Celluloid hero: Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Joseph Wong unveils measures to buoy up Hong Kong's movie industry.

Secretary for Commerce, Industry & Technology Joseph Wong has unveiled a series of measures to buoy up Hong Kong's movie industry through the $300-million film development fund earmarked by the Financial Secretary in the 2007-08 Budget.

Mr Wong announced today that one of the proposals is to support the industry through investment by the fund. The overall investment should not exceed 30% of the total cost, he said. Other proposals included organising more training courses to ease the industry's manpower shortage and enhance local and overseas promotion of Hong Kong films.

Mr Wong hopes the Government and the industry can agree on the detailed operation of the fund by May. After that, funding support from the Legislative Council Finance Committee will be sought with a view to formally launching the fund later this year.

He said the film sector is a very important creative industry in Hong Kong and its revival will bring many benefits, such as employment.

"I believe this is a good policy and I believe this policy will yield returns, not just to the film industry but to the community as a whole," he said.

Meanwhile, the Government will provide WiFi networks in government venues for free use by the public, within a year. They include public libraries, major cultural and recreational centres, community halls, large parks, and government offices frequently visited by the public.