A public consultation on the Digital 21 Strategy will be conducted in mid-October to help promote the use and development of information technology in Hong Kong.

At its meeting today, the Information Infrastructure Advisory Committee was told the consultation will last two months and an updated strategy will be issued in early 2004.

The strategy was unveiled in November 1998, with the aim of enhancing and promoting Hong Kong's information infrastructure and services.

An update was issued in May 2001, designed to position Hong Kong as a world leader in e-business and digital development.

Initiatives proceeding to schedule

Most of the initiatives set out in the 2001 Strategy have achieved their goals, while the remainder are proceeding on schedule.

To sustain the momentum created in the last five years and to harness the benefits of IT for business, the community and Hong Kong's position in the world, the Commerce, Industry & Technology Bureau has conducted a review of the 2001 Strategy.

Meanwhile, members were also briefed on the coverage of the IT and telecoms sector under the Mainland/Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement and implementation details following the signing of the annexes of CEPA on September 29.

Chaired by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology, the committee is an advisory body established in August 1998 to advise the Government on how to drive IT development in Hong Kong.

It comprises three other official and 15 unofficial members appointed by the Chief Executive from the IT and business sectors and the academic field.