Communications, the Media and Information Technology | 345
North Asia
The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, visited Japan and Korea in February to enhance ties with the two countries. In Tokyo, Mr Tsang met Prime Minister Taro Aso with whom he exchanged views on the financial tsunami and how they tackled its impact. Besides meeting senior government officials, business and think-tank leaders, Mr Tsang officiated at the launch of the 2009 Hong Kong-Japan Tourism Exchange Year and the Meeting and Exhibitions Hong Kong office in Tokyo. He also gave a press conference at the Japan National Press Club.
In Seoul, the Chief Executive called on President Lee Myung-bak with whom he exchanged views on the global financial crisis and other issues of common interest.
During the year, the Tokyo ETO made arrangements for visits to Japan and Korea by senior Hong Kong officials. The Secretary for Development, Mrs Carrie Lam, led a delegation to Tokyo in February to learn how the city rejuvenates its urban areas and preserves its heritage. In April, the Secretary for Environment, Mr Edward Yau, visited car manufacturers in Japan with the aim of introducing electric vehicles to Hong Kong. He also visited the San'in Coast Geopark in Tottori Prefecture to gain ideas for Hong Kong's own geopark. Mr Yau visited Tokyo again in September where he saw the latest waste incineration technology.
In November, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Professor K C Chan, visited Korea and Japan to promote Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre. He also delivered a keynote speech at the 'Islamic Finance Symposium 2009′ organised by Nikkei Inc. The Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, visited Japan in the same month to study the country's food safety, health and related issues.
As part of the Hong Kong-Japan Tourism Exchange Year programme, Tokyo ETO launched a wide variety of activities to promote Hong Kong's attractions and culture to the Japanese people. These included a major event called 'Hong Kong Week at Roppongi Hills' in July which featured exhibitions, seminars, thematic talks, tai chi lessons, food and wine tasting, and musical performances.
To promote a better understanding of Hong Kong among young people in Japan, Tokyo ETO organised, for the third consecutive year, an English speech contest for university students. The top four winners were given a short holiday in Hong Kong and an opportunity to take part in an exchange programme at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The ETO also publicised Hong Kong as the host city of the Fifth East Asian Games.
Southeast Asia
The Singapore ETO continued organising business, cultural and public relations. events across Southeast Asia during the year to promote Hong Kong as Asia's premier business hub, financial centre and tourist destination, while Hong Kong SAR Government officials, visiting the region, took the opportunity to update leaders there on Hong Kong's developments.