390 Communications, the Media and Information Technology
The division handles about 5 000 separate titles and produces a wide variety of government publications, including the Hong Kong Annual Report and its Internet version. A large number of free publications such as booklets, leaflets, fact sheets, brochures, posters and government forms are distributed by the division each year. Associated with this output, the division in 2004 sold some 637 470 copies of books and miscellaneous printed items through its sales outlet and online bookstore. The online Government Bookstore, developed under the Electronic Service Delivery (ESD) Scheme, became operational in November 2001. Photographs are also sold by the division. Turnover from all sales amounted to $14.5 million in 2004.
The division also helps organise major promotional activities outside Hong Kong, covering principal cities in target countries. The promotions employ a multi-faceted approach comprising high-level business conferences, keynote addresses, .political calls, exhibitions and tourism promotions as well as social, networking and cultural events.
Public Relations Outside Hong Kong Division
The division advises on and helps develop and implement the Government's overseas public relations and communications strategy. The Overseas Public Relations Sub-division works closely with the Government's Economic and Trade Offices (ETOS) to monitor and promote Hong Kong's image overseas, and runs a programme under which journalists are invited to visit Hong Kong to gain a better understanding of the SAR. The sub-division provides services to 94 locally based foreign media organisations and assists visiting journalists seeking information or interviews. It also coordinates the production of promotional material on Hong Kong for distribution worldwide,
The division is connected to the ETOS and the HKSAR Government Office in Beijing through a video conferencing system. It arranges for senior government officials to give briefings on major policy initiatives and issues of current interest to the heads of these offices and their interlocutors such as think tank members, analysts, academics and professionals.
The editorial production team drafts speeches for senior government officials, in particular the Chief Executive, the Chief Secretary for Administration and the Financial Secretary. It also provides writing and editing services for government offices.
The Brand Management Unit is responsible for Brand Hong Kong, the visual identity of the HKSAR. The brand provides a platform for promoting Hong Kong as Asia's world city. This is done through activities organised in conjunction with government departments and the private sector for international audiences overseas. and in Hong Kong. The programme serves to showcase Hong Kong's assets as a world-class city and its attractions for visitors and the business community.
The Visits and International Conferences Sub-division runs the department's Sponsored Visitors Programme through which opinion-formers and decision makers are invited to visit Hong Kong as guests of the Government to enhance their