348 Communications, the Media and Information Technology
In September, the Financial Secretary, Mr Henry Tang, attended the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Singapore. He held bilateral talks with finance ministers and central bankers of other economies and promoted Hong Kong in his discussions with representatives of the international financial community and credit rating agencies.
In June, the ETO in Singapore helped organise a five-day study tour of the Philippines and Cambodia by a high-level delegation from Hong Kong's construction industry.
A series of talks on the Pan-Pearl River Delta Cooperation Forum and the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement were held in key cities of Southeast Asia to publicise these two Hong Kong-Mainland China accords, and to promote Hong Kong as the gateway to the vast Mainland market.
The ETO joined forces with the Hong Kong Tourism Board to stage 'Discover Hong Kong Year' regional fairs in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Manila in January and February.
In July, the ETO co-sponsored a performance by the Hong Kong Children's Symphony Orchestra in Singapore. In September, the ETO presented the first ever Hong Kong Film Festival in Singapore and the region, featuring nine Hong Kong movies.
Australia and New Zealand
Mr Henry Tang made his first visit to New Zealand and Australia as Financial Secretary in May. He met the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of New Zealand, as well as the Treasurer, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Attorney-General of Australia. Mr Tang delivered a keynote address at a gala dinner hosted by the Asia Society Australasia Centre; launched the 2006 Hong Kong Shopping Festival and the Mid-Autumn Lantern Celebration organised by the Hong. Kong Tourism Board; and was guest of honour at a public concert given by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra.
To complement Mr Tang's visit, Sydney ETO commissioned two special reports about Hong Kong in the national dailies of New Zealand and Australia.
On the cultural front, the office joined forces again with organisers of the Sydney Film Festival, the Melbourne International Film Festival and, for the first time, the Brisbane International Film Festival, to present a selection of Hong Kong films.
Government Home Pages on the Internet
Among other measures for ensuring openness, transparency and accountability, the Government uses the Internet to disseminate information on its policies, services and activities and to communicate with the public. All bureaux and departments produce their home pages in Chinese and English. Thematic home pages are also produced for special events and topics. These home pages can be accessed through the GovHK at www.gov.hk.
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