Speech by Mr. Stephen Mak, Deputy Government Chief Information Officer, at the Cocktail Reception on the First Participation of French Delegation in ICT Expo
15 - 4 - 2005

Mr. (Serge) Mostura (Note 1), Mr. (Bruno) Cabrillac (Note 2), Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for the opportunity to address you on this happy occasion. Let me first extend a warm welcome to members of the French delegation who travel to Hong Kong to participate in the ICT Expo 2005. I understand this is the first participation of the delegation in the ICT Expo event, and I'm sure you will find Hong Kong has a lot to offer in terms of facilitating business matching, showcasing and adoption of technologies, as well as access to markets, including none other than the Mainland market within such close proximity from here.

You are probably aware that France and Hong Kong signed an MOU on ICT co-operation in March 2002, which provides us a framework and a focal point for collaboration in IT and telecommunications between both our public and private sectors. I am glad that the MOU has borne fruit and numerous exchanges and cooperative activities have taken place under its auspices.

Advances in ICT are shrinking physical distances and bringing people from different parts of the world to work together on subjects of common interest, in a seamless manner wherever and whenever they are. This global connectedness brings with it enormous business opportunities as well as challenges. On the one hand, businesses are no longer facing competition from just their immediate neighbours, and on the other hand they are also no longer limited to cooperation with those in their neighbourhood. In the globally connected world of the 21st century, maintaining an appropriate international angle with a view to collaboration and synergy is a key to success.

I believe that Hong Kong and France could benefit from the common strengths of both places, that is, we are both a technology-oriented government, a strong proponent of application of IT and, more importantly, we both represent huge business opportunities in the area of information technology and communications.

Hong Kong's relatively small size of the ICT market belies its strategic importance. In fact, ICT is fast becoming a major enabler of many of our core economic activities, from financial services, to tourism, logistics and supply chain management, as well as professional and trading services. Recognizing ICT's catalytic effects on our economy, we have put in place a number of key infrastructure facilities and institutions to support the ICT industry and, indirectly, its users in various business sectors. Our wireless and mobile penetration rate has achieved an enviable position by world standards. Relevant projects like the Cyberport, the Science and Technology Parks, and organisations like InvestHK, HK Trade Development Council and Hong Kong Productivity Council come to mind. Our ICT development strategy features strong government leadership, e-government excellence, an infrastructure and business environment that is conducive to technological development, innovation and a vibrant ICT industry. Coupled with the offerings and opportunities afforded by the Hong Kong/Mainland Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) and China's Accession to the WTO, our experience in the Mainland business, bilingual language capability, cultural affinity and geographical proximity, Hong Kong has indeed much to offer to our overseas partners in exploring the local, Mainland and international markets.

I am sure that our collaboration with France under the MOU on ICT will continue to bring benefits to the industries of both places, and I look forward to your continued interest in ICT events in Hong Kong, including the ITU Telecom World 2006 to be hosted by us next year.

Thank you.

Notes :
1. The Consul General of France, Mr. Serge Mostura
2. The French Trade Commissioner, Mr. Bruno Cabrillac

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