Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang promises an "event with a difference" when Hong Kong hosts ITU TELECOM WORLD 2006.

Speaking on the event to industry figures today, Mr Tsang said it will help buttress Hong Kong's position as the information and communications technology capital of the region and the premiere events capital of the world.

The event will be staged in 66,000 square metres of exhibition space offered by the AsiaWorld-Expo in December 2006. The event will attract 100,000 overseas visitors, generating about $1.2 billion.

Making a difference

"I can promise you it will be an event with a difference. First, it will take place at the doorstep of the most exciting developing market in the world. There will no doubt be a massive turnout of notable Mainland and international companies. We in Hong Kong will be playing our unique role as that principal gateway and platform for all concerned," Mr Tsang said.

"Second, to enable overseas and local companies to seize the opportunities of the Chinese market, we will be organising business facilitation services before, during and after the event, offering business matching services, seminars and visits to selected parts of the Mainland.

"Third, with the convergence of technology, the Olympics of Telecommunications will be broadened even further to encompass information technology, digital entertainment, service and content provision via the ICT platform to demonstrate the vibrancy of the expanded value chain. Both the exhibits and discussions at the Forum will reflect updated and anticipated trends and issues."

Premier event

ITU TELECOM WORLD is the most prominent global ICT event held every three to four years. Hong Kong previously hosted two ITU regional events - ITU TELECOM ASIA 2000 and 2002.

The event comprises the exhibition and the forum. The exhibition enables industry players to showcase their latest equipment, services or technologies, while the forum provides a platform for the participants to debate on critical issues in policies and regulation, key technologies, business applications and environment.