SCED opens ICT Elite Forum for Shanghai Expo (with photos)
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     Key players in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector from Hong Kong and Shanghai joined the ICT Elite Forum on green technology in Shanghai today (September 14).

     Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Mrs Rita Lau attended the opening ceremony of the event, which is an HKSAR programme for Expo 2010 Shanghai China (Shanghai Expo).

     The forum is a highlight of ICT Week@Expo staged by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited from September 13 to 16. The theme of green technology echoes the overall Expo theme, "Better City, Better Life", and promotes Shanghai's stated goal of staging a "low-carbon Expo".

     Addressing the opening of the forum this morning, Mrs Lau said governments, academia and businesses around the world are increasingly aware of the importance of striking a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability.

     "Developing green technology is both an environmental protection policy and an industry policy," Mrs Lau said.

     "In light of global environmental challenges, those who rise up to the trend of green technology with vision will hold the key to unlimited business opportunities."

     Mrs Lau and the Vice Mayor of Shanghai, Mr Shen Xiaoming, also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited and Shanghai Yang Pu Centre Development Company Limited (Shanghai Knowledge and Innovation Community, or KIC) to enhance co-operation.

     Another highlight of ICT Week@Expo is the Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Showcases (DES) to promote exchanges among young creative talent from Hong Kong and the Mainland. DES also demonstrates Hong Kong's creativity in digital entertainment.  Winning entries of two DES contests, "Geeks: Hong Kong Digital Game Development Competition 2010" and "Gags: Amazing Cities Animation Competition", will be on display at the KIC from September 16 to 29.

     A Shanghai-Hong Kong Digital Entertainment Showcases Forum will also be held on Thursday (September 16) to enable digital entertainment practitioners to share their expertise and experiences.

     During ICT Week, the Hong Kong delegation will take part in a series of exchange activities, including visits to Shanghai Expo and enterprises in Shanghai, and touring the KIC to learn how the project helps drive the growth of a knowledge-based economy in Shanghai.

     For more details of Hong Kong's participation in Shanghai Expo, please visit: www.hkexpo2010.gov.hk.

Ends/Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:32

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