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Following is the speech by the Secretary for Information Technology and Broadcasting, Mr K C Kwong, at the opening ceremony of the 19th Hong Kong Electronics Fair and 3rd electronicAsia today (Tuesday):

Lord Mayor Ude, Mr Wutzlhofer, Dr Ensslin, Mr Sze, Mr Wong, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

I am very pleased to attend the opening ceremony of the 19th Hong Kong Electronics Fair and the 3rd electronicAsia, which is jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Messe Muenchen International of Germany.

The electronics industry is one of Hong Kong's key manufacturing industries. Our total value of electronics export in 1998 stood at around $400 billion, accounting for nearly 30% of Hong Kong's total export. And there are some 800 electronics factories in Hong Kong employing about 25,000 workers, producing a wide range of products, from sophisticated parts and components to electronic watches and clocks as well as other trendy consumer goods. The Hong Kong electronics industry is highly regarded in the world electronics market for its aesthetic design, high product quality, quick market response and competitive pricing.

The electronics industry has made important contributions to our economy. It also has a strategic role to play in our efforts to make Hong Kong a leading digital city in the globally connected world of the 21st century.

The 19th Hong Kong Electronics Fair and the 3rd electronicAsia held this year, together with the related symposia and conferences will no doubt provide a valuable opportunity for businessmen, experts and professionals in the industry to gather together, share ideas and do business. It will also allow us to keep abreast of the latest development in technology in the field of electronics and to have first hand experience in the most advanced products now available in the market.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Messe Munchen International of Germany for their efforts in organising this useful and meaningful event. I am sure that the Fair will be able to bring us innovative ideas and new business opportunities, and we will all benefit from it. And I wish the Fair every success. Thank you.

End/Tuesday, October 12, 1999

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