In action: Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Frederick Ma watches a Customs raid demonstration.

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Frederick Ma has opened the Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement Museum. The facility will enhance public awareness of intellectual property rights and showcase the Government's achievements in enforcing them.

Mr Ma said creativity and innovative technology are of paramount importance to Hong Kong's economic development and the Government is committed to their protection.

"Our endeavour and achievement in the protection of IPRs and the evolution of law enforcement in this aspect are showcased in the museum, enabling visitors to have a deeper understanding of the work of Hong Kong Customs," he said.

The 235-square-metre museum in Kowloon Bay displays more than 300 pieces of significant copyright-infringed items and counterfeit goods seized by Customs. Simulated scenes of copyright-infringement activities in the museum will also serve as a useful training ground for frontline investigators.

Mr Ma said Customs has been proactive in promoting respect for IPRs to the community, especially among the younger generation. The number of pirated optical disc selling spots dropped from 1,000 in 1998 to less than 50 in September this year. Customs officers cracked about 10,000 counterfeit goods cases annually in the past three years. The value of seizure goods amounted to $100 million.