HK and Japan forge closer ties on IT co-operation

Hong Kong and Japan today (March 23) signed their first 'arrangement on co-operation' which will lead to closer ties being forged in the development of information and communications technology (ICT).

The arrangement was signed by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr John Tsang, and Japan's Vice-Minister for Policy Co-ordination in the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications, Mr Kozo Takahara.

Mr Tsang said the arrangement provided a framework for co-operation in a wide range of ICT areas covering broadband and wireless communications, multimedia, e-commerce, e-government, manpower development and measures to bridge the digital divide.

"With the full implementation of the Mainland-Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) this year and our vast experience and connection with the Mainland, Hong Kong can play a highly useful role in facilitating the Japanese ICT industry in exploring the Mainland market, especially the consumer market in the affluent Pearl River Delta region," he said.

Mr Tsang encouraged Japanese companies, especially small and medium sized enterprises, to partner with their Hong Kong counterparts to capitalise on the enormous business opportunities offered by the Mainland market.

Mr Takahara said it was very significant to enter into the arrangement with Hong Kong where the world's foremost infrastructure in information and communications was in place. This included the high 52% penetration rate of broadband in households and the 106% penetration rate of mobile phones in the population.

He hoped that through this co-operative effort people in Asia would benefit from ICT and both Hong Kong and Japan could join together to promote the Asian Broadband Programme.

"From April 1, HKSAR and BNO passport holders will be exempt from visa requirements for short-term stays in Japan. I hope this co-operative arrangement in conjunction with the visa-free access will further promote not only exchanges in the ICT field, but will also broaden the exchange in human interaction," Mr Takahara said.

Under the arrangement, Hong Kong and Japan will foster their ICT co-operation through a number of activities, including:

* the exchange of information and materials on ICT, and the establishment of channels for exchange of information as appropriate,

* the exchange of officials, experts and students in the field of ICT.

* facilitation and organisation of joint programmes including ICT seminars, symposiums and missions; and

* facilitation and promotion of joint business events, activities and opportunities to encourage commercial ventures.

Ends/Tuesday, March 23, 2004