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The first ever Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum organised by the Home Affairs Bureau was opened this morning (September 29) with a Ministers' Meeting at Government House.
Cultural ministers and leaders from Indonesia, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the Pearl River Delta Region presented government policies on promoting cultural development and discussed issues of common interest on Creative Industries at the meeting.
Major issues discussed include "Culture as Identity: Culture in Today's Globalised World" and "Creative Industries: Culture in the New Economy".
Speaking at the opening of the meeting, the Secretary for Home Affairs, Dr Patrick Ho, who is also the chairman of the Ministers' Meeting, said: "Culture relates and unites. Culture gives us joy and meaning in life. It enlivens our cities, activates economies and creates jobs. It gives depth and breath to our public policies."
Dr Ho noted that Creativity was often referred as the economic force of the 21st century and drived economic growth.
"But I am convinced that creativity drives not only economic growth, it is the engine that propels human civilization to a new stage of development, or perhaps an awakening of modern humanity. Some people refer that to another Renaissance." he said.
Singapore's Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, Mr Lee Boon Yang, stated that coupled with Asia's vibrancy, vast wealth of culture and the immense pool of talent in the region, Asia could emerge as a significant creative force.
He emphasized the need to go beyond cultural exchanges between just artists but bring in exchanges between designers, producers, directors and other creative workers.
"We could eventually consider joint marketing of Asia as an 'Asian Creative Cluster', Minister Lee concluded.
The Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism of Korea, Mr Oh Jee-chul, suggested building the Creative Asia Network.
"Organizing a Cultural Industries Festival where Asians share and celebrate their common cultural identity is an initiative worth consideration", he said. Mr Oh also supported an "Asian Cultural Industry Ministerial Meeting".
The three-day Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum (September 28-30) includes a Ministers' Meeting, two sessions of Open Forum, a welcome dinner, and a cultural performances/heritage tours.
An Open Forum (Part I) was held this afternoon. The subjects of presentations are Performing Arts, and Art, Crafts and Antiques. Another session of the Open Forum (Part II) will be held tomorrow morning. The subjects of presentations will be publishing, film and video, and design.
End/Monday, September 29, 2003
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