The Government's recurrent expenditure on arts and cultural development exceeds $5.9 billion in 2022-23, representing an almost 40% increase over the $4.3 billion in 2017-18, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung said today.

In response to a series of questions posed by one lawmaker at the Legislative Council, Mr Yeung explained that the Government has all along had clear policies as well as supporting measures and resources in place for the development of the arts, culture and creative industries.

As interactive exchanges and learning with other jurisdictions are essential for the development of such industries, the bureau recently sent delegates to Korea for exchanges with different arts and culture organisations including the Korea Creative Content Agency in September this year.

Mr Yeung noted that the Government has strived to create a comprehensive ecosystem for the arts, culture and creative industries.

As an example, he pointed out that Hong Kong is the home base for a number of globally acclaimed business platforms for arts, culture and creative industries, including some famous global visual arts exhibitions as well as the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market which provides the film industry with business opportunities.

He also drew attention to the fact that the city will organise the first Hong Kong Performing Arts Market in 2024 which will serve as an important platform for performing arts groups and practitioners to find business or collaboration opportunities and foster more favourable conditions for industry building, Mr Yeung added.