Hong Kong chief executive, Donald Tsang, announced Wednesday that the Hong Kong government will establish their first dedicated film development board during the coming year. 

Mr Tsang said that the new board will strengthen the framework for consultation with the film industry, and also take stock of the industry's present situation, its opportunities and challenges, so as to allow the government to set a clear course for the industry's future development.

The news comes about three months after Hong Kong film industry executives submitted a proposal to the government asking for a film council or equivalent to look after industry issues.

At present, these issues are handled by several government and quasi-government agencies such as the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, which organizes the annual Filmart. 

(Xinhua News Agency October 14, 2005)