The Government has vigorously supported the development of the local film industry since the handover in 1997, Commissioner for Television & Entertainment Licensing Lorna Wong says.

Speaking on a radio talk show today, Ms Wong said the Government has attached great importance to the industry and has implemented a series of measures to help facilitate its long-term and healthy development.

Apart from the film development fund which provides financial support to the film industry, Ms Wong said the Government has set up a $50 million Film Guarantee Fund which helps local movie industry to obtain loans.

The fund has approved six applications since its launch in April, 2003 with a total fund commitment of $14 million.

Ms Wong said the launch of CEPA has helped the industry to find development opportunities in the Mainland, adding that the industry will benefit even more after the implementation of CEPA II.

Ms Wong said there is no need to set up a film development commission as the Film Services Office of the Television & Entertainment Licensing Authority is now providing services more or less similar to that of a commission.

In addition, the Film Services Advisory Committee chaired by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology has been playing an important role in facilitating the industry's development, she added.