Asia's world city: Financial Secretary Henry Tang says the International Telecommunication Union's decision is a vote of confidence for Hong Kong.

The International Telecommunication Union has selected Hong Kong to host its next Telecom World event in December 2006, Financial Secretary Henry Tang says.

Financial Secretary Henry Tang today hailed the decision, saying the event attracts leading international telecoms players and experts from the public and private sectors, plus heads of state, ministers, regulators and chiefs of multinational corporations.

This is the first time Telecom World will be held outside Geneva since its inception in 1971.

"It is a vote of confidence in the ability of Hong Kong's exhibition, hotel, tourism and telecommunications industry to make this event a great success," Mr Tang said.

It is also a befitting recognition of Hong Kong's unique role as a gateway to the huge Mainland telecoms market which is the world's largest, he added.

"We estimate the event may attract some 100,000 overseas visitors, generating about $1.2 billion," Mr Tang said, adding Hong Kong's hospitality and tourism industries will reap substantial benefits.

"With the full support of the Central People's Government, we are confident this mega-event will prove to be a phenomenal success for all. We will take this event to even newer heights for the union, exhibitors and participants."

Sharing the latest technology

Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology John Tsang, who is attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Ministerial Meeting in Chile, said Telecom World provides an ideal platform for participants to share the latest advancements in technology, developments of business models, insights on business and market opportunities as well as to form partnerships in business ventures.

"We will work closely with the ITU to promote the event in the Mainland and overseas. We will also liaise with the telecommunications industry players in Hong Kong and the Mainland to secure their active participation and generate substantial benefits for them," Mr Tsang said.

The union is the largest and most influential telecoms organisation in the world. Telecom World is the most prominent global telecoms event, held every three to four years.

The event comprises two parts �V the Exhibition and the Forum. 

AsiaWorld-Expo to house the event

The exhibition enables industry players to showcase their latest equipment, services or technologies, while the forum provides a platform for participants to debate on critical issues in policies and regulation, key technologies, business applications and environment.

The event will be staged at AsiaWorld-Expo, under construction near Hong Kong airport.

Hong Kong previously hosted two of the union's regional events - Telecom Asia 2000 and Telecom Asia 2002.