Rays of hope: WTO 6th Ministerial Conference Co-ordination Office Head Janet Wong unveils the logo for the upcoming meeting. It incorporates the WTO's familiar six strokes, surrounding them with golden rays to form an image that looks like the number '6'.

WTO 6th Ministerial Conference Co-ordination Office Head Janet Wong this morning unveiled a new logo for the so-called "MC6" meeting to be held in Hong Kong from December 13 to 18.

Designed by Michael Miller Yu of Creation House Limited, it incorporates the WTO's familiar six strokes, surrounding them with golden rays to form an image that looks like the number '6'.

The sunshine-like rays represent "hope, brightness and smooth sailing," Ms Wong said, reflecting Hong Kong's desires for the meeting.

Every ministerial conference in the past had its own logo to present a unique and distinct image of the host country or city.

The co-ordination office considered the views of the Hong Kong Designers' Association and the Information Services Department before issuing an expression of intent to about 700 design firms and designers, asking for submissions of interest in undertaking the logo design work.

The office set up a selection board to examine the submissions. It recommended the selection of Creation House Limited based on the tenderers' backgrounds, past achievements and fees charged.

The colourful logo will be used to promote the upcoming meeting and decorate the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre meeting rooms that will house the MC6.

Preparations aim to prevent chaos

Ms Wong noted that preparing for the conference was a mammoth undertaking, and that seven working groups were tackling various needs, such as security, information technology,  and public relations.

"It's important for us to have liaisons with the community," she said. "We want them to feel a part of it, and we need to engage them during the conference."

There will inevitably be road closures and detours to help ease the traffic congestion around the main venue, she said, noting there will be limosines for heads of state and shuttle services for delegates adding to the normal volume.

Since the Convention & Exhibition Centre will be so busy during the World Trade Organisation's 6th Ministerial Conference here in December, the Hong Kong Central Library in Causeway Bay will serve as the accreditation centre.

Conference registration to open July 1 

All participants, including the media,  must register online beginning July 1 at the WTO website, www.wto.org. The WTO will send this information from Geneva to Hong Kong.  It is too early to estimate how many participants - including non-governmental organisations and demonstrators - will arrive for the event.

The press centre will be situated in Phase I of the Convention & Exhibition Centre, along with a centre for NGOs and meeting rooms.

The press centre, in Theatre I and II, will be well equipped with workstations, wireless local area networks and live television feeds provided by RTHK.

Actual negotiations will take place in the Convention & Exhibition Centre Phase II, behind closed doors

Police establish 9 working groups

The Police are also making preparations to ensure people's safety and security during the conference. The force has nine working groups, including:

* security;

* public order;

* traffic management;

* tactics and training;

* PR and publicity;

* command and control;

* logistics;

* IT and communications; and

* manpower and procurement.

Based on the experience of previous ministerial conferences, many demonstrators are expected. Ms Wong noted that freedom of expression is respected in Hong Kong.

"If people have views different from those of the WTO, that's okay. We manage these demonstrations peacefully," she said, adding they are meeting with NGOs to build rapport ahead of MC6.