The following is a speech by the Deputy Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology), Mr Joe Wong, at the opening ceremony of International Eyewear Fashion Symposium 2012 today (September 14):
Mrs (Grace) Tai [President of Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association], Mr (Tony) Lam [Director, Corporate Services of Hong Kong Productivity Council], distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. It gives me great pleasure to join you today at the opening ceremony of the “International Eyewear Fashion Symposium 2012”. My very warm welcome to you all, in particular those who have travelled a long way to Hong Kong for this event.
Eyewear is both practical and fashionable. Apart from its practical use of correcting eyesight, it also pleases eyesight, reflecting one’s own personal style and taste. Its creative design is becoming the key to consumers’ choices. In fact, sometime people put on eyewear not for its practical functionality, but for its style and design as a fashion accessory!
Hence, to succeed in the ever-changing eyewear market, design and innovation hold the key. I am pleased that the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association and the Hong Kong Productivity Council organise the symposium today to provide a useful platform for eyewear design talent to learn the design trends, gain insights on how to integrate eyewear with fashion, and strengthen the brand-building capability through sharing by renowned stylists, fashion and brand experts. I am sure this is the opportunity to learn from the best and meet the best.
It is the Government’s vision to build Hong Kong into a regional design hub and a creative capital. We therefore provide different support to the development of the relevant creative industry. For instance, we provide industry groups with subsidies to support talent nurturing initiatives. We also support the organisation of more international conferences and symposia in Hong Kong, with a view to bringing together scholars, creative professionals and business leaders around the world for knowledge sharing and facilitating exchange and collaboration. This symposium is a case in point. It is also a good example of public-private collaboration. We will continue to work closely with different sectors to support the organisation of similar events to promote the development of creative industries in Hong Kong.
In closing, I would like to thank the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association and the Hong Kong Productivity Council for bringing us this symposium. May I wish the event a huge success.
Thank you.
Friday, September 14, 2012