Hong Kong's moves to become the Asia Pacific regional mobile and wireless hub is set to receive a boost with the launch of a Wireless Solutions Development Centre at Cyberport later this year.

Opening the 19th International Computer Expo today at the Convention & Exhibition Centre, Director of Information Technology & Services Alan Wong said the Government will fund the Wireless Solutions Development Centre.

Outlining its measures to promote wireless technology, Mr Wong said the Government will identify services that can exploit wireless technologies to provide more convenient public services.

A working group on promotion of wireless services and technology has been set up to recommend measures to overcome obstacles that the industry and the business community face in adopting wireless services and technology in enterprises.

Apart from wireless technologies, Mr Wong also briefed participants on other Government initiatives, including technology diffusion, education and IT awareness programmes.

The Government has set up the Super Cyber Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui and a number of District Cyber Centres and Community Cyber Points throughout Hong Kong to provide citizens with easy access to IT facilities.

To facilitate the launch of the Smart Identity Card and the use of digital certificates to conduct online transactions, card readers have been installed at Electronic Services Delivery Scheme public kiosks.

The Government recently provided funding for extending the IT Easy Link service, a free hotline for the public to enquire about IT applications, to include face-to-face consultations with small and medium-sized enterprises.

Speaking on the five-year strategy on Information Technology for Learning in the New Era, Mr Wong said the strategy has just been completed and IT courses have been organised for the elderly, people with disabilities, women and the general public.

1,200 computers donated to the needy

Fifty Government bureaux and departments have donated over 1,200 computers to the underprivileged with a view to narrowing the digital divide, Mr Wong said.

The Government aims to provide e-options for 90% of public services amendable to the electronic mode of service delivery and to conduct 80% of Government procurement tenders through electronic means by the end of this year.