Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Rita Lau has congratulated McCann Worldgroup after its Paper Battlefield poster series won the Grand Prix award in the design category at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival.

Noting this is the first time Hong Kong has won this top international design prize, Mrs Lau said it demonstrated the city's advertising talent's design capabilities are on a par with international standards.

"I sincerely hope the advertising industry will continue to create quality works for the appreciation of the public, and for participation in international contests to showcase Hong Kong's creativity and to explore business opportunities. The Create Hong Kong office will provide full support in this regard," she said. 

The Government will foster the development of the advertising industry, she added. It is in discussions with the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of Hong Kong about co-organising international advertising award events. It will also provide financial support to the sector to participate in global contests.