Hong Kong and Finland renew MOU on ICT co-operation
28 - 02 - 2005

The Hong Kong SAR Government and the Republic of Finland signed the second Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on co-operation in information and communications technology (ICT) today (February 28).

The MOU was signed by the Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology (Communications and Technology), Mr Francis Ho, and the Consul-General of the Consulate General of Finland, Hong Kong, Mr Pauli Makela at the Hong Kong Design Centre.

The Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr John Tsang, also attended the ceremony to witness the signing of the MOU.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Ho said that the signing marked the beginning of a new phase of closer collaboration between the two governments, particularly in such areas as e-government, wireless technologies and the creative industries.

Hong Kong and Finland first signed an MOU on ICT in January 2000. In the past five years, a lot of collaborative activities were organised between the two places. Regular and mutual visits were arranged every year.

"Through the MOU, Hong Kong has been fostering ties in ICT co-operation with Finland and other countries. The aim is to create synergy and establish mutually beneficial relationship among relevant government agencies and industry organisations.

"This would help enhance ICT development in the respective economies, thereby enhancing our competitiveness and international status in the global knowledge-based economy. The ICT MOU envisages collaboration not only between the two governments, but also among businesses and academic institutions of the two places," Mr Ho said.

Mr Makela said during the ceremony that Hong Kong was one of Finland's largest export markets in Asia, and there were more than 50 Finnish companies in Hong Kong.

"Many Finnish companies have already formed partnerships with Hong Kong and China companies, and the universities in both Mainland and Hong Kong have coordinated exchange training programmes in the area of technology and design.

"The prolongation of the MOU is going to enforce and promote further our relations, partnerships and exchanges of the technology, industries and learning, and guided by the mutual interest and benefit," Mr Makela said.

Under the second MOU, Hong Kong and Finland will foster ICT co-operation in the following areas of common interest:

- delivery of government services on-line;
- multimedia and software applications and products;
- electronic commerce;
- broadband networks and applications;
- Internet application;
- wireless and mobile applications;
- digital broadcasting; and
- IT manpower development.

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