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The HKSAR Government has always supported the development of design and innovation in Hong Kong, the Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Mr Eddy Chan, said today (June 17).
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Reinventing with Design 2009 Conference, Mr Chan said that following the launch of the $250-million DesignSmart Initiative in 2004, which provides funding support for valuable projects such as Reinventing with Design, the Government had recently set up a new office, Create Hong Kong, to co-ordinate efforts and resources among different bureaux and departments and to work closely with creative industries to drive their development.
"With a dedicated office, the Government believes that it can more effectively respond to industries' demands and better serve the trade through this one-stop-shop service," he added.
Furthermore, a commitment of $300 million has been approved for a new CreateSmart Initiative to provide funds for projects that support the development of creative industries which are not covered by existing funding.
"This will provide broader and more comprehensive financial support for the development of creative industries in Hong Kong," Mr Chan said.
With a conducive environment provided by the Government, and with the efforts of all the stakeholders, in particular the Hong Kong Design Centre, Mr Chan said he was confident that the efforts and investments would pay dividends.
The conference, themed "Reinventing Industries in the Pearl River Delta", will help local businesses and designers grasp state-of-the-art design practices and innovation management, and bring insights in reinventing the "world's factory" for better competitiveness and sustainability.
Ends/Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Issued at HKT 12:16
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