Financial Secretary John Tsang says the Government is committed to developing Hong Kong into the capital of international conventions, exhibitions and tourism.

A cross-sector steering committee chaired by Mr Tsang with representatives from the Government, the convention and exhibition, tourism and hotel industries and training institutions, held its first meeting today to discuss ways to boost Hong Kong's competitiveness in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Exhibitions) industries.

Mr Tsang said all parties agreed to bolster ties and follow up promotion, revitalising the Hong Kong brand, training of talent, and convention, exhibition and hotel facilities. The steering committee will meet within a month.

The Chief Executive announced in his 2007-08 Policy Address that the Financial Secretary and the Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development will lead a cross-sector steering committee comprising government and trade representatives to review and formulate development strategies for the industries. Click here to view its membership list and terms of reference.