Strengthened co-operation: Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang and Japanese Vice-Minister for Policy Co-ordination of Home Affairs, Posts & Telecommunications Kozo Takahara signed the agreement on behalf of the two governments.

Hong Kong and Japan have signed the first arrangement on co-operation to forge closer ties in the development of information and communications technology.

Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang and Japanese Vice-Minister for Policy Co-ordination of Home Affairs, Posts & Telecommunications Kozo Takahara signed the agreement on behalf of the two governments.

Under the arrangement, Hong Kong and Japan will foster their information and communications technology (ICT) co-operation through the following activities:

* Exchanging information and materials on ICT, and establishing channels for exchange of information;

* Exchanges of officials, experts and students in the field of ICT;

* Facilitating and organising joint programmes including ICT seminars, symposiums and missions; and

* Facilitating and promoting joint business events, activities and opportunities to encourage commercial ventures.

Agreement marks important milestone

Mr Tsang said that the signing of the ICT co-operative arrangement marked another important milestone in forging the partnership between Japan and Hong Kong.

The arrangement provides a framework for co-operation in a range of ICT areas covering broadband and wireless communications, multimedia, e-commerce, e-government, manpower development and measures to bridge the digital divide, he added.

"With the full implementation of the Mainland/HK Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement this year and our vast experience and connection with the Mainland, Hong Kong can play a highly useful role in facilitating the Japanese ICT industry in exploring the Mainland market, especially the consumer market in the affluent Pearl River Delta region.

"I would like to take this opportunity to encourage Japanese companies, especially small and medium sized enterprises, to partner with Hong Kong companies to grasp the enormous business opportunities offered by the Mainland market," Mr Tsang said.

HK-Japan exchanges broaden

Mr Takahara said entering into the arrangement on co-operation with Hong Kong - where the world's foremost infrastructure in information and communication have been in place - is significant.

"For example, the penetration rate of broadband is 52% of households and the penetration rate of mobile phones is 106% of the population.

"I hope all of you will give us your co-operation and assistance so that through this arrangement on co-operation in the ICT field, people in the Asian countries and territories will benefit from ICT and both Hong Kong and Japan can join together to promote the Asian  broadband programme."

Visa-free access to Japan from April 1

From April 1, Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders will not need a visa for short-term stays in Japan.

Mr Takahara hopes that this arrangement in conjunction with the visa-free access will promote exchanges not only in the ICT field, but also in human interactions.