The following is a speech by the Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology), Miss Elizabeth Tse, at the 7th Premier Asian Licensing Awards Presentation Ceremony-cum-Opening Ceremony of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council Hong Kong International Licensing Show 2011 today (January 10):
Fred (Mr Fred Lam, Executive Director of HKTDC), Mr (Charles) Riotto (President of the International Licensing Merchandisers’ Association), Mr (Danny) Simon (President and CEO of the Licensing Group and Chairman of the Awards Evaluation Committee), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to join the awards presentation cum opening ceremony of the Hong Kong International Licensing Show this morning.
Licensing is a growing business, especially in Asia, marked by the significant development in the Mainland, Indian and Southeast Asian markets. Hong Kong, at the heart of Asia, with our global mindset, Greater China knowledge, links to Southeast Asia, strength in communication, as well as sound copyright protection regime, is well positioned to flourish as a licensing hub in the region.
Licensing business is important ––– not only because of the huge profit it may generate, but also the numerous business opportunities it may bring to other industries. Take a look around. You will notice our various creative sectors are featured, including design, digital entertainment, fashion, film and TV.
It is no exaggeration to say that creative industries are one of the most important economic sectors of Hong Kong’s tomorrow, with huge potential to grow and develop. At present, we have close to 32,000 creative establishments, with more than 170,000 practitioners working in the sector, generating an added value of over HK$ 60 billion each year to our economy, which is about 4% of our GDP. To spearhead the industries’ development, we established the dedicated “Create Hong Kong” office in 2009, together with the HK$300 million CreateSmart Initiative which funds projects conducive to creative industries’ development. It is our conviction that through actively nurturing aspiring creative talents and start-up companies, they could develop their own creative properties for licensing, and eventually join this show to further expand their business.
I wish to congratulate the award winners for their significant achievements made, and the masterminds behind this event for putting up one of the most important licensing shows in the region. Last but not least, congratulations to all of you for participating in the event – as joining the show today will no doubt bring you a step closer to your future business success.
Monday, January 10, 2011