Development of Hong Kong's professional services, information and technology, and tourism sectors complements the city's status as an international financial services, trade and shipping centre, CY Leung, the convenor of a focus group on professional services, information & technology, and tourism, says.

His group was one of four established following a September economic summit to discuss China's 11th 5-year plan and Hong Kong's role in it. They submitted a report to the Chief Executive today outlining 21 strategic proposals - and 66 actions items.

Their report noted the services industry accounts for 91% of the city's GDP and is a high value-added component.

Major recommendations include measures to make the best use of the Hong Kong-Mainland Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement - or CEPA - framework. While CEPA has provided a useful trade-facilitation platform enabaling professional service providers to enter the Mainland market earlier, Hong Kong service providers are challenged by higher manpower and other operational costs.

The report also recommended promoting Hong Kong's professional services on the Mainland, strengthening Hong Kong's professional link and participation in the international professional area, and promoting knowledge transfer.

On innovation, technology and information services, the focus group felt Hong Kong should participate proactively in the development and formulation of product standards on the Mainland.

It should also co-operate with Shenzhen on setting up the "Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation Circle", to facilitate Hong Kong's development as a key data centre. It could also explore providing quality and reliable e-commerce and digital content transmission broadband network services on a business-to-business basis across the boundary.

On tourism, the focus group recommends a series of measures to enhance connection with the Mainland, further co-operate with the Mainland in promoting multi-destination itineraries, and promoting the exchange of talent with the Mainland to enhance service quality.

The group recommending accelerating the construction of new cruise terminal so that Hong Kong can become a "must-call" destination on cruise itineraries.

Among its specific action agenda points was exploring the feasibility of setting up multi-partite medical centres of excellence. In the long run, the agenda says, the centres would become focal points for medical experts, provide training opportunities for the medical profession and render quality medical services to people of Hong Kong and those from the Mainland and other regions.

To see the group's report, click here. To see its proposed action agenda, click here.