The Civil Service College today launched the "Expert Round Table for Economic Development" seminar series in collaboration with the Academy of Finance.

The inaugural seminar took place in the Civil Service College at the North Point Government Offices. It was attended by around 120 civil servants in the directorate as well as middle and senior ranks.

Addressing the seminar, Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip said that this is the first important seminar series launched after the establishment of the Civil Service College.

As the first collaboration with the Academy of Finance, the seminar series brings together experts from the financial and related sectors to share insights with civil servants about the opportunities and challenges facing Hong Kong, he noted.

Noting that Hong Kong's economic prosperity depends on its continued success in maintaining the status as an international financial centre, Mr Nip said it is incumbent for the city to leverage the central government's supporting policies so that it can give full play to its unique strengths and bring continuous impetus to the economy.

As the backbone of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, civil servants shall keep learning and move ahead with the times, he added.

The civil service chief also appealed to civil servant colleagues to vote on Sunday, the polling day of the Legislative Council General Election.