The delegation will comprise representatives from nine government departments and senior executives of 16 Hong Kong IT companies which are suppliers of e-government solutions, services or products to the Hong Kong government.

A Hong Kong pavilion of over 260 square meters will be set up in the Expo exhibition at the China International Exhibition Center to showcase the e-government achievements of the Hong Kong government and the capability of the local IT industry to develop advanced and quality systems and solutions.

Permanent Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology Francis Ho said that it was the first time that the public and private sector joined hands to demonstrate Hong Kong's expertise and talents in the development of e-government solutions in the mainland, which has become an increasingly important market of the local IT industry.

Ho, who will lead the delegation, said that over 40 percent of Hong Kong software vendors have established branch operation in the mainland.

(Xinhua News Agency December 7, 2002)