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a view to upgrading the technology level of industry and stimulating the growth of technology-based industry in Hong Kong. The ASTRI has formulated its research programme which focuses on the fields of information technology, electronics and biotechnology. Related research projects are being developed.
Hong Kong Jockey Club Institute of Chinese Medicine Limited
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Institute of Chinese Medicine Limited, incorporated in May as a subsidiary company of ASTRI, will take forward the vision to position Hong Kong as a world centre for the development of health food and pharmaceuticals based on Chinese medicine. Its mission is to spearhead the development of Chinese medicine as a high value-added industry for Hong Kong through promotion and co-ordination of related activities and strategic support for scientific and evidence-based development programmes. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has agreed to donate $500 million to support the institute's research programmes.
Hong Kong Design Centre
The Hong Kong Design Centre is an initiative proposed by four leading design professional bodies in Hong Kong with a view to promoting the design industry and its competitiveness in the region as a service industry. The centre will be a multi- disciplinary design centre which aims to promote design as a value-added activity; raise design standards and foster design-related education; and raise the profile of Hong Kong as an innovative and creative hub. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has granted $6 million to cover the capital cost for the establishment of the centre. The Government has provided $10 million for the initial operating costs and reserved the heritage building at 28 Kennedy Road, on Hong Kong Island, for the centre. The centre is expected to be in operation from early 2002.
Publicity and Promotional Events
The ITC organised the 'Innovation Expo', a large-scale biennial technology event, in November. The five-day programme comprised a main exhibition at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and a series of concurrent programmes, including public forums and seminars on science and technology as well as business matching sessions. It attracted more than 130 000 visitors. The ITC also organised the Hong Kong Student Science Project Competition, co-ordinated the State Science and Technology Awards and took the lead in co-ordinating Hong Kong's participation in the China Hi-Tech Fair 2001 held in Shenzhen. All these publicity and promotional events helped foster an innovation and technology culture in the community.
Protection of Intellectual Property Rights
The Government is committed to protecting intellectual property rights. This commitment is underpinned by a respect for private economic rights and a recognition of the importance of a robust protection regime for intellectual property rights to Hong Kong's economic growth. The intellectual property regime in the HKSAR is in full compliance with international standards and norms.
Trade Marks
The Trade Marks Registry is responsible for the registration of trade marks in respect of goods and services. Every mark must satisfy the requirements of the Trade Marks