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The Government announced today (January 14) the establishment of a new Steering Committee on Innovation and Technology to further promote the development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong.

The Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology (SCIT), Mr John C Tsang said: "Following the signing of CEPA, the application of zero tariffs on goods and liberisation of the service sectors have created favourable conditions for the development of high-value and high-tech activities in Hong Kong.

"The committee will coordinate the formulation and implementation of innovation and technology policies, and ensure greater synergy among different programmes in promoting priority technology areas where Hong Kong has strength," Mr Tsang said.

The new steering committee will be chaired by the SCIT with members from relevant Government bureaus, academia, industry, and innovation and technology organisations.

Members have been appointed for a period of two years with effect from Monday (January 12). The first meeting of the steering committee will be held next month.

The membership of the steering committee is as follows:

Chairman:

Mr John C Tsang, Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology

Ex-officio members:

Mr Joseph Lee, Chairman of Applied Research Council;

Mr Andrew Leung, Chairman of Hong Kong Productivity Council;

Mr Victor Lo, Chairman of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation;

Mr Allan Wong, Chairman of Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited;

Prof Kenneth Young, Chairman of Research Grants Council;

Prof Arthur Li, Secretary for Education and Manpower;

Mr Francis Ho, Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology (Communications and Technology); and

Mr Anthony Wong, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology

Other Members:

Mr Edward Cheng, Chief Executive of USI Holdings Limited;

Prof Paul C W Chu, President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology;

Dr York Liao, Managing Director of Winbridge Company Limited; and

Prof Tsui Lap-chee, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong.

Following are the committee's terms of reference.

To optimise the impact of the Government's innovation and technology programme and its contribution to Hong Kong's economic development, the Steering Committee will:

a) advise on the formulation of pertinent policies;

b) determine focuses and priorities;

c) ensure effective alignment, coordination and synergy among the stakeholders;

d) review, where necessary, the institutional arrangements for effective policy and programme implementation; and

e) advise on the allocation of resources among major elements of the innovation and technology programme to optimise their utilisation.

Ends/Wednesday, January 14, 2004

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