A range of souvenirs showcasing the uniqueness of Hong Kong as a leading digital Chinese city have been prepared for ministers and VIPs attending the ITU Telecom World 2006.

"As the host city, Hong Kong is responsible for organising official and social functions, and providing protocol hospitality and services for the participants," Deputy Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology (Communications & Technology) Marion Lai said.

"Preparing souvenirs and gifts for guests is an indispensable duty of the host city," Mrs Lai said, adding that more than 100 souvenir bags had been prepared for ministers and other heads of governmental delegations attending the event.

Gifts from Hong Kong: Over 100 souvenir bags have been prepared for ministers and other heads of governmental delegations attending the ITU Telecom World 2006. A postage-stamp presentation pack featuring "Special Attractions of the 18 Districts in Hong Kong" is included in the souvenir bag. About 1,000 digital photo frames have been arranged as table gifts for the ministerial dinner.

Mix of fine products

The souvenir set includes a brocade bag, two silk photo frames, Chinese tea leaves, a postage-stamp presentation pack featuring "Special Attractions of the 18 Districts in Hong Kong", a Brand HK photo book, a 3G mobile phone and a Blackberry handheld device. Also in each souvenir bag is a welcome note from the Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology, and invitation cards for various functions.

The souvenirs aim to serve three purposes:

* to showcase the characteristic of the host country - China, and the host city - Hong Kong - as a digital city;

* to help guests know more about Hong Kong generally; and

* to tie in with the theme of ITU Telecom World 2006.

"Since this year's event is in China, we decided to offer our guests some practical Chinese-style products as souvenirs. The brocade bag with Chinese calligraphy characters was selected because its unisex design suits both men and women. Besides, the material is strong enough to hold all the other souvenirs," Mrs Lai said.

Another Chinese-style souvenir is a pair of silk-wrapped photo frames, she said, adding the fine quality handmade products would definitely impress the recipients.

"Since Chinese teas enjoy a good reputation in the international market, a box set containing nine types of Chinese tea leaves is another thoughtful gift."

Hong Kong guide

To help the guests know more about Hong Kong, the secretariat responsible for logistics arrangements in hosting the event approached Hongkong Post for suitable philatelic products.

"We found the presentation pack featuring 'Special Attractions of the 18 Districts in Hong Kong' Special Stamps a perfect gift for our guests because the prestigious folder contains well-designed stamps and comprehensive information on the city," Mrs Lai said.

The Brand HK Photo Book was selected because it features the cosmopolitan city's varied landscapes - from bustling urban quarters to pastoral rural settings.

"As the focus of the ITU Telecom World is information and  communications technology, and our important guests are responsible for formulating policies on this issue or regulating the industry, we decided to look for some advanced ICT souvenirs. That's why we include the latest model of a 3G mobile phone and a BlackBerry handset in the souvenir bag."

The secretariat was also responsible for arranging table gifts for the ministerial dinner.

"We have prepared about 1,000 digital photo frames with MP3 and movie functions as table gifts. We have saved photos featuring Hong Kong in the electronic devices with the aim of allowing our guests to bring home fond memories of Hong Kong," Mrs Lai said.

"We have also included an adaptor and a universal electric plug in the gift set, so that our guests will be able to use the photo frame in their home countries and while on duty trips overseas."