The Digital 21 Strategy Advisory Committee is looking to develop a new vision for the next wave of the e-government programme.

Holding its first meeting today, committee members said the move was necessary despite the significant benefits brought by the programme's first phase, such as better access to government services and customer satisfaction.

The committee said bureaus and departments will endeavour to use IT to provide customer-centric services that promote an accessible, accountable and efficient government and contribute to Hong Kong's achievement as a leading digital city.

The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer will lead the implementation of a number of priority initiatives under the next wave of e-government.

Good progress

Members noted the Government made good progress on key items under the eight main action areas set out in the Digital 21 Strategy published in March. These include:

* the establishment of the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer on July 1;

* development of the strategy for the next phase of the e-government programme;

* completion of public consultations on digital broadcasting;

* interconnection policy for telecommunications services and the Information Technology Professional Services Arrangement; and,

* enactment of the Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Ordinance 2004.

Members also noted the progress of the review of the services arrangement, a procurement plan enabling government departments to obtain IT professional services on an assignment basis more speedily and effectively.

The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer will develop further the proposals for enhancing the existing arrangement in light of members' advice and suggestions with a view to implementation in 2005.