The 2008-2009 Policy Address (October, 2008)

I am delighted to see three ICT areas that I have been closely followed up are being highlighted in the 2008-2009 Policy Address. They are:

1) Regional Integration
Step up co-operation with Guangdong, with a focus on service industries; conduct a comprehensive planning study on the use of the Lok Ma Chau Loop

2) Development of Scientific Research
Reinforce Hong Kong's intermediary role in technological co-operation between the Mainland and the rest of the world

3) Creative Industries
Set up a dedicated Creative Industry Office to co-ordinate the work of different departments
In addition, there are three more new ICT related issues are raised in the Policy Address, they are:

4) Internship Programme under the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF)

5) Promote the use of e-books

6) Collect public opinion from the Internet more actively

In the LegCo meetings held from October 29th to 31st, there was a motion of thanks on the Policy Address. I raised three major issues in my speeches:

1. The HKSAR Government should formulate a long-term policy, with IT as a driving force of the New Economy;
2. The Government should be more "creative" in creating an environment that is favorable for the development of creative industries;
3. The Government should establish a more open e-Government and e-Community, and encourage more citizens to participate.