FS' speech at opening ceremony of Business of Design Week 2009 (English only)(with photos/ video)

FS' speech at opening ceremony of Business of Design Week 2009 (English only)(with photos/ video)
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     Following is the speech delivered by the Financial Secretary, Mr John C Tsang, at the opening ceremony of the Business of Design Week 2009 held at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai, this (December 3) morning:

Victor (Lo), Marc (Fonbaustier), Bruno (Durieux), Fred (Lam), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning to you all.

     I am delighted to join you here this morning for the opening of the Business of Design Week Forum.

     First of all, a very warm welcome to all our visitors, particularly our friends from France, the partner country for this year's forum.

     A wise man once said, and I quote: "Creativity is the generation of new ideas...innovation is the successful exploitation of new ideas...design is what links creativity and innovation."

     These three elements work together in transforming good ideas into useful and practical products for users and customers.  And hopefully make a bit of a profit at the same time.

     Creativity, innovation and design lie at the heart of Hong Kong's competitive edge, and hold the key to our business success.  In June this year, we took the important step of setting up a dedicated office called Create Hong Kong, to integrate and realign resources to boost the development of creative industries generally in Hong Kong.

     Every creative idea needs resources to become reality.  With this in mind, we have launched the $250-million DesignSmart Initiative to finance projects and infrastructure that help promote the wider use of design and branding in Hong Kong.  We also have the $300-million CreateSmart Initiative to finance creative industries and projects.  And the Government provides staunch support to the Hong Kong Design Centre, which serves as a focal point for the promotion of design here.

     Since 2002, the Business of Design Week (BODW) has become a signature event for the design and creative industries.  It provides an important platform for designers of the world to exchange information and ideas on the latest innovation, design and branding trends.

     Renowned designers and successful CEOs from around the world attend this forum to share their insights.  Again this year, we have a strong line-up of over 100 distinguished speakers.

     Every year, BODW partners with a different country to provide a spotlight focus for learning, sharing and networking.  We are delighted to have France as our partnering country this year.

     Hong Kong and France have a long and deep relationship.  Just last month, I attended another joint venture with France in the form of the Wine and Dine Festival.  That was a three-day event held against the backdrop of scenic Victoria Harbour that attracted a crowd of some 70,000 people.  We also have the annual Le French May, which is a spectacular celebration of French flair and artistic creativity.

     The BODW provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the latest designs from France and around the world, as well as understand and debate the driving forces behind the industry.

     Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your continued support of this important event, and congratulations to the Hong Kong Design Centre and its supporting partners for organising such an inspiring forum.

     I wish the event every success, and all our visitors an enjoyable stay in Hong Kong.

     Thank you very much.

Ends/Thursday, December 3, 2009
Issued at HKT 10:40

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