Creative souvenirs: Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Frederick Ma receives artwork from cartoonist Lee Chi-ching (left) and KAI.

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Frederick Ma says the Government fully supports the development of the local creative industry and will strive to provide a conducive environment for the sector to flourish.

Mr Ma met two Hong Kong cartoonists Lee Chi-ching and KAI today. Lee won the International Manga Award (best work) for his work Sun Zi's Tactics while KAI received a Shorei Award for her work 1520. The contest attracted 146 entries from 26 countries and regions.

"Their success demonstrates that Hong Kong cartoonists have attained international standards and won recognition from the global community. I hope the two winners and other local cartoonists will continue to produce outstanding works to help bolster our comic and animation industry," Mr Ma said.

Mr Ma also met the publishers of the winners' comic books and the representatives of the Comics & Animation Federation to exchange views on how to drive the development of creative industry including comics and animation in Hong Kong.

Stronger collaboration

They agreed to step up collaboration between government and the industry to boost public awareness of local talent. They also agreed to encourage more talented people to join the creative industry and the business sector to make investment in the industry.

Mr Ma pledged that the Government will support the industry in various aspects, including market development and promotion, training, industry cross-fertilisation, and enhancement of venture capitals' understanding about investment opportunities in the local creative industry.