ENG-2013 — Page 359

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The Media, Communications and Information Technology

Retail Network

Cheung Sha Wan Post Office was relocated in March to make way for site redevelopment.

International Participation

Of particular note in 2013 were Hongkong Post's chairmanship of the Asia Pacific Post Co- operative Management Board and its participation in the XI Asia-Pacific Postal Union Congress. in Delhi, India, in September.

Revision of Principal Postage Rates and Postal Fees

Hongkong Post adjusted its postage rates from 1 October and some miscellaneous postal fees from 1 December broadly in line with the cumulative inflation since the last adjustments to offset escalating costs.

Information Technology

Digital 21 Strategy

Hong Kong is a digital city. The government's 'Digital 21 Strategy, updated regularly (most recently in 2013) in line with global trends and the community's aspirations, has produced the right environment, infrastructure, skills and culture for the development of information and communications technology (ICT), as reflected in Hong Kong's mobile subscription rate of 238 per cent and household broadband penetration rate of 83 per cent, which are among the highest in the world.

Driving E-business

To support the continuous development of a digital economy, the government has established a clear legal framework for the conduct of secure electronic transactions through the Electronic Transactions Ordinance. Two certification authorities are recognised under the ordinance to issue digital certificates.

The government encourages small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to take advantage of ICT and cloud computing services to enhance efficiency and productivity. Initiatives include the Sector-Specific Programme and an information portal, InfoCloud, which provides useful information for SMEs on cloud computing.

ICT Manpower

The government works with the industry and academia to map out strategies and measures to nurture a well-qualified IT workforce. In 2013, the government commissioned the 'iCity' project to arouse students' interest in ICT. A Task Force on ICT Professional Development and Recognition was formed in November 2012 to consider establishing a framework for ICT professional recognition in Hong Kong, with reference to practice elsewhere. The task force has come up with a proposal on the framework and, subject to public consultation, the new framework will be launched by the end of 2014.

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