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Following is the transcript of the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Joseph WP Wong speaking to the media after attending the closing session of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) TELECOM WORLD 2006 Forum this morning (December 8) (English portion):
Reporter: What sort of economic benefits or other benefits has this conference brought to Hong Kong, and what do you think the Government can do in terms of information and communications technology (ICT)?
Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology: Briefly, in terms of economic benefits, we have estimated this would bring about something in the region of $900 million. And we believe we can achieve this estimate, if not exceeding it. For example, our hotel association estimated that the average hotel occupancy rate during this period is about 90% or more, and the revenue from the hotel industry as a result of hosting this exhibition is already about $400 million ... As I mention also previously, there are much more wider benefits to Hong Kong apart from the dollars and cents we earn during this period. For example, this event has highlighted the importance of Hong Kong in organising one of the biggest exhibition and conference events. It has also highlighted the fact that Hong Kong is a very important gateway to China. Indeed, more than that, Hong Kong is also a partner to mainland China in helping the other companies all over the world to enter and to do business in mainland China in so far as ICT is concerned for China is a huge and growing ICT market. All these will no doubt bring much fundamental and much longer-term benefits to Hong Kong.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript)
Ends/Friday, December 8, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:07
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