www.chinaview.cn  2008-10-15 16:15:45

HONG KONG, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong's Chief Executive Donald Tsang said Wednesday that the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will set up a dedicated office to promote the development of creative industries.

Tsang introduced the local government's joint efforts to help the city turn into a world-class arts and culture destination when delivering the 2008-09 Policy Address at the Legislative Council Wednesday.

The Commerce and Economic Development Bureau of the HKSAR government will set up a dedicated Creative Industry Office with integrated and realigned resources from related departments, including the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority, the Innovation and Technology Commission, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, and the Trade and Industry Department.

The new office will coordinate the work of different departments and work closely with the trades to boost the development of creative industries, and consider providing more effective support for Hong Kong's creative industries through integration of resources.
 "To tie in with the development of the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD), we need to enhance our software by promoting cultural activities in the community and tapping into cultural consumption markets," Tsang said, adding that the HKSAR government will encourage cultural and performing arts groups to stage performances across the territory.

Tsang said the local government will continue to support artistic creations and overseas exchanges, encourage tertiary institutions and professional arts groups to nurture intermediaries for arts services, and develop a broad audience base. 
The 2008-09 Policy Address, entitled "Embracing New Challenges", was Tsang's second annual policy address since he won a second term as HKSAR Chief Executive in March 2007.

Editor: Du Guodong