CE speaks at the gala opening of Entertainment Expo Hong Kong 2006 (English only) (with photo)
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Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the gala opening of the Entertainment Expo Hong Kong 2006 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (March 20) (English only):

Mr Woo, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the opening of the second Entertainment Expo Hong Kong.

By all accounts, last year's Expo was a resounding success, bringing together, for the first time, a range of events to showcase our entertainment industry and the creative talent of Asia's world city. I am sure that Expo 2006 will be an even bigger success, and that our Entertainment Expo will become a 'must attend' event for all those involved in the movie, digital entertainment, animation and music industries - not just in Asia, but around the world.

In this era of communications convergence, creative industries are coming into their own as economic drivers. Harvard economist Richard Caves has described the creative industries as 'contracts between art and commerce'. Our Entertainment Expo embodies that description and, in addition, serves as a platform to generate economic value for all those taking part.

In the course of the Expo, both contacts – contracts - will be made. The event provides a wonderful opportunity for people in the industry - from movie and music lovers, to digital entertainment entrepreneurs and, perhaps, even future Oscar winners - to look for new talent, investment, business partners, and artistic experience. This is made possible by the diversity of events on offer - trade fair, financing forum, film festival and award ceremonies, to name a few. These exciting activities reinforce our goal to become Asia's media and entertainment hub.

I thank the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and other organisers and participants, for their creativity and vision in getting the Expo up and running in such fine and professional fashion. You have done Hong Kong proud.

Ladies and gentlemen, I wish you all success at Expo 2006. Have a great time tonight, and make sure you come back and see us again for Entertainment Expo 2007.

Thank you.

Ends/Monday, March 20, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:51

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