Updated at 1.01pm: Hong Kong?s prospects lay in the convergence of talent, capital, logistical support and information, Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen said on Wednesday.
Discussing the future of information technology, media and the internet in his second policy address, Mr Tsang said the government intended to continue promoting the application of information technology.
?In terms of e-Government, we will provide more user-friendly integrated public services through a one-stop portal,? the chief executive pledged.
He noted that Hong Kong was a forerunner in promoting media convergence with a single platform supporting telephony, broadcasting and internet access services (triple-play). ?Media convergence technology and business models are rapidly developing,? he added. ?To tie in with the transformation of traditional telecommunications services into integrated information services, we consulted the public early this year on the reform of the regulatory regime and proposed merging the functions of the Office of the Telecommunications Authority and the Broadcasting Authority to form a new Communications Authority,? Mr Tsang said.
?We aim to adopt a regulatory framework to promote innovation and competition to a level on par with advanced international standards,? he added.
Mr Tsang said consumers stood to gain from these developments.
?We are prepared to introduce legislation in the 2006-07 legislative year to effect the establishment of the new Communications Authority.? He said the application of new wireless communication technologies had spread rapidly and widely.