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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mrs Rita Lau, today (April 7) visited Sha Tin to see its social support services and commercial and industrial development, and to get an update on the district.
Mrs Lau first toured a day creche run by the Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council in Tai Wai. Briefed on the services and day-to-day operation of the nursery, Mrs Lau said she was impressed by the comprehensive range of activities designed to enhance the physical, intellectual, language and social development of the babies and toddlers. She also noted that a fee concession was available for needy parents.
Mrs Lau learnt that many parents welcomed the availability of different choices of community services. Apart from day care services for babies under two years old, the creche also provides service by sessions and extended hours to cater for the needs of working parents.
Mrs Lau then visited a company in Fo Tan Industrial Area to understand its product development work and how it was faring in the latest business environment. The company is renowned for its commitment to research and development and its successful application of creativity and innovation. The line of portable refrigerators/cooler bags it developed had won various invention awards. Its inventions have obtained more than 10 international patents and successfully entered global markets.
To cope with the shrinking of overseas markets resulting from the global financial tsunami, the company is now developing an online transaction platform to promote innovative products.
Mrs Lau expressed appreciation for the company founder's sharp market sense and devotion to innovation. She said, ¡§The success of the company has demonstrated the ability of Hong Kong entrepreneurs to apply innovation to create business opportunities.
"Although the two organisations I visited today are involved in totally different fields, I am glad to see they share one important thing in common ¡Vtheir dedication to develop services that meet the needs of users."
Before concluding her visit, Mrs Lau met members of the Sha Tin District Council to exchange views on a wide range of subjects.
Ends/Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:20
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