ENG-1993 — Page 368

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COMMUNICATIONS AND THE MEDIA

The Promotions Sub-division organises about 10 major government campaigns and more than 40 general publicity programmes yearly, to educate the public on major issues of concern and create public awareness of civic responsibilities. Publicity messages are disseminated through films, publications, radio announcements, press advertisements, exhibitions and other promotional activities such as launch ceremonies, float parades, concerts and variety shows. Increased efforts have been made to get the message across to a wide sector of the community through joint programme production and coverage with the electronic media, as well as district activities in support of campaign themes.

In 1993, 10 major government campaigns were organised. Issues of general concern, such as environmental protection, road safety, AIDS prevention, crime prevention and the fight against drug abuse, continued to be matters of priority. Other topics promoted during the year included registering for British National (Overseas) passports, energy conservation and civic education.

The Creative Sub-Division is responsible for all government design and display services, and film and photographic work.

Overseas Public Relations Division

The Overseas Public Relations Division devises the government's overseas public relations strategy, co-ordinates all international publicity efforts, monitors Hong Kong's image overseas and handles VIP visits.

Its Overseas Public Relations Sub-Division co-ordinates the government's publicity efforts overseas. It produces and distributes material worldwide, including feature articles, books, pamphlets and television newsclips. The sub-division also runs a sponsored visitors programme, under which influential journalists are invited to visit Hong Kong to gain a better understanding of the territory. It provides assistance for other visiting journalists requiring information and interviews with government officials, business and community leaders, and maintains close liaison with news agencies and foreign correspondents based in Hong Kong.

The sub-division is in constant touch with the information and public relations units of the government's overseas offices, providing them with the necessary information to present an accurate and up-to-date picture of Hong Kong.

The Overseas Projects Sub-Division mounts promotional activities for projecting Hong Kong's image overseas. Very often, these projects are organised in conjunction with the private sector. It also assists overseas bodies in organising activities in Hong Kong which foster bilateral links.

In carrying out these tasks, the sub-division maintains close liaison with the govern- ment's overseas offices; consuls-general and commissioners of foreign countries in Hong Kong; various organisations involved in promoting the territory, such as the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and the Hong Kong Tourist Association; chambers of commerce and major corporations in Hong Kong.

Visits Division

The Visits Division sponsors and invites VIP visitors, including influential politicians, parliamentarians and businessmen from countries with close relations with Hong Kong, to visit the territory. It plans, organises and co-ordinates their visit programmes and briefings with the aim of improving their understanding of Hong Kong.