Hong Kong Pavilion at China Hi-Tech Fair 2004 Opens Today

The Hong Kong Pavilion, jointly organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) to showcase the technological achievements of Hong Kong companies, was officially opened today (October 12, 2004) at the China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF) 2004 held at the new Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center.

A Hong Kong delegation comprising over 100 members attended the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Pavilion which was officiated by Mr Anthony Wong, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, Government of the HKSAR, and Mr Locky Chu, Council Member and also Chairman of Technology Commercialization Committee, HKPC.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Wong said, “Since its inception in 1999, the annual CHTF has established itself as a prime platform to promote the development of high technology. Taking this unique opportunity, the Hong Kong Pavilion at CHTF 2004 collectively showcases the technological achievements of exhibitors from Hong Kong, assisting them to tap business collaboration opportunities with their partners in the Mainland and overseas.”

Introducing the new features of the Hong Kong Pavilion this year, Mr Wong said, “For the first time, the Hong Kong Pavilion Design Competition was organised. The winning design has provided the blueprint for the construction of the Pavilion to demonstrate Hong Kong's design capabilities amidst an international arena. Also new to the Hong Kong Pavilion is the 'Hall of Fame' – a special section displaying award-winning or internationally recognized high technology products and successful projects supported by the Innovation and Technology Fund of the HKSAR Government.”

Sixteen companies and organisations from Hong Kong showcase theirs high technology products and services in the standard exhibiting area, covering precision optics, advanced diecasting, information technology, telecommunications, electronics, environmental technology and biotechnology. Separately, the 'Hall of Fame' in the Pavilion showcases 26 projects and products ranging from “Walter” – the fabric thermal manikin that simulates human beings' sweating phenomenon, the sampling tool for exploring Planet Mars, shape memory fabrics, non-organic wood construction materials, detection systems for avian influenza and foot-and-mouth disease to wearable medical devices.

An award presentation to winners of the Hong Kong Pavilion Design Competition was held concurrently at the opening ceremony. The Grand Award was presented to a Hong Kong design company - Point Architect Limited, headed by its designer and director Mr Joey Ho. There are also three winners of Certificates of Merit including Mr Martin Fung King-hang, Mr Kevin Li and the design team comprising Mr Chan Wai-chung and Ms Ida Sze Ki-shan.

The CHTF, organised by the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Information Industry, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Personnel, the State Intellectual Property Office, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Engineering and the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, and co-organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, is one of the most important state-level, international events for China's high technology industry. The CHTF 2004 is opened to the public from 12 October until 17 October 2004.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Betty Lee
General Manager
Corporate Communications and Events
Tel: (852) 2788 5895
Fax: (852) 2788 5056
E-mail: justina@hkpc.org

HKPC
12 October 2004