Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau today attended the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT) Ministerial Meeting, aimed at strengthening regional collaboration on the development of information and communications technology, in Tokyo, Japan.

Whilst in Tokyo, the commerce chief also took the opportunity to meet Japanese political and business leaders.

Speaking at a discussion session at the ministerial meeting, Mr Yau spoke about Hong Kong's efforts in building sustainable and accessible information and communications technology infrastructure, and its commitment to a more inclusive and resilient digital future.

Mr Yau said in the wake of the full liberalisation of its telecommunications market in 2003, Hong Kong's telecommunications sector has become one of the most advanced, open, and dynamic markets globally.

He highlighted that Hong Kong leads the world on mobile voice affordability, ranks second globally on mobile broadband affordability, and is seventh on fixed broadband affordability. The city's 5G availability also ranks first in the Asia-Pacific region.

Mr Yau emphasised that Hong Kong's robust infrastructure provides a strong foundation for sustainable telecommunications development, including future 6G deployment and other cutting-edge services.

The 6G Global Summit held in Hong Kong earlier this month, which was the summit's first edition in the Asia-Pacific region, also focused support for 6G development.

With regard to innovation and technology (I&T), Mr Yau explained that the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint, promulgated in 2022, set out clear development directions and strategies including, including accelerated development of new digital infrastructure.

He added that artificial intelligence (AI) opens up vast new opportunities for global economic development and scientific research, and that Hong Kong is developing its AI ecosystem on various fronts. This include the launch of the AI Supercomputing Centre at Cyberport to meet demand for high-performance computing power.

Mr Yau said Hong Kong will continue to work hand in hand with APT members and other stakeholders to advance sustainable infrastructure and promote eco-friendly information and communications technology for a connected future.

Meanwhile, Mr Yau also paid a courtesy call on Japan-Hong Kong Parliamentarian League Chairman and House of Councillors Member Jimi Hanako to update her on Hong Kong's latest economic and trade developments.

Upon arriving in Tokyo yesterday, Mr Yau paid a courtesy call on Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Miyaji Takuma.

Noting the close bilateral relations between the two places, Mr Yau updated Mr Miyaji on Hong Kong's robust economic developments on various fronts under the “one country, two systems” principle, and solicited Japan's support for Hong Kong's early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Mr Yau also met Japan Association of Corporate Executives representatives to promote Hong Kong's business advantages and investment opportunities.

The commerce chief will return to Hong Kong tomorrow after the APT Ministerial Meeting concludes.