COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MEDIA
pamphlets, posters and government forms. Associated with this output, the sub-division sells some four million copies of books and miscellaneous printed materials annually. The main outlet for the saleable publications, the Government Publications Centre, moved to new premises at the Queensway Government Offices, Ground Floor, in December.
The sub-division arranges and places all government advertising in the media, both locally and overseas. These come to around 4 500 notices, with over 14 000 placements annually.
The Promotions Sub-division organises and co-ordinates major government publicity campaigns and supporting promotional programmes, to educate the public on major issues of concern and create public awareness of civic responsibility.
In 1994, 10 major campaigns were organised on various topical issues including electoral events, AIDS prevention, road safety, crime prevention, the fight against drug abuse, civic education, environmental protection and industrial safety. Publicity messages were disseminated through films, publications, press advertisements, radio announcements, exhibitions and a host of other promotional activities. Efforts have been made to seek the extensive support of the print as well as the electronic media for more cost-effective dissemination of public information and messages of community concern.
The Creative Sub-Division is responsible for all government design and display services, and film and photographic work.
Overseas Public Relations Division
The division formulates the government's overseas public relations strategy; co-ordinates all international publicity efforts, including major promotions and festivals in overseas countries with which Hong Kong has significant trading interests; monitors Hong Kong's image overseas and handles VIP visits.
Its Overseas Public Relations Sub-Division co-ordinates the government's international publicity efforts. It produces and distributes promotional material worldwide, including feature articles, books, pamphlets and television newsclips. The sub-division also runs a sponsored visitors programme under which influential journalists are invited to visit Hong Kong to gain a better understanding of the territory. It provides assistance to other visiting journalists requiring information and interviews with government officials, and business and community leaders; and maintains close liaison with news agencies and foreign correspondents based in Hong Kong.
The sub-division is in constant touch with the information and public relations units of the government's overseas offices, providing them with the necessary information to present an accurate and up-to-date picture of Hong Kong.
The Overseas Projects Sub-Division mounts promotional activities for projecting Hong Kong's image overseas. Very often, these projects are organised in conjunction with the private sector. It also assists overseas bodies in organising activities in Hong Kong which foster bilateral links.
In carrying out these tasks, the sub-division maintains close liaison with the government's overseas offices; consuls-general and commissioners of foreign countries in Hong Kong; various organisations involved in promoting the territory, such as the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Tourist Association; chambers of commerce and major corporations in Hong Kong.
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