Communications, the Media and Information Technology 345
journalists, produces summaries of overseas reports on Hong Kong and distributes promotional material on Hong Kong worldwide.
The Brand Management Unit is responsible for Brand Hong Kong, the visual identity of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The brand is used to promote Hong Kong as Asia's world city through a variety of channels locally and overseas. The unit, in conjunction with government departments and the private sector, organises activities for international audiences overseas. In Hong Kong, it showcases the city's 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 understanding of the SAR. The sub-division also arranges programmes for non- sponsored visitors coming to Hong Kong on private trips. In addition, it runs an Overseas Speakers Programme to enhance foreign investors' understanding of the competitive edge and latest developments of Hong Kong. Arrangements are made for senior government officials and prominent local personalities to address targeted audiences abroad.
Promoting Hong Kong Overseas
Europe
The Brussels ETO organised events in 14 European cities from late January to February to celebrate Chinese New Year. The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts was invited to perform Chinese music during some of the events, which were attended by about 3 000 guests from diplomatic, political and business circles. Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt of Belgium was the guest of honour at the Brussels reception and Mr Tom Kitt, Ireland's Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Prime Minister), was the guest of honour in Dublin.
The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, visited Belgium and France in November. In Belgium, he met Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt, Finance Minister Didier Reynders and other senior officials. He also had meetings with the President of the European Parliament, Josep Borrell Fontelles and the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso. Mr Tsang and Mr Barroso issued a joint statement after their meeting, pledging to boost links in areas of common interest. Mr Tsang attended and spoke at a business seminar organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), a luncheon co-organised by Brussels ETO and the Royal Institute for International Relations, and a gala dinner co-organised by Brussels ETO and the Belgium-Hong Kong Society.
In France, the Chief Executive met President Jacques Chirac and Mr Edouard Balladur, President of the National Assembly Foreign Affairs Commission, and attended a dinner hosted by Mr François Loos, the Minister Delegate for Industry. He spoke at various business events including the opening of the second Plenary Session of the Hong Kong-France Business Partnership of the HKTDC, a breakfast meeting with French Chief Executive Officers and a luncheon seminar co-organised with the