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Following is a speech (English only) by the Secretary for Information Technology and Broadcasting, Mrs Carrie Yau, at the Opening of Cable and Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) 2001 Convention today (November 28):

Mr Fenez, Mr Brown, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

I am honoured to be invited to the opening of CASBAA 2001. CASBAA is the most well-established electronic media industry association in Asia. I am delighted that CASBAA has chosen to meet in Hong Kong. We are, as always, a great place for doing business. And more so in times of uncertainty and threatened security. Hong Kong has an excellent record of being a free, efficient and safe city.

But I also believe that CASBAA is meeting here because we play a key role as a regional broadcasting hub and the most logical entrance to WTO's new member - Mainland China. Hong Kong is an ideal location for regional broadcasters. With our first-class telecommunications infrastructure, a clear and updated regulatory framework for broadcasting, freedom of speech and of the press, rule of law, Hong Kong stands to benefit from the expansion of broadcasting in Asia. At present, we have 12 television service providers providing satellite services for the region including the Mainland. Eight are new licensees who have obtained their licences within the last seven months. I am also glad to see the recent cooperation between Hong Kong-based broadcasters and their Mainland counterparts. China's own estimate predicts an annual economic growth rate of seven per cent up to 2005, with a total GDP of US$1.5 trillion. It is a market no broadcaster can afford to miss.

The theme of CASBAA 2001 - "Digital Roadmap: innovation....focus...profit" - is apt and timely. With interactivity that digital technology permits, a range of innovative services will sprout. The private sector is best placed to focus on the service that will eventually bring in the profits. However, I know that visibility is rather low in the current climate and investors and broadcasters face fairly unprecedented challenges. Which is the most appropriate delivery platform? What is the right mix of content - local and foreign, one-way and interactive? Where is the synergy for TV and broadband? Such difficult issues. But thanks to CASBAA, they have lined up experts and market players here to share with us their insight.

The focus of the Hong Kong SAR Government is to maintain a conducive business environment for broadcasters to maximise their chances of success. We have introduced a technology-neutral broadcasting regulatory regime to encourage the adoption of the latest technology and innovative services. We have updated our broadcasting law to include fair competition provisions to ensure a level playing field. We encourage local broadcasters to digitise. Exciting developments are in the pipeline. Broadcasters will be able to make use of the new Broadcasting Satellite Service platform in 2002. We will also finalise our plan for Digital Terrestrial Television in the first half of next year. I am sure we will learn a lot in the next few days on how we can do more to facilitate your business in Asia.

I wish you all a very fruitful Convention and have a great time in charting the digital roadmap.

Thank you!

End/Wednesday, November 28, 2001

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