Creative trio: Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Frederick Ma, Vice-Minister of Commerce Yi Xiaozhun and Financial Secretary John Tsang open the Creative Hong Kong Pavilion.

A Creative Hong Kong pavilion showcasing the achievements of Hong Kong's cultural and creative industries has opened at the 4th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair in Shenzhen.

Financial Secretary John Tsang and Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Frederick Ma opened the pavilion at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Centre today.

Mr Tsang said: "The scale of Hong Kong's presence in this year's fair is unprecedented. It vividly demonstrates our determination to spur the development of cultural and creative industries and the importance we attach to synergy and co-operation with the Mainland. We strive to promote the best parts of our creative industries to the mainland market.

"In recent years neighbouring places have been investing heavily in creative industries. Facing increasingly intense competition the development of Hong Kong's creative industries must be bolstered and co-operation with our neighbours, particularly the Pan-Pearl River Delta region, must be strengthened to enhance competitiveness and maintain their edge."

Creative metropolis

Looking ahead the Financial Secretary said Hong Kong and Shenzhen must complement each other to achieve synergy and ties should be bolstered to maintain competitiveness in the international arena so they can build a metropolis together.

Mr Ma said the Government attaches great importance to the development of creative industries, adding a comprehensive strategic plan is being devised to offer support to the industries and boost Hong Kong as a creative metropolis.

"We hope to facilitate co-operation and exchange with other parts of the world to complement each other and create more business opportunities. Hong Kong already has many successful examples of transforming creative ideas into business opportunities, which can be proved by an annual contribution of $53 billion to gross domestic product by our creative industries," he added

With an interactive and multimedia display, the Creative Hong Kong Pavilion features outstanding works by the city's creative industries to recognise their originality and excellence under five themes. The exhibition runs until May 19. For details click here.