Hong Kong's digital entertainment industry gets world exposure

Hong Kong's digital entertainment industry is to be promoted at one of the world's leading trade fairs, the 2002 Tokyo Game Show.

A delegation led by the Deputy Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Alan Siu, will visit Japan from September 19 to 25 for the trade fair and to visit leading digital entertainment companies.

"The internationally renowned Tokyo Game Show has been described as 'the world's greatest festival of games'," Mr Siu said today (September 16).

A total of 75 entities from Japan and other countries will set up some 1,200 booths, which are expected to attract more than 150,000 visitors. For the first time Hong Kong will have a pavilion at the show.

The Hong Kong delegation comprises 25 members, including representatives from the local digital entertainment industry, the Hong Kong Productivity Council and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Leading experts in the field from local academic institutions are also taking part.

Mr Siu said Hong Kong had the potential to develop a good digital entertainment industry.

The Hong Kong Pavilion will showcase the territory's capabilities in digital game development and production, as well as animation and visual effects.

A short video featuring the latest developments in the local industry will also be shown and distributed in the DVD format to visitors as souvenirs.

"The production of the video represents the collective efforts of the Hong Kong digital entertainment industry," Mr Siu said.

"The DVD also contains information on a web directory specially developed by the TDC on local digital entertainment companies.

"This will make it easier for potential overseas partners to contact local companies. The directory can be accessed through the TDC's web site: www.hkenterprise.com."

Mr Siu said the Commerce, Industry and Technology Bureau would co-host a networking luncheon with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Tokyo to update Japanese companies on the development of Hong Kong's digital entertainment industry. It would also enable their representatives to meet the delegation to explore opportunities for collaboration on various projects.

Before returning to Hong Kong, the delegation will visit leading companies in the digital entertainment field, including the Sony Computer Entertainment Co. and Microsoft's Game Development Department.

Ends/Monday, September 16, 2002