 21 Strategy published in March. These include the establishment of the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) on July 1, development of the strategy for the next phase of the e-government programme, completion of public consultations on digital broadcasting, interconnection policy for telecommunications services, the Information Technology Professional Services Arrangement (ITPSA), and enactment of the Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Ordinance 2004.

Members noted that while implementation of the first phase of the e-government programme had brought significant benefits in terms of better access to government services and customer satisfaction, the Government considered it necessary to develop a new vision for the next wave of the e-government programme. Under the new vision, bureaus and departments will endeavour to use IT to provide customer-centric services that promote an accessible, accountable and efficient government and contribute to Hong Kong's achievement as a leading digital city. The OGCIO will lead the implementation of a number of priority initiatives under the next wave of e-government.

Members also noted the progress of the review of the ITPSA, a procurement arrangement that enables government departments to obtain IT professional services on an assignment basis more speedily and effectively. The OGCIO will develop further the proposals for enhancing the existing arrangement in the light of members' advice and suggestions with a view to implementation in 2005.

The advisory committee will meet on a quarterly basis and the next meeting will be held in January 2005.

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