“Several liberalization measures have already been introduced under the framework of the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). China’s Ministry of Culture, for example, has recently shortened the vetting time of online game software produced in Hong Kong to two months,” he said, adding that the Government would continue to seek more liberalization measures under the CEPA.

To enhance support for creative industries, the Government has set up a new office, Create Hong Kong, to coordinate efforts and resources among bureaus and departments.

Based on the recommendations by the Task Force on Economic Challenges (TFEC), the Government has come up with a series of measures to further develop six industries, including the creative industry. Other TFEC-related measures include facilitating the conversion or redevelopment of under-utilized industrial buildings to provide more usable floor space and land for the cultural and creative industries, as well as organizing more major regional events, which can be expanded to become signature events for creative industries in the region.

In the medium term, the government will review its procurement policy for public projects to put greater emphasis on creative industries and facilitate participation by SMEs with creative expertise.

On June 24, the Chief Executive visited two local creative companies to listen to their views on the Government’s latest efforts to promote the industry. He first visited Bliss Concepts Limited, the creator of the famous cartoon characters “McDull” and “McMug.”

Mr. Tsang was encouraged to see that the company, which started its business in comics in the early 1990s, has now matured into an established enterprise straddling different media and product lines. Its productions are well received not just on the Mainland and in Taiwan, but also overseas countries such as France, Korea, Thailand and Japan.

Tsang previews animated film, visits gaming company

During the visit, Mr. Tsang also previewed the latest McDull animation film, which will be released in Hong Kong and the Mainland this summer.

“I am pleased to learn that the film has been granted government funding of US$461,538 from the Film Development Fund, amounting to 30% of the film’s budget,” said Mr. Tsang.

“To train talent for the film industry, the TFEC has proposed to introduce elements of film and animation in the new secondary school curriculum of visual arts through the Film Development Fund. Such early exposure will cultivate student interest in creative industries."

He noted that the government’s US$38.46 million CreateSmart Initiative would help fund projects conducive to the development of creative industries, such as the nurturing of talent.

The Chief Executive then visited Gameone, a digital entertainment group that functions as a media publisher, game developer and game agent.

Founded in 2000, Gameone has developed Hong Kong’s first multi-functional online game service platform. Its business has extended from Hong Kong to Mainland China, Taiwan, the U.S. and Southeast Asia.

The company has won numerous digital entertainment awards. Its game series on Gulong’s martial arts novels in particular was the first Hong Kong online game selected by China’s General Administration of Press and Publication for the “China National Online Game Publication Project.”

Mr. Tsang said he was glad to learn that renowned American and Japanese game companies have authorized the local group to produce highly popular online games.

“This shows that the creativity and quality of local game developers is world-class,” he said, adding that Hong Kong’s game industry, with an asset value of over US$64.1 million, is a strength that should not be ignored.