336 Communications, the Media and Information Technology
programmes. It also produces special reports on subjects of interest to the Government.
Publicity and Promotions Division
The Publicity and Promotions Division helps bureaux and departments mount publicity campaigns and related activities locally and outside Hong Kong. It is responsible for advertising, creative design, photography, videography and the production of many of the Government's publications. The larger local campaigns. conducted or supported by the division during the year covered a wide range of subjects such as the promotion of Olympism and the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events, the fight against youth drug abuse, voter registration, Legislative Council election, road safety, environmental protection, civic education. and fire prevention.
The division also helps organise major promotional activities such as exhibitions, cultural performances and media partnerships in overseas countries and on the Mainland.
The division handles about 4 100 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. In 2008, the division sold 358 125 government books and miscellaneous printed items through its sales outlet and online bookstore. Photographs are also sold by the division.
Public Relations Outside Hong Kong Division
The division helps develop and implement the Government's public relations and communications strategy outside Hong Kong, working closely with the Government's Economic and Trade Offices overseas and on the Mainland. Its Overseas Public Relations Sub-division promotes and monitors Hong Kong's image overseas. It is also in close liaison with more than 100 foreign media organisations based in Hong Kong, handling press enquiries, disseminating news and arranging interviews. It runs a programme for visiting journalists, produces summaries of overseas reports on Hong Kong and distributes promotional material on Hong Kong worldwide.
The Brand Management Unit is responsible for carrying out the Brand Hong Kong programme which promotes Hong Kong as Asia's world city through different. channels locally, overseas and in the Mainland. The unit makes sure the Brand is used effectively to promote Hong Kong around the world. Besides organising activities to highlight the Brand, the unit also helps to publicise major events organised by government departments, non-governmental organisations and the private sectors to strengthen Hong Kong's positioning as Asia's world city.
The Visits and International Conferences Sub-division runs the department's Sponsored Visitors Programme for opinion formers, political leaders and think-tank members to visit Hong Kong at the invitation of the Government to enhance their