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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, had a packed programme on the last day of his visit to Seoul, Korea, today (February 21) to learn about the city's latest efforts in fostering growth and the development of creative and hi-tech industries.
Mr So first called at the Korea National University of Arts, which offers courses in music, drama, dance, film and TV production, visual arts and Korean traditional arts. He met with the President, Professor Kim Bong-ryol, and discussed opportunities for closer co-operation between Hong Kong and Korea in training creative talents.
He also visited a private academy for performing arts talents, and was briefed by its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Yang Sun-kyu, on the well-structured dance and music programmes for youngsters aspiring to be K-pop artists.
In the afternoon, Mr So called at the Korea Information Society Development Institute, a government think tank which contributes to Korea's growth as an information and communications technology (ICT) powerhouse. Mr So met with its Executive Director, Dr Ko Sang-won, and they exchanged views on various issues including the development of the knowledge economy, broadcasting-telecommunications convergence and international ICT co-operation.
Before concluding his trip, Mr So visited the Pangyo Techno Valley, an industrial complex and business hub for information technology, biotechnology and other hi-tech industries.
The Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology), Miss Susie Ho, accompanied Mr So during the visit. They will return to Hong Kong tonight.
Ends/Friday, February 21, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:49
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