Creative Capital
57. Globalisation has brought about the rise of various cultural and creative industries. The markets for leisure goods, advertising, film, television, tourism, design, architecture and art are flourishing. These high value-added industries are environmentally friendly and compatible with the mode of economic development for global cities. Since the 1970s, Hong Kong has attained a leading position in the Asia-Pacific region in such industries as film, television, music, advertising, design and tourism. "Hong Kong film", our most successful creative product in the global market, has won worldwide acclaim.
58. With intense competition in the creative industries, our leading position is under threat as neighbouring regions catch up. For example, Korean films and Taiwanese music have become increasingly popular. Mainland cities have set up creative industries parks. Tourism boards are marketing their city brands in innovative ways to attract tourists. My view is that to maintain our edge, the development of our creative industries must accelerate in the next five years. The Financial Secretary and the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau under his ambit will oversee our creative industries development plan. They will draw up overall strategic plans for future development, complementary facilities and manpower training in collaboration with government departments, non-governmental organisations and professional bodies.
59. I hope that the recently announced plan for the WKCD project will stimulate the development of cultural and creative industries in Hong Kong. At the same time, we need a large pool of creative talents and a discerning audience. To achieve this, the Education Bureau will encourage the nurturing of creativity, talents and ability in artistic and cultural appreciation in primary and secondary students, and promote university training for creative, performing arts and cultural talents.
60. On promoting our city's brand, I will ask the Financial Secretary to formulate strategies to revitalise Brand Hong Kong and step up publicity efforts highlighting Hong Kong as Asia's world city. We will also encourage and promote the development of Hong Kong brands.
61. World Expo 2010 Shanghai will provide an excellent opportunity for us to publicise Hong Kong's quality city life and position as a creative capital. To match the Expo's theme of "Better City, Better Life", we will organise a series of campaigns to promote Hong Kong's image.
