Following is the speech by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, at the 2016 HK4As (Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of Hong Kong) Kam Fan Awards Presentation Gala today (November 25):

Mr Wong (Chairman of the HK4As, Mr Spencer Wong), Mr Yeong (Chairman of 2016 Kam Fan Committee, Mr Quentin Yeong), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good evening. It gives me great pleasure to be here tonight for the HK4As Kam Fan Awards Presentation Gala.

     The Kam Fan Awards are, as you will surely agree, top honours for Hong Kong's advertising industry.

     The advertising sector is a crucial part of our creative economy. Each year, it contributes over $9 billion to our GDP and employs over 18 000 people.

     Advertising is about selling as best as you can your products and services. While I am not an advertising expert, I will not shy from selling the very best of our city and our advertising sector. Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan and diverse city that is receptive to new products and innovative ideas, making it a perfect place for the development of advertising. With our strategic location and "super-connector" role, Hong Kong also serves as a window to the Mainland and Asian markets. Our advertising agencies have been able to enjoy first-mover advantages in the Mainland market, thanks to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, or CEPA in short. Under the Agreement on Trade in Services signed in November last year, Hong Kong service providers in the advertising field have now been accorded with national treatment in the Mainland. All these have firmly fixed Hong Kong on the creative map of the world as an advertising hub in Asia.

     Today, Hong Kong's advertising talents are a force to be reckoned with. Over the last three years, member agencies of the HK4As have scooped over 120 awards in three renowned international advertising awards, namely AdFest, Cannes Lions and Spikes. This is testament to the world-class qualities of Hong Kong's advertising industry.  
      
     The Government is keen to support the further development of the advertising industry. It is of utmost importance that our outstanding talents gain more international exposure and broaden their horizons. Since 2010, the Government has, through Create Hong Kong, provided sponsorship to over 70 winners of the Kam Fan Awards to participate in major international advertising festivals and competitions.

     We remain committed to helping the advertising sector expand its capacity to enhance its competitiveness. For example, in view of the fact that online and mobile advertising has become more prevalent, we have since 2012 funded an initiative to help our advertising talents harness skills in digital advertising. The initiative has provided close to 200 graduates with one-year full-time employment to gain on-the-job training and working experience.

     Looking ahead, the Government will continue to work closely with the advertising sector to nurture creative talents and raise the international profiles of outstanding advertising professionals.

     Before I close, my thanks go to the judging panel for making this year's Kam Fan Awards another great success.

     Also, congratulations to all the Award winners. I am sure you will continue to keep up with your enthusiasm, creativity and unwavering pursuit of excellence.

     Thank you again and I wish you all a great evening.

Ends/Friday, November 25, 2016
Issued at HKT 21:02

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