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The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, addressed over 300 guests at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) Annual Dinner tonight (November 3, UK Time) in London.
Mr Tang introduced to the audience Hong Kong's determination to turn the challenges of the international financial crisis into new opportunities through a more diversified economy. He highlighted the six new industries that would have the potential of broadening our economic base and promoting sustainable growth.
Mr Tang updated the guests on the ambition and progress of the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) project. He emphasised the importance of developing cultural software in the areas of content, audience building and education to support the WKCD development. Mr Tang believed that Hong Kong possessed all the necessary elements to grow its cultural and creative industries to a scale that could match the UK in terms of contribution to the overall economy.
The dinner was attended by political and business leaders, UK Government officials, diplomats and foreign media. The UK guest of honour was Minister of State for the Armed Forces Bill Rammell.
On the second day of his official visit to London, Mr Tang also visited the South Bank Centre, Europe's largest centre for the arts with a number of artistic venues. He was given a detailed briefing on the overall planning of comprehensive arts and culture facilities on South Bank, in particular measures taken to facilitate the public's access to arts and culture. He also visited the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Royal Opera House to understand their experience in facility management and how these institutions bring arts education to the community.
Earlier at a lunch meeting, Mr Tang briefed members of the Hong Kong Association Committee on related issues about Hong Kong.
Ends/Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Issued at HKT 08:21
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