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Communications, the Media and Information Technology

The division handles about 3,600 titles and produces a wide variety of government publications, including the Hong Kong Annual Report and its internet and iPad versions. A large number of free publications, including fact sheets, brochures and posters, are distributed by the division each year. In 2012, the division sold 166,034 government books and miscellaneous printed items through its sales outlet and online bookstore, and also sold photographs.

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 offices overseas, in the Mainland and Taiwan. Its Overseas Public Relations Sub-division promotes and monitors Hong Kong's image overseas. The sub-division is in close liaison with some 85 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 in Hong Kong and around the world. To ensure the brand's consistent application, the unit develops advertising campaigns and publicity material in print and electronic formats to support the Government's Economic and Trade Offices' activities, senior officials' visits and major promotional programmes outside Hong Kong. The unit also 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. BrandHK souvenirs are now available for sale to members of the public.

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 to enhance their understanding of the city. The sub-division also helps draw up programmes for influential visitors coming to Hong Kong on private trips. In addition, it runs an Overseas Speakers Programme which arranges for senior government officials, prominent members of the community and local personalities to address targeted audiences abroad, enabling foreign. investors to better understand Hong Kong's development and what makes it competitive.

Promoting Hong Kong Worldwide

The HKSAR Government's offices overseas and in the Mainland, as well as the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office in Taiwan, play an important role in promoting Hong Kong globally. They do this through regular meetings with counterparts and contacts in the territories they cover, through visits by senior Hong Kong officials and by staging or taking part in cultural events or promotional activities such as film festivals, exhibitions and performances by Hong Kong artistes.

Europe

In November, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (ETO) in Brussels organised the visit of Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, to Spain, where she signed two bilateral

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