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Following is a speech by the Acting Secretary for Information Technology and Broadcasting, Ms Eva Cheng, at the Signing Ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association and the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association today (March 7):

Mr Bouchard, Mr Lau, Mr Barnes, ladies and gentlemen,

I am honored to take part in the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Hong Kong Wireless Technology Industry Association (HKWTIA)and the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) today.

Hong Kong and Canada signed an MOU on ICT co-operation in May 1998, providing 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. The collaboration established between the HKWTIA and CWTA today is yet another major achievement we have made under the MOU.

Canada is a leader in the development of wireless technologies and applications. Hong Kong also leads in the development of wireless applications and services in Asia. We are the first in the region to launch 2.5G services on a pilot basis as early as July 2000, with commercial launch following four months later in November 2000. I believe there is plenty of scope for Canadian and Hong Kong wireless companies to create synergy, and to foster partnership. I am confident that the wireless industry of the two places will benefit from this MOU.

In particular, China's accession to the World Trade Organisation will pose tremendous opportunities for industry players worldwide. China is a vast country with a geographically dispersed population. It has a relatively low mobile penetration rate at around 12 per cent. There is huge potential for the development of wireless technologies and applications for the Mainland market. Hong Kong, with our experience in Mainland business, bilingual language capability, cultural affinity and geographical proximity, has much to offer to our overseas partners in exploring the Mainland market.

Finally, I wish to express my gratitude to Industry Canada for leading the wireless industry delegation to Hong Kong to take part in the Hong Kong Information Infrastructure Expo and Conference. I look forward to hearing many success stories emanating from the collaboration between HKWTIA and CWTA, to be confirmed in the signing of the MOU in a moment. Thank you.

End/Thursday, March 7, 2002

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