ENG-2011 — Page 409

Communications, the Media and Information Technology I 353

Publicity and Promotions Division

The 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 2011 Population Census; the 2011 Voter Registration campaign; the 2011 District Council Election; 2012 Chief Executive Election arrangements; Scheme $6,000; anti-drug efforts; fight crime; environmental protection; road safety and fire prevention.

The division also helps organise major promotional activities such as exhibitions, cultural performances, film festivals and media partnerships overseas and in the Mainland.

The division handles about 3 800 titles and produces a wide variety of government publications, including the Hong Kong Annual Report and its internet version. For the first time, the 2010 Annual Report was also made available as an iPad application for free download by the public. 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 2011, the division sold 179 226 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 in the Mainland. Its Overseas Public Relations Sub-division promotes and monitors Hong Kong's image overseas. The Sub-division is in close liaison with more than 90 foreign media organisations based in Hong Kong, handling press enquiries, disseminating news and arranging briefings and interviews. It also runs a programme for visiting journalists, produces summaries of overseas reports on Hong Kong and distributes promotional material on Hong Kong worldwide. In addition, it co-ordinates and implements overseas publicity projects to tie in with senior officials' visits abroad.

The Brand Hong Kong Management Unit handles the Brand Hong Kong (BrandHK) programme which promotes Hong Kong as Asia's world city through different channels in Hong Kong and around the world. To promote a cohesive image of the city brand, the unit develops advertising campaigns and publicity material in print and electronic formats in support of the Government's Economic and Trade Offices' activities, senior officials' visits and major promotional programmes outside Hong Kong. Apart from ensuring the brand's consistent application, the unit seeks opportunities to highlight the brand and collaborates with organisers of major events of international significance hosted by Hong Kong to bolster the city's image. In 2011, BrandHK souvenirs were made available for sale to members of the public for the first time.