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Following is a speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the Opening Ceremony of ITU Telecom World 2006, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (December 3):(English only)
Chairman Wu, Secretary General, Professor Yunus, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
A very warm welcome to you all. We are extremely honoured that the International Telecommunication Union has given Hong Kong the privilege of hosting ITU TELECOM WORLD 2006. The honour is amplified because this is the first TELECOM WORLD ever held outside Geneva. And we are particularly delighted by the presence of Chairman Wu at the Opening Ceremony this evening. It highlights the importance of TELECOM WORLD 2006 to China.
Less than two years from now, Beijing, our national capital will proudly stage the 2008 Olympic Games. But this week, we are thrilled to be hosting the Olympics of the telecom industry, ITU TELECOM WORLD. This prestigious international mega-event bears special significance for us. It is one of the largest trade shows ever held in Hong Kong. It brings not only tremendous economic benefit to Hong Kong and the Mainland of China, but also new business opportunities. It underlines Hong Kong's unique position as a global hub for information and communication technology (ICT). It reinforces our position as an international events capital, a leading digital city, and Asia's World City.
Hong Kong may be small in size, but we are the 11th largest trading economy in the world, as well as an international financial and logistics hub. Our advanced ICT infrastructure plays a pivotal role in this. Broadband networks cover virtually all commercial and residential buildings in Hong Kong, with a household penetration rate of 67%. Three-quarters of those families can choose between two or more broadband networks. Meanwhile, our 3G broadband mobile networks are being upgraded to 3.5G standard.
The Economist Intelligence Unit ranked Hong Kong second in the Asia-Pacific region this year in terms of e-readiness. We have a fully liberalised ICT market. All investment is market-driven. The industry is wholly privatised, and we have no foreign ownership restrictions.
Liberalisation of the market has generated healthy competition. Hong Kong offers the world's most affordable Internet connection and mobile service, according to an ITU survey last year. This has resulted in Hong Kong becoming a forerunner in the adoption of triple-play service, a single broadband network providing telephony, television and Internet access. Triple-play service promotes media convergence, and is very popular in Hong Kong. Our mobile penetration rate is 130%, among the highest in the world. With these achievements, Hong Kong ranks fifth in the world in the ITU's Digital Opportunity Index.
ICT has boosted our productivity, generated economic gains and improved the quality of life for Hong Kong people. We are not complacent. In the years ahead, we will focus on digital inclusion programmes among small and medium-sized enterprises as well as citizens with special needs.
Hong Kong's advantages on the digital front are magnified many times by our unique position as the premier gateway to China, the world's largest ICT market. It makes us the ideal place for companies with an eye on the market in the Mainland of China to showcase their excellence and network with potential business partners. Situated at the doorstep of Mainland China, Hong Kong possesses plenty of management talent with intimate knowledge of the language and business culture there. We are also blessed with more than a century of a close trading relationship with the Mainland of China. With the reliable, high-capacity telecommunications connections between Hong Kong and the Mainland of China, setting up regional operations in Hong Kong is the logical first step to entering the Mainland market. So far, over 3,800 overseas companies have done just that, and the number is growing steadily.
Hong Kong has a population of 7 million and per capita GDP exceeding US$25,000. This makes us an attractive market for investment in our own right. Our population is educated and receptive to new technology. We are strong in innovative applications. ICT products and services using new technology command a keen following in Hong Kong. We welcome investors from all over the world to participate in our ICT market.
Awarding Hong Kong the right to host ITU TELECOM WORLD 2006 was a vote of confidence in Hong Kong's expertise and China's role in the international arena. We successfully hosted ITU TELECOM ASIA in 2000 and 2002, and the Sixth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization a year ago. We are determined to make ITU TELECOM WORLD 2006 a resounding success.
Ladies and gentlemen, I have mentioned the convenience that Hong Kong offers as an international digital city. Over the next few days, you will also enjoy our excellent convention and exhibition facilities, our efficient transportation network, our warm hospitality and the vibrancy of this city. As the host city for ITU TELECOM WORLD 2006, as Asia's World City, we promise you a most memorable stay.
Thank you very much.
Ends/Sunday, December 3, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:37
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